cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mimicking High-Silica Zeolites: Highly Stable Germanium- and Tin-Rich Zeolite-Type Chalcogenides

High-silica zeolites, as exemplified by ZSM-5, with excellent chemical and thermal stability, have generated a revolution in industrial catalysis. In contrast, prior to this work, high-silica-zeolite-like chalcogenides based on germanium/tin remained unknown, even after decades of research. Here six crystalline high-germanium or high-tin zeolite-type sulfides and selenides with four different topologies are reported. Their unprecedented framework compositions give these materials much improved thermal and chemical stability with high surface area (Langmuir surface area of 782 m2/g–1) comparable to or better than zeolites. Among them, highly stable CPM-120-ZnGeS allows for ion exchange with diverse metal or complex cations, resulting in fine-tuning in porosity, fast ion conductivity, and photoelectric response. Being among the most porous crystalline chalcogenides, CPM-120-ZnGeS (exchanged with Cs+ ions) also shows reversible adsorption with high capacity and affinity for CO2 (98 and 73 cm3 g–1 at 273 and ...
The Limits of Dress: Chinese American Childhood, Fashion, and Race in the Exclusion Era

This article explores the construction of Chinese American identities through fashion. Although Chinese clothing styles served as a symbol of Chinese identity, American-born Chinese youth often preferred Western styles as a means of disassociating themselves from Chinatown and refashioning their identities as Americans. Yet these youth soon discovered the limits of dress.
Neural Basis of Phonological Short-Term Memory

Short-term phonological memory is the ability to temporarily maintain speech-related information through a combination of passive and active mechanisms. Theoretical perspectives on phonological memory have regarded it as arising from a special-purpose store as the set of knowledge retrieved from long-term memory that is in an active and readily accessible state, and as an emergent property of an interactive architecture for speech perception and production. These different viewpoints can be used to understand the neural substrates of phonological memory, which include core phonological areas associated with speech perception and production and nonlinguistic areas associated with inner speech.
Thrombocytopenia in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Thrombocytopenia is the most prevalent hematologic disorder in the ICU. Defined as a as a platelet count ≤150 × 109/L, thrombocytopenia is observed in 30–50 % of critically ill patients [1]. The consequences of thrombocytopenia range from a mild, asymptomatic phenomenon to microvascular failure. A drop in platelet count by >30 % is an independent risk factor for death and a stronger predictor of mortality than the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score [2, 3]. Multiple etiologies may contribute to a low platelet count. This chapter will specifically review the diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenia in the surgical ICU patient.
Is China Building an Empire in Rural Africa

Deborah Brautigam. (2015). Will Africa Feed China? Oxford University Press, Oxford, 248 pp., $27.95 hardcover (ISBN-13: 978-0199396856). The questions of ‘what China wants’ and ‘how it will meet its needs as it continues rising’ motivate a great deal of research in International Relations. As China became the second largest economy in the world and as its economic and strategic influence continue to advance, many scholars have investigated China’s motivations from different approaches. Some scholars perceive China as a revisionist power that seeks to changes the rules of the game (Mearsheimer 2001; Martin Jacques 2009). Other scholars argue that China is ultimately a status quo power that will continue to uphold the existing international order (Johnston 2013; Qin 2014). Yet, as China’s engagement with African countries continues to deepen, the question of China’s motivation narrows down to what China wants in Africa. Deborah Brautigam’s most recent book Will Africa feed China? takes on the task of answering the question about China’s motivations in Africa. The book’s findings are grounded in a tremendous research effort conducted by the author leading a research team to investigate China’s agricultural investments across several African countries. Brautigam’s goal in this book, much like in her previous one The Dragon’s Gift , is to lay bare misperceptions about China’s intentions and strategies in Africa. This book specifically tackles China’s economic policies in Africa and looks into allegations of land grab, food security, and neocolonial settlements by Chinese companies and individuals in Africa. An increase in global food prices in the first decade of the twenty-first century led to the rise of rumors and fears that “China had embarked on a state-sponsored quest to lock up vast tracts of African land to grow food to send home to feed its people” (151). The author’s overarching argument is that such rumors and fears became heuristics and common beliefs in news media reports about Chinese … linaben{at}ufl.edu
A unified parameterization of human gait across ambulation modes

This paper introduces a novel gait parameterization method that models gait kinematics as a continuous function of gait cycle phase, walking speed, and ground slope. Kinematic data was recorded from seven able-bodied subjects walking on a treadmill at twenty-seven combinations of walking speed and ground slope. Convex optimization was used to determine the parameters of a function of three variables that fits this experimental data. This function may be able to provide desired trajectories to a virtual constraint controller over a continuum of gait phases and ambulation modes. This could allow for a single, non-switching controller to control a prosthetic leg for a variety of tasks, avoiding many of the problems associated with the ubiquitous use of finite state machines in prosthesis control.
Comparative studies of power grid security with network connectivity and power flow information using unsupervised learning

The modern electric power grid has become highly integrated in order to increase reliability of power transmission from the generating units to end consumers. This integrated nature and its upgrade toward an intelligent smart grid make the power grid vulnerable when facing cyber or physical attacks as well as intentional attacks. Therefore, determining the most vulnerable components (e.g., buses or generators) is critically important for power grid defense. In this paper, a new definition of load is proposed by taking power flow into consideration in comparison with the load definition based on degree or network connectivity. Unsupervised learning techniques (e.g., K-means algorithm and self-organizing map (SOM)) are introduced to cluster the nodes (i.e., buses) in IEEE-39 bus and IEEE-57 bus benchmarks. Then most vulnerable node in each cluster is determined based on their load information to form initial victim set. We use percentage of failure (PoF) to compare the performance of clustering based approach and traditional load based approach during cascading failure process. With the simulation results, the unsupervised learning (clustering based) approaches are more efficient in finding the most vulnerable nodes and our proposed definition of load is relatively useful in studying power grid security.
Computational Modeling of pH Sensitivity in the Critical HIV gp120-CD4 Interaction

Although acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was discovered more than thirty years ago, an effective vaccine against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes the disease has not yet been produced. This is potentially because most HIV vaccine research has been performed under slightly basic, systemic blood/plasma conditions, while transmission events often occur under highly acidic, mucosal conditions. Furthermore, the gp120 envelope protein, which initiates transmission via binding to host cell receptor CD4, has been shown to more effectively bind CD4 under acidic conditions presumably due to favorable, pH sensitive conformational changes. We have used computational modeling to compute the strength of the gp120-CD4 interaction for a variety of gp120 sequences over a physiologically relevant range of pH values, and found that the interaction is strongest at low, mucosal level pH. We also compared the pH sensitivity of this interaction between early infection transmission/founder (TF) strains, and chronic control (CC) strains which circulate systemically post-transmission. We found that the gp120-CD4 interaction was more pH sensitive in TF strains, suggesting a different binding mechanism between TFs and CCs. To investigate these differences, we mapped sequence specific pH sensitivity onto the binding site of the solved gp120 structure 1RZK to test for residue specific pH sensitivity differences. Residues with significantly different sensitivities between TF and CC strains were used to identify structural differences that are likely to contribute to the difference in pH sensitivity of the gp120-CD4 interaction.
An Update on the Management of Neurogenic Bladder

This article seeks to review literature regarding neurogenic voiding dysfunction, focusing on findings presented in the last 5 years. During this time, there has been an increase in the number of modalities available to treat patients with neurogenic bladder. A few of these options include novel oral pharmaceuticals, newly FDA-approved intravesical therapies, more widespread use of neuromodulation for patients with neurogenic bladder, utilization of devices such as urethral slings, and a focus on robotic assisted surgical approaches. In addition, a number of long-term outcomes have been published regarding “gold standard” techniques that have been heavily utilized in the past. Finally, new basic science research efforts have been focused in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering working to either augment or replace the bladder. A number of therapies have been added to the armamentarium of neurogenic bladder, some of which have significantly changed the way patients are managed.
Vegetated land cover near residence is associated with reduced allostatic load and improved biomarkers of neuroendocrine, metabolic and immune functions.

Abstract Background Greater exposure to urban green spaces has been linked to reduced risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature death. Alleviation of chronic stress is a hypothesized pathway to improved health. Previous studies linked chronic stress with a biomarker-based composite measure of physiological dysregulation known as allostatic load. Objective This study's objective was to assess the relationship between vegetated land cover near residences and allostatic load. Methods This cross-sectional population-based study involved 206 adult residents of the Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area. Exposure was quantified using high-resolution metrics of trees and herbaceous vegetation within 500 m of each residence derived from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EnviroAtlas land cover dataset. Eighteen biomarkers of immune, neuroendocrine, and metabolic functions were measured in serum or saliva samples. Allostatic load was defined as a sum of potentially unhealthy biomarker values dichotomized at 10th or 90th percentile of sample distribution. Regression analysis was conducted using generalized additive models with two-dimensional spline smoothing function of geographic coordinates, weighted measures of vegetated land cover allowing decay of effects with distance, and geographic and demographic covariates. Results An inter-quartile range increase in distance-weighted vegetated land cover was associated with 37% (95% Confidence Limits 46%; 27%) reduced allostatic load; significantly reduced adjusted odds of having low level of norepinephrine, dopamine, and dehydroepiandrosterone, and high level of epinephrine, fibrinogen, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and interleukin-8 in serum, and α-amylase in saliva; and reduced odds of previously diagnosed depression. Conclusions The observed effects of vegetated land cover on allostatic load and individual biomarkers are consistent with prevention of depression, cardiovascular disease and premature mortality.
Macro sales force research

The call for more macro sales force research where the sales force as a whole is the unit of analysis, which was raised in “The Strategic Role of the Sales Force,” is revisited in this article. Technology, consolidation, government policies, the evolution of organizational strategy are dramatically changing the role of the sales force and the daily lives of salespeople. Yet, it is estimated that no more than 5%, and probably less, of sales and sales management research examines these developments. To shine a light on this, a case study of a health-care company that has changed its strategic focus from a product to a solutions provider is presented. Changes in the role of the sales force are examined within the five sales force capabilities identified in the “The Strategic Role” article. Research questions are raised about sales force capabilities.
Silicon-Tethered Strategies for C-H Functionalization Reactions

ConspectusSelective and efficient functionalization of ubiquitous C–H bonds is the Holy Grail of organic synthesis. Most advances in this area rely on employment of strongly or weakly coordinating directing groups (DGs) which have proven effective for transition-metal-catalyzed functionalization of C(sp2)–H and C(sp3)–H bonds. Although most directing groups are important functionalities in their own right, in certain cases, the DGs become static entities that possess very little synthetic leverage. Moreover, some of the DGs employed are cumbersome or unpractical to remove, which precludes the use of this approach in synthesis. It is believed, that development of a set of easily installable and removable/modifiable DGs for C–H functionalization would add tremendous value to the growing area of directed functionalization, and hence would promote its use in synthesis and late-stage functionalization of complex molecules. In particular, silicon tethers have long provided leverage in organic synthesis as easil...
On sufficient dimension reduction with missing responses through estimating equations

Abstract A linearity condition is required for all the existing sufficient dimension reduction methods that deal with missing data. To remove the linearity condition, two new estimating equation procedures are proposed to handle missing response in sufficient dimension reduction: the complete-case estimating equation approach and the inverse probability weighted estimating equation approach. The superb finite sample performances of the new estimators are demonstrated through extensive numerical studies as well as analysis of a HIV clinical trial data.
Two-dimensional scattering and digital holography from isolated aerosol particles

Non-spherical aerosols, particularly aggregates and those comprised of rough surfaces, produce complex light scattering patterns that deviate considerably from those of their spherical counterparts. Consequently, discerning particle morphology from the complex scattering pattern, i.e., the inverse problem, is difficult at best. Additional information is required to associate uniquely the interference pattern resulting from scattered light and the particle's morphology (size, shape, etc.). This uniqueness challenge of the inverse problem may be overcome by incorporating digital holographic imaging into the light scattering apparatus. Using a color CCD camera, we demonstrate that two-dimensional light scattering patterns and digital holograms from individual owing aerosol particles may be recorded simultaneously at different wavelengths revealing the complex scattering pattern along with the size, shape, and orientation of the particle at the instant the scattering occurs. Knowing the exact scattering pattern associated with an exact particle morphology will improve the understanding the radiative characteristics of non-spherical atmospheric aerosols, and reduce uncertainties of important physical parameters such as radiative forcing of aerosols.
A spin-crossover Co(II) complex catalyzes the activation of sp3 C–H bonds by two-electron oxidants

Abstract We recently found that a high-spin Co(II) complex with N,N'-dibenzyl-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (bbpc) was capable of catalyzing the oxidation of weak sp3 C–H bonds by iodosobenzene (PhIO) and meta-chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA). The bbpc compound could also be oxidized to a Co(III)-peroxo species capable of reacting with aldehydes. The ligand N-benzenesulfonyl-N,N’-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (bsbpc) reacts with Co(ClO4)2 to yield a spin-crossover complex, [Co(bsbpc)(MeCN)2](ClO4)2. The bsbpc complex catalyzes the oxidation of benzylic and allylic C–H bonds by PhIO and MCPBA to approximately the same extent as the high-spin bbpc compound. The bsbpc complex differs more substantially from the bbpc compound in that it cannot be oxidized to a stable Co(III)-peroxo complex and shows no reactivity with aldehydes.
Religion and Morality

Thomas Aquinas never articulated a systematic account of a purely philosophical ethics. When writing in his own name, as opposed to commenting on Aristotle, Aquinas’s interest in ethical matters is always explicitly framed by his understanding of moral science as part of the larger project of theology as sacra doctrina. 1 In the course of articulating a moral theology, Aquinas makes systematic use of some basic Aristotelian philosophical categories and doctrines from the Nichomachean Ethics. Indeed, the explicitly moral section of the Summa theologiae, the Second Part, begins with a consideration of beatitude and is structured according to a treatment of the virtues. This heavy reliance on Aristotle, along with what appears to be a relative reticence to incorporate specifically Christian doctrines into the discussion, has led some to conclude that Thomistic moral theology is really just a lightly baptized version of Aristotelian ethics. Yet as Servais Pinckaers has shown, Aquinas’s moral thought is fundamentally evangelical when properly and holistically understood.2 At the heart of Aquinas’s vision is not Aristotelian eudaimonia, but rather the Beatitudes of the Gospels; the primary resource for moral action is not acquired Aristotelian virtue, but the grace of the Holy Spirit poured out into the hearts of believers through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the primary law is not some version of Stoic natural law, but rather the new law of the gospel.
The Hardy-Weinberg Law

The basic law of Mendelian genetics is the law of segregation. It allows us, if we know the genotypes of a pair of parents, to predict the genotypes, in their proportions, that will be found among the offspring of those parents. For example, if both parents are heterozygous Aa, we can predict that the three genotypes AA, Aa and aa, will occur among their offspring in an approximate 1: 2:1 ratio.
FINE PARTICLE MAGNETISM IN SmCo5 PRODUCED BY BALL MILLING

There are three main sources of magnetic anisotropy: magnetocrystalline, magnetostrictive, and shape anisotropy [1]. SmCo5 has a large uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy, 1.3 × 107 J/m3 [2], and a negligible magnetostrictive anisotropy [3]. The SmCo5 particles we studied are roughly spherical and therefore have negligible shape anisotropy.
THE BIODEPOSITION CYCLE OF A SURFACE DEPOSIT-FEEDING BIVALVE, MACOMA BALTHICA (L.)

Abstract The deposit-feeding behavior of Macoma balthica (L.) (Bivalvia: Tellinacea) is described relative to its role in sediment modification and the sedimentation cycle of Adams Cove, New Hampshire. Two size classes of M. balthica were selected for laboratory and field investigations of feeding behavior, sediment ingestion, sediment turnover, and fecal pellet decay. M. balthica feeds on surface deposits at low tide by sorting surface sediments in its mantle cavity. It ingests 12% (by weight) of the sediment and releases the remainder as a loose plume of pseudofeces. The ingested sediment is returned to the tidal flat surface within 3–6 h as compact fecal pellets. These pellets behave like fine sand grains. Laboratory and field experiments show that pellets remain intact for 1–2 weeks. Pellet decay is dependent on water agitation rather than abrasion or microbial decomposition. Estimated pellet deposition rates suggest that the M. balthica population of Adams Cove turns over the surface layer of the tidal flat 36 times per year. This rate of sediment processing indicates that M. balthica is grazing the tidal flat at a rate comparable to that of microbial recolonization, so the bivalve's deposit-feeding activity is an effective means of utilizing microbial productivity of the tidal flat.
Scaling Betweenness Centrality in Dynamic Graphs

The Betweenness Centrality of a vertex is an important metric used for determining how “central” a vertex is in a graph based on the number of shortest paths going through that vertex. Computing the betweenness centrality of a graph is computationally expensive, $O(V\cdot(V+E))$ . This has led to the development of several important optimizations including: approximation, parallelization, and dealing with dynamic updates. Dynamic graph algorithms are extremely favorable as the amount of work that they require is orders of magnitude smaller than their static graph counterparts. Recently, several such dynamic graph algorithms for betweenness centrality have been introduced. Many of these new dynamic graph algorithms tend to have decent parallel scalability when the betweenness centrality metric is computed in an exact manner. However, for the cases where the approximate solution is used, the scalability drops because of bad load-balancing due to the reduction in the amount of work. In this paper, we show a dynamic graph betweenness centrality algorithm that has good parallel scalability for both exact and approximate computations. We show several new optimizations made to the data structures, the load balancing technique, and the parallel granularity that have improved overall performance to 1.6X–4X faster than one of the fastest previous implementations. More so, our new algorithm scales to larger thread counts than before.
A Supramolecular Nanocarrier for Delivery of Amiodarone Anti-Arrhythmic Therapy to the Heart.

Amiodarone is an effective antiarrhythmic drug used to treat and prevent different types of cardiac arrhythmias. However, amiodarone can have considerable side effects resulting from accumulation i...
Isolated Asymptomatic Metastatic Melanoma to the Colon: A Case Report

Metastatic melanoma is generally rare, and the colon is a very rare metastatic site. We report a case of asymptomatic, isolated metastatic melanoma to the colon. Asymptomatic patients are usually not expected to have metastatic lesions in the colon. Ninety-five percent of large bowel metastases are identified during a postmortem examination. Our patient was found to have metastatic melanoma to the colon during a follow-up colonoscopy done for the surveillance of colon polyps. An awareness that patients with melanoma may possibly develop colon metastases is needed.
Use of Natural Language Processing Algorithms to Identify Common Data Elements in Operative Notes for Total Hip Arthroplasty

UpdateThis article was updated on December 6, 2019, because of a previous error. On page 1936, in Table VII, “Performance of the Bearing Surface Algorithm,” the row that had read “Bearing surface predicted by algorithm” now reads “Bearing surface predicted by algorithm*.”An erratum has been publishe
The economic consequences of discrete recognition and continuous measurement

Abstract Discrete recognition is a long-standing and ubiquitous accounting practice, but it has been widely criticized for suppressing information and inducing accounting-motivated transactions. We study a model to examine the economic consequences of shifting away from discrete recognition to a continuous measurement approach. Without manipulation, discrete recognition is less informative than the continuous approach. However, the continuous regime induces more manipulation. The equilibrium informativeness is determined by both the accounting standard and endogenous manipulation. Discrete recognition is more informative than its continuous counterpart precisely when manipulation is a severe threat. We respond to the recent call in Kothari, Ramanna, and Skinner (2010) for using positive accounting theory to explain certain long-standing accounting practices. We also discuss the model's implications for fair value accounting.
Engaging the Articulators Enhances Perception of Concordant Visible Speech Movements

Purpose This study aimed to test whether (and how) somatosensory feedback signals from the vocal tract affect concurrent unimodal visual speech perception. Method Participants discriminated pairs o...
Knowledge Gains and Intent to Change Practice Patterns After the Leveraging Existing Abilities in Dementia (LEAD)™ Training Program

Few investigations have examined dementia training programs for rehabilitation professionals. To address this, the Leveraging Existing Abilities in Dementia (LEAD) program was developed and examined with a pilot study. LEAD addressed dementia knowledge; the Strength-Based Approach; strategies for communication, recognizing behaviors, and learning techniques; and documentation. Participants completed pre-program, post-program, and three-month follow-up questionnaires assessing confidence, practice patterns, and dementia knowledge. Confidence and use of treatment strategies increased through the three-month follow-up and dementia knowledge significantly increased following training. LEAD positively impacted rehabilitation professionals' knowledge, confidence, and use of evidence-based treatment strategies. Implications of LEAD and future research are discussed.
Interprofessional Simulation in Prelicensure Learners

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a necessary and important component of many prelicensure health professions’ curricula, reflecting an understanding of the critical role played by high-performing teams in healthcare. Simulation-based training offers many unique and impactful benefits as an instructional method in teamwork skills training; however, there are many factors to consider in creating and implementing an effective IPE simulation experience. We focus on IPE simulation as part of the initial instruction on the formation and function of high-performing teams for prelicensure learners in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and social work. We address logistical considerations from conception to execution, curriculum development, and preparation of faculty and students for the experience. We present lessons learned from our curriculum at the University of Texas Austin and acknowledge the need for more robust evaluation tools for the outcomes of IPE simulation training.
RELATIONSHIP OF RIGHT AND LEFT ATRIAL VOLUMES TO OUTCOMES FOLLOWING TRANSCATHETER MITRAL VALVE REPAIR

Atrial volumes are surrogate markers of pressure change and remodeling within the heart. There is limited evidence on the prognostic impact of Right and Left Atrial Volume Indices (RAVI and LAVI) following transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr). There is evidence that patients with RV dysfunction
When ESKD complicates cancer screening and cancer treatment

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) affects the recommended screening, incidence, treatment, and mortality of cancer. Cancer occurring in a patient with ESKD can influence candidacy for kidney transplantation as well as dialysis decision-making and cancer treatment. Certain cancers are more common among ESKD patients, notably, viral-mediated cancers that are associated with human papilloma or hepatitis viruses, and urothelial cancers associated with analgesic and Balkan nephropathies. Solid tumors are not believed to occur more frequently in ESKD patients. The presence of ESKD may confer a higher risk of post-surgical complications as well as mortality. The cost-effectiveness of cancer screening depends upon individual cancer risk and estimated overall survival. The high mortality associated with ESKD argues against routine cancer screening in dialysis patients. Cancer treatment in ESKD may be complicated by the need to avoid, adjust doses of and/or coordinate the timing of administration of imaging contrast, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy with dialysis treatments. There is a general dearth of information on the treatment of cancer in ESKD patients. These issues will be discussed, and some general guidelines presented based upon the current literature.
Modified insertion technique for a sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®).

Abstract Purpose We describe a modified injection technique that adheres a sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) to the vitreous base. Observations This modified technique was applied after removal of a prior dislocated Ozurdex® that migrated into the anterior chamber in one patient, and also on another patient bothered by perception of a large floater induced by a free-floating Ozurdex® in the vitreous cavity previously inserted with the conventional technique. The main feature of this new technique consisted of altering the conventional “bevel-up” orientation of the insertion needle tip towards the vitreous cavity to the modified “bevel-down” orientation of the needle tip directed towards the pars plana and vitreous base, for the purpose of adhering a portion of or the entire dexamethasone implant to the vitreous base. Neither patient developed postoperative complications with this technique. Conclusions and importance This modified insertion technique allows adherence of Ozurdex® to the vitreous base and avoids adverse effects associated with a free-floating Ozurdex®, such as its migration into the anterior chamber, or visual disturbance associated with movement of the implant.
Pre-manufacturing Portfolio Management Decisions in the Defense Industry

Defense Industry production quantities and manufacturing timeline are different from commercial industry. Specifically, the platforms take years to develop, are in field-use for multiple-decades. The installed payload systems on these platforms must be backward compatible when upgraded. The production volumes are small, and many products are highly integrated to fit size, weight & power (SWaP) constraints. Cost, while important, is not the primary driving factor in design for manufacturability. Under these conditions, the Portfolio Managers in the industry make technology and material readiness decisions several years ahead of manufacture. Data needed for such decisions is often sparse, inaccurate, compartmentalized and deliberately obfuscated. Our modified Delphi method based qualitative research shows that under these constraints, middle managers in the defense industry, make tactical and strategic decisions based on best-consensus, using paired-comparison processes. And, when they choose to make ‘more unilateral’ decisions regarding portfolio management (PM) and new product development (NPD) investments, these are less robust.
The hip in cerebral palsy

Abstract Hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex problem and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. It is the most common orthopaedic problem in the non-ambulatory group of children and causes significant pain, which can be prevented or treated with appropriate management. Hip subluxation occurs due to asymmetrical muscle imbalance in the context of abnormal proximal femoral morphology. Work from CP registries has shown strong correlation between Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level and rate of hip displacement. This has led to the development of preventative surveillance programmes. This review focuses particularly on non-ambulatory patients (GMFCS IV/V) and the options open to the paediatric orthopaedic surgeon in managing associated hip displacement. Surgical strategies can be broadly grouped into preventative, reconstructive and salvage options.
Trans-Channel Fluorescence Learning Improves High-Content Screening for Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics

In microscopy-based drug screens, fluorescent markers carry critical information on how compounds affect different biological processes. However, practical considerations may hinder the use of certain fluorescent markers. Here, we present a deep learning method for overcoming this limitation. We accurately generated predicted fluorescent signals from other related markers, and validated this new machine learning (ML) method on two biologically distinct datasets. We used the ML method to improve the selection of potentially efficacious therapeutic compounds for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from high-content high-throughput screening (HCS). The ML method identified compounds that effectively blocked tau aggregation, which would have been missed by traditional screening approaches unguided by ML. The ML method also improved triaging efficiency of compound rankings over a current in-house screening approach. We reproduced this ML method on a biologically independent cancer-based dataset, demonstrating its generalizability. The approach is disease-agnostic, and applicable across fluorescence microscopy datasets.
Hepatic LDL receptor-related protein-1 deficiency alters mitochondrial dynamics through phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate reduction

The LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a multifunctional transmembrane protein with endocytosis and signal transduction functions. Previous studies have shown that hepatic LRP1 deficiency exacerbates diet-induced steatohepatitis and insulin resistance via mechanisms related to increased lysosome and mitochondria permeability and dysfunction. The current study examined the impact of LRP1 deficiency on mitochondrial function in the liver. Hepatocytes isolated from liver-specific LRP1 knockout (hLrp1−/−) mice showed reduced oxygen consumption compared with control mouse hepatocytes. The mitochondria in hLrp1−/− mouse livers have an abnormal morphology and their membranes contain significantly less anionic phospholipids, including lower levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin that increase mitochondrial fission and impair fusion. Additional studies showed that LRP1 complexes with phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase like protein-1 (PIP5KL1) and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase-1β (PIP5K1β). The absence of LRP1 reduces the levels of both PIP5KL1 and PIP5K1β in the plasma membrane and also lowers phosphatidylinositol(4,5) bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) levels in hepatocytes. These data indicate that LRP1 recruits PIP5KL1 and PIP5K1β to the plasma membrane for PI(4,5)P2 biosynthesis. The lack of LRP1 reduces lipid kinase expression, leading to lower PI(4,5)P2 levels, thereby decreasing the availability of this lipid metabolite in the cardiolipin biosynthesis pathway to cause cardiolipin reduction and the impairment in mitochondria homeostasis. Taken together, the current study identifies another signaling mechanism by which LRP1 regulates cell functions: binding and recruitment of PIP5KL1 and PIP5K1β to the membrane for PI(4,5)P2 synthesis. In addition, it highlights the importance of this mechanism for maintaining the integrity and functions of intracellular organelles.
State infrastructural power and social transfers: The local politics of distribution and delivering ‘progress’ in Ethiopia

This paper examines the politics of implementing the PSNP in Ethiopia. The PSNP is a targeted food and cash-for-work programme that places a strong emphasis on its ‘productive’ contribution through public works, a livelihoods component and the aim of mass ‘graduation’ from support. The paper focuses on how local governments resolve two challenges related to the distribution of social transfers. First, is the challenge for state capacity of generating sufficient and accurate information with which to select households while limiting undue influence of powerful local actors. Second, is the recurrent tension between the programme’s developmental objectives and its protective function. The paper argues that variation in state infrastructural power is vital to understanding how these challenges are resolved in different parts of Ethiopia. Drawing on two research sites in each of Afar, Oromiya and Tigray, the paper highlights the extremes of variation within Ethiopia. Implementation is shaped by the particular spatial pattern of expansion of the party-state carried out under EPRDF rule. In Tigray, strong party-state infrastructural power underpins selection processes and local state compliance with national targets. In Oromiya, state infrastructural power was underpinned by a significant degree of coercion in the face of limited legitimacy of the party-state. However, recent political events have seriously eroded this. In Afar, the state is forced to compensate for its own limitations by engaging in negotiation with clan structures.
Interactions of agricultural pesticide use near home during pregnancy and adverse childhood experiences on adolescent neurobehavioral development in the CHAMACOS study.

Abstract Background Studies have documented independent adverse associations between prenatal and early-life exposure to environmental chemicals and social adversity with child neurodevelopment; however, few have considered these exposures jointly. The objective of this analysis is to examine whether associations of pesticide mixtures and adolescent neurobehavioral development are modified by early-life adversity in the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) cohort. Methods We used linear mixed effects Bayesian Hierarchical Models (BHM) to examine the joint effect of applications of 11 agricultural pesticides within 1 km of maternal homes during pregnancy and youth-reported Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with maternal and youth-reported internalizing behaviors, hyperactivity, and attention problems assessed via the Behavior Assessment for Children (BASC) (mean = 50, standard deviation = 10) at ages 16 and 18 years (n = 458). Results The median (25th-75th percentiles) of ACEs was 1 (0–3); 72.3% of participants had low ACEs (0–2 events) and 27.7% had ACEs (3+ events). Overall, there was little evidence of modification of exposure-outcome associations by ACEs. A two-fold increase in malathion use was associated with increased internalizing behaviors among those with high ACEs from both maternal- (β = 1.9; 95% Credible Interval (CrI): 0.2, 3.7 for high ACEs vs. β = −0.1; 95% CrI: 1.2, 0.9 for low ACEs) and youth-report (β = 2.1; 95% CrI: 0.4, 3.8 for high ACEs vs. β = 0.2; 95% CrI: 0.8, 1.2 for low ACEs). Applications of malathion and dimethoate were also associated with higher youth-reported hyperactivity and/or inattention among those with high ACEs. Conclusion We observed little evidence of effect modification of agricultural pesticide use near the home during pregnancy and adolescent behavioral problems by child ACEs. Future studies should examine critical windows of susceptibility of exposure to chemical and non-chemical stressors and should consider biomarker-based exposure assessment methods.
Isolation of glycosphingolipids.

Publisher Summary Glycosphingolipids are classified primarily on the basis of their carbohydrate portion, which may vary from a single monosaccharide to large branched structures composed of >20 monosaccharide units. Techniques for glycosphingolipid purification have largely focused on separations based on saccharide differences, resulting in purification to oligosaccharide homogeneity. There is additional variation in the ceramide, which is composed of any of several long-chain bases (of which sphingosine is the most common in mammalian tissues), each of which is further substituted, through amide linkage, with any of a variety of fatty acids. Glycosphingolipid purification involves three steps—(1) extraction of lipids from a biological source, using organic solvents, (2) bulk separation from major lipid and nonlipid contaminants, and (3) chromatographic resolution of individual species. Isolation of glycosphingolipids requires repeated removal of solvents. For small samples this is most conveniently achieved under a stream of nitrogen in a heated block or water bath at ∼45°, using a commercial apparatus for multiple small samples. For large numbers of small samples containing volatile salts, which require vacuum for efficient removal, a SpeedVac concentrator is recommended.
When is a bird not a bird

Birds were once thought to have a large number of features exclusive to the group. One by one those features have also been identified in fossils of certain theropod dinosaurs. Now feathers join the list.
Mouse hepatoma and liver ferritins. Comparative structural studies.

Abstract Pure ferritin from male mouse liver produces a single band of monomers (RF = 0.199) with electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels at pH 9.0. The five sub-bands within this monomeric band appear to represent charge isomers having the same molecular size. Ferritin from BH3 transplantable mouse hepatoma shows two overlapping bands of monomers (RFA = 0.208 and RFB = 0.240); further electrophoretic studies show that these bands represent two subpopulations of molecules differing both in charge and size. Sub-bands are not found in this hepatoma ferritin. The larger tumor ferritin reaches the same end migration position as all liver isoferritins on gradient gels, signifying a very similar or identical molecular size; however, the absence of sub-bands indicates that this hepatoma ferritin differs in charge from the homologous liver proteins. Liver and hepatoma ferritins both produces a single prominent subunit band corresponding to nominal molecular weights of 22 250 and 21 700, with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and dithiothreitol. With electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gradient slabs containing sodium dodecyl sulfate and dithiothreitol, both liver and hepatoma ferritins now reveal two subunits bands situated at identical positions. The polypeptides of these two closely spaced bands have a nominal molecular weight difference of less than 1000. Neither the hepatoma nor the liver seems to produce the ferritins found in the other tissue. Nevertheless, all these ferritins are composed of the same two types of subunits, albeit in different relative amounts. Observed distinctions in the ferritins from these normal or neoplastic cells must reflect differences in assembly and processing, as well as in the regulated expression of the same ferritin genes.
The bounding approach to VLSI circuit simulation

VLSI Circuit Simulation.- Simulation with Bounds.- The VLSI Circuit Model.- Bound Relaxation.- Algorithms and Experimental Results.- Conclusion.
A framework for optimal scheduling of handoffs in wireless networks

The phenomenon of handoffs in cellular networks is formulated as an optimization problem. The signal received by a mobile user is treated as a stochastic process with an associated reward that is a function of some measurable characteristics of the received signal while the handoff is associated with a switching penalty. Using dynamic programming, properties of optimal policies for hard as well as soft handoff problems are derived. Using these properties, an optimal policy is obtained, which determines the optimal base station the mobile should be associated with during each time slot. Simulation results are also included that compare the optimal policy with the commonly used threshold policy.
Deuterium Isotope Effects in Cytology

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the growth characteristics of microorganisms and higher plants in deuteriated media and on the cytology of deuteriated cells. Deuteriated microorganisms exhibit a less well-organized pattern than do ordinary microorganisms. The degree of structural disorder is at a minimum in fully adapted cells, perhaps as a result of the successful confrontation of the kinetic disturbances encountered during adaptation. The kinetic problems of the adapting cells that lead to aberrant morphology can be minimized by serial subculture, or by fortification of the nutrient medium. Cultured animal cells are extremely sensitive to deuteriation. The differences in deuterium response, then, to a considerable extent are a reflection of the fundamental differences between plant and animal cells. Deuterium also affects cell division quite differently in plants and animals. Mammalian cells and sea urchin eggs are “frozen” in mitosis by what appears to be a markedly increased gelation of the cytoplasm, and the cells remain “frozen” as long as D 2 O is present. The chapter also discusses the cytochemistry of deuteriated cells, effects of deuterium on cell division, and some physical and chemical properties of D 2 O.
Who Owns Information?: From Privacy To Public Access

* Control of the Legal Infostructure * Who Owns Your Name and Address? * Who Owns Your Telephone Number? * Who Owns Your Medical History? * Who Owns Your Image? * Who Owns Your Electronic Messages? * Who Owns Video Entertainment? * Who Owns Religious Information? * Who Owns Computer Software? * Who Owns Government Information? * Conclusion: Information as an Asset: From Personal Autonomy to Public Access
A Tale of Two Disasters: Assessing Crisis Management Readiness

This paper attempts to use a readiness/ effectiveness framework to derive lessons learned from two major mother-of-nature disasters: the Kobe earthquake in Japan and the Katrina hurricane in the United States. Arguing that each and every large-scale disaster is unique in nature, it is important to continually improve the set up and operational procedures of rescue efforts. Using post-event reviews, we classify the lessons learned in three areas: response timeliness, communication and coordination, and technological infrastructure. For each of the two developed nations, this post-event analysis helps identify their structural and operational weaknesses and their (in)abilities to set up an effective crisis management system for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR).
How do Nutritional Stress and La Crosse Virus Infection Interact? Tests for Effects on Willingness to Blood Feed and Fecundity in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Evolutionary theory predicts that vector-borne pathogens should have low virulence for their vector because of selection against pathogens that harm the vector sufficiently to reduce transmission. Environmental factors such as nutritional stress can alter vector-pathogen associations by making the vectors more susceptible to pathogens (condition-dependent competence) and vulnerable to the harm caused by pathogen replication (condition-dependent virulence). We tested the hypotheses of condition-dependent competence and condition-dependent virulence by examining the interactive effects of short-term sugar deprivation and exposure to La Crosse virus (LACV) in female Aedes albopictus (Skuse). We predicted that infection status interacts with sugar deprivation to alter willingness to blood feed and fecundity in the second gonotrophic cycle (condition-dependent virulence). Sugar deprivation had no effect on body infection or disseminated infection rates. Infection status, sugar treatment, and their interaction had no effect on fecundity. Mosquitoes that had intermittent access to sugar were significantly more willing to take a second bloodmeal compared with those that had continuous access to sugar. Infection status and the interaction with sugar treatment had no effect on blood-feeding behavior. Thus, we found no evidence of short-term sugar deprivation leading to condition-dependent competence for, or condition-dependent virulence of, LACV in Ae. albopictus.