cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Tracer Concentration and Mixing in CFSTRs with Mean Age Distribution

Three-dimensional time-dependent tracer concentration distributions in nonideal continuous flow stirred tank reactors with pulse input are studied computationally. Both the steady transport equation for mean age and the time-dependent transport equation for tracer concentration are solved. It is found that the time-dependent tracer concentration history can be divided into two stages: an initial stage, in which the concentration is highly location-dependent, and a stationary stage, in which the concentration decays with a location-independent, constant exponential rate. This rate is found to be the inverse of the volume-averaged mean age. The length of the initial stage is found to be very short, on the same order of magnitude as the batch blend time. It is also found that the scaled concentration distribution in the stationary stage is almost identical to the scaled mean age distribution. The spatial and temporal concentration distribution in the stationary stage can be determined once the initial stage ...
Political Spending and Shareholder Wealth The Effect of the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in Citizens United

We examine the impact of the Citizens United decision on firm value. While the value of U.S. firms do not respond significantly to the Citizens United decision on average, we find evidence that firms in industries subject to more extensive regulation react significantly and positively to the announcement. We also find evidence consistent with Justice John Paul Stevens’ argument that the Court decision will affect state laws. Specifically, our results indicate that firms that are headquartered in states with more stringent limits on political spending by corporations respond positively to the announcement.
Manipulating a synchronous or separatist group orientation to improve performance on a hidden profile task

Effective use of available information is a problem that plagues group decision-making tasks. Groups heavily favor shared information, or information that is known to all group members, which can lead to incorrect decisions and selection of inferior alternatives. However, groups may be less prone to overlooking unshared information if they are focused to value uniqueness and novel input from group members. The present research demonstrates that groups that value uniqueness, or a separatist orientation, correctly solved a hidden profile task more often than groups with a synchronous orientation, or groups that value similarity. Separatist groups repeated more unshared information than synchronous overall. Separatists also repeated more shared information than synchronous groups. Further, groups with a correct minority member also repeated more unshared information than groups with either a majority correct or no correct members. Results are discussed in terms of group focus and biases that affect the discu...
An Introduction to Information Science

"Introduction Information Science as Question-Answering Data Collection and Analysis Data Collection Methods Data Analysis Making Predictions Data Organization and Use Understanding the Data Estimating and Using Data Values Coding the Data Coding the Data Fields, Records, and Files Storing the Data File Structures The Inverted File Retrieving the Data Information Retrieval Systems The Use of Data and Base Management Systems Displaying the Data Data Display Writing Graphics Programs The Communication of Data Human Computer Dialogue The Communication Model Data Manipulation Numerical Techniques Text Processing Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Decision-Making Problem-Solving "
The donor–acceptor complexes of quantum dots and ionic perylene diimides for ratiometric detection of double-stranded DNA

This communication presents a new FRET donor–acceptor system based on hybrid inorganic–organic complexes formed by quantum dots (QDs) and perylene diimides (PDIs). The ratio of the emission of QDs and the FRET emission of PDIs changes as the ratio of the donor and the acceptor changes. This donor–acceptor system can be used for ratiometric detection of double-stranded DNA.
A Phenomenological Investigation: Microaggressions and Counselors-in-Training

ABSTRACTCounselor educators are charged with the responsibility of assisting counselors–in–training to gain knowledge about injustice and inequity in society. Individuals experience oppression and privilege in different ways depending on their identities of marginalized or majority status. This study examined microaggressions using written and photographic journals from 24 counselors–in–training through the lens of phenomenology. Participants identified four overarching themes in describing their experiences with microaggressions: denial, dismay, awareness, and action. Implications for training and future research are discussed.
“Back Home, People Say America is Heaven”: Pre-Migration Expectations and Post-Migration Adjustment for Liberians in Pittsburgh

The African-born population in the United States is now the immigrant group growing at the fastest rate, yet African immigrants are often overlooked in studies of immigrant incorporation and social adjustment. One factor negatively impacting immigrant adjustment is a lack of congruence between pre-migration expectations and post-migration realities. Existing academic literature on this topic largely overlooks African immigrants with the exception of refugees, and current studies of Liberians in the United States also focus overwhelmingly on refugees. This article reorients the discussion of African immigrant incorporation by exploring such issues with a sample of Liberian immigrants in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area who arrived with a range of visa types. Using the results of five focus groups (N = 31), I outline shared unrealistic expectations of abundant wealth and development, an easier life, and Americans having extensive knowledge about Africa. I also examine often unanticipated challenges such as communication issues, negative interactions (including racism and African origin prejudice), cultural differences, problems finding jobs and adjusting to American work culture, and high expectations from home, including remittances. The results suggest that non-refugee immigrants face many of the same challenges as refugees and can benefit from information and resources fostering more successful integration.
Short term elevation in dietary protein intake does not worsen insulin resistance or lipids in older adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized-controlled trial

There is a great deal of controversy as to whether higher protein intake improves or worsens insulin sensitivity in humans. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of a short-term elevation in dietary protein on hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in twelve older subjects (51–70 yrs) with metabolic syndrome. Individuals were randomly assigned to one of the dietary groups: recommended protein intake (RPI, 10% of daily calorie intake) or elevated protein intake (EPI, 20% of daily calorie intake) for 4 weeks. Prior to and immediately following the dietary intervention, subjects were studied with primed continuous infusion of [6,6-2H2]glucose and [1-13C]glucose dissolved in drink during the dual tracer oral glucose tolerance test (DT OGTT) to determine hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity. Plasma lipids were measured pre- and post-dietary intervention. In both intervention groups: 1) hepatic insulin sensitivity as assessed by the endogenous glucose rate of appearance (glucose Ra), 2) peripheral insulin sensitivity as assessed by the metabolic clearance rate of glucose normalized to plasma glucose concentration (MCR) and/or the rate of glucose utilization (Rd) or 3) glucose/insulin AUC were unaffected by the diets. Moreover, fasting lipid was not affected by RPI or EPI. Our findings suggest that a short-term elevation in EPI with correspondingly higher branched chain amino acid (BCAA) contents has no detrimental impact on hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity or plasma lipid parameters in older adults with metabolic syndrome. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02885935 ; This trial was registered retrospectively (Study start date, April 01, 2013, date of registration, August 26, 2016).
Associations Between Romantic Relationship Attachment and Health Among Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Sleep and Emotion Regulation

Close relationships play a crucial role in physical and psychological well-being. However, the mechanisms through which relationship factors may enable individuals to maintain overall health have not been widely explored. The primary objective of this study was to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation and sleep in the link between romantic relationship attachment and health. Additionally, differences in sleep patterns and emotion regulation across romantic relationship attachment styles were explored. The survey inquired about the quality and quantity of sleep, attachment quality, emotion regulatory factors, and overall health. The participants included 172 undergraduate students (17–30 years) at a midwestern U.S. university. Romantic relationship attachment security was associated with better sleep, better emotion regulatory strategies, and health. Sleep and emotion regulatory strategies mediated the association between attachment and sleep patterns in a three-path mediation. Findings show greater disruptions in sleep patterns and emotion regulatory factors across attachment styles (i.e., secure, preoccupied, dismissive, and fearful attachment). The findings have implications for sleep disorder intervention programs that emphasise better emotion regulatory strategies and promote healthy relationship patterns.
Patellofemoral kinematics in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency: an in-vivo fluoroscopic analysis during walking

Complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs causes profound disturbance to stifle joint biomechanics. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) insufficiency on patellofemoral (PF) kinematics in dogs during walking. Ten client-owned dogs (20-40 kg) with natural unilateral complete CrCL rupture were included. Dogs underwent computed tomographic scans to create digital bone-models of the patella and femur. Lateral projection fluoroscopy of the stifles was performed during treadmill walking. Sagittal plane PF kinematics were calculated throughout the gait cycle by overlaying digital bone models on fluoroscopic images using a previously described 2D-3D registration technique. For acquisition of kinematics in the contralateral (control) stifle, fluoroscopy was repeated 6-months after stabilizing surgery of the affected side. Results were compared between the pre-operative CrCL-deficient and 6-month post-operative control stifles. Craniocaudal PF translation was similar between CrCL-deficient and control stifles throughout the gait cycle. The patella was more distal and positioned in greater flexion throughout the gait cycle in CrCL-deficient stifles when compared to the control stifle at equivalent time points. There was no significant difference in PF poses between CrCL-deficient and control stifles at equivalent femorotibial flexion angles; however, common femorotibial flexion angles were only found over a small range during the swing phase of gait. CrCL insufficiency altered PF kinematics during walking, where the changes were predominately attributable to the femorotibial joint being held in more flexion. Abnormal PF kinematics may play a role in the development of osteoarthritis that is commonly observed in the PF joint CrCL-deficient stifles.
Weekend surgical handover enhances early management of acute clinical changes using a red flag system

Recent implementation of the European Working Time Directive in Ireland has resulted in a change from thetraditional model of patient care to a system characterised by shift work among clinicians. Effective handover ofpatient information is essential for transfer of responsibility between clinicians and maintaining continuity of care. The weekend has been identified as a particularly vulnerable transition of patient care. Our study aims to determine if implementing a formal face-to-face handover accompanied by an electronictemplate in our surgical department can improve the number of adverse events reported back to the primary teamafter a weekend on call. Data was collected over 12 weekends between February and May 2016. A list of adverseevents was established, and during an initial observation period of 6 weeks, we documented the number of adverseevents that were informally handed over. A 6-week intervention was then performed, involving a formal face-to-facehandover on Monday morning supported by an electronic patient census using a red-flag system to highlightpatients who experienced an adverse event over the weekend. Our results showed the mean number of adverse events recorded pre-intervention was 3.17 ± 0.6 over the 6-week period. Following the introduction of weekend face-to-face handover, there was 147% increase in the number of adverse events recorded with a mean of 7.83 ± 1.2. The introduction of a formal face-to-face weekend handover with a red-flag system resulted in increased reporting of patient adverse events, allowing earlier recognition and management.
The 2016 Southeastern U.S. Drought: An Extreme Departure From Centennial Wetting and Cooling

The fall 2016 drought in the southeastern United States (SE US) appeared exceptional based on its widespread impacts, but the current monitoring framework that only extends from 1979-present does not readily facilitate evaluation of soil-moisture anomalies in a centennial context. A new method to extend monthly gridded soil-moisture estimates back to 1895 is developed, indicating that since 1895, October-November 2016 soil moisture (0-200 cm) in the SE US was likely the second lowest on record, behind 1954. This severe drought developed rapidly and was brought on by low September-November precipitation and record-high September-November daily maximum temperatures (Tmax). Record Tmax drove record-high atmospheric moisture demand, accounting for 28% of the October-November 2016 soil-moisture anomaly. Drought and heat in fall 2016 contrasted with 20th-century wetting and cooling in the region, but resembled conditions more common from 1895-1956. Dynamically, the exceptional drying in fall 2016 was driven by anomalous ridging over the central United States that reduced south-southwesterly moisture transports into the SE US by approximately 75%. These circulation anomalies were likely promoted by a moderate La Nina and warmth in the tropical Atlantic, but these processes accounted for very little of the SE US drying in fall 2016, implying a large role for internal atmospheric variability. The extended analysis back to 1895 indicates that SE US droughts as strong as the 2016 event are more likely than indicated from a shorter 60-year perspective, and continued multi-decadal swings in precipitation may combine with future warming to further enhance the likelihood of such events.
IDO/TDO Inhibition in Cancer

Elevated tryptophan catabolism in many human tumors occurs due to activation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) or tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO), structurally distinct enzymes which drive multifaceted processes of immunosuppression, neovascularization, and metastatic progression. Immunosuppression by IDO1 involves suppression of local CD8+ T effector cells and natural killer cells along with induction of CD4+ T regulatory cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). While less studied, TDO, like IDO1, is implicated in immune escape and metastatic progression, and emerging evidence suggests that the IDO1-related enzyme IDO2 may support IDO1-mediated Treg function and perhaps contribute to B-cell inflamed states in certain cancers. IDO1 and TDO are overexpressed primarily in neoplastic cells in tumors, but they are also elevated variably in stromal, endothelial, and innate immune cells of the tumor microenvironment and in tumor-draining lymph nodes in different human cancers. Preclinical pharmacological and genetic studies validated IDO1 as a therapeutic target in cancer as combined with “immunogenic” chemotherapy or immune checkpoint modalities. Mechanistic investigations encourage the concept that IDO/TDO function is rooted in inflammatory programming, including as support for tumor neovascularization, MDSC generation, and metastasis beyond established effects on adaptive immune tolerance. Discovery and development of small-molecule enzyme inhibitors of IDO1 derived from the hydroxylamidine and phenylimidazole chemotypes have advanced furthest to date in phase II/III trials (epacadostat and GDC-0919, respectively). TDO inhibitors and second-generation “tunable” IDO/TDO inhibitors being pursued may broaden impact in cancer treatment, for example, in addressing IDO1 bypass (inherent resistance) or acquired resistance to IDO1 inhibitors. This chapter focuses on work from preclinical pioneers of the first bioactive IDO inhibitors as a novel class of small-molecule drugs to reprogram inflammation and degrade a key immune escape pathway in cancer.
Case Analysis on Partial Discharge Signal of XLPE Cable T-Joint by Using High-Frequency Pulse Current Method

Abstract The cable joint is a vital part of cable lines which cause defects and faults easily and through partial discharge (PD) test internal discharge can be noticed. In this paper, we study a suspected PD signal which was found in the T-joint and intermediate joints nearby during a 110kV XLPE cable partial discharge (PD) test. Through the high-frequency PD detection technology, the discharge signal was positioned from the inside of T-joint. A trace of discharge was found at the air gap of the metal ring and the epoxy sleeve in the front of the T-joint stress cone. It is further verified that high-frequency PD detection technique can be used to locate the position of discharge.
Health Outcomes and Social Factors Influencing Women’s HIV Acquisition in Social Context

This chapter moves from empirical to normative considerations in three parts. Part one considers the magnitude of HIV in black South African women. Despite recent gains, the evidence base indicates that black South African women have high HIV-related premature mortality and lower life expectancy at birth, relative to South African women of other race groups and to women in other settings, internationally. Part two engages with the complex set of factors that underpin high HIV risk and transmission among this population, spanning social and biological factors. It frames the debates concerning women’s constrained agency; and reviews the latest evidence. Taken together, health outcomes and social factors affecting this population paint a stark portrait of HIV’s deleterious long-term effects on black South African women’s health. Part three begins to apply normative considerations of health and social justice to the empirical evidence, concluding that reliance on a single information source in assessing justice in health (such as health outcomes) misleads, thus necessitating engagement with additional bases of information and evidence.
Neighborhood political composition and personal belief exemptions from immunization requirements in California Kindergartens, 2000-2015.

Abstract Introduction The growing proportion of parents filing personal belief exemptions (PBEs) from school-based vaccine requirements, and the clustering of PBEs in particular schools and communities, could weaken herd immunity and increase vaccine-preventable disease. Alignment of vaccine opposition with a particular political party or ideology could substantially increase PBEs. This study extends our understanding of the link between vaccine refusal and politics by identifying longitudinal associations between neighborhood political composition and school-level prevalence of PBEs between 2000 and 2015 in California. Methods California Department of Public Health data on PBEs in kindergartens were matched with political party registration and voting data from the California Statewide Database. Variables for partisan composition and for conservative political ideology, as well as school and neighborhood controls, were used to estimate both mixed-effects and fixed-effects regression models. Results PBE rates increased more rapidly in schools located in highly Republican neighborhoods, and were three times higher than PBE rates in highly Democratic neighborhoods in 2013 (6.6% compared to 2.2%). Mixed-effects models predict a 2.3 percentage-point increase in PBEs between 2007 and 2013 for schools in neighborhoods one standard deviation above the mean for % Republican (59%), compared to a 0.8-point increase for schools in neighborhoods one standard deviation below the mean (24% Republican). Similar results were obtained when using a measure of neighborhood conservatism and when models were estimated using fixed effects. Conclusions Results indicate growing opposition to mandatory vaccinations in Republican/conservative neighborhoods, which could increase PBE clustering and increase the likelihood for outbreaks of disease in areas where conservative values are widely shared.
Pyrazolopyrimidine Metabolism in Parasitic Protozoa

The pyrazolopyrimidines are purine analogs that are cytotoxic toward and metabolized by several genera of parasitic protozoa, including the Leishmania and the Trypanosoma. Examples of pyrazolopyrimidines that are selectively metabolized by these parasites include allopurinol, allopurinol riboside, 4-thiopurinol, 4-thiopurinol riboside, and formycin B. These pathogenic protozoa are capable of efficient conversion of the pyrazolopyrimidines to the nucleotide level. The pyrazolopyrimidine metabolites which are isomers of inosine monophosphate are subsequently aminated and incorporated as the adenylate analog into RNA. Mammalian cells are incapable of these metabolic transformations. The sulfur containing pyrazolopyrimidines, however, are neither aminated nor incorporated into nucleic acid. The selective metabolism of the pyrazolopyrimidines by the intracellular metabolic machinery of the parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family offers a rational approach to the chemotherapy of the diseases caused by these pathogenic hemoflagellates.
Distribution of HIV Self-tests by HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men to Social and Sexual Contacts.

HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) were recruited on www.Facebook.com and www.Poz.com to give HIV self-tests to their contacts. Study participants completed a baseline survey, were given two self-tests, and completed a survey 2 months later. Of 133 eligible men, 40 (30%) completed both surveys. Most participants were 30-54 years old and non-Hispanic white. Some had a detectable viral load (n = 4), had condomless anal sex with male partners of negative or unknown status (n = 17), and had met anal sex partners at gay dating websites (n = 23). Of 80 self-tests given to participants, 59 (74%) were distributed, primarily to non-Hispanic white MSM, 30-54 years old who were friends. Participants reported results from 31 distributed tests; 2 sex partners of participants had positive results. Participants indicated these two persons were unaware of their infections. Expanding recruitment websites might reach non-white MSM. Unrecognized infections were identified through online recruitment and self-test distribution via HIV-positive persons.
A mechanism for hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor: an inhibitory regulatory role for the factor XII heavy chain

The plasma proteins factor XII (FXII) and prekallikrein (PK) undergo reciprocal activation to the proteases FXIIa and kallikrein by a process that is enhanced by surfaces (contact activation) and regulated by the serpin C1 inhibitor. Kallikrein cleaves high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK), releasing the vasoactive peptide bradykinin. Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) experience episodes of soft tissue swelling as a consequence of unregulated kallikrein activity or increased prekallikrein activation. Although most HAE cases are caused by reduced plasma C1-inhibitor activity, HAE has been linked to lysine/arginine substitutions for Thr309 in FXII (FXII-Lys/Arg309). Here, we show that FXII-Lys/Arg309 is susceptible to cleavage after residue 309 by coagulation proteases (thrombin and FXIa), resulting in generation of a truncated form of FXII (δFXII). The catalytic efficiency of δFXII activation by kallikrein is 15-fold greater than for full-length FXII. The enhanced rate of reciprocal activation of PK and δFXII in human plasma and in mice appears to overwhelm the normal inhibitory function of C1 inhibitor, leading to increased HK cleavage. In mice given human FXII-Lys/Arg309, induction of thrombin generation by infusion of tissue factor results in enhanced HK cleavage as a consequence of δFXII formation. The effects of δFXII in vitro and in vivo are reproduced when wild-type FXII is bound by an antibody to the FXII heavy chain (HC; 15H8). The results contribute to our understanding of the predisposition of patients carrying FXII-Lys/Arg309 to angioedema after trauma, and reveal a regulatory function for the FXII HC that normally limits PK activation in plasma.
Poster: Space-Time-Polarization ICI Parallel Cancellation OFDM Systems

This paper presents a design for the 2 × 2 space-time-polarization (STP) inter-carrier interference (ICI) parallel cancellation (PC) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system in frequency selective mobile fading channels. The use of dual-polarized antennas is a low cost- and space-effective approach (polarization diversity). In this paper, a single antenna structure employing orthogonal polarizations is proposed to replace two spatially separated uni-polarized Tx antennas and one Rx antenna. This newly designed space-time-polarization parallel cancellation (STPPC) OFDM system may achieve better simplicity and bandwidth efficiency than the conventional STPC system without expanding power or complexity.
61 AMAUROSIS FUGAX CAUSED BY THROMBOPHILIA-HYPOFIBRINOLYSIS IN CASES WITHOUT CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS: THERAPY WITH COUMADIN-LOVENOX OR FOLIC ACID-B6-B12 PREVENTS SUBSEQUENT TRANSIENT MONOCULAR PARTIAL BLINDNESS

In 8 men and 9 women, age 60 ± 14, all white) without carotid atherosclerosis, whose amaurosis fugax was caused by thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis, we hypothesized that case-specific intervention for coagulation disorders (Coumadin-Lovenox or folic acid [5 mg]-B6 [100 mg]-B12 [2000 μg]) would prevent subsequent episodes of transient monocular partial or total blindness. PCR measures of thrombophilia (V Leiden, prothrombin, MTHFR, platelet glycoprotein PL A1/A2 mutations) and hypofibrinolysis (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G4G mutation) were compared in 17 cases vs 276 healthy controls, 145 male, 131 female, 240 white, 32 black, 4 other. MTHFR C677T homozygosity or C677T-A1298C compound heterozygosity was more common in cases (7/16 [44%]) than controls (35/276 [13%]), Fisher9s p = .003. Serologic measures of thrombophilia (proteins C, antithrombin III, free S, homocysteine, anticardiolipin antibody IgG and IgM, lupus anticoagulant, Factor VIII, Factor XI) and hypofibrinolysis (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-Fx], Lp[a]) were compared in the 17 cases vs 78 healthy adults. High (> 150%) Factor VIII was more common in cases (4/16 [25%]) than controls (5/72 [7%]), Fisher9s p = .053. All 17 cases had ≥ 1 thrombophilic-hypofibrinolytic disorder, with the most common being MTHFR C677T homozygosity or C677T-A1298C compound heterozygosity (7 cases), 4G4G homozygosity (5 cases), high Factor VIII (4 cases), lupus anticoagulant (4 cases), the platelet PL A1/A2 mutation (4 cases), low free protein S (2 cases), high PAI-Fx (2 cases), V Leiden heterozygosity (1 case), prothrombin gene mutation (1 case), and protein C deficiency (1 case). In 4 cases on Coumadin for 3, 5, 11, and 84 months, in 1 case for 8 months of pregnancy on Lovenox, and in 4 cases on folic acid-B6-B12 for 2, 3, 10, and 13 months, amaurosis fugax disappeared, usually within 1 month of starting therapy. Amaurosis fugax stopped in 2 cases when exogenous estrogens-SERMS were discontinued, stopped in 1 case on aspirin alone, and stopped spontaneously in 1 case. When amaurosis fugax occurs in the absence of carotid artery atherosclerosis, thrombophilia and/or hypofibrinolysis are nearly universal, reversible pathoetiologies.
Student-mentor views on inquiry-based learning: A challenge for designing effective inquiry-based classes with mentors

This innovative practice work-in-progress paper presents a study on the relation between student-mentors’ engagement in the inquiry cycle with their practice of inquiry. Since every student has a personal style and way of inquiry, an assessment of the student-mentors’ definition of inquiry was performed through personal interviews, reflections, and periodic observations and discussions. The findings of this study show that reflective practices help in development of deeper thought and connected learning for students. Furthermore, factors such as maturity in the program, personal belief in the inquiry process, affinity to inspiring students, etc. all contribute to student-mentors’ growth in inquiry-based learning environments.
Improved in vivo targeting of BCL-2 phenotypic conversion through hollow gold nanoshell delivery

Although new cancer therapeutics are discovered at a rapid pace, lack of effective means of delivery and cancer chemoresistance thwart many of the promising therapeutics. We demonstrate a method that confronts both of these issues with the light-activated delivery of a Bcl-2 functional converting peptide, NuBCP-9, using hollow gold nanoshells. This approach has shown not only to increase the efficacy of the peptide 30-fold in vitro but also has shown to reduce paclitaxel resistant H460 lung xenograft tumor growth by 56.4%.
Prognostic Factors for a Favorable Outcome After Varicocele Repair in Adults with Infertility

The effect of varicocele repair on male fertility remains controversial. Not all men with varicoceles will experience subfertility. While most men with abnormal semen parameters will experience some degree of improvement after a varicocele repair, not all men undergoing varicocele repair will have an improvement in their fertility after varicocele repair. We performed a systematic review of the literature, looking at factors that may predict for an improvement in reproductive outcomes after varicocele repair. This would be useful to target efforts directed at these patient populations. The literature supports that men with higher-grade varicoceles will have larger improvements in their semen parameters. In addition, a higher baseline sperm concentration or total motile sperm count (TMC) is predictive of a larger post-repair TMC and also seems to correlate with pregnancy outcomes. With respect to reproductive outcomes, higher baseline sperm concentration does seem to predict for natural pregnancy or assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy rates after varicocele repair. In addition, varicocele repair does seem to reduce the need for more invasive modalities of ART. In accordance with the American Urological Association (AUA) and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines, repair of subclinical varicoceles does not seem to prognostically improve outcomes. Varicocele repair does seem to restore sperm to the ejaculate in 20–40% of men with nonobstructive azoospermia, but the factors predicting for this are still being determined. The prognostic role of hormones, patient age, body mass index, pre-repair imaging characteristics, DNA fragmentation, and histology is still being determined. The prognostic value of genetics will likely play an increasing role in the future in predicting which males will respond favorably to varicocele repair; however, data looking specifically at its prognostic role in patients undergoing varicocelectomy is still lacking at this time.
Algorithmic Spatialization Using Object-Based Audio and Indoor Positioning System

The author presents a novel compositional framework to guide designing interplay between moving listeners and sound objects in space. Demonstrated by a case study of interactive octophonic installa...
Beautiful particularity: using phronetic, iterative, and heuristic approaches to a positively deviant case

Some events are so important and transformative that it is valuable to understand what led to the event so others may potentially reproduce it. But making claims from single cases has to be done ca...
The origin and formation of oxygen inclusions in austenitic stainless steels manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract The origins of nano-scale oxide inclusions in 316L austenitic stainless steel (SS) manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) was investigated by quantifying the possible intrusion pathways of oxygen contained in the precursor powder, extraneous oxygen from the process environment during laser processing, and moisture contamination during powder handling and storage. When processing the fresh, as-received powder in a well-controlled environment, the oxide inclusions contained in the precursor powder were the primary contributors to the formation of nano-scale oxides in the final additive manufactured (AM) product. These oxide inclusions were found to be enriched with oxygen getter elements like Si and Mn. By controlling the extraneous oxygen level in the process environment, the oxygen level in AM produced parts was found to increase with the extraneous oxygen level. The intrusion pathway of this extra oxygen was found to be dominated by the incorporation of spatter particles into the build during processing. Moisture induced oxidation during powder storage was also found to result in a higher oxide density in the AM produced parts. SS 316L powder free of Si and Mn oxygen getters was processed in a well-controlled environment and resulted in a similar level of oxygen intrusion. Microhardness testing indicated that the oxide volume fraction increase from extraneous oxygen did not influence hardness values. However, a marked decrease in hardness was found for the humidified and Si-Mn free AM processed parts.
Microbial polymers produced from methane: Overview of recent progress and new perspectives

Abstract Methanotrophs have been studied during the last several decades for their capability to assimilate methane, providing new opportunities to realize the concept of a methane-based bio-industry. The biosynthetic process using an inexpensive greenhouse gas (GHG), methane, as a feedstock can bring a sustainable solution for various industries with large, environmental footprints. Methanotrophs are valuable microbial cell factories for bioproducts using methane as the sole carbon and energy sources. Currently, due to the increasing physiological and phylogenetic diversity of methanotrophy, the research has been extended to biopolymers produced by methanotrophs from methane, which hold promise as outstanding alternatives to replace conventional petroleum-derived polymers. In this chapter, an overview of the most recent advances for biopolymer production from methane is provided. Several methanotrophs recently discovered are discussed for their potential in biopolymer synthesis. The state of the art in understanding the mechanisms from methane assimilation to biopolymer production is presented, and several potential designs and engineering strategies for the improvement of methane utilization and biopolymer yields are proposed. Finally, recent progress is discussed concerning biopolymers synthesized as the primary bioproducts by methanotrophs in bioreactors.
Decolonizing Critical Knowledges Borne in the Borderlands: From “Morbid Symptoms” to Critical Solidarities

Resurrecting activist-scholar ancestors who have toiled in the “borderlands” to produce knowledge alongside social movements, this essay calls up a buried legacy of twentieth century community psychology research collectives largely in the Americas that have been aligned with justice struggles, designed to document both the dispossession and the privileges unleashed by structural violence. These projects, rooted in universities, community research centers, prisons and folk schools, set out to theorize how injustice moves under the skin, into bodies and communities of poverty and wealth and to interrogate not only the downstream consequences, or morbid symptoms of oppression but also to chronicle what Jessica Ruglis and I have called circuits of oppression, privilege, and resistance (2012). The essay speaks in two registers, seeking to address the knowledge, affects and subjectivities cultivated in two kinds of “borderlands”: community based research collectives held by “contact zones” of academic researchers and community members/activists, and an ethnographic sketch of dynamics within a contemporary detention camp in Kearney New Jersey. In both cases, a mosaic of bodies, pain, power and expertise mingles; new knowledges, identities, solidarities, radical possibilities and new objects of terror form.
A population of lymphocytes bearing a membrane receptor for antigen-antibody-complement complexes: II. Specific isolation☆

Abstract Antibodies directed against the third component of complement can inhibit and revert cluster formation between complement-receptor lymphocytes (CRL) and EAC. This finding was the basis for the development of a method for the specific isolation of CRL (B lymphocytes) from a mixed population of mouse lymphoid cells, with a high degree of purity (about 95%) and a satisfactory yield (15–30%). This is achieved by first inducing the formation of clusters between EAC and CRL, then isolating these by sedimentation in a linear BSA gradient, and finally by using anti-C3 antibodies to separate the leukocyte contained in the clusters from the surrounding erythrocytes. Most of the specifically isolated CRL display immunoglobulin determinants on their membranes, but very few, if any, bear the θ(theta)-antigen. The purified population of CRL is capable of binding EAC again and re-forming clusters.
Transnational Feminist Rhetorics and Gendered Leadership in Global Politics: From Daughters of Destiny to Iron Ladies, by Rebecca S. Richards

In recent years feminist rhetoricians from Communication Studies and English have urged scholars from these fields to keep apace with the developments in both transnational studies and transnationa...
Differential Effects of Oxygen and Oxidation Reduction Potential on the Multiplication of Three Species of Anaerobic Intestinal Bacteria

The sensitivity of three strains of anaerobic intestinal bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptococcus magnus, to the differential effects of oxygen and adverse oxidation-reduction potential was measured. The multiplication of the three organisms was inhibited in the presence of oxygen whether the medium was at a negative oxidation-reduction potential (Eh of -50 mV), poised by the intermittent addition of dithiothreitol, or at a positive oxidation-reduction potential (Eh of near +500 mV). However, when these organisms were cultured in the presence of oxygen, no inhibition was observed, even when the oxidation-reduction potential was maintained at an average Eh of +325 mV by the addition of potassium ferricyanide. When the cultures were aerated, the growth patterns of the three organisms demonstrated different sensitivities to oxygen. P. magnus was found to be the most sensitive. After 2 h of aerobic incubation, no viable organisms could be detected. B. fragilis was intermediately sensitive to oxygen with no viable organisms detected after 5 h of aerobic incubation. C. perfringens was the least sensitive. Under conditions of aerobic incubation, viable organisms survived for 10 h. During the experiments with Clostridium, no spores were observed by spore staining.
SLQR suboptimal human-robot collaborative guidance and navigation for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

In this paper, a novel approach to the human-robot collaborative guidance and navigation of autonomous vehicles is proposed. The switched linear quadratic regulator (SLQR) is utilized as a method of determining when control of the autonomous vehicle should be switched from autonomous control to manual teleoperation or vice versa. This switching is determined by a quadratic cost function that takes into account both robot performance and human workload. A linearized model of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is derived and used for the purpose of simulations of the proposed controller. The performance of the proposed controller is also compared to that of a fully autonomous and fully manual control.
On l/sub 1/ filtering and smoothing

The problems of optimal l/sub 1/ smoothing and suboptimal l/sub 1/ filtering are considered. It is shown that the optimal smoother is a finite-dimensional, noncausal system, and that it can be obtained by solving a fixed finite linear programming problem whose order is determined by the McMillan degree of the plant. In the case of l/sub 1/ filtering, it is shown that, given any in >0, there is a finite linear programming problem whose solution yields a finite-dimensional filter that achieves performance within in of optimal. The order of this associated linear programming problem can be bounded, albeit conservatively, by an explicit function of in . >
An ontology to integrate multiple information domains in the patent system

In recent years, there has been an explosive growth in scientific and regulatory documents related to the patent system. Relevant information is siloed into many heterogeneous information domains making it very challenging to retrieve information across multiple domains. In this paper, we develop an ontology for the patent system to integrate information from the patent and court case domains. Through a use case erythropoietin, we demonstrate how this ontology can be used to enhance information retrieval across multiple domains.
Case learnings of power noise impact on SATA

With the increase of data rate, signal integrity (SI) becomes a bigger challenge for printed circuit board (PCB) designs. Power noise as well as signal loss, inter-symbol interference (ISI), crosstalk needs to be taken into account to ensure a good quality signal design. In this paper, a design case is shared where power noise greatly impacts SATA performance and leads to hard disk (HDD) disconnection. Noise source and noise coupling path are root-caused with simulation and measurement data. And learnings from this case is summarized for future attention.
Insulin‐Like Growth Factors: Gene Structure and Regulation

The sections in this article are: 1 Insulin-Like Growth Factor I 1.1 Insulin-Like Growth Factor I cDNAs and Encoded Precursors 1.2 Multiple Insulin-Like Growth Factor I mRNAs and Precursors in Mammals 1.3 Multiple Size Classes of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I mRNAs 1.4 Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Gene Structure 1.5 Functional Significance of Multiple Mammalian Insulin-Like Growth Factor I mRNAs and Precursors 1.6 Insulin-Like Growth Factor I mRNA Regulation 1.7 Structure And Regulation of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Promoters 2 Insulin-Like Growth Factor II 2.1 Insulin-Like Growth Factor II cDNAs and Encoded Precursors 2.2 Multiple Insulin-Like Growth Factor II mRNAs 2.3 Insulin-Like Growth Factor II Gene Structure 2.4 Insulin-Like Growth Factor II mRNA Regulation 2.5 Transcriptional Control of Insulin-Like Growth Factor II Synthesis 2.6 Post-Transcriptional Control of Insulin-Like Growth Factor II Synthesis 3 Manipulation of the Expression of Insulinlike Growth Factors I and II 3.1 Gain of Function Insulin-Like Growth Factor Transgenics 3.2 Loss of Function Insulin-Like Growth Factor Transgenics 3.3 Chimeric Genes and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Gene Regulation 4 Future Directions
Book Review: The Handmaid of Politics

This is a short review of Steven Shiffrin's book, The Religious Left and Church State Relations (2009).
Supporting semantics-based transaction processing in mobile database applications

Advances in computer and telecommunication technologies have made mobile computing a reality. However, greater mobility implies a more tenuous network connection and a higher rate of disconnection. In order to tolerate disconnections as well as to reduce the delays and cost of wireless communication, it is necessary to support autonomous mobile operations on data shared by stationary hosts. This would allow the part of a computation executing on a mobile host to continue executing while the mobile host is not connected to the network. In this paper, we examine whether object semantics can be exploited to facilitate autonomous and disconnected operation in mobile database applications. We define the class of fragmentable objects which may be split among a number of sites, operated upon independently at each site, and then recombined in a semantically consistent fashion. A number of objects with such characteristics are presented and an implementation of fragmentable stacks is shown and discussed.
From Practice to Polemic: shared saints and festivals as ‘women’s religion’ in the medieval Mediterranean.”

In this article I examini two problems regarding women's participation in shared saint veneration and festivals in the eastern Mediterranean and Iberia. First, I ascertain what women's practices were, whether women participated in or assigned meanings to rituals that were separate from those of men, and finally, whether these shared practices were enough to break down religious barriers between women so that we may speak of ‘women's piety’ or ‘women's religious culture’ as a category that extends beyond the confines of individual religious affiliations. Secondly, I explore the meanings that certain male writers assigned in these practices and their emphasis on the fact that it was women, according to them, who engaged in the rituals. I show that, in contrast to Christian or Jewish authors, many Muslim legalists focused on women as the primary participants in certain types of piety as a polemical strategy to denigrate religious practices of which they disapproved.
Practical thermodynamic quantities for aqueous vanadium- and iron-based flow batteries

A simple method for experimentally determining thermodynamic quantities for flow battery cell reactions is presented. Equilibrium cell potentials, temperature derivatives of cell potential (dE/dT), Gibbs free energies, and entropies are reported here for all-vanadium, iron–vanadium, and iron–chromium flow cells with state-of-the-art solution compositions. Proof is given that formal potentials and formal temperature coefficients can be used with modified forms of the Nernst Equation to quantify the thermodynamics of flow cell reactions as a function of state-of-charge. Such empirical quantities can be used in thermo-electrochemical models of flow batteries at the cell or system level. In most cases, the thermodynamic quantities measured here are significantly different from standard values reported and used previously in the literature. The data reported here are also useful in the selection of operating temperatures for flow battery systems. Because higher temperatures correspond to lower equilibrium cell potentials for the battery chemistries studied here, it can be beneficial to charge a cell at higher temperature and discharge at lower temperature. Proof-of-concept of improved voltage efficiency with the use of such non-isothermal cycling is given for the all-vanadium redox flow battery, and the effect is shown to be more pronounced at lower current densities.