cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitively describing and designing affordances

The term affordance carries different meanings within design communities. Traditionally, affordances were discussed within a Gibsonian framework in which affordances arise from direct perception. Some authors now describe affordances as being mostly perceptual while others describe them as being culturally bound. We suggest that both of these descriptions are correct and that they can be explained from a cognitive conceptualization of perceived affordances. We suggest that perceived affordances are supported by automatic perceptual processes in the user developed over time through consistent interactions with the environment. Design consistency is critical for producing effortless usage, because interaction consistency facilitates the formation of long-term memory structures. We explore the underlying mechanisms that could explain how affordances arise and affect the cognitive system.
"Busy terminal problem" and implications in underwater acoustic networks

Underwater acoustic networks have become a very active research area during the past half decade. Compared with terrestrial radio networks, underwater acoustic networks are characterized by low available bandwidth, long propagation delays and high channel dynamics, which pose significant challenges to the design and analysis of almost every core networking problem [1], including medium access control (MAC), routing, and reliable data transfer. In this paper, we study a previously overlooked problem named the busy terminal problem, which is significantly impacts underwater MAC.
Evaluation of adhesion molecules CD64, CD11b and CD62L in neutrophils and monocytes of peripheral blood for early diagnosis of neonatal infection.

Background This study was undertaken to assess the value of neutrophils CD11b, CD64, and CD62L for the early diagnosis of neonatal infection.
Conflict detection and resolution in two-dimensional prefix router tables

We show that determining the minimum number of resolve filters that need to be added to a set of two-dimensional (2-D) prefix filters so that the filter set can implement a given policy using the first-matching-rule-in-table tie breaker is NP-hard. Additionally, we develop a fast O(nlogn + s) time, n where is the number of filters and s is the number of conflicts, plane-sweep algorithm to detect and report all pairs of conflicting 2-D prefix filters. The space complexity of our algorithm is O(n). On our test set of 15 2-D filter sets, our algorithm runs between 4 and 17 times as fast as the 2-D trie algorithm of A. Hari et al. (2000) and uses between 1/4th and 1/8th the memory used by the algorithm of Hari et al. On the same test set, our algorithm is between 4 and 27 times as fast as the bit-vector algorithm of Baboescu and Varghese (2002) and uses between 1/205 and 1/6 as much memory. We introduce the notion of an essential resolve filter and develop an efficient algorithm to determine the essential resolve filters of a prefix filter set.
A methodology for the fusion of redundant sensors

In this paper we consider the fusion of quasi-redundant sensors to calculate the best estimate of a measurand and provide a measure of confidence in the estimated value. The developed methodology integrates a concept of self-confidence of individual sensors and quasi-redundant sensors. The fusion algorithm utilizes a Parzen estimator for calculating a probability distribution function (PDF) for the measurand. The PDF is formed based on weighted Gaussian functions whose parameters depend on the sensors' average noise level and the self-confidence. The PDF is used to calculate a best estimate as well as a level of confidence in the estimate. The methodology for the calculation of the best estimate and confidence is demonstrated using experimental data obtained from a research iron-melting cupola furnace.
National Elderly Migration Patterns and Selectivity 1955-1960, 1965-1970, and Decade Trends

The study of trends in elderly migration patterns and selectivity [in the United States] found that local mobility rates declined while migration rates increased between 1960 and 1970. The top ten destination states receiving interstate migrants were similar in both time periods but there was a discernible swing to the Sunbelt except for California and Mississippi. Intrastate and interstate flows became more selective in terms of household independence measures over the period. (EXCERPT)
Human Capital and the Labor Market A Review of Current Research

Several studies have investigated survey data on the prevalence of on-the-job training. These studies have sought to discover who receives training and the effects of this labor market experience on workers' wages, wage growth, turnover, and employment. What is the magnitude of workers' and employers' investments in job training? How profitable are such investments? The first part of the article considers these questions. The second reviews studies that provide recent measures of technological change by industry, such as productivity growth indexes or research and development expenditures. The studies explore effects of technological changes on demands for educated and trained workers and on consequent changes in wage structures, labor turnover, and unemployment.
Guanxi and organizational dynamics: Organizational networking in Chinese firms

This paper focuses on the utilization of guanxi, which is an important cultural and social element in China, and the impact of guanxi on firm performance. Although guanxi is embedded in every aspect of Chinese social life, companies demonstrate different needs and capacity for guanxi cultivation. Chinese firms develop guanxi as a strategic mechanism to overcome competitive and resource disadvantages by cooperating and exchanging favors with competitive forces and government authorities. We develop an integrative framework theorizing guanxi utilization according to institutional, strategic, and organizational factors, and we explore the impact of guanxi on firm performance, primarily sales growth and net profit growth. Our findings, based on a survey of 128 firms in central China, provide strong support that institutional, strategic, and organizational factors are critical determinants of guanxi with competitive forces. However, only institutional and strategic factors are significant for guanxi utilization with government authorities. In general, guanxi leads to higher firm performance, but is limited to increased sales growth, and has little impact on profit growth. Guanxi benefits market expansion and competitive positioning of firms, but does not enhance internal operations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immobilization of Quantum Dots in Nanostructured Porous Silicon Films: Characterizations and Signal Amplification for Dual‐Mode Optical Biosensing

Highly sensitive dual-mode labeled detection of biotin in well-characterized porous silicon (PSi) films using colloidal quantum dots (QDs) as signal amplifiers are demonstrated. Optimization of the PSi platform for targeted QD infiltration and immobilization is carried out by characterizing and tuning the porosity, film depth, and pore size. Binding events of target QD-biotin conjugates with streptavidin probes immobilized on the pore walls are monitored by reflective interferometric spectroscopy and fluorescence measurements. QD labeling of the target biotin molecules enables detection based on a distinct fluorescent signal as well as a greater than 5-fold enhancement in the measured spectral reflectance fringe shift and a nearly three order of magnitude improvement in the detection limit for only 6% surface area coverage of QDs inside the porous matrix. Utilizing the QD signal amplifiers, an exceptional biotin detection limit of ≈6 fg mm−2 is demonstrated with sub-fg mm−2 detection limits achievable.
Infrasonic seismic and acoustic measurements in the deep ocean

The authors compare the signal-to-noise ratios obtained on bottomed seismometers, bottomed hydrophones, and buried seismometers from near-surface explosions in the Ngendei Expedition. The data were recorded in 5.5-km-deep water in the south central Pacific Ocean with a triaxial borehole seismograph and four triaxial ocean-bottom seismographs having externally mounted hydrophones. At ranges less than 35 km, the data indicate that the ocean bottom seismometer is a superior signal detector than the ocean-bottom hydrophone, and that the subbottom seismometer is superior in performance to the ocean-bottom seismometer. Above 4 Hz, the seismometer appears to have a 10-dB signal-to-noise advantage over the hydrophone for surface explosions at ranges less than 30 km. >
Use of Orthogonal Array Composite Designs to Study Lipid Accumulation in a Cell-Free System

Author(s): Jaynes, J; Zhao, Y; Xu, H; Ho, CM | Abstract: The development of clean, sustainable alternative energy sources is increasingly important. One promising alternative to depleting fuel reserves is algae-based biodiesel fuel, which is both non-toxic and renewable. Despite the tremendous potential of algae-based biodiesel fuel, it has not yet been profitable because of the high cost per unit area of large cultivation. We present a novel application of Orthogonal Array Composite Designs (OACDs) to optimize lipid production of a cell-free system for algae. An OACD consists of a two-level fractional factorial design and a three-level orthogonal array. We start with an initial screening experiment based on six chemicals using an OACD with 50 runs. Based on this experiment, two chemical compounds were removed and a follow-up 25-run OACD with four chemicals was performed. Our analysis shows that only three chemicals – nitrogen, magnesium, and phosphate – are essential for lipid accumulation, and a range of optimum combinations of these three chemicals is identified. The lipid accumulation for these three chemical combinations is substantially higher in comparison to the commercial medium, which contains 16 chemicals and soil water. This leads to a reduced cost of the chemical medium and increased efficiency of biodiesel production from the algal-based cell-free system, which can be used to significantly expand the use of biodiesel as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley a Sons, Ltd.
Hepatitis C viral RNA in serum of patients with chronic non‐A, non‐B hepatitis: Detection by the polymerase chain reaction using multiple primer sets

The recently introduced antibody test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has proven to have certain limitations. Since HCV itself is usually present in clinical specimens at very low titers, a useful assay for the virus must have very high sensitivity. We have developed a simple, highly sensitive assay for HCV RNA based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this test, RNA extracted from HCV infected serum or plasma is used as the template for double PCR with nested primers. Sensitivity studies demon¬strate that this assay is able to detect HCV at or beyond the sensitivity level of chimpanzee infectivity. We tested, with several sets of nested primers, 40 patients with chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis (36 seropositive and 4 seroneg¬ative) and found that 35/40 were PCR positive including all 4 seronegative patients. Normal human plasma and plasma from hepatitis B infected patients did not react in this test. This assay has proven to be valuable for determining the presence of HCV in various samples; furthermore, it offers the possibility of diagnosis of HCV infection in seronegative patients.
An Intelligent Controller for Collaborative Unmanned Air Vehicles

This paper describes an implementation of an autonomous intelligent controller (IC) architecture for collaborative control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Collaborative capabilities include formation flying, search of an area, and cooperative investigation of a target. The IC provides capabilities for sensor data fusion, internal representation of the real-world, and autonomous decision making based on the IC's world model and mission goals. Results of flight tests demonstrating these capabilities are presented. Future work, such as integration of different sensors and collaboration with heterogeneous vehicles, is discussed.
Late, Heparin-Induced Bleeding after Retrograde Arterial Catheterization

Three patients with ball-valve prostheses were given heparin after percutaneous retrograde aortic catheterization from the femoral artery. The drug was given prophylactically in one case and because of the development of signs of systemic embolism soon after catheterization in the other two. After 3 or more days of heparin therapy, serious bleeding developed at the site of percutaneous catheter entry. The timing and incidence of this complication are in marked contrast to experience with this procedure in individuals who did not receive heparin. Preliminary experience is presented from right and left heart catheterizations in patients whose prothrombin-proconvertin times were allowed to remain in or near the therapeutic range. No hemorrhagic complications were observed.
Liquid Alkanes with Targeted Molecular Weights from Biomass‐Derived Carbohydrates

Liquid transportation fuels must burn cleanly and have high energy densities, criteria that are currently fulfilled by petroleum, a non-renewable resource, the combustion of which leads to increasing levels of atmospheric CO(2). An attractive approach for the production of transportation fuels from renewable biomass resources is to convert carbohydrates into alkanes with targeted molecular weights, such as C(8)-C(15) for jet-fuel applications. Targeted n-alkanes can be produced directly from fructose by an integrated process involving first the dehydration of this C(6) sugar to form 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, followed by controlled formation of C-C bonds with acetone to form C(9) and C(15) compounds, and completed by hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation reactions to form the corresponding n-alkanes. Analogous reactions are demonstrated starting with 5-methylfurfural or 2-furaldehyde, with the latter leading to C(8) and C(13) n-alkanes.
Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration of Pelvic Abscesses

Objective: To assess the utility of a less invasive approach to the care of women with a pelvic abscess, we retrospectively reviewed the outcome of women with pelvic abscesses managed by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration.
The Journal of Economic Perspectives and the Marketplace of Ideas: A View from the Founding

I welcome the opportunity to join in the celebration of the twenty-fifth birthday of the Journal of Economic Perspectives . It is wonderful to see how this "baby," which I, along with Carl Shapiro and Timothy Taylor, nurtured through its formative years—from 1984 (three years before the first issue in 1987) until I left in 1993—has grown up and become an established part of the economics profession. In founding the journal, we had many objectives, hopes, and ambitions. We were concerned about the increasing specialization within the economics profession. We sought to have complex and sometimes arcane or highly mathematical ideas translated into plain English, or at least that dialect of the language known as "Economese"—and in a way that was not only informative but engaging. We were worried too about a growing distance between economics and policy. At least a portion of economic research should be related to ideas that were, or should or would be, part of the national and global policy debates. We began with an explicit commitment to present a diversity of viewpoints, hence the word "perspectives" in the title. One of the goals we set out for ourselves was to disseminate developments within economics more rapidly. We never shied away from controversy at the journal, but we tried to ensure that the discussion was balanced.
Evaluation of the Development of Athero-Arteriosclerosis in Autogenous Venous Grafts Inserted into the Peripheral Arterial System

Athero-arteriosclerosis was produced in dogs by performing a total thyroidectomy and supplementing the diet with a high-cholesterol intake and large amounts of vitamin D. Segments of the femoral and carotid arteries were excised and replaced with autogenous venous grafts. Well-marked athero-arteriosclerotic lesions developed in the arterial system, but none developed in the venous grafts, which showed a marked tendency to develop mural thrombi. These results indicate that autogenous venous grafts, when inserted into the arterial system, are relatively resistant to the development of athero-arteriosclerosis.
The Calpain System

The calpain system originally comprised three molecules: two Ca2+-dependent proteases, mu-calpain and m-calpain, and a third polypeptide, calpastatin, whose only known function is to inhibit the two calpains. Both mu- and m-calpain are heterodimers containing an identical 28-kDa subunit and an 80-kDa subunit that shares 55-65% sequence homology between the two proteases. The crystallographic structure of m-calpain reveals six "domains" in the 80-kDa subunit: 1). a 19-amino acid NH2-terminal sequence; 2). and 3). two domains that constitute the active site, IIa and IIb; 4). domain III; 5). an 18-amino acid extended sequence linking domain III to domain IV; and 6). domain IV, which resembles the penta EF-hand family of polypeptides. The single calpastatin gene can produce eight or more calpastatin polypeptides ranging from 17 to 85 kDa by use of different promoters and alternative splicing events. The physiological significance of these different calpastatins is unclear, although all bind to three different places on the calpain molecule; binding to at least two of the sites is Ca2+ dependent. Since 1989, cDNA cloning has identified 12 additional mRNAs in mammals that encode polypeptides homologous to domains IIa and IIb of the 80-kDa subunit of mu- and m-calpain, and calpain-like mRNAs have been identified in other organisms. The molecules encoded by these mRNAs have not been isolated, so little is known about their properties. How calpain activity is regulated in cells is still unclear, but the calpains ostensibly participate in a variety of cellular processes including remodeling of cytoskeletal/membrane attachments, different signal transduction pathways, and apoptosis. Deregulated calpain activity following loss of Ca2+ homeostasis results in tissue damage in response to events such as myocardial infarcts, stroke, and brain trauma.
Predictors for Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis Following New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus.

Objectives: New-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) in adults is often an early manifestation of pancreatic cancer (PaCa), but the incidence of PaCa in this cohort is rather low. We evaluated whether combining other patient factors such as age, smoking history, the absence of obesity, the presence of chronic pancreatitis (CP), and gallstone disease can result in a more enriched cohort.
Stories from the jury room: How jurors use narrative to process evidence

This chapter analyzes the ways in which jurors use everyday storytelling techniques in their deliberations. It begins by reviewing the literature on how jurors receive and process evidence, emphasizing narrative and storytelling. It then presents some new, qualitative linguistic data drawn from actual jury deliberations, which shed light on jurors' standards of evidence and proof, as well as on the persuasive tactics they use in dealing with each other. Although these data are limited, they provide an interesting basis for assessing existing ideas about jurors evidence-processing and thinking more broadly about the strengths and weaknesses of the jury system.
Neutron Environment Characterization of the Central Cavity in the Annular Core Research Reactor

Characterization of the neutron environment in the central cavity of the Sandia National Laboratories' Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR) is important in order to provide experimenters with the most accurate spectral information and maintain a high degree of fidelity in performing reactor experiments. Characterization includes both modeling and experimental efforts. Building accurate neutronic models of the ACRR and the central cavity “bucket” environments that can be used by experimenters is important in planning and designing experiments, as well as assessing the experimental results and quantifying uncertainties. Neutron fluence characterizations of two bucket environments, LB44 and PLG, are presented. These two environments are used frequently and represent two extremes in the neutron spectrum. The LB44 bucket is designed to remove the thermal component of the neutron spectrum and significantly attenuate the gamma-ray fluence. The PLG bucket is designed to enhance the thermal component of the neutron spectrum and attenuate the gamma-ray fluence. The neutron characterization for each bucket was performed by irradiating 20 different activation foil types, some of which were cadmium covered, resulting in 37 different reactions at the peak axial flux location in each bucket. The dosimetry results were used in the LSL-M2 spectrum adjustment code with a 640-energy group MCNP-generated trial spectrum, self-shielding correction factors, the SNLRML or IRDFF dosimetry cross-section library, trial spectrum uncertainty, and trial covariance matrix, to generate a least-squares adjusted neutron spectrum, spectrum uncertainty, and covariance matrix. Both environment character-izations are well documented and the environments are available for use by experimenters.
Converting Visible Light into UVC: Microbial Inactivation by Pr3+-Activated Upconversion Materials

Herein we report the synthesis and properties of light-activated antimicrobial surfaces composed of lanthanide-doped upconversion luminescent nano- and microcrystalline Y2SiO5. Unlike photocatalytic surfaces, which convert light energy into reactive chemical species, this work describes surfaces that inactivate microorganisms through purely optical mechanisms, wherein incident visible light is partially converted into germicidal UVC radiation. Upconversion phosphors utilizing a Pr3+ activator ion were synthesized and their visible-to-ultraviolet conversion capabilities were confirmed via photoluminescence spectroscopy. Polycrystalline films were prepared on glass substrates, and the extent of surface microbial inactivation and biofilm inhibition under visible light excitation were investigated. Results show that, under normal visible fluorescent lamp exposure, a sufficient amount of UVC radiation was emitted to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and to inactivate Bacillus subtilis spores on ...
The hemodynamic and fibrinolytic response to low dose epinephrine and phenylephrine infusions during total hip replacement under epidural anesthesia.

Abstract Lower rates of deep vein thrombosis have been noted following total hip replacement under epidural anesthesia in patients receiving exogenous epinephrine throughout surgery. To determine whether this is due to enhanced fibrinolysis or to circulatory effects of epinephrine, 30 patients scheduled for primary total hip replacement under epidural anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive intravenous infusions of either low dose epinephrine or phenylephrine intraoperatively. All patients received lumbar epidural anesthesia with induced hypotension and were monitored with radial artery and pulmonary artery catheters. Patients receiving low dose epinephrine infusion had maintenance of heart rate and cardiac index whereas both heart rate and cardiac index declined significantly throughout surgery in patients receiving phenylephrine (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity increased significantly during surgery (p < 0.005) and declined below baseline postoperatively (p < 0.005) in both groups. Low dose epinephrine was not associated with any additional augmentation of fibrinolytic activity perioperatively. There were no significant differences in changes in D-Dimer, t-PA antigen, alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complexes or thrombin-antithrombin III complexes perioperatively between groups receiving low dose epinephrine or phenylephrine. The reduction in deep vein thrombosis rate with low dose epinephrine is more likely mediated by a circulatory mechanism than by augmentation of fibrinolysis.
Self Psychology and Psychoanalytic Supervision: Some Thoughts on a Contextualized Perspective

In this article, I examine the question “What are some essentials of a self psychology perspective on the supervisory process?” I subsequently make an effort to (1) identify and review self psychology supervisory materials that have appeared over the last 35 years; (2) determine the primary messages, salient themes, and crucial features that define those materials; and (3) use that resulting information to then provide a springboard for considering a more contemporary, contextualized perspective about self psychology supervisory practice. Review results are organized around two crucial areas of emphasis: (1) supervisee learning and (2) the supervisor as selfobject. The primary review conclusions are (1) supervision can most fundamentally be viewed as a disruption-construction process where the supervisee builds a practice self; (2) the supervisor–supervisee learning alliance and supervisor listening perspectives, mirroring, idealization, and empathy substantively contribute to and make increasingly likely...
Interventions for Sexually Active, Heterosexual Women in the United States

Existing data suggest an alarming increase in numbers of women heterosexually exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Through October 1992, 242, 146 adult cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1992a). Among these, 25, 947 (11%) were adult women, 40% of whom were infected through sexual contact with an infected male partner. Between 1988 and 1990, AIDS had become the sixth leading cause of death among women ages 25 to 44 in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 1992b). During 1991, the proportion of AIDS cases increased most among women, African Americans, and Hispanics, and persons exposed to HIV through heterosexual contact (Centers for Disease Control, 1992c).
An N-way transformer based Wilkinson power divider in CMOS

This paper presents a transformer based N-way Wilkinson power divider. The λ/4 transmission lines in a conventional N-way Wilkinson divider are replaced by a fully symmetric N-coil transformer. The proposed design features low insertion loss as well as good input/output matching in an ultracompact chip area. By adding cancellation capacitors, excellent isolation is achieved between any two output ports. Through evenodd mode analysis, the closed-form design equations are derived and presented. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, a four-way transformer based Wilkinson power divider is implemented at 4.60GHz in a standard 130nm bulk CMOS process. The measurement results demonstrate 1.10dB insertion loss, 17.0dB isolation, and 20.9% bandwidth, advancing the state-of-the-art performance of fully integrated Wilkinson power dividers.
The ants of the southern Sonoran desert: community structure and the role of trees

In contrast to other North American deserts, the southern Sonoran desert is dominated by trees that provide shaded microhabitats necessary for the establishment and survival of several plant species. Near the southern limit of the Sonoran desert in Sonora, Mexico, we evaluated the role that tree microhabitats may play in structuring ant communities. We recorded 39 species and 21 genera of ants from a 9.7-ha area. Total species richness was estimated to be between 47 and 49 species, a much greater species richness than that reported for other North American arid-zone habitats. Although species richness did not differ between open ground and tree-shaded microhabitats, species composition did. Opportunistic species, Camponotus species, Pheidole sciophila and P. titanis were more common near trees, whereas Pheidole sp. A and granivorous species were more active in open areas. The imperilment of trees in the Sonoran desert due to commercial cutting and the spread of buffelgrass Pennisetum ciliare may alter the existing composition of ant communities.
Juncus effusus (Juncaceae) as a Host Plant of Nothodelphax occlusa (Van Duzee) (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Delphacidae) in the Pacific Northwest

Nothodelphax occlusa is a little-known delphacid planthopper of the subfamily Delphacinae, tribe Delphacini. All records are from western North America: British Columbia in Canada; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, andWashington in the United States; and Baja California in Mexico. Its host plants have remained unknown. Based on fieldwork in Oregon and Washington (2007–2009), N. occlusa is reported to develop on common rush, Juncus effusus (Juncaceae), in natural stands and ornamental plantings. The presence of N. occlusa in waterside gardens and other landscape plantings suggests that it can be transported with Juncus nursery stock. It was not found on grasses (Poaceae) or sedges (Cyperaceae). All adult males collected (n 5 170) were brachypterous; females were mainly brachypterous (n 5 47), with the remainder macropterous (n 5 19). The adult male and female are described, and color photographs of the male and female (dorsal habitus) and hindleg (showing calcar and teeth) are included.
Gadolinium-Functionalized Peptide Amphiphile Micelles for Multimodal Imaging of Atherosclerotic Lesions.

The leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally are cardiovascular diseases, and nanomedicine can provide many improvements including disease-specific targeting, early detection, and local delivery of diagnostic agents. To this end, we designed fibrin-binding, peptide amphiphile micelles (PAMs), achieved by incorporating the targeting peptide cysteine-arginine-glutamic acid-lysine-alanine (CREKA), with two types of amphiphilic molecules containing the gadoliniuim (Gd) chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), DTPA-bis(stearylamide)(Gd), and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[(poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG))-2000]-DTPA(Gd) (DSPE-PEG2000-DTPA(Gd)). The material characteristics of the resulting nanoparticle diagnostic probes, clot-binding properties in vitro, and contrast enhancement and safety for dual, optical imaging–magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated in the atherosclerotic mouse model. Transmission electron micrographs showed a homogenous population of spherical...
Aging impairs double-strand break repair by homologous recombination in Drosophila germ cells

Summary Aging is characterized by genome instability, which contributes to cancer formation and cell lethality leading to organismal decline. The high levels of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) observed in old cells and premature aging syndromes are likely a primary source of genome instability, but the underlying cause of their formation is still unclear. DSBs might result from higher levels of damage or repair defects emerging with advancing age, but repair pathways in old organisms are still poorly understood. Here, we show that premeiotic germline cells of young and old flies have distinct differences in their ability to repair DSBs by the error-free pathway homologous recombination (HR). Repair of DSBs induced by either ionizing radiation (IR) or the endonuclease I-SceI is markedly defective in older flies. This correlates with a remarkable reduction in HR repair measured with the DR-white DSB repair reporter assay. Strikingly, most of this repair defect is already present at 8 days of age. Finally, HR defects correlate with increased expression of early HR components and increased recruitment of Rad51 to damage in older organisms. Thus, we propose that the defect in the HR pathway for germ cells in older flies occurs following Rad51 recruitment. These data reveal that DSB repair defects arise early in the aging process and suggest that HR deficiencies are a leading cause of genome instability in germ cells of older animals.
Quadratic Forms over Z from Diophantus to the 290 Theorem

What follows is a brief historical survey of the representation theory of quadratic forms over the integers. It starts with questions considered by Diophantus about 1800 years ago, dashes past classical contributions of Euler, Lagrange, and Sylvester, considers work of Ramanujan and Dickson, continues with theorems of Conway and Schneeberger, and ends with a short sketch of the proof of the 290-Theorem by Bhargava and Hanke. This survey is self-contained in the sense that all the basic definitions and concepts are provided.
Charge, Diffusion, and Current Fluctuations of Single-Stranded DNA Trapped in an MspA Nanopore.

We report effective charges and diffusion constants of several different single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides trapped in an MspA nanopore. Nucleotide identity is found to have a substantial influence on effective charges and diffusion constants. These quantities are determined from escape time experiments for a DNA molecule attached to a NeutrAvidin molecule that, unlike the DNA, does not pass through the pore. Correlations are reported between oligonucleotide effective charges and current blockages, and between their diffusion constants and DNA-induced current blockage fluctuations. We also report an unanticipated source of current fluctuations that reflects a discrete blockage current level structure. We posit that this is associated with interactions between the NeutrAvidin molecule and the MspA nanopore.
Expanding the capability of reaction-diffusion codes using pseudo traps and temperature partitioning: Applied to hydrogen uptake and release from tungsten

Abstract Simulating the implantation and thermal desorption evolution in a reaction-diffusion model requires solving a set of coupled differential equations that describe the trapping and release of atomic species in Plasma Facing Materials (PFMs). These fundamental equations are well outlined by the Tritium Migration Analysis Program (TMAP) which can model systems with no more than three active traps per atomic species. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a Pseudo Trap and Temperature Partition (PTTP) scheme allowing us to lump multiple inactive traps into one pseudo trap, simplifying the system of equations to be solved. For all temperatures, we show the trapping of atoms from solute is exactly accounted for when using a pseudo trap. However, a single effective pseudo trap energy can not well replicate the release from multiple traps, each with its own detrapping energy. However, atoms held in a high energy trap will remain trapped at relatively low temperatures, and thus there is a temperature range in which release from high energy traps is effectively inactive. By partitioning the temperature range into segments, a pseudo trap can be defined for each segment to account for multiple high energy traps that are actively trapping but are effectively not releasing atoms. With increasing temperature, as in controlled thermal desorption, the lowest energy trap is nearly emptied and can be removed from the set of coupled equations, while the next higher energy trap becomes an actively releasing trap. Each segment is thus calculated sequentially, with the last time step of a given segment solution being used as an initial input for the next segment as only the pseudo and actively releasing traps are modeled. This PTTP scheme is then applied to experimental thermal desorption data for tungsten (W) samples damaged with heavy ions, which display six distinct release peaks during thermal desorption. Without modifying the TMAP7 source code the PTTP scheme is shown to successfully model the D retention in all six traps. We demonstrate the full reconstruction from the plasma implantation phase through the controlled thermal desorption phase with detrapping energies near 0.9, 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9 and 2.1 eV for a W sample damaged at room temperature.
Aβ Measurement by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

The neuritic plaque in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients consists of an amyloid composed primarily of Aβ, an approximately 4-kDa peptide derived from the amyloid precursor protein. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that Aβ plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease, and potential treatments that target Aβ production and/or Aβ accumulation in the brain as β-amyloid are being aggressively pursued. Methods to quantitate the Aβ peptide are, therefore, invaluable to most studies aimed at a better understanding of the molecular etiology of the disease and in assessing potential therapeutics. Although other techniques have been used to measure Aβ in the brains of AD patients and β-amyloid-depositing transgenic mice, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is one of the most commonly used, reliable, and sensitive methods for quantitating the Aβ peptide. Here we describe methods for the recovery of both soluble and deposited Aβ from brain tissue and the subsequent quantitation of the peptide by sandwich ELISA.
7.11 Biomechanics of Cell Motility

In order to move, cells exert force on the environment and, for cellular-sized objects, resistive drag forces are comparable to the forces that a cell can produce. Therefore, inertia is negligible: A cell that stops producing force is almost immediately brought to a halt by the environment. The effective absence of inertia means that the net force on a motile cell is zero. Here there is a subtlety. If a cell exerts force on the environment, then the environment must push back with an equal but opposite force. This is the thrust force that propels the cell. But the environment also resists the motion of the cell and exerts a force on the cell that opposes the motion. It is the environment that allows motion and yet impedes it.
MODULATION OF ADRENAL MEDULLARY ENZYMES BY STRESS

Publisher Summary Catecholamines (CA) in sympathetic nerves and in the adrenal medulla are stored in dense core vesicles from which they are continuously being released. Four enzymes are involved in the biosynthesis of epinephrine from tyrosine: tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopa decarboxylase, dopamine β-oxidase (DBO), and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT). 1-Tyrosine, the natural precursor, is present in the circulation. It enters the adrenergic neuron and is hydroxylated to form 1-dopa by TH; 1-dopa is decarboxylated by dopa-decarboxylase to form dopamine. Dopamine is taken up into the storage particles, where it is converted to norepinephrine (NE) by an enzyme DBO. For this uptake, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and magnesium are essentially required. This requirement for ATP and magnesium disappears when the enzyme is made soluble. In the adrenal medullary cells, NE migrates from the chromaffin granules to the cytoplasm and is N-methylated by PNMT to form epinephrine. Epinephrine is also stored in the granules. Norepinephrine and other catechols have been shown to inhibit the TH, a rate limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of CA.
Youth: Fidelity and Diversity

The subject of this paper is a certain strength inherent in the age of youth. I call it the sense of and the capacity for Fidelity. Such a strength, to me, is not a moral trait to be acquired by individual effort. Rather, I believe it to be part of the human equipment evolved with socio-genetic evolution. This assertion I could not undertake to defend here; nor could I make plausible the fact that, in the schedule of individual growth, Fidelity could not mature earlier in life and must not, in the crises of youth, fail its time of ascendance if human adaptation is to remain intact. Nor (to complete the list of limitations) could I review the other stages of life and the specific strengths and weaknesses contributed by each to man’s precarious adaptation. We can take only a brief look at the stage of life which immediately precedes youth, the school age, and then turn to youth itself. I regret this; for even as one can understand oneself only by looking at and away from oneself, one can recognize the meaning of a stage only by studying it in the context of all the others.
Gender and class relations in rural India

Rural Indian women’s labor force participation varies by class, with the biggest decreases in this share occurring in households reliant upon income from casual wage labor. This paper presents some...
Frequently asked questions about dabbing concentrates in online cannabis community discussion forums.

Abstract Background “Dabbing” involves vaporizing a “dab” of cannabis concentrate on a heated “nail,” passing the vapour through a water-pipe rig or portable pen device, and inhaling the vapour. While some cannabis industry media claims that this process is cleaner, safer, and more effective for getting high, medical and public health sources raise concerns about residual solvents and pesticides, unexpectedly intense effects, and rapid increases in tolerance. The aim of this study is to characterize the content of questions about dabbing posed in cannabis and dabbing-specific forums on the Reddit social media platform, as well as comment responses to these questions. Methods We conducted a content analysis of one year (2017) of information-seeking user-generated posts to three Reddit online cannabis community discussion forums (“subreddits”) that contained the terms “dab” and “question.” We also examined post engagement and the types and sentiment of information exchanged in the comment responses. Results Across 193 dabbing question posts, the most frequently asked question content was about types and logistical use of devices and related equipment (38%) and comparisons of cannabis products (32%), followed by questions about the step-by-step process of getting high (18%), legal issues (17%), and health concerns (13%). Nearly every post had a response (98%), with a median 5 comments per post and few negative (i.e. hostile, condescending, or trolling) comments (4%). Source of advice or information was stated in about a quarter (26%) of comment responses, with the overwhelming majority of this information (89%) coming from disclosures of personal experience vs. web or commercial sources. Conclusion People seeking advice online about dabbing inquired most often about logistics of use, but less often about health, tolerance, and legal risks. These findings may be used to inform public health efforts and health practitioner education as cannabis becomes increasingly legal and accessible.
The Role of Hybrid Energy Modules for improving building efficiency in the future electric grid

The Hybrid Energy Module (HEM) is a promising configuration for a distributed energy resource (DER) that combines both thermal and electrical energy storage with a micro-source that is capable of producing a significant amount of heat in addition to electricity (e.g., fuel cells, natural gas gen-set). The availability of the energy storage components makes it possible to utilize a larger fraction of the heat and electricity generated by the micro-source during Combined Heating and Power (CHP) operation in buildings. However, the amount of energy storage required to deliver the desired building efficiency benefits and the resulting installation costs are heavily dependent on the building type, its location, and the time of year. This study employs linear programming to identify the optimum component ratings and dispatch schedules, and calculates the resulting building efficiency benefits and installation costs. Preliminary results from these optimization case studies deliver promising results suggesting that the HEM configuration is capable of providing significant efficiency advantages in apartment and office buildings located in the northern climate zones of the continental U.S. A dynamic model that is appropriate for analysis of the HEM's fast transient response is developed for the studied HEM configuration using a natural gas gen-set, and experimental results confirm its usefulness.
All People Deserve a Voice in Reproductive Care: Trans-Inclusion in Fat Studies

AbstractThis is a commentary on Ward and McPhail’s (2019) article “Fat Shame and Blame in Reproductive Care: Implications for Ethical Health Care Interactions.” Here we congratulate the authors for...
Distributionally Robust Neural Networks for Group Shifts: On the Importance of Regularization for Worst-Case Generalization.

Overparameterized neural networks can be highly accurate on average on an i.i.d. test set yet consistently fail on atypical groups of the data (e.g., by learning spurious correlations that hold on average but not in such groups). Distributionally robust optimization (DRO) allows us to learn models that instead minimize the worst-case training loss over a set of pre-defined groups. However, we find that naively applying group DRO to overparameterized neural networks fails: these models can perfectly fit the training data, and any model with vanishing average training loss also already has vanishing worst-case training loss. Instead, the poor worst-case performance arises from poor generalization on some groups. By coupling group DRO models with increased regularization---a stronger-than-typical L2 penalty or early stopping---we achieve substantially higher worst-group accuracies, with 10-40 percentage point improvements on a natural language inference task and two image tasks, while maintaining high average accuracies. Our results suggest that regularization is important for worst-group generalization in the overparameterized regime, even if it is not needed for average generalization. Finally, we introduce a stochastic optimization algorithm, with convergence guarantees, to efficiently train group DRO models.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH CARDIAC TRANSTHYRETIN AMYLOIDOSIS BY TECHNETIUM PYROPHOSPHATE UPTAKE WITHIN A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an underrecognized and underdiagnosed entity. With increasing clinical awareness and availability of non-invasive diagnostic testing, more patients are being identified early and can benefit from treatment. Our study examines the positive testing rate for
Intravenous Iron May Improve Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Operative Hip Fractures

Introduction:Hip fractures are common injuries with high morbidity and mortality rates. These patients often become anemic and require allogenic blood transfusion. Transfusions are costly with pote...
The difficult airway in severe facial trauma

Consideration of the airway is paramount in management of facial fractures in both the acute setting and delayed repair. As experts in laryngotracheal surgery, otolaryngologists often play a key role in airway management in both settings. On presentation, soft tissue edema and prolapse or presence of blood in the airway may complicate placement of an endotracheal tube and may necessitate emergent intervention. During planned fracture repair, surgeons and anesthesiologists must collaborate to determine a precise airway plan due to the inherent conflict of a need for a secure airway and a need for surgical access. It is our goal to review current techniques for securing the difficult airway in these patients.