cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Assembly of Bacterial Macrofibers: A System Based Upon Hierarchies of Helices

Cylindrical-shaped cells of Bacillus subtilis (0.7 by 4 μm) are the building blocks of macrofibers, highly organized, helically twisted, multifilament structures millimeters to centimeters in length. The forces responsible for self-assembly and the cylinder-helix deformation trace to the assembly of cell wall polymers and restraint of the motions generated by cell growth. An hierarchical relationship exists involving: (i) molecular level events associated with cell surface assembly, which in turn govern, (ii) cellular level events concerned with motions that accompany cell growth, and these in turn drive, (iii) multicellular level events such as the folding and plying of cell filaments to form a mature macrofiber. Cell growth generates new material and engenders twisting of the cell cylinder along a screw axis as it elongates. The helix hand and degree of twist at the cellular level eventually dictate the hand and twist of the mature multifilament macrofiber. Although several different routes can lead to the initiation of macrofiber production, once initiated a repetitive cycle of folding and plying becomes established. The self-assembly proceeds until mechanical and geometrical factors preclude further folding cycles.
The Case for a Federal Robotics Commission

Physical systems that sense, process, and act upon the world — robots, in other words — are increasingly commonplace. The systems enable novel forms of human experience and, as such, challenge prevailing assumptions of law and policy.In this paper, I explore whether advances in robotics call for a standalone body within the federal government. I tentatively conclude that the United States would benefit from an agency dedicated to the responsible integration of robotics technologies into American society. Robots, like radio or trains, make possible new human experiences and create distinct but related challenges that would benefit from being examined and treated together. They do require special expertise to understand and may require investment and coordination to thrive.The institution I have in mind would not “regulate” robotics in the sense of fashioning rules regarding their use, at least not in any initial incarnation. Rather, the agency would advise on issues at all levels — state and federal, domestic and foreign, civil and criminal — that touch upon the unique aspects of robotics and artificial intelligence and the novel human experiences these technologies generate.
Research on Improvement of System Damping Characteristics by PSS in Ankang Hydropower Plant

The small signal stability calculation shows that the units in Ankang Hydropower Plant have significant effect on the underdamping which usually causes the low frequency oscillation in Northwest Grid,so,the PSS parameters of No.3 unit in Ankang Hydropower Plant are configured according to the measured parameters for excitation system,and its phase characteristics is verified by MATLAB software.The small signal stability calculation and time domain simulation shows that PSS equipped in Ankang Hydropower Plant can improve system damping characteristics,and the validating test of PSS shows its great effectiveness not only to local oscillation modes but also to inter-area oscillation modes.
Multi-frequency recirculating planar magnetrons

The multi-frequency recirculating planar magnetron (MFRPM) is the first magnetron capable of simultaneous generation of significantly different output frequencies (1 and 2 GHz) in a single operating pulse. Design and simulation of a prototype MFRPM were followed by hardware fabrication and experimental verification using the Michigan Electron Long Beam Accelerator with a Ceramic insulator at −300 kV, 1–5 kA, and 0.14–0.23 T axial magnetic field. Preliminary results demonstrated simultaneous generation of microwave pulses near 1 GHz and 2 GHz at powers up to 44 MW and 21 MW, respectively, with peak total efficiencies up to 9%.
Nonlinear Elastic Wave Spectroscopy (NEWS) Techniques to Discern Material Damage, Part II: Single-Mode Nonlinear Resonance Acoustic Spectroscopy

The presence of mesoscopic features and damage in quasi-brittle materials causes significant second-order and nonlinear effects on the acoustic wave propagation characteristics. In order to quantify the influence of such micro-inhomogeneities, a new and promising tool for nondestructive material testing has been developed and applied in the field of damage detection. The technique focuses on the acoustic nonlinear (i.e., amplitude-dependent) response of one of the material's resonance modes when driven at relatively small wave amplitudes. The method is termed single-mode nonlinear resonance acoustic spectroscopy (SIMONRAS). The behavior of damaged materials is manifested by amplitude dependent resonance frequency shifts, harmonic generation, and nonlinear attenuation. We illustrate the method by experiments on artificial slate tiles used in roofing construction. The sensitivity of this method to discern material damage is far greater than that of linear acoustic methods.
Visualizing In Situ Microstructure Dependent Crack Tip Stress Distribution in IN-617 Using Nano-mechanical Raman Spectroscopy

Inconel 617 (IN-617) is a solid solution alloy, which is widely used in applications that require high-temperature component operation due to its high-temperature stability and strength as well as strong resistance to oxidation and carburization. The current work focuses on in situ measurements of stress distribution under 3-point bending at elevated temperature in IN-617. A nanomechanical Raman spectroscopy measurement platform was designed and built based on a combination of a customized open Raman spectroscopy (NMRS) system incorporating a motorized scanning and imaging system with a nanomechanical loading platform. Based on the scanning of the crack tip notch area using the NMRS notch tip, stress distribution under applied load with micron-scale resolution for analyzed microstructures is predicted. A finite element method-based formulation to predict crack tip stresses is presented and validated using the presented experimental data.
The generation of electrostatic charges in flowing dielectric fluids subjected to alternating fields

Several instances of anomalous failure in power system equipment have prompted investigations particularly in Japan [1] and in the US [2] to try to quantify and understand the streaming electrification process in dielectric liquids. Such studies have been successful in identifying the major parameters influencing the process but have usually been conducted by examining the charge separation and relaxation phenomena at an interface in a moving fluid without consideration of a super imposed electric fieid.
What do fashion designers look like? Comparing representations of stock photograph designers and professional designers

This study intended to evaluate how American stock photograph companies portray fashion designers. The U.S. apparel industry is a large and varied field. In 2010, there were 7,855 apparel manufacturing firms, and more than 16,000 fashion designers were employed in at least 30 states (BLS, 2012). Over 200 institutions offer secondary degrees in fashion-related programs (“Top 75,” 2013). Clearly, the occupation of fashion designer is of interest to many Americans, making it important to understand how it is characterized in the media and to compare its depictions to reality. To explore this idea, this study developed two research questions: (1) How do stock photographs represent fashion designers? and (2) How do those representations compare to those presented by professional designers of themselves?
Trabecular mapping: Leveraging geometric morphometrics for analyses of trabecular structure.

Objectives Trabecular microstructure of limb bone epiphyses has been used to elucidate the relationship between skeletal form and behavior among mammals. Such studies have often relied on the analysis of a single volume of interest (VOI). Here we present a method for evaluating variation in bone microstructure across articular surfaces by leveraging sliding semilandmarks. Methods Two samples were used to demonstrate the proposed methodology and test the hypothesis that microstructural variables are homogeneously distributed: tali from two ape genera (Pan and Pongo, n = 9) and modern human distal femora (n = 10). Sliding semilandmarks were distributed across articular surfaces and used to locate the position of multiple VOIs immediately deep to the cortical shell. Trabecular bone properties were quantified using the BoneJ plugin for ImageJ. Nonparametric MANOVA tests were used to make group comparisons and differences were explored using principal components analysis and visualized using color maps. Results Tests reveal that trabecular parameters are not distributed homogeneously and identify differences between chimpanzee and orangutan tali with regards to trabecular spacing and degree of anisotropy, with chimpanzee tali being more anisotropic and having more uniformly spaced trabeculae. Human males and females differed in the pattern of trabecular spacing with males having more uniform trabecular spacing across the joint surface. Conclusions The proposed procedure quantifies variation in trabecular bone parameters across joint surfaces and allows for meaningful statistical comparisons between groups of interest. Consequently it holds promise to help elucidate links between trabecular bone structure and animal behavior.
The little feathered ecosystem engineer

![Graphic][1] All animals have an effect on the environment, but some key species – called ecosystem engineers – can have a particularly large influence. Their impact can be positive, by creating and maintaining habitats and increasing biodiversity, but they can also be negative, by
RAS-positive thyroid nodules.

Purpose of reviewThe current review focuses on the uncertainty regarding the management of rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog RAS-positive thyroid nodules. The application of oncogene testing has been heralded for improving risk assessment for indeterminate cytology thyroid nodules and has grown in
The roles of adult siblings in the lives of people with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities

Background Siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often assume key roles to support their brothers and sisters. For people with more significant support needs, siblings may undertake additional roles and responsibilities throughout their lives. The purpose of the present study was to identify and describe the roles of adult siblings who have a brother or sister with severe IDD. Method Seventy-nine adult siblings from 19 to 72 years of age completed an online survey with open-ended questions about the roles they play in their relationships with their brother or sister. Results Thematic analysis resulted in identification of several roles including caregiver, friend (social partner), advocate, legal representative, sibling (teacher/role model), leisure planner and informal service coordinator. Conclusion Siblings assume key roles in the lives of people with IDD and need support from family and professionals to perform these roles.
Area-level poverty, race/ethnicity & dialysis star ratings.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a five star rating system as part of ‘Dialysis Facility Compare’ to help patients identify and choose high performing clinics in the US. Eight dialysis-related measures determine ratings. Little is known about the association between surrounding community sociodemographic characteristics and star ratings. Using data from the U.S. Census and over 6000 dialysis clinics across the country, we examined the association between dialysis clinic star ratings and characteristics of the local population: 1) proportion of population below the federal poverty level (FPL); 2) proportion of black individuals; and 3) proportion of Hispanic individuals, by correlation and regression analyses. Secondary analyses with Quality Incentive Program (QIP) scores and population characteristics were also performed. We observed a negligible correlation between star ratings and the proportion of local individuals below FPL; Spearman coefficient, R = -0.09 (p<0.0001), and a stronger correlation between star ratings and the proportion of black individuals; R = -0.21 (p<0.0001). Ordered logistic regression analyses yielded adjusted odds ratio of 0.91 (95% confidence interval [0.80–1.30], p = 0.12) and 0.55 ([0.48–0.63], p<0.0001) for high vs. low level of proportion below FPL and proportion of black individuals, respectively. In contrast, a near-zero correlation was observed between star ratings and the proportion of Hispanic individuals. Correlations varied substantially by country region, clinic profit status and clinic size. Analyses using clinic QIP scores provided similar results. Sociodemographic characteristics of the surrounding community, factors typically outside of providers’ direct control, have varying levels of association with clinic dialysis star ratings.
Regulation of apomixis

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on recent advances in the knowledge of genes and gene functions that may regulate displacement of meiosis, heterochronic or ectopic development of embryo sacs, and spontaneous formation of embryos from egg cells, which are observed in natural apomicts or predominantly in mutants from sexual species. Apomixis is the process of asexual reproduction through seeds that is increasingly being viewed as a deregulation of sexual reproduction rather than an independent pathway. It includes both sporophytic and gametophytic types. Somatic cells of the ovule directly form embryos during sporophytic apomixis. Gametophytic apomixis is characterized by the formation of an unreduced embryo sac and parthenogenesis of the unreduced egg. Universal differences between the two modes of reproduction are discussed, which includes the origin or developmental state of cells specified to become embryo sac mother cells and egg activation in the absence of fertilization. Gametophytic apomicts are broadly classified as either aposporous or diplosporous. Chromosomally unreduced embryo sacs develop from an megaspore mother cell (MMC) or a nearby nucellar cell.
Technology-driven changes in work and employment

Even when surrounded by ubiquitous computing, humans should be encouraged to do what they do better than machines.
Selective and Mechanically Robust Sensors for Electrochemical Measurements of Real-Time Hydrogen Peroxide Dynamics in Vivo.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an endogenous molecule that plays several important roles in brain function: it is generated in cellular respiration, serves as a modulator of dopaminergic signaling, and its presence can indicate the upstream production of more aggressive reactive oxygen species (ROS). H2O2 has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), creating a critical need to identify mechanisms by which H2O2 modulates cellular processes in general and how it affects the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway, in particular. Furthermore, there is broad interest in selective electrochemical quantification of H2O2, because it is often enzymatically generated at biosensors as a reporter for the presence of nonelectroactive target molecules. H2O2 fluctuations can be monitored in real time using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) coupled with carbon-fiber microelectrodes. However, selective identification is a critical issue when working in the presence of other mol...
“Coyote Hustle”: Agonistic Harmony and Transformation

As a Chicana musician who has produced music mostly for public consumption, I find it encouraging when audiences contemplate the messages or ideas behind the music and move toward critical action. For over twenty-one years, songs from my band, Quetzal, have been used as educational tools across and beyond grade levels, institutions, and community organizations. This essay explores efforts involving two of our songs. The first composition, “Estoy Aqui,” is from our Grammy Award–winning album Imaginaries , released in 2012. The second, “Coyote Hustle,” was independently released on the Quetzanimales album in 2014 on Artivist Entertainment. In both cases the community undertook the theory embedded in the songs, and their exploration of the ideas eventually led to critical action. After some thought and discussion with others, I discovered that both examples induced a community process that I identify here as “agonistic harmony,” ultimately leading to transformation.
Early Predictors of Child's Bully and Victim Statuses: A Longitudinal Investigation Using Parent, Teacher, and Student Reports From National Data

Although bullying is known to have detrimental effects, less is known regarding how these bullies and victims develop within the contexts of their homes and schools, and how early childhood behaviors can predict later bullying/victimization statuses. Parent, teacher, and student reports from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study – Kindergarten (ECLS-K) 1998-1999 cohort (N=11,715) representing a nationwide sample of children, were utilized to predict child’s bully and victim status in eighth grade (age 13-14) using data from seven collection points. Results indicated child characteristics from the earliest time points identified children at risk for becoming both bullies and victims, though familial characteristics were only able to predict bully status. Identifying these characteristics provides opportunities for early intervention in children’s lives, potentially preventing negative effects of bullying and victimization on academic, social, and emotional functioning. Implications for future research, including special considerations for individuals with internalizing behaviors, are discussed.
Anthropogenic versus fish‐derived nutrient effects on seagrass community structure and function

Humans are altering nutrient dynamics through myriad pathways globally. Concurrent with the addition of nutrients via municipal, industrial, and agricultural sources, widespread consumer exploitation is changing consumer-mediated nutrient dynamics drastically. Thus, altered nutrient dynamics can occur through changes in the supply of multiple nutrients, as well as through changes in the sources of these nutrients. Seagrass ecosystems are heavily impacted by human activities, with highly altered nutrient dynamics from multiple causes. We simulate scenarios of altered nutrient supply and ratios, nitrogen:phosphorus (N:P), from two nutrient sources in seagrass ecosystems: anthropogenic fertilizer and fish excretion. In doing so we tested expectations rooted in ecological theory that suggest the importance of resource dynamics for predicting primary producer dynamics. Ecosystem functions were strongly altered by artificial fertilizer (e.g., seagrass growth increased by as much as 140%), whereas plant/algae community structure was most affected by fish-mediated nutrients or the interaction of both treatments (e.g., evenness increased by ~140% under conditions of low fish nutrients and high anthropogenic nutrients). Interactions between the nutrient sources were found for only two of six response variables, and the ratio of nutrient supply was the best predictor for only one response. These findings show that seagrass structure and function are well predicted by supply of a single nutrient (either N or P). Importantly, no single nutrient best explained the majority of responses-measures of community structure were best explained by the primary limiting nutrient to this system (P), whereas measures of growth and density of the dominant producer in the system were best explained by N. Thus, while our findings support aspects of theoretical expectations, the complexity of producer community responses belies broad generalities, underscoring the need to manage for multiple simultaneous nutrients in these imperiled coastal ecosystems.
The Probability Framework

There are three fundamentally distinct ways of interpreting probability: personalistic, logical, and empirical. At least one of these conceptions of probability underlies any theory of statistical inference (or, to use Neyman’s phrase, ‘inductive behavior’). Each interpretation admits a variety of subinterpretations, but the three basic kinds of interpretation may be distinguished by the truth conditions associated with statements of probability.
Induction and Recursion

Consider again the function n!. We have already seen how to compute it with a loop that multiplies the numbers 1 through n. Another way to compute n! is with a recursive program that calls itself: $$ \begin{gathered} function FACT(n) \hfill \\ if n \leqslant 1 \hfill \\ then return 1 \hfill \\ else return n * FACT\left( {n - 1} \right) \hfill \\ end \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ Because\( n! = n * \left( {n - 1} \right)! \), it can be computed by solving a smaller version of the same problem and then multiplying by n. In this very simple example, the recursive program corresponds directly to a loop. If the recursion is "unwound", to compute n!, we compute \( \left( {n - 1} \right)! \), to compute \( \left( {n - 1} \right)! \) we compute \( \left( {n - 2} \right)! \), and so on until we get down to 1; then we work backwards computing \( 2 * 1 = 2 \), then \( 3 * 2 = 6 \), then \( 4 * 6 = 24 \), and so on. This form of recursion, often called tail recursion, calls itself on the "tail" of the problem and then does some simple computation (in this case, a multiplication) to incorporate the "head" of the problem. In fact, it is such a simple form of recursion that a "smart" compiler can detect it and translate it to a loop that uses O(1) space.
Identifying an efficient, thermally robust inorganic phosphor host via machine learning

Rare-earth substituted inorganic phosphors are critical for solid state lighting. New phosphors are traditionally identified through chemical intuition or trial and error synthesis, inhibiting the discovery of potential high-performance materials. Here, we merge a support vector machine regression model to predict a phosphor host crystal structure’s Debye temperature, which is a proxy for photoluminescent quantum yield, with high-throughput density functional theory calculations to evaluate the band gap. This platform allows the identification of phosphors that may have otherwise been overlooked. Among the compounds with the highest Debye temperature and largest band gap, NaBaB9O15 shows outstanding potential. Following its synthesis and structural characterization, the structural rigidity is confirmed to stem from a unique corner sharing [B3O7]5– polyanionic backbone. Substituting this material with Eu2+ yields UV excitation bands and a narrow violet emission at 416 nm with a full-width at half-maximum of 34.5 nm. More importantly, NaBaB9O15:Eu2+ possesses a quantum yield of 95% and excellent thermal stability. Identifying phosphors with good thermal stability and quantum efficiency is a prerequisite to improve the performance of white LED light sources. Here, a combined machine learning and density functional theory method is introduced to identify next generation inorganic phosphors.
Chapter 7 – Metallic Biomaterials

The need to understand the phase space of metallic monolithic structures requires a detailed understanding of composition, structure, processing schemes, and properties that result. Themes are linked with alloy design, features of binary and ternary phase alloys, some sense of where these devices are used, primarily in replacing bone stock, joint repair, and fracture fixation. Increasingly, there is interest in softer, more flexible metal structures both to enhance bone viability and to augment where metallic biomaterials can be installed. Key features in this chapter are linked to understanding the correlation between structure and mechanical behavior.
Bringing it back home

Parking my morality about using polluting or dubious delivery services is easy when they bring me essential goods next day. But Death Stranding makes it harder to look away, finds Jacob Aron
Evidence Relating Health Care Provider Burnout and Quality of Care

This meta-analysis of 123 publications addresses relationships between health care provider burnout and quality of patient care.
Potential risk factors for cigarette use among a sample of college JUUL users.

To examine the relationship between demographics, other tobacco use, and JUUL dependency on combustible cigarette use among college JUUL users. Participants: Undergraduates (n = 595) at a large sou...
Pre-diagnosis major life stressors and breast cancer outcomes.

While the association between diagnosis of breast cancer and post-diagnosis psychological distress has been well documented, data regarding pre-diagnosis psychological distress in the breast cancer population are limited. Here, we assessed pre-diagnosis major life stressors and breast cancer outcomes, namely stage of disease and choice of surgery, in a single-center population. Patients with newly diagnosed clinical stage 0–3 breast cancer seen at Mayo Clinic Florida between June 11, 2018, and October 7, 2019, were administered voluntary telephone surveys to assess major life stressors during the 24 months preceding their cancer diagnosis. Subsequent clinical outcomes of cancer stage at diagnosis and surgical treatment were obtained through retrospective chart review. Study subjects who had experienced major life stressors and those who had not were compared using Chi-square tests. Of 222 patients who were included, 51.3% reported experiencing a major life event before breast cancer diagnosis. 43.9% of these patients endorsed family-related stress. 21.1% had experienced multiple stressors. 1.8% described financial stress. Although more patients in the group with pre-diagnosis stress had carcinoma in situ (21.1% versus 13.0%, p = 0.11) and fewer had stage T1/T2 disease (64% versus 73.1%, p = 0.14) than in the group without stress, these differences were not statistically significant. More patients with pre-diagnosis stress chose mastectomy (34.2% versus 22.2%, p = 0.048). Psychological distress is prevalent prior to breast cancer diagnosis and may merit early intervention. While additional study in diverse populations is needed, current data suggest possible associations between pre-diagnosis psychological distress and surgical decision making, specifically mastectomy.
A Public Health Informatics Solution to Improving Food Safety in Restaurants: Putting the Missing Piece in the Puzzle.

Foodborne illnesses remain an important public health challenge in the United States causing an estimated 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths per year. Restaurants are frequent settings for foodborne illness transmission. Public health surveillance – the continual, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of reports of health data to prevent and control illness – is a prerequisite for an effective food control system. While restaurant inspection data are routinely collected, these data are not regularly aggregated like traditional surveillance data. However, there is evidence that these data are a valuable tool for understanding foodborne illness outbreaks and threats to food safety. This article discusses the challenges and opportunities for incorporating routine restaurant inspection data as a surveillance tool for monitoring and improving foodborne illness prevention activities. The three main challenges are: 1) the need for a national framework; 2) lack of data standards and interoperability; and 3) limited access to restaurant inspection data. Tapping into the power of public health informatics represents an opportunity to address these challenges. Overall, improving restaurant inspection information systems and making restaurant inspection data available to support decision-making represents an opportunity to practice smarter food safety.
How Academic Medical Centers Can Navigate the Pandemic and its Aftermath: Solutions for Three Major Issues.

The COVID-19 crisis has seriously affected academic medical centers (AMCs) on multiple levels. Combined with many trends that were already under way pre-pandemic, the current situation has generated significant disruption and underscored the need for change within and across AMCs. In this article, the authors explore some of the major issues and propose actionable solutions in 3 areas of concentration. First, the impact on medical students is considered, particularly the tradeoffs associated with online learning and the need to place greater pedagogical emphasis on virtual care delivery and other skills that will be increasingly in demand. Solutions described include greater utilization of technology, building more public health knowledge into the curriculum, and partnering with a wide range of academic disciplines. Second, leadership recruiting, vital to long-term success for AMCs, has been complicated by the crisis. Pressures discussed include adapting to the dynamics of competitive physician labor markets as well as attracting candidates with the skill sets to meet the requirements of a shifting AMC leadership landscape. Solutions proposed in this domain include making search processes more focused and streamlined, prioritizing creativity and flexibility as core management capabilities to be sought, and enhancing efforts with assistance from outside advisors. Finally, attention is devoted to the severe financial impact wrought by the pandemic, creating challenges whose resolution is central to planning future AMC directions. Specific challenges include recovery of lost clinical revenue and cash flow, determining how to deal with research funding, and the precarious economic balancing act engendered by the need to continue distance education. A full embrace of telehealth, collaborative policy-making among the many AMC constituencies, and committing fully to being in the vanguard of the transition to value-based care form the solution set offered.
Combinatorial screening of crystal structure in Ba-Sr-Mn-Ce perovskite oxides with ABO3 stoichiometry

ABO3 oxides with the perovskite-related structures are attracting significant interest due to their promising physical and chemical properties for many applications requiring tunable chemistry, including fuel cells, catalysis, and electrochemical water splitting. Here we report on the crystal structure of the entire family of perovskite oxides with ABO3 stoichiometry, where A and B are Ba, Sr, Mn, Ce. Given the vast size of this chemically complex material system, exploration for stable perovskite-related structures with respect to its constituent elements and annealing temperature is performed by combinatorial pulsed laser deposition and spatially-resolved characterization of composition and structure. As a result of this high-throughput experimental study, we identify hexagonal perovskite-related polytypic transformation as a function of composition in the Ba1-xSrxMnO3 oxides after annealing at different temperatures. Furthermore, a hexagonal perovskite-related polytype is observed in a narrow composition-temperature range of the BaCexMn1-xO3 oxides. In contrast, a tetragonally-distorted perovskite is observed across a wider range of compositions and annealing temperatures in the Sr1-xCexMnO3 oxides. This structure stability is further enhanced along the BaCexMn1-xO3 - Sr1-xCexMnO3 pseudo-binary tie-line at x=0.25 by increasing Ba-incorporation and annealing temperature. These results indicate that the BaCexMn1-xO3 - Sr1-xCexMnO3 pseudo-binary oxide alloys (solid solutions) with tetragonal perovskite structure and broad composition-temperature range of stability are promising candidates for thermochemical water splitting applications.
Improving the Movement Synchrony Estimation with Action Quality Assessment in Children Play Therapy

Movement synchrony refers to the dynamic temporal connection between the motions of interacting people. The automatic measurement of movement synchrony is worth studying for social behavior analysis applications, for instance, in play therapy of children in the autism spectrum. Existing approaches based on motion energy analysis are strongly reliant on the region of interest, and thus limit the interaction between individuals, especially for highly engaging activities like play therapy. Inspired by action quality assessment, a task to assess how well an action has been performed, in this paper, we propose an end-to-end deep learning method to integrate the following major tasks: (1) the automatic assessment of children’s performance in play therapy, and (2) the automatic estimation of movement synchrony between children and therapists, facilitated by an auxiliary task of intervention activity recognition. This multi-task paradigm generally improves the performance of our model across all tasks. Furthermore, when annotations are subjective, the typical exclusive annotation strategy may reduce tagging quality. As a result, we explored applying distribution learning to mitigate human bias in movement synchrony estimation. We allowed the second and third labels for each instance, namely the uncertainty-preserved annotation approach. We tested our method on Play Therapy 13 (PT13), a dataset collected from video recordings of play therapy interventions. The findings of the experiments indicated that our framework can accurately quantify movement synchronization and assess the quality of children’s actions in play therapy. Moreover, the uncertainty-preserved annotation approach produced a comparable outcome to standard methods at a far reduced cost, demonstrating its efficacy in mitigating biases.
Gravitational effects on ocular pressure and perfusion pressure.

Changes in the gravitational vector by postural changes or weightlessness induce fluid shifts impacting ocular hemodynamics and regional pressures. This investigation explores the impact of changes in direction of the gravitational vector on intraocular pressure (IOP), mean arterial pressure at eyelevel (MAPeye), and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), which is critical for ocular health. Thirteen subjects underwent 360° of tilt (including both prone and supine positions) at 15o increments. At each angle, steady-state IOP and MAPeye were measured and OPP calculated as MAPeye-IOP. Experimental data were compared to a 6-compartment lumped parameter model of the eye. Mean IOP, MAPeye, and OPP significantly increased from 0o supine to 90o head down tilt (HDT) by 20.7±1.7 mmHg (ᵅD; < 0.001), 38.5±4.1 mmHg (ᵅD; < 0.001), and 17.4±3.2 mmHg (ᵅD; <0.001), respectively. Head up tilt (HUT) significantly decreased OPP by 16.5±2.5 mmHg (ᵅD; < 0.001). IOP was significantly higher in prone vs. supine position for much of the tilt range. Our study indicates that OPP is highly gravitationally dependent. Specifically, data show that MAPeye is more gravitationally dependent than IOP, thus causing OPP to increase during HDT and to decrease during HUT. Additionally, IOP was elevated in prone position compared to supine position due to the additional hydrostatic column between the base of the rostral globe to the mid-caudal plane, supporting the notion that hydrostatic forces play an important role in ocular hemodynamics. Changes in OPP as a function of changes in gravitational stress and/or weightlessness may play a role in the pathogenesis of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome.
Cross Reactivity between EBV and Herpes Simplex Virus

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome contains a minimum of 84 open reading frames. The homologies of the sequences of several proteins of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and EBV suggested one approach to identification of EBV gene products that we have pursued. Cross reactive proteins of EBV and HSV-1 and HSV-2 were initially demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of EBV infected cells and virus with polyvalent antibody to HSV and EBV. Several cross reactive molecules were then further identified with monoclonal and monospecific antibodies (Figure 1). Monospecific rabbit antibody made to HSV-2 gB that had been affinity purified with monoclonal antibody B3 (1) immunoprecipitated proteins of 72K and 105K from EBV producing cells (lane 5). Conversely, monoclonal antibody E8B3, to EBV membrane protein pl05 (2), immunoprecipitated HSV-2 and HSV-1 gB (lanes 2 and 3) from HSV-infected cells. Monospecific antibody made to HSV-2 gG, affinity purified with monoclonal antibody 13αC5 (3), immunoprecipitated a protein of 80–90K from EBV virions (lane 10), that, under non-reducing conditions had an apparent molecular weight of more than 205K (lane 11).
Techniques of celloidin removal from temporal bone sections.

ObjectivesWe sought to determine whether the technique of celloidin removal influences the results of immunostaining in celloidin-embedded cochleae.MethodsWe compared four protocols of celloidin re...
Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate-dependent Protein Kinase from Adipose Tissue

Abstract A procedure for partial purification of the adipose tissue adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase by substrate affinity chromatography is described. On the basis of specificity, apparent Km for ATP, pH dependence, metal ion requirement, and other properties, the enzyme showed a striking similarity to the protein kinases described in skeletal muscle and other tissues. Chromatography on casein-Sepharose columns in the presence of cAMP produced a cAMP-independent kinase. Gel filtration studies showed that this form had a molecular weight of approximately 42,000 as compared with 140,000 for the original cAMP-dependent enzyme. The adipose tissue cAMP-independent kinase was inhibited by a heat-stable muscle protein and by a preparation of muscle protein kinase regulatory subunit. The latter effect occurred only in the absence of cAMP. The cAMP-dependent and independent protein kinases were affected similarly by sodium chloride and potassium chloride and the direction of the effect was dependent on the substrate used. On the basis of the above findings and reports of results obtained with protein kinases from other tissues, it would appear that the adipose tissue cAMP-dependent protein kinase is composed of a regulatory (cAMP-binding) subunit and a cAMP-independent catalytic subunit. Lipolytic activity in adipose tissue homogenates is stimulated 2-fold in the absence of cAMP and in the presence of Mg2+ and ATP by the protein kinase catalytic subunit prepared from skeletal muscle. This stimulation is prevented if the muscle protein kinase regulatory subunit is also included in the incubation. The regulatory subunit added alone did not alter lipolytic activity significantly.
Resource Problem Solving in Therapeutic Courts

The therapeutic jurisprudence movement began almost twenty-five years ago with the opening of the first drug court in 1989. Since that time, thousands of courts like it and many more incarnations have sprung up around the country. These courts proliferate because they lower recidivism and are often a more affordable and humane alternative to traditional criminal justice. Therapeutic courts are not hard to run successfully if the right elements are in place. However, even when jurisdictions have a compassionate judge, eager participants, a cohesive therapy team, and a supportive community, therapeutic courts may still have difficulty getting started, maintaining continuity, or planning for the future due to uncertainties related to funding and resources. This article examines the resource and funding challenges that drug and mental health courts face. It discusses the importance of documenting operational costs and the role that diversification of funding plays in the long-term success of therapeutic courts, with an emphasis on how these two practices affect drug courts. The article also focuses on mental health courts and the need for innovation in obtaining resources in communities where they may be lacking. The author hopes by spotlighting therapeutic court challenges and innovation, struggling or new therapeutic courts might develop ideas related to funding and resource acquisition.
Cancer Prevention: Recent Progress and Future Opportunities

Knowledge gathered during the past few decades from the fields of cancer epidemiology, carcinogenesis, biochemistry, and molecular biology, much of which was communicated through the pages of the journal Cancer Research, provides powerful new strategies for cancer prevention. Indeed, I believe that it is possible to draft a blueprint for a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention, to be used as we approach the 21st century. This plan includes: (a) expanded epidemiological and laboratory studies to identify the specific causes of human cancers; (b) intervention studies, such as risk reduction by the cessation of cigarette smoking, dietary modifications, chemoprevention, and the development of vaccines for viral agents implicated in human cancer (i.e., hepatitis B, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and certain retroviruses), and (c) early detection and screening. Concepts and methods that have developed in the field of cellular and molecular biology will accelerate this progress. Indeed, we are currently in a very exciting phase of cancer research that brings together fields of cancer research which in the past were often disparate and disconnected, i.e., basic laboratory studies, epidemiology, prevention, and treatment. Thus, the astounding advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer provide a unified concept of the nature of the cancer cell and also suggest new clinical approaches to cancer etiology, prevention, and treatment. Many of the biomarkers being developed for etiological studies, using the approach of molecular epidemiology, can also serve as biomarkers or intermediate end points to evaluate the efficacy of dietary intervention and chemoprevention studies. Some of these biomarkers will also be useful for evaluating the efficacy of cancer therapy. Furthermore, certain compounds being developed for cancer chemoprevention, e.g., the retinoids, may also be useful in the therapy of fully established neoplasms. It seems likely, therefore, that even before the year 2000 these powerful and unifying themes will accelerate advances in both cancer prevention and treatment, thus leading to major reductions in both the incidence and mortality of human cancer.
A Review of “Developing China: Land, Politics and Social Conditions”

Motivated by a lack of systematic information on patterns and processes of land use change in China, George C. S. Lin's Developing China: Land, Politics and Social Conditions provides a comprehensi...
Analysis of the physical and electrical phenomena in different surge-protective circuits for low-voltage AC power line

Surge protective circuits for low-voltage AC power line are made up with nonlinear passive components, such as gas tube arresters, gaps, varistors (ZnO, SiC) and diodes. Being very different from the electrical characteristics, the advantages and drawbacks of such surge suppressors depend mainly on the type of components used and the possibility of combining them with one another. Based on the study of the degradation of the components under surge current stress, the physical and electrical phenomena in different surge protective circuits have been discussed in this paper. The authors therefore present a comparison of the essential differences in two surge protective circuits on the French market. >
PROTECTION FOR WHOM

For several decades almost all the states have addressed the goal of ensuring an adequate supply of blood and blood products through the provision of “blood shield laws.” These laws shield the blood industry from strict liability in the case of viral or other contamination of blood or its components. These laws were passed with little regard for other considerations, such as safety incentives. This article traces the development of the blood industry, its influence on state and national blood policy, and the consequences of such policy for people infected with hepatitis and HIV through blood and blood products. The authors conclude that the closed nature of the policy process has had negative consequences for the creation of blood policy that should balance concerns of both supply and safety.
Safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous biopsy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy and safety of percutaneous biopsy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Patients and Methods From 2002 to 2013, 26 upper tract lesions in 24 patients (20 men; median [range] age 67.8 [51.7–85.9] years) were percutaneously biopsied. Analysis was separated based on lesion appearance: (i) mass infiltrating renal parenchyma, (ii) filling defect in the collecting system, (iii) urothelial wall thickening. We tracked immediate complications and tract seeding on follow-up imaging. Results Of the 26 upper tract lesions, 15 (58%) were masses infiltrating the renal parenchyma (mean [range] size 5.4 [1.1–14.0] cm), six (23%) were urothelial wall thickenings (mean [range] size 0.8 [0.4–1.1] cm), and five (19%) were filling defects within the renal pelvis or calyx (mean [range] size 2.7 [1.0–4.6] cm). Definitive diagnosis of UTUC was made by biopsy in 22 of 26 lesions (85%). Biopsy characterised 14 of 15 infiltrative masses and five of five filling defects; biopsy characterised three of six cases of urothelial wall thickening. CT follow-up was available for 19 patients (73%) at a median (range) of 13.6 (1.0–98.9) months. Three patients (11%) developed recurrence in the nephrectomy bed at 5.6, 9.7, and 29.0 months after biopsy; none were attributed to tract seeding after independent review, because recurrence was remote from the biopsy site. Conclusion Percutaneous biopsy is effective for diagnosis of UTUC, providing tissue diagnosis in 85% of cases. While case reports cite a risk of tract seeding, no cases of recurrence were definitely attributable to percutaneous biopsy. Thus, for upper tract urothelial lesions, which are not amenable to endoscopic biopsy, percutaneous biopsy is a safe and effective technique.
The Significance of Self‐Reported Anxious Symptoms in First Grade Children: Prediction to Anxious Symptoms and Adaptive Functioning in Fifth Grade

In an earlier study of an epidemiologically defined sample of first grade children, primarily between the ages of 5 and 6, self-reported anxious symptoms proved relatively stable and were significantly related to adaptive functioning. In the present study we follow that cohort of first graders longitudinally and assess the prognostic value of self-reports of anxious symptoms in first grade with respect to anxious symptoms and adaptive functioning in the late elementary school years or at about age 10. First grade anxious symptoms were found to have significant prognostic value in terms of levels of anxious symptoms and adaptive functioning in fifth grade.
Isolation of an ion channel gene from Arabidopsis thaliana using the H5 signature sequence from voltage-dependent K+ channels

A degenerate oligonucleotide corresponding to the K+ channel signature sequence (TMTTVGYGD) was used to isolate the genomic and cDNA forms of a new channel gene, AKT3, from Arabidopsis thaliana. The deduced protein sequence has a predicted membrane topography similar to Shaker-like K+ channels. Three distinct modules comprise the carboxyl-terminal half: a nucleotide-binding motif, an ankyrin repeat domain, and a polyglutamate track. Xenopus oocytes injected with cRNA exhibited an inward-rectifying K+ current, demonstrating that the AKT3 polypeptide is a functional transport protein. Two other Arabidopsis K+ transporters (AKT1 and KAT1) share 60% homology with AKT3; together these proteins constitute a family of plant inward-rectifying K+ channels.
An ordered probit model for estimating racial discrimination through fair housing audits

Abstract An ordered probit model is used to measure racial discrimination in the rental housing market for the Detroit metropolitan area during the 1980s. Racial differences persist in (1) rental units suggested to the homeseekers, (2) units actually inspected by them, (3) rental terms and conditions quoted, (4) information on the neighborhood amenities, and (5) qualifications of the homeseekers, but they appear to be declining over time. Agent prejudices and racial composition of neighborhoods in which rental units are located are significant in explaining discrimination.