cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE INTERORGANIZATIONAL BASIS OF METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS: EXCHANGE, POWER, AND AREAWIDE WATER SUPPLY STRATEGIES

The central concern of this study was to develop and test hypotheses which define interorganizational relationships among local governments in urbanizing regions. The hypotheses focus on the problem of allocating scarce resources among municipalities in metropolitan areas: urban water supplies. This conceptualization of the resource allocation process among semi-autonomous governmental units is grounded in theories of interorganizational relations, which identify important factors associated with cooperation and competition, which are embodied in metropolitan affairs in a broader context. The hypotheses were tested using data from a statewide survey of municipalities in North Carolina. A seven variable multiple regression model was constructed, utilizing measures of population size, growth rate, decision maker's perceptions of water supply issue salience, regional interdependence, interlocal relations, level of municipal dependence upon other governments for water supplies, and decision maker preferences for areawide water supply strategies. The analysis supports the hypothesis that decision makers of resource dependent municipalities prefer regional water supply strategies which lead to inter-local reorganization, rather than cooperative ones which maintain the status quo.
Helium and Combustion Gas Turbine Power Conversion Systems Comparison

For closed-cycle gas turbines, in a size to meet utility power generation needs, the selection of helium as the working fluid represents the best solution in terms of the overall power conversion system considering the differing requirements of the turbomachinery and heat exchangers. Helium is well suited for the nuclear Brayton cycle because it is neutronically inert.The impact of helium’s unique properties on the performance and size of the power conversion system components is discussed in this paper. The helium gas turbine plants, that have operated were based on 1950s and 1960s technology, represent a valuable technology base in terms of practical experience gained. However, the design of the Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor (GT-MHR), which could see utility service in the first decade of the 21st century will utilize turbomachinery and heat exchanger technologies from the combustion gas turbine and aerospace industries. An understanding of how the design of power conversion systems for closed-cycle plants and combustion gas turbines are affected by the working fluids (i.e., helium and air, respectively) is the major theme of this paper.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
DIFFERENCES IN BLADDER COMPLIANCE WITH TIME AND ASSOCIATIONS OF BLADDER MANAGEMENT WITH COMPLIANCE IN SPINAL CORD INJURED PATIENTS

Purpose: Controversy continues on the optimal method of bladder management in spinal cord injured patients. We investigated the effects of bladder management on bladder compliance and changes in compliance with time. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts, and video urodynamic and upper tract radiographic studies of 316 patients with spinal cord injury. Patients were categorized according to interval since injury and bladder management method, including clean intermittent catheterization, spontaneous voiding and chronic Foley catheterization. Those with upper tract complications were compared with asymptomatic controls at the bladder compliance threshold values of 10.0, 12.5, 15.0 and 20.0 cc/cm. water. Results: No significant differences were noted among bladder management method groups for followup, level, completeness or mechanism of injury. A bladder compliance threshold of 12.5 cc/cm. water was selected for the remaining comparisons based on the frequency of complications compared with asymptomatic controls. Patients using intermittent catheterization had a significantly higher incidence of normal compliance than the Foley management group for suprasacral, complete and incomplete injury (p Conclusions: Clean intermittent catheterization protects bladder compliance in spinal cord injured patients regardless of the level or completeness of injury and helps to prevent low compliance with time. Also, in the population studied low compliance was associated with upper tract complications. Therefore, clean intermittent catheterization is the superior method for preserving bladder compliance and preventing the upper tract complications associated with low compliance.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Matching Conditions in Uncertain Systems: Scalar Input

The uncertain transformation of scalar input uncertain systems to controllable canonical form is used to derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the satisfaction of matching conditions. In particular, it is shown that the matching conditions imply that the uncertain system is completely controllable for all uncertainties. They also imply that the controllable canonical dynamics matrix with zero eigenvalues when transformed back to the original state space by the uncertain transformation is a constant dynamics matrix. Equations are given for computing the matching conditions matrices in terms of the uncertain coefficients of the characteristic polynomial and the uncertain transformation. In addition, the necessary and sufficient conditions provide insight in the development of robust control for uncertain systems in the absence of matching conditions.
Measuring Transportation Characteristics of the Disabled: Louisville, Kentucky

: The transportation authority serving Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky purchased a set of lift-equipped buses to be placed in service in January 1988 and needed to know on which routes to place them. Soon afterward, they would need to make a decision whether to purchase additional lift-equipped buses. More generally, they wanted to know how best to plan for the needs of people with disabilities. A single general population survey that could provide all the information needed would have been too costly. An alternative method, using three stages of data collection, was selected: a survey of agencies and organizations serving people with disabilities, a canvass of people identified by these organizations, and telephone interviews with a subset of canvass respondents. This article reports on information collected through the canvass. Simultaneous to public media coverage of the study, canvass questionnaires were mailed to the members or clients of local organizations and agencies made up of or serving people with disabilities. A follow-up telephone interview was completed with a sample of those who did not return the canvass questionnaires. It was estimated that 5.5% of the Jefferson County, Kentucky population have disabilities, and that one-half of these people are under 65 years of age. As many as one-fourth of them may require lift access to use a public bus. The findings showed that most people with disabilities are driven by a relative or a friend when they need to travel; the second most common means of transportation for them is driving their own cars. Fixed-route bus users are younger than users of other types of transportation. They have fewer limitations overall, but are more likely to have communication or learning limitations than are disabled people driving their own cars. About half of the respondents had problems getting places; reaching places that provide health care was highest on the problem list. Although, half said they would use the bus if it were more easily accessible, current users were more likely to use the bus if it were better accessible in terms of schedule, route, or vehicle. Subsequent experiences of the transportation authority and other information suggest the canvass procedure produced reasonably reliable information.
ON THE LINK BETWEEN UMBILIC GEODESICS AND SOLITON SOLUTIONS OF NONLINEAR PDES

In this paper we describe a new class of soliton solutions, called umbilic solitons, for certain nonlinear integrable PDES. These umbilic solitons have the property that as the space variable x tends to infinity, the solution tends to a periodic wave, and as x tends to minus infinity, it tends to a phase shifted wave of the same shape. The equations admitting solutions in this new class include the Dym equation and equations in its hierarchy. The methods used to find and analyse these solutions are those of algebraic and complex geometry. We look for classes of solutions by constructing associated finite-dimensional integrable Hamiltonian systems on Riemann surfaces. In particular, in this setting we use geodesics on n-dimensional quadrics to find the spatial, or x-flow, which, together with the commuting t-flow given by the equation itself, defines new classes of solutions. Amongst these geodesics, particularly interesting ones are the umbilic geodesics, which then generate the class of umbilic soliton solutions. This same setting also enables us to introduce another class of solutions of Dym-like equations, which are related to elliptic and umbilic billiards.
Performance of Clostridium difficile Toxin Enzyme Immunoassay and Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests Stratified by Patient Disease Severity

Many clinical laboratories in the United States are transitioning from toxin enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) as the primary diagnostic test for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). While it is known that the analytical sensitivity of the toxin EIA is poor, there are limited clinical data on the performance of these assays for patients with mild or severe CDI. Two hundred ninety-six hospital inpatients with diarrhea and clinical suspicion for CDI were tested prospectively by toxin EIA, by C. difficile NAAT, and with a reference standard toxigenic culture. Following completion of laboratory testing, retrospective chart reviews were performed to stratify patients into mild and severe disease groups based on clinical criteria using a standard point-based system. One hundred forty-three patients with CDI confirmed by toxigenic culture were evaluated in this study. Among the patients with mild CDI, 49% tested positive by toxin EIA and 98% tested positive by NAAT. Among patients with severe CDI, 58% tested positive by toxin EIA and 98% tested positive by NAAT. Increased CDI disease severity was not associated with an increased sensitivity of EIA (P = 0.31). These data demonstrate that toxin EIA performs poorly both for patients with severe CDI and for those with mild CDI and support the routine use of NAAT for the diagnosis of CDI. The presence of stool toxin measured by EIA does not correlate with disease severity.
Phosphorylation regulates proteasomal-mediated degradation and solubility of TAR DNA binding protein-43 C-terminal fragments

Inclusions of TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) are the defining histopathological feature of several neurodegenerative diseases collectively referred to as TDP-43 proteinopathies. These diseases are characterized by the presence of cellular aggregates composed of abnormally phosphorylated, N-terminally truncated and ubiquitinated TDP-43 in the spinal cord and/or brain. Recent studies indicate that C-terminal fragments of TDP-43 are aggregation-prone and induce cytotoxicity. However, little is known regarding the pathways responsible for the degradation of these fragments and how their phosphorylation contributes to the pathogenesis of disease. Herein, we established a human neuroblastoma cell line (M17D3) that conditionally expresses an enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged caspase-cleaved C-terminal TDP-43 fragment (GFP-TDP220-414). We report that expression of this fragment within cells leads to a time-dependent formation of inclusions that are immunoreactive for both ubiquitin and phosphorylated TDP-43, thus recapitulating pathological hallmarks of TDP-43 proteinopathies. Phosphorylation of GFP-TDP220-414 renders it resistant to degradation and enhances its accumulation into insoluble aggregates. Nonetheless, GFP-TDP220-414 inclusions are reversible and can be cleared through the ubiquitin proteasome system. Moreover, both Hsp70 and Hsp90 bind to GFP-TDP220-414 and regulate its degradation. Our data indicates that inclusions formed from TDP-43 C-terminal fragments are reversible. Given that TDP-43 inclusions have been shown to confer toxicity, our findings have important therapeutic implications and suggest that modulating the phosphorylation state of TDP-43 C-terminal fragments may be a promising therapeutic strategy to clear TDP-43 inclusions.
Computation of Common Normal Between Wheelset and Rail as an Optimization Problem

Computation of Common Normal between a wheelset and rail is a key problem in simulation of wheel/rail interaction. Such an algorithm must be robust and efficient. In this work, computation of location of the common normal is formulated as an optimization problem. This framework has the advantage of being able to use optimization techniques for determination of location of common normal as an alternative Newton method. The numerical results obtained using Trust-Region Method are presented.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Ideas and Explanation: Advancing the Theoretical Agenda

This article responds to key methodological and theoretical challenges posed by the literature on the role of ideas in international relations, especially the literature on ideas and the end of the Cold War. The article develops a theoretical framework that guides the analysis of the empirical articles that follow. It identifies explanatory strategies for the role of ideas and seeks to clarify key methodological issues in the study of ideas. The article defines terms, identifies several different relationships between ideational and material factors, and lays out a series of “tests” for evaluating the causal effect of various kinds of ideas and ideational mechanisms. It then seeks to clarify two primary issues: whether it is possible to draw a clearer line between the material and the ideational; and what is meant by “constitutive effects” and “constitutive explanation.” The article defends the notion of constitutive explanation and shows how both causal analysis and constitutive analysis are valid explan...
Glutamate and cyclic AMP regulate the expression of galactokinase in Mycobacterium smegmatis

It was found that Mycobacterium smegmatis is unable to utilize galactose as the sole carbon source because the sugar alone cannot induce galactokinase. However, galactokinase was induced by glutamate alone, and was further stimulated by galactose. Rifampicin completely inhibited the glutamate-mediated expression of galK in both the absence and presence of galactose. Extracellular cAMP stimulated the expression of the enzyme only in the presence of glutamate plus galactose. The galK gene from M. smegmatis, including its upstream promoter region, was cloned in a plasmid in Escherichia coli. The expression of kinase from these clones in E. coli was dependent on cAMP and its receptor protein (CRP). The expression of UDP-galactose 4-epimerase was constitutive. This and other evidence suggests that the galK gene is not linked to galT and galE in the mycobacterial genome. In a glutamate-independent galactose-utilizing mutant (gin-1 mutant) of M. smegmatis, galK was expressed in the absence of both galactose and glutamate, while in the presence of galactose this expression was increased twofold in the absence of glutamate and fourfold in its presence. Extracellularly added cAMP reduced the expression of the enzyme in the presence of galactose plus glutamate nearly to the basal level. It is proposed that in M. smegmatis the galK gene is expressed from two different promoters; the expression from one promoter is dependent on glutamate but not on galactose and cAMP, while that from the other requires all three components. The role of galactose is possibly to derepress the latter promoter.
Flow cytometry in molecular aquatic ecology

In working towards understanding ecosystems that are often dominated by microorganisms, aquatic ecologists have historically relied on measuring bulk, community-level properties and synecological processes. However, developing a mechanistic and predictive explanation for the factors structuring aquatic ecosystems will require understanding the roles that individual microorganisms play in these higher-order phenomena. The application of molecular biological techniques to examine nucleic acids extracted in bulk from microbial communities can provide information about the taxonomic structure of microbial communities and the physiological ecology of particular types of organisms at various levels of specificity. Yet, even if accomplished at the ‘species’ level, these data still represent bulk parameters because they can reveal only an average value for the organisms and community of interest. A more detailed view may be gained by investigations performed at a single-cell level. Flow cytometry allows the measurement of one cell at a time, at a rate of thousands of cells per second. When combined with fluorescent stains, including nucleic acid and antibody-based molecular probes, flow cytometry permits rapid analysis of cell-specific information for particular types of microbes within complex microbial assemblages. Thus, the autecology of microbial populations and structure of microbial communities can be examined from the vantage point of the individual cells comprising them. By bringing the level of analysis closer to the relevant scale of the organisms being investigated, the combination of molecular tools and flow cytometry will bring powerful new insights into the autecology of aquatic microorganisms.
Impacts of Long-Term Wheat Straw Management on Soil Hydraulic Properties under No-Tillage

Crop residues left on the soil surface conserve soil and water, but residue impacts on near-surface soil hydraulic properties have not been widely studied. Therefore, soil hydraulic properties were determined under uncropped no-tillage (NT) plots receiving three levels of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw mulch (0, 8, and 16 Mg ha -1 yr -1 ) application for 10 consecutive yr on a Crosby silt loam (fine, mixed, active, mesic Aeric Epiaqualfs) in central Ohio. Water infiltration rates, earthworm population, saturated hydraulic conductivity (K sat ), soil water retention (SWR), total porosity, and pore-size distribution were determined and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was estimated from SWR and ( Ksat data. Mulching significantly impacted hydraulic properties in the 0- to 3-cm soil depth (P < 0.01), but water infiltration rate was unaffected. Earthworm counts were 0 m -2 in the unmulched treatment, 158 ± 52 m -2 (mean ± SD) in treatments with 8 Mg ha -1 yr -1 of straw, and 267 ± 58 m -2 in those with 16 Mg ha -1 yr -1 of straw. Mulched treatments had a (K sat 123 times greater and retained 40 to 60% more water between 0 and -1500 kPa than the unmulched treatment. Soil porosity increased by 28% under 8 Mg ha -1 yr -1 of straw and by 44% under 16 Mg ha -1 yr -1 in the 0- to 3-cm depth compared with the unmulched treatment. Pore volume of macro- and mesopores was greater in mulched treatments and that of fine mesopores was greater in the unmulched treatment in the 0- to 3-cm depth. Straw mulching appears to be a viable practice to improve near-surface hydraulic properties in long-term NT soils, although residues may not increase water infiltration rates.
On Analysis of Covariance Under Heteroscedasticity and Robustness with Respect to Departure from Normality

In this paper we consider a covariance model under heteroscedastic variances and propose a procedure for testing treatment effects. A simultaneous procedure for comparing the treatment effects is also developed. Some Monte Carlo studies indicate that the effects of departure from normality may not be very serious although some effects do exist due to high level of heteroscedasticity.
Now the learning curve affects CASE tool adoption

Part of adopting an industrial process is to go through a learning curve that measures the rate at which the average unit cost of production decreases as the cumulative amount produced increases. It is argued that organizations buy integrated CASE tools only to leave them on the shelf because they misinterpret the learning curve and its effect on productivity. It is shown that learning-curve models can quantitatively document the productivity effect of integrated CASE tools by factoring out the learning costs so that managers can use model results to estimate future projects with greater accuracy. Without this depth of understanding, managers are likely to make less-than-optimal decisions about integrated CASE and may abandon the technology too soon. The influence of learning curves on CASE tools and the adaptation of learning-curve models to integrate CASE are discussed. The three biggest tasks in the implementation of learning-curves in integrated CASE settings, locating a suitable data site, collecting the data, and validating the results, are also discussed. >
Estrogen and inflammation modulate estrogen receptor alpha expression in specific tissues of the temporomandibular joint

Estrogen is known to play role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and estrogen effects can be mediated by estrogen receptor (ER) alpha present in the TMJ. Cells expressing the estrogen receptor ERalpha are present in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) but changes in expression due to estrogen and inflammation have not been characterized. In this study, ERalpha protein content and the number of cells expressing ERalpha was measured in 17 beta-estradiol-treated rats after inflammation was induced in the TMJ. Sixteen ovariectomized female rats were divided into two groups such that one group received 17 beta estradiol (E2) and the other was given vehicle (VEH). Groups were then subdivided further, one received injections of saline and the other received Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) within the superior joint space of the TMJ. Thus the four groups include no E2/saline, E2/saline, no E2/CFA and E2/CFA. After treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and the TMJ anterior, disc, retrodiscal and synovial tissues were analyzed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. Positive stained cells were counted using a Nikon epifluorescent microscope. The western blot showed that ERalpha protein significantly decreased with inflammation. The number of ERalpha-positive cells in the TMJ was not affected by inflammation or 17 beta-estradiol with exception of the retrodiscal tissue. In the retrodiscal tissue 17 beta-estradiol significantly decreased the number of ERalpha-positive cells but only in a non-inflamed joint. In conclusion, inflammation and 17 beta-estradiol can modulate ERalpha expression in the TMJ but the effects are tissue specific.
Weight misperception and health risk behaviors among early adolescents.

Objectives—To examine associations between weight misperception and youth health risk and protective factors. Methods—Three thousand ten US seventh-graders (72.1% white, mean age: 12.7 years) selfreported height, weight, risk, and projective factors. Analyses were conducted to determine crosssectional and longitudinal associations between weight overestimation and health risk and protective factors. Results—Risk and protective factors had significant cross-sectional associations with weight overestimation. However, only depressive symptoms and reduced optimism predicted weight overestimation in eighth grade. Weight overestimation did not predict engagement in risky behaviors. Conclusions—Weight overestimation and risk factors appear to co-occur, suggesting a constellation of risk that warrants further research.
Pulmonary stenosis with increased pulmonary blood flow.

Abstract 1. 1. Eight cases of pulmonic stenosis with increased pulmonary blood flow have been described. Four cases had an interventricular septal defect, three an atrial septal defect and one, an aortic-pulmonary artery communication. 2. 2. Such cases are not rare since they occur at least as frequently as instances of Eisenmenger's syndrome. 3. 3. The essential clinical features consist of a combination of the signs of an atrial or an interventricular septal defect associated with those of a pulmonic stenosis. Increased pulmonary vascular markings which are seen by x-ray caused the pulmonic stenosis to be overlooked in seven of the above eight cases. In five cases the pulmonic second sound was accentuated. 4. 4. Surgery should be directed toward closure of the septal defect where this is possible since the degree of pulmonic stenosis is usually mild and further enlargement of the valve orifice may only increase the magnitude of the left-to-right shunt.
The Kinesin-8 motor, Kif18A, Suppresses Kinetochore Movements to Control Mitotic Chromosome Alignment

SUMMARY During vertebrate cell division, chromosomes oscillate with periods of smooth motion interrupted by abrupt reversals in direction. These oscillations must be spatially constrained in order to align and segregate chromosomes with high fidelity, but the molecular mechanism for this activity is uncertain. We report here that the human kinesin-8 Kif18A has a primary role in the control of chromosome oscillations. Kif18A accumulates as a gradient on kinetochore microtubules in a manner dependent on its motor activity. Quantitative analyses of kinetochore movements reveal that Kif18A reduces the amplitude of preanaphase oscillations and slows poleward movement during anaphase. Thus, the microtubuledepolymerizing kinesin Kif18A has the unexpected function of suppressing chromosome movements. Based on these findings, we propose a molecular model in which Kif18A regulates kinetochore microtubule dynamics to control mitotic chromosome positioning.
Long-term outcome of optic nerve encasement and optic nerve decompression in patients with fibrous dysplasia: risk factors for blindness and safety of observation.

OBJECTIVE: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) of bone may occur solely as a skeletal condition or it may occur in association with extraskeletal manifestations, including growth hormone (GH) excess. Uncertainty exists as to the management of FD involving the optic nerves. In an effort to clarify management, the authors studied a large population of patients. METHODS: One hundred four patients underwent an evaluation that included review of records, endocrine testing, cranial computed tomography, and neuroophthalmological examination. RESULTS: Ninety-one of 104 patients had craniofacial FD; complete records were available for 87 patients (174 nerves). Seventeen percent of the optic nerves were less than 50% encased, 22% were 50 to 99% encased, and 61% were 100% encased. Twelve percent of the nerves that were 100% encased showed evidence of optic neuropathy, but 88% did not. The group with optic neuropathy was not older than the group without. Patients with GH excess were significantly more likely to have nerves that were 100% encased (relative risk, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.5‐11.1; P 0.0017) and to have optic neuropathy (relative risk, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.0‐7.1; P 0.0019). Six prophylactic optic nerve decompressions were performed; in five patients, vision was stable after surgery, and one patient was blind after surgery. Thirteen interventional optic nerve decompression procedures were performed; six of the 13 patients showed some improvement and seven of the 13 showed no improvement or worsened vision. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of optic nerves encased with FD do not exhibit symptoms of optic neuropathy and seem to be stable over time. GH excess is associated with increased risk of nerve encasement and optic neuropathy. Patients with craniofacial FD should be screened for GH excess, and optic nerve decompression should be performed only when there is objective evidence of progressive optic neuropathy.
Treatment of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Updated Review and Findings From a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Case Series

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) were first described in the medical literature in the 19th century, as seizure-like attacks not related to an identified central nervous system lesion, and are currently classified as a conversion disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). While a universally accepted and unifying etiological model does not yet exist, several risk factors have been identified. Management of PNES should be based on interdisciplinary collaboration, targeting modifiable risk factors. The first treatment phase in PNES is patient engagement, which is challenging given the demonstrated low rates of treatment retention. Acute interventions constitute the next phase in treatment, and most research studies focus on short-term evidence-based interventions. Randomized controlled pilot trials support cognitive-behavioral therapy. Other psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions have been less well-studied using controlled and uncontrolled trials. Within the discussion of acute interventions, we present a preliminary evaluation for feasibility of a mindfulness-based psychotherapy protocol in a very small sample of PNES patients. We demonstrated in 6 subjects that this intervention is feasible in real-life clinical scenarios and warrants further investigation in larger scale studies. The final treatment phase is long-term follow-up. Long-term outcome studies in PNES show that a significant proportion of patients remains symptomatic and experiences continued impairments in quality of life and functionality. We believe that PNES should be understood as a disease that requires different types of intervention during the various phases of treatment.
Transcriptional profiling of dysplastic lesions in K14-HPV16 transgenic mice using laser microdissection

In the K14-HPV16 transgenic mouse model of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated squamous cell cancers, HPV16 E6 and E7 oncogenes and E1 and E2 regulatory genes are driven by the K14 keratinocyte-specific promoter. HPV transcription varies within the different layers of the epithelium. The correlation between HPV transcription patterns and disease pathogenesis is not well understood. Understanding these patterns is critical to designing and testing new HPV-specific therapeutic strategies. We examined HPV gene expression in homogenous populations of cells microdissected from the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, and stratum corneum of lesions from the transgenic mice using PALM microlaser technology. RNA extracted from each cell layer was subjected to two-step gene-specific RT-PCR and real-time quantitative nested PCR. To ensure specific amplification of spliced transcripts, the primers used for real-time nested PCR spanned the splice sites. High levels of E2 were detected in the basal and supra-basal layers of hyperplastic and dysplastic lesions. E7 and E6* levels increased significantly over time in stratum basale and stratum spinosum. E6** was expressed at much lower levels. We showed that the transgenic mice express correctly spliced E2 transcripts and are suitable as a preclinical model to test a therapeutic strategy using transcriptional regulation by the E2 protein.
Working on Low-Paid Micro-Task Crowdsourcing Platforms: An Existence, Relatedness and Growth View

Low-paid micro-task crowdsourcing sites present a new workplace that has been increasingly popular. Given recently reported crowd demographics and relevant literature we believe that the understanding of higher-level motivations for workers on these sites is still an under-explored area. Using a qualitative research methodology, we explore workers’ motivations in their natural settings. We conduct interviews with Amazon Mechanical Turk workers and analyze the data through the lens of Alderfer’s existence, relatedness, and growth theory. Our paper contributes new insights to the crowdsourcing literature, specifically that low-paid micro-task crowdsourcing workers aim to satisfy relatedness (connectedness and societal impact), existence (income, basic rights and rewarding experience), and growth needs (impact on self and skill development). We also discuss three additional categories that emerge from our data: sense of control and power, having fun and passing the time. Our findings provide new contributions that are of high relevance to both theory and practice.
Graduate Business Students' Perceptions on Pre-Lecture Videos

This study examines the relationship between students’ perception of pre-lecture videos and learning outcomes and assessment of teaching effectiveness for a full-time master of business administration (MBA) corporate finance core class. I compare students’ perceptions on pre-lecture videos (Youtube and screencast) with their perceptions on four learning methods: face-to-face lecture on whiteboards, face-to-face PowerPoint lecture, reading the textbook, and other learning methods (i.e. study group, class discussions, tutoring, etc.). I find that students’ perceptions of face-to-face lecture on whiteboards and Youtube videos which show their instructor explaining the concepts on whiteboards are higher than the rest of four methods. Students perceive that pre-lecture videos enhance their learning and help them earn a better grade. I also find that the pre-lecture videos are positively associated with higher students rating on instructor’s teaching effectiveness.
A polylogarithmic space deterministic streaming algorithm for approximating distance to monotonicity

The distance to monotonicity of a sequence of n numbers is the minimum number of entries whose deletion leaves an increasing sequence. We give the first deterministic streaming algorithm that approximates the distance to monotonicity within a 1 + e factor for any fixed e > 0 and runs in space polylogarithmic in the length of the sequence and the range of the numbers. The best previous deterministic algorithm achieving the same approximation factor required space Ω([EQUATION]n) [9]. Previous polylogarithmic space algorithms were either randomized [10], or had approximation factor no better than 2 [8].We also present space lower bounds for this problem: Any deterministic streaming algorithm that gets a 1 + e approximation requires space Ω(1/e log2 (n)) and any randomized algorithm requires space Ω(1/e log2(n)/log log(n)).
The Relationship Among Neuromuscular Impairments, Chronic Back Pain, and Mobility in Older Adults

Abstract Background For older adults with mobility problems, one focus of rehabilitation is treating the underlying neuromuscular impairment(s) that lead to functional decline and disability. Knowing which neuromuscular impairments contribute to basic mobility tasks among older adults with back pain will fill an important knowledge gap and is a critical step towards developing mechanistically based rehabilitative interventions. Objective To evaluate the relationship of neuromuscular impairments with performance of mobility tasks among older adults with and without back pain. Design Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study of the Elderly. Setting Primary care−based population. Patients Participants (N = 430) were older primary care patients who completed assessments of neuromuscular impairments and mobility tasks. Methods Back pain was assessed by the use of an established comorbidity questionnaire. Neuromuscular impairments included trunk extensor muscle endurance, kyphosis, leg strength, leg strength asymmetry, leg speed, mean reaction time, leg coordination, and knee and ankle range of motion. Main Outcome Measurements Mobility tasks included gait speed, standing balance, chair stand, and patient-reported functional status. Analysis of covariance was used to generate adjusted means for neuromuscular impairments that differed significantly by back pain status. Separate multivariable regression models evaluated the association between neuromuscular impairments and mobility based on back pain status after we adjusted for sociodemographic factors and physiologic impairments. Results Participants had an average age of 77 years, 68% were female, and 31% reported back pain. Trunk extensor muscle endurance, leg strength, and rapid leg coordination were significantly lower among those with back pain compared to those without ( P P = .01, P = .04, respectively). Patterns of neuromuscular impairments that were associated with mobility tasks differed according to back pain status. Conclusions The neuromuscular impairment profiles associated with mobility function among older adults with back pain vary compared with older adults without back pain.
CUBOAT: Colorado Underwater Buoyant Oceanic Acoustic neTwork

eld of bio-inspired Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The most recent iteration of bio-inspired AUVs is the vehicle KRAKEN (Kinematically Roving Autonomously Kontrolled Electro-Nautic). The CUBOAT project modies KRAKEN for underwater networking and acoustic research. The vehicle modications include the addition of a three-dimensional positioning system based on the ultrashort-baseline localization method and an acoustic communication system developed inhouse. A command module acts as a communication hub and a reference point for the vehicle during dynamic autonomous waypoint maneuvers. The acoustic communication system is designed to be inexpensive and compact allowing for easy integration and minimal modications of existing underwater vehicles. This is in contrast to available underwater communication systems which are either overly large or overly expensive. The localization system is designed to the specications of the 13th Annual AUV student competition, which is sponsored by AUVSI (the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International). In addition to the communication and localization advancements, the project also incorporates a robust autonomous control algorithm based on modern control theory which is developed and implemented using LabVIEW software. Engineering developments demonstrated in this project will act as stepping stones for future underwater vehicle sensor networking research.
TUMORS OF THE SMALL BOWEL. DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE.

Tumors of the small bowel, while uncommon, produce common symptoms (dyspepsia, colic, anemia, fatigue, weight loss). Accurate preoperative diagnosis can be made only by x-ray studies and most often is made when a suspicious clinician collaborates with a persistent radiologist. Pathologic features, symptoms, and roentgeno-graphic methods and findings are discussed with a view toward the promotion of earlier diagnosis.
A functional analysis of flying and walking in pterosaurs

An analysis of the structure and kinematics of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of pterosaurs, and functional analogy with recent and fossil vertebrates, supports a reappraisal of the locomotory abilities of pterosaurs. A hypothesis of structural, aerodynamic, and evolutionary differences distinguishing ver- tebrate gliders from fliers is proposed; pterosaurs fit all the criteria of fliers but none pertaining to gliders. The kinematics of the reconstructed pterosaur flight stroke reveal a down-and-forward component found also in birds and bats; structural features of the shoulder girdle and sternum unique to pterosaurs may be explained in light of this motion. The recovery stroke of flight was accomplished, in birdlike fashion, by a functional reversal of the action of the M. supracoracoideus by the pronounced enlargement of the acrocoracoid process, which acted as a pulley. The wing membrane was supported and controlled through a system of stiffened, intercalated fibers, which were oriented like the main structural elements in the wings of birds and bats. The hindlimbs of pterosaurs were independent of the wing membrane, and articulated like those of other advanced archosaurs and birds, not like those of bats. The gait was parasagittal and the stance
Wilhelm von Humboldt

Aus einer 1738 geadelten burgerlichen Familie, Bruder von Alexander von Humboldt; ab 1785 Privatunterricht bei J. H. Campe (umfassende humanistische Bildung); 1787–1790 Studium der Rechts- und Naturwissenschaft en sowie der Philosophie in Frankfurt a.d. Oder und Gottingen; 1790–1791 am Berliner Kammergericht; ab 1794 Privatgelehrter in Jena, Bekanntschaft mit Schiller, Goethe und den Schlegels; 1797–1799 in Paris, 1799–1801 Reisen nach Spanien, Studium des Baskischen, Durchbruch zur eigenen Sprachwissenschaft ; 1801–1808 preusischer Resident am Heiligen Stuhl in Rom; 1809–1810 Leiter der Sektion fur Kultus und Unterricht im Innenministerium, Reformen des Schulund Hochschulwesens; 1810 Grunder der Berliner Universitat; 1814/15 preusischer Gesandter beim Wiener Kongress; verhandelte ab 1816 beim Deutschen Bund in Frankfurt off ene territoriale Fragen, 1817 Gesandter in London; 1819 Minister fur standische und kommunale Angelegenheiten in Berlin; 1819 Entzug aller Amter nach erfolglosem Widerstand gegen Karlsbader Beschlusse.
A novel classification system for dysplastic nevus and malignant melanoma

Melanoma is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, however, if detected early, it is curable. A dysplastic nevus (atypical mole) is not cancerous but may represent a precursor to malignancy as nearly 40% of melanomas arise from a preexisting mole. In this study, we propose a system to classify a skin lesion image as melanoma (M), dysplastic nevus (D), and benign (B). For this purpose we develop a new two layered-system. The first layer consists of three binary Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers, one for each pair of classes, M vs B, M vs D, and B vs D. The second layer is a novel decision maker function, which uses probability memberships derived from the first layer. Each lesion is characterized with five features, which mostly overlaps with the ABCD rule of dermatology. The dataset we used have 112 lesions with 54 M, 38 D, and 20 B cases. In the experiments of melanoma detection, we obtained 98% specificity, 76% sensitivity, and 85% F-measure accuracy.
Cloud RAN and edge caching: Fundamental performance trade-offs

A wireless network architecture is studied in which edge nodes (ENs), such as base stations, are connected to a cloud processor by dedicated fronthaul links, while also being endowed with caches, in which popular content, such as multimedia files, can be proactively stored. Cloud processing enables the centralized implementation of cooperative transmission by the ENs, albeit at the cost of an increased latency due to fronthaul transfer. In contrast, edge caching allows for the low-latency delivery of the cached files, but with generally limited cooperation among the ENs. The interplay between cloud processing and edge caching is studied from an information-theoretic viewpoint by investigating the fundamental limits of a metric, termed normalized delivery time (NDT), which captures the worst-case latency for delivering any requested content to the users. Lower and upper bounds on the NDT are derived that yield insights into the trade-off between cache storage capacity, fronthaul capacity and delivery latency.
Coordinated optimization of distributed energy resources and smart loads in distribution systems

Distributed energy resources (DERs) and smart loads have the potential to provide flexibility to the distribution system operation. A coordinated optimization approach is proposed in this paper to actively manage DERs and smart loads in distribution systems to achieve the optimal operation status. A three-phase unbalanced Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem is developed to determine the output from DERs and smart loads with respect to the system operator's control objective. This paper focuses on coordinating PV systems and smart loads to improve the overall voltage profile in distribution systems. Simulations have been carried out in a 12-bus distribution feeder and results illustrate the superior control performance of the proposed approach.
Towards a heterogeneous, polystore-like data architecture for the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) enterprise analytics

The Polystore architecture revisits the federated approach to access and querying the standalone, independent databases in the uniform and optimized fashion, but this time in the context of heterogeneous data and specialized analyses. In light of this architectural philosophy, and in the light of the major data architecture development efforts at the US Department of Veterans Administration (VA), we discuss the need for the heterogeneous data store consisting of large relational data warehouse, an image and text datastore, and a peta-scale genomic repository. The VA's heterogeneous datastore would, to a larger or smaller degree, follow the architectural blueprint proposed by the polystore architecture. To this end, we discuss the current state of the data architecture at VA, architectural alternatives for development of the heterogeneous datastore, some relevant use cases, the anticipated challenges, and the drawbacks and benefits of adopting the polystore architecture.
Sexual Differentiation of the Brain: Mode, Mechanisms, and Meaning

This is an exciting time to study sex differences in the brain. Fifty years of building on the foundations established by the organizational/activational hypothesis of steroid hormone action proposed by Phoenix and colleagues to explain steroid action on the brain has provided an increasingly complex and nuanced view of how the brain develops differently in males and females. In this chapter, we first discuss the things we know; there are sex differences in physiology and behavior, in susceptibility to diseases of the nervous system, including mental health disorders, and in neuroanatomical and neurochemical measures. These sex differences depend on androgens, estrogens, and sometimes sex chromosomal complement (XX vs. XY) acting during development as well as in adulthood, and yet the manifestation of these sex differences may be context dependent. There are four key cellular processes (ell birth, cell death, cell migration, and cell differentiation) that could potentially underlie sexual differentiation of the brain and we discuss the evidence for each in detail. Lastly, we review what we consider major, unanswered, and profound questions regarding the importance of sex differences, how they are established, why they persist, and what they mean.
Oligonucleotide modifications enhance probe stability for single cell transcriptome in vivo analysis (TIVA)

Single cell transcriptomics provides a powerful discovery tool for identifying new cell types and functions as well as a means to probe molecular features of the etiology and treatment of human diseases, including cancer. However, such analyses are limited by the difficulty of isolating mRNA from single cells within biological samples. We recently introduced a photochemical method for isolating mRNA from single living cells, Transcriptome In Vivo Analysis (TIVA). The TIVA probe is a “caged” polyU : polyA oligonucleotide hairpin designed to enter live tissue, where site-specific activation with 405 nm laser reveals the polyU-biotin strand to bind mRNA in a target cell, enabling subsequent mRNA isolation and sequencing. The TIVA method is well suited for analysis of living cells in resected tissue, but has not yet been applied to living cells in whole organisms. Adapting TIVA to this more challenging environment requires a probe with higher thermal stability, more robust caging, and greater nuclease resistance. In this paper we present modifications to the original TIVA probe with multiple aspects of enhanced stability. These newer probes utilize an extended 22mer polyU capture strand with two 9mer polyA blocking strands (“22/9/9”) for higher thermal stability pre-photolysis and improved mRNA capture affinity post-photolysis. The “22/9/9 GC” probe features a terminal GC pair to reduce pre-photolysis interactions with mRNA by more than half. The “PS-22/9/9” probe features a phosphorothioated backbone, which extends serum stability from <1 h to at least 48 h, and also mediates uptake into cultured human fibroblasts.