cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From possible to probable: The psychology of competitive advantage.

This article responds to and extends the commentaries on the psychology of competitive advantage focal article. In general, the commentaries stressed that (a) the connection between industrial–organizational (I–O) psychology and strategy should go beyond resource-based theory and competitive advantage, (b) there are some existing examples of strategic I–O research, and (c) practitioners are already integrating I–O psychology with strategy. In this article, I use these commentaries as a means of generating actionable steps (e.g., research studies) to make the strategic adjacent possibility a reality. I conclude by arguing that understanding the psychology underlying firm competitiveness is the defining question of our time, and perhaps even the future of I–O psychology.
Multi-level mixed effects models for bead arrays

Motivation: Bead arrays are becoming a popular platform for high-throughput expression arrays. However, the number of the beads targeting a transcript and the variation of their intensities differ from sample to sample in these arrays. This property results in different accuracy of expression intensities of a transcript across arrays. Results: We provide evidence, with publicly available spike-in data, that the false discovery rate of differential expression is reduced by modeling bead-level variability with a multi-level mixed effects model. We compare the performance of our proposed model to existing analysis methods for bead arrays: the unweighted t-test and other weighted methods. Additionally, we provide theoretical insights into when the multi-level mixed effects model outperforms other methods. Finally, we provide a software program for differential expression analysis using the multi-level mixed effects model that analyzes tens of thousands of genes efficiently. Availability: The software program is freely available on web at http://ephpublic.aecom.yu.edu/sites/rkim/Supplementary. Contact: ryung.kim@einstein.yu.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Opposing effects of polyadenylation on the stability of edited and unedited mitochondrial RNAs in Trypanosoma brucei.

Mitochondrial RNAs in Trypanosoma brucei undergo posttranscriptional RNA editing and polyadenylation. We previously showed that polyadenylation stimulates turnover of unedited RNAs. Here, we investigated the role of polyadenylation in decay of edited RPS12 RNA. In in vitro turnover assays, nonadenylated fully edited RNA degrades significantly faster than its unedited counterpart. Rapid turnover of nonadenylated RNA is facilitated by editing at just six editing sites. Surprisingly, in direct contrast to unedited RNA, turnover of fully edited RNA is dramatically slowed by addition of a poly(A)20 tail. The same minimal edited sequence that stimulates decay of nonadenylated RNA is sufficient to switch the poly(A) tail from a destabilizing to a stabilizing element. Both nucleotide composition and length of the 3′ extension are important for stabilization of edited RNA. Titration of poly(A) into RNA degradation reactions has no effect on turnover of polyadenylated edited RNA. These results suggest the presence of a protective protein(s) that simultaneously recognizes the poly(A) tail and small edited element and which blocks the action of a 3′-5′ exonuclease. This study provides the first evidence for opposing effects of polyadenylation on RNA stability within a single organelle and suggests a novel and unique regulation of RNA turnover in this system.
Blood pressure declines and less favorable outcomes in the NINDS tPA stroke study.

Abstract Background and purpose Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for secondary stroke prevention but the immediate management of blood pressure after stroke is uncertain. We evaluated outcomes in the NINDS tPA stroke study in relation to blood pressure declines during the first 24 h after randomization. Methods Declines in blood pressure compared to baseline and preceding time points were analyzed in relationship to favorable outcomes (by a global test), poor outcomes (Rankin scale > 3) and death at 3 months. Results 551 patients did not receive immediate pre-randomization anti-hypertensive treatment and had available blood pressures. Multivariate analysis showed significantly and progressively reducing likelihoods of a favorable outcome with each 10 mmHg decline in systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 50 mmHg compared to any preceding measurement. Poor outcomes were significantly more likely in patients with > 50 mmHg SBP reduction (or > 30 mmHg compared to any immediately preceding measurement). There was an increased risk of death with blood pressure declines > 60 mmHg. tPA treatment still produced favorable outcomes compared with placebo even with blood pressure declines. The median largest SBP reduction from baseline in patients treated with tPA was 35 mmHg compared to 30 mmHg in placebo-treated patients ( p Conclusions In this post hoc analysis, progressively reducing likelihoods of a favorable outcome were seen with increasing declines in SBP. Despite a greater likelihood of favorable outcomes, tPA treatment was associated with a greater reduction in blood pressure than placebo. Randomized trials of blood pressure management are needed.
The role of Alx-4 in the establishment of anteroposterior polarity during vertebrate limb development

We have determined that Strong9s Luxoid (lstJ) [corrected] mice have a 16 bp deletion in the homeobox region of the Alx-4 gene. This deletion, which leads to a frame shift and a truncation of the Alx-4 protein, could cause the polydactyly phenotype observed in lstJ [corrected] mice. We have cloned the chick homologue of Alx-4 and investigated its expression during limb outgrowth. Chick Alx-4 displays an expression pattern complementary to that of shh, a mediator of polarizing activity in the limb bud. Local application of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), in addition to ectodermal apical ridge removal experiments suggest the existence of a negative feedback loop between Alx-4 and Shh during limb outgrowth. Analysis of polydactylous mutants indicate that the interaction between Alx-4 and Shh is independent of Gli3, a negative regulator of Shh in the limb. Our data suggest the existence of a negative feedback loop between Alx-4 and Shh during vertebrate limb outgrowth.
Long descending cervical propriospinal neurons differ from thoracic propriospinal neurons in response to low thoracic spinal injury.

Background Propriospinal neurons, with axonal projections intrinsic to the spinal cord, have shown a greater regenerative response than supraspinal neurons after axotomy due to spinal cord injury (SCI). Our previous work focused on the response of axotomized short thoracic propriospinal (TPS) neurons following a low thoracic SCI (T9 spinal transection or moderate spinal contusion injury) in the rat. The present investigation analyzes the intrinsic response of cervical propriospinal neurons having long descending axons which project into the lumbosacral enlargement, long descending propriospinal tract (LDPT) axons. These neurons also were axotomized by T9 spinal injury in the same animals used in our previous study.
Rapid depletion of muscle progenitor cells in dystrophic mdx/utrophin−/− mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients lack dystrophin from birth; however, muscle weakness becomes apparent only at 3–5 years of age, which happens to coincide with the depletion of the muscle progenitor cell (MPC) pools. Indeed, MPCs isolated from older DMD patients demonstrate impairments in myogenic potential. To determine whether the progression of muscular dystrophy is a consequence of the decline in functional MPCs, we investigated two animal models of DMD: (i) dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, the most commonly utilized model of DMD, which has a relatively mild dystrophic phenotype and (ii) dystrophin/utrophin double knock-out (dKO) mice, which display a similar histopathologic phenotype to DMD patients. In contrast to age-matched mdx mice, we observed that both the number and regeneration potential of dKO MPCs rapidly declines during disease progression. This occurred in MPCs at both early and late stages of myogenic commitment. In fact, early MPCs isolated from 6-week-old dKO mice have reductions in proliferation, resistance to oxidative stress and multilineage differentiation capacities compared with age-matched mdx MPCs. This effect may potentially be mediated by fibroblast growth factor overexpression and/or a reduction in telomerase activity. Our results demonstrate that the rapid disease progression in the dKO model is associated, at least in part, with MPC depletion. Therefore, alleviating MPC depletion could represent an approach to delay the onset of the histopathologies associated with DMD patients.
Disruption of pre-mRNA splicing in vivo results in reorganization of splicing factors

We have examined the functional significance of the organization of pre-mRNA splicing factors in a speckled distribution in the mammalian cell nucleus. Upon microinjection into living cells of oligonucleotides or antibodies that inhibit pre-mRNA splicing in vitro, we observed major changes in the organization of splicing factors in vivo. Interchromatin granule clusters became uniform in shape, decreased in number, and increased in both size and content of splicing factors, as measured by immunofluorescence. These changes were transient and the organization of splicing factors returned to their normal distribution by 24 h following microinjection. Microinjection of these oligonucleotides or antibodies also resulted in a reduction of transcription in vivo, but the oligonucleotides did not inhibit transcription in vitro. Control oligonucleotides did not disrupt splicing or transcription in vivo. We propose that the reorganization of splicing factors we observed is the result of the inhibition of splicing in vivo.
Morphine‐induced MOR‐1X and ASF/SF2 Expressions Are Independent of Transcriptional Regulation: Implications for MOR‐1X Signaling

Recently, multiple μ-opioid receptor (MOR) isoforms have been identified that originate from a single gene, OPRM1; however, both their regulation and their functional significance are poorly characterized. The objectives of this study were to decipher, first, the regulation of alternatively spliced μ-opioid receptor isoforms and the spliceosome components that determine splicing specificity and, second, the signaling pathways utilized by particular isoforms both constitutively and following agonist binding. Our studies demonstrated that the expression of a particular splice variant, MOR-1X, was up-regulated by morphine, and this coincided with an increase in the essential splicing factor ASF/SF2. Structural comparison of this isoform to the prototypical variant MOR-1 revealed that the unique distal portion of the C-terminal domain contains additional phosphorylation sites, whereas functional comparison found distinct signaling differences, particularly in the ERK and p90 RSK pathways. Additionally, MOR-1X expression significantly reduced Bax expression and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, suggesting a unique functional consequence for MOR-1X specific signaling. Collectively, these findings suggest that alternative splicing of the MOR is altered by exogenous opioids, such as morphine, and that individual isoforms, such as MOR-1X, mediate unique signal transduction with distinct functional consequence. Furthermore, we have identified for the first time a potential mechanism that involves the essential splicing factor ASF/SF2 through which morphine regulates splicing specificity of the MOR encoding gene, OPRM1.
Cor triloculare biatriatum: An analysis of the clinical and pathologic features of nine cases

Abstract Nine cases of cor triloculare biatriatum, which represent all cases of this anomaly in the collection of pathologic specimens in the Mayo Clinic, are reviewed pathologically and clinically. In eight patients there was associated transposition of the great vessels. In six of these, the outflow tract of the common ventricle was so divided as to create a narrow tract leading to the aorta. The pulmonary trunk was wide. In the other two patients, a subpulmonary fibrous collar created a moderate degree of subpulmonary stenosis. The ninth patient (Case 6) was unusual in that the great vessels were not transposed. Coarctation of the aorta was associated with cor triloculare biatriatum in two patients. In one of these, tubular hypoplasia of the aortic arch between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries also was present. In still another patient, this aortic abnormality existed but without associated coarctation. Six of the nine patients were male, and three were female. The age at death varied from 3 weeks to 8 years. Records of physical examination were available for seven patients, and each showed the presence of a precordial systolic murmur. At times, this was associated with a precordial thrill. Cyanosis varied in degree. In one instance, it was not recognized until the patient was 7 months of age. In several instances, cyanosis was mild and became intensified only before the patient's death. Mongolism was associated with cor triloculare biatriatum in one patient, and isolated dextrocardia occurred in one patient. Electrocardiographic examination revealed right axis deviation in two patients and left axis deviation in two.
Effects of Identity Minimization on Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Template Recognition and Frequent Tertiary Template-Directed Insertions during Nonhomologous Recombination

Homology requirements for Moloney murine leukemia virus recombination were addressed in this study by monitoring titer defects observed when acceptor/donor template identity lengths were systematically reduced. Recombination acceptors with at least 16 contiguous bases of donor template identity were recognized as efficiently as longer acceptors. In contrast, a sharp 1-log titer drop was observed for an acceptor of only 15 bases long, with an additional 1-log titer decline for an 8-base acceptor and further decreases for shorter acceptors. Eighty-three independent nonhomologous recombination products were sequenced to examine recombination template selection in the absence of significant sequence identity. These replication products contained a total of 152 nonhomologous crossover junctions. Forced copy choice models predict that forced nonhomologous recombination should result in DNA synthesis to the donor template's 5' end, followed by microidentity-guided acceptor template selection. However, only a single product displayed this structure. The majority of examined nonhomologous recombination products contained junction-associated sequence insertions. Most insertions resulted from the use of one or more tertiary templates, recognizable as discontiguous portions of viral or host RNA or minus-strand DNA. The donor/acceptor template microidentity evident at most crossovers reconfirmed the remarkable capability of the reverse transcription machinery to recognize short regions of sequence identity. These results demonstrate that recruitment of discontiguous host or viral sequences is a common way for retroviruses to resolve nonhomologous recombination junctions and provide experimental support for the role of splinting templates in the generation of retroviral insertions.
A Brief History of Theory and Research on Impression Formation

Why do we view people as we do? What is scientifically tractable, in that view? How did subjective concepts such as traits become legitimate “objects of perception”? Thorndike, Asch, and Cronbach were critical. This chapter traces Asch’s legacy to the present and describes the strange independence of research on accuracy from social cognition. Impressions’ internal organization (not accuracy) became the foundation of research on the Big Two (warmth and competence), facial trait dimensions, and morality’s unique status. Associative memory structures and schemata provided the language. The unique impact of negative information is reviewed, along with behaviors’ diagnosticity and how the morality and competence domains differ. The chapter highlights the importance of goals in shaping impressions, of forming impressions without goals (spontaneously), and of stages in forming spontaneous trait inferences. It also notes the importance of social cognitive transference, perceptions of persons and groups, and conceptions of persons as moral agents and objects.
Regional cerebral blood flow response to vibrissal stimulation in mice lacking type I NOS gene expression.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in cerebral blood flow-metabolism coupling was assessed in SV-129 wild-type (WT) and neuronal (type I) NO synthase (NOS) knockout mice (Kn). Regional cerebral blood fl...
Classifying Risk Development and Predicting Parolee Recidivism with Growth Mixture Models

Using two data sets, containing 582 total cases, this study investigates whether classifying offenders on trajectories of risk scores helps predict parolee recidivism. One data set has 4 years of risk scores and another has three. Both data sets contain control variables measuring released inmates’ characteristics. The dependent variable measures arrest or return to prison over a 2-year span. A growth mixture model, classifies offenders into three classes, a stable and high trajectory group, a group with a high but declining risk trajectory, and a small, low-risk group with little change. Trajectory class membership correlates with recidivism in both data sets. Supplementary analyses show that assigned classes are better predictors of recidivism than last risk scores or simple change scores. Discussion centers on the appeal and relevance of trajectories of risk, as opposed to static measures, for predicting offender misconduct and other outcomes.
Existence of Share Equilibrium in Symmetric Local Public Good Economies

Share equilibrium was introduced in van den Nouweland and Wooders (2011) as an extension of Lindahl's original equilibrium concept (Lindahl, 1919) to local public good economies. The current paper contains a comprehensive study of the possible share equilibrium outcomes of symmetric individuals, exposing the forces that shape equilibrium and explaining the circumstances under which symmetric individuals can potentially have different equilibrium share indices. We provide an existence result for symmetric economies and a characterization of symmetric economies that admit share equilibria.
Hookway on Knowledge Inferences

Analyse de la conception de Christopher Hookway (Scepticism, 1990) sur le role principal des inferences de la connaissance comportant des Q-declarations (X knows Q) dans notre pratique en tant qu'enqueteurs.
293 EXPRESSION OF SOCS PROTEINS PROTECTS PANCREATIC BETA CELLS FROM GLUCOSE AND INTERLEUKIN-1β-INDUCED APOPTOSIS.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by beta-cell apoptosis and impaired insulin secretion. Chronic exposure of islets to high glucose accelerates this process, so-called glucotoxicity. This involves proinflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-1β. SOCS (suppressors of cytokine signaling) genes control cytokine action. We hypothesize that SOCS genes protect beta cells from apoptosis. Human islets were transfected with GFP, cis, SOCS-1, SOCS-2, and SOCS-3 adenoviruses. After culture at 5.5 mM (control), 11.1 or 33.3 mM glucose with or without IL-1β, apoptosis was measured by the TUNEL assay, SOCS-3 expression by Western blot analysis, and gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR. Western blot analysis revealed a 20-fold induction of SOCS-3 expression by 2 ng/mL IL-1β and 15-fold by 33.3 mM glucose. In parallel, exposure of islets to 2 ng/mL IL-1β or 33.3 mM glucose induced a 3.3-fold or 2.95-fold increase in beta-cell apoptosis, respectively (p
Two-Level Nested Logistic Regression Model

Studies including repeated measures are expected to give rise to correlated data. Such data are common in many disciplines including healthcare, banking, poll tracking, and education. Subjects or units are followed over time and are repeatedly observed under different experimental conditions, or are observed in clusters. Often times, such data are available in hierarchical structures consisting of a subset of a population of units at several levels. We review methods that include the clustering directly in the model (systematic component) as opposed to methods within the random component. These methods belong to the class of generalized linear mixed models. The basic idea behind generalized linear mixed models is conceptually straightforward (NSF-CBMS Regional Conference Series in Probability and Statistics. Institute of Mathematical Statistics and the American Statistical Association, Bethesda, MD, pp. 1–84, 2003) and incorporates random effects into the systematic component of a generalized linear model to account for the correlation. Such approaches are most useful when researchers wish to account for both fixed and random effects in the model. The desire to address the random effects in a logistic model makes it a subject-specific model. This is a conditional model that can also be used to model longitudinal or repeated measures data. We fit this model in SAS, SPSS, and R. Our method of modeling is based on:
Wireless Security Issues, Vulnerabilities and Attacks

Wireless technologies are widely used around the world; organizations and many more institutions are shifting to wireless technologies. Due to flexibility and portability, wireless technologies spread very quickly. It disseminates also in various electronic devices such as: smart phones and tablets. Wireless communications are available in common places like schools, airports, libraries and more other places, which enables users to connect to the Internet. While wireless technologies are widely used, their security becomes a major concern. In order to make communications secured against attackers, we need to define the security issues in wireless technologies and working to solve them. In this paper we will elaborate various security issues in wireless networking. Also, we will show different techniques of attacks and how to face them. Furthermore, this paper shows diverse threats and techniques at OSI model.
Echocardiography Evaluation of Prosthetic Cardiac Valves

Comprehensive echocardiographic examination of patients with prosthetic cardiac valves using M-mode, two-dimensional, conventional, and color Doppler echocardiography represents an invaluable clinical tool in the serial follow-up of these patients. A thorough knowledge of these techniques and their limitations allows accurate assessment and prevention of misdiagnoses.
Characterization and reduction of number dependent sensitivity in multi-pole linear ion trap standards

The multipole linear ion trap standard developed at the Jet propulsion laboratory has demonstrated excellent short and long-term stability and improved immunity from two of its remaining systematic effects, the second order Doppler shift and second order Zeeman shift. The technology has also demonstrated long-term operation in the field. In this paper, we discuss the LITS systematic effects and present the characterization and reduction of the primary shifts and their dependence on ion number
Bone quantitative susceptibility mapping using a chemical species-specific R2* signal model with ultrashort and conventional echo data.

Author(s): Dimov, Alexey V; Liu, Zhe; Spincemaille, Pascal; Prince, Martin R; Du, Jiang; Wang, Yi | Abstract: PurposeTo develop quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) of bone using an ultrashort echo time (UTE) gradient echo (GRE) sequence for signal acquisition and a bone-specific effective transverse relaxation rate ( R2*) to model water-fat MR signals for field mapping.MethodsThree-dimensional radial UTE data (echo times ≥ 40 μs) was acquired on a 3 Tesla scanner and fitted with a bone-specific signal model to map the chemical species and susceptibility field. Experiments were performed ex vivo on a porcine hoof and in vivo on healthy human subjects (n = 7). For water-fat separation, a bone-specific model assigning R2* decay mostly to water was compared with the standard models that assigned the same decay for both fat and water. In the ex vivo experiment, bone QSM was correlated with CT.ResultsCompared with standard models, the bone-specific R2* method significantly reduced errors in the fat fraction within the cortical bone in all tested data sets, leading to reduced artifacts in QSM. Good correlation was found between bone CT and QSM values in the porcine hoof (R2 = 0.77). Bone QSM was successfully generated in all subjects.ConclusionsThe QSM of bone is feasible using UTE with a conventional echo time GRE acquisition and a bone-specific R2* signal model. Magn Reson Med 79:121-128, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Calculations and the READ Statement

Publisher Summary Mathematical expressions, as they appear printed in books, in general occupy more than one line of print. To enable a program to execute a mathematical expression that has more than one operation in it, a priority has been assigned to each operation. The computer does not perform all the operations in an expression simultaneously. The computer reads an expression as an English sentence would be read—from left to right. It starts at the equals sign and searches for an exponentiation, and if it finds an exponentiation, it performs that operation. If there is more than one exponentiation, the computer performs the exponentiations as it encounters them—from left to right. It then returns to the equals sign and searches from left to right for multiplications and divisions and performs them as it encounters them. It returns to the equals sign and searches from left to right for additions and subtractions and performs them, again as it encounters them. The computer follows this same procedure whether it is evaluating a REAL expression, INTEGER expression, or mixed-mode expression.
Archimedes the Geometer

Archimedes was a physicist, engineer, mathematician, and astronomer—but above all he was a geometer. He requested that the geometric result he was most proud of—that first revealed the volume and surface area of a sphere—be inscribed on his tombstone. This result is now known as his Tombstone Theorem and here we present a variety of extensions and generalizations of it for the 21st century.
TripEnergy: Estimating Personal Vehicle Energy Consumption Given Limited Travel Survey Data

Estimating personal vehicle energy consumption is important for nationwide climate policy, local and statewide environmental policy, and technology planning. Transportation energy use is complex, d...
Equilibrium Isotope Effects: Evidence for Low-Barrier H-Bonding in Tryptophanase

The PLP-requiring tryptophanase from E. coli reacts with L-Ala to give an equilibrating mixture of external aldimine E(Aex) and quinonoid E(Q) species. In agreement with the work of June et al. (1981), we find that the equilibrium for the interconversion of these two covalent intermediates is subject to a large equilibrium isotope effect, KH/KD, when the C-α hydrogen is replaced by deuterium. The magnitude of the isotope effect was found to be 3.87±0.4, which implies a low fractionation factor (0.29±0.03) for the base involved in abstracting the α-proton. The low fractionation factor qualifies as strong evidence for a low-barrier hydrogen bond (LBHB) in the mechanism of tryptophanase.
Baseline patterns of substance use disorder severity and depression and anxiety symptoms moderate the efficacy of mindfulness-based relapse prevention.

Objective Few studies have evaluated moderators of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) for substance use disorders (SUDs). We tested whether baseline patterns of scores for SUD symptom severity and depression and anxiety symptoms moderated the efficacy of MBRP. Method We used a latent class moderation approach with data from a randomized trial of MBRP compared to cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention and treatment as usual (TAU; Bowen et al., 2014; N = 286, 71.8% male, 48.4% non-White, mean age = 38.44 years, SD = 10.92) and a randomized trial comparing MBRP to TAU (Bowen et al., 2009; N = 168, 63.7% male, 44.6% non-White, mean age = 40.45, SD = .28). Indicators for the latent class models were measures of SUD severity (Severity of Dependence Scale and Short Inventory of Problems), depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), and anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory). Results In both trials, 3 latent classes provided the best fit: a high-high class characterized by high SUD severity and depression and anxiety symptoms, a high-low class characterized by high SUD severity and low depression and anxiety symptoms, and a low-low class characterized by low SUD severity and depression and anxiety symptoms. In both trials, we found significant latent Class × Treatment interaction effects: There were significant and large effects of MBRP on substance use outcomes in the high-high and high-low classes, but no MBRP effect in the low-low class. Conclusion MBRP may be an optimal treatment for preventing relapse among clients with severe levels of SUD symptoms and depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as clients with only severe SUD symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record
Retroperitoneal access for robotic renal surgery

Introduction and objective Retroperitoneal access for robotic renal surgery is an effective alternative to the commonly used transperitoneal approach. We describe our contemporary experience and technique for attaining retroperitoneal access. Materials and methods We outline our institutional approach to retroperitoneal access for the instruction of urologists at the beginning of the learning curve. The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position. The first incision is made just inferior to the tip of the twelfth rib as described by Hsu, et al. After the lumbodorsal fascia is traversed, the retroperitoneal space is dilated with a round 10 millimeter AutoSutureTM (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) balloon access device. The following trocars are used: A 130 millimeter KiiR balloon trocar (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), three robotic, and one assistant. Key landmarks for the access and dissection are detailed. Results 177 patients underwent a retroperitoneal robotic procedure from 2007 to 2015. Procedures performed include 158 partial nephrectomies, 16 pyeloplasties, and three radical nephrectomies. The robotic fourth arm was utilized in all cases. When compared with the transperitoneal approach, the retroperitoneal approach was associated with shorter operative times and decreased length of stay (1). Selection bias and surgeon preference accounted for the higher proportion of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy off-camp via the retroperitoneal approach. Conclusions Retroperitoneal robotic surgery may confer several advantages. In patients with previous abdominal surgery or intra-abdominal conditions, the retroperitoneum can be safely accessed while avoiding intraperitoneal injuries. The retroperitoneum also provides a confined space that may minimize the sequelae of potential complications including urine leak. Moreover, at our institution, retroperitoneal robotic surgery is associated with shorter operative times and a decreased length of stay when compared with the transperitoneal approach (2). In selected patients, the retroperitoneal approach is a viable alternative to the transperitoneal approach for a variety of renal procedures.
Touchscreen-Based Haptic Information Access for Assisting Blind and Visually-Impaired Users: Perceptual Parameters and Design Guidelines

Touchscreen-based smart devices, such as smartphones and tablets, offer great promise for providing blind and visually-impaired (BVI) users with a means for accessing graphics non-visually. However, they also offer novel challenges as they were primarily developed for use as a visual interface. This paper studies key usability parameters governing accurate rendering of haptically-perceivable graphical materials. Three psychophysically-motivated usability studies, incorporating 46 BVI participants, were conducted that identified three key parameters for accurate rendering of vibrotactile lines. Results suggested that the best performance and greatest perceptual salience is obtained with vibrotactile feedback based on: (1) a minimum width of 1 mm for detecting lines, (2) a minimum gap of 4 mm for discriminating lines rendered parallel to each other, and (3) a minimum angular separation (i.e., cord length) of 4 mm for discriminating oriented lines. Findings provide foundational guidelines for converting/rendering visual graphical materials on touchscreen-based interfaces for supporting haptic/vibrotactile information access.
Experimental Verification of Internal Residual Stress Distributions

In Chapter 4 various theoretical models for the study of the accumulation of residual stresses in tree stems due to growth stresses induced in new growth increments at the periphery were developed. Over the past 50 years, experiments have been carried out which have attempted to discover the magnitude and internal distribution of these stresses.
The Hardware Side

Chapter 2, which traced a brief history of computation, included a short survey of early computer hardware devices invented by Leibniz, Pascal and Babbage. These early brave attempts to expedite computation by means of machines were hampered by their forced reliance on the only available technology of their eras, the mechanics of gears and wheels. We shall regard the Pascal and Leibniz machines as interesting museum pieces. Only Babbage’s nineteenth century computer, called the analytical engine, had design features, such as programmability and punched card input of data and programs, that influenced the design of modern computers. It was not until the twentieth century that electric/electronic components, such as electromagnetic relays and electronic vacuum tubes and transistors, were widely used in the fabrication of computer hardware. We shall begin our exposition of the Hardware Side of Computer Science with these electric/electronic–based devices. Our point of view of Computer Hardware, as explained previously, is the viewpoint apparently adopted by Turing which we characterize as viewing Hardware and Software as two indissoluble related sides of the “computation coin”. He emphasized the Software side in his initial studies as possessing the motivating ideas for a theoretical computer design but was inevitably drawn into detailed engineering studies on the Hardware side as a result of his involvement in the ACE computer project.
Quasistatic-State Methods

The appearance of several time scales in a problem can mean that various components of the system equilibrate at different rates. Rapidly responding components can try to reach some equilibrium, while the other components change hardly at all. It is not surprising that such perturbation problems can be studied using stability methods, because both deal with how solutions approach equilibria. These problems differ from those in Chapter 7 where oscillations occurred on a fast time scale relative to other changes. In this chapter, we study problems that try to equilibrate on a fast time scale while other components in the system change more slowly.
A Muscle Synergy-Inspired Control Design to Coordinate Functional Electrical Stimulation and a Powered Exoskeleton: Artificial Generation of Synergies to Reduce Input Dimensionality

Mobility disorders caused by spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, or progressive neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, lead to a deterioration in quality of life. Resulting sequelae, such as pressure ulcers, depression, and urinary infections, require constant medical care throughout a patient's lifetime. Evidence has shown that, following an injury or a disease, individuals who use rehabilitative interventions to restore walking and standing functions experience fewer secondary medical complications than do wheelchair users [1]. Two such rehabilitative interventions include functional electrical stimulation (FES) and powered exoskeletons. These technologies have the potential to mitigate secondary health complications, lower medical expenses, and achieve independent ambulation in individuals following an SCI.
Probing ultrafast vibrational dynamics of intramolecular hydrogen bonds with broadband infrared pump-probe spectroscopy

Abstract In this study we use ultrafast infrared (IR) pump-probe spectroscopy to study the vibrational dynamics of two intramolecular hydrogen bonded complexes, 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline (HBQ) and 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (HBT) dissolved in carbon tetrachloride. We pump the OH stretching (νOH) mode and probe across 1800 cm−1–3300 cm−1 using a broadband IR probe pulse. Both systems exhibit large anharmonicities (>250 cm−1), which are characteristic of medium strong hydrogen bonded systems. Additionally, we observe the coherent beating of low-frequency modes of 245 cm−1 and 118 cm−1 across the νOH stretch of HBQ and HBT, respectively. Anharmonic frequency calculations at the DFT level identify these low-frequency structural modes as in-plane bending modes, which modulate the intramolecular hydrogen bonding distance. These findings provide evidence that the anharmonic nature of the fundamental νOH stretch is primarily dictated by the coupling to low-frequency structural modes and these motions play an important role in the hydrogen bonding dynamics.
Enhancement of macrophage uptake via phosphatidylserine-coated acetalated dextran nanoparticles

Abstract Although vital to the immune system, macrophages can act as reservoirs for pathogens such as tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus. Limitations in the treatment of such diseases include targeting therapeutics directly to macrophages and the large systemic dosages needed. The objective of this study is to develop a nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery system that can provide targeted delivery into macrophages. Acetalated dextran (Ac-Dex) NP loaded with the lipophilic model compound curcumin (CUR) were synthesized and coated in 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho- l -serine (DPPS), a phospholipid that induces phagocytosis in macrophages. DPPS-CUR NP were found to release 67.8% of encapsulated CUR within 24 h at pH 5.35 and exhibited minimal CUR release (6.3%) at pH 7.4. DPPS-CUR NP were uptaken by murine macrophages significantly more than NP without DPPS coating and NP exposure to these macrophages resulted in minimal toxicity to the cells and minimal nitric oxide production. These results suggest that the combination of the DPPS coating and pH-sensitive polymer Ac-Dex can provide a NP delivery system capable of enhanced uptake by macrophages and potential systemic stability to more effectively deliver drugs of interest. As a result, the described DPPS-CUR NP can serve as a viable delivery system for the treatment of macrophage-associated diseases.
A new paradigm to explain the development of instability rutting in asphalt pavements

Using the most sophisticated models, rutting in asphalt pavements is currently explained as the result of the accumulation of vertical compressive strain due to air void reduction (i.e. densificati...
Characterization of eggplant grown in animal manure amended soil.

A field experiment was conducted with native soil; sewage sludge (SS); horse manure (HM); chicken manure (CM); vermicompost, organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer mixed with the native soil. ...
Multiple Ion Transition Summation of Isotopologues for Improved Mass Spectrometric Detection of N-Acetyl-S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine

The original article has been corrected to include the missing chemical structure in Fig. 1.
Noble Gases: A Record of Earth's Evolution and Mantle Dynamics

Noble gases have played a key role in our understanding of the origin of Earth's volatiles, mantle structure, and long-term degassing of the mantle. Here we synthesize new insights into these topic...
“E” Is for Empowering

Patients who experience themselves as partners with their doctors are generally more active in caring for their own health. For multiply-disadvantages patients, the steps to partnership have to include building trust in their health professionals and developing the experience of self-efficacy in relation to their lives and their health. For these patients the definition of empowerment that is used in trauma-informed care, that care is built on enhancing strengths rather than highlighting deficits, offers a place to start. The methodology of solution-focused interviewing provides a pathway to achieving this sort of empowerment. Solution-focused approaches to communication have an empowering effect for both patients and professionals, lowering team member burnout rates as it increases patient self-efficacy. Approaching treatment with multiply-disadvantaged patients by building on patients’ strengths in self-care and highlighting their histories of coping can be the step to empowerment that is the foundation for the shared decision-making called for by the IOM. The enhancement of self-confidence and self-efficacy of patients and their healthcare team members, based on evidence from the fields of neuroscience and memory, makes sensible the use of interviewing techniques that otherwise might be counterintuitive to many health professionals.
Development of a new class of rate-accelerating additives for nitroxide-mediated ‘living’ free radical polymerization

Abstract Acylating agents have been identified as a new class of rate accelerating additives for nitroxide-mediated ‘living’ free radical polymerization. It is found that addition of 1 weight percent of acetic anhydride results in a significant decrease in the reaction time, 48 to 4 hours. This decrease in reaction time leads to greater control over the polymerization process with low polydispersity materials being obtained up to 150 000 a.m.u. A possible explanation for this effect is acylation of the alkoxyamine nitrogen leading to an increase in the lability of the CON bond.
New Strategies to Tackle the Combined Biological and Social Context of Preterm Birth.

Objective Preterm birth rates in the population and associated racial inequities have remained relatively unchanged in the United States despite research aimed at prevention. This is potentially the result of the multifactorial pathophysiologic pathways that result in preterm birth, where biological and social drivers intersect in unique ways for different women. The field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science may address this issue by promoting the contextually-aware uptake of science into health and health care delivery. Study Design In this paper, we describe how the field of D&I science may afford new perspectives on preterm birth prevention to researchers and tools to design studies that translate clinical trial data into measurable changes at the level of the population. We discuss key examples where the perspectives and tools of D&I science have been used in conjunction with quality improvement methodology to change preterm birth rates in large population studies. We build on these case studies and suggest future D&I science-informed studies that could be explored. Conclusion Incorporating D&I scientific principles into the design of studies to prevent preterm birth may allow future research to better address the varied ways in which social forces comingle with biological risk factors to result in preterm birth.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction in the Massive Weight Loss Patient

In principle, VASERlipo with excisional body contouring offers two clinical possibilities. One is that the excision can be limited, which reduces surgical trauma and scar burden. Two is VASERlipo complements major excisional surgery which thins the patient, mobilized flaps, and lent broad impact across the entire body in a single stage. Through three case presentations, including video and image results, the gamut of applications and result are shown. Since the purchase of my own VASER 4 years ago, we have performed over 120 cases each year with roughly half combined with excisional body contouring with all but a few in an ambulatory setting. The added time for the VASER is accepted because the operative trauma and blood loss is far less than with traditional liposuction, and the results are close to expectations with rare contour deformity.
Abstract P165: Comparing Grip Strength, Weakness, And Frailty Based On Comorbidity And Laboratory Data Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Some approaches to frailty screening use diagnostic or laboratory data that may be incomplete. Grip strength can identify weakness, a component of phenotype-based frailty assessment. ...
A new look at the crude oil prices and economic growth nexus: asymmetric evidence from Alaska

The existing research on the oil price-growth nexus in oil-exporting regions typically assumes that the oil price impacts are symmetric. In this article, therefore, we attempt to make an incremental contribution to the literature by empirically studying whether or not oil price changes have asymmetric impacts on economic growth in the case of an oil-exporting region, specifically Alaska. After applying the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) method to quarterly data between 1998: Q1 and 2017: Q2, we uncover that oil price changes indeed asymmetrically affect Alaska’s economic growth in both the short and long run.
Soil drugs of the future: The sustainability of BioAg and the repair of arable land:

BioAg, short for biological agriculture, is an umbrella term used by agricultural conglomerates to market biologically active products used for pest control and fertilization. Within this framing, ...
Towards a High-Fidelity Network Emulation of IEC 104 SCADA Systems

With the rise of malware targeting industrial control systems, researchers need more tools to develop a better understanding of the networks under attack, the potential behavior of malware, and design possible defenses. One of the most important protocols used in practice today is IEC 104, which is used to monitor and control the Power Grid of several countries, as well as to monitor and control other critical infrastructures such as gas, oil, and water systems. In this paper we present our preliminary results in implementing the IEC 104 industrial protocol standard in Python and integrate it to a network emulation tool supported by Mininet.
A comparative life cycle analysis of electromicrobial production systems

Electromicrobial production (EMP) processes represent an attractive strategy for the capture and conversion of CO2 into carbon-based products. We describe the development and application of comprehensive reactor, process, and life cycle impact models to analyze three major EMP systems relying on formate, H2, and acetate as intermediate molecules. Our results demonstrate that EMP systems can achieve a smaller carbon footprint than traditional bioprocessing strategies provided the electric grid is composed of >~90% renewable energy sources. For each of the three products we consider (biomass, enzymes, and lactic acid), the H2-mediated Knallgas bacteria system achieves the lowest overall global warming potential, indicating that this EMP strategy may be best-suited for industrial efforts based on current technology. We also identify environmental hotspots and process limitations that are key sites for future engineering and research efforts for each EMP system. Our analysis demonstrates the utility of an integrated bioelectrochemical model/life cycle assessment framework in both analyzing and aiding the ecodesign of electromicrobial processes and should help guide the design of working, scalable, and sustainable systems.