cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Female Preferences Based on Male Quality in House Mice: Interaction between Male Dominance Rank and t-Complex Genotype

Considerable evidence indicates that female house mice (Mus domesticus) prefer dominant over subordinate males as mates. In addition, male genotype at the t-complex seems to be an important characteristic used by females in mate choice. Specifically, female mice that carry a t-haplotype at the t-complex prefer +/+ over +/t males as mates. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relative contributions of male dominance rank and male t-complex genotype to female mating preference when both factors were systematically varied. We tested females of three genotypes (+/+, +/t, and t/t) in a preference apparatus using pairs of stimulus males varying in relative dominance status and t-complex genotype. In general, when given the choice, females preferred dominant over subordinate males regardless of the male's t-complex genotype. The preference for dominant males was manifested when both stimulus males were of the same t-complex genotype but differed in dominance rank. In addition, when forced to choose between a dominant +/+ and subordinate +/t or between a dominant +/t and subordinate +/+, females continued to prefer the dominant male. Preference for dominant males was independent of female genotype. Only when both males were dominant but differed in t-complex genotype (i.e. one male was +/+ and the other +/t) or when males were unranked (i.e. had not been used in aggressive encounters to determine dominance rank) did females carrying t-haplotypes manifest preferences for +/+ males. Quite unexpectedly, when both males were subordinate but differed in t-complex genotype, preferences of all females shifted in the direction of the +/t male. It is not clear from present data whether the propensity of females to give greater weight to male dominance rank than to t-complex genotype in choosing mates results in greater fitness. However, if these trends are found in natural populations, it would indicate that the role of mating preference in regulating the frequency of t-haplotypes in wild populations is less straightforward than had been previously thought.
The protective effect of ceramide in immature rat brain hypoxia-ischemia involves up-regulation of bcl-2 and reduction of TUNEL-positive cells.

Preconditioning brain with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) can induce tolerance to experimental hypoxia and stroke and ceramide is a downstream messenger in the TNF-α signaling pathway. A hypox...
Neuronal nitric oxide synthase is upregulated in a subset of primary sensory afferents after nerve injury which are necessary for analgesia from α2-adrenoceptor stimulation

alpha2-Adrenoceptor (AR) agonists increase in analgesic potency and efficacy after peripheral nerve injury, and their effects are blocked by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitors and M4 muscarinic receptor antagonists only after injury. We tested whether nNOS and M4 muscarinic receptors are co-expressed in the spinal cord, and whether destruction of a subset of sensory afferents which are essential to alpha2-AR analgesia would also destroy nNOS and M4 receptor expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left L5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation. Lumbar spinal cord was removed and immunostained for M4 muscarinic receptors and nNOS alone and for co-expression. Others received intrathecal injection of saporin linked to an antibody to the neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR), which eliminates cells expressing this receptor and the analgesic effects of alpha2-AR agonists. nNOS staining of fibers in the superficial dorsal horn was dramatically increased after spinal nerve ligation, and this was abolished by saporin linked anti-p75(NTR) treatment. In contrast, nNOS staining in dorsal horn neurons was unaltered by these manipulations. M4 receptors were present on neurons in the dorsal horn, some of which co-expressed nNOS, but their pattern of expression was not altered by these manipulations. Peripheral nerve injury increases nNOS expression in fibers in the superficial dorsal horn, some of which likely express p75(NTR), and alpha2-AR agonists may reduce injury-induced sensitization by activation of nNOS in these fibers In contrast, changes in nNOS and M4 receptor location on spinal cord neurons are not responsible for increased analgesic potency of alpha2-AR agonists after nerve injury.
Genetic contributions to white matter architecture revealed by diffusion tensor imaging in Williams syndrome.

Little is known about genetic regulation of the development of white matter. This knowledge is critical in understanding the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental syndromes associated with altered cognition as well as in elucidating the genetics of normal human cognition. The hemideletion of ≈25 genes on chromosome 7q11.23 that causes Williams syndrome (WS) includes genes that regulate cytoskeletal dynamics in neurons, especially LIMK1 and CYLN2, and therefore offers the opportunity to investigate the role of these genes in the formation of white matter tracts. We used diffusion tensor imaging to demonstrate alteration in white matter fiber directionality, deviation in posterior fiber tract course, and reduced lateralization of fiber coherence in WS. These abnormalities are consistent with an alteration of the late stages of neuronal migration, define alterations of white matter structures underlying dissociable behavioral phenotypes in WS, and provide human in vivo information about genetic control of white matter tract formation.
Determinants of sex hormone levels in men as useful indices in hormone-related disorders.

Abstract Because the determinants of serum sex hormone levels in men have been infrequently studied, we investigated the relation of several personal characteristics to serum levels of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (El), estradiol (E2) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) among 98 Japanese American men in Hawaii, aged 52–74. The SHBG levels and T/(El + E2) ratios decreased progressively with increasing body mass index. The SHBG levels were also inversely associated with hematocrit levels. Serum androgen and estrogen levels did not correlate with smoking, alcohol intake, serum cholesterol, serum uric acid and blood pressure. Some of the associations observed in the present study may be implicated in the etiology of hormone-related neoplasms in men.
Concerning Jahn-Teller Effects

Abstract Jahn-Teller effects are grouped into two categories. The first arises from incomplete shells of degenerate orbitals. It includes the first-order Jahn-Teller effect, and the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect. The second arises from filled and empty molecular orbitals that are close in energy, and is the second-order Jahn-Teller effect. The two categories have quite different physical bases. As a result, geometric distortions produced by the first are quite small and normally lead to dynamic effects only. In favorable cases, the second-order Jahn-Teller effect produces very large distortions, including complete dissociation of a molecule. This can occur even when the relevant molecular orbitals are separated in energy by as much as 4 eV.
US Neo‐conservatism: cohort and cross‐cultural perspective

Demonstrates changes in conservatism in a cross‐cultural and over time perspective. Using a micro‐model, attempts to explain the interdependency of materialism, religion, authority and family in establishing convention. Presents the findings of a questionnaire of undergraduates in North Carolina looking at the identities that reflect the suggested changes. Combines the analysis of a time series established over 20 years in the US with a cross sectional analysis of Germany to test a model of conservatism.
The locus of the myside bias in written argumentation

The myside bias in written argumentation entails excluding other side information from essays. To determine the locus of the bias, 86 Experiment 1 participants were assigned to argue either for or against their preferred side of a proposal. Participants were given either balanced or unrestricted research instructions. Balanced research instructions significantly increased the use of other side information. Participants' notes, rather than search patterns, predicted the myside bias. Participants who defined good arguments as those that can be “proved by facts” were more prone towards the myside bias. In Experiment 2, 84 participants of high and low argumentation ability read a text called “More Than Just the Facts” designed to contradict this fact-based argumentation schema. For high argumentation ability participants, the intervention reduced the myside bias, but for low ability participants it increased. The roots of the myside bias are underdeveloped argumentation schemata leading to misconceptions abou...
Genomic Features of the Human Dopamine Transporter Gene and Its Potential Epigenetic States: Implications for Phenotypic Diversity

Human dopamine transporter gene (DAT1 or SLC6A3) has been associated with various brain-related diseases and behavioral traits and, as such, has been investigated intensely in experimental- and clinical-settings. However, the abundance of research data has not clarified the biological mechanism of DAT regulation; similarly, studies of DAT genotype-phenotype associations yielded inconsistent results. Hence, our understanding of the control of the DAT protein product is incomplete; having this knowledge is critical, since DAT plays the major role in the brain's dopaminergic circuitry. Accordingly, we reevaluated the genomic attributes of the SLC6A3 gene that might confer sensitivity to regulation, hypothesizing that its unique genomic characteristics might facilitate highly dynamic, region-specific DAT expression, so enabling multiple regulatory modes. Our comprehensive bioinformatic analyzes revealed very distinctive genomic characteristics of the SLC6A3, including high inter-individual variability of its sequence (897 SNPs, about 90 repeats and several CNVs spell out all abbreviations in abstract) and pronounced sensitivity to regulation by epigenetic mechanisms, as evident from the GC-bias composition (0.55) of the SLC6A3, and numerous intragenic CpG islands (27 CGIs). We propose that this unique combination of the genomic features and the regulatory attributes enables the differential expression of the DAT1 gene and fulfills seemingly contradictory demands to its regulation; that is, robustness of region-specific expression and functional dynamics.
A molecular dynamics study of void growth and coalescence in single crystal nickel

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations using Modified Embedded Atom Method (MEAM) potentials were performed to analyze material length scale influences on damage progression of single crystal nickel. Damage evolution by void growth and coalescence was simulated at very high strain rates (10 8 –10 10 /s) involving four specimen sizes ranging from ≈5000 to 170,000 atoms with the same initial void volume fraction. 3D rectangular specimens with uniform thickness were provided with one and two embedded cylindrical voids and were subjected to remote uniaxial tension at a constant strain rate. Void volume fraction evolution and the corresponding stress–strain responses were monitored as the voids grew under the increasing applied tractions. The results showed that the specimen length scale changes the dislocation pattern, the evolving void aspect ratio, and the stress–strain response. At small strain levels (0–20%), a damage evolution size scale effect can be observed from the damage-strain and stress–strain curves, which is consistent with dislocation nucleation argument of Horstemeyer et al. [Horstemeyer, M.F., Baskes, M.I., Plimpton, S.J., 2001a. Length scale and time scale effects on the plastic flow of FCC metals. Acta Mater. 49, pp. 4363–4374] playing a dominant role. However, when the void volume fraction evolution is plotted versus the applied true strain at large plastic strains (>20%), minimal size scale differences were observed, even with very different dislocation patterns occurring in the specimen. At this larger strain level, the size scale differences cease to be relevant, because the effects of dislocation nucleation were overcome by dislocation interaction. This study provides fodder for bridging material length scales from the nanoscale to the larger scales by examining plasticity and damage quantities from a continuum perspective that were generated from atomistic results.
High-performance Si 1−x Ge x channel on insulator trigate PFETs featuring an implant-free process and aggressively-scaled fin and gate dimensions

We demonstrate for the first time, Si1-xGex channel trigate PFETs on insulator with aggressively scaled fin width WFIN, gate length LG, and high-K/metal-gate stack (inversion oxide thickness TINV = 1.5 nm) using an implant-free raised source/drain (RSD) process. We report excellent electrostatic control down to LG = 18 nm for WFIN ≤ 18 nm. Using an optimized RSD process, we achieved high-performance SiGe-channel PFETs with oncurrent ION = 1.1 mA/μm at off-current IOFF = 100 nA/μm and supply voltage VDD = 1 V, which is attributed to high hole source injection velocity vx0 exceeding 1 × 107 cm/s.
Per-tone margin optimization in multi-carrier communication systems

This paper investigates the unequal allocation of margin across tones in a multicarrier communication system. Using empirical statistics of the channel signal-to-noise-ratio variation, an algorithm is developed for modems to optimally distribute the available margin across tones instead of allocating equal per-tone margins. Such unequal per-tone margin allocation results in better stability of the line in terms of the outage probability especially when bit and energy adaptation mechanisms are not available or respond slowly to changes in the channel or noise spectrum.
Cohesive zone model based analytical solutions for adhesively bonded pipe joints under torsional loading

Abstract Adhesively bonded pipe joints are extensively used in pipelines. In the present work, cohesive zone model (CZM) based analytical solutions are derived for the bonded pipe joints under torsion. The concept of the minimum relative interface rotation ϕ m is introduced and used as the fundamental variable to express all other parameters, such as external torsion load, distribution of interfacial shear stress, length of elastic zone and softening zone, etc. It is found that when the bond length of the pipe joint is longer than a certain value, further increase in bond length cannot bring any significant increase in torsion load capacity. Given that the bond length of the pipe joint is long enough, the torsion load capacity is indeed independent of the shape of cohesive laws and the bond length. Consequently, simplified expressions of the torsion load capacity are derived as a function of the interface fracture energy, torsion stiffness of the pipe, and the geometric properties of the pipe joints. Depending on the torsion stiffness ratio of the pipe and the coupler, the macroscopic-debonding can initiate at the right end, left end or both ends simultaneously. It is interesting to note that the maximum torsion load capacity is achieved when the torsion stiffness of the pipe and the coupler are identical. Good agreement with finite element analysis (FEA) result validates the accuracy of the current model. Fracture energy based formulas of the torsion load capacity derived in the present work can be directly used in the design of adhesively bonded pipe joints.
Analysis of an Algorithm for Random Sampling

We analyze a standard algorithm for sampling m items without replacement from a computer file of n records. The algorithm repeatedly selects a record at random from the file, rejecting records that have previously been selected, until m records are obtained. The running time of the algorithm has two components: a rejection component and a search component. We show that the probability distribution of the rejection component undergoes an infinite series of phase transitions, depending on the order of magnitude of m relative to n. We identify an infinite number of ranges of m, each with a different behavior. The rejection component is distributed as a linear combination of Poisson-like random variables. The search component is customarily done using a hash table with separate chaining. The analysis of the hashing scheme in this problem differs from previous hashing analyses, as the number of lookups in the hash table for each insertion has a geometric distribution. We show that the average overall cost of searching is asymptotically linear with only two phase transitions in the coefficient of linearity.
Dual-band reconfigurable antenna with a very wide tunability range

A new technique for designing dual-band reconfigurable slot antennas is presented. Dual-frequency operation is achieved by loading a slot antenna with two lumped variable capacitors (varactors) placed in proper locations along the slot. Loading the slot antenna with lumped capacitors shifts down the resonant frequencies of the first and second resonances of the antenna. However, these frequency shifts depend not only on the values of the capacitors, but also on their locations along the slot antenna. Here, it is shown that by choosing the locations of the varactors appropriately, it is possible to obtain a dual-band antenna whose first and second resonant frequencies can be controlled individually. In other words, the frequency of either the first or the second band can be fixed, while the other one is electronically tuned. Using such a design, an electronically tunable dual-band antenna is designed and fabricated using two identical varactors having a capacitance range of 0.5-2.25 pF. The antenna is shown to have a frequency ratio (f/sub R/=f/sub 2//f/sub 1/) ranging from 1.3 to 2.67. An important feature of this antenna is its consistent radiation pattern, polarization, and polarization purity at both bands and across its entire tunable frequency range.
Environmentally persistent free radicals decrease cardiac function and increase pulmonary artery pressure

Epidemiological studies have consistently linked inhalation of particulate matter (PM) to increased cardiac morbidity and mortality, especially in at risk populations. However, few studies have examined the effect of PM on baseline cardiac function in otherwise healthy individuals. In addition, airborne PM contain environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) capable of redox cycling in biological systems. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nose-only inhalation of EPFRs (20 min/day for 7 days) could decrease baseline left ventricular function in healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats. The model EPFR tested was 1,2-dichlorobenzene chemisorbed to 0.2-μm-diameter silica/CuO particles at 230°C (DCB230). Inhalation of vehicle or silica particles served as controls. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, rats were anesthetized (isoflurane) and ventilated (3 l/min), and left ventricular function was assessed using pressure-volume catheters. Compared with controls, inhalation of DCB230 significantly decreased baseline stroke volume, cardiac output, and stroke work. End-diastolic volume and end-diastolic pressure were also significantly reduced; however, ventricular contractility and relaxation were not changed. DCB230 also significantly increased pulmonary arterial pressure and produced hyperplasia in small pulmonary arteries. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein were significantly increased by exposure to DCB230, as were levels of heme oxygenase-1 and SOD2 in the left ventricle. Together, these data show that inhalation of EPFRs, but not silica particles, decreases baseline cardiac function in healthy rats by decreasing cardiac filling, secondary to increased pulmonary resistance. These EPFRs also produced systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress markers in the left ventricle.
The Role of Spatial Reasoning in Engineering and the Design of Spatial Instruction

Many believe that spatial reasoning and visualization contribute to success in engineering. To investigate this view, we a) studied how students in engineering and engineers in professional practice solved spatial reasoning problems, b) designed and implemented spatial strategy instruction, and c) characterized the impact of spatial instruction on engineering course performance. In the span of 4 years, over 500 students have used our spatial strategy instruction that includes hands-on activities, innovative computer courseware, and problem-solving assessments. We studied 153 students in an introductory engineering course. Overall, students made significant progress in spatial reasoning. In addition, gender differences in the ability to generate orthographic projections on the pre-test disappeared on the post-test. Spatial reasoning ability was a significant predictor of overall course grade, and strong spatial skills were necessary for success on the course exams. Spatial strategy instruction helps students build a repertoire of approaches for engineering problem solving and contributes to confidence in engineering, especially for women. We recommend starting instruction on spatial strategies used by practicing engineers in introductory engineering courses and building on these skills throughout the curriculum.
High-density integrated optics

This paper presents two dimensional (2-D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations of low-loss right-angle waveguide bends, T-junctions and crossings, based on high index-contrast waveguides. Such structures are essential for the dense integration of optical components. Excellent performance characteristics are obtained by designing the waveguide intersection regions as low-Q resonant cavities with certain symmetries and small radiation loss. A simple analysis, based on coupled mode theory in time, is used to explain the operation principles and agrees qualitatively with the numerical results.
Role of EDHF in type 2 diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) plays a crucial role in modulating vasomotor tone, especially in microvessels when nitric oxide-dependent control is compromised such as in diabete...
Structural Variation within the Amygdala and Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Predicts Memory for Impressions in Older Adults

Research has shown that lesions to regions involved in social and emotional cognition disrupt socioemotional processing and memory. We investigated how structural variation of regions involved in socioemotional memory (ventromedial prefrontal cortex [vmPFC], amygdala), as opposed to a region implicated in explicit memory (hippocampus), affected memory for impressions in young and older adults. Anatomical MRI scans for fifteen young and fifteen older adults were obtained and reconstructed to gather information about cortical thickness and subcortical volume. Young adults had greater amygdala and hippocampus volumes than old, and thicker left vmPFC than old, although right vmPFC thickness did not differ across the age groups. Participants formed behavior-based impressions and responded to interpersonally meaningful, social but interpersonally irrelevant, or non-social prompts, and completed a memory test. Results showed that greater left amygdala volume predicted enhanced overall memory for impressions in older but not younger adults. Increased right vmPFC thickness in older, but not younger, adults correlated with enhanced memory for impressions formed in the interpersonally meaningful context. Hippocampal volume was not predictive of social memory in young or older adults. These findings demonstrate the importance of structural variation in regions linked to socioemotional processing in the retention of impressions with age, and suggest that the amygdala and vmPFC play an integral role when encoding and retrieving social information.
Lyme disease-related intracranial hypertension in children: clinical and imaging findings

Lyme disease (LD) is a tick-borne infection that is endemic to multiple areas of the United States. Patients with LD may present with sign and symptoms of intracranial hypertension (IH). The objective of this study is to evaluate the history, clinical findings, CSF analysis, and brain imaging results in pediatric patients with increased intracranial pressure secondary to LD. A retrospective database search was performed using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9/10 codes to identify patients diagnosed with LD and IH between 2004 and 2014 at a tertiary referral pediatric hospital. Clinical, laboratory and neuroimaging data for each patient were reviewed. Seven patients met inclusion criteria; mean age was 9.6 years (standard deviation 4.0 years); 4/7 patients were male. Average body mass index was 18.8 kg/m(2) (standard deviation 3.0 kg/m(2)). Fever was present in four patients. Four had a history of LD related erythema migrans. All had elevated CSF opening pressure with leukocytosis and lymphocytic predominance. MRI obtained in six patients showed contrast enhancement of various cranial nerves. Tentorial enhancement was noted in all patients. In addition, patients had widening of the optic nerve sheath (ONS), optic nerve protrusion, and flattening of the posterior globe consistent with increased intracranial pressure. All patients had resolution of their symptoms after initiation of antibiotic therapy. In endemic areas, LD should be included in the differential of IH. MRI can help distinguish IH due to LD from its idiopathic form due to the presence of tentorial and cranial nerve enhancement in the former in addition to abnormal CSF showing leukocytosis with lymphocyte predominance.
2-Deoxy-D-glucose induces Type II cell death in pancreatic cancer.

B35 Inhibition of glycolytic pathway is becoming an important strategy in cancer therapeutics for targeting a major survival pathway in hypoxic cancers solely dependent on glucose as an energy source. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of glycolysis in glioma cancer cells which depend almost exclusively on glucose for metabolism. Here we investigated the effect of 2-DG as an inhibitor of cell growth in a panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines including MiaPaCa2 and Panc1. To asses the cytotoxicity of 2-DG, MiaPaCa2 and Panc1 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of 2-DG for 24, 48 and 72 hour periods under normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic (0.1% O2) conditions. The results from MiaPaCa2 treated cells revealed the IC50 (2-DG) to be 2.3 mM and that sensitivity of the MiaPaCa2 cells towards 2-DG increases by 37% under hypoxic conditions. When MiaPaCa2 cells were grown under same conditions in low glucose media (5.6 mM), sensitivity of MiaPaCa2 cells to 2-DG treatment further increased 82%, however the use of low glucose media under hypoxic conditions did not further increase the sensitivity of MiaPaCa2 cells to 2-DG. 2-DG cytotoxicity studies in Panc1 treated cells demonstrated a 3 fold higher resistance to 2-DG treatment (IC50 6.9 mM) than observed in the MiaPaCa2 cell line suggesting sensitivity to the monosaccharide based antimetabolites like 2-DG is cell specific as demonstrated by increased activity in the highly glycolytic MiaPaCa2 cell line. We also assessed the induction of autophagy in MiaPaCa2 cells using acridine orange staining to determine the acidic vesicular organelles (AVO), a hallmark of autophapy cell death. Here we found supporting evidence of 2-DG as an inducer of autophagic cell death, showing a significant increase in AVOs following treatment with 5 mM 2-DG. These findings support our hypothesis that 2-DG acts as a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation in MiaPaca2 pancreatic cancer cell line, and is not as potent in cell lines less dependent on glycolysis like the Panc1 cell line. These data in total provide strong evidence that inhibitors of the glycolytic pathway could be a significant therapeutic strategy in the treatment of pancreatic and other highly glycolysis- dependent tumor types.
Integrating Estimates of the Social and Individual Costs of Caregiving into Dementia Treatment Trials

A variety of new treatments for dementia are awaiting or undergoing randomized clinical trails. These trials focus on outcomes such as changes in cognitive function, physical function, or amyloid plaques. What is quite important and is too often missing from these trials are estimates of the impact of these treatments on the social and individual costs of providing care for those facing dementia. Until outcomes such as family caregiver time and caregiver burden are included in trails of dementia treatments, the picture of how well these treatments work will be distressingly incomplete.
Western Corn Rootworm Egg Distribution and Adult Emergence Under Two Corn Tillage Systems

Under a conventional plowing system, eggs of Diabrotica virgifera LeConte were more uniformly deposited in the top 6 inches of the soil profile than under a reduced strip tillage system which resulted in heaviest egg deposition in the furrow or ridge. Equal numbers of eggs were deposited in both systems. After corn was planted, more eggs occurred in the seedling zone in conventionally planted corn; in till-plant corn, eggs were removed from the seed row and eggs concentrated in the furrow were covered with additional soil. Adult emergence was 5–10 days later in till-plant corn than in the conventional till-age system.
Behavior of Adrenocorticotropic Peptides in Diatomaceous Earth and Starch Column.

SummaryThe ACTH peptides obtained from the pepsin digest of sheep protein hormone has been analysed chromatographically in starch and diatomaceous earth columns using various solvents as eluent. Results indicate the presence of many components in the peptide mixture. The presence of two ACTH active components in the peptide mixture has been suggested by starch column chromatography, using ethanol: 0.9% NaCl as eluent.
Risk perceptions, moral attitudes, and anticipated guilt in US consumers’ climate change behavioral intentions

Various reports and research have documented the risks of global warming on humans and the non-human environment. A growing amount of media coverage positions the fight against global warming as a moral issue. However, additional research needs to be conducted regarding whether individuals’ risk perceptions are related to their moral attitudes and whether their moral attitudes toward global warming are associated with their behavioral intentions to alleviate global warming. Based on a cross-sectional survey (N = 572) and structural equation modeling analysis, the present investigation situated moral attitudes within a larger theoretical framework (i.e. the theory of planned behavior). Results found that the American public’s moral attitudes were predicted by subjective norms and risk to others and the environment, but not risk to themselves. Moral attitudes, in turn, predicted anticipated guilt. Collectively, moral attitudes, self-efficacy, anticipated guilt, and consideration of future consequences predi...
A Model of Damage Mechanics Induced by Cracks

The induced stress of initial damage zone results in the redistribution of surrounding rock stress when the micro-crack closes after hydraulic fracture.The surrounding rock zone was divided into broken zone,damage zone and elastic range to determine the stress distribution law after primary fracturing.Model of artificial fracture induced stress was built based on the damage theory.A produced well in Jilin Oilfield was taken as an example.The results show that artificial fracture induced stress decreases with the distance increased.The result was consistent with practice.
Predicting Premorbid Ability for WAIS–IV, WMS–IV and WASI–II

The estimation of premorbid cognitive functioning is an important component of most neuropsychological evaluations with adults and older adults. Clinicians typically estimate premorbid cognitive skills using background information (e.g., education and occupation) and/or current test scores. Statistical models use multivariate regression techniques to derive equations to predict premorbid ability. Two commonly used approaches include the Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF) and the Oklahoma Premorbid Intelligence Estimate (OPIE–IV). The strengths and weaknesses of each model are discussed, and these models are applied to clinical samples. This chapter provides a technical and comprehensive summary of the use of the TOPF and OPIE–IV equations for estimating premorbid cognitive functioning.
“I Don’t Want to Make Them Uncomfortable”: A Micro-Scale Examination of Emotional and Physical Boundaries Within Male Friendship

In recent years, masculinity scholars have theoretically linked heightened levels of emotional and physical intimacy within friendships among young straight men to a perceived decline in cultural homophobia. However, other researchers have questioned the degree to which an increase in transgressions of physical boundaries that were once more strictly coded as homosexual–such as cuddling, holding hands, and kissing–constitutes a tangible decline in homophobia. In response to some of these theoretical and empirical concerns, we elected to investigate the impact of these “changing” dynamics among straight men on the lived experiences of gay men. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted, transcribed, and analyzed semi-structured interviews with five gay male and five straight male undergraduate students. The interviews focused on participants’ friendships with other men and how their friendships with straight men and gay men differed. Upon completing our analyses of the interviews, we found that most of the gay men in our study sensed a prevailing degree of apprehension about their sexuality from their straight male friends, a barrier that the straight men we interviewed did not claim to detect.
Micellar Delivery of miR-34a Modulator Rubone and Paclitaxel in Resistant Prostate Cancer

Treatment of prostate cancer with paclitaxel often fails due to the development of chemoresistance caused by downregulation of the tumor suppressor gene miR-34a. In this study, we demonstrate that codelivery of paclitaxel and 2'-hydroxy-2,4,4',5,6'-pentamethoxychalcone (termed rubone) drives upregulation of miR-34a and chemosensitizes paclitaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells, killing both cancer stem-like cells (CSC) and bulk tumor cells. Rubone upregulated miR-34a and reversed its downstream target genes in DU145-TXR and PC3-TXR cells. Paclitaxel and rubone combination therapy inhibited tumor cell growth, migration, and CSC population growth. We synthesized poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-carboxyl-propylene carbonate-graft-dodecanol; PEG-PCD) to prepare micelles. The drug-loading capacities were 9.70% ± 0.10% and 5.34% ± 0.02% for paclitaxel and rubone, respectively, controlling a drug release of 60.20% ± 2.67% and 60.62% ± 4.35% release of paclitaxel and rubone at 24 hours. Delivery of miR-34a and rubone decreased PC3-TXR cell viability with increasing paclitaxel concentration. Coincubation with a miR-34a inhibitor diminished the effect of rubone. Paclitaxel IC50 in PC3 and PC3-TXR cells was 55.6 and 2,580 nmol/L, respectively, but decreased to 49.8 and 93.2 nmol/L when treated in combination with rubone, demonstrating a reversal of paclitaxel resistance by rubone. Systemic administration of micelles carrying paclitaxel and rubone inhibited orthotopic prostate tumor growth in nude mice, compared with monotherapy, by reversing the expression of miR-34a, SIRT1, cyclin D1, and E-cadherin. In summary, our results showed how rubone acts as an efficient small-molecule modulator of miR-34a to reverse chemoresistance and further enhance the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in paclitaxel-resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 77(12); 3244-54. ©2017 AACR.
The United Nations in the Great Lakes Region

Rhoads offers an analysis of the UN’s involvement in the Great Lakes region in the area of peace and security, focusing on UN missions deployed to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the new millennium. This chapter charts the evolution of United Nations (UN) engagement and illuminates the strategic and political factors that shaped the UN’s role, allowing it to exert considerable leverage at certain junctures, but ultimately resulting in the institution’s marginalisation. While Burundi and the DRC are markedly different contexts, this chapter demonstrates how, analysed alongside each other, they offer valuable insights into the UN and its future role in the region.
T Helper Cell Differentiation, Heterogeneity, and Plasticity

Naive CD4 T cells, on activation, differentiate into distinct T helper (Th) subsets that produce lineage-specific cytokines. By producing unique sets of cytokines, effector Th subsets play critical roles in orchestrating immune responses to a variety of infections and are involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases including autoimmunity, allergy, and asthma. The differentiation of Th cells relies on the strength of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling and signals triggered by polarizing cytokines that activate and/or up-regulate particular transcription factors. Several lineage-specific master transcription factors dictate Th cell fates and functions. Although these master regulators cross-regulate each other, their expression can be dynamic. Sometimes, they are even coexpressed, resulting in massive Th-cell heterogeneity and plasticity. Similar regulation mediated by these master regulators is also found in innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that are innate counterparts of Th cells.
Boundary Layer Budgeting

Vigorous mixing in the lower atmosphere is often confined within a relatively shallow planetary boundary layer (PBL), into which the surface fluxes of atmospheric constituents converge. The horizontal scale of mixing — and hence the degree of spatial averaging performed by the boundary layer turbulence — is proportional to the thickness of the layer h. This thickness ranges from 100s of metres for stable boundary layers (SBLs) to 1–3 kilometres for convective boundary layers (CBLs). The intensity of the mixing depends on the surface buoyancy flux, and this in turn determines the thickness of the boundary layer. Turbulent mixing at these scales blurs local gradients set up by contrasting land-surface types. By using boundary layer (BL) budgets to estimate surface fluxes one exploits the horizontal averaging property of this turbulent mixing. The surface flux is found as a residual; all transport is estimated through the sides and top of the box. The BL budget method is an approach with more advocates than true practitioners. Its potential inspires many to instruct the Community on the virtues of the continuity equation, as it is applied to field observations.
Women, information ecology, and political protest in the Middle East

Does internet usage increase the likelihood of political protest, and is the effect larger among women than men? Using data from three waves of the Arab Barometer Survey, historical research and in...
Pervasive within-Mitochondrion Single-Nucleotide Variant Heteroplasmy as Revealed by Single-Mitochondrion Sequencing

A number of mitochondrial diseases arise from single-nucleotide variant (SNV) accumulation in multiple mitochondria. Here, we present a method for identification of variants present at the single-mitochondrion level in individual mouse and human neuronal cells, allowing for extremely high-resolution study of mitochondrial mutation dynamics. We identified extensive heteroplasmy between individual mitochondrion, along with three high-confidence variants in mouse and one in human that were present in multiple mitochondria across cells. The pattern of variation revealed by single-mitochondrion data shows surprisingly pervasive levels of heteroplasmy in inbred mice. Distribution of SNV loci suggests inheritance of variants across generations, resulting in Poisson jackpot lines with large SNV load. Comparison of human and mouse variants suggests that the two species might employ distinct modes of somatic segregation. Single-mitochondrion resolution revealed mitochondria mutational dynamics that we hypothesize to affect risk probabilities for mutations reaching disease thresholds.
Ocean Circulation Modeling Using Adaptive Wavelet Collocation Method

The adaptive wavelet collocation method is applied to basin-scale, wind-driven ocean circulation models. This method solves the governing equations on temporally and spatially varying meshes, which allows higher effective resolution to be obtained with less computational cost. The grid adaptation is achieved by using the ability of wavelet multiresolution analysis to identify and isolate localized dynamically dominant flow structures, e.g., vortices, and to track these structures on adaptive computational meshes. In addition to studying how various ocean models behave on non-uniform, time varying grids, this work also sets out to improve the representation of continental topology and bottom bathymetry through an extension of the Brinkman penalization method. Due to the complicated geometry inherent in ocean boundaries, the stair-step representation used in the majority of current global ocean circulation models causes accuracy and stability problems. Brinkman penalization is a numerical technique used to enforce no slip boundary conditions through the addition of a term to the governing equations. When coupled with the adaptive wavelet collocation method, the flow near the boundary can be well defined. This is especially useful for simulation of boundary currents. Therefore, the Gulf stream and western boundary currents have been the focus of the work presented here. References
Question Asking: A Fundamental Dimension in Design Thinking

As mentioned in the introduction, this work operates under two premises: 1. It is valid and useful to frame designing as a “way of thinking”, and thus, as a specific type of cognition. 2. Question asking while designing is influential to the cognition of designers. It is related to the cognitive aspects of their problem solving, creativity, decision making, and learning processes, and, consequently, to their overall performance.
Isolating Representational Systems

Abstract The representation of even a simple stimulus event involves parallel activation of a number of separable internal codes. Some of these codes are available only to neurophysiological studies, some only to cognitive methods and some to both forms of investigation. We review the parallel activation of simple features of visual objects such as orientation, motion and color and their combination into the conjunctions of features that form objects. Rather surprisingly, output of feature codes appear to be available to some forms of cognitive study. Feature activation carries with it implicit information on location but dissociations between features argue that the precise conjoining of features into an integrated object appears to be a separable act. Studies of visual imagery reveal the operations of higher levels of representation that seem to play a role in pattern recognition and provide evidence favoring the ability to choose a level of detail appropriate to goals. Language stimuli follow similar coding principles but provide a special opportunity to apply cognitive methods to the study of cross-modality representation. The interplay between many forms of representation rather than a single unifying principle may underlie the richness of human cognition. Nonetheless the ability to isolate coding systems by experimental methods or brain injury supports efforts to simulate aspects of pattern recognition and also suggests why the simulation of any one aspect may not fully duplicate human performance.
Resource Theory of Social Exchange

This chapter is an abridged version of an extensive chapter that Edna and Uriel Foa published in 1976 in which the basic tenets of their resource theory of social exchange are outlined. The authors discuss a variety of details and issues such as the definition and classification of resources as well as the reciprocal relationship between the structure of resources and interpersonal behavior. A number of new exchange rules are proposed, and some consequences of inappropriate exchanges are analyzed. Foa and Foa conclude their chapter with an interesting account of many instances in which SRT is relevant to and useful for the analysis of social issues.
Selective Decrease in Allodynia With High-Frequency Neuromodulation via High-Electrode-Count Intrafascicular Peripheral Nerve Interface After Brachial Plexus Injury.

Objectives Kilohertz high-frequency alternating current (KHFAC) electrical nerve stimulation produces a reversible nerve block in peripheral nerves in human patients with chronic pain pathologies. Although this stimulation methodology has been verified with nonselective extrafascicular electrodes, the effectiveness of producing a selective nerve block with more-selective intrafascicular electrodes has not been well documented. The objective of this study was to examine whether intrafascicular electrodes can block painful stimuli while preserving conduction of other neural activity within the implanted nerve. Materials and methods We analyzed the effects of various stimulation waveforms delivered through Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays (USEAs) implanted in the median nerve of a male human subject with a left brachial plexus injury. We compared KHFAC stimulation with a sham control. Results KHFAC stimulation through USEA electrodes produced a reduction in pain sensitivity in the palmar aspect of the left middle finger. KHFAC had limited effects on the patient's ability to feel tactile probing in the same area or move the digits of his left hand. Other tested stimulation parameters either increased or showed no reduction in pain. Conclusions KHFAC stimulation in peripheral nerves through intrafascicular electrodes demonstrated a selective reduction in pain sensitivity while preserving other nerve functions. This treatment may benefit patient populations who have chronic pain originating from peripheral nerves, but who do not want to block whole-nerve function in order to preserve sensory and motor function reliant on the implanted nerve. Furthermore, KHFAC may benefit patients who respond negatively to other forms of peripheral nerve stimulation therapy.
Poster: Making Well-Informed Software Design Decisions

Design decisions software architects make directly impact system quality. Real-world systems involve a large number of such decisions, and each decision is typically influenced by others and involves trade-offs in system properties. This paper poses the problem of making complex, interacting design decision relatively early in the project's lifecycle and outlines a search-based and simulation-based approach for helping architects make these decisions and understand their effects.
Consumer adoption of the Uber mobile application: Insights from diffusion of innovation theory and technology acceptance model

ABSTRACTThe sharing economy literature has largely concentrated on the examination of peer-to-peer accommodation platforms such as Airbnb, with little attention paid on other innovations in collaborative consumption. This study investigates consumer adoption of the Uber mobile application through lenses of two theoretical models – Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Technology Acceptance Model. The results suggest that relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, and social influence have a significant influence on both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which in turn lead to subsequent consumer attitudes and adoption intentions. This study demonstrates the integration of the two classic adoption theories.