cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Corporation- and Industry-Level Strain and Opportunity on Corporate Crime

Although recent corporate crime studies have made important advances by investigating how individuals decide to offend, they have paid limited attention to a corporation’s organizational structures. Yet, the extant organizational studies have generated inconclusive evidence when assessing the relationship between financial performance and corporate crime, and few studies have combined organizational and industrial factors in models of corporate crime. Building on strain and opportunity theories and prior research, the authors develop hypotheses about the direct and interactive effects of corporation- and industry-level strains and opportunity structures. The authors test these hypotheses using Clinard and Yeager’s Illegal Corporate Behavior data. In short, the results indicate that the effect of corporation-level strain is more pronounced for corporations marked by lower levels of diversification and corporations that operate in industries experiencing higher levels of strain. The authors discuss the impl...
Further evidence supporting the validity of both a multidimensional profile and an overall evaluation of teaching effectiveness

The purpose of this research is to provide additional empirical evidence supporting the use of both a multidimensional profile and an overall evaluation of teaching effectiveness as valid indicators of student perceptions of effective classroom instruction. A factor analytic teaching evaluation instrument was used that also included open‐ended comments on four questions. Numerical scores from 208 classes were matched with the average valence of the open‐ended comments. It was found that the average valences were highly positively correlated with the numerical factor scores that make up the multidimensional profile of teaching effectiveness and with the second‐order factor that serves as an overall evaluation of teaching effectiveness. The implications of these results for the usefulness of student evaluations are discussed.
Social Class and Work-related Decisions Measurement, Theory, and Social Mobility

In this reaction to Diemer and Ali's article, “Integrating Social Class Into Vocational Psychology: Theory and Practice Implications,” the authors point out concerns with binary schema of social cl...
Conducta suicida: factores de riesgo y protección.

Aproximadamente un millon de personas mueren cada ano debido a suicidio. Poblaciones de alto riesgo de suicidio incluyen militares, adolescentes, ancianos, y pacientes con enfermedades cronicas mentales o medicas. Mas de 90% de suicidios ocurren en personas que sufren de alguna enfermedad psiquiatrica. Practicamente todas las enfermedades psiquiatricas aumentan el riesgo de suicidio, sin embargo la depresion esta asociada a mas de la mitad de los casos de suicidio. Hallazgos clinicos, epidemiologicos, autopsias psicologicas, en genetica, neuroquimica, y neuroimagenes han incrementado significativamente nuestro conocimiento sobre el suicidio. El factor biologico mas consistentemente asociado a suicidio es la disminucion en la neurotransmision serotoninergica, particularmente en la zona ventral de la corteza prefrontal. Deficits en la funcion de la zona ventral de la corteza prefrontal estan asociadas a impulsividad y a suboptima toma de decisiones. Las otras aminas biogenicas y el eje hipotalamico-pituitaria-adrenal (HPA) tambien parecen estar involucrados en la proclividad al suicidio. Los factores cognitivos y psicologicos involucrados en suicidio incluyen desesperanza, dolor psicologico o mental, impulsividad, pobre habilidad para solucionar problemas, perfeccionismo y pobre autoestima. Los factores de proteccion contra el suicidio mas estudiados son: acceso y utilizacion de servicios de salud, conexion significativa con familia y la comunidad, y creencias religiosas y culturales que se oponen al suicidio. A pesar de la abundancia de estudios realizados, aun carecemos de factores fidedignos de prediccion de riesgo de suicidio y debemos basarnos en el reporte del individuo y emplear el juicio clinico. Por eso continua siendo tremendamente dificil predecir quien morira por suicidio. Dada esta dramatica carencia, continua siendo una alta prioridad el desarrollo de estrategias de deteccion y prevencion de suicidio, especialmente en poblaciones de alto riesgo.
Effects of Fishmeal Supplementation on Fertility and Plasma Ω-3 Fatty Acid Profiles in Primiparous, Lactating Beef Cows

A 2-yr study was conducted using 82 lactating, 2-yr-old, primiparous crossbred beef cows (yr 1, n = 40; yr 2, n = 42) to study the effect of fishmeal supplementation on reproductive performance. Cows were fed a corn silage-based diet supplemented with fishmeal (5% DM) or corn gluten meal (8.7% DM), beginning 25 d prior to the start of and continuing through the 90-d breeding season. Cows were artificially bred with semen from bulls of proven fertility 12 h after being detected in estrus. Jugular blood samples were taken from all cows on d 3 or 4, 9 or 10, and 15 or 16 following first insemination and analyzed for serum progesterone. During yr 2 of the study, additional blood samples were collected from four cows within each treatment group immediately before supplementation began (d 0) and at 7-d intervals for the first 35 d of supplementation. Plasma samples were analyzed for Ω-3 fatty acids. Serum progesterone concentrations did not differ between treatment groups following the first insemination (P>0.76). However, first service conception rates approached significance (NS; P=0.12) and tended to be greater for cows supplemented with fishmeal when compared with cows supplemented with corn gluten meal (76% vs 62%, respectively). Overall pregnancy rates at the end of the breeding season did not differ between the two treatment groups (P>0.64). In yr 2, within 7 d of supplementation, plasma eicosapentaenoate (EPA) and docosahexaenoate (DHA) were greater for cows supplemented with fishmeal (P<0.001). In conclusion, these data indicate that fishmeal supplementation alters plasma EPA and DHA (yr 2) and may improve first service conception rates in primiparous beef cows.
A Synopsis of Morphoid Type Theory

Morphoid type theory (MTT) is a typetheoretic foundation for mathematics supporting the concept of isomorphism and the substitution of isomorphics. Unlike homotopy type theory (HoTT), which also supports isomorphism, morphoid type theory is a direct extension of classical predicate calculus and avoids the intuitionistic constructs of propositionsas-types, path induction and squashing. Although HoTT is capable of supporting classical inference, MTT’s thoroughly classical treatment is expected to be more comfortable for those who take a Platonic or realist approach to the practice of mathematics.
Rapid Functionalization of Graphene Oxide in Water

Polymer composites containing carbon nanoparticles have recently garnered much attention due to superb electronic, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) stand out among carbon nanofillers due to cost efficiency and scalability, but one hurdle preventing their widespread use is the lack of miscibility of GO and rGO platelets with polymer matrixes. The desired processability can be achieved by covalent functionalization of GO and rGO, but current methods necessitate anhydrous conditions and harsh reagents. Herein, we describe the rapid covalent functionalization of GO and rGO in acidic aqueous suspensions under ambient conditions using the Pinner reaction between hydroxyl groups on (r)GO and nitriles. The modified platelets are characterized by FTIR, Raman, AFM, TGA, XPS, and four-point probe conductivity measurements. Using this methodology, GO requires little purification and no drying after preparation and multiple grams can be functionalized with a ...
Development of a MEMS-based electrochemical aptasensor for norovirus detection

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide and spread through person-to-person transmission and contaminated food or water. A miniaturised microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based electrochemical aptasensor, a biosensor using aptamer as the recognition element for simple, sensitive and rapid detection of NoV has been developed. The novelty of this work is integration of MEMS technology with aptamer to develop a miniaturised and portable electrochemical sensor for environmental pathogen monitoring. An MEMS electrochemical aptasensor device was prepared by immobilising a thiolated DNA aptamer on an on-chip gold (Au) working electrode through the affinity between thiol and Au, and formation of a DNA aptamer monolayer was confirmed by means of cyclic voltammetry as well as visual observation of a fluorescent-labelled aptamer. The MEMS electrochemical aptasensor exhibited rapid and clear square wave voltammetry response against different titres of murine norovirus, an experimental model of human NoV. The possibility of developing a handheld aptasensor platform using a portable electrochemical measurement device is also demonstrated. This research forms initial basis for the development of an electrochemical MEMS-aptasensor platform and its application for virus detection.
Embryonic Formation of a Simple Neurosecretory Nerve in the Moth, Manduca Sexta

The development of the nervous system is marked by a striking diversity of cellular phenotypes: in many animals, individual neurons have unique identifiable properties. Equally remarkable, however, is the consistency of these diverse cellular morphologies and synaptic connections between conspecific animals. How this mixture of neuronal diversity and consistency is produced during embryonic development is a major challenge for developmental neurobiology. In recent years, much progress has been made in the analysis of neuronal determination and differentiation by utilizing the large embryos of certain insects (BASTIANI et al., 1985; THOMAS et al., 1984). In this chapter, we summarize recent observations we have made concerning the embryonic development of a simple neuroendocrine system in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.
Time Independent Solutions to Infinite Cables

In this chapter, the time independent solutions to the transient cable equation are discussed in the case where the cable is infinitely long. To do this, the technique of variation of parameters is introduced and used to solve the time independent cable equation which is a second order ODE with boundary conditions.
Response Inhibition and Interference Suppression in Restrained Eating

Compared to unrestrained eaters (URE), restrained eaters (RE) more often show self-control deficits in their responses to food cues. Deficits in inhibition processes for RE may contribute to negative food intake control outcomes for RE compared to URE. Previous research has focused on response inhibition differences between the two groups, but not interference suppression differences. This study examined specific inhibition processes in RE and URE using three computerized behavioral tasks – Food Stroop task, Stroop task, and Simon task. Significant group differences were found on the Stroop task, but not on the Food Stroop task or Simon task. Compared to URE, RE have inhibition deficits in response inhibition, but no deficits in interference suppression. These findings clarify specific inhibition processes that differentially affect dietary intake for RE and URE, and more generally contribute to our knowledge of the role of cognitive processes in health behaviors.
Availability of Network Psychiatrists Among the Largest Health Insurance Carriers in Washington, D.C.

Objective:Lack of access to mental health treatment remains a significant problem in the United States, even after implementation of mental health parity legislation. This study examined availability of psychiatrists listed in insurance carrier network provider databases in the Washington, D.C., area.Methods:Contact information was obtained for 1,184 psychiatrists listed in online directories for three of the largest insurance carriers serving the Washington, D.C., area. The “mystery shopper” method was used to assess the accuracy of listed contact information, new outpatient appointment availability, and average wait times for 50 psychiatrists randomly selected from each insurance directory.Results:Most (77%) physicians were successfully contacted, meaning that someone answered the phone or returned a voice mail message, and 51% of the psychiatrists had working telephone numbers verified to be correct. Fifteen percent of the psychiatrists were accepting new outpatients with the target insurance, with ave...
Disentangling "Bright" and "Dark" Interactions in Ordered Assemblies of Organic Semiconductors.

We report on spatially correlated wavelength-resolved photoluminescence and Kelvin probe force microscopy to probe ground state charge-transfer coupling and its correlation with pi-stacking order in nanoscale assemblies of a small molecule n-type organic semiconductor, tetraazaterrylene (TAT). We find a distinct upshift in surface potential contrast (SPC) corresponding to a decrease in work function in TAT in the transition from disordered spun-cast films to ordered crystalline nanowire assemblies, accompanied by a nanowire size dependence in the SPC shift suggesting that the shift depends on both ground state charge transfer interaction and a size (volume)-dependent intrinsic doping associated with the nitrogen substitutions. For the smallest nanowires studied (surface height ≈ 10–15 nm), the SPC shift with respect to disordered films is +110 meV, in close agreement with recent theoretical calculations. These results illustrate how “dark” (ground-state) interactions in organic semiconductors can be disti...
Oligonucleotides Containing the G-Quartet Sequence Motif

Guanine quartet (G-quartet) structures were first observed in the early 1900’s as an annoying propensity of guanosine and its derivatives to form viscous gels at low μM concentrations. The tetrameric arrangement of guanosine in the gels, the G-quartet, was established by fiber diffraction in 1962 (1, 2). The G-quartet is a planar array of four hydrogen-bonded guanine bases (Figure 1). Helical quadraplex structures, stabilized by G-quartets, are formed when several G-quartets stack upon each other.
Regional Brain RNA Metabolism as a Function of Different Experiences

In the last decade, studies of brain metabolism during simple behavioral experiences of short duration have provided evidence of measurable phenomena, particularly as regards changes in RNA metabolism. This area of investigation bears a logical resemblance to the study of electrical responses of brain during behavior, and can therefore be christened as chemoencephalography. The animal is subjected to a behavioral experience, sacrificed and the metabolic pattern of the brain at that point in time is analyzed. The intent is to discover metabolic events which may be specific to the experience and localized regionally in brain. These metabolic events may not necessarily be correlated in any simple way with the electrophysiology also occurring at the same time and may thus reflect neural processes different from those detectable by electrical signals.
Protecting Critical Information Systems

This talk will discuss issues and methods for survivability of systems under malicious attacks. To protect from information attacks, it is necessary to take steps to prevent attacks from succeeding. At the same time, it is important to recognize that not all attacks can be averted at the outset; attacks that are successful to some degree must be recognized as unavoidable and comprehensive support for fdentifying and responding to attacks is required. This places increased emphasis on the ability to live through and recover from successful attacks. We have adopted a fault-tolerance approach that addresses all phases of survivability: attack detection, damage confinement, damage assessment and repair, and attack avoidance. This talk will describe our research dealing with each of these phases.
Approaching Ethnographic Research about Human Interaction as Making Music Together

This essay develops the idea of perceiving and practicing ethnographic research through the lens of music-making. I propose and initially explore four tenets of approaching ethnographic research about human interaction as aesthetic activities of making music together. Accomplishing this stance involves: (1) active involvement and inclusion of all parties in the emerging process of composition, improvisation, and performance; (2) committed listening, attunement, and mutual responsiveness; (3) achieving reflexive immersion while embracing the ethical demands of assemblage; and (4) co-achieving rhythm and the connections of musical temporality and form. In doing so, I emphasize theoretical and lived understandings of an aesthetics of interpersonal communication. I argue that it is vital to recognize the interconnection of aesthetic activities with everyday life and the opportunity to learn and create possible understandings together in ethnographic inquiry.
Geometric Validation of Continuous, Finely Sampled 3-D Reconstructions From aOCT and CT in Upper Airway Models

Identification and treatment of obstructive airway disorders (OADs) are greatly aided by imaging of the geometry of the airway lumen. Anatomical optical coherence tomography (aOCT) is a promising high-speed and minimally invasive endoscopic imaging modality for providing micrometer-resolution scans of the upper airway. Resistance to airflow in OADs is directly caused by the reduction in luminal cross-sectional area (CSA). It is hypothesized that aOCT can produce airway CSA measurements as accurate as that from computed tomography (CT). Scans of machine hollowed cylindrical tubes were used to develop methods for segmentation and measurement of airway lumen in CT and aOCT. Simulated scans of virtual cones were used to validate 3-D resampling and reconstruction methods in aOCT. Then, measurements of two segments of a 3-D printed pediatric airway phantom from aOCT and CT independently were compared to ground truth CSA. In continuous unobstructed regions, the mean CSA difference for each phantom segment was 2.2 ± 3.5 and 1.5 ± 5.3 mm2 for aOCT, and −3.4 ± 4.3 and −1.9 ± 1.2 mm2 for CT. Because of the similar magnitude of these differences, these results support the hypotheses and underscore the potential for aOCT as a viable alternative to CT in airway imaging, while offering greater potential to capture respiratory dynamics.
Assessing Students’ Performance by Measured Patterns of Perceived Strengths

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether college students’ preferences for assessment type correspond to their performance in assessment that tests that particular strength. For example,...
The Intestinal Lymphatic System: Functions and Metabolic Implications

The lymphatic system of the gut plays important roles in the transport of dietary lipids, as well as in immunosurveillance and removal of interstitial fluid. Historically, despite its crucial functions in intestinal homeostasis, the lymphatic system has been poorly studied. In the last 2 decades, identification of specific molecular mediators of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) growth together with novel genetic approaches and intravital imaging techniques, have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms regulating intestinal lymphatic physiology in health and disease. As its metabolic implications are gaining recognition, intestinal lymphatic biology is currently experiencing a surge in interest. This review describes current knowledge related to molecular control of intestinal lymphatic vessel structure and function. We discuss regulation of chylomicron entry into lymphatic vessels by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), hormones, transcription factors and the specific signaling pathways involved. The information covered supports the emerging role of intestinal lymphatics in etiology of the metabolic syndrome and their potential as a therapeutic target.
Plasmonic HEMT Terahertz Transmitter based on the Dyakonov-Shur Instability: Performance Analysis and Impact of Nonideal Boundaries

Terahertz-band (0.1---10 THz) wireless technology is envisioned as key to future communication networks. For the time being, the lack of compact THz transmitters, on-chip and at room temperature, has hampered the use of the THz band. In this paper the performance of an on-chip THz source based on the Dyakonov-Shur (DS) plasma instability is investigated analytically and with powerful numerics, revealing the importance of the termination impedances on the power of THz signals generated and radiated by a plasmonic transmitter. These results provide guidance for successful experimental realization of DS-based plasmonic THz transmitters.
Multivariate GWAS: Generalized Linear Models, Prior Weights, and Double Sparsity

1 Abstract Background Consecutive testing of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is usually employed to identify genetic variants associated with complex traits. Ideally one should model all covariates in unison, but most existing analysis methods for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) perform only univariate regression. Results We extend and efficiently implement iterative hard thresholding (IHT) for multivariate regression. Our extensions accommodate generalized linear models (GLMs), prior information on genetic variants, and grouping of variants. In our simulations, IHT recovers up to 30% more true predictors than SNP-by-SNP association testing, and exhibits a 2 to 3 orders of magnitude decrease in false positive rates compared to lasso regression. These advantages capitalize on IHT’s ability to recover unbiased coefficient estimates. We also apply IHT to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort of 1966 and find that IHT recovers plausible variants associated with HDL and LDL. Conclusions Our real data analysis and simulation studies suggest that IHT can (a) recover highly correlated predictors, (b) avoid over-fitting, (c) deliver better true positive and false positive rates than either marginal testing or lasso regression, (d) recover unbiased regression coefficients, and (e) exploit prior information and group-sparsity. Although these advances are studied for GWAS inference, our extensions are pertinent to other regression problems with large numbers of predictors.
Thermoelectric Power of Anderson-Mott Insulators with an Exponential Density of States Distribution

The thermoelectric power of Anderson-Mott insulators with an exponential density of states distribution is evaluated by a new method previously developed by the present authors. The thermoelectric power is predicted to ~T 1/4 , saturating to a constant value at high temperatures.
How Old Do I Look? Exploring the Facial Cues of Age in a Tasked Eye-Tracking Study.

Importance: This is the first eye-tracking study to use a tasked age estimation paradigm to explore the facial cues of age as seen by casual observers. Objectives: Determine where observers gaze on...
The Romantic App: Augmented Reality in Fine Art Education

This chapter explores The Romantic App an ongoing project in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. It is a custom application for smartphone or tablet made especially for the nineteenth and twentieth century paintings of the European Painting and Sculpture wing in the Art Institute of Chicago. Art Institute students designed and executed The Romantic App in the Fall semester of 2015, with a second iteration produced in Spring, 2019. It is intended both as a teaching vehicle but also as an art work, allowing young people to engage collaboratively with mentors from another time and period. Augmented Reality was chosen as a medium for this project because it functions in parallel to the grand painting tradition of the nineteenth century, that moment when photography had its first dizzying impact on Parisian culture. Like so many of the optical viewing devices of that epoque, The Romantic App also reveals illusions and phantasmagoria hidden beneath the surface of the visible world. When the app is open, one can glimpse visions and optical illusions through the interface of a device, integrated into a curated selection of paintings scattered throughout the Museum. Using one’s phone as a kind of magical mirror or optical lens, users are encouraged to examine individual paintings, to see hidden animations, enactments and other kinds of moving pictures subtly mixed into their surfaces.
A Systematic Review of Penile Prosthesis Surgery in Organ Transplant Recipients.

Abstract Introduction There is an increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with solid organ transplant (SOT) compared with the general population. Many of these patients may become refractory to medical treatment of erectile dysfunction and penile prosthesis (PP) is often recommended. Concerns regarding the safety of PP in patients with SOT are due to their immunosuppressed state. Objective We aim to review all current literature on the outcomes of patients with SOT who have received PP. Methods A PubMed search was performed to identify articles pertaining to the outcomes of PP in patients with SOT. Results We identified and included 14 studies that report on outcomes of PP placement in 143 patients with SOT and 191 non-SOT controls from interval period from 1979 to 2019. Studies included retrospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports. Compared with non-SOT controls who had PP, aggregate analysis demonstrated that patients with SOT who had PP did not develop significantly increased overall complications. However, they were significantly more likely to experience future surgical complications. Conclusion Our aggregate analysis demonstrated that patients with SOT are not at a significantly increased risk of overall complications when receiving a PP. Nevertheless, there is an increased risk of experiencing PP injury during subsequent surgeries, which may be mitigated by the earlier involvement of a urologist. Given the lack of recent data, large studies are prerequisite to further evaluate the safety and overall outcome of PP surgery in patients with SOT. Dick B, Greenberg JW, Polchert M, et al. A Systematic Review of Penile Prosthesis Surgery in Organ Transplant Recipients. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:636–640.
Abstract 6512: Tissue engineered metastases to improve cancer immunotherapy

Background: Radiotherapy can induce the abscopal effect when combined with immune checkpoint inhibition. The main limitations to this treatment are the lack of control over the tumor microenvironment and the tumor is not amendable for radiosurgery. To overcome this, we hypothesize that using ex-vivo engineered cancer metastases treated with radiotherapy can improve the impact of the abscopal effect, as the immune cascade reaction is radiotherapy dose dependent and tumors can be exposed to higher amounts of radiation ex-vivo without the risk of radiation toxicity using our tissue engineered metastases model to boost immune response. Methods: Using B16F10 as a model, we first engineered B16F10 lung metastasis ex-vivo using decellularized rat lung biomatrix scaffolds. The engineered lung metastases were then lethally irradiated with 100 Gy of radiotherapy. The cells were then injected subcutaneously into tumor bearing C57BL6 mice in combination with anti PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor. Experimental groups included: no treatment, anti PD-1 only, cell lysate with and without anti PD-1, and irradiated engineered metastases with and without anti PD-1. All the mice were inoculated with 50,000 plastic grown B16F10 cells. On days 3, 6, and 9 the mice received immunotherapy and radiotherapy combinations based on their respective groups. The tumors were then analyzed by flow cytometry and IHC staining for different T cell populations. Results: We successfully engineered B16F10 lung metastasis ex vivo. We then demonstrated that mice treated irradiated engineered lung metastasis had significantly better survival than any other treatment arms with median survival twice that of irradiated cells (P Conclusions: Our data demonstrates that engineered metastases can indeed improve cancer immunotherapy and induce a robust abscopal/vaccine effect. Citation Format: Nikhila Reddy Sultanpuram. Tissue engineered metastases to improve cancer immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6512.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Fine-Needle Biopsy for Salivary Gland Neoplasms in a Community Otolaryngology Practice.

ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle biopsy (FNB) of salivary gland neoplasms via ultrasound (US) or palpation guidance by an otolaryngologist in a community practice.Study Des...
Profiles of Select African Women Entrepreneurs: Their Stories, Successes, Inspirations, and Challenges

This chapter presents the profiles of select women entrepreneurs. The selection is random and designed to showcase African women’s engagement in different sectors of the economy as well as their respective personal attributes. The selection is not based on financial success and financial net-worth but on the diverse entrepreneurial attributes and the characteristics they represent.
Maternal infection programmes offspring immunity

A preprint by Lim et al. looks at the effects of maternal infection on long-term immunity in offspring, showing that maternal IL-6-induced signalling in mice induces epigenetic changes in fetal intestinal epithelial cells.
The role of demethylases in cardiac development and disease

Heart failure is a worldwide health condition that currently has limited noninvasive treatments. Heart disease includes both structural and molecular remodeling of the heart which is driven by alterations in gene expression in the cardiomyocyte. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms which instigate these changes in gene expression and constitute the foundation for pathological remodeling may be beneficial for developing new treatments for heart disease. These gene expression changes are largely preceded by epigenetic alterations to chromatin, including the post-translational modification of histones such as methylation, which alters chromatin to be more or less accessible for transcription factors or regulatory proteins to bind and modify gene expression. Methylation was once thought to be a permanent mark placed on histone or non-histone targets by methyltransferases, but is now understood to be a reversible process after the discovery of the first demethylase, KDM1A/LSD1. Since this time, it has been shown that demethylases play key roles in embryonic development, in maintaining cellular homeostasis and disease progression. However, the role of demethylases in the fetal and adult heart remains largely unknown. In this review, we have compiled data on the 33 mammalian demethylases that have been identified to date and evaluate their expression in the embryonic and adult heart as well as changes in expression in the failing myocardium using publicly available RNA-sequencing and proteomic datasets. Our analysis detected expression of 14 demethylases in the normal fetal heart, and 5 demethylases in the normal adult heart. Moreover, 8 demethylases displayed differential expression in the diseased human heart compared to healthy hearts. We then examined the literature regarding these demethylases and provide phenotypic information of 13 demethylases that have been functionally interrogated in some way in the heart. Lastly, we describe the 6 arginine and lysine residues on histones which have been shown to be methylated but have no corresponding demethylase identified which removes these methyl marks. Overall, this review highlights our current knowledge on the role of demethylases, their importance in cardiac development and pathophysiology and provides evidence for the use of pharmacological inhibitors to combat disease.
Vaporizing Flow in Hot Fractures: Observations from Laboratory Experiments

Vaporizing Flow in Hot Fractures: Observations from Laboratory Experiments Timothy J. Kneafsey (TJKneafsey@lbl.gov) Karsten Pruess (K_Pruess@lbl.gov) Earth Sciences Division Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, CA, 94720 Understanding water seepage in hot fractured rock is important in a number of fields including geothermal energy recovery and nuclear waste disposal. Heat-generating high-level nuclear waste packages which will be emplaced in the partially saturated fractured tuffs at the potential high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, if it becomes a high-level nuclear waste repository, will cause significant impacts on moisture distribution and migration. Liquid water, which occupies anywhere from 30 to 100% of the porespace, will be vaporized as the temperature reaches the boiling temperature. Flowing primarily in fractures, the vapor will condense where it encounters cooler rock, generating mobile water. This water will flow under gravitational and capillary forces and may flow back to the vicinity of the emplaced waste where it may partially escape vaporization. Water flowing down (sub-) vertical fractures may migrate considerable distances through fractured rock that is at above-boiling temperatures; thus, flowing condensate may contact waste packages, and provide a pathway for the transport of water- soluble radionuclides downward to the saturated zone. Thermally-driven flow processes induced by repository heat may be as important or even more important for repository performance than natural infiltration. For a nominal thermal loading of 57 kW/acre, vaporization may generate an average equivalent percolation flux from condensate of 23.1 mm/yr over 1,000 years, and 5.2 mm/yr over 10,000 years. These numbers are comparable to or larger than current estimates of net infiltration at Yucca Mountain. This condensate, which is generated in the immediate vicinity (meters) of the waste packages, will likely have a larger impact on waste package and repository performance than a similar amount of water introduced at the land surface.
Intracranial hemorrhage after spine surgery Clinical article

Object The authors describe the largest case series of 8 patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after spinal surgery and identify associated pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factors in relation to outcome. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 8 patients treated over 16 years at a single institution and also reviewed the existing literature and collected demographic, treatment, and outcome information from 33 unique cases of remote ICH after spinal surgery. Results The risk factors most correlated with ICH postoperatively were the presence of a CSF leak intraoperatively and the use of drains postoperatively with moderate hourly serosanguineous output in the early postoperative period. Conclusions Intracranial hemorrhage is a rare complication of spinal surgery that is associated with CSF leakage and use of drains postoperatively, with moderate serosanguinous output. These associations do not justify a complete avoidance of drains in patients with CSF leakage but may guide the ...
Positioning banks for acquisitions

Abstract Previous research on band mergers examines the phenomenon from the perspective of the acquirer, not the potential target firm. Data on small non-failing independent banks are subject to discriminant analysis in this paper. Findings suggests that positioning banks for acquisition can be analytically delineated so as to crystallize a strategic option.
Effect of Biotin Levels on l-Lysine Formation in Brevibacterium lactofermentum

The relationship between l-lysine production and biotin levels in culture medium was investigated in Brevibacterium lactofermentum. Strain AJ3799 accumulated 34 mg/ml and 42 mg/ml of l-lysine HCl in the presence of 50 μg/liter and 500 μg/Iiter, respectively, of biotin in culture medium. This increase in l-lysine production was observed with various kinds of lysine producers and also with resting cells grown in biotin poor medium. Biotin functioned as an effector only when glucose or pyruvate was used as a substrate. And this effect was accompanied with reduction of carbon dioxide liberation, as well as decreased accumulation of l-alanine, l-valine and l-leucine. On the other hand, penicillin and some surfactants had no effect on the function of biotin. These data suggest a significant new role for biotin in Brev. lactofermentum.
Exploring the next generation Deep Space Network

As the current 70-meter antennas are quite old (28-35 years) it is necessary to consider replacing these antennas in the near term as well as providing a capability beyond 70-meters in the future. A study was conducted that investigated the remaining service life of the existing antennas and considered alternatives for eventual replacement of the 70 m-subnet capability. This paper examines several of the concepts considered and explores some of the options for the next generation Deep Space Network.
Forming global representations with extended backpropagation

The authors present an alternative to fixed microfeature encoding. Meaningful global representations are developed automatically while learning the processing task. When the backward error propagation is extended to the input layer the representations of the input items evolve to reflect the underlying relations relevant to the processing task. No microfeatures and no discrete categorization can be seen in the resulting representation, i.e., all aspects of a concept are distributed over the whole set of units as an activity profile. The representation is determined by all the contexts where the concept has been encountered, and consequently it is also a representation of all these contexts. >
Understanding modeling and measurements of differential transmission lines

A TDR setup for measuring differential transmission lines is modeled using both 2D quasi-static and 3D full-wave tools. We investigate the interaction between the coaxial probe and structure, explain parasitic effects, and show why a single-ended probe cannot be used to directly measure the characteristic impedance.
Mapping of I Gene mutations which lead to repressors with increased affinity for lac operator.

Abstract A genetic mapping system is used to locate mutations on the lac repressor gene ( I ) which lead to repressor proteins with an increased affinity for operator DNA. These tight binding repressors (I tb ) are of particular interest since their analysis should allow some conclusions on the mechanism of interaction between repressor and operator. I tb mutations were found to map in two regions of the I gene. One is near the amino-terminal end, a region which has been shown to be essential for the DNA binding properties of the repressor. The other region in which I tb mutations were mapped codes for approximately amino acids 255 to 295 of the repressor, a region which had so far not been considered to be essential for the DNA binding properties of the repressor protein.
Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude Toward Oneself

This article defines and examines the construct of self-compassion. Self-compassion entails three main components: (a) self-kindness—being kind and understanding toward oneself in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical, (b) common humanity—perceiving one's experiences as part of the larger human experience rather than seeing them as separating and isolating, and (c) mindfulness—holding painful thoughts and feelings in balanced awareness rather than over-identifying with them. Self-compassion is an emotionally positive self-attitude that should protect against the negative consequences of self-judgment, isolation, and rumination (such as depression). Because of its non-evaluative and interconnected nature, it should also counter the tendencies towards narcissism, self-centeredness, and downward social comparison that have been associated with attempts to maintain self-esteem. The relation of self-compassion to other psychological constructs is examined, its links to psychologi...
Microbial adaptation: Putting the best team on the field

Abstract Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are in a constant state of flux to win the game of survival established by the selective pressures of our body. Microbes can change their genetic makeup and become stronger in a manner similar to that of a baseball manager changing the players on a team and then selecting for the best team. Mutation, conjugation, transduction, transformation, and recombination are the genetic approaches that Mother Nature uses to alter the microbial team of genes, and then she selects the best team to play against the body's defenses and other challenges. This review will provide an overview of the options and methods available to bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and viruses such as western equine encephalitis virus, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, or human immunodeficiency virus as they evolve the genetic players needed to succeed as parasites within the different niches of the human body and withstand the selective pressures of immune and chemical antimicrobial control.
Energy dependence of H(2s) production in proton-alkali collisions from 2 to 30 keV

Abstract Relative cross sections for production of H(2s) in collisions with Cs, Rb, and K have been measured. Their energy dependence is compared with calculations of Rapp and Francis and of McElroy.
Peach Mesocarp Explant Enlargement and Callus Production in vitro

Explants from fruits of the peach were stimulated to grow by cell enlargement, cell division, or both when placed on media containing kinetin. Callus cultures have been obtained, even occasionally from ripening fruits, long after cessation of normal cell division.
A simple and rapid test for the identification of clinical herpes simplex virus isolates

A simple procedure is described which permits the rapid identification of clinical herpes simplex virus isolates. The test utilizes Staphylococcus aureus to which anti-viral immunoglobulins had been adsorbed. Adherence of the antibody-coated bacteria to virus-infected cells is readily seen by light microscopy. Indirect immuno-fluorescence and the S aureus adherence reaction were found to be approximately of equal sensitivity for the detection of virus antigens.
Using causality and supply response models in interpreting foreign agricultural policies

A method for interpreting foreign agricultural policies is outlined which provides an objective assessment of the price discovery process operating in international markets. The technique uses causality tests to determine the operational market characteristics. Then, a supply response model is used to identify variables significantly influencing market behavior.
Free fatty acids and (Na+,K+)-ATPase: effects on cation regulation, enzyme conformation, and interactions with ethanol.

Abstract Effects of free fatty acids on parameters of (Na+,K+)-ATPase regulation related to enzyme conformation were examined. Sensitivity to inhibition by free fatty acid increased as the number of double bonds increased. Free fatty acids reduced affinity for K+ or Na+ at their regulatory sites without altering apparent K+ affinity at its high-affinity site, and increased apparent affinity for ATP. The apparent E2 E1 ratio and apparent ΔH and ΔS for the E1–E2 transition were reduced by fatty acid. High K+ or low temperature reduced the sensitivity of enzyme to inhibition by free fatty acid. In the presence of low K+, arachidonic acid potentiated inhibition of phosphatase activity by ethanol. Arachidonic acid alone had little effect on the rate of ouabain binding, but accelerated ouabain binding in the presence of K+. These data suggest that fatty acids alter (Na+,K+)-ATPase by preventing the univalent cation-mediated transition to E2, the K+-sensitive form of enzyme. (Na+,K+)-ATPase could potentially be influenced in vivo by free fatty acids released by phospholipases or during hypoxia, or by changes in membrane lipid saturation.
Maximum likelihood estimators for the gamma distribution revisited

A new algorithm is stated for the evaluation of the maximum likelihood estimators of the two-parameter gamma density. This, along with other approximations, is used to evaluate by quadrature, moments of the estimators of the shape and scale parameters.
Light-scattering study of modulated structure in a chiral smectic-A liquid crystal

We use dynamic light scattering to investigate the fluctuation modes of a chiral smectic-$A$ liquid crystal which exhibits a metastable one-dimensional modulation of the smectic layers parallel to the average layer plane. The modulation, which contains two components (a ``main'' and ``fine'' structure), breaks translational symmetry in the layer plane, and produces two new hydrodynamic fluctuation modes in addition to the director fluctuations. In a sufficiently large applied electric field, the modulation is destabilized: large amplitude fluctuations of the symmetry-restoring modes are observed. Both the frequency and dispersion of these modes change significantly from the zero field case. We present a phenomenological elastic theory, which quantitatively describes the measured dispersion of the mode frequencies and amplitudes, in both zero and high applied field. We also discuss how the transition from zero to high applied field might be understood in terms of recent theories of smectic phases with broken layer inversion symmetry, which predict a nontrivial renormalization of the elastic constants due to anharmonic fluctuations.