cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The personality research form as a therapy outcome measure of social behavior

Reported two studies that examined the efficacy of the Personality Research Form (PRF) as an outcome measure for interventions designed to increase social competence. In the first study (N = 83), the degree to which PRF scales can predict criteria frequently used in social skills training outcome research was examined, and the PRF was shown to be sensitive to such criteria. The second study (N = 24) assessed the relative degree to which the PRF scales and more frequently used outcome measures, including the above criteria, are affected by factors non-specific to social skills training interventions (suggestion for improvement). While three PRF scales were affected significantly, demand effects were much more pervasive on the other measures, which suggests that those measures can be used to obtain valid estimates of treatment effects only when experimental control of non-specific effects is possible. Two PRF scales, Affiliation and Exhibition, were shown to be both sensitive to criteria and resistant to demand effects, and as such may be useful as outcome measures in non-controlled clinical settings.
Effects of distance and retinal velocity on duration of spiral aftereffect.

Visual angle, distance, and rate of rotation were varied in 2 studies with visual acuity controlled. The studies do not support the notion that variations in visual angle or rate of rotation cause ...
Partisanship and Group Support, 1952-1988:

The article updates the authors' multivariate analysis of group support for political parties through 1988 and expands it to new groups, midterm election years, and Republican identifiers. Shown in detail are the changes in long-term components of the party coalitions and the partisan tendencies of newly prominent groups such as Hispanics and religious fundamentalists. There are three general findings. First, the greatest movement is away from the New Deal Democratic coalition but not into the Republican coalition; Republicans have yet to find a strong basis of group support. Second, and of more theoretical import, is that changes in party support occur slowly, suggesting that group realignments have been characterized by secular decline and advance rather than by abrupt, "critical" elections. Finally, the newest groups tend not to be so closely aligned to parties as are the older groups, perhaps both a cause and consequence of the present candidate-centered party system.
Assembling Complex I with ACAD9

Acyl-Co dehydrogenase 9 (ACAD9) was thought to play a role in fatty acid oxidation. Nouws et al. (2010) reveal a novel and essential role for this enzyme in mitochondrial complex I assembly. A mutation in ACAD9 causes an isolated complex I deficiency in a subset of patients with mitochondrial disease.
Uniform spatial spread of population activity in primate parafoveal V1

What are the shape and size of the region in primate V1 that processes information from a single point in visual space? This region, a fundamental property termed cortical point image (CPI) (McIlwa...
Conformational Conversion of Antithrombin to a Fully Activated Substrate of Factor Xa without Need for Heparin

Regulation of the inhibitory activity of antithrombin, the principal inhibitor of the blood-clotting proteinases factor Xa and thrombin, is accomplished by binding to heparin. We report here an antithrombin variant in which serine at position 380, 14 residues N-terminal from the reactive bond and at a hinge point in the structure, was replaced by cysteine to test a proposed mechanism of heparin activation of antithrombin as an inhibitor of factor Xa. By derivatization of this cysteine with a bulky group, fluorescein, the antithrombin became permanently and fully activated toward reaction with factor Xa in a manner analogous to heparin activation, albeit as a substrate. These findings establish a structural basis for the mechanism of heparin activation of antithrombin against factor Xa in agreement with that proposed from an X-ray structure of antithrombin.
Metabolic activity of the central auditory structures following prolonged deafferentation.

The goal of this work was to evaluate, using autoradiographic techniques, the effects of variable periods of deafness on resting and evoked metabolic activity in central auditory structures elicited by direct electrical cochlear nucleus (CN) stimulation. Thirty-five pigmented guinea pigs, divided into five groups, underwent acute implantation of bipolar electrodes in the CN. One group was not deafened and served as hearing controls. The other four groups were deafened using an established protocol of sequential kanamycin/ethacrynic acid treatment and were tested at 4 weeks, 9 weeks, 16 weeks, and 15 months after deafening. Threshold currents for eliciting evoked middle latency responses (EMLRs) with direct CN stimulation were not significantly different between hearing and deafened groups
Transient finite element computation of the temperature rise in metallized film capacitor end connections caused by underdamped discharge

Loss of end connection integrity is the most common failure mode for metallized film capacitors under pulse discharge conditions as a result of electrothermal effects associated with the intermittent nature of the contact between the sprayed metal end connection and the edge of the capacitor film. In this paper, the temperature rise as a result of varying polarity reversal is analyzed through the use of transient finite element analysis which shows that polarity reversal is unlikely to cause greater damage to the end connection than discharge without polarity reversal. This suggests that the adverse effect of polarity reversal is dielectric or electrical, but not electrothermal in nature.
AUTO THEFT Offender and Offense Characteristics

Few empirical studies describe auto thieves. The most influential and frequently cited research is that by Wittenberg and Blusterier who characterize auto theft as a “favored-group” delinquency. The findings of the present study challenge this conclusion. Although the majority of those arrested for auto theft are white. blacks are disproportionately represented; most thieves come from lower-class neighborhoods: and the distribution of juvenile thieves by fathers’ occupational status does not appear to differ from that of other delinquents. Five types of out theft are suggested; the offender and offense characteristics are empirically examined.
Heat Shock Protein 70 Is Necessary to Improve Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Reverse Diabetic Sensory Neuropathy following KU-32 Therapy

Impaired neuronal mitochondrial bioenergetics contributes to the pathophysiologic progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and may be a focal point for disease management. We have demonstrated that modulating heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 and Hsp70 with the small-molecule drug KU-32 ameliorates psychosensory, electrophysiologic, morphologic, and bioenergetic deficits of DPN in animal models of type 1 diabetes. The current study used mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes to determine the relationship of changes in sensory neuron mitochondrial bioenergetics to the onset of and recovery from DPN. The onset of DPN showed a tight temporal correlation with a decrease in mitochondrial bioenergetics in a genetic model of type 2 diabetes. In contrast, sensory hypoalgesia developed 10 weeks before the occurrence of significant declines in sensory neuron mitochondrial bioenergetics in the type 1 model. KU-32 therapy improved mitochondrial bioenergetics in both the type 1 and type 2 models, and this tightly correlated with a decrease in DPN. Mechanistically, improved mitochondrial function following KU-32 therapy required Hsp70, since the drug was ineffective in diabetic Hsp70 knockout mice. Our data indicate that changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics may rapidly contribute to nerve dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, but not type 1 diabetes, and that modulating Hsp70 offers an effective approach toward correcting sensory neuron bioenergetic deficits and DPN in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A ground-penetrating radar survey of a delta-front reservoir analog in the Wall Creek Member, Frontier Formation, Wyoming

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements, in conjunction with outcrop sedimentology, were carried out at Murphy Creek reservoir in the Upper Cretaceous Turonian Wall Creek Member of the Frontier Formation in Wyoming. The objectives were to apply GPR to map geometrical details of a top-truncated lowstand delta front and to estimate the volumes of the prograding bar deposits of the delta lobe. Eleven GPR profiles totaling about 4400 m (14,435 ft) were acquired using 50-MHz antennas on a coarsely spaced, two-dimensional grid of lines lying parallel and perpendicular to the average depositional dip. Ground-penetrating radar reflections were detected from within the outcrop to a depth of about 10–15 m (33–49 ft). Four southerly dipping major surfaces identified in the GPR data are correlated with the boundaries of progradational delta-front facies, stacked as distal mouth-bar deposits, in the outcrop. The major boundaries correspond to lithological changes between relatively clean sandstones that are interpreted to have been deposited during floods with high sediment supply, alternating with bioturbated sandstones and mudstones deposited during interflood periods with correspondingly low sedimentation rates. These two lithological units, which also correspond to the two main GPR facies, repeat at least three times with no change in dominant average sand-grain size. Subsequent erosion by transgressive ravinement caused the significantly truncated lowstand delta long after the sandstones were deposited. The bar assemblage volume at successive stages of growth is estimated using measurements from the outcrop and the GPR data. The migrating bars have an estimated average half-length of 650 m (2132 ft); a lower bound on the average volume of the bar is 3.9 106 m3 (1.37 108 ft3). As the volume of the bars increases, the bar deposits appear to have a landward as well as a basinward component of accretion.
Evolution of substrate specificity for the bile salt transporter ASBT (SLC10A2).

The apical Na+-dependent bile salt transporter (ASBT/SLC10A2) is essential for maintaining the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts. It is not known when Slc10a2 evolved as a bile salt transporter or how it adapted to substantial changes in bile salt structure during evolution. We characterized ASBT orthologs from two primitive vertebrates, the lamprey that utilizes early 5α-bile alcohols and the skate that utilizes structurally different 5β-bile alcohols, and compared substrate specificity with ASBT from humans who utilize modern 5β-bile acids. Everted gut sacs of skate but not the more primitive lamprey transported 3H-taurocholic acid (TCA), a modern 5β-bile acid. However, molecular cloning identified ASBT orthologs from both species. Cell-based assays using recombinant ASBT/Asbt's indicate that lamprey Asbt has high affinity for 5α-bile alcohols, low affinity for 5β-bile alcohols, and lacks affinity for TCA, whereas skate Asbt showed high affinity for 5α- and 5β-bile alcohols but low affinity for TCA. In contrast, human ASBT demonstrated high affinity for all three bile salt types. These findings suggest that ASBT evolved from the earliest vertebrates by gaining affinity for modern bile salts while retaining affinity for older bile salts. Also, our results indicate that the bile salt enterohepatic circulation is conserved throughout vertebrate evolution.
FINANCING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRY CITIES: EVALUATION OF AND LESSONS FROM NASCENT USE OF IMPACT FEES IN SANTIAGO DE CHILE

The potential for and limitations to the use of impact fees to finance urban transport infrastructure in developing country cities are assessed, drawing from the specific case of Santiago de Chile. The current state of urban transport infrastructure financing and its inherent complications are first presented. Principles of appropriate impact fee use are then derived from the U.S. experience. These principles are then applied to the recent use of transportation impact fees in Santiago, leading to preliminary recommendations for improvement, including the following: establishing proper overarching legal guidance for their use; taking a uniform approach to their application; clarifying the relationship of impact fees to other user fees and other forms of development exactions; answering the question of who bears the ultimate burden of impact fee costs; and improving the understanding of the effects of transportation impact fees on other public policy goals. From this assessment of the Santiago experience, lessons for other developing country cities are presented.
The relationship between subacromial space pressure, blood pressure, and visual clarity during arthroscopic subacromial decompression

Twenty-two consecutive patients with subacromial impingement syndrome underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression. Measurements of the subacromial space pressure and the blood pressure were recorded along with the clarity of the visual field. The clarity of the visual field was objectively determined based on the pressure at which bleeding was observed from trabecular bone or the soft tissue capillaries. A direct correlation was found between systolic blood pressure (SBP), subacromial space pressure (SASP), and the clarity of the visual field. On average, maintaining a pressure difference (SBP - SASP) of 49 mm Hg or less prevented bleeding and permitted good visualization. With a greater differential, significant bleeding occurred. Furthermore, the use of relative hypotensive anesthesia permits lower irrigation pressures and significantly reduces the risk of fluid extravasation into the subcutaneous tissues of the shoulder.
Combustion's impact on the global atmosphere

The combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel removes molecular oxygen (02) from the atmosphere and releases equivalent amounts of water (H,O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), almost always with trace amounts of numerous other compounds including hydrocarbons (CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C6H~, CH3CHO, etc.), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO, N20) and reduced nitrogen (NH3 and HCN), sulfur gases (SO2, OCS, CS2), halocarbons (CH3CI and CH3Br), and particles. A review of the atmospheric budgets of these gases shows that burning of fossil fuels and recent biomass has led to global alterations in the composition of our atmosphere. Combustion is clearly responsible for most of the enhanced greenhouse forcing to date (through CO2, tropospheric 03, soot) and also some counteracting effects (through SO2). It has had minimal impact on stratospheric O3 (through CH3C1, CH,Br, CH4), but has likely changed the tropospheric oxidant levels (through CO, NOx, NMHC), at least over the northern hemisphere. Most of the important greenhouse gases and tropospheric oxidant gases have significant natural sources, which are not well defined today and may be changing; and thus, quantifying the role of combustion is difficult.
Semantic disambiguation of non-syntactic and continuous motion text entry for AAC

Many people with severe speech impairments use icon-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. These systems typically present users with hierarchical arrays of icons that are sequentially selected to construct messages, which are then voiced by text-to-speech (TTS) engines. For the people who use these systems, it is important that the message construction task be fast and physically comfortable; unfortunately, current systems are often slow and require repetitive physical movements that are fatiguing. The current work aims to examine three main assumptions that are commonly made during the design of icon-based AAC systems. These assumptions may contribute to design decisions that place the major burden of work on the user rather than the system. This work aims to remove these assumptions from the design process and address the resulting problems with a systematic set of algorithms and design approaches. By mitigating the need for these fundamental design assumptions, it may be possible to shift work from the user to the system and allow for faster, less fatiguing communication. The removal of some of these assumptions may also enable future innovation in the field of icon-based AAC, and AAC in general, especially when leveraging continuous modalities, such as brain waves.
High-speed optical time-division-multiplexed/WDM networks and their network elements based on regenerative all-optical ultrafast wavelength converters

We describe an optical time-division-multiplexed (OTDM)/WDM network architecture that integrates high-speed optical time-division multiplexing at speeds of 40 Gbit/s and higher with lower-bit-rate WDM channels. An ultrafast wavelength converter is used as a regenerative multifunction building block for OTDM multiplexing, WDM-to-OTDM and OTDM-to-WDM transmultiplexing, OTDM/WDM multicasting, OTDM all-optical label read-write, and all-optical time-channel add-drop multiplexing. Subsystem design and underlying component technologies are described in detail. New results and performance measurements are shown at 40 and at 80 Gbit/s.
Regulation of contraction and relaxation in arterial smooth muscle

Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i)-dependent activation of myosin light chain kinase and its phosphorylation of the 20-kd light chain of myosin is generally considered the primary mechanism responsible for regulation of contractile force in arterial smooth muscle. However, recent data suggest that the relation between [Ca2+]i and myosin light chain phosphorylation is variable and depends on the form of stimulation. The dependence of myosin phosphorylation on [Ca2+]i has been termed the "[Ca2+]i sensitivity of phosphorylation." The [Ca2+]i sensitivity of phosphorylation is "high" when relatively small increases in [Ca2+]i induce a large increase in myosin phosphorylation. Conversely, the [Ca2+]i sensitivity of phosphorylation is "low" when relatively large increases in [Ca2+]i are required to induce a small increase in myosin phosphorylation. There are two proposed mechanisms for changes in the [Ca2+]i sensitivity of phosphorylation: Ca(2+)-dependent decreases in the [Ca2+]i sensitivity of phosphorylation induced by phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase by Ca(2+)-calmodulin protein kinase II and agonist-dependent increases in the [Ca2+]i sensitivity of phosphorylation by inhibition of a myosin light chain phosphatase. I will review the proposed mechanisms responsible for the regulation of [Ca2+]i and the [Ca2+]i sensitivity of phosphorylation in arterial smooth muscle.
Nutritional aspects of soy formula

Soy formula is a commonly used alternative to cows' milk formula. While its primary use has been for infants with milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance, soy formula is used increasingly for infants with gastrointestinal discomfort. The nutritional composition of soy formula has been designed to cover the nutrient needs of the newborn infant; however, some aspects of its composition need further consideration. The protein level of soy formula is usually higher than that of milk-based formulae, partially because of differences in protein digestibility and partly because of differences in amino acid composition. The presence of phytic acid in soy formula presents a problem with regard to mineral and trace element bioavailability. Several steps can be taken to minimize this problem, either by reducing the phytate content of soy protein isolate or by changing levels of minerals/trace elements in the formula. Finally, the high levels of manganese in soy formula present a potential problem in that manganese absorption and retention are high during infancy.
Numerical aperture dependence of damage and supercontinuum generation from femtosecond laser pulses in bulk fused silica

Competing nonlinear optical effects are involved in the interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with transparent dielectrics: supercontinuum generation and multiphoton-induced bulk damage. We measured the threshold energy for supercontinuum generation and bulk damage in fused silica using numerical apertures (NAs) ranging from 0.01 to 0.65. The threshold for supercontinuum generation exhibits a minimum near 0.05NA and increases quickly above 0.1 NA. For NAs greater than 0.25, we observe no supercontinuum generation. The extent of the blue broadening of the supercontinuum spectrum decreases significantly as the NA is increased from 0.01 to 0.08, showing that weak focusing is important for generating the broadest supercontinuum spectrum. Using a light-scattering technique to detect the onset of bulk damage, we confirmed bulk damage at all NAs studied. At a high NA, the damage threshold is well below the critical power for self-focusing.
Characterization of a human pathological immunoglobulin fragmenting during purification.

A pathological immunoglobulin GI (Po), briefly characterized in plasma before purification, was found to fragment during salt precipitation to material resembling the Fab and Fc components of papain proteolysis. Termed (Fab)s and (Fc)s fragments, they were studied by a variety of physicochemical and immunological procedures as a pseudoglobulin mixture and after isolation by ion-exchange chromatography. The (Fab)s fragment was almost identical in composition to the analogous IgC products arising from papain, plasmin, and trypsin attack. Except for a low half-eystine content, comparative amino acid analyses and tryptic peptide mapping indicated that the (Fc)s fragment was closely related to the proteins elaborated in heavy chain disease. Experiments with papain digests showed that the Fab fragment possessed more antigenic determinants than (Fab)s whereas the Fc and (Fc)s fragments were immunologically indistinguishable. Quantitative end-group determinations revealed that each Po fragment contained a single free N-terminal residue. A tridecapeptide sequence was established for the (Fab)s fragment and a hexapeptide sequence for (Fc)s at their N-termini. Comparisons with known structural data suggested that the (Fab)s sequence was due to I chains. The location of the hexapeptide was tentatively assigned to the N-terminal section of the Fc component of tryptic proteolysis.
Some Considerations Related to the Quantization of Charge in Mesoscopic Systems

Over the last few years there have been a large number of theoretical and experimental papers concerned with the consequences, in various types of mesoscopic systems, of the fact that electric charge is quantized in units of e. In this lecture I do not intend to go into the details of the calculations of these effects—something for which there are several people at this School much better qualified than me. Rather, I would like to take a hard look at some of the fundamental conceptual aspects of this type of problem, and in particular at the question: To what extent do the familiar concepts of macroscopic electrical engineering such as voltage, current, capacitance etc. have a meaning when we describe our system in quantum mechanical terms? In particular, just how far do we have to take our book-keeping as regards, say, the actual nature of a “current source” we intend to use to drive our quantum mechanical system? To many working in this area, perhaps these questions seem trivial and the answers to them obvious. As far as I am concerned, they are far from trivial, and while a sustained attempt to answer them may not alter the results of existing calculations, or at least not qualitatively, I believe it will give us significant understanding that may be useful elsewhere in mesoscopic physics.
On computing conformant plans using classical planners: a generate-and-complete approach

The paper illustrates a novel approach to conformant planning using classical planners. The approach relies on two core ideas developed to deal with incomplete information in the initial situation: the use of a classical planner to solve non-classical planning problems, and the reduction of the size of the initial belief state. Differently from previous uses of classical planners to solve non-classical planning problems, the approach proposed in this paper creates a valid plan from a possible plan—by inserting actions into the possible plan and maintaining only one level of non-deterministic choice (i.e., the initial plan being modified). The algorithm can be instantiated with different classical planners—the paper presents the GC[LAMA] implementation, whose classical planner is LAMA. We investigate properties of the approach, including conditions for completeness. GC[LAMA] is empirically evaluated against state-of-the-art conformant planners, using benchmarks from the literature. The experimental results show that GC[LAMA] is superior to other planners, in both performance and scalability. GC[LAMA] is the only planner that can solve the largest instances from several domains. The paper investigates the reasons behind the good performance and the challenges encountered in GC[LAMA].
PRISMA: An Integrated Slide Management and Projection System HF and ID Collaboration in Design

PRISMA is a new concept for the management and projection of 35mm. slides. The product is the result of a collaboration between two design-oriented disciplines — Human Factors and Industrial Design. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First we describe the product itself, focusing on the role of Human Factors knowledge and Industrial Design wherewithal in defining and shaping the final object. Second, we generalize from this one example, proposing a framework for the essential collaboration of Human Factors experts and Industrial Designers.
Using Video for Teacher-Educator Professional Development.

ABSTRACTWe draw on Engestrom’s (2011a) formative intervention approach to bring together mentor teachers and university supervisors to construct a tool for structuring observations and mentoring student teachers. Data include videos and transcripts from seven meetings where participants discussed mentoring and viewed video records of teaching practice to articulate problems and solutions. We examine how video afforded opportunities for participants to precisely describe problems of practice, to develop a shared vision and language of ambitious instruction, and to collectively construct frameworks to guide their work. Findings have implications for design of professional development for teacher educators and programs of teacher preparation.
Metformin exposure is associated with improved progression-free survival in diabetic patients after resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Objective There are little clinical data assessing the antineoplastic effect of metformin in patients with non–small cell lung cancer. We hypothesized that in diabetic patients undergoing pulmonary resection for early-stage non–small cell lung cancer, metformin exposure is associated with improved survival. Methods An institutional database was used to identify patients with stage I or II non–small cell lung cancer who underwent pulmonary resection between 2004 and 2013. Patients were divided into 3 cohorts: type II diabetic patients with metformin exposure (cohort A, n = 81), type II diabetic patients without metformin exposure (cohort B, n = 57), and nondiabetic individuals (cohort C, n = 77). Univariate, multivariate, and propensity-matched analyses were performed to assess progression-free and overall survivals between groups. Results A total of 215 patients with stage I and II non–small cell lung cancer treated with surgical resection were identified for analysis with a median follow-up of 19.5 months. Patients in cohort A had lower T- and N-stage tumors than those in cohorts B or C. However, on multivariate analysis adjusting for age, gender, and T and N stage, progression-free survival was greater for cohort A than cohort B (hazard ratio [HR], 0.410; 95% confidence interval, 0.199-0.874; P = .022) or cohort C (HR, 0.415; 95% confidence interval, 0.201-0.887; P = .017). Likewise, when propensity-matched analyses were performed, cohort A demonstrated a trend toward improved progression-free survival compared with cohort B ( P = .057; HR, 0.44; c-statistic = 0.832) and improved progression-free survival compared with cohort C ( P = .02; HR, 0.41; c-statistic = 0.843). No differences were observed in overall survival. Conclusions Metformin exposure in diabetic patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer may be associated with improved progression-free survival, but no effect was seen on overall survival. Further studies are warranted to evaluate if there is a therapeutic role for metformin in the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer.
Design of a compact antenna with flared groundplane for a wearable breast hyperthermia system.

AbstractPurpose: Currently available microwave hyperthermia systems for breast cancer treatment do not conform to the intact breast and provide limited control of heating patterns, thereby hindering an effective treatment. A compact patch antenna with a flared groundplane that may be integrated within a wearable hyperthermia system for the treatment of the intact breast disease is proposed.Materials and methods: A 3D simulation-based approach was employed to optimise the antenna design with the objective of maximising the hyperthermia treatment volume (41 °C iso-therm) while maintaining good impedance matching. The optimised antenna design was fabricated and experimentally evaluated with ex vivo tissue measurements.Results: The optimised compact antenna yielded a −10 dB bandwidth of 90 MHz centred at 915 MHz, and was capable of creating hyperthermia treatment volumes up to 14.4 cm3 (31 mm × 28 mm × 32 mm) with an input power of 15 W. Experimentally measured reflection coefficient and transient temperature...
Latissimus dorsi dynamic cardiomyoplasty of the right ventricle. Potential for use as a partial myocardial substitute.

Full-thickness right ventricular latissimus dorsi dynamic cardiomyoplasty with the Medtronic Cardiomyostimulator (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.) was performed in a chronic canine model. In one group (n = 2) the latissimus dorsi was electrically preconditioned before cardiomyoplasty. In a second group (n = 3) cardiomyoplasty was performed and the muscle was progressively stimulated, with conditioning accomplished while the latissimus dorsi was functioning on the ventricle. The contribution of the stimulated latissimus dorsi to global ventricular function was assessed, and the effects of varying muscle stimulation parameters on latissimus dorsi function and hemodynamics were examined. Right ventricular systolic pressure increased 8%, from 23.2 ± 0.95 to 25.1 ± 1.5 mm Hg. The rate of pressure rise increased 37% from 226 ± 13 to 309 ± 12 mm Hg/sec. Right ventricular ejection fraction was measured in two dogs and increased 29% with latissimus dorsi stimulation, from 51.5% ± 13.5% to 66.5% ± 14.5%. Although the sample size was small, there was no difference observed between the preconditioned and nonpreconditioned groups. Right ventricular systolic pressure, rate of pressure rise, and percent latissimus dorsi fiber shortening increased as voltage and burst frequency of the muscle stimulus increased, whereas increasing the burst duration had little effect in two dogs so studied. Latissimus dorsi dynamic cardiomyoplasty can function as a partial myocardial replacement in a chronic canine model, apparently without preconditioning of the muscle. The degree of cardiac assist obtained with cardiomyoplasty appears to be influenced by the voltage and frequency of the stimulus applied to the muscle. Although it is unclear whether these results can be extrapolated to the left ventricle, this technique may find application in the treatment of ventricular aneurysm or ventricular tumor.
The Effect of Covalently-Attached ATRP-Synthesized Polymers on Membrane Stability and Cytoprotection in Human Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes have been described as advantageous drug delivery vehicles. In order to ensure an adequate circulation half-life, erythrocytes may benefit from protective enhancements that maintain membrane integrity and neutralize oxidative damage of membrane proteins that otherwise facilitate their premature clearance from circulation. Surface modification of erythrocytes using rationally designed polymers, synthesized via atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), may further expand the field of membrane-engineered red blood cells. This study describes the fate of ATRP-synthesized polymers that were covalently attached to human erythrocytes as well as the effect of membrane engineering on cell stability under physiological and oxidative conditions in vitro. The biocompatible, membrane-reactive polymers were homogenously retained on the periphery of modified erythrocytes for at least 24 hours. Membrane engineering stabilized the erythrocyte membrane and effectively neutralized oxidative species, even in the absence of free-radical scavenger-containing polymers. The targeted functionalization of Band 3 protein by NHS-pDMAA-Cy3 polymers stabilized its monomeric form preventing aggregation in the presence of the crosslinking reagent, bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS3). A free radical scavenging polymer, NHS-pDMAA-TEMPO˙, provided additional protection of surface modified erythrocytes in an in vitro model of oxidative stress. Preserving or augmenting cytoprotective mechanisms that extend circulation half-life is an important consideration for the use of red blood cells for drug delivery in various pathologies, as they are likely to encounter areas of imbalanced oxidative stress as they circuit the vascular system.
Structural insights into ribosome translocation

During protein synthesis, tRNA and mRNA are translocated from the A to P to E sites of the ribosome thus enabling the ribosome to translate one codon of mRNA after the other. Ribosome translocation along mRNA is induced by the universally conserved ribosome GTPase, elongation factor G (EF-G) in bacteria and elongation factor 2 (EF-2) in eukaryotes. Recent structural and single-molecule studies revealed that tRNA and mRNA translocation within the ribosome is accompanied by cyclic forward and reverse rotations between the large and small ribosomal subunits parallel to the plane of the intersubunit interface. In addition, during ribosome translocation, the 'head' domain of small ribosomal subunit undergoes forward- and back-swiveling motions relative to the rest of the small ribosomal subunit around the axis that is orthogonal to the axis of intersubunit rotation. tRNA/mRNA translocation is also coupled to the docking of domain IV of EF-G into the A site of the small ribosomal subunit that converts the thermally driven motions of the ribosome and tRNA into the forward translocation of tRNA/mRNA inside the ribosome. Despite recent and enormous progress made in the understanding of the molecular mechanism of ribosome translocation, the sequence of structural rearrangements of the ribosome, EF-G and tRNA during translocation is still not fully established and awaits further investigation. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:620-636. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1354 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Investigation of the Carbochlorination Process for Conversion of Cerium and Neodymium Oxides into Their Chlorides

This study focuses on evaluating the conversion of cerium oxide and neodymium oxide into their chlorides through the carbochlorination process. The experiments were completed inside a quartz reactor, and the % conversion was determined by performing a water leach to dissolve the soluble chloride phases present and leave behind the insoluble unreacted oxide and oxychloride phases. The process parameters chosen for this investigation were temperature, time, chlorine gas concentration, and carbon-to-rare earth oxide ratio. A rate curve was generated for both the cerium oxide and neodymium oxide carbochlorination processes. These curves showed that reactions had a significant dependence on time with 4 h being the optimal reaction time for both processes. Statistical modeling and optimization was also performed through the use of Stat-Ease Design-Expert 8® software. This analysis showed that temperature had the most significant effect on the degree of reaction achieved for both processes. The reaction products were also subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis to verify the degree of reaction determination method as well as to determine whether any intermediate phases occurred during the carbochlorination process.
Chapter 13 – Organization of Axons in Their Tracts

Much of the work conducted in the field of axon guidance and circuit formation has focused on discrete points along a developing pathway: the organization of neurons at their origin, patterns of target innervation, and navigation at intermediate targets or choice points in between the origin and the target. This chapter addresses the less-well-studied tracts in between these discrete subdivisions of a circuit, a topic which has garnered renewed attention in recent years. We first review the modes of axon organization identified in central and peripheral tracts, with an emphasis on the much-studied visual system, and then examine proposed molecular mechanisms mediating these modes of organization. The overarching question in studies of axon order within tracts is whether pre-sorting of axon cohorts is an essential step in circuit formation that prepares axons to respond accurately to cues in the target and form the correct synaptic connections.
From Long-Term Injecting to Long-Term Non-Injecting Heroin and Cocaine Use: The Persistence of Changed Drug Habits

Abstract Objectives Transitioning from injecting to non-injecting routes of drug administration can provide important individual and community health benefits. We assessed characteristics of persons who had ceased injecting while continuing to use heroin and/or cocaine in New York City. Methods We recruited subjects entering Mount Sinai Beth Israel detoxification and methadone maintenance programs between 2011 and 2015. Demographic information, drug use histories, sexual behaviors, and "reverse transitions" from injecting to non-injecting drug use were assessed in structured face-to-face interviews. There were 303 "former injectors," operationally defined as persons who had injected at some time in their lives, but had not injected in at least the previous 6 months. Serum samples were collected for HIV and HCV testing. Results Former injectors were 81% male, 19% female, 17% White, 43% African-American, and 38% Latino/a, with a mean age of 50 (SD=9.2), and were currently using heroin and/or cocaine. They had injected drugs for a mean of 14 (SD=12.2) years before ceasing injection, and a mean of 13 (SD=12) years had elapsed since their last injection. HIV prevalence among the sample was 13% and HCV prevalence was 66%. The former injectors reported a wide variety of reasons for ceasing injecting. Half of the group appeared to have reached a point where relapse back to injecting was no longer problematic: they had not injected for three or more years, were not deliberately using specific techniques to avoid relapse to injecting, and were not worried about relapsing to injecting. Conclusions Former injectors report very-long term behavior change toward reduced individual and societal harm while continuing to use heroin and cocaine. The behavior change appears to be self-sustaining, with full replacement of an injecting route of drug administration by a non-injecting route of administration. Additional research on the process of long-term cessation of injecting should be conducted within a "combined prevention and care" approach to HIV and HCV infection among persons who use drugs.
Wastewater Flow from Sports Spectators

A crowd of people at a sports event can generate a large flow of wastewater to a collection and treatment system; however, accurate design information is scarce. Football games regularly attract crowds of approx 50,000 to the Beaver Stadium on the University Park, Pa., campus of the Pennsylvania State University. On football days a significant increase in wastewater flow is recorded at the University wastewater treatment plant. Operating problems attributed at least partly to the increase in hydraulic loading due to flows from football games include unsatisfactory final settlement of activated sludge during the game season. In this investigation, the wastewater contribution per spectator at the stadium was determined from the flow records. In addition, from the slight but significant increase in wastewater flow observed after periods of rain the infiltration hydrograph was determined. This demonstrated technique of determining the time variation of infiltration from flow records during both wet and dry periods may be applied where it is required to obtain rate of infiltration from design storms of specified intensity and duration.
The quiet power of indicators: measuring governance, corruption, and the rule of law

We live in a world of indicators. Universities are ranked by indicators. Governments determine legislative and economic policy using indicators. Human rights organisations use indicators to draw at...
Preoperative Optimization of the Elderly Patient Prior to Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery is a challenging specialty, with the average age of our patients being >65 years. Thus, a knowledge of the physiological changes in the arterial system is of significant importance to the vascular surgeon. Additionally, given the multiple comorbidities present, it is crucial for the vascular surgeon to be able to identify the frail vascular patient with comorbidities and improve the outcomes of operations by optimizing the comorbid conditions.
The evolving role of materials in geotechnical infrastructure systems

AbstractAs increasing operational demands are placed on geotechnical infrastructure systems, the need to achieve higher performance levels in the face of unprecedented engineering challenges continues to evolve. These new demands are due to the desire to increase maintenance intervals, the need to develop and adopt more sustainable materials and the need for increased hazard resilience. Many of these emerging demands are the result of climate change and other unprecedented associated natural phenomena. To address these challenges, materials are emerging at the core of some of the most innovative science and engineering developments. This paper presents several examples such as the development of multifunctional geosynthetic materials. The manner in which insights gleaned through the use of microscale experimental and numerical simulation tools, in conjunction with techniques such as 3D printing, can provide a robust basis for performance evaluation and prediction. The importance of innovating at field-sca...
Large-scale exploration of feature sets and deep learning models to classify malicious applications

In recent years, researchers have shown that deep learning (DL) can be used to construct highly accurate models to solve many problems. However, training DL models requires large datasets and vast amounts of computation. With millions of malware variants being created every day, we contend that there is plenty of data to build deep learning models to classify malicious applications. However, finding the best DL model for this task requires exploring a wide range of methods to characterize malware and a variety of different DL models that can be used to classify malicious applications. To the best of our knowledge, no work has been presented that explores the large malware characterization space together with the variety of different DL models that could be brought to bear to this problem. In this paper, we present our work on exploring a large set of features and different DL models for the problem of malware family classification. To make this possible, we built a scalable machine-learning platform on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This platform made it possible to train many DL models concurrently on thousands of machines while collecting accurate data and performance information at regular checkpoints for reliability. We used this platform to evaluate two hundred DL models for eleven different malware characterizations. These characterizations include seven novel graph-based characterizations of the structure of executable code. While state-of-the-art malware characterizations yield 13.8% error-rate, our novel graph-based characterizations make less than 6.3% errors.
Scientific Society Journals: By Scientists for Science

Publication of scientific studies is the primary product of science. But scholarly publishing is in a state of flux-some would even say dysfunction. How did we get here?
Gods and Humans in Medieval Scandinavia: Retying the Bonds

The coming of Christianity to Northern Europe resulted in profound cultural changes. In the course of a few generations, new answers were given to fundamental existential questions and older notions were invalidated. Jonas Wellendorf's study, the first monograph in English on this subject, explores the medieval Scandinavian reception and re-interpretation of pre-Christian Scandinavian religion. This original work draws on a range of primary sources ranging from Prose Edda and Saxo Grammaticus' History of the Danes to less well known literary works including the Saga of Barlaam and the Hauksbok manuscript (c.1300). By providing an in-depth analysis of often overlooked mythological materials, along with translations of all textual passages, Wellendorf delivers an accessible work that sheds new light on the ways in which the old gods were integrated into the Christian worldview of medieval Scandinavia.
Oil and gas development and small business lending in U.S. nonmetropolitan counties

ABSTRACTHow does the presence or absence of small business loans affect the emergence and development of rural businesses in traditionally underserved areas? Further, how has capital-intensive oil ...
A Comparison of Force Sensing for Applications in Prosthetic Haptic Feedback

The current study presents a comparison of two load sensor designs that can be applied toward haptic feedback sensing in upper limb prosthetics. A lab-standard capacitive load cell sensor is discussed, which is succeeded by the proposal of an electrochemical sensor. Experiments were conducted primarily as a proof-of-principle study to evaluate sensor characteristics for prosthetic applications. The aim is to address the need for minimally invasive, cost-effective prosthetic sensor technologies, as the investigated sensor designs conceptualize applications of average grip forces. Thus, force requirements for the sensors were determined to be 250-500 N per the average maximum grip strength of healthy adults. Comparable to a commercial gold-standard capacitive load cell design, a lab-standard load cell sensor was inexpensively manufactured using conductive foam. The lab-standard design was improved upon by employing electrochemical techniques and CP-9000, a thermoplastic elastomer material, to form an electrochemical sensor for enhanced sensitivity. Sustained loads ranging from 0.49 to 2.45 N resulted in average maximum current readouts of - 1.25 × 10-1 to - 4.25 × 10-1 for the lab-standard sensor, and - 5.95 μA to - 7.85 μA for the electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor was reproducible and demonstrated the potential to discriminate between various loads. Force requirements were not reached; however, future studies will seek to increase the mechanical strength of the electrochemical sensor. As the initial electrochemical sensor design provides a potential method for low-cost computer-based prosthetics, thermoplastic elastomer materials with increased elastic and mechanical strength properties will be investigated.
Planetary illiberalism and the cybercity-state: in and beyond territory

Digital networks have stretched and circulated territory and politics, forming new hybrids at different scales that go beyond traditional binaries such as ‘liberal’ or ‘illiberal’, or regional deli...