cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The auxiliary subunits Neto1 and Neto2 reduce voltage-dependent inhibition of recombinant kainate receptors.

Kainate receptors can be subject to voltage-dependent block by intracellular polyamines, which causes inward rectification of the current–voltage relationship. Sensitivity to polyamine block is largely determined by the identity of a residue within the pore domain that can be altered through RNA editing. This process causes replacement of the encoded glutamine(Q) with a positively charged arginine(R), eliminating polyamine inhibition and thus inward rectification. In neurons, kainate receptors can associate with the auxiliary subunits Neto1 or Neto2. These transmembrane proteins alter the trafficking, channel kinetics, and pharmacology of the receptors in a subunit-dependent manner. We found that coexpression of Neto subunits with recombinant GluK2(Q) kainate receptors greatly reduced inward rectification without altering calcium permeability. This effect was separate from modulation of channel kinetics, as mutations within the extracellular LDLa domain of the Neto proteins completely eliminated their effects on desensitization but only reduced their effects on rectification. Conversely, deletion of the intracellular C-terminal domain of Neto1 or Neto2 or neutralization of positively charged residues within this domain prevented the reduction in rectification but did not alter effects on channel kinetics. These results demonstrate new roles for Neto1 and Neto2 in regulating kainate receptor function and identify domains within these auxiliary subunits important for mediating their effects.
Balloon-in-stent technique for the constructive endovascular treatment of "ultra-wide necked" circumferential aneurysms.

Introduction Circumferential aneurysms, which incorporate >180 degrees of the circumference of the parent vessel, present a unique therapeutic challenge, particularly in circumstances in which a deconstructive treatment strategy is not feasible. We detail a novel technique for endovascular parent vessel reconstruction with aneurysm embolization. Methods We performed a retrospective review of the prospectively maintained databases of our two institutions to identify cases in which a balloon-in-stent technique had been used to treat circumferential aneurysms. During the first stage of this technique, a stent (Neuroform [Boston Scientific, Natick, MA], Multilink Vision [Guidant, Indianapolis, IN], or Bx Velocity [Cordis, New Brunswick, NJ]) is placed across the neck of the aneurysm to achieve parent vessel reconstruction. During the second stage, aneurysm coil embolization is performed with a compliant temporary occlusion balloon (Sentry [Boston Scientific, Natick, MA] or Hyperglide [Microtherapeutics, Irvine, CA]) placed within the stent to unambiguously demarcate and protect the parent vessel. In some cases, during the course of the embolization, coils project over and obscure the parent vessel in both working views. Before each coil detachment, the protection balloon is deflated under blank fluoroscopic roadmap visualization. The absence of shifting of any portion of the coil mass during balloon deflation indicates that the introduced coil is external to the stent-reconstructed parent vessel (i.e., within the aneurysm) and can be detached. This process is repeated until satisfactory aneurysm embolization is achieved. After embolization, the balloon catheter may be exchanged for a stent delivery system to facilitate the placement of a second stent. Results Seven patients underwent balloon-in-stent-assisted embolization over a 15-month period. Three were performed for internal carotid aneurysms, three for basilar trunk or basilar apex aneurysms, and one for a dissecting/fusiform V4 segment vertebral artery aneurysm. In three cases, the presence of the inflated balloon facilitated the manipulation of the image intensifier into a position which produced a "down-the-barrel" view of the parent vessel. In the four additional cases, for anatomic reasons, this view could not be achieved and coil mass projected over the reconstructed parent vessel in both views. Partial aneurysm occlusion (75-90%), was achieved in five cases, and near complete (>95%) occlusion was achieved in two cases. Complications included two significant retroperitoneal hematomas and two brainstem infarcts, both of which resulted in hemisensory symptoms. Conclusion The balloon-in-stent technique provides a practical and safe treatment strategy for the management of circumferential aneurysms that are not amenable to deconstructive embolization.
Probing vortex kinetics in high-Tc Y(Dy)Ba2Cu3O7 thin films with noise☆

Voltage noise has been measured with DC currents at temperatures near Tc in c-axis oriented DyBaCuO thin films. Two regimes of noise are observed as a function of magnetic field. For H<5kG, there are reproducible, microstructure-dependent “fingerprints” of variations of noise with field. These can be interpreted as collective vortex rearrangements between quasi-equilibrium configurations within the pinning potential produced by the granularity of the films.
Stories of Six Successful African American Males High School Students: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative, narrative study explored experiences of six successful African American male high school students. Findings suggested that barriers prior to high school were negative elements in ...
Policy proposal: limit address allocation to extend the lifetime of IPv4 in the APNIC region

The fourth revision of the Internet protocol (IPv4) has been so widely implemented, that the IPv4 address pool approaches full allocation. Currently, only 8% of the IPv4 address blocks are not yet allocated by IANA. Based on the allocation history, IPv4 addresses will be fully allocated in 2012 [11]. In this work, we analyze the historical allocation records of APNIC, the organization which manages IP address allocations in the Asia-Pacific region. We propose three policies that can be implemented by APNIC. We then validate our policies by simulating the APNIC allocations. The experiments show that the lifetime of IPv4 could be significantly extended.
Arrays of nonequilibrium plasmas confined to microcavities: an emerging frontier in plasma science and its applications

A new realm of plasma science has been entered recently with the demonstration of devices in which a nonequilibrium, low temperature plasma is produced within, and essentially confined to, a microcavity having a characteristic dimension (d) between 10 and 100??m. This development has introduced glow microplasmas exhibiting unique properties with respect to, for example, specific power loading and operation at atmospheric pressure (and beyond). Of equal import is the reduction of d below 100??D (where ?D is the Debye length), and the associated weakening of charge quasineutrality as well as the growing importance of plasma-wall interactions are evident. The general properties of several microcavity plasma devices occupying this region of parameter space are briefly described here, but recent experimental results with arrays (as large as 30 ? 30) of Al/Al2O3 devices are emphasized. Several potential applications of single microcavity plasma devices and planar arrays are also discussed.
Phonon dispersion and quantization tuning of strained carbon nanotubes for flexible electronics

Graphene and carbon nanotubes are materials with large potentials for applications in flexible electronics. Such devices require a high level of sustainable strain and an understanding of the materials electrical properties under strain. Using supercell theory in conjunction with a comprehensive molecular mechanics model, the full band phonon dispersion of carbon nanotubes under uniaxial strain is studied. The results suggest an overall phonon softening and open up the possibility of phonon quantization tuning with uniaxial strain. The change in phonon quantization and the resulting increase in electron-phonon and phonon-phonon scattering rates offer further explanation and theoretical basis to the experimental observation of electrical properties degradation for carbon nanotubes under uniaxial strain.
Prediction of Drag Coefficient and Secondary Motion of Free-Falling Rigid Cylindrical Particles with and without Curvature at Moderate Reynolds Number

Laboratory experiments have been conducted to understand the behavior of negatively buoyant cylindrical particles of density ρ, length L, diameter d, with and without curvature, freely falling in a fluid of density ρw at Reynolds numbers based on d of 200–6,000. The paper proposes a parameter based on the cylinder density ratio S=ρ/ρw and aspect ratio E=L/d that is able to predict the onset of different modes of secondary motion ranging from oscillations to tumbling. The same parameter can also predict the maximum amplitude of the oscillations of the cylinder, on the basis of comparing the magnitudes of the oscillation velocity with the fall velocity. Contrary to previous work that has treated the oscillations and drag coefficient dependence as independent phenomena, this paper argues that the secondary motion reduces the time-averaged projected surface area of the cylinder during its descent, leading to a lower observed drag coefficient CD computed using the nominal projected area of length times diamete...
There Is No Meaningful Relationship Between Television Exposure and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE. The recent but methodologically limited longitudinal study of the adverse attentional effects of television viewing in early childhood suggests a possible association. The purpose of the present study was to extend this investigation to a more current sample of kindergarten students using structural equation modeling, which allows for the simultaneous evaluation of predictors. METHODS. Two samples were randomly selected from nationally representative data collected from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. A structural equation model was developed positing a relationship between kindergartners9 television exposure and subsequent first-grade symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while controlling for variables related to socioeconomic status and parent involvement. Variables were selected rather than developed and do not include an acceptable measure of ADHD, which limited the scope of the measures used. The model was tested by using the first sample and then cross-validated to the second sample. RESULTS. Although the adequate fit of the model to the data suggests that children9s television exposure during kindergarten was related to symptoms of ADHD during the first grade, the amount of variance accounted for in the ADHD-symptoms variable revealed television exposure as a weak predictor of later ADHD symptoms. Effect sizes for the relationship between television exposure and symptoms of ADHD were close to zero and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS. Methodologic issues, including participant age, the measurement of ADHD symptoms, and evaluation of the importance of variables, may explain the differences between the present study and the results of others who have found television exposure to be related to attention problems. The measurement of ADHD symptoms through the use of longitudinal databases is an important limitation, because only a small number of items can be selected to represent symptoms. Future research is necessary to address these issues.
Event categorization in infancy

Recent research suggests that one of the mechanisms that contribute to infants' acquisition of their physical knowledge is the formation of event categories, such as occlusion and containment. Some of this research compared infants' identification of similar variables in different event categories. Marked developmental lags were found, suggesting that infants acquire event-specific rather than event-general expectations. Other research - on variable priming, perseveration, and object individuation - presented infants with successive events from the same or from different event categories. To understand the world as it unfolds, infants must not only represent each separate event, but also link successive events; this research begins to explore how infants respond to multiple events over time.
Microplitis croceipes teratocytes cause developmental arrest of Heliothis virescens larvae

Microplitis croceipes teratocytes placed into nonparasitized Heliothis virescens larvae survived in the absence of a parasitoid larva and caused developmental changes in the host. Expressions of these changes included delayed larval mortality, incomplete larval-pupal ecdysis, or delayed pupation. Two day old 4th stadium H. virescens larvae were more sensitive to injected teratocytes than were 5th stadium larvae. Three day old teratocytes were more effective than were 6 day old teratocytes. The degree of response was related to the number of injected teratocytes. For example, 750 three day old teratocytes (the approximate number from a single parasitoid egg) caused delayed larval mortality in 96% of the treated larvae whereas 175 three day old teratocytes caused delayed larval mortality in only 33% of the treated larvae. Even a dose of 80 teratocytes resulted in 15% incomplete larval-pupal ecdysis compared to 0% for controls. Treatment with hemocyte-and teratocyte-free hemolymph from parasitized larvae, hemocytes from nonparasitized H. virescens, unfertilized M. croceipes eggs, Cotesia congregata teratocytes, or Micrococcus lysodeikticus cells all had very little effect either on larval growth or development time.
FOOD SAFETY REGULATION:Reforming the Delaney Clause

The safety of food has been an age-old concern. Early civilizations adopted laws that punished sellers of tainted food. In this country, before food safety became a responsibility of the federal government every state had enacted laws prohibiting the sale of food that contained poisonous substances. The modern scientific and legal instruments available to the US Food and Drug Administration and allied agencies have improved regulation and advances in food preparation, preservation, and storage have contributed to a safer food supply. Even so, some observers believe that contemporary threats to food safety have grown more serious, and they surely excite intense public concern. For nearly two decades Congress has been debating the adequacy of current laws governing food safety. In the closing months of the 104th Congress, both parties finally agreed on the first significant legislative change in over a generation. This chapter examines the origins of the issues that were the focus of this extended debate and analyzes the implications of their resolution.
A Physical Link between the Pseudorabies Virus Capsid and the Nuclear Egress Complex

ABSTRACT Following their assembly, herpesvirus capsids exit the nucleus by budding at the inner nuclear membrane. Two highly conserved viral proteins are required for this process, pUL31 and pUL34. In this report, we demonstrate that the pUL31 component of the pseudorabies virus nuclear egress complex is a conditional capsid-binding protein that is unmasked in the absence of pUL34. The interaction between pUL31 and capsids was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy and Western blot analysis of purified intranuclear capsids. Three viral proteins were tested for their abilities to mediate the pUL31-capsid interaction: the minor capsid protein pUL25, the portal protein pUL6, and the terminase subunit pUL33. Despite the requirement for each protein in nuclear egress, none of these viral proteins were required for the pUL31-capsid interaction. These findings provide the first formal evidence that a herpesvirus nuclear egress complex interacts with capsids and have implications for how DNA-containing capsids are selectively targeted for nuclear egress.
Invasive fibrous thyroiditis (Riedel's struma).

INVASIVE fibrous thyroiditis as herein defined is a rare clinicopathologic entity. The exact incidence cannot be ascertained readily from the literature, largely because many authors have not defined accurately the type of “thyroiditis” being reported. Thus, critical appraisal of all purported cases is necessary. Prior to 1932, it was widely held that Riedel's struma was an end stage of Hashimoto's disease. Graham (1), in a careful review of the literature up to 1929, emphasized the striking differences between the two diseases and considered only 41 cases of Riedel's struma 2) reported up to that time as authentic. Since Graham's review, surprisingly few additional cases have been reported (3). A considerable number of reports on Riedel's struma deal in part or entirely with granulomatous (subacute) thyroiditis (4–11). The number of cases in which a strict definition of invasive fibrous thyroiditis is adhered to is extremely small. Schilling (12) described 1 authentic case with necropsy findings and 1 ad...
Model Variables: Cleanly Supporting Abstraction in Design By Contract

In design by contract (DBC), assertions are typically written using program variables and query methods. The lack of separation between program code and assertions is confusing, because readers do not know what code is intended for use in the program and what code is only intended for specification purposes. This lack of separation also creates a potential runtime performance penalty, even when runtime assertion checks are disabled, due to both the increased memory footprint of the program and the execution of code maintaining that part of the program's state intended for use in specifications. To solve these problems, we present a new way of writing and checking DBC assertions without directly referring to concrete program states, using ‘model’, i.e. specification-only, variables and methods. The use of model variables and methods does not incur the problems mentioned above, but it also allow one to write more easily assertions that are abstract, concise, and independent of representation details, and hence more readable and maintainable. We implemented these features in the runtime assertion checker for the Java Modeling Language (JML), but the approach could also be implemented in other DBC tools. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of the curvature of a smooth tropospheric boundary in beyond-the-horizon radio paths

This communication deals with the reflecting behavior of one spherical concave smooth atmospheric boundary in over-the-horizon radio propagation. First, the author examines how the convergence coefficient varies as a function of the ratio of the path length to the radius of curvature of the layer under different grazing angles. Next, the influence of the curvature on the mechanism of total internal reflection, regarding a subrefractive layer, is considered. Comparison of the obtained results with those corresponding to the case of a plane interface is also discussed.
News from the CDC: Scaling up sustainable intervention delivery–lessons learned from the CDC arthritis program

Expanding behavior change programs into widespread use with meaningful population impact is a public health challenge. This report described the CDC Arthritis Program’s strategic approach to fostering widespread availability and sustainability of community-based self-management education and physical activity interventions, and reviews common errors observed in efforts to disseminate and implement these interventions. The Arthritis Program strategic approach focuses on embedding interventions in delivery systems to facilitate spread and sustainability. Minimizing common implementation errors, such as pay-to-play partnerships, unsustainable delivery models, non-strategic growth strategies, non-selective training, imbalance between delivery and demand, infrequent interventions, and inadequate attention to data collection, can also enhance scaling up and sustaining behavior change interventions.
Histochemical Evaluation of Canine Coronary Artery and Aortic Lesions Induced by Intravenous Allylamine

The early lesions of the coronary arteries and aorta in animals given intravenous allylamine are described and are noted to be characterized by glycogen accumulation and by ground substance change indicated by increased PAS-positive material present after incubation with diastase. It is suggested that heterogeneous polysaccharides and/or substances containing 1-2 glycol linkages, other than sulphated acid polysaccharides, may be of importance in the early lesion.
Modifications to the Organophosphorus Nerve Agent-Protein Adduct Refluoridation Method for Retrospective Analysis of Nerve Agent Exposures

Organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNAs) continue pose a threat to military personnel and the general public because of their toxicity and their potential use as weapons of mass destruction. An effective method for the detection of human exposure to OPNAs involves the refluoridation of nerve agents adducted to the serum protein butyrylcholinesterase. The regenerated agents are then enriched by solid-phase extraction and quantified by isotopedilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We have previously reported improvements that resulted in a 10-fold increase in sensitivity. We have now made further changes to the method that include the addition of confirmation ions, the addition of soman (GD) to the assay, the expansion of the linear range, and the elimination of high-volume injection to decrease background noise and run time while improving sensitivity. This includes the standard operating procedures for this method for tabun, sarin, soman, cyclohexylsarin, and VX and validation studies. The method's limits of detection ranged from 5.5 to 16.5 pg/mL for the G analogue of VX and GD, respectively. Characterization of quality control (QC) materials resulted in an average coefficient of variation of 15.1% for the five analytes in low QC pools and 11.7% in high QC pools.
Opening and keynote 1

The following topics are dealt with: performance analysis of systems and software; benchmarking and workload characterization; simulation; architecture and performance evaluation; memory and caches; Java; and power estimation and reduction.
Diel Variation of Sugar Amount in Nectar from Pitchers of Sarracenia purpurea L. with and without Insect Visitors

Abstract Sarracenia purpurea L. is a carnivorous pitcher plant that attracts insect prey by producing nectar. We compared amount of sugar in different samples of nectar collected during the day and night and from bagged and nonbagged pitchers. Sugar content was measured in nectar samples from 87 pitchers at 3 h intervals over a 24 h period through the use of a wick-sampling technique and a colorimetric assay. We monitored environmental conditions at the time of nectar collection and correlated them with the amount of sugar/wick. We also measured ten pitcher characteristics and examined their relationship to variations in 24 h sugar amount. Sugar amount was higher at night for both bagged and nonbagged pitchers. During the day nonbagged pitchers had lower sugar amounts than bagged pitchers, perhaps due to removal of nectar by insects. A similar, but less pronounced, difference was observed at night. Relative humidity, air and ground temperature and time of day had little effect on sugar amount. Our data su...
Intervertebral Disc Culture Models and Their Applications to Study Pathogenesis and Repair

The intervertebral disc is the largest avascular and aneural structure in the human body (Holm et al. 1981) and composed of a number of interacting and interdependent tissues. While there are numerous clinical studies of the human disc, there remains a great deal to learn concerning its basic biology, alterations during disease, and treatment strategies. One important approach to studying the pathophysiology and the repair of the degenerative disc is through the use of animal models that approximate its unique anatomy and physiology. Although many relevant animal systems are available, because of the relatively small size of the disc, differences in cell and tissue function, and confounding biologic factors that include nutrient transport and metabolic activity, it is difficult to generate models that are comparable to the human. Simulating the disc niche is one of the greatest challenges in intervertebral disc degeneration research and a major obstacle in preventing the direct translation of findings relevant to cell culture and small animal model studies to the human condition. This chapter describes historical advancements in techniques used for intervertebral disc organ culture models and their applications to study disc physiology, pathogenesis of disease, and repair.
Causes and cures IV: The symbolism of violence

The past two years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014; a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly; and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach of the topic has been lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the fourth of a series of fifteen articles that will cover, as an example, an outline of the Global Health Studies course entitled, "Violence: Causes and Cures," reviewing the major bio-psycho-social and structural-environmental perspectives on violence. It discusses the symbolic nature of human actions, as studied through semiotics among other fields, and the reasons why religion, art, and iconography can become potent arenas for violent expression. Violence points to the most poignant aspects of human existence, which center around love and its consequences: emotional vitality ("spirit") and a cognitive sense of importance ("meaning"). These characteristics can, in turn, facilitate creativity, compassion, and resilience in the face of crisis, which are powerful mitigators of violence. Language: en
Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Bis‐intercalators with Varied Linkers between Aminochloropyrimidine Rings

The synthesis of two groups of aminochloropyrimidine bis-intercalators with different lipophilicity or limited flexibility of linkers as potential DNA intercalators is described. The lipophilic linkers in the synthesized bis-intercalators are represented by alternating methylene groups and oxygen atoms in a chain, with a pyrimidine ring containing an amino group and a chloro group at each end (10, 11, 12, 13). The bis-intercalators with limited flexibility contain chains with two benzene rings (15, 16, 17, 18, 19). All these compounds were obtained by nucleophilic substitution of 2-amino-4,6-dichloropyrimidine (1). The spectral data and other physical properties of the new compounds are presented. The anticancer activity of these newly synthesized compounds is also reported. Compounds 7 and 8 described in one of our previous publications display good anticancer activity against murine lymphoma.
Abstract LB-023: Caspase-9b directly interacts with cIAP1 to drive agonist-independent NF-κB activation and tumorigenesis in non-small cell lung cancer

Caspase-9 has two isoforms with opposing functions, pro-apoptotic caspase-9a (C9a) and anti-apoptotic caspase-9b (C9b). C9b expression has been reported to augment the anchorage-dependent growth (AIG) and tumorigenic capacity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The mechanism of this biological observation was revealed in this study. Specifically, C9b was demonstrated to have a dual caspase-9a-independent function in regulating the survival/oncogenic nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. In particular, C9b was shown to activate the canonical arm and inhibit of the non-canonical arm of the NF-κB pathway by destabilizing NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκB-α) and NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK). Importantly, this new role for C9b contributes to the enhanced survival and AIG of NSCLC cells conferred by C9b expression. The link between C9b expression and NF-κB activation was also validated in human NSCLC tumors. Further mechanistic studies revealed a direct association of C9b with the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (cIAP1), a regulatory factor in both arms of the NF-κB network, via its IAP-binding motif (IBM). Through this interaction, C9b induces the E3 ligase activity of cIAP1, which regulates NF-κB activation, and promotes the viability, AIG and tumorigenicity of NSCLC cells. Hence, C9b/cIAP1 interaction is a new attractive molecular target for developing therapeutics to treat NSCLC. Citation Format: Ngoc T. Vu, Margaret A. Park, Michael D. Shultz, Amy C. Ladd, Charles E. Chalfant. Caspase-9b directly interacts with cIAP1 to drive agonist-independent NF-κB activation and tumorigenesis in non-small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-023. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-LB-023
Design and Implementation of Grid Meteorological Information System based on Disaster Warning

As electric power industry is highly sensitive to and high-demand for weather service,weather conditions have greater influence on production and operation of power industry,especially electric power construction,production scheduling and maintenance of power facilities.This paper mainly studies impact of meteorological disasters on grid and analyzes overall structure and functions of grid meteorological information system,and implemented in engineering applications.With constructions of grid meteorological information system,it will realize conventional weather forecast and also realize monitoring and early warning of meteorological disaster affecting grid operation to achieve goal of disaster prevention and mitigation.Ultimately it will further improve level of stable operation of grid.
The Research of Parametric Modeling Based on Aircraft under Carriage Parts

Having a disscusion about the trouble of aircraft undercarriage in the traditional design and machining. Using CATIA as the redevelop platform,making a research about the key problem of parametric modeling based on aircraft undercarriage.The special system processing on that basis has the characteristics of efficient and precise,which making a progress of the processing efficiency,and shortening the processing cycle.It is a good result in practical engineering applications.
Exploring embodied social presence of youth with Autism in 3D collaborative virtual learning environment

This case study explores the experience of embodied social presence while learning social competence of 11 youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The learning takes place in a series of 13 Naturalistic Practice (NP) learning activities which are part of a 3D Collaborative Virtual Learning Environment (CVLE)-iSocial. iSocial is a translation of a face-to-face clinic based curriculum, Social Competence Intervention-Adolescents (SCI-A), into a 3D CVLE for delivery over the Internet,. This study developed a direct-observation instrument that built upon the Embodied Social Presence (ESP) theory framework to describe youth with ASDs' embodied presence, embodied copresence and embodied social presence. The findings show that youth with ASD achieved embodied presence and embodied copresence in almost all of the NP activities. However, they achieved embodied social presence in only a handful of NP activities. From comparisons between the learning activities that had high or low percentages of achieving ESP, the results indicate associations of design features (narratives, choosing roles, fantasy settings and ease of use of learning tools) with having a higher percentage of youth achieve embodied social presence. Furthermore, the work of this study provides a method for researchers interested in studying ESP and the results can inform future design decisions in the development 3D CVLE and the structure of learning activities within the 3D CVLE. The study explores 11 youth with Autism embodied social presence in 3D CVLE.Evidence-based observation method is developed based on ESP theory.Rich descriptions of levels of embodied presence, copresence, and social presence.Higher percentages of achieved ESP are associated with 3D CVLE Design features.
Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary Venous Hypertension: Epidemiology and Pathophysiology.

Pulmonary hypertension from left heart disease (PH-LHD) is the most common form of PH, defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg and pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≥15 mm Hg. PH-LHD development is associated with more severe left-sided disease and its presence portends a poor prognosis, particularly once right ventricular failure develops. Treatment remains focused on the underlying LHD and despite initial enthusiasm for PH-specific therapies, most studies have been disappointing and their routine clinical use cannot be recommended. More work is urgently needed to better understand the pathophysiology underlying this disease and to develop effective therapeutic strategies.
Discussion of “Optimal Conservatism with Earnings Manipulation”

In this discussion, I briefly summarize the key features of Bertomeu, Darrough, and Xue's (hereafter BDX) model. I then examine the four key assumptions that BDX employ to arrive at their results: (i) firms contract only on earnings; (ii) conservative earnings are better for contracting; (iii) conservatism motivates upward earnings manipulation; and (iv) conservatism is endogenous. I then briefly conclude.
Tagging the spectral mobility of the stateless body: Deleuze, stasis, and graffiti

Following recent work by Eleanor Kaufman, this essay reads Deleuze as a thinker of stasis and immobilization in order to think through the fantasy of the refugee as an exemplary figure of mobility. Working through Difference and Repetition, I argue that Deleuze’s understanding of space emerges from a concern with both immobility and the singular concept of temporality articulated in his concept of the “third synthesis of time.” The essay then turns to two contemporary instances of stateless people immobilized by very different forms of nation state sovereignty in Tunisia and the West Bank. I examine graffiti in both locations and develop a concept of tagging, which considers both the graffiti tag and the digital tag as intersecting technologies of distributed social networks that serve to freeze and make visible the stasis of the stateless person.
An Explorative Study Examining Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training in the Field of Music Therapy.

Background Music therapists work with many people who require Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). As communication goals are central to music therapy practice, many music therapists would benefit from training in AAC. Objective The purpose of this survey study was to determine the state of AAC education for music therapists at the university level, how AAC is being used in music therapy sessions, and how practicing music therapists are trained in AAC. Methods Music therapy faculty and credentialed music therapists in North America and Europe were invited to complete an online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data from each group of respondents. Results With regard to training in AAC at the university level, results indicate that almost half of music therapy faculty (44.66%) provided some training. The primary reason given for not providing training was a lack of educator knowledge in this area. Results indicate that a majority (81.77%) of music therapy clinicians are familiar with AAC and slightly over half (55.08%) reported that they work with clients who use AAC. Sixty-two percent of music therapists reported using AAC to promote expressive language, and 49% to increase receptive language. Over 80% of clinicians stated they would benefit from additional AAC training. Conclusions Although a majority of music therapists are familiar with ACC, results indicate that ACC competency could be enhanced through university-level instruction and continuing professional development courses.
The role of Iraqi dust in inducing lung injury in United States soldiers—An interdisciplinary study

United States soldiers are returning from the Greater Middle East with respiratory illnesses ranging from new onset asthma to constrictive bronchiolitis. The etiologies of the diseases are unknown. A study was conducted to determine the possible role of local mineral dust in the development of abnormal respiratory illnesses in soldiers during and after deployment in Iraq. A dust sample obtained in proximity to a burn pit in Camp Victory, Iraq (Camp Victory dust) was characterized both chemically and mineralogically. For comparison, a dust sample from Fort Irwin, California (Fort Irwin dust) was also collected. The ability of the dust samples to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified, as well as their ability to generate an inflammatory stress response (ISR) in human lung epithelial cells. Both samples are composed of common silicate and carbonate minerals and contain heavy metals with concentration ranges expected for mineral dust. The ISR generated by each sample was within the range of inert material with the minimal stress generated associated with the carbonate phases. The findings based on this one sample suggest that the origin of the disease is not driven by the particles ability to generate ROS. However, it is likely that particle overload and associated complications, or endotoxin contributes extensively to pathogenesis.
Chromatographic separation of the theranostic radionuclide 111Ag from a proton irradiated thorium matrix

Abstract Column chromatographic methods have been developed to separate no-carrier-added 111Ag from proton irradiated thorium targets and associated fission products as an ancillary process to an existing 225Ac separation design. Herein we report the separation of 111Ag both prior and subsequent to 225Ac recovery using CL resin, a solvent impregnated resin (SIR) that carries an organic solution of alkyl phosphine sulfides (R3P = S) and alkyl phosphine oxides (R3P = O). The recovery yield of 111Ag was 93 ± 9% with a radiochemical purity of 99.9% (prior) and 87 ± 9% with a radiochemical purity of 99.9% (subsequent to) 225Ac recovery. Both processes were successfully performed with insignificant impacts on 225Ac yields or quality. Measured equilibrium distribution coefficients for silver and ruthenium (a residual contaminant) on CL resin in hydrochloric and nitric acid media are reported, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. Additionally, measured cross sections for the production of 111Ag and 110mAg for the 232Th(p,f)110m,111Ag reactions are reported within.
Equity, Inclusion, and Beyond: Today’s Urban Chief Diversity Officer

This paper, based primarily on the author’s perspective as president of SUNY Empire State College, will explore the need for and means of leveraging the chief diversity officer’s role in creating an equitable and inclusive environment within the distributed world that is Empire State College’s “campus” and, specifically, within SUNY Empire’s urban environments. Empire State College fills a unique role in today’s higher-education landscape. It was founded in 1971 by Ernest Boyer, then the chancellor of the State University of New York, to make education accessible outside the confines of traditional curricular and delivery structures, and to better meet the needs of New Yorkers with locations, academic programming, and student services responsive to diverse communities and learners. Today, Empire State College continues to embrace and fulfill that mission, with individualized education as its cornerstone and nearly 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 34 academic centers around the state of New York, in several countries overseas and online around the world. The vast majority of its undergraduate students have attended at least one previous institution, are employed, and are likely to have family and dependent-care obligations. The college is purposefully nonresidential, designed to be where our students live and work. Students can choose structured or individualized academic programs, depending on discipline, and have the options of classroom-based, online, or independent study, as well as weekend residencies, or a hybrid of education delivery via these modes.
Structural diversity in pyridine and polypyridine adducts of ring slipped manganocene: correlating ligand steric bulk with quantified deviation from ideal hapticity.

We have synthesized several new manganocene-adduct ([Cp2Mn(L)] = 1–L) complexes using pyridine and polypyridine ligands and report their molecular structures and characterization data. Consistent with other molecules in this class [(ηx-Cp)2MnLn] or [(ηx-Cp)2Mn(L–L)] (n = 1, 2; x = 1, 3, or 5), the manganese-cyclopentadienide interaction deviates from the classical ηx interactions (x = 3 or 5). Such deviations have been ascribed to steric factors and often called non-ideal hapticity. However, there is no quantification of this non-ideal hapticity and thus it is difficult to evaluate the extent of ring slippage or assign hapticity. Furthermore, the hypothesis that non-ideal hapticity in high-spin MnII complexes is induced by steric interactions has not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, we report herein a quantified scale for deviation from ideal hapticity between zero (ideal η5 interaction) and one (“η1” interaction). This quantified deviation from ideal hapticity has an empirical relationship with the ligand's steric properties, which strongly supports the premise that steric interactions cause the deviations in ionic M–Cp interactions.
Energy Market and Policy Revolutions: Regulatory Process and the Cost of Capital

As the world embarks on a transition toward a low-carbon economy, one common characteristic of alternatives to fossil fuels has gone surprisingly unexamined: the cost of these alternative sources is disproportionately concentrated in capital expenses, rather than operating expenses. Solar, wind, and hydro power have very low operating expenses: the cost of these power sources is largely in their construction. Even nuclear power has low fuel costs compared to fossil fuel power sources. So as the world decarbonizes the power grid and electrifies the transportation sector, capital costs will grow increasingly important in the energy sector. At the same time, several trends in energy law have been conspiring to raise the cost of capital . First, privatization and deregulation of electric utilities mean that energy investors are less certain of recovering their capital investments. Second, a push for more public participation in decision-making on energy infrastructure has, at times, resulted in delays and uncertainty that make private companies even more wary of long-term capital investments in new energy facilities. Third, the drive for more careful and holistic environmental assessments of new energy facilities has, in some cases, further delayed new infrastructure, again making private investors wary of large, new investments. This Article considers how to manage these conflicting trends, describing how governments can achieve public participation and improved environmental assessment while, at the same time, ensuring the predictability that can support capital investment in a new energy economy. It also explores particular areas where these tensions may be irreconcilable, suggesting ways that governments may be able to serve the goals of expanded participation and assessment, while providing private capital with traction to achieve a transition away from fossil fuels.
Prospective Randomized Comparison of Cemented and Uncemented MG-II Knee Replacements

A prospective randomized study of patients between the ages of 65 and 85 with a diagnosis of degenerative arthritis was performed to evaluate the performance of the MG-II total knee arthroplasty in a cemented and a cementless application. All surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon. The patients were randomly assigned with no consideration given to bone quality, accuracy of surgical cuts, or activity level. The cemented group of patients had an MG-II arthroplasty implanted with a cemented patellar and tibial components with a cementless femoral component. The cementless group had a totally cementless MG-II arthroplasty using a metalbacked patellar component, a cementless tibial component fixed with four screws, and a cementless femoral component. All patients were followed prospectively with clinical and radiographic data obtained at each follow-up interval. Average follow-up was 2 years. Evaluation of clinical symptoms and radiographs would indicate that cementless MG-II total knee arthroplasty is as effective as cemented hybrid MG-II total knee arthroplasty. Hybrid cemented knees recovered faster than cementless knees.
Cardiogenic Shock Associated with Acute Left-Heart Failure

When cardiogenic shock is suspected, echocardiography should be performed at the bedside as soon as possible. This simple and noninvasive tool can assess the anatomy of the cardiac chambers, ventricular function, valve structure, and function and anatomy of the pericardial space. Echocardiography allows for expeditious evaluation of overall and regional left ventricular performance, and it can rule out other etiologies of shock.In addition, early use of echocardiography is the technique of choice for rapid diagnosis of mechanical causes of shock, such as acute mitral regurgitation resulting from papillary muscle rupture, acute ventricular septal defect, and free-wall rupture.
Maximally transitive semigroups of n×n matrices

We prove that, for every n≥1, there exists a pair of n×n matrices that generates a topologically n-transitive semigroup action on Kn, where K=R or C. Equivalently, we construct dense 2-generator subsemigroups of GL(n,K) for all n≥1.
Statistical Fluctuations in Devices

Fluctuations are inherent in all of the devices that we make. The simple fact that they are formed at finite temperature means that they are formed with finite entropy. Using one of the most basic definitions of entropy (Landau and Lifschitz, 1980), $$ S = k_B \log \left( {Number of states consistent with external constraints} \right), $$ implies that we have more than one possible state (typically configuration) of our device that we have prepared at the finite temperature. It has been long realized that fluctuations would eventually limit the reproducibility of devices (Keyes, 1972). Yet today we are begining to explore devices where these fluctuations may play a very important role.