cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the complexity of training neural networks with continuous activation functions

Deals with computational issues of loading a fixed-architecture neural network with a set of positive and negative examples. This is the first result on the hardness of loading a simple three-node architecture which does not consist of the binary-threshold neurons, but rather utilizes a particular continuous activation function, commonly used in the neural-network literature. The authors observe that the loading problem is polynomial-time if the input dimension is constant. Otherwise, however, any possible learning algorithm based on particular fixed architectures faces severe computational barriers. Similar theorems have already been proved by Megiddo and by Blum and Rivest, to the case of binary-threshold networks only. The authors' theoretical results lend further suggestion to the use of incremental (architecture-changing) techniques for training networks rather than fixed architectures. Furthermore, they imply hardness of learnability in the probably approximately correct sense as well. >
Immunochemical analysis of surface membrane antigens on erythrocytes infected with non-cloned SICA[+] or cloned SICA[-] Plasmodium knowlesi.

The SICA[ − ] or non-agglutinable phenotype of Plasmodium knowlesi schizont-infected erythrocytes has been defined serologically but not biochemically. Similarly, non-cloned SICA[ + ] or agglutinable parasites have been shown serologically to express SICA or variant antigen(s) but the number and nature of such antigens have not been defined. Here we describe the immunochemical analysis of surface antigen expression on [ 125 I]lactoperoxidase-labelled erythrocytes infected either with a SICA[ − ] elone or with non-cloned SICA[ + ] parasites using the methods developed for identification of variant antigens with cloned SICA[ + ] parasites. No 125 I-labelled antigens in the size range M r 190000–225000 were specifically immunoprecipitated from erythrocytes infected with the SICA[ − ] elone, even using homologous antisera produced by multiple infections or immunizations. Further, no 125 I-labelled proteins of this size were seen in detergent extracts of the SICA[ −] parasites that were not also seen with uninfected cells. We conclude that the SICA[ − ] phenotype reflects the absence of a variant antigen at the erythrocyte surface, as predicted by the serological assays. In contrast, with the non-cloned SICA[ + ] parasites, a complex group of proteins, M r 195000–225000, was identified by [ 125 I]lactoperoxidase labelling of intact infected erythrocytes. These proteins are SICA antigens since they not only share the characteristic detergent solubility properties and size range of SICA antigens identified previously with SICA[ + ] clones, but they were only immunoprecipitated by antisera which reacted specifically with the surface of infected erythrocytes. Agglutinating sera immunoprecipitated several of these 125 I-labelled antigens. Sera specific for clones derived from this non-cloned SICA[ + ] population failed to agglutinate, but did react by indirect immunofluorescence with 10–16% of infected cells. These sera specifically immunoprecipitated single, quantitatively minor 125 I-labelled antigens in this size range. The results suggest that a population of non-cloned SICA[+] parasites contains at least 10 different variant-antigen phenotypes. Indirect immunofluorescence was also performed against a non-cloned SICA[ + ] population derived by antigenic variation of a SICA[ + ] clone in vivo . The variant population contained at least 3 antigenically distinct SICA phenotypes, indicating that antigenic variation of clones may produce populations as antigenically heterogenous as antigenic variation of uncloned lines. It is therefore likely that natural malaria isolates contain a large number of different variant antigens.
Cotton-Clipping Technique to Repair Intraoperative Aneurysm Neck Tear: A Technical Note

Background Intraoperative rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is a potentially devastating but avoidable and manageable complication of aneurysm surgery. Objective To describe a surgical technique that the authors have used successfully to repair a tear at the neck of an intracranial aneurysm, as well as alternative options for managing this intraoperative complication. Methods The tear on the neck of the aneurysm is covered with a small piece of free cotton and held in place with a suction device to clear the field of blood. The cotton is then clipped onto the tear with an aneurysm clip, using the cotton as a bolster to obliterate the tear. The cotton increases the surface area, allowing the clip to be placed more distally on the neck to preserve patency of the parent artery. Case examples are used to illustrate the technique. Results Both authors independently have used this technique on several occasions to successfully repair tears at the neck of an aneurysm. Conclusion Intraoperative rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is a potentially devastating complication, particularly if a tear occurs at the neck. This simple yet effective method has been very useful in repairing a partial avulsion or tear of the neck of an aneurysm.
Simultaneous formation of functional leading and lagging strand holoenzyme complexes on a small, defined DNA substrate

The biochemical characterization of leading and lagging strand DNA synthesis by bacteriophage T4 replication proteins has been addressed utilizing a small, defined primer/template. The ATP hydrolysis activity of 44/62, the clamp loading complex responsible for holoenzyme assembly, was monitored during assembly of both the leading and lagging strand holoenzyme complex. The ATPase activity of 44/62 diminishes once a functional holoenzyme is assembled on both the leading and lagging strand. The assembly of the lagging strand holoenzyme is facilitated by several factors including biotinylated streptavidin blocks at the end of the fork strands, preassembly of the leading strand holoenzyme, and by the presence of the DNA primase with ribonucleoside triphosphates. The resultant minimal replicative complex consists of two holoenzymes and a primase nested on a model replication fork derived from a 62-mer template/34-mer primer/36-mer lagging strand in an apparent 2:2:1:1 ratio of 45 protein:polymerase:primase:forked DNA. The 44/62 protein complex does not remain associated with the complex. The primase alone slowly synthesizes pentaribonucleotides on the forked DNA when the lagging strand contains a nonannealed TTG initiation site with the rate of synthesis greatly stimulated by the addition of the 41 helicase. The addition of deoxy-NTPs to this complex results in leading strand synthesis, but extension of the synthesized RNA primer does not occur. DNA synthesis in both the leading and lagging strand directions is achieved, however, when a 6-mer DNA primer is annealed to the primase recognition site of the forked DNA substrate. A model is presented that describes how leading and lagging strand DNA synthesis might be coordinated as well as the associated molecular interactions of the replicative proteins.
Pyrite FeS2–C composite as a high capacity cathode material of rechargeable lithium batteries

Pyrite FeS2 is a promising cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries because of its high theoretical capacity (894 mA h g−1), low cost and near-infinite earth abundance. However, the progress in developing viable Li/FeS2 batteries has been hampered by the poor cyclability of the FeS2 cathode. Aiming to improve the cyclability of the FeS2 cathode, we here report a facile method for the synthesis of FeS2–C composites by a one-pot hydrothermal reaction of FeSO4 and Na2S2 in the presence of carbon black, and examine the effect of composition on the structure of FeS2–C composites and the cycling performance of Li/FeS2 cells. It is shown that the added carbon not only surrounds the FeS2 surface but also penetrates into the entire FeS2 particle, forming continuously conductive networks throughout the FeS2 particle. However, introduction of carbon meanwhile increases the particle size of the FeS2 active material. These two factors lead to an improvement in the rate capability of Li/FeS2 cells while having little effect on the specific capacity and capacity retention of the FeS2 cathode. On the other hand, we show that the electrolyte plays an important role in affecting the cyclability of Li/FeS2 cells, and that the ether- and carbonate-based electrolytes affect the cycling performance of Li/FeS2 cells in their unique manners.
Biomimicry of bacterial foraging for distributed optimization and control

We explain the biology and physics underlying the chemotactic (foraging) behavior of E. coli bacteria. We explain a variety of bacterial swarming and social foraging behaviors and discuss the control system on the E. coli that dictates how foraging should proceed. Next, a computer program that emulates the distributed optimization process represented by the activity of social bacterial foraging is presented. To illustrate its operation, we apply it to a simple multiple-extremum function minimization problem and briefly discuss its relationship to some existing optimization algorithms. The article closes with a brief discussion on the potential uses of biomimicry of social foraging to develop adaptive controllers and cooperative control strategies for autonomous vehicles. For this, we provide some basic ideas and invite the reader to explore the concepts further.
Orthostatic hypotension in older patients

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or of diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within 3 min of standing. It occurs in 30–50% of elderly individuals with disease and/or medication risk factors. It is uncommon in healthy elderly people. Most patients with orthostatic blood pressure changes do not have typical symptoms and therefore symptoms are not helpful in deciding who should be screened. Epidemiological data suggest that the presence of orthostatic hypotension is associated with syncope, falls, stroke and death. The treatment approach is not standardized, but a stepped-care algorithm is presented in this article, which is likely to be successful in many patients. Future studies need to focus on the potential benefits of screening and treating patients with this disorder, especially if they are asymptomatic.
Kinodynamic motion planning with hardware demonstrations

This paper provides proof-of-concept that state-of-the-art sampling-based motion planners that are tightly integrated with a physics-based simulator can compute paths that can be executed by a physical robotic system. Such a goal has been the subject of intensive research during the last few years and reflects the desire of the motion planning community to produce paths that are directly relevant to realistic mechanical systems and do not need a huge post-processing step in order to be executed on a robotic platform. To evaluate this approach, a recently developed motion planner is used to compute paths for a modular robot constructed from seven modules. These paths are then executed on hardware and compared with the paths predicted by the planner. For the system considered, the planner prediction and the paths achieved by the physical robot match, up to small errors. This work reveals the potential of modern motion planning research and its implications in the design and operation of complex robotic platforms.
Development of executive attention in preschool children

The development of self-regulatory systems during the preschool years is accompanied by a dramatic increase in the ability to inhibit actions based on the directions of others. Several tasks have shown evidence of changes in self-regulation during the fourth year of life. The current cross-sectional study used a Simple Simon task, in which 33 3- to 4-year-old children were asked to respond to the command of one large toy animal but not to the command of another. Three important aspects of self-regulation were examined: the ability to inhibit action in the face of conflict, error detection/correction and the use of verbal and physical control strategies. The ability to inhibit a response in this task increased from 22% to 90% between 36 and 48 months of age. Post error slowing of Reaction Time (RT) indicative of error detection emerged at about the same age as successful inhibition. Physical rather than verbal self-regulation strategies were spontaneously employed by children to aid in the process of inhibition.
JKR adhesion in cylindrical contacts

Abstract Planar JKR adhesive solutions use the half-plane assumption and do not permit calculation of indenter approach or visualization of adhesive force–displacement curves unless the contact is periodic. By considering a conforming cylindrical contact and using an arc crack analogy, we obtain closed-form indenter approach and load–contact size relations for a planar adhesive problem. The contact pressure distribution is also obtained in closed-form. The solutions reduce to known cases in both the adhesion-free and small-contact solution ( Barquins, 1988 ) limits. The cylindrical system shows two distinct regimes of adhesive behavior; in particular, contact sizes exceeding the critical (maximum) size seen in adhesionless contacts are possible. The effects of contact confinement on adhesive behavior are investigated. Some special cases are considered, including contact with an initial neat-fit and the detachment of a rubbery cylinder from a rigid cradle. A comparison of the cylindrical solution with the half-plane adhesive solution is carried out, and it indicates that the latter typically underestimates the adherence force. The cylindrical adhesive system is novel in that it possesses stable contact states that may not be attained even on applying an infinite load in the absence of adhesion.
Electron transfer at the cell-uranium interface in Geobacter spp.

The in situ stimulation of Fe(III) oxide reduction in the subsurface stimulates the growth of Geobacter spp. and the precipitation of U(VI) from groundwater. As with Fe(III) oxide reduction, the reduction of uranium by Geobacter spp. requires the expression of their conductive pili. The pili bind the soluble uranium and catalyse its extracellular reductive precipitation along the pili filaments as a mononuclear U(IV) complexed by carbon-containing ligands. Although most of the uranium is immobilized by the pili, some uranium deposits are also observed in discreet regions of the outer membrane, consistent with the participation of redox-active foci, presumably c -type cytochromes, in the extracellular reduction of uranium. It is unlikely that cytochromes released from the outer membrane could associate with the pili and contribute to the catalysis, because scanning tunnelling microscopy spectroscopy did not reveal any haem-specific electronic features in the pili, but, rather, showed topographic and electronic features intrinsic to the pilus shaft. Pili not only enhance the rate and extent of uranium reduction per cell, but also prevent the uranium from traversing the outer membrane and mineralizing the cell envelope. As a result, pili expression preserves the essential respiratory activities of the cell envelope and the cell9s viability. Hence the results support a model in which the conductive pili function as the primary mechanism for the reduction of uranium and cellular protection in Geobacter spp.
Vocational Interventions with Offenders Interdisciplinary Research, Theory, and Integration

Vocational interventions for criminal justice populations have existed for years in various forms, but have traditionally not used an interdisciplinary approach and have shown significant limitations in effectiveness. This article informs scholars and practitioners of interdisciplinary research on vocational interventions and how knowledge from criminal justice literature and career theory can be combined so that relevant and effective theory-based vocational interventions for offenders and ex-offenders can be developed. Such an integrative approach would address the limitations of existing approaches and would foster the development of vocational interventions that go beyond what is offered currently. A model summarizing this integrative approach is provided. This article concludes by presenting understudied areas in offender career development, such as offenders’ willingness to work, illegal employment as a form of work, and the implications of a criminal record on career development. Continued research...
Myth versus Reality: Comparing the Depiction of Juvenile Delinquency in Metropolitan Newspapers with Arrest Data*

While the extant literature on the social construction of crime in the media is extensive, little literature exists on the media’s construction of juvenile delinquency in newspapers, particularly in small cities. Even though smaller metropolitan areas have lower crime rates, how these newspapers construct delinquency undoubtedly impacts the attitudes, behaviors, and fears of residents, perhaps more so than in larger metropolitan areas. The purpose of this research is to assess how newspapers from five of the smallest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) socially construct juvenile delinquency, offenders and victims, and to assess whether or not these images perpetuate myths related to juvenile delinquency. An analysis of 231 articles indicates that small-MSA newspapers construct an inaccurate image of juvenile offenders that significantly promotes the myth of juveniles as violent predators. Specifically, juvenile offenders are constructed as violent predators with innocent, random victims. In contrast, newspapers construct a more accurate picture of victims, with females represented as the most common juvenile victim, and sexual assault victimization as the most common of all juvenile violent crime victimization.
Evidence of rapid Cenozoic uplift of the shoulder escarpment of the Cenozoic West Antarctic rift system and a speculation on possible climate forcing

The Cenzoic West Antarctic rift system, characterized by Cenozoic bimodal alkalic volcanic rocks, extends over a largely ice-covered area, from the Ross Sea nearly to the Bellingshausen Sea. It is bounded on one side by a spectacular 4-to 5-km-high rift-shoulder scarp (maximum bedrock relief 5 to 7 km) from northern Victoria Land-Queen Maud Mountains to the Ellsworth-Whitmore-Horlick Mountains. Jurassic tholeiites crop out with the late Cenozoic volcanic rocks along the section of the Transantarctic Mountains from northern Victoria Land to the Horlick Mountains. The Cenozoic rift shoulder diverges here from the Jurassic tholeiite trend, and the tholeiites are exposed discontinuously along the lower elevation (1-2 km) section of the Transantarctic Mountains to the Weddell Sea. Various lines of evidence, no one of which is independently conclusive, lead the authors (as others have also suggested) to interpret the following. The Transantarctic Mountains part of the rift shoulder (and probably the entire shoulder) has been rising since about 60 Ma, at episodic rates of {approximately}1 km/m.y., most recently since mid-Pliocene time, rather than continuously at the mean rate of 100m/m.y. Uplift rates vary along the scarp, which is cut by transverse faults. The authors speculate that this uplift may have climatically forcedmore » the advance of the Antarctic ice sheet since the most recent warm period. They suggest a possible synergistic relation between episodic tectonism, mountain uplift, and volcanism in the Cenozoic West Antarctic rift system and waxing and waning of the Antarctic ice sheet beginning about earliest Oligocene time.« less
Transgenic Expression of Fatty Acid Transport Protein 1 in the Heart Causes Lipotoxic Cardiomyopathy

Evidence is emerging that systemic metabolic disturbances contribute to cardiac myocyte dysfunction and clinically apparent heart failure, independent of associated coronary artery disease. To test the hypothesis that perturbation of lipid homeostasis in cardiomyocytes contributes to cardiac dysfunction, we engineered transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) using the alpha-myosin heavy chain gene promoter. Two independent transgenic lines demonstrate 4-fold increased myocardial free fatty acid (FFA) uptake that is consistent with the known function of FATP1. Increased FFA uptake in this model likely contributes to early cardiomyocyte FFA accumulation (2-fold increased) and subsequent increased cardiac FFA metabolism (2-fold). By 3 months of age, transgenic mice have echocardiographic evidence of impaired left ventricular filling and biatrial enlargement, but preserved systolic function. Doppler tissue imaging and hemodynamic studies confirm that these mice have predominantly diastolic dysfunction. Furthermore, ambulatory ECG monitoring reveals prolonged QT(c) intervals, reflecting reductions in the densities of repolarizing, voltage-gated K+ currents in ventricular myocytes. Our results show that in the absence of systemic metabolic disturbances, such as diabetes or hyperlipidemia, perturbation of cardiomyocyte lipid homeostasis leads to cardiac dysfunction with pathophysiological findings similar to those in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Moreover, the MHC-FATP model supports a role for FATPs in FFA import into the heart in vivo.
Muscle fibres and efferent nerves in a crustacean receptor muscle

Summary The accessory flexor muscle of the crab myochordotonal organ consists of two kinds of muscle-fibres. In one type the fibrillar material has a uniform punctate appearance in cross-section. The Z bands are often broken across the fibre width and are spaced 2 to 3/n apart. These resemble the 'Fibrillenstruktur' muscle of vertebrates. In the second fibre type the fibrillar material appears as large clumps in cross-section and it is often difficult to distinguish the outlines of individual fibres. The sarcomere length is 10 to i2/x. These resemble the 'Felderstruktur' muscle of vertebrates. Two types of expanded structures are seen in conjunction with the two efferent neurones innervating this muscle. With fresh material under phase microscopy one type appears as a 20 by 40 fj. rectangular plaque containing vacuoles as well as dark clumps and granules. The other kind of enlargement consists of a group of spheres giving the appearance of a grape cluster and measuring 40 /x in its greatest dimension. It is suggested that these expanded structures may be associated with efferent nerve terminations in this muscle.
Development of a Robust Injector Design for Superior Deposit Resistance

A comprehensive investigation into why gasoline fuel injectors fail in the field due to deposit formation has led to the development of a robust fuel injector design. Analysis of field failures provided critical clues as to why fuel injectors form deposits. The development of a repeatable test and a repeatable deposit forming fuel allowed the confirmation of these clues and the testing of design improvements. This combination of test cycle and fuel allowed for a reduced test time while providing sufficient sensitivity to differentiate between injector design improvements. Confirmation of design improvements was completed on a stationary vehicle using both commercially available gasoline and a formulated deposit forming fuel.
Judicial Independence in Latin America and the (Conflicting) Influence of Cultural Norms

This Working Paper highlights the dimension of informal social norms in institutional corruption by using Latin American judiciaries, collectively, as a test case. Judicial independence is central to the integrity and trustworthiness of judicial institutions worldwide. Billions of dollars in development assistance have been invested in promoting judicial independence in Latin American and other developing countries. Despite the institutional reforms sponsored by international development organizations, judiciaries in Latin America remain dependent on political and other inappropriate influences. This paper argues that addressing judicial corruption in Latin America is not just a question of adopting the right institutions and living “happily ever after.” The paper claims that informal social norms are key factors underlying institutional corruption in the judicial systems in Latin America. Further systematic study of such phenomena should be a central focus of future anti-corruption reform efforts. This Working Paper is part of a broader writing project on international development assistance in promoting the rule of law and judicial independence.
Virtual manufacturing of composite aerostructures

The past century has witnessed the rise and maturity of the flying machine, starting with the Wright brothers flyer to today’s modern passenger aircrafts and warfighters. At the start of this century, yet another achievement in flying vehicle technology was seen with the launch of the Boeing 787 aircraft, which has a significant portion by weight of polymer matrix fibre composites. This paper, therefore, addresses the effects of the manufacturing process of fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites on mechanical performance. Computations are carried out using the Finite Element (FE) method at the microscale where Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) are analysed with Periodic Boundary Conditions (PBCs). Straight fibre pre-preg-based composites and textile composites are considered. The commercial code ABAQUS is used as the solver for the FE equations, supplemented by user-written subroutines. The transition from a continuum to damage/failure is effected by using the Bažant-Oh crack band model, which preserves mesh objectivity. Results are presented for RVEs that are first subjected to curing and subsequently to mechanical loading. The effect of the fibre packing randomness on the microstructure is examined by considering multifibre RVEs where fibre volume fraction is held constant but with random packing of fibres. Plain weave textile composites are also cured first and then subjected to mechanical loads. The possibility of failure is accommodated throughout the analysis – failure can take place during the curing process even prior to the application of in-service mechanical loads. The analysis shows the differences in both the cured RVE strength and stiffness, when cure-induced damage has and has not been taken into account.
“He did not realise his responsibilities”: Giving Up the Privileges of Honest Poverty

From 1917 until 1929, Emma Jane C. of Dudley appeared at least seven times before local officials to ask for assistance because of her husband’s neglect. My first record of Emma is as an applicant to the Stourbridge Board of Guardians in early August 1918. Her case notes indicate she was 32 years old and the mother of two young children. She owed five shillings and nine pence for bread she had received on credit and had rent payments in arrears. Her husband, Horace, was a lathe hand, earning 22 shillings and sixpence per week as well as receiving an army pension of 16 shillings. In December 1917, the Brierley Hill magistrates had ordered Horace to pay Emma maintenance of 12 shillings and sixpence a week, but Horace had not complied, and a warrant had been issued for the back payments. Horace, the relieving officer’s notes indicate, “neglects to maintain.” The Board of Guardians granted Emma relief in kind, which continued from August 1918 until May 1919, when she applied anew for assistance because she had injured her hand at work. Although the record does not specify whether she was offered continuing assistance or a new form of relief, it does again stress that she was “awaiting compensation. Husband neglects to maintain,” even though the outstanding order against Horace for 12 shillings and sixpence a week remained in force.1
Esophageal contractions in type 3 achalasia esophagus: simultaneous or peristaltic?

Absence of peristalsis and impaired relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter are the hallmarks of achalasia esophagus. Based on the pressurization patterns, achalasia has been subdivided into three...
A Revision of the Genus Xeromphalina

Caulocystidia and pileocystidia are used for the first time in the genus Xeromphalina Kuhn & Maire in combination with morphological and chemical characters to delimit subgenic taxa. Three sections...
γγ→ππ and VV in the constituent quark model

Low-energy hadronic interactions are modelled by applying perturbation theory to the constituent quark model. Applications are made toI=2 ππ scattering, the f1(1420), and to γγ→ππ and VV. The latter two processes provide a good laboratory for testing hadronic interactions in the final state. It is shown that ππ data may be successfully reproduced in a simple model. The model also predicts the approximate equality of σ(γγ→ρ0φ) and σ(γγ→ωφ). Finally, we comment on the possibility of obtaining the observed ratios of σ(γγ→ρ0ρ0)/σ(γγ→ ρρ+ρ−) and\(\sigma (\gamma \gamma \to K^{*0} \bar K^{*0} )/\sigma (\gamma \gamma \to K^{* + } \bar K^{* - } )\).
A Compromise Sorting Method for Electronic Warfare Target Threat Assessment

Threat assessment for the electronic warfare(EW) targets is very important for EW combat decision making.In order to deal with the imprecision and uncertainty of factors relative to EW targets during threat assessment, a multi-attribute and group decision-making threat assessment model was set up, which focused on the selection and determination of threat assessment indexes.Based on the scale quantitative function, the qualitative indexes were quantified.Then the compromise ranking method, VIKOR, was used to sort the threat targets, thus to made the overall utility maximum and individual regret minimum.Finally, the effectiveness of threat assessment model and the feasibility of the algorithm were proved through the threat assessment simulated on the supposed view of an EW.
Off-target effects of engineered nucleases

Recent advances in gene editing with engineered nucleases have transformed our ability to manipulate the genome from diverse organisms for applications ranging from biomedical research to disease treatment. A major complication with these engineered nucleases is the binding of the nuclease to unintended genomic sites that share sequence homology with the on-target site. Cleavage of these off-target sites followed by DNA repair using normal cellular DNA repair mechanisms can cause gene mutation or gross chromosome rearrangement. Identification of nuclease-generated off-target sites is a daunting task due to the size and complexity of the mammalian genome. Five unbiased, genome-wide strategies have been developed to detect the off-target cleavage. Some of these strategies reach the sensitivity near the detection limit of directed deep sequencing and have sufficient precision and resolution to objectively assessing the off-target effect of any engineered nuclease. Significant progress has also been made recently to boost the nuclease targeting specificity by protein engineering to modify the structure of the nuclease and alter the interaction with its genomic target. In several studied cases, the off-target effect generated by the modified nuclease is completely eliminated. These modified nucleases significantly improve the overall fidelity of gene editing. These developments will enable gene editing tools to be applied more broadly and safely in basic research and disease treatment.
Emerging pestiviruses infecting domestic and wildlife hosts.

Until the early 1990s there were just three recognized species in the pestivirus genus, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), border disease virus (BDV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Subsequently BVDV were divided into two different species, BVDV1 and BVDV2 and four additional putative pestivirus species have been identified, based on phylogenetic analysis. The four putative pestivirus specices, listed in chronological order of published reports, are Giraffe (isolated from one of several giraffes in the Nanyuki District of Kenya suffering from mucosal disease-like symptoms), HoBi (first isolated from fetal bovine serum originating in Brazil and later from samples originating in Southeast Asia), Pronghorn (isolated from an emaciated blind pronghorn antelope in the USA), and Bungowannah (isolated following an outbreak in pigs, resulting in still birth and neonatal death, in Australia). In addition to the emergence of putative new species of pestivirus, changes in host and virulence of recognized or ‘classic’ pestiviruses have led to reevaluation of disease control programs and management of domestic and wildlife populations.
Control of morphology, photoluminescence, and stability of colloidal methylammonium lead bromide nanocrystals by oleylamine capping molecules

Methylammonium lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) thin films and nanocrystals are useful for solar cells and LED applications. In order to improve stability in ambient environment, CH3NH3PbBr3 nanocrystals have been synthesized using oleylamine as capping molecule. It was found that by increasing the oleylamine to CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite ratio (OPR), the photoluminescence wavelengths of CH3NH3PbBr3 nanocrystals could be varied from 505nm (green) to 450nm (blue). The change in emission wavelength is associated with a morphology change from nanoplatelets of ∼10nm width at OPR 1. It is suggested that the morphology change of nanocrystals is a result of geometric packing constraint of the sizes of oleylamine and PbBr3 octahedra. The nanocrystals with OPR=0.75 maintain photoluminescence property for more than 6months in ambient condition and can sustain temperature of 150°C for 30min.
Culture on 3D Chitosan‐Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds Enhances Stem Cell Marker Expression and Drug Resistance in Human Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells

The lack of in vitro models that support the growth of glioblastoma (GBM) stem cells (GSCs) that underlie clinical aggressiveness hinders developing new, effective therapies for GBM. While orthotopic patient-derived xenograft models of GBM best reflect in vivo tumor behavior, establishing xenografts is a time consuming, costly, and frequently unsuccessful endeavor. To address these limitations, a 3D porous scaffold composed of chitosan and hyaluronic acid (CHA) is synthesized. Growth and expression of the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype of the GSC GBM6 taken directly from fresh xenogratfs grown on scaffolds or as adherent monolayers is compared. While 2D adherent cultures grow as monolayers of flat epitheliod cells, GBM6 cells proliferate within pores of CHA scaffolds as clusters of self-adherent ovoid cells. Growth on scaffolds is accompanied by greater expression of genes that mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and maintain a primitive, undifferentiated phenotype, hallmarks of CSCs. Scaffold-grown cells also display higher expression of genes that promote resistance to hypoxia-induced oxidative stress. In accord, scaffold-grown cells show markedly greater resistance to clinically utilized alkylating agents compared to adherent cells. These findings suggest that our CHA scaffolds better mimic in vivo biological and clinical behavior and provide insights for developing novel individualized treatments.
Effect of Sodium Chloride on Uptake of Substrate by Staphylococcus aureus 196E.

Sodium chloride inhibited a number of biochemical parameters in Staphylococcus aureus 196E. Induction of phospho-β-galactosidase, synthesis of staphylococcal enterotoxin A, enzyme activity (phospho-β-galactosidase) and glucose utilization were approximately four times more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of salt than was growth. Uptake of 14C-2-deoxyglucose and respiratory activity with a number of substrates were inhibited also. The breakdown of o-nitrophenyl-β-galactoside (ONPG) by lactose-grown S. aureus 196E was inhibited by NaCl as well as by other solutes (salts, carbohydrates, amino acids) which suggested that the inhibitory effect is a general one of solutes and not restricted to NaCl. Various ionophores (gramicidin, valinomycin, monensin, lasalocid, m-chlorophenylhydrazone), the H+-ATPase inhibitor (N,N',-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), and ion channel blockers (quinine, quinidine, chlorpromazinc, tetracaine, verapamil) reversed the inhibitory action of salt on ONPG breakdown by lactose-grown cells; however, these compounds did not reverse NaCl inhibition of glucose utilization. The effects observed here suggest that NaCl (and probably other solutes) exerts an inhibitory effect on transport of substrates into the cells of S. aureus 196E.
Efficient activation of a visible light-activatable CA4 prodrug through intermolecular photo-unclick chemistry in mitochondria

Photo-unclick chemistry mediates visible and near IR-controlled drug release via a singlet oxygen (SO)-cleavable linker. Due to the limited diffusion distance of SO in biological systems, a photosensitizer and the SO-cleavable linker have been conjugated in one molecule or mixed in nano-drug delivery systems. In this communication, we demonstrate a new strategy to activate prodrugs with photo-unclick chemistry in an intermolecular fashion using an SO-cleavable CA4 prodrug and a mitochondria-specific photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX, formed from prodrug hexyl-5-aminolevulinate.
Life cycle embodied energy analysis of residential buildings: A review of literature to investigate embodied energy parameters

Abstract Approximately half of the annual global energy supply is consumed in constructing, operating, and maintaining buildings. Because most of this energy comes from fossil fuels, it also contributes greatly to annual carbon emissions. When constructing a building, embodied energy is consumed through construction materials, building products, and construction processes along with any transportation, administration, and management involved. Operating energy is used in space conditioning, heating, lighting, and powering building appliances. In order to effectively reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, a comprehensive reduction in both embodied and operating energy is needed. Studies so far have focused on reducing either embodied or operating energy in isolation without realizing the trade-off that exists between them. Also, building energy research has concentrated more on operating energy than embodied energy, and as a result, the operating energy of buildings is gradually decreasing. Due to a variety of issues, however, few efforts have been undertaken to comprehensively minimize embodied energy. Quantifying embodied energy is more tedious, complex, and resource-consuming than measuring operating energy. Furthermore, the reported values of embodied energy vary significantly within and across geographic regions owing to certain methodological and data quality parameters. The literature has repeatedly pointed out a need to standardize these parameters to bring consistency to embodied energy calculations. This paper presents a rigorous review of literature in order to investigate these parameters and their impact on embodied energy calculations. The reported values of initial and life-cycle embodied energy are also presented to highlight variations due to differing parameters. Finally, we suggest a two-step solution to make the process of embodied energy analysis more streamlined and transparent through a set of guidelines and an uncertainty calculation model.
The Basics of Private Equity Funds

Private equity (PE) refers to illiquid investments or securities that are not publicly traded on an exchange, such as venture capital, mezzanine or distressed debt, leveraged buyouts, timber, oil and gas properties, and real estate. A limited partnership agreement (LPA) defines the terms of the relationship between the general partners (GPs) and the limited partners (LPs). The structure and compensation arrangements used by PE firms are highly standardized and a working knowledge of frequently employed terms and arrangements of LPAs is important to understanding the division of the profits and the drivers of returns in the industry. This note describes some of the basic features of LPAs with a particular focus on the basic terminology and compensation practices that relate to GPs and LPs. Excerpt UVA-F-1731 Rev. Sept. 15, 2015 The Basics of Private Equity Funds Private equity (PE) refers to illiquid investments or securities that are not publicly traded on an exchange. The investments can take many forms: venture capital (VC) (seed and early stage); mezzanine or distressed debt; leveraged buyouts; timber, oil, and gas properties; and real estate. The typical PE firm is organized as a limited partnership. The general partners (GPs) of the firm organize a fund and seek capital from the limited partners (LPs). A limited partnership agreement (LPA) defines the terms of the relationship between the GPs and LPs. The structure and compensation arrangements used by PE firms are highly standardized and a working knowledge of frequently employed terms and arrangements of LPAs is important to understanding the division of the profits and the drivers of returns in the industry. This note describes some of the basic features of LPAs with a particular focus on the basic terminology and compensation practices that relate to GPs and LPs. The Basics GPs invest in deals that they believe offer an opportunity to earn high risk-adjusted returns. To achieve this objective, they must find and evaluate deals and, when necessary, provide managerial and operational support to their investee companies. For the most part, GPs provide only a small portion of the funding for their investments (frequently 1% of the capital) and therefore they organize a fund and seek capital from LPs to fund their investments. Because of the high risk and illiquid nature of the assets, investors in PE funds are typically restricted to accredited investors. LPs include, among others, pensions and insurance companies, endowments, and high-net-worth individuals. GPs retain virtually all the important decision-making authority in a fund and, by comparison, LPs are usually passive investors with little say in the fund's direction. . . .
Complexity of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and other angiogenic biomarkers profiling in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and 22 a priori selected biomarkers were measured from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. Significant positive correlations were found between MIF and several angiogenic factors suggesting a possible MIF regulation role in PAH angiogenesis and pathobiology, but simultaneously highlighting the biomarkers profiling complexity in PAH.
Curcumin formulated in solid lipid nanoparticles has enhanced efficacy in Hodgkin's lymphoma in mice.

Curcumin reduces Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) cell growth in vitro, but its unfavorable pharmacokinetics highlight the need for novel in vivo delivery systems. Thus, we explored whether formulation of curcumin in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-curc) or d-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) nanoparticles (TPGS-curc) could enhance its efficacy in mice. Curcumin formulated in SLN and in TPGS resulted in higher curcumin plasma levels in mice. Compared to vehicle-treated controls, SLN-curc and TPGS-curc reduced HL xenograft growth by 50.5% (p < 0.02) and 43.0% (p < 0.04), respectively, while curcumin reduced it by 35.8% (p < 0.05). In addition, SLN-curc reduced the expression of proteins involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis (XIAP and Mcl-1) in HL tumor extracts. In HL cells in culture, curcumin decreased the expression of relevant anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, when given in combination with bleomycin, doxorubicin and vinblastine, curcumin showed an additive growth inhibitory effect. In conclusion, SLNs appear as an appropriate and effective drug delivery system for curcumin. Given the efficacy of SLN-curc and the enhanced growth inhibitory effect when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, we speculate that curcumin, when appropriately formulated, is a promising adjuvant agent for the treatment of HL and merits further evaluation.
Whither Oz?: Stepping into the Twenty-First Century

This chapter begins with an overview of Oz’s post-Wicked life, examining the flurry of new Ozes that seek to capitalize on the musical’s success. Ranging from the dark Ozes of Tin Man and Emerald City, through girl-power young adult novels, to Disney’s Technicolor return in Oz the Great and Powerful, these Ozes occasion an explicit discussion of ownership and cultural sustainability. As producers, gatekeepers, and consumers clash over what is and isn’t Oz, fans often take matters into their own hands. We end with an analysis of fan-engagement and fan communities, as well as a discussion of Oz conventions, festivals museums, and merchandise. The work fans do, we conclude, sustains Oz for both themselves and more casual consumers.
QUALITY OF SUPPORT NETWORKS AMONG OLDER GRANDPARENTS RAISING ADOLESCENT GRANDCHILDREN

AbstractSupport networks are important to longevity in older adults. Emerging research suggest grandparent caregivers express concern with grandchildren’s risk of engagement in sexual behavior, substance misuse, acts of violence, ignoring adult authority, and poor academic performance. This qualitative study explored perceptions of support networks in a diverse sample of older grandparents raising adolescent grandchildren. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 19 grandparent caregivers ranging in age from 55 to 88 years. Eligibility criteria were: primary caregiver for a grandchild 12 years or older; grandchild resides in home at least 3 days weekly; grandparent 40 or older and resides in Oklahoma, Alabama, or Kentucky. Recruitment included word of mouth, newspapers, and flyers. Grandparents responded to a single question, “I am going to ask you some questions about your support system to assist with your concerns about your older grandchild.” Interviews occurred in public locations. All were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim to identify themes. Primarily, grandparents were female (84.2%), Caucasian (52.6%) or African American (36.8%), married (57.9%), held guardianship (68.4%), and never attended a grandparent support group (68.4%). Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis to sort and combine subcategories. Primary support networks were family (89.4%) and community-based groups/organizations (84.2%) followed by friends (73.7%) and the faith-based community (68.4%). Neighbors provided minimal (2.1%) support. Family provided the highest quality (73.7%) of support. 84% of grandparents reported unmet needs (i.e. summer employment and male mentors). Findings suggest older grandparent caregivers can benefit from interventions to address limited and low quality social networks.
USE OF INHALED INSULIN IN A PATIENT WITH SUBCUTANEOUS INSULIN RESISTANCE SYNDROME: A RARE CONDITION

ABSTRACT Objective: Subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome (SIRS) is a rare entity, characterized by increased resistance to subcutaneous insulin and normal sensitivity to intravenous insulin, wi...
Acquiring mastery

Many opportunities for attaining mastery exist within a typical workflow. By leveraging focus-shifts and providing the user with complete control over the learning process, both critical elements of any "as-you-go" learning method, the HotKeyCoach learning model demonstrates that the production paradox can be overcome by experienced computer users.
Considerations for Implementing a Bar Code System in a Museum

Bar coding has been used in museums since the early 1990s. Bar codes can increase the efficiency of a collections database and help the museum's staff with a great number of tasks. While many museu...