cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DERECHO DE LOS NIÑOS Y LAS NIÑAS A SER OÍDOS EN LOS TRIBUNALES DE FAMILIA CHILENOS: LA AUDIENCIA CONFIDENCIAL

Este trabajo pretende conocer la opinion que los jueces de familia poseen sobre el derecho a ser oido de los ninos y las ninas (0 a 14 anos) y la importancia que estos le otorgan como uno de los componentes del interes superior del nino y la nina. El estudio –de caracter cualitativo– se inserta en la sociologia juridica empirica. Para este efecto, se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a jueces de familia, las cuales se enfocaron en los procesos de los Tribunales de Familia, especificamente en la figura de la audiencia confidencial. Sostenemos que existe una desalineacion entre la legislacion que pretende dar vida a los principios rectores de la Convencion de los Derechos del Nino y los tribunales de familia, especificamente, en la manera en que esta legislacion contempla dar cumplimiento al derecho a ser oido. Abstract This work addresses the views family court judges have on The Right of Children to be heard (0-14 years) and the importance they give this as one of the components of the Best Interests of the Child. This qualitative study is framed into the empirical Legal Sociology. To this effect, semi structured interviews to Family Court Judges were applied, focusing on Family Courts processes, specifically in the Confidential Hearing Audience. We argue that there would be a misalignment between the legislation which aims to give life to the Convention on the Rights of the Child’s guiding principles and Family Courts, specifically, on how this legislation plans on implementing the right to be heard.
Objective Measure of Low-Frequency Amplification Reduction in Canal Hearing Aids with Adaptive Circuitry

The total amount of "ampclusion" (low-frequency amplification + occlusion) and its reduction were measured in two identically fitting canal hearing aids with three circuitry capabilities : (1) K-Amp, (2) linear, and (3) noise reduction (ANP II) . The insertion gains of all three circuits were adjusted to be closely matched and the amounts of occlusion for both aids were almost identical . Real-ear measurements were obtained as the author vocalized the phoneme /i/ at 65 dB SPL at 2 ft in three conditions: (1) unoccluded, (2) occluded, aid off, and (3) occluded, aid on. The results indicated a reduction in the low-frequency amplification component of ampclusion for both adaptive circuits when compared to the linear circuit, with the K-Amp showing slightly greater reduction than the ANP II. These findings suggest that in addition to noise-reduction circuitry, K -Amp circuitry will also provide a more pleasant experience to the hearing aid wearer when listening to his/her own voice.
Synergistic effects of climate and land cover: grassland birds are more vulnerable to climate change

Climate change is not occurring over a homogeneous landscape and the quantity and quality of available land cover will likely affect the way species respond to climate change. The influence of land cover on species’ responses to climate change, however, is likely to differ depending on habitat type and composition. Our goal was to investigate responses of forest and grassland breeding birds to over 20 years of climate change across varying gradients of forest and grassland habitat. Specifically, we investigated whether (i) increasing amounts of available land cover modify responses of forest and grassland-dependent birds to changing climate and (ii) the effect of increasing land cover amount differs for forest and grassland birds. We used Bayesian spatially-varying intercept models to evaluate species- and community-level responses of 30 forest and 10 grassland birds to climate change across varying amounts of their associated land cover types. Responses of forest birds to climate change were weak and constant across a gradient of forest cover. Conversely, grassland birds responded strongly to changing climatic conditions. Specifically, increasing temperatures led to higher probabilities of localized extinctions for grassland birds, and this effect was intensified in regions with low amounts of grassland cover. Within the context of northeastern forests and grasslands, we conclude that forests serve as a possible buffer to the impacts of climate change on birds. Conversely, species occupying open, fragmented grassland areas might be particularly at risk of a changing climate due to the diminished buffering capacity of these ecosystems.
Predominance of One SAA Isotype (SAAI) in Human Reactive Amyloid

Three forms of SAA each consisting of 104 amino acids have been identified in human plasma. To elucidate whether one of these forms predominates in the formation of AA amyloid deposits, the amino acid sequence of the subunit protein in amyloid in five cases of reactive amyloidosis was investigated. The subunit protein was obtained from isolated fibrils by chromatography on Sepharose CL6B in 4M guanidine hydrochloride, digested with trypsin, and fractionated by reverse phase HPLC. SAAI contains Val, Ala, and Asp at residues 52, 57 and 60 respectively, while SAAIIα and SAAIIs contain Ala, Val, and Asn. These residues are contained in the tryptic peptides from residues 47-62 and 48-62. The relative amounts of these peptides present in the tryptic digest of amyloid subunit protein as determined by sequence analysis of the peptides suggested that SAAI was the predominant form in AA amyloid deposits. SAAII peptides represented only trace to 10% of the total in four cases and approximately 30% in the fifth case.
Microclimate and Local Climate.

Microclimate and Local Climate represents a unique approach to the study of climate at its most fundamental level: it considers the physical processes of radiation and energy, moisture, and momentu...
Fast-spiking GABA circuit dynamics in the auditory cortex predict recovery of sensory processing following peripheral nerve damage

Cortical neurons remap their receptive fields and rescale sensitivity to spared peripheral inputs following sensory nerve damage. To address how these plasticity processes are coordinated over the course of functional recovery, we tracked receptive field reorganization, spontaneous activity, and response gain from individual principal neurons in the adult mouse auditory cortex over a 50-day period surrounding either moderate or massive auditory nerve damage. We related the day-by-day recovery of sound processing to dynamic changes in the strength of intracortical inhibition from parvalbumin-expressing (PV) inhibitory neurons. Whereas the status of brainstem-evoked potentials did not predict the recovery of sensory responses to surviving nerve fibers, homeostatic adjustments in PV-mediated inhibition during the first days following injury could predict the eventual recovery of cortical sound processing weeks later. These findings underscore the potential importance of self-regulated inhibitory dynamics for the restoration of sensory processing in excitatory neurons following peripheral nerve injuries.
PD64-02 IS NEUROGENIC BLADDER A RISK FACTOR FOR FEBRILE URINARY TRACT INFECTION AFTER URETEROSCOPY, AND IF SO, WHY?

Objective To characterize the rate of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) after ureteroscopy in patients with neurogenic bladder compared with those with physiologically normal bladders. Although generally considered safe and effective, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that patients with neurogenic bladder are at an increased risk of infectious complications following ureteroscopy. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of those undergoing ureteroscopy in a single academically affiliated hospital system between June 2013 and May 2016. Information regarding neurogenic bladder status, culture results, bladder management, and the presence of upper tract decompression was collected. Postoperative febrile UTI was defined as a hospital admission within 1 week of surgery because of fever not attributable to another source. Results Of 467 ureteroscopies, 44 (9.5%) were performed in the setting of neurogenic bladder. Febrile UTI rates were higher in patients with neurogenic bladder compared with control patients (9% vs 1.4%, P = .01) with significantly higher rates in those dependent on bladder catheterization. Interestingly, the presence of a nephrostomy tube in patients with physiologically normal bladders increased the risk of postoperative febrile UTI to levels comparable with patients with neurogenic bladder who were catheter dependent (10.5% vs 12.5%, respectively). Conclusion Although infectious complications in the neurogenic population are likely multifactorial, the reliance on catheterization and thus colonization appears to be a significant factor and extends to non-neurogenic patients. These data suggest that bacterial colonization may be the significant underlying risk factor for febrile UTI after ureteroscopy.
In-situ SERS study of propene adsorption over Au nanoparticles (Conference Presentation)

Current industrial technologies for selective oxidation of propene via a single-stage oxidation process in H2/O2 catalyzed by Au holds excellent prospect of green production of C3H6O. Fundamentals of the molecular mechanisms between catalytic Au and the oxidant remain unclear for decades, however, impeding the development of its rational design and implementation. We explore a multifunctional, highly organized nanoporous anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate with immobilized Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) both as a catalytic reactor and an ultra-sensitive SERS probe to investigate the molecular level details during Au-catalyzed oxidation of propene in situ. Nanoporous AAO offers excellent thermal stability and enhanced particle coverage density for the immobilized Au NPs within to enable high temperature SERS interrogation, opening up new opportunities in the study of the catalytic reactions. Different size of Au NPs and pores of AAO are explored for improved SERS sensitivity and catalytic activity.
Mifsas Baḥri: a Late Aksumite frontier community in the mountains of southern Tigray: survey, excavation and analysis, 2013–16

The Late Aksumite period in northern Ethiopia has seen very few systematic excavations that have been published. Thus, the four excavation seasons at Mifsas Baḥri contribute significantly to our un...
Anterior Shoulder Pain in a Windmill Softball Pitcher

Fast – pitch, windmill softball pitchers see significant volumes of throwing during a given season, exposing these athletes to substantial risk of upper extremity overuse injury.In particular, the shoulde biceps – labral complex experiences substantial stress immediately prior to the release phase of the fast - pitch cycle, with angular velocity reaching as high as 2190 deg / s and distraction forces as high as 80% of body weight.We present a case of an 18 year – old, competitive, fast – pitch softball pitcher who presented with progressive anterior shoulder pain, loss in velocity and difficulty with pitch location.
Collision induced unfolding and dissociation differentiates ATP-competitive from allosteric protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Abstract Chronic myeloid leukemia is caused by a chimeric oncoprotein comprised of the breakpoint cluster region protein and the Abelson protein tyrosine kinase, and is often treated using protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target the ATP-binding domain of the kinase. A more recently-discovered class of inhibitors target the myristoylation site in the C-terminal region of the kinase domain, and offer allosteric control over kinase activity. The discovery process surrounding such inhibitors, however, is exceptionally challenging as allosteric sites are frequently not apparent within X-ray structures and their role in kinase function is not always obvious. As such, there is currently a general lack of assays capable of rapidly identifying allosteric kinase inhibitors. In this report, we describe an assay for detecting allosteric ligand binding in the Abelson protein kinase domain using gas-phase protein unfolding and dissociation. Our data strongly differentiate ATP-competitive and myristate pocket-binding ligands through analyses of both gas-phase unfolding patterns and dissociative charge stripping observed in kinase-inhibitor complex ions produced by electrospray ionization. Furthermore, we discuss and quantify these results, as well as project the utility of this technique for future efforts in high-throughput kinase inhibitor discovery.
Alphavirus Pathogenesis and Immunity

Most alphavirus infections in nature occur in wild birds, rodents, and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Some of these natural hosts sustain a relatively asymptomatic, prolonged, high-titered viremia, facilitating transmission of the virus by mosquitoes (Chamberlain, 1980). Although there is undoubtedly mortality and morbidity in the wild due to alphavirus infections, many native species have inapparent infection, and epizootic, epidemic, or endemic disease is usually recognized after mosquito-mediated transmission to a domestic host (e.g., horses, pigeons, captive pheasants) or to man. Affected individuals develop a wide range of symptoms, including fever, skin rashes, arthritis, myositis, and/or encephalitis. Depending on the virus and on the host, the infection may be clinically inapparent or cause fulminant disease and death (Shope, 1980).
Color Concerns in Polymer Blends

ABSTRACT Whether you are working with neat polymers or blends of polymers, color and appearance must be engineered just like any other desired thermal or mechanical property. The ability to achieve the desired color can be adversely affected by the base polymer itself or the combination with other polymers, modifiers, additives or stabilizers. Even if the color can be achieved in the blended system, other performance attributes such as UV stability, flammability, or mechanical properties may be adversely affected as well. This paper looks at some of these color concerns in coloring polymers and blends.
AN ECONOMICAL DEDICATED MICROCOMPUTER ADAPTED TO MONITOR A STOCKHOLM AUTO TRACTION PHYSICAL THERAPY BED

This paper describes the adaptation of a small microcomputer to monitor and record the movements of a physical therapy bed. The bed, capable of four independent angular movements, is fitted with angular potentiometers which are interfaced to a Commodore VIC-20 microcomputer. The relatively inexpensive instrumentation provides continuous patient monitoring and reduces the demands on attending personnel.
A Fitts' law evaluation of gaze input on large displays compared to touch and mouse inputs

Gaze-assisted interaction has commonly been used in a standard desktop setting. When interacting with large displays, as new scenarios like situationally-induced impairments emerge, it is more convenient to use the gaze-based multi-modal input than other inputs. However, it is unknown as to how the gaze-based multi-modal input compares to touch and mouse inputs. We compared gaze+foot multi-modal input to touch and mouse inputs on a large display in a Fitts' Law experiment that conforms to ISO 9241-9. From a study involving 23 participants, we found that the gaze input has the lowest throughput (2.33 bits/s), and the highest movement time (1.176 s) of the three inputs. In addition, though touch input involves maximum physical movements, it achieved the highest throughput (5.49 bits/s), the least movement time (0.623 s), and was the most preferred input.
Ion speciation of lithium hexafluorophosphate in dimethyl carbonate solutions: an infrared spectroscopy study

Solutions of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in linear organic carbonates play a significant role in the portable energy storage industry. However, many questions remain about the solution structure at the molecular-level. An atomic characterization of these solutions is important for determining their structure–property relations, which will allow for the rational design of new and improved lithium ion based energy storage technologies. In this study, a combination of infrared spectroscopies and density functional theory calculations was used to investigate the speciation of the lithium ion (free ion, solvent separated ion pair, contact ion pairs, and aggregates) in dimethyl carbonate solutions having concentrations ranging from 1 M to 3 M. The experimental data shows that at typical battery electrolyte concentrations the lithium ion exists predominantly as free ions and solvent separated ion pairs, but charged contact ion pairs are also present in small concentrations. In contrast, at high concentrations the lithium ion is present in aggregates, but a noticeable fraction remains present as free ions.
Quantifying Topological Uncertainty in Fractured Systems using Graph Theory and Machine Learning

Fractured systems are ubiquitous in natural and engineered applications as diverse as hydraulic fracturing, underground nuclear test detection, corrosive damage in materials and brittle failure of metals and ceramics. Microstructural information (fracture size, orientation, etc.) plays a key role in governing the dominant physics for these systems but can only be known statistically. Current models either ignore or idealize microscale information at these larger scales because we lack a framework that efficiently utilizes it in its entirety to predict macroscale behavior in brittle materials. We propose a method that integrates computational physics, machine learning and graph theory to make a paradigm shift from computationally intensive high-fidelity models to coarse-scale graphs without loss of critical structural information. We exploit the underlying discrete structure of fracture networks in systems considering flow through fractures and fracture propagation. We demonstrate that compact graph representations require significantly fewer degrees of freedom (dof) to capture micro-fracture information and further accelerate these models with Machine Learning. Our method has been shown to improve accuracy of predictions with up to four orders of magnitude speedup.
Cis-9, trans-12 tetradecadien-1-yl acetate in the female tobacco moth Ephestia elutella (Hübner) and evidence for an additional component of the sex pheromone

Abstract Cis -9, trans -12 tetradecadien-1-yl acetate (I) from the abdominal tips of female Ephestia elutella is a potent sex stimulant to male Ephestia . Laboratory sex stimulatory and sex attractancy tests provide evidence that the sex pheromone of female Ephestia is composed of the sex stimulant (I) and at least one additional component.
CHAPTER 13 – Growth Hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factors, and the Ovary

This chapter focuses on the actions of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) at the level of the ovary. GH, also known as somatotropin, is best known for its role in postnatal somatic growth. GH is released from the anterior pituitary into the circulation and stimulates the synthesis and release of IGF-1 from the liver and some local tissues, with GH-stimulated IGF-1. IGFs appear to be important regulators of ovarian follicular growth and selection and luteal steroidogenesis in the rat and mouse. The IGF-1 receptor is highly expressed in the oocyte, in granulosa cells of follicles at all stages, from small primary to mature preovulatory follicles and corpus luteum (CL) in both rat and mouse. IGF-1 expression is more selective, however, being limited to the granulosa of healthy, growing, and selected follicles. Ovarian IGF-1 expression is selectively localized in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor–expressing follicles but does not appear to be regulated by gonadotropin or GH, whereas IGF-1 receptor expression is dramatically increased by gonadotropin, as determined by in vivo observations in hypophysectomized animals.
Irrelevance of Governance Structure

Does corporate governance structure matter for firm value? We develop a model in which the allocation of control rights between shareholders and managers (“governance structure”) affects managers’ incentive to invest (strong governance tightens managerial freedom and weak governance loosens it), and firms’ investment decisions are linked through a market for resources. We show that in a competitive equilibrium, which is socially efficient, corporate governance is irrelevant to firm value even in the presence of agency costs and incomplete markets. Our analysis, therefore, provides an important benchmark against which the effects of governance structures could be evaluated.
Pediatric craniopharyngioma in association with familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a cancer predisposition syndrome driven by germline loss-of-function of the APC gene and phenotypically manifests with intestinal polyposis and a variety of extra-intestinal bone and soft tissue tumors. Craniopharyngioma is not a well-described FAP-associated tumor, however, six cases have been reported in adults, all demonstrating ectopic location and adamantinomatous histology. We report the first case of craniopharyngioma associated with FAP in a pediatric patient. A seven-year-old girl who presented with headache and vomiting was found on magnetic resonance imaging to have a suprasellar mass with cystic extension to the pre-pontine space. The tumor represented an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (aCP) with nuclear β-catenin expression. Whole exome sequencing confirmed a CTNNB1 activating point mutation and a germline APC frameshift variant. This case represents the first FAP-associated craniopharyngioma in childhood…. expanding our understanding of the molecular underpinnings driving tumorigenesis in this unique patient.
Changes in inflammation with treatment for bipolar II depression: Pilot trial data on differential effects of psychotherapy and medication

Abstract Objectives Limited prospective data, mostly focused on bipolar I disorder, suggests that pro-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in abnormal mood states. We evaluated whether treatment normalizes peripheral markers of inflammation in bipolar II disorder. Methods Using data from a randomized clinical trial of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) + quetiapine vs. IPSRT + placebo for bipolar II depression, we examined whether these treatments for bipolar II depression impact inflammatory cytokines and whether observed changes in cytokines are associated with changes in depressive symptomatology as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17). Results Cytokine values were available for 33 participants who completed baseline and 20-week follow-up visits. After excluding those with CRP values > = 10 mg/L, there were 27 patients available for analysis (IPSRT + quetiapine N = 10, IPSRT + placebo N = 17). Baseline measure of inflammation did not appear to moderate treatment response, nor was change in HRSD-17 score correlated with changes in cytokines. Those who received IPSRT + quetiapine had significantly greater increases in IL-6 (p = 0.02) and TNF-α (p = 0.04), even after adjusting for changes in body mass index, than the IPSRT alone group. Descriptively, the quetiapine group showed increases in pro-inflammatory and decreases in anti-inflammatory cytokines and the psychotherapy group showed reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions Despite both groups showing depression improvement, this small study suggests a more pro-inflammatory cytokine profile over time with quetiapine plus psychotherapy compared to psychotherapy alone. Elevated risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among those with bipolar II disorder underscores the importance of delivering treatments that do not exacerbate these risk factors.
The Combination of Living in High Crime Neighborhoods and High Rumination Predicts Depressive Symptoms among Adolescents.

Living in high crime areas and rumination each have been identified as risk factors for depression among youth, yet it is unclear how crime and rumination may synergistically increase the risk of adolescent depression. Adolescents (N = 309; 51% female, Mage= 12.9, SD = 0.61) completed self-report measures of rumination, depressive symptoms, and provided local addresses, which were used to match police district crime statistics. Approximately one year later, participants again reported depressive symptoms. Moderation analyses indicated that the tendency to ruminate exacerbated the relationship between violent crime rates, but not non-violent crime, and higher prospective levels of depressive symptoms among adolescents. These findings suggest that individual-level interventions that promote more adaptive emotion response styles may lower the risk of depression among adolescents residing in high crime areas.
Addendum: a second Poem by Eduard Dorsch on the occasion of Humboldt’s 100th birthday

AbstractIn a previously published article in HIN under the title of “Eduard Dorsch and his unpublished poem on the occasion of Humboldt’s 100th birthday,” I elaborated on Dorsch’s poem that was read in Detroit in front of a German-American audience on Sept. 14, 1869, a day widely celebrated in the US in honor of Humboldt. Although it was not surprising that Dorsch wrote the occasional poem in the first place given his affinities with Humboldt’s world of thought, a discovery of a second occasional poem upon further research in Dorsch’s voluminous papers was indeed unexpected, in this case read on the same date in Monroe, Michigan. Although there are a number of similarities between the Detroit and Monroe versions, there are enough differences that warrant this addendum to my original article.ZusammenfassungIn einem bereits in HIN veroffentlichten Artikel mit dem Titel Eduard Dorsch und sein unveroffentlichtes Gelegenheitsgedicht zu Humboldts 100. Geburtstag ging ich auf Dorschs Gedicht ein, das am 14. September 1869 vor einem deutsch-amerikanischen Publikum in Detroit verlesen wurde, an einem Tag, der uberall zu Ehren Humboldts in den USA gefeiert wurde. Obwohl es nicht uberraschend ist, dass Dorsch angesichts seiner Affinitat zu Humboldts Gedankenwelt das Gedicht uberhaupt schrieb, war der Fund eines zweiten Gelegenheitsgedichts in Dorschs umfangreichem Nachlass dennoch unerwartet, in diesem Falle am selben Tag in Monroe, Michigan verlesen. Obwohl es eine Reihe von Ahnlichkeiten zwischen den Detroit- und Monroe-Versionen gibt, tauchen auch genug Unterschiede auf, um diesen Nachtrag zu meinem ursprunglichen Artikel zu rechtfertigen.ResumenEn un articulo ya publicado en HIN bajo el titulo de "Eduard Dorsch y su poema inedito con motivo del centenario de Humboldt", aborde el poema de Dorsch leido en Detroit frente a una audiencia germano-estadounidense el 14 de septiembre de 1869, un dia ampliamente celebrado en los Estados Unidos en honor a Humboldt. Aunque no sorprende que Dorsch escribiera el poema de ocasion debido a sus afinidades con la cosmovision de Humboldt, lo inesperado fue el hallazgo de un segundo poema para la misma ocasion durante un estudio adicional de los voluminosos papeles de Dorsch. Este segundo poema fue leido en la misma fecha en Monroe, Michigan. Si bien existe una serie de similitudes entre las versiones creadas para Detroit y Monroe, tambien hay suficientes diferencias que justifican este apendice a mi articulo original.
Experimental Investigation of Time-Dependent Thickness and Composition of Multicomponent Wax Deposits on Cold Surfaces

The time-dependent rates of growth of thickness of wax deposits, as well as the spatial distributions of wax components within the deposits, formed on a cold finger from stirred baths of n-dodecane...
Residence, Democracy, and Substantive Justice: Toward an Integrative Approach

Three sociological theories are presented (Labeling Theory, Marxist Theory, and Conflict Theory) as a means of contextualizing the effects of residential segregation. Borrowing from the works of tw...
ABHD5 suppresses cancer cell anabolism through lipolysis-dependent activation of the AMPK/mTORC1 pathway

ABHD5 is an essential coactivator of ATGL, the rate-limiting triglyceride (TG) lipase in many cell types. Importantly, ABHD5 also functions as a tumor suppressor, and ABHD5 mRNA expression levels correlate with patient survival for several cancers. Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in ABHD5-dependent tumor suppression are not known. We found that overexpression of ABHD5 induces cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and causes growth retardation in a panel of prostate cancer cells. Transcriptomic profiling and biochemical analysis revealed that genetic or pharmacological activation of lipolysis by ABHD5 potently inhibits mTORC1 signaling, leading to a significant downregulation of protein synthesis. Mechanistically, we found that ABHD5 elevates intracellular AMP content, which activates AMPK, leading to inhibition of mTORC1. Interestingly, ABHD5-dependent suppression of mTORC1 was abrogated by pharmacological inhibition of DGAT1 or DGAT2, isoenzymes that re-esterify fatty acids in a process that consumes ATP. Collectively, this study maps out a novel molecular pathway crucial for limiting cancer cell proliferation, in which ABHD5-mediated lipolysis creates an energy-consuming futile cycle between TG hydrolysis and resynthesis, leading to inhibition of mTORC1 and cancer cell growth arrest.
Is Measurement Noninvariance a Threat to Inferences Drawn from Randomized Control Trials? Evidence From Empirical and Simulation Studies:

Randomized control trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard when evaluating the impact of psychological interventions, educational programs, and other treatments on outcomes of interest. Howe...
Summary: Research in Authoritarian and Repressive Contexts

This is the summary of Qualitative Transparency Deliberations Final Report on Research in Authoritarian and Repressive Contexts, Working Group number IV.1.
Multi-Factor Authentication Application Assessment: Risk Assessment of Expert-Recommended MFA Mobile Applications

The increased use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) has prompted the development of many competing MFA applications for secure authentication. Nevertheless, there is little research about the security vulnerabilities of these MFA mobile applications. To aid this, we conducted a thematic analysis on recent MFA-focused articles published in the year 2020 and performed security evaluation of 10 expert-recommended MFA mobile applications using RiskInDroid and Mobile Security Framework (MobSF). We found several code-based, permission-based, and cryptographic-based security violations of the applications which have severe vulnerability vectors. We conclude by providing actionable recommendations to fix any identified vulnerabilities and suggest stringent requirements for security-based applications to protect users from existing vulnerabilities.
How retailer ownership of vs. collaboration with sharing economy apps affects anticipated service quality and value co-creation

Abstract The sharing economy has disrupted the retailing industry by increasing competition as an emerging platform of service innovation. Today’s retailing is transforming to play a role in the sharing economy as consumers can complete transactions more easily among one another. However, it is unclear whether retailers should own sharing economy platforms or partner with other, independently owned platforms. Thus, the purpose of this research is to better understand how retailer involvement in the sharing economy (i.e., ownership of vs. collaboration with sharing economy apps) affects anticipated service quality and value co-creation. The current study examines the effects of retailer ownership vs. collaboration on service quality and customer value co-creation, respectively, and documents perceived credibility as an important mediator. The findings suggest that full ownership (vs. collaboration with an independent app) can lead customers to anticipate higher service quality and greater value co-creation due to higher perceived credibility.
Ionic Liquids and Polymeric Ionic Liquids in Analytical Environmental Applications

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a class of organic salts with unique properties and have been shown to be particularly useful for the development and improvement of sample preparation and detection methodologies. ILs and polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) have played an important role in the analysis of environmental samples. These compounds have been widely applied in various microextraction techniques due to their tunable analyte selectivity, low volatility, good thermal stability, as well as variable viscosity and solvent miscibility. The unique properties also make ILs and PILs an emerging class of stationary phases in gas chromatography (GC). IL/PIL-based stationary phases exhibit excellent applicability in multidimensional GC separations. This chapter will highlight the applications of ILs and PILs in a number of microextraction techniques in addition to their utilization in separation science with a particular emphasis on their use in environmental analysis.
Purification and properties of poliovirus.

Publisher Summary This chapter attempts to purify, identify, and characterize poliovirus particles with respect to their physical, chemical, and serological properties. Polioviruses of human origin are considered that are classified immunologically as Types 1, 2, and 3. Occasional reference is also made to the FA strain of mouse encephalomyelitis virus that is not classified as a poliovirus, although it shows some resemblance to murine poliovirus, Type TO. The purification procedures employed have been those found applicable to macromolecular proteins and enzymes in general. They include both physical and chemical techniques, such as ultrafiltration, ultracentrifugation, adsorption and elution, precipitation by salts or alcohols, as well as digestion of protein, and nucleic acid contaminants with enzymes. The identification of a virus particle requires the establishment of a relationship between infectivity and an adequately described physical particle. With polioviruses, this relationship has been demonstrated for a spherical particle of 27-30 mμ diameters. There is some suggestion that poliovirus infectivity can also be associated with a smaller particle. Identification and purification of poliovirus particles have made it possible to observe their physical properties directly, and thereby supplement the early, limited knowledge of their properties from indirect measurements.
Molecular strategies of tooth enamel formation are highly conserved during vertebrate evolution.

The vertebrate body plan is determined by a variety of morphoregulatory genes that are highly conserved throughout evolution. This review presents a phylogenetic analysis of selected molecular and morphological features in vertebrates with particular emphasis upon the phylogeny of tooth morphogenesis and enamel formation. Three lines of evidence support our hypothesis that the agnathans (e.g. hagfishes) are the most primitive extant vertebrates and that enamel gene products are highly conserved during vertebrate evolution. First, an antibody raised against the polypeptide produced by exon 4 of the mouse amelogenin gene recognizes proteins in hagfish, sharks, reptiles and mammals. Second, electron photomicrographic evidence suggests heterochronic shifts in the relative time and rate of enamel formation during vertebrate tooth evolution. Third, mRNA phenotyping suggests significant homology between amelogenin transcripts expressed in species of various vertebrate phyla including agnathans and mammals. These three lines of evidence indicate that amelogenin gene products are expressed in agnathan, reptilian and mammalian teeth.
Spinal muscular atrophy and progressive myoclonic epilepsy: A Lysosomal disorder due to mutation of acid ceramidase (P2.252)

OBJECTIVE: Spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME) is an extremely rare disorder related to the lysosomal disease, Farber lipogranulomatosis. This report discusses a new case of SMA-PME with a novel mutation, as well as the four previously identified SMA-PME families. BACKGROUND: Ceramide biochemistry has been increasingly associated with progressive myoclonic epilepsies. SMA-PME is a recently delineated, autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in the ASAH1 gene encoding acid ceramidase. SMA-PME is a progressive condition characterized by childhood-onset motor neuron disease and progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Ceramide levels are thought to play a role in the disorder’s pathogenesis. DESIGN/METHODS: The proband presented with a progressive systemic disease of unclear etiology including diffuse weakness and muscle atrophy, myoclonic seizures, tremor, polymyoclonus, and sensorineural hearing loss. EMG/NCV, EEG, and MRI of the brain along with exome sequencing and biochemical testing were used to determine the genetic etiology for his clinical diagnoses. RESULTS: EMG/NCV revealed a motor neuron disorder. EEG evaluation indicated a primarily generalized epilepsy. MRI of the brain revealed mid cerebellar atrophy. This data along with variants in ASAH1 (one novel) identified through exome sequencing led to a diagnosis of SMA-PME. CONCLUSIONS: Unique features of this case are its slower progression and the combination of variants. As lysosomal disorders are often amendable to early interventions (e.g. umbilical cord blood transplantation), it is important to make early diagnosis in these cases. The constellation of motor neuron disease and progressive myoclonic epilepsy should prompt genetic evaluation of ASAH1 for the diagnosis of this extremely rare disorder. Study Supported by: not applicable Disclosure: Dr. Gan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hjelm has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lewis has received personal compensation for activities with CSL Behring, Novartis, and AxelaCare. Dr. Tagliati has received personal compensation for activities with Medtronic, Inc., Lundbeck Research USA, Inc., Allergan, Inc., St. Jude Medical, and Boston Scientific Corporation. Dr. Pierson has nothing to disclose.
The six-vertex model and deformations of the Weyl character formula

We use statistical mechanics--variants of the six-vertex model in the plane studied by means of the Yang---Baxter equation--to give new deformations of Weyl's character formula for classical groups of Cartan type B, C, and D, and a character formula of Proctor for type BC. In each case, the corresponding Boltzmann weights are associated with the free fermion point of the six-vertex model. These deformations add to the earlier known examples in types A and C by Tokuyama and Hamel-King, respectively. A special case for classical types recovers deformations of the Weyl denominator formula due to Okada.
Routing in an Internet-scale network emulator

One of the primary challenges facing scalable network emulation and simulation is the overhead of storing network-wide routing tables or computing appropriate routes on a per-packet basis. We present an approach to routing table calculation and storage based on spanning tree construction that provides an order of magnitude reduction in routing table size for Internet-like topologies. In our approach, we maintain a variable number of spanning trees for a given topology and choose the path between two hosts in each tree, choosing the shortest. We also populate offline a negative cache of actual shortest paths for source-destination pairs - typically a few percent of the total - where the lookups result in sub-optimal routes. We have implemented our technique in a popular network emulator, ModelNet, and show that our enhanced version can emulate Internet topologies 10-100 times larger than previously possible.
The Geography of Universal Empire: A Revolution in Strategic Perspective and Its Lessons

During the period that Sir Halford Mackinder dubbed the Columbian epoch, maritime exploration and imperial expansion resulted in one of the most significant political developments in history—the creation of a truly global international system. This paper argues that a Columbian “revolution in strategic perspective” occurred in Europe, and that this in turn provided the European great powers a critical advantage over polities which did not rapidly adapt to the new global character of strategy. The paper then examines the possibility that another such revolution in perspective may occur in the future and argues that the international system likely soon will be transformed.
A Fully Implantable, Programmable and Multimodal Neuroprocessor for Wireless, Cortically Controlled Brain-Machine Interface Applications

Reliability, scalability and clinical viability are of utmost importance in the design of wireless Brain Machine Interface systems (BMIs). This paper reports on the design and implementation of a neuroprocessor for conditioning raw extracellular neural signals recorded through microelectrode arrays chronically implanted in the brain of awake behaving rats. The neuroprocessor design exploits a sparse representation of the neural signals to combat the limited wireless telemetry bandwidth. We demonstrate a multimodal processing capability (monitoring, compression, and spike sorting) inherent in the neuroprocessor to support a wide range of scenarios in real experimental conditions. A wireless transmission link with rate-dependent compression strategy is shown to preserve information fidelity in the neural data. The optimal design for compression and sorting performance was evaluated for multiple sampling frequencies, wavelet basis choice and power consumption. At 32 channels, the neuroprocessor has been fully implemented on a 5 mm?×?5 mm nano-FPGA, and the prototyping resulted in 5.19 mW power consumption, bringing its performance within the power-size constraints for clinical use.
Validity and Qualitative Research: An Oxymoron?

Although the importance of validity has long been accepted among quantitative researchers, this concept has been an issue of contention among qualitative researchers. Thus, the first purpose of the present paper is to introduce the Qualitative Legitimation Model, which attempts to integrate many of the types of validity identified by qualitative researchers. The second purpose of this article is to describe 24 methods for assessing the truth value of qualitative research. Utilizing and documenting such techniques should prevent validity and qualitative research from being seen as an oxymoron.
Development of a globally applicable model for near real-time prediction of seismically induced landslides

Substantial effort has been invested to understand where seismically induced landslides may occur in the future, as they are a costly and frequently fatal threat in mountainous regions. The goal of this work is to develop a statistical model for estimating the spatial distribution of landslides in near real-time around the globe for use in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) system. This model uses standardized outputs of ground shaking from the USGS ShakeMap Atlas 2.0 to develop an empirical landslide probability model, combining shaking estimates with broadly available landslide susceptibility proxies, i.e., topographic slope, surface geology, and climate parameters. We focus on four earthquakes for which digitally mapped landslide inventories and well-constrained ShakeMaps are available. The resulting database is used to build a predictive model of the probability of landslide occurrence. The landslide database includes the Guatemala (1976), Northridge (1994), Chi-Chi (1999), and Wenchuan (2008) earthquakes. Performance of the regression model is assessed using statistical goodness-of-fit metrics and a qualitative review to determine which combination of the proxies provides both the optimum prediction of landslide-affected areas and minimizes the false alarms in non-landslide zones. Combined with near real-time ShakeMaps, these models can be used to make generalized predictions of whether or not landslides are likely to occur (and if so, where) for earthquakes around the globe, and eventually to inform loss estimates within the framework of the PAGER system.
Application of high‐frequency rheology measurements for analyzing protein–protein interactions in high protein concentration solutions using a model monoclonal antibody (IgG2)

The purpose of this work was to explore the utilization of high-frequency rheology analysis for assessing protein-protein interactions in high protein concentration solutions. Rheology analysis of a model monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 solutions was conducted on indigenously developed ultrasonic shear rheometer at frequency of 10 MHz. Solutions at pH 9.0 behaved as most viscous and viscoelastic whereas those at pH 4.0 and 5.4 exhibited lower viscosity and viscoelasticity, respectively. Intrinsic viscosity, hydrophobicity, and conformational analysis could not account for the rheological behavior of IgG2 solutions. Zeta potential and light scattering measurements showed the significance of electroviscous and specific protein-protein interactions in governing rheology of IgG2 solutions. Specific protein-protein interactions resulted in formation of reversible higher order species of monomer. Solution storage modulus (G'), and not loss modulus or complex viscosity, was the more reliable parameter for predicting protein-protein interactions. Predictions about the nature of protein-protein interactions made on the basis of solution G' were found to be consistent with observed effect of pH and ionic strength on zeta potential and scattered intensity of IgG2 solutions. Results demonstrated the potential of high-frequency storage modulus measurements for understanding behavior of proteins in solutions and predicting the nature of protein-protein interactions.
Method to determine forward gate capacitance of HFETs using resonance effect

A new method to determine gate capacitance under forward bias is presented. The method uses the frequency domain resonance of the real part of the Z11 parameter at microwave frequencies. This method extends the range of conventional CV profiling to higher forward gate bias regions. The result of this method helps to resolve the ambiguity of forward bias gate capacitance in large signal device models.
Geographies of megachurches in the United States

Perhaps the most rapidly growing element of the American religious landscape is the megachurch, commonly taken to mean religious establishments with 2,000 or more attendees. Typically Protestant in affiliation, although many are non-denominational, megachurches have grown explosively in the US. This paper situates megachurches within the broader context of religion in the US, and the literature on the geography of religion. It begins with a detailed examination of the causes of megachurches' rapid growth, focusing on the business-like model of religion that they offer. Second, using data from 2005, it explores their geographic distribution, noting their suburban, metropolitan and Sunbelt orientation; as an aside, it includes their location within political conservative jurisdictions. Third, it offers three brief case studies of black and white megachurches in the Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and Atlanta metropolitan regions. The conclusion points to their growing presence internationally.
Influence of level and source of Fe on growth and nutrient content of Euglena gracilis 1

Abstract Growth parameters and Fe, Cu, Mn and N status of Euglena gracilis cells were determined as a function of level and source of Fe supply in the nutrient environment. Use of FeEDDHA promoted cell division while FeSO4·lb7H2O promoted cell enlargement after 7 days. Greatest N content was present in rapidly dividing as compared to enlarging cells. Copper content was directly related to cell size with larger cells containing more Cu than smaller cells. Manganese uptake was inversely related to Fe supply with FeSO4·lb7H2O inhibiting Mn uptake to a greater extent than chelated Fe. Iron uptake increased significantly with the addition of iorganic or chelated Fe. The Fe uptake was comparable from both sources at the 1 ppm Fe level of supply, but much greater amounts of Fe were accumulated from inorganic supply at the 10 ppm Fe level.