cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation : A Risk Factor for Visual Field Progression at Low Intraocular Pressures in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study

Purpose To investigate the relationship of intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation and mean IOP to visual field (VF) progression in patients enrolled in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS). Design Retrospective analysis of a prospective randomized clinical trial. Participants Three hundred one eyes of 301 patients enrolled in the AGIS were included. Eyes with more than one surgical intervention were excluded. Methods Worsening of the VF was detected with pointwise linear regression. Long-term IOP fluctuation was defined as the standard deviation of IOP (millimeters of mercury) at all visits after initial intervention until the time of VF worsening or end of follow-up, whichever came first. A multivariate linear regression model was performed to identify predictors of VF progression. Terciles of mean IOP were identified, and the average IOP fluctuation in each stratum was calculated. Terciles of long-term IOP fluctuation were similarly evaluated. The proportion of eyes showing VF progression in each stratum was determined and compared. Main Outcome Measure Visual field progression. Results Visual field progression was detected in 78 eyes (26%). There were statistically significant differences, between progressing and nonprogressing eyes, for mean IOP ( P = 0.006), IOP fluctuation ( P P = 0.013), mean number of VFs ( P = 0.005), and mean number of medications ( P = 0.006). Three variables were associated with a higher probability of VF progression: greater IOP fluctuation ( P = 0.009), argon laser trabeculoplasty ( P = 0.004), and older age ( P = 0.05). In this model, mean IOP was of borderline statistical significance ( P = 0.09). Within the lower and upper terciles of mean IOP, IOP fluctuation was associated with VF progression in the low mean IOP group ( P = 0.002) but not in the high mean IOP group ( P = 0.2). When subjects were stratified according to IOP fluctuation, there was a statistically significant difference between lower and upper terciles of IOP fluctuation with respect to progression ( P = 0.05). There was a weak correlation between mean IOP and IOP fluctuation ( r 2 = 0.025, P = 0.01). Conclusions In the AGIS, long-term IOP fluctuation is associated with VF progression in patients with low mean IOP but not in patients with high mean IOP.
Geometry of position functions of Riemannian submanifolds in pseudo-Euclidean space

It is well-known that the position function is the simplest and the most natural geometric object associated with a submanifold in a Euclidean space or, more generally, in a pseudo-Euclidean space. We call a submanifold T-constant (respectively, N-constant) if the tangential component (respectively, the normal component) of its position function has constant length. The main purpose of this paper is to classify space-like submanifolds in pseudo-Euclidean space which are either T-constant or N-constant.
Use of [Me2SSMe]BF4 to prepare thiolate complexes of iron and ruthenium

Abstract The complexes [Fe(CO) 3 (L) 2 SMe]BF 4 (L  PPh 2 Me, PPhMe 2 P(OMe) 3 , [Fe(CO) 2 {P(OMe) 3 }) 3 SMe]BF 4 , and [Ru(CO) 3 (PPh 3 ) 2 SMe]BF 4 were prepared by reactions of [Me 2 SSMe]BF 4 and the appropriate neutral M(CO) 5 - n (L) n precursor. Several other analogous reactions were unsuccessful; in those cases, decomposition involving phosphine loss and ligand redistribution occurred.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm size regression after endovascular repair is endograft dependent.

Abstract Objective: This study was performed to determine whether abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) regression is different with various endografts after endovascular repair. Methods: A four-center retrospective review of size change after endovascular AAA repair was performed. Consecutive patients with at least 1-year follow-up and available imaging studies were included. Three hundred ninety patients received either the Ancure, AneuRx, Excluder, or Talent endograft. AAA size and endoleak status were recorded from computed tomography (CT) scans at the initial postoperative follow-up visit and at 1 and 2 years thereafter. AAA size was defined as the minor axis of the infrarenal aorta on the largest axial section on the two-dimensional CT scan. A change in AAA size of 0.5 cm or greater from baseline was considered clinically significant. The effect of initial size, endoleak, and type of endograft on AAA regression was analyzed. Results: Mean baseline size was significantly greater with Talent endografts and smaller with Excluder endografts. Clinically significant regression in AAA size occurred in nearly three fourths of patients with Ancure and Talent endografts at 2 years. Regression in AAA size was less frequent with the AneuRx (46%) and Excluder (44%) devices. Initial size, endoleak, and endograft type were significant predictors of regression at multivariate analysis at 1 year. However, by 2 years only endograft type was still an independent predictor of AAA shrinkage. Conclusions: Long-term morphologic changes after endovascular aneurysm repair depend on endograft type. (J Vasc Surg 2003;37:716-23.)
Architecture for a simulation assembly language supporting sequential, distributed, and hardware operational modes

We define an assembly-layer block language as the Dynamics eXchange Language (DXL), and discuss methods for supporting sequential simulation and distributed simulation by varying the target code generator. DXL is an XML-based language that positions itself between higher level modeling languages and a programming code. Through the use of the XML Document Object Model (DOM), we demonstrate a translation approach that yields a target code in two languages for simulation and distributed computing.
Design of mid-infrared photodetectors enhanced by surface plasmons on grating structures

We propose to exploit the unique properties of surface plasmons to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of mid-infrared photodetectors. The proposed photodetector consists of a slit in a metallic slab filled with absorptive semiconductor material. Light absorption in the slit is enhanced due to Fabry-Perot resonances. Further absorption enhancement is achieved by surrounding the slit with a series of periodic grooves that enable the excitation of surface plasmons that carry electromagnetic energy towards the slit. Using this scheme, we design and optimize a photodetector operating at lambdao = 9.8 microns with a roughly 250 times enhancement in the absorption per unit of volume of semiconductor material compared to conventional photodetectors operating at the same wavelength.
The Hailpad: Materials, Data Reduction and Calibration

Abstract This paper reports on work carried out in the National Hail Research Experiment (NHRE) on hailpad materials, on procedures for reducing hailpad data, and on hailpad calibration. A recommendation is made for a pad constructed of 2.5 cm thick type-SI Styrofoam (manufactured by Dow Chemical USA) and sprayed with a 25–50 μm coating of white latex paint for protection from the deteriorating effects of sun-light. Calibration of the hailpad provides a relation between the minor axis of a dent in the pad and the dimensions of the stone producing the dent. It is recommended that measurements of the minor axis be categorized in size intervals no wider than 4 mm. The NHRE laboratory technique for calibrating hailpads involves simulating a hailstone impact by dropping a steel sphere onto a pad from a height such that the impact kinetic energy achieved by the sphere equals that of a hailstone of equal diameter falling onto the pad in an environment with known horizontal wind. The pad is tilted to preserve the...
“Destroy the scum, and then neuter their families:” the web forum as a vehicle for community discourse?

On-line media forums have become common vehicles to promote discussion about particular issues or events. This essay addresses the degree to which the anonymity of such computer-mediated communication affects the level and tone of discourse when sensitive or volatile local issues are the focus of discussion. Nearly 300 postings to a web forum that was established by a newspaper in response to a brutal murder that took place in the community are examined. Results show that the forum was dominated by individuals harshly critical of the assailants, their families, and various civic institutions. Vitriol,racistdenunciations,andcallsforsevereretributiontookprecedenceoverattemptstounderstand why the event took place or to express sympathy for the victim. Forums of this nature appear to do little to promote understanding or encourage positive dialogue. It is recommended that methods designed to elevate the level of discourse be considered when establishing forums related to local issues that elicit strong emotion.
Web Modules: Integrating Curricula and Technology Standards

The purposes of this article are to provide the sequence of learning events about the integration of curricula and technology using modules prepared by the Southeast Teachers Are Revitalizing Teaching Through Technology (START) Technology Team and to describe the impact these technology modules had on university faculty and candidates at Alabama State University. The START technology workshops were funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education-Office of Postsecondary Education. The purposes of the grant were to train higher education faculty how to integrate START and science curricula using tenets of the constructivist theory; then replicate the content of the technology modules at the post-secondary level.
The Female Heart Is Vulnerable to Cardiovascular Disease Emerging Prevention Evidence for Women Must Inform Emerging Prevention Strategies for Women

Not half a century ago, cardiovascular and coronary heart disease were viewed both by the clinical practice community and the general public as a male problem. Witness a 1960s American Heart Association conference on women and cardiovascular disease titled “How Can I Help My Husband Cope with Heart Disease?” and the initial introduction of the American Heart Association’s Prudent Diet in a public education pamphlet entitled “The Way to a Man’s Heart.” Index items of “women” or “female” were notably absent from the Scientific Sessions programs of the major national cardiac societies, in contrast to contemporary multiple entries and sessions devoted to heart disease in women. Articles see pp 120, 128, 135, and 143 In 2001, the landmark Institute of Medicine Report, Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health: Does Sex Matter? 1 advocated better understanding of the differences in human disease between the sexes, with subsequent translation of these differences into clinical practice. The traditional underrepresentation of women in clinical research studies was highlighted as problematic in the Institute of Medicine report. Once the research information defines differences in the way women and men react to diseases and to treatments of disease, the challenge to the clinical community is to incorporate this knowledge into their preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic practices. Equally pivotal in expanding the database for women were requirements by the General Accounting Office of inclusion of women in all National Institutes of Health–sponsored research, with analysis of outcomes by sex, as well as reporting of sex differences in clinical trials of new drugs in the applications submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration. Exploration of these sex-related …
A Pilot Study of Intervention with Adolescent Mothers and Their Children: A Preliminary Examination of Child Outcomes.

The present pilot study examined the effects of an intervention program designed for adolescent mothers and their young children on selected developmental skills in children. The intervention aimed...
PERIURETHRAL MUSCLE COMPLEX REASSEMBLY FOR EXSTROPHY-EPISPADIAS REPAIR

Purpose: Continence is a difficult goal in exstrophy-epispadias complex repair. It is presumed that all anatomical components involved in the exstrophy-epispadias abnormality are present but laterally and anteriorly displaced. The penile disassembly technique for epispadias restores the normal anatomical relationship of the male genital components. Its extension to complete primary bladder exstrophy closure enables deeper positioning of the bladder neck within the pelvic diaphragm. We identified the perineal striated muscular complex and present its appropriate periurethral reassembly as a main step in exstrophy-epispadias complex repair.Materials and Methods: Bladder exstrophy and epispadias repairs were performed in 10 male and 3 female consecutive patients with the exstrophy-epispadias complex, including 1-stage reconstruction in 2 male newborns and 2 females with exstrophy, and as further surgery in a female with cloacal exstrophy and previous failed 1-stage repair, 4 males with incontinent epispadias...
The weapon potential of human pathogenic fungi

With the exception of Coccidioides spp., human pathogenic fungi are not found among lists of microbes with potential for biological warfare and bioterrorism against humans. However, many human pathogenic fungi are easily obtainable from the environment, are highly dispersible and can cause significant disease after inhalation with relatively low inocula. When the biological and pathogenic attributes of certain human pathogenic fungi are considered using a formula for calculating the relative weapon potential of a microbe it is as apparent that some organisms such as Coccidioides spp. are comparable to other microbes for which there is significant concern. Our analysis suggests that the current indifference to fungi as potential biological weapons against human populations is probably a perception engendered by their non-communicability, lack of history of use or development as biological weapons, and a relatively low incidence of symptomatic disease following natural infection. Awareness of the weapon potential of human pathogenic fungi is an important consideration for greater preparedness against the threat posed by biowarfare and bioterrorism.
Exact queueing analysis of discrete time tandems with arbitrary arrival processes

We consider a discrete time tandem of queues serving fixed length packets, where each queue can serve a single packet during a timeslot. Arrivals and departures take place at each stage according to arbitrary stochastic processes. Using the sample path techniques and stochastic coupling methods, we present an exact analysis of the queue occupancy distribution at each stage when all queues operate according to the furthest-to-go service discipline. Explicit expressions for average queue occupancies are provided in terms of the average occupancy in a single queue with a superposition of the original inputs. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of a multi-input multi-output queueing network yielding exact solutions for general arrival processes.
Media inequality in conversation: how people behave differently when interacting with computers and people

How is interacting with computer programs different from interacting with people? One answer in the literature is that these two types of interactions are similar. The present study challenges this perspective with a laboratory experiment grounded in the principles of Interpersonal Theory, a psychological approach to interpersonal dynamics. Participants had a text-based, structured conversation with a computer that gave scripted conversational responses. The main manipulation was whether participants were told that they were interacting with a computer program or a person in the room next door. Discourse analyses revealed a key difference in participants' behavior -- when participants believed they were talking to a person, they showed many more of the kinds of behaviors associated with establishing the interpersonal nature of a relationship. This finding has important implications for the design of technologies intended to take on social roles or characteristics.
Evaluation of the methadone-alcohol interaction. I: Alterations of plasma concentration kinetics

Clinical anecdotal reports have indicated a probably additive and/or synergistic response to the co-ingestion of ethyl alcohol and methadone. This study investigated the possible explanations for this observations, which may be associated with alterations of the plasma concentration dynamics of methadone and alcohol in the rat. Plasma concentrations of ethanol, methadone or both were followed over an eight hour period following substance administration. GC/FID and GC/MS were employed to quantify ethanol and methadone, respectively. The results of this study indicated that ethyl alcohol significantly increased peak methadone concentrations. Further, methadone significantly depressed late alcohol elimination.
Influence of cation adduction on the separation characteristics of flavonoid diglycoside isomers using dual gate-ion mobility-quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry

narirutin < naringin < hesperidin < neohesperidin < rutin. To examine the separation contribution of the carbohydrate group, hesperetin, the aglycone of hesperidin, and neohesperin were compared to quercetin, the aglycone of rutin. Separation of the flavonoid diglycosides indicated that quercetin-derived diglycosides drifted longer than their hesperetin-derived isomers. Combined with the observed collision assisted dissociation (CAD) data, these findings suggest that carbohydrate moiety plays a significant role in both the separation and metal chelating characteristics of flavonoid diglycosides. Copyright  2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feature Extraction and Sensor Fusion for Ultrasonic Structural Health Monitoring Under Changing Environmental Conditions

Strongly reverberating diffuse-like ultrasonic waves can interrogate large areas of complex structures that do not support more easily interpreted guided waves. However, sensitivity to environmental changes such as temperature and surface wetting can degrade the performance of a structural health monitoring system using these types of waves. Surface wetting is investigated here with a simplified experiment where controlled amounts of water are applied to the surface of a specimen in conjunction with incrementally introduced artificial damage. A feature-based approach is taken whereby differential features between a signal and a baseline are defined that are sensitive to damage but less sensitive to surface wetting, and multiple features obtained from a spatially distributed sensor array are combined via a voting strategy. In addition, the features considered are insensitive to moderate temperature changes, which are unavoidable even in the laboratory. Experimental results show a probability of detection greater than 90% when detecting damage in the presence of modest surface wetting while maintaining a false alarm rate under 5%.
Weather Information Communication Technologies for Increased Safety and Mobility in the National Airspace System

The purpose of the NASA Glenn Research Center Weather Information Communications (WINCOMM) project was to develop advanced communications and information technologies to enable the high-quality and timely dissemination of strategic weather information between the flight deck and ground users as well as tactical turbulence hazard information between relevant aircraft and to the ground. This report will document and reference accomplishments on the dissemination of weather information during the en route phase of flight from ground-based weather information providers to the flight deck (ground-to-air), from airborne meteorological sensors to ground users (air-to-ground), and weather turbulence and icing hazard information between relevant aircraft (air-to-air). In addition, references in this report will demonstrate the architecture necessary to implement and perform successful transmission and reception of weather information to the cockpit, show that weather information flow does not impact "normal" traffic, demonstrate the feasibility of operational implementation, and lay foundation for future data link development.
Interprofessional Team Training in Pediatric Resuscitation: A Low-Cost, In Situ Simulation Program That Enhances Self-Efficacy Among Participants

Introduction. Simulation-based interprofessional team training is important to ensure high-quality, safe patient care, but several barriers exist, including diverging learning needs and schedules as well as limited available resources. Methods. The authors developed an in situ, simulation-based interprofessional team training program around pediatric emergencies for physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists at their institution and performed an analysis of the program’s impact on self-efficacy in resuscitation skills among pediatric residents and nurses. Results. The results showed that with a design based in best principles of team training and simulation education, interprofessional team training is feasible and sustainable. The program had a beneficial effect on self-efficacy in resuscitation skills among both residents and nurses at the authors’ institution and received widespread acceptance. Conclusions. A collaborative approach to design and implementation of interprofessional team...
Interactive extension of domain datatypes

Knowledge-based systems can be adapted interactively by non-programming experts to only a limited degree. The authors present an approach that delivers an additional layer of adaptability to such users. The added functionality allows the user to construct and specify the semantics of new domain terms, where these terms may refer to domain entities, characteristics or relations. The approach depends on strong-typing and extensive indexing of domain language terms. A system built on this approach exhibits a clear division of labor between the domain expert and a knowledge-base system programmer: the domain expert adds terms that describes particular domain elements while the programmer provides building blocks for a new term's semantics. The proposed approach has been implemented as part of a machine learning project in a system called KRAM. >
Central pathology review for phase III clinical trials: the enabling effect of virtual microscopy.

Context.—Central pathology review (CPR) was initially designed as a quality control measure. The potential of CPR in clinical trials was recognized as early as in the 1960s and quickly became embedded as an integral part of many clinical trials since. Objective.—To review the current experience with CPR in clinical trials, to summarize current developments in virtual microscopy, and to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of this technology in the context of CPR. Data Sources.—A PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) search for published studies was conducted, and the relevant articles were reviewed, accompanied by the authors' experience at their practicing institution. Conclusions.—The review of the available literature strongly suggests the growing importance of CPR both in the clinical trial setting as well as in second opinion cases. However, the currently applied approach significantly impedes efficient transfer of slides and patient data. Recent advances in imaging, digital microsco...
The Sexualization of Difference: A Comparison of Mixed-Race and Same-Gender Marriage

Understanding the sexualization of interracial relationships in the past illuminates the attitudes prevalent today towards same-sex couples and the continued opposition to same-sex marriage. This Article compares heterosexual mixed-race and same-sex unions (including both mixed-race and mono-race couples) in the context of history, both legal and cultural. The history of opposition to interracial marriage in this country is replete with sexual undertones. Mixed-race couples were viewed as sexually perverse, and the ban on marriage and sexual relationships in the States served to run these human connections underground, making them secret, closeted and sinful liaisons. In the courts, arguments were made to oppose the abolition of mixed-race sexuality and marriage that are similar to arguments currently brought forth to prevent same-sex marriage. In particular, opponents of mixed-race marriage - like current opponents of same-sex marriage - were concerned with biblical creed, natural law, and with the raising of future generations of Americans. This article also examines the real-life similarities between couples whose marriages break race taboos and couples whose marriages break gender taboos. Even recently, when mixed-race marriage has been legal for over three decades, many mixed-race couples encounter problems that should persuade skeptics that the analogy between same-sex love and mixed-race love is not just a glib legal argument. The sexualization of mixed-race couples served the same end it does for gay couples today, including making the deprivation of marriage rights seem fair. Due to sexual stereotyping, the "privilege" that allows only some couples to marry does not have to be understood as a "structured advantage;" instead it is seen as "deserved and fair."
Are arterial, muscle and working limb lactate exchange data obtained on men at altitude consistent with the hypothesis of an intracellular lactate shuttle?

The “Lactate Shuttle” Hypothesis posits that lactate removal requires exchange among producing and consuming cells. The “Intra-cellular Lactate Shuttle” hypothesis posits that lactate exchange occurs among compartments within cells, and that mitochondria are the major sites of cellular lactate disposal. Thus, cells with high mitochondrial densities (cardiocytes, myocytes, hepatocytes) are those which participate in lactate clearance. The model of an Intracellular Lactate Shuttle recognizes that the Keq for LDH is 3.6 × 104 M-1; thus, glycolysis results in cytosolic lactate production regardless of the intracellular PO2. The model also requires presence of a mitochondrial monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) that allows uptake of lactate as well as pyruvate, and intra-mitochondrial LDH whose function is linked to the ETC, and which permits lactate→pyruvate conversion and oxidation. Recently, we have shown that liver, heart and muscle mitochondria readily oxidize lactate and contain LDH and MCT1. Accordingly, we have concluded that lactate is the predominant monocarboxylate oxidized by mitochondria in vivo. The model of an “Intra-cellular Lactate Shuttle” is consistent with many of the observations on men at sea level and altitude. The observations include: oxidation is the primary fate of lactate disposal during rest and exercise; lactate production and oxidation occur simultaneously within resting and working muscle; increasing [lactate]a increases muscle lactate extraction, and that by increasing SaO2 acclimatization reduces blood [lactate].
Sixty-Five Years of European Governance

The key achievement of European integration in the realm of policy making is a radical transformation in governance which transcends simple notions of hierarchy and may take the form of direct intervention or the establishment of guidelines or norms, in which governance is shared by multiple institutional actors across multiple levels. The articles in this special issue demonstrate the creative and often fragile solutions found to address the challenges facing Europe by analysing changes in governance over time, at various points since the origins of the European integration project, in a range of institutions and policy areas. European governance has evolved from a simple state interventionist model to a complex system of ‘governance of governance’, employing both hierarchical and non-hierarchical governance modes combined in innovative ways.
Branched Amino Acid Based Poly(ester urea)s with Tunable Thermal and Water Uptake Properties

A series of amino-acid based poly(ester urea)s (PEU) with controlled amounts of branching was synthesized and characterized. The mechanical properties, thermal characteristics and water absorptions varied widely with the extent of branch unit incorporation. Herein, the details of the synthesis of a linear bis(l-phenylalanine)-hexane 1,6-diester monomer, a branch tri-O-benzyl-l-tyrosine-1,1,1-trimethylethane triester monomer and a series of copolymers are described. The extent of branching was varied by adjusting the molar ratio of linear to branched monomer during the interfacial polymerization. The elastic moduli span a range of values (1.0–3.1 GPa) that overlaps with several clinically available degradable polymers. Increasing the amount of branching monomers reduces the molecular entanglement, which results in a decrease in elastic modulus values and an increase in values of elongation at break. The l-phenylalanine-based poly(ester urea)s also exhibited a branch density dependent water uptake ability t...
The Effect of Temperature on the Sunlight Deterioration of a Rubber Compound

Abstract The subject of this article might be the question: “Does temperature have an effect on the deterioration of rubber in sunlight and, if so, approximately how much effect?” We are interested in any effect of temperature because rubber goods in service are frequently subjected to sunlight over a fairly wide temperature range. There are apparently very few references or comments in the literature on this subject; but we wish to look briefly at some significant experiments of the past which have to do with sunlight without regard for temperature, and then discuss a new experiment.
A PQ-Channel Mutation Associated with Epilepsy Alters the Voltage Dependence of Channel Inactivation

Epilepsy affects 1 in 140 people, or nearly 50 million people worldwide. It is characterized by seizures that often result from neuronal hyper-excitability. A recent genome-wide study uncovered many mutations associated with epilepsy in voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC). However, the molecular and cellular consequences of these mutations, and hence, their epileptogenic mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated two mutations that occur in PQ-type voltage-gated calcium channels, which are responsible for neurotransmitter release: R477H (in the I-II loop) and Q1957X (a truncation mutation). The mutations were introduced into a human PQ channel in the pGEMHE vector. The DNA for WT or mutant channels, together with the DNA for other VGCC subunits required for proper channel expression, was subjected to in vitro cRNA synthesis. The resulting cRNA was subsequently injected into Xenopus oocytes, and channel currents were examined using Two-Electrode Voltage Clamp four days later. We thus compared the biophysical properties of WT and mutant channels. We found that the R477H mutation shifts the voltage dependence of inactivation to more depolarized voltages, rendering the mutant channels more difficult to inactivate compared to the WT channel. In addition, the time constant of inactivation was slower for the mutant. At the same time, the voltage dependence of activation was unchanged. These results suggest a potential mechanism for epileptogenesis: reduced channel inactivation would contribute to increased cellular excitability and excitotoxicity - two hallmarks of epilepsy. The results also highlight the role of the I-II loop of VGCC in channel inactivation. As for the Q1957X mutation, our current hypothesis is that this mutant generates no currents. In addition, we hypothesize that the Q1957X mutant will act as a dominant negative regulator of coexpressed WT channels via the unfolded protein response.
Public Utility Commissions to Foster Resilience Investment in Power Grid Infrastructure

Abstract In the United States, power system works at 99.9 percent reliability but it does not imply that it is safe and reliable against all types of hazards whether natural, technological or man-made. Especially the high impact low probability (HILP) events also called “black-swan events” offer a complex risk environment for power grid infrastructure. On the other hand, the utility companies have to work in a very competitive and regulated environment maintaining a balance between their investments on infrastructure, rate of returns, serviceability and cost to the customers. Hence, it is not economically feasible and justifiable to harden the entire infrastructure owing to budget constraint and regulatory issues. In such a scenario, enhancing resilience selectively within the power grid infrastructure would serve the purpose of achieving optimum security against any type of hazards, including HILP events. Resilience is the property that incorporates robustness and rapid recovery of infrastructure in face of any type of unprecedented havoc hazards. Enhancing resilience is cost intensive and future return on such investments are also risky and uncertain. Again, “resilience investments” i.e. investments needed to enhance resilience of power grid need approval from Public Utility Commissions (PUC) for cost recovery from public consumers and also must involve other investment agencies to invest in the power infrastructure by offering them good rates of return on investment (ROI). This paper will discuss the various key issues that hinder adequate investments in resilience enhancement of power grid infrastructure. Some of the key issues identified are (i) lack of knowledge about the Black Swan Events and their impact on the power grid infrastructure; (ii) strict regulatory restrictions imposed by PUC within the purview of which the utilities work; (iii) lack of strong value proposition for resilience investment business cases as presented by the utilities to the PUC, and (iv) lack of adequate incentives for the investors to invest in the power infrastructure. A conceptual strategic decision making framework for the PUC is also proposed that would help in approving or incentivizing adequate resilience investments for power grid infrastructure.
Kevlar‐Based Supercapacitor Fibers with Conformal Pseudocapacitive Metal Oxide and Metal Formed by ALD

Kevlar, poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA), yarns are modified for use as flexible supercapacitor electrodes by coating them with a nanometer-scale film of conductive platinum metal and pseudocapacitive V2O5 using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The PPTA yarns are incorporated into a solid-state supercapacitor through the use of a polyvinyl alcohol/lithium chloride gel electrolyte. Pseudocapacitive V2O5 films 11 nm thick provide up to a 5× increase in areal capacitance (18.4 mF cm−2) over the Pt-only-coated PPTA. Thicker films of V2O5 and wrapping the electrodes together into a single yarn result in decreased areal capacitance due to charge-transfer limitations. The work describes how ALD metal and metal oxide can be combined to add double layer and pseudocapacitive charge storage to mechanically robust PPTA creating unique multifunctional electronic fabric device systems.
Engineering challenges for SSC detectors

Summary form only given. Experiments at the SSC (Superconducting Super Collider) will require changes to the current engineering practices used in constructing detectors. The author has outlined the new challenges and proposed some possible solutions. The necessity of a system engineering approach and how it will affect current methods of detector design have been addressed. >
Ursodeoxycholic Acid Treatment in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, idiopathic liver disease which, despite extensive laboratory-based investigation, translational studies, and clinical trials, lacks established medical treatment. In this chapter, we provide a succinct, comprehensive review of research regarding the potential role for ursodeoxycholic acid as a pharmacotherapy for PSC.
The Ethics of the Collegiate Locker Room

AbstractLocker rooms are a fixture in the athletic culture of colleges and universities. Given the important roles those spaces play in the learning, growth, and development of student-athletes, collegiate leaders should consider how to influence locker room environments in positive ways.
Pediatric tympanic membrane cholesteatoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Introduction Tympanic membrane cholesteatoma (TMC) is a rare anomaly found in pediatric patients with no significant otologic history. Its pathogenesis appears distinct from congenital mesotympanic cholesteatoma. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the management of TMC. Methods Two authors independently conducted a systematic review using the PubMed-NCBI, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Studies describing cases of pediatric TMC were included. Patients with history of chronic otitis, otorrhea, trauma, or otologic surgery were excluded. Results Seventeen articles were included for a total of 45 patients. Mean age was 35.9 months with 56% female. Patients aged ≥36 months had significantly larger cholesteatomas than younger patients (4.2 vs 1.9 mm, p = 0.004). Nine patients (20%) had middle ear extension but none had middle ear or ossicular disease. CT scans influenced management in 1 of 26 patients. All patients were managed surgically by transcanal approach (93%) or retroauricular approach (7%). Surgery involved enucleation without TM perforation (80%) or complete excision with TM grafting (20%). In 23 patients, the fibrous TM remained intact, and there were no recurrences in this group at a mean follow-up of 11 months. Overall, there was 1 recurrence (2%), eventually requiring reoperation. No patients experienced persistent tympanic membrane perforation, chronic otitis, or hearing loss. Conclusion TMC occurs in pediatric patients without an otologic history. Associated middle ear involvement has not been reported. CT scanning may not be necessary for work up and management of this disorder. A transcanal approach with enucleation is often sufficient treatment. Risk of recurrence appears lower than with congenital mesotympanic cholesteatoma.
Divergent JNK Phosphorylation of HDAC3 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Determines HDAC Inhibitor Binding and Selectivity

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) catalytic activity is regulated by formation of co-regulator complexes and post-translational modification. Whether these mechanisms are transformed in cancer and how this affects the binding and selectivity of HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) is unclear. In this study, we developed a method that identified a 3- to 16-fold increase in HDACi selectivity for HDAC3 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in comparison with luminal subtypes that was not predicted by current practice measurements with recombinant proteins. We found this increase was caused by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation of HDAC3, was independent of HDAC3 complex composition or subcellular localization, and was associated with a 5-fold increase in HDAC3 enzymatic activity. This study points to HDAC3 and the JNK axes as targets in TNBC, highlights how HDAC phosphorylation affects HDACi binding and selectivity, and outlines a method to identify changes in individual HDAC isoforms catalytic activity, applicable to any disease state.
Mobile response system: a novel approach to interactive and hands-on activity in the classroom

Mobile devices are being used profusely in the classrooms to improve passive learning environments and to enhance student comprehension. However, with respect to students’ active involvement in problem solving activities, the typical usage of the mobile devices in answering multiple choice and true/false questions is not adequate and the use of mobile devices need to be expanded to include dynamic and interactive problem-solving activities to better satisfy students’ learning needs. To facilitate such interactive problem solving using mobile devices, a comprehensive software environment is necessary. This paper details the design, deployment and evaluation of Mobile Response System (MRS) software that facilitates execution and assessment of multi-step in-class interactive problem-solving activities using mobile devices. MRS is an active learning tool, which engages students with the visual representation of a problem that spans on multiple screens, allows them to interact with that, and makes them realize the consequences of their actions instantly and visually. The immediate and automated grading feature of MRS enables a feedback-driven and evidence-based teaching methodology, which is important to improve the quality of classroom learning. MRS is designed to be independent of any interactive problem or its domain. Therefore, it allows easier integration of interactive activity Apps developed by others and can be used in any discipline. The results obtained from software metrics and runtime performance data verified the quality of the software. Additionally, the in-class assessment data verified that the MRS software is a helpful intervention for improving student comprehension and satisfaction.
Learning and Growing from Unpredictable Encounters

This chapter blends together the power of humanistic framework for evidence-based approaches illustrated through clinical stories. These vignettes illustrate the change process and the impact of dealing with uncertainty about a “good outcome” in clinical encounters that practitioners struggle with. This chapter offers ideas and practices on how to stay connected with a perspective of “playing my part” to prevent burnout and keep the focus on growing with both the science and humanistic elements of the therapeutic work.
Local Use of Fluorouracil

Twenty years of experience with topically applied fluorouracil have produced an accepted routine of therapy for actinic keratoses. This technique for appropriate topical use is discussed. In addition, the intralesional injection of fluorouracil, especially for the treatment of keratoacanthoma, is presented as a method of appropriate local use.
The Cooperative Contract in Interactive Entertainment

Interactions with computer games demonstrate many of the same social and communicative c onventions that are seen in conversations between people. I propose that a co-operative contract exists between computer game players and game systems (or their designers) that licenses both the game players’ and the game designers’ understanding of what components of the game mean.
Surface Lattice Dynamics of Ordered Overlayers on Metals

We have performed lattice dynamical calculations on several types of superstructures on the Ni(100), Ni(111) and Ru(00l) surfaces, with the aim of studying the sensitivity of the electron energy-loss data on these surfaces to issues like the adsorption site symmetry [l], the adsorbate and substrate surface phonon and surface resonance dispersion [2], and the extended overlayer symmetry [3]. The model Hamiltonian consists of nearest neighbour pairwise interactions with central forces, although in cases where it is necessary, angle bending interactions have been included. The Fourier transformed Green’s function for the system is constructed and the corresponding equations of motion obtained. The Green’s function hierarchy thus obtained is solved by invoking an exponential ansatz, for the equation representing the motion of the atoms in the bulk of the metal, and by treating those for the motion of the atoms in the surface layers exactly. The phonon spectral density, which is directly related to the electron energy-loss spectrum, is calculated from these exact Green’s functions.
Identification and Adaptive Control of Linear Stochastic Systems

We provide an account of some of the recent progress on identification and adaptive control of linear stochastic systems. This complements a recent survey [1].
What Makes a Dog? Stable Isotope Analysis and Human-canid Relationships at Arroyo Hondo Pueblo

Domesticated animals in the prehispanic American Southwest/Mexican Northwest functioned in many roles, but these roles seem to have varied across time and space. In this study, we use bone collagen and apatite carbon (δ13Ccol/ap) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes to investigate the role(s) of seven canids from Arroyo Hondo Pueblo (LA 12), a 14th century site in the northern Rio Grande, New Mexico. Results indicate that in some cases, coyotes seem to have been treated like dogs; in others, dogs seem to have been treated like their wild relatives. In all cases, canids were treated differently than domestic turkeys. We conclude that ethnographic, genetic, geochemical and site-specific contextual data are required to understand the roles of dogs and wild canids in Ancestral Puebloan contexts. Social Media: New isotopic data, combined with previously published provenience and aDNA information, suggest different classifications of canids by Ancestral Puebloans at Arroyo Hondo Pueblo.
C9ORF72-ALS/FTD-associated poly(GR) binds Atp5a1 and compromises mitochondrial function in vivo.

The GGGGCC repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, it is not known which dysregulated molecular pathways are primarily responsible for disease initiation or progression. We established an inducible mouse model of poly(GR) toxicity in which (GR)80 gradually accumulates in cortical excitatory neurons. Low-level poly(GR) expression induced FTD/ALS-associated synaptic dysfunction and behavioral abnormalities, as well as age-dependent neuronal cell loss, microgliosis and DNA damage, probably caused in part by early defects in mitochondrial function. Poly(GR) bound preferentially to the mitochondrial complex V component ATP5A1 and enhanced its ubiquitination and degradation, consistent with reduced ATP5A1 protein level in both (GR)80 mouse neurons and patient brains. Moreover, inducing ectopic Atp5a1 expression in poly(GR)-expressing neurons or reducing poly(GR) level in adult mice after disease onset rescued poly(GR)-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, poly(GR)-induced mitochondrial defects are a major driver of disease initiation in C9ORF72-related ALS/FTD. The authors generated a mouse model of C9ORF72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia based on dipeptide repeat proteins and report that defects in mitochondria may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
The Effects of Incentives in a Choice-Based Conjoint Pricing Study

This study investigates the effects of incentives on a consumer’s choice of a utility plan. In our study that utilizes conjoint analysis, our research aims to understand the impact of incentives on consumers’ choice of a Time-of-Use (TOU) utility pricing plan. The results indicate that underlining the consequences and offering incentives influence the valuation of the attributes in competing choices.
Nuevos Conceptos sobre la Prevención de la Hipocalcemia en Ganado Lechero / The new concept of the hypocalcemia prevention on dairy cattle

La fiebre de leche o hipocalcemia continua siendo una de las enfermedades metabolicas de mayor prevalencia en la industria lechera, como consecuencia a una continua seleccion de los animales por productividad. En la presente revision se describen nuevos aspectos de la enfermedad, interacciones minerales, tratamientos y medidas preventivas bajo confinamiento y en pastoreo.
Spanish Architecture to Develop New Cities, Miguel Fisac in Abu Dhabi

Only 50 years ago, the UAE was composed of a few small villages of ﬁshermen, shopkeepers, and pearl-traders; they lacked paved roads, running water and had only a few telephone lines. Today, it’s a fascinating and glimmering young country projected to the future as the result of the sudden discovery of oil in the 60s and its commercialization. In the early phases of its urban expansion, foreign architects played an important role due to the lack of tradition in the region of certain professions as designers and some of the most important Spanish architects worked in the region during its blooming in the 70s and 80s. Although, what could Spain export to the Middle East in those years? This paper will attempt to unfold the contributions of the modern Spanish architecture to the architecture of the Middle East during the blooming of the region. Speciﬁcally, it will be focused on the great Spanish architect Miguel Fisac and, in particular, the cultural and technical interchange between two different contexts (as the Spanishand theEmirati),throughaninnovativetwistedskyscraperdesignedforAbuDhabi(UAE)in the early 80s.