cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bot-ivistm: Assessing Information Manipulation in Social Media Using Network Analytics

Social influence bot networks are used to effect discussions in social media. While traditional social network methods have been used in assessing social media data, they are insufficient to identify and characterize social influence bots, the networks in which they reside and their behavior. However, these bots can be identified, their prevalence assessed, and their impact on groups assessed using high dimensional network analytics. This is illustrated using data from three different activist communities on Twitter—the “alt-right,” ISIS sympathizers in the Syrian revolution, and activists of the Euromaidan movement. We observe a new kind of behavior that social influence bots engage in—repetitive @mentions of each other. This behavior is used to manipulate complex network metrics, artificially inflating the influence of particular users and specific agendas. We show that this bot behavior can affect network measures by as much as 60% for accounts that are promoted by these bots. This requires a new method to differentiate “promoted accounts” from actual influencers. We present this method. We also present a method to identify social influence bot “sub-communities.” We show how an array of sub-communities across our datasets are used to promote different agendas, from more traditional foci (e.g., influence marketing) to more nefarious goals (e.g., promoting particular political ideologies).
Developing Machine Learning Models for Behavioral Coding.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this research is to develop a machine learning supervised classification model to automatically code clinical encounter transcripts using a behavioral code scheme. METHODS We first evaluated the efficacy of eight state-of-the-art machine learning classification models to recognize patient-provider communication behaviors operationalized by the motivational interviewing framework. Data were collected during the course of a single weight loss intervention session with 37 African American adolescents and their caregivers. We then tested the transferability of the model to a novel treatment context, 80 patient-provider interactions during routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic visits. RESULTS Of the eight models tested, the support vector machine model demonstrated the best performance, achieving a .680 F1-score (a function of model precision and recall) in adolescent and .639 in caregiver sessions. Adding semantic and contextual features improved accuracy with 75.1% of utterances in adolescent and 73.8% in caregiver sessions correctly coded. With no modification, the model correctly classified 72.0% of patient-provider utterances in HIV clinical encounters with reliability comparable to human coders (k = .639). CONCLUSIONS The development of a validated approach for automatic behavioral coding offers an efficient alternative to traditional, resource-intensive methods with the potential to dramatically accelerate the pace of outcomes-oriented behavioral research. The knowledge gained from computer-driven behavioral research can inform clinical practice by providing clinicians with empirically supported communication strategies to tailor their conversations with patients. Lastly, automatic behavioral coding is a critical first step toward fully automated eHealth/mHealth (electronic/mobile Health) behavioral interventions.
Improving Snow Water Equivalent Maps With Machine Learning of Snow Survey and Lidar Measurements

In the semiarid interior western USA, where a majority of surface water supply comes from mountain forests, high‐resolution aerial lidar‐based surveys are commonly used to study snow. These surveys provide rich information about snow depth, but they are usually not accompanied with spatially explicit measurements of snow density, which leads to uncertainty in the estimation of snow water equivalent (SWE). In this study, we use a novel approach to distribute ~300 field measurements of snow density with artificial neural networks. We combine the resulting density maps with aerial lidar snow depth measurements, bias corrected with a very large and precisely geolocated array of field‐measured snow depths (~4,000 observations), to create and validate maps of snow depth, snow density, and SWE over two sites along Arizona's Mogollon Rim in February and March 2017. These maps show differences between midwinter and late‐winter snow conditions. In particular, compared to that of snow depth, the spatial variability of snow density is smaller for the later snow survey than the earlier snow survey. These gridded data also show that the representativeness of Snow Telemetry and other point measurements is different for the midwinter and late‐winter snow surveys. Overall, the lidar artificial neural network SWE estimates can be as much as 30% different than if Snow Telemetry density were used with lidar snow depths to estimate SWE
Planning Ahead for End-of-Life Healthcare among Iranian-American Older Adults: Attitudes and Communication of Healthcare Wishes.

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between attitudes toward planning for end-of-life (EOL) care and social supports, spirituality, distrust of the US healthcare system, and acculturation; and to investigate a relationship between attitudes and communication of EOL wishes in Iranian-American older adults. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used. Older adults (N = 135) were surveyed using Qualtrics online software. The participants were new immigrants to the U.S., highly educated, and insured with a generally positive self-reported health status. Of this sample, 47.4% reported that they communicated their EOL wishes orally or through written documentation. Favorable attitudes toward planning were associated with acculturation and healthcare system distrust, and, inversely, were negatively associated with spirituality. No significant association was found between attitudes and social support. Favorable attitudes predicted participants’ communication of wishes. The findings can inform the provision of effective interventions to enhance culturally competent EOL care.
Sorting Real Numbers in $$O\big (n\sqrt{\log n}\big )$$ Time and Linear Space

We present an $$O(n\sqrt{\log n})$$ time and linear space algorithm for sorting real numbers. This breaks the $$O(n\log n)$$ time bound for sorting real numbers which was thought by some researchers to be the lower bound.
Connectivity for automated driving: an overview of corresponding R∧ D activities in Europe

The chapter provides an overview of the use cases, the communication technologies, the stakeholders, the past and current R&D activities, and the future plans for CAD in Europe. The evolution towards CAD is spanning over more than two decades, a clear indication that Europe has a rich R&D history in the domain and that it will continue driving the future definition of CAD in the wider sense of 'cooperative, connected, and automated mobility.
Introduction to Africa’s Educational Wealth

This chapter discusses the relevance of formal education, the “ins and outs” of higher tertiary education. It focuses on their various categories and the necessity of creating and maintaining excellent higher education institutions. Africa’s empowerment through what good education offers is explored via this discussion on formal education and its connections to nation-building and citizenship for society’s overall benefit. It also highlights two crucial issues in African education today: technology’s impact and the need to expand opportunities for women. It closes with an overall reflection on the future of Africa’s higher education.
Comparative dispersal and survival of male oriental fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) from wild and genetic sexing strains

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a target-specific, biologically based method used to control invading or established populations of pestiferous tephritids. SIT entails the release of large numbers of mass-reared, sterilized males, with the goal of achieving sterile male x wild female matings, which yield infertile eggs and suppress the growth rate of the pest population. The development of male-only strains generates the potential for more effective control of invading populations than standard bisexual releases. A genetic sexing strain based on sex-linked pupal color exists for Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a major agricultural pest worldwide, but how this strain might perform in an SIT program has not been thoroughly investigated. As documented for several tephritid species, artificial selection imposed via mass-rearing may have adverse effects on various biological parameters of the released flies, including dispersion, life span, and mating competitiveness. The objective of the present study was to directly compare lure responsiveness using methyl eugenol, dispersal, and survival between males from wild and genetic sexing strains (GSS) of B. dorsalis. We conclude that males of the two strains differed significantly in dispersal ability but not in lure attraction or survival ability. The prospective effectiveness of the GSS in SIT programs against B. dorsalis is evaluated based on these findings.
Subjective Well-Being and Life Satisfaction : An Introduction to Conceptions, Theories, and Measures

Research on subjective well-being (SWB) goes back at least 90 years. Much of this research has been concerned with correlates and predictors of SWB. Much research has also been concerned with differentiating different types of SWB—specifically the distinction between hedonic well-being and eudaimonic well-being. This research shows that people can distinguish between activities and experiences that are more or less “meaningful” and “personally expressive” and those that are more or less enjoyable but that measures of “eudaimonic” well-being and measures of “hedonic” well-being are so highly correlated that they appear to be measuring the same construct. Research on theories of SWB strongly supports dispositional/construals theories that posit that SWB is primarily the result of inherited and learned predispositions to perceive and interpret life events in certain ways over life circumstance theories that propose that SWB is primarily the result of life events and life circumstances not mediated by interpretations of them. Among the problems with measuring subjective well-being and life satisfaction are lack of agreement on the conception of SWB (e.g., hedonic versus eudaimonic), an almost exclusive reliance on self-report measures, overreliance on correlational studies, a lack of consensus on how to measure SWB regardless of conception, and the tendency to reify scores on measures of SWB.
Incorporating Method Dissatisfaction into Unmet Need for Contraception: Implications for Measurement and Impact.

While unmet need for contraception is commonly used to assess programmatic needs, it inadequately captures the complexity of fertility and contraceptive preferences, including women's satisfaction with their contraceptive method. In their 2019 commentary, Sarah Rominski and Rob Stephenson propose reclassifying dissatisfied current users as having an unmet need for contraception. As revising the current definition based on their proposal would require significant investment to update survey and monitoring systems, understanding the potential impact on current estimates of unmet need is critical. We estimated the impact of this approach in a Kenyan cohort of modern contraceptive users. We found the prevalence of method dissatisfaction ranges from 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6-7.8%) to 18.9% (95% CI 17.1-20.9%); if applied nationally, this results in a large (approximately 25-70%) increase in Kenya's current estimate of unmet need for any contraception. Our findings suggest a large impact on unmet need estimates for equivalent populations. Overall, we advocate for better measurements of method satisfaction and acceptability, with metrics developed that are robust to socioeconomic gradients and validated in low- and middle-income settings to ensure women's contraceptive needs are captured equitably.
The Meaning, Measure, and Misuse of Standards of Review

Standards of review are critical to appellate review because they set limitations upon the appellate court's review process. In doing so, standards of review balance judicial authority, make judicial review more efficient, standardize the review process, and give notice to parties who wish to appeal their cases. However, these policies and their effects are diminished when appellate judges misuse or ignore standards of review. This article examines the theories that led to the creation of standards of review and identifies four ways that appellate courts misuse standards of review. It analyzes over 8,000 cases from Texas and California, along with opinions and law journal articles from countless other jurisdictions to prove the author's theory that standards of review are often ignored or manipulated by appellate courts who seek to overturn the lower court's decision.
Mapping the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer to the SF-6D

To create a crosswalk that predicts Short Form 6D (SF-6D) utilities from Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) scores. The data come from prostate cancer patients enrolled in the North Carolina Prostate Cancer Comparative Effectiveness & Survivorship Study (NC ProCESS, N = 1016). Cross-sectional data from 12- to 24-month follow-up were used as estimation and validation datasets, respectively. Participants’ SF-12 scores were used to generate SF-6D utilities in both datasets. Beta regression mixture models were used to evaluate SF-6D utilities as a function of MAX-PC scores, race, education, marital status, income, employment status, having health insurance, year of cancer diagnosis and clinically significant prostate cancer-related anxiety (PCRA) status in the estimation dataset. Models’ predictive accuracies (using mean absolute error [MAE], root mean squared error [RMSE], Akaike information criterion [AIC] and Bayesian information criterion [BIC]) were examined in both datasets. The model with the highest prediction accuracy and the lowest prediction errors was selected as the crosswalk. The crosswalk had modest prediction accuracy (MAE = 0.092, RMSE = 0.114, AIC = − 2708 and BIC = − 2595.6), which are comparable to prediction accuracies of other SF-6D crosswalks in the literature. About 24% and 52% of predictions fell within ± 5% and ± 10% of observed SF-6D, respectively. The observed mean disutility associated with acquiring clinically significant PCRA is 0.168 (standard deviation = 0.179). This study provides a crosswalk that converts MAX-PC scores to SF-6D utilities for economic evaluation of clinically significant PCRA treatment options for prostate cancer survivors.
Measurement of Residual Stress in Silicon Carbide Fibers of Tubular Composites Using Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix (SiCf/SiCm) composites have been identified as potential materials for nuclear fuel cladding. These composites are fabricated by braiding the SiC fibers around a mandrel into a cylindrical tube and then densifying this preform with SiC matrix using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). However, during this fabrication process residual stresses develop in the composite, either due to the mechanical braiding process or due to high temperature CVI deposition of the SiC matrix phase. Micro-Raman spectroscopy has been employed to measure the residual stress in the SiC fibers at various stages of the fabrication process. Samples of the composite were analyzed after mechanical braiding and at 33%, 66% and 100% CVI densification of the composites. Raman spectra obtained at the above stages revealed significant band shifts of the SiC peaks and these peak-shift corresponded to -716 MPa of residual stress following the braiding process and -1075 MPa after the densification process. Interestingly, the Raman spectra also revealed carbon bands whose origin was traced to the presence of nanoscale turbostratic graphite throughout the nanograined SiC microstructure.
Mff oligomerization is required for Drp1 activation and synergy with actin filaments during mitochondrial division.

This article shows that Mff oligomerization through its coiled-coil is important for Drp1 activation biochemically and for mitochondrial fission in cells. Actin synergizes with Mff by reducing the ...
SemCal: Semantic LiDAR-Camera Calibration using Neural Mutual Information Estimator

This paper proposes SemCal: an automatic, tar-getless, extrinsic calibration algorithm for a LiDAR and camera system using semantic information. We leverage a neural information estimator to estimate the mutual information (MI) of semantic information extracted from each sensor measurement, facilitating semantic-level data association. By using a matrix exponential formulation of the se(3) transformation and a kernel-based sampling method to sample from camera measurement based on LiDAR projected points, we can formulate the LiDAR-Camera calibration problem as a novel differentiable objective function that supports gradient-based optimization methods. We also introduce a semantic-based initial calibration method using 2D MI-based image registration and Perspective-n-Point (PnP) solver. To evaluate performance, we demonstrate the robustness of our method and quantitatively analyze the accuracy using a synthetic dataset. We also evaluate our algorithm qualitatively on an urban dataset (KITTI360) and an off-road dataset (RELLIS-3D) benchmark datasets using both hand-annotated ground truth labels as well as labels predicted by the state-of-the-art deep learning models, showing improvement over recent comparable calibration approaches.
In situ quantification of electrical isolation in STM-fabricated TiO x nanostructures

In this Letter, a combination of conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) with a compliant cantilever is used to electrically probe oxidised TiO2−x nanostructures in situ. In STM mode, both the written width and the effective resistivity of material in the written line increase with write bias. At low writing voltages (∼3.5 V), the STM written lines are narrow (30 nm), but they are not resistive enough to allow patterns with a 1–2 µm perimeter to provide electrical isolation above 10 MΩ. Raising the bias to 8.5 V during writing allows similar structures to provide isolation of better than 250 MΩ. The resistivity in the lines written at the latter with high bias is 28 Ω m. From electrical estimates, the oxidation appears to go through the thickness at all voltages, but is more chemically incomplete (larger value of x) at low voltage. The data are not consistent, with a small amount of metallic Ti remaining under the written mark, that is, partial penetration of the oxidation. The thickness of this Ti layer would have to be unphysically small (1 million times smaller than an atomic layer thickness) to allow this interpretation.
Conformational analysis—132: The effects of electrostatic interactions and solvation energies on conformational equilibria in dihalides and haloketonesTetrahedron 34, 627, 1978.

Abstract A preliminary study of the effect of solvation on conformational equilibria in molecules containing two or more polar groups has been carried out within the framework of the molecular mechanics method. The procedure consists of placing standard point charges at nuclei, and allowing for the induced charges by the modified Smith-Eyring method. The molecular dipole and quadrupole are then calculated, and their solvation energies are found using effective dielectric constants for common solvents. The results are on the whole satisfactory.
Combinatorial Chemistry in the Drug Discovery Process

In recent years, combinatorial chemistry has evolved as an attempt to significantly shorten the lead identification and lead optimization portions of drug development. Combinatorial chemistry has become a widely used tool for synthetic chemists looking to streamline lead identification and for those needing novel structures to drive a plethora of studies in chemistry, biology, materials science, and beyond. This article describes the characteristics and applications of combinatorial chemistry in the drug discovery process. Keywords: combinatorial chemistry; optimization; drug development; drug discovery
Uniqueness and parameter dependence of positive solutions to higher order boundary value problems with fractional $q$-derivatives

The authors study a class of nonlinear higher order boundary value problem with fractional $q$-erivativesand dependence on a positive parameter $\lm$.The existence, uniqueness, and dependence of positive solutions on $\lm$ are discussed.Two sequences are constructed so that they converge uniformly to the unique solution of the problems.Two examples are included in the paper. Numerical computations of the examples confirm their theoretical results.
Instant recognition of polynominal time solvability, half integrality and 2-approximations

We describe here a technique applicable to integer programming problems which we refer to as IP2. An IP2 problem has linear constraints where each constraint has up to three variables with nonzero coefficients, and one of the three variables appear in that constraint only. The technique is used to identify either polynomial time solvability of the problem in time that is required to solve a minimum cut problem on an associated graph; or in case the problem is NP-hard the technique is used to generate superoptimal solution all components of which are integer multiple of \( \tfrac{1} {2} \) In some of the latter cases, for minimization problems, the half integral solution may be rounded to a feasible solution that is provably within a factor of 2 of the optimum.
Inventing Superstition: From the Hippocratics to the Christians

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Dale Martin Year: 2004 Pages: 340 Publisher: Harvard University Press ISBN: 0-674-01534-7 (hard cover). Prices: $29.95(hard cover).
Efficacy and tolerance of intravenous prostaglandins F2α and E2

Abstract With the increasing needs and demand for a safe, convenient abortifacient, the most promising of the natural prostaglandins, PGE 2 and PGF 2α , were investigated by the random, double-blind, intravenous-infusion technique to: (1) compare their abortifacient and oxytoxic activity; (2) determine the complications and their frequency in therapeutic dosage; (3) derive an infusion dosage with maximum effectiveness and minimum complications. Ten gravidas, from 7 to 20 weeks pregnant, desiring therapeutic abortion were infused with PGE 2 and PGF 2α between 2.5 and 20 μg per minute and 25 and 200 μg per minute, respectively, in progressively increasing doses for 12 hours. Both PGE 2 and PGF 2α were effective abortifacients. Nausea, emesis, and fever (temperature > 100° F.) complicated PGF 2α and increased in severity and frequency with progressive rates of infusion. Sixty per cent of the patients infused with 5 μg of PGE 2 per minute developed a transient phlebitis which increased in intensity with higher rates of infusion. The percentage of patients developing the minimum amount of uterine activity observed wth abortion increased as the rates of prostaglandin infusion were increased. No one infusion rate of either prostaglandin would produce a maximum rate of abortion with minimum complications. To attain this goal, it is recommended that the individual patient receive a progressively increasing rate of infusion until adequate uterine activity is achieved.
The Neuromuscular Transform Constrains the Production of Functional Rhythmic Behaviors

We continue our study of the properties and the functional role of the neuromuscular transform (NMT). The NMT is an input-output relation that formalizes the processes by which patterns of motor ne...
Improvement of the spheroidal method for artificial satellites.

Improved spheroidal method for calculation of almost polar orbit of artificial satellites, bypassing right ascension
Nicotine conditions place preferences after intracerebral administration in rats

A single-trial place conditioning procedure, one treatment and one non-treatment during two daily conditioning sessions followed by a single test session on the 3rd day, was used to examine the place conditioning effects of intracerebrally administered nicotine. In the first series of experiments, Sprague-Dawley male rats were implanted unilaterally with guide cannulas aimed at the lateral ventricle. After 1 week, rats received either “treatment” (nicotine in 2 µl phosphate buffer or 2 µl of buffer alone) or “no treatment” (no injections) before being placed in the black or white compartment of a three-compartment place-conditioning apparatus for 20 min. The next day the rats received the opposite treatment before being conditioned in the opposite compartment. On day 3, animals had free access to the entire apparatus for 15 min and the time spent in each compartment was recorded automatically. Even though the rats exhibited a baseline bias for the black compartment, intracerebroventricular nicotine induced positive place preferences relative to buffer control, i.e. if treatments were paired with the black compartment, nicotine enhanced the preference for the black compartment, and if the treatments were paired with the white compartment, nicotine induced a preference for the white compartment. In addition, the nicotine-induced preference response was antagonized by the co-intraventricular administration of mecamylamine. In a second series of experiments, animals were implanted unilaterally with guide cannulas aimed at the pendunculopontine tegmental nucleus of the mesopontine tegmentum. Nicotine microinjection, 1.2–18.5 nmol in 0.5 µl buffer, induced a dose-dependent positive place preference response. The place preference induced by 18.5 nmol nicotine was antagonized by co-administering 0.8 nmol mecamylamine; 0.8 nmol mecamylamine had no effects of its own. Finally, microinjections of 18.5 nmol nicotine 2 mm dorsal to the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus did not condition place preferences. These data demonstrate that a sensitive site of action of the nicotine-conditioned place preference response in rats is within the mesopontine tegmentum.
An inverse model for target detection

Inverse least-squares (ILS) calibration is a well-established method in chemometrics for determining the quantity of a single constituent in a system where no explicit knowledge of the remaining constituents exists. Detection presents a very similar situation where, typically, the only precise knowledge available is that of the target signature. The traditional approach to detection involves the use of the linear mixture model, in which the contributions from all significant components must be fully specified. In this manuscript, we propose an inverse detection model as an alternative to the linear mixture model for the detection of a single target molecule in the presence of various unknown and potentially varying background components. In this inverse approach, the background constituents are implicitly modeled and, thus, no explicit knowledge or modeling of the background is required. The inverse model is applied to the automatic detection of dimethyl-methylphosphonate (DMMP) vapors from passive infrared (IR) remotely sensed hyperspectral image data.
Retinoblastoma - current treatment and future direction.

Retinoblastoma is the commonest primary ocular malignancy of childhood. There are two forms — heritable and non heritable. Heritable retinoblastoma is a cancer susceptibility syndrome. Presentation is in the first few years of life, sometimes in the neonatal period. Early detection and prompt treatment can give cure rates up to 95% for intraocular tumours, but extraocular disease carries a very high mortality. The diagnosis is essentially clinical and biopsy is contraindicated due to the risk of extraocular spread. Treatment requires significant multidisciplinary input, with local ophthalmic treatment, systemic chemotherapy and external beam or plaque radiotherapy, or surgery to remove the affected eye. Screening of family members is essential for early detection. Lifelong surveillance of mutation carriers is needed due to the risk of second cancers. Newer treatment modalities including intra-arterial chemotherapy have been added to the therapeutic armamentarium in recent years.
The M(r) = 8,000 and 11,000 outer arm dynein light chains from Chlamydomonas flagella have cytoplasmic homologues

We report here the molecular cloning of the M(r) = 8,000 and 11,000 dynein light chains (DLCs) from the outer arm of Chlamydomonas flagella. These two molecules, which are associated with the intermediate chains at the base of the soluble dynein particle, have predicted masses of 10.3 and 13.8 kDa, respectively, and are 40% identical. Southern blot analysis indicates that one gene exists for each DLC in the Chlamydomonas genome and only a single message was observed for each on Northern blots. Secondary structure predictions suggest that both molecules contain a highly amphiphilic alpha helix that is presumably involved in protein-protein interactions. Several DLC homologues were identified in the GenBank databases. One, predicted from the genomic sequence of Caenorhabditis elegans, is 88.8% identical with the M(r) = 8,000 Chlamydomonas DLC. A second, from rice callus cDNA, is 47% identical with the same DLC. As neither nematodes nor higher plants have motile cilia or flagella at any stage of their life cycles, these DLC homologues presumably must function within the cytoplasm where they may represent previously unrecognized components of cytoplasmic dynein.
Expired liquid preserved platelet releasates retain proliferative activity.

Background Donated platelets for clinical use currently have a shelf life of 5 days as the result of possible bacterial contamination and loss of hemostatic function. Platelet releasates contain multiple growth factors that have been shown to accelerate wound healing. We sought to demonstrate that although expired platelets can no longer sustain hemostasis, they serve a longer term role as a reservoir of growth factors that could be harnessed in wound healing applications. Materials and methods Liquid preserved human platelets were activated from 1 to 21 days after collection using zeolite and were then analyzed for their ability to stimulate human fibroblast proliferation, which is an in vitro serogate of growth factor activity and wound healing potential. Total protein content, the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β were also measured. Results Activated liquid preserved platelet releasates significantly stimulated fibroblast proliferation. Twenty-one-day-old platelets were as stimulatory as 2-day-old platelets. Total protein concentration, PDGF, and transforming growth factor-β concentrations remained constant throughout the 21-day course. Western blot analysis using an antibody against human PDGF revealed minimal protein degradation over time. Conclusions These data demonstrate that although the role of platelets as hemostatic agents degrades rapidly with time, platelets’ ability to serve as a reservoir for growth factors remains intact for at least 3 weeks. These growth factors could be collected, stored, and used as a topical agent to promote healing of chronic and recalcitrant wounds.
“Handedness” of spiral fractures of the tibia

“Handedness” is a basic property of spirals. In many cases it is possible to determine whether spiral fractures are right or left handed by analysis of radiographs. Spiral fractures of the tibia show striking bilateral symmetry, with right-handed spirals predominating on the left side of the body, and left-handed spirals on the right.
Aquaporin 4 Expression and Tissue Susceptibility to Neuromyelitis Optica

Importance To understand the predilection for optic nerve and spinal cord pathologic changes in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Objective To evaluate tissue-specific expression (RNA and protein) and supramolecular aggregation of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in mouse, rat, and human tissues. Design Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Setting Laboratory analysis of mouse, rat, and human tissue. Participants Tissues from control individuals and 1 patient with NMO obtained at autopsy. Exposure Neuromyelitis optica in the patient. Main Outcomes and Measures Tissue-specific messenger RNA and protein expression and supramolecular aggregation of AQP4. Results The AQP4 messenger RNA and proteins were much more highly expressed in the optic nerve and spinal cord relative to other regions of the brain and to non–central nervous system tissues in all species evaluated. Large supramolecular aggregates of AQP4 were overrepresented in the optic nerve and spinal cord relative to other central nervous system tissue. There was no difference in AQP4 expression between an individual with NMO and the control samples. Conclusions and Relevance Optic nerve tissue from an individual with NMO did not differ in AQP4 expression from control samples. The relatively high levels of expression and of supramolecular aggregation in the optic nerve and spinal cord may contribute to the predilection of these structures to NMO pathologic changes.
Regulation of nuclear transport and degradation of the Xenopus cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p27Xic1.

The regulation of the vertebrate cell cycle is controlled by the function of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), cyclins, and CDK inhibitors. The Xenopus laevis kinase inhibitor, p27Xic1 (Xic1) is a member of the p21Cip1/p27Kip1/p57Kip2 CDK inhibitor family and inhibits CDK2-cyclin E in vitro as well as DNA replication in Xenopus egg extracts. Xic1 is targeted for degradation in interphase extracts in a manner dependent on both the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, Cdc34, and nuclei. Here we show that ubiquitination of Xic1 occurs exclusively in the nucleus and that nuclear localization of Xic1 is necessary for its degradation. We find that Xic1 nuclear localization is independently mediated by binding to CDK2-cyclin E and by nuclear localization sequences within the C terminus of Xic1. Our results also indicate that binding of Xic1 to CDK2-cyclin E is dispensable for Xic1 ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, we show that amino acids 180–183 of Xic1 are critical determinants of Xic1 degradation. This region of Xic1 may define a motif of Xic1 essential for recognition by the ubiquitin conjugation machinery or for binding an alternate protein required for degradation.
Diffusion of solvent around biomolecular solutes: a molecular dynamics simulation study.

Effects of the macromolecular solute on the translational mobility of surrounding solvent water, and Na+ and Cl- ions are investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Using MD trajectories of myoglobin and d(C5T5) . d(G5A5) DNA decamer of high quality and length, we determine the average diffusion coefficients for all solvent species as a function of distance from the closest solute atom. We examine solvent mobility in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the solute surface and in proximity to three different classes of solute atoms (oxygens, nitrogens, and carbons). The nature and the magnitude of the solute effects on water diffusion appear to be very similar for protein and DNA decamer. The overall diffusion rate at the interface is lower than in the bulk. The rate is higher than the average in the direction parallel to the solute surface, and lower in the direction normal to the surface, up to 15 A away from the solute. The rate is also lower in the solvation shells of the macromolecules, producing characteristic depressions in the radial profiles of the diffusion coefficient that can be correlated with peaks in the corresponding radial distribution functions. The magnitude of these depressions is small compared to the overall change in solvent mobility at the interface. Similar features are observed in the radial profiles of the diffusion coefficient of sodium and chlorine ions as well.
The economic impact of cyber terrorism

What is the economic impact of cyber terrorism? Can organizations achieve strategic advantage in the cyber terrorism game? A general game theoretical model is proposed to study the optimal information systems (ISs) security investment and then applied to compare the losses caused by cyber terrorists and common hackers. Literature is reviewed on IS security, game theoretical models of IS security, cyber terrorism, cyber deterrence and IS security breach function. Simulations with varying levels of attacker's preference, breach function sensitivity and deterrence level are carried out to determine sensitivity to the optimal IS security investment. Results suggest that organizations should invest more to protect their strategic information systems against cyber terrorists who have long-term goals.
Observation of unidirectional backscattering-immune topological electromagnetic states

One of the most striking phenomena in condensed-matter physics is the quantum Hall effect, which arises in two-dimensional electron systems subject to a large magnetic field applied perpendicular to the plane in which the electrons reside. In such circumstances, current is carried by electrons along the edges of the system, in so-called chiral edge states (CESs). These are states that, as a consequence of nontrivial topological properties of the bulk electronic band structure, have a unique directionality and are robust against scattering from disorder. Recently, it was theoretically predicted that electromagnetic analogues of such electronic edge states could be observed in photonic crystals, which are materials having refractive-index variations with a periodicity comparable to the wavelength of the light passing through them. Here we report the experimental realization and observation of such electromagnetic CESs in a magneto-optical photonic crystal fabricated in the microwave regime. We demonstrate that, like their electronic counterparts, electromagnetic CESs can travel in only one direction and are very robust against scattering from disorder; we find that even large metallic scatterers placed in the path of the propagating edge modes do not induce reflections. These modes may enable the production of new classes of electromagnetic device and experiments that would be impossible using conventional reciprocal photonic states alone. Furthermore, our experimental demonstration and study of photonic CESs provides strong support for the generalization and application of topological band theories to classical and bosonic systems, and may lead to the realization and observation of topological phenomena in a generally much more controlled and customizable fashion than is typically possible with electronic systems.
Early decomposition and invertebrate colonization of nodding smartweed leaves

Smartweed (Polygonum spp.) litter is an important food and habitat resource for many freshwater macroinvertebrates. Smartweed plants senesce in early autumn, and as the stems bend, terminal leaves are either suspended above the surface of the water or submerged. To determine how leaf position affects decomposition rate, mass loss of submerged smartweed leaves, submerged leaves in mesh bags, and suspended smartweed leaves were measured for the period 1 October 1988-5 November 1988. Mean percent mass loss did not differ significantly between suspended and submerged leaves, but submerged leaves in mesh bags retained more mass than unconfined leaves in water or in air. Invertebrate populations were measured on the submerged samples, with oligochaetes, physid snails, and chironomids being the primary colonizers. Chironomids preferred leaves in mesh bags, physids were found in unconfined samples, and oligochaetes colonized both sample types.
Nonparametric Identification of Hammerstein Systems Using Orthogonal Basis Functions as Ersatz Nonlinearities

In this paper, we present a technique for estimating the input nonlinearity of a Hammerstein system by using multiple orthogonal ersatz nonlinearities. Theoretical analysis shows that by replacing the unknown input nonlinearity by an ersatz nonlinearity, the estimates of the Markov parameters of the plant are correct up to a scalar factor, which is related to the inner product of the true input nonlinearity and the ersatz nonlinearity. These coefficients are used to construct and estimate the true nonlinearity represented as an orthogonal basis expansion. We demonstrate this technique by using a Fourier series expansion as well as orthogonal polynomials. We show that the kernel of the inner product associated with the orthogonal basis functions must be chosen to be the density function of the input signal.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The force-penetration characteristic for wedge penetration into rock

Abstract Rock drilling research studies indicate that the penetration rate of percussion drills and rotary drills with roller-cone bits is determined largely by the relationship between the force applied to the bit and the resulting penetration into the rock. Although the drilling of a hole requires many thousands of bit loadings much of the essential mechanics of penetration can be gained from a study of a single application of load. Particular attention has been paid to the penetration of sharp wedges into a rock assumed to behave according to the equations of plasticity. This paper presents a general discussion of the application of plasticity analysis in wedge penetration of rock. The predictions are compared with the results of experiments.
The impact of α-adrenergic stimulation on umbilical blood flow

This study evaluated the effects of intranasal phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist used for respiratory congestion, on uteroplacental blood flow. Twelve subjects were recruited from the Women's Clinic. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 18 years, singleton gestation, absence of medical illness and gestational age of 22-38 weeks. Phenylephrine (0.2 ml of 1% aq. solution) was applied to each nostril. Maternal blood pressure and pulse, umbilical artery velocimetry, and fetal heart rate were recorded prior to drug administration and at 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after administration. There were no significant changes in maternal pulse, blood pressure or fetal heart rate. All subjects had normal baseline umbilical artery Doppler systolic/diastolic ratios. Eleven of 12 subjects demonstrated an elevation of the systolic/diastolic ratio consistent with vasoconstriction following administration. This elevation reached statistical significance at 30 min. Significant individual variation existed with regards to timing of maximal excursion of the systolic/diastolic ratio. The mean maximal change of the systolic/diastolic ratio was 1.57 +/- 1.25 (p < 0.001) ranging from -0.53 to 4.11. The use of over-the-counter alpha-adrenergic agents may result in decreased umbilical artery flow velocities. In high-risk pregnancies these medications may be contraindicated.
The effects of hemodialysis on platelet activation with new and reprocessed regenerated cellulose dialyzers

Abstract Biocompatibility of dialysis membranes is defined, in part, by the tendency to activate the coagulation system. Methods for evaluating stimulation of the coagulation include analyses of markers of platelet activation. The purpose of these studies was to ascertain the effects high blood flow rates and reprocessing on platelet activation during routine hemodialysis with regenerated cellulose membranes. The platelet α-granule protein, β-thromboglobulin (BTG), was measured in patients undergoing routine chronic hemodialysis with regenerated cellulose dialyzers. Initial studies showed BTG levels to increase from 24 ± 2 IU/mL at the baseline to 30 ± 3 IU/mL and 35 ± 4 IU/mL at 120 minutes and postdialysis, respectively ( P
Prenatal Survival of Mice Irradiated with Fission Neutrons or 300kVp X-rays during the Pronuclear-zygote Stage: Survival Curves, Effect of Dose Fractionation

SummaryMouse embryos were irradiated or sham-irradiated in utero during the pronuclear-zygote stage and examined 16 days later.A simple exponential equation closely approximates the relation between surviving fraction of embryos and absorbed dose up to the highest dose used (20 rads of neutrons, 100 rads of X-rays). This suggests (1) that in the dose-range studied, pronuclear-zygote inactivation was predominantly a single-event process (i.e. embryo death resulted from passage of one ionizing particle) with either radiation, and (2) that the relative biological effectiveness of the neutrons (approximately 4·5) was close to the low-dose limiting value. D0 was 19 rads for neutrons and 87 rads for X-rays.With increasing radiation dose, not only did prenatal mortality increase but the embryos also died earlier in development.Dose-fractionation experiments suggest that irradiation of the early pronuclear zygote impeded its progression to a less radiosensitive phase.
Heat tolerance of automotive lead-acid batteries

Abstract Starter batteries have to withstand a quite large temperature range. In Europe, the battery temperature can be −30 °C in winter and may even exceed +60 °C in summer. In most modern cars, there is not much space left in the engine compartment to install the battery. So the mean battery temperature may be higher than it was some decades ago. In some car models, the battery is located in the passenger or luggage compartment, where ambient temperatures are more moderate. Temperature effects are discussed in detail. The consequences of high heat impact into the lead-acid battery may vary for different battery technologies: While grid corrosion is often a dominant factor for flooded lead-acid batteries, water loss may be an additional influence factor for valve-regulated lead-acid batteries. A model was set up that considers external and internal parameters to estimate the water loss of AGM batteries. Even under hot climate conditions, AGM batteries were found to be highly durable and superior to flooded batteries in many cases. Considering the real battery temperature for adjustment of charging voltage, negative effects can be reduced. Especially in micro-hybrid applications, AGM batteries cope with additional requirements much better than flooded batteries, and show less sensitivity to high temperatures than suspected sometimes.
Nociceptors for the 21st Century

This review summarizes recent developments in the context of the neurochemical classification of nociceptors and explores the relationships between functionally and neurochemically defined subgroups. Although the complete picture is not yet available, several lines of intriguing evidence suggest that despite the complexity and diversity of nociceptor properties, a relatively "simple" neurochemical classification fits well with several recently identified molecular characteristics.
Soil Carbon Sequestration Strategies with Alternative Tillage and Nitrogen Sources under Risk

This study examines the economic potential of using either no-tillage or conventional tillage with either commercial nitrogen or cattle manure to sequester soil in continuous corn production. This research uses stochastic efficiency with respect to a function to determine the preferred production systems under various risk preferences and utility-weighted certainty equivalent risk premiums to determine the carbon credit values needed to motivate adoption of systems, which sequester higher levels of carbon. The results indicate that no-tillage and cattle manure increase carbon sequestration. Carbon credits or government program incentives are not required to entice risk-averse managers to use no-tillage, but are required to encourage manure use as a means of sequestering additional carbon even at historically high nitrogen prices. New environmental rules for confined animal feeding operations may increase the demand for land to apply manure as a primary nutrient source and participation in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Security Program, and a carbon credit market to obtain payments to offset some or all of the costs of manure application.