cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Greek Exercises: the Modern Olympics as Hellenic Appropriation and Reinvention

`From Aristotle to Us', the conference held at La Trobe University in May 2007, names a powerful and highly influential Romantic trajectory, one which posits a particular conception of the ancients, a particular conception of the moderns, and a complex conception of the relationship between the two. Using the modern Olympic Revival as a case study and a case in point, this article argues that such `exercises' in Greek appropriation always operate with largely unstated assumptions about the nature of the present's relation to the past, and the enormously complex quality of the Greek past. In becoming self-critical about such appropriations of the Classical legacy, contemporary critics are forced to contend with the spectre of religion, a topic that `Greek exercises' almost inevitably carve in high relief. The article concludes with an historiographic meditation on varying images of `paganism' in contemporary culture, images that link the Greeks to athletics to such modern and post-modern `revivals'.
Saccadic eye movement deficits in the MPTP monkey model of Parkinson's disease.

Saccadic eye tracking was studied in a monkey given i.v. injections of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The Parkinson-like symptoms which appeared in the animal's general motor behavior (akinesia, bradykinesia, hypokinesia) were also observed in its eye tracking. Similar oculomotor deficits are seen in patients with idiopathic Parkinsonism. The MPTP model offers excellent possibilities for studying the mechanisms underlying the motor disabilities of Parkinson's disease.
DEAN: A program for dynamic engine analysis

The Dynamic Engine Analysis program, DEAN, is a FORTRAN code implemented on the IBM/370 mainframe at NASA Lewis Research Center for digital simulation of turbofan engine dynamics. DEAN is an interactive program which allows the user to simulate engine subsystems as well as a full engine systems with relative ease. The nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations which define the engine model may be solved by one of four integration schemes, a second order Runge-Kutta, a fourth order Runge-Kutta, an Adams Predictor-Corrector, or Gear's method for still systems. The numerical data generated by the model equations are displayed at specified intervals between which the user may choose to modify various parameters affecting the model equations and transient execution. Following the transient run, versatile graphics capabilities allow close examination of the data. DEAN's modeling procedure and capabilities are demonstrated by generating a model of simple compressor rig.
Lidar environmental observations

Lidar has been used by SRI for making lower atmospheric measurements since 1963, just three years following the introduction of the ruby laser. To commemorate thirty years of conducting environmental lidar programs and to acquaint new investigators with application of lidar techniques, this paper reviews both early and recent SRI ground-based and airborne systems and their measurements of pollution plumes and boundary layers. Literature references are given for more detailed discussion than can be presented here.
Oversimplification in the study of emotional memory.

This Short Review critically evaluates three hypotheses about the effects of emotion on memory: First, emotion usually enhances memory. Second, when emotion does not enhance memory, this can be understood by the magnitude of physiological arousal elicited, with arousal benefiting memory to a point but then having a detrimental influence. Third, when emotion facilitates the processing of information, this also facilitates the retention of that same information. For each of these hypotheses, we summarize the evidence consistent with it, present counter-evidence suggesting boundary conditions for the effect, and discuss the implications for future research. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–9)
Interpreting the Discourses of Family Business

Familes in business draw from two discourses–those of family and those of business–in order to speak about and make sense of themselves and their world. This article surveys these two voices and then explores what it means to add the voice of consulting. While ideally the voices of business and family can work together, in reality they often work at cross-purposes and create difficulties for families in business as well as the people who work with them. Potential difficulties arise in part from patterned differences that come into play when voices are combined and compete for the final say on what is real for the family business. Some of these differences are noted and concluding recommendations for practitioners are advanced.
DC60: an example of one of the 450 cases that compose the Denny-Brown collection of primate lesion material.

The Denny-Brown collection consists of films depicting the behavioral responses of ∼450 monkeys after central nervous system lesions; operative, behavioral, and neuropathologic descriptions; and histologic slides. This collection is available for use by interested investigators. This report describes one case, DC60, to provide an example of the types of material that are available and how these materials might be used better to understand the nervous system. To demonstrate how precisely the actual lesions can be defined and compared with the planned ablations, this report also includes a detailed evaluation of the extent of the lesions made in this case, based on the histologic slides and on photographs of the brain taken before histologic processing.
Conjugate harmonic functions and Clifford algebras

Abstract We generalize a Hardy–Littlewood inequality and a Privalov inequality for conjugate harmonic functions in the plane to components of Clifford-valued monogenic functions.
Perceived competence in addressing student substance abuse: a national survey of middle school counselors.

Background: Student substance abuse is a serious concern for middle school personnel. School counselors are most likely to deliver mental health services, including substance abuse, in school settings. However, limited research is available on the perceived competence of middle school counselors for addressing student substance abuse concerns. The main purpose of this study was to determine how middle school counselors perceive their training in 9 competence areas related to student substance abuse. A secondary aim of this study was to identify which training areas counselors indicate as being most needed to address student substance abuse. Methods: A survey study was conducted that included a national sample of 283 middle school counselors. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences between 9 competency areas rated by counselors. Further analysis was conducted to determine which training areas were most important to counselors. Results: Counselors varied in their perceived competence depending on the specific area of student substance abuse; however, they were clearly able to identify the most important areas of training needed. Conclusions: Overall, the findings from this study indicate that middle school counselors require more training in the area of student substance abuse. Specifically, this study provides information on the most important areas of training as identified by counselors.
Detection and estimation using the third moment matrix

The third moment matrix R/sub 3/ is proposed as a tool for use in the detection and estimation of phase-coupled sine waves. The advantages of such an approach are that the structure of R/sub 3/ can be exploited by means of the singular value decomposition (SVD) to estimate directly the number of coupled sine waves and their frequencies. After a brief introduction to the bispectrum and the phase coupling problem, the following key results are presented: (1) The rank of R/sub 3/ is (asymptotically) equal to the number of coupled sine waves. (2) A pseudobispectrum can be generated using a MUSIC-like algorithm with vectors orthogonal to the (column) signal subspace. (3) The coupled frequencies can be directly estimated from the (row) signal subspace using techniques such as Root-MUSIC or ESPRIT. Examples of simulations using this approach are given. >
Sensitivity study on double-sensor conductivity probe for the measurement of interfacial area concentration in bubbly flow

Abstract The sensitivity study on a double-sensor conductivity probe for the measurement of local interfacial area concentration, has been carried out by considering the effects of bubble lateral motions and probe spacing. The measurable value was rigorously related to the local bubble interface velocity in the surface normal direction, and the probability density function of each individual variable was identified with proper coordinate transform. Three theoretical calibration factors were defined to bridge the mean measurable parameter to the interfacial area concentrations carried by the missed bubbles, measured bubbles and their combination. These calibration factors were obtained through numerical method. The results indicate that the total calibration factor is the best choice for practical applications, whereas the other two factors bring in profound understandings of the measuring mechanisms. With the probe spacing varying from about 36–86% of the mean bubble diameter, the total calibration factor is only determined by the bubble velocity fluctuation, almost independent of the probe spacing. The analysis also suggests that the missed bubbles contribute larger interfacial area concentration to the measuring point than that obtained from the measured bubbles. Moreover, for better statistic behaviors, the appropriate sample size was provided using a Monte Carlo approach.
Designing a genetic neural fuzzy antilock-brake-system controller

A typical antilock brake system (ABS) senses when the wheel lockup is to occur, releases the brakes momentarily, and then reapplies the brakes when the wheel spins up again. In this paper, a genetic neural fuzzy ABS controller is proposed that consists of a nonderivative neural optimizer and fuzzy-logic components (FLCs). The nonderivative optimizer finds the optimal wheel slips that maximize the road adhesion coefficient. The optimal wheel slips are for the front and rear wheels. The inputs to the FLC are the optimal wheel slips obtained by the nonderivative optimizer. The fuzzy components then compute brake torques that force the actual wheel slips to track the optimal wheel slips; these torques minimize the vehicle stopping distance. The FLCs are tuned using a genetic algorithm. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with the case when maximal brake torques are applied causing a wheel lockup, and with the case when wheel slips are kept constant while the road surface changes.
Can gastric irrigation prevent infection during NOTES mesh placement

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) ventral hernia repair could avoid abdominal wall incisions. The infectious risk for mesh placement is of concern. We compared NOTES with laparoscopic mesh placement. Thirty-seven swine were randomized to abdominal wall polypropylene mesh placement via NOTES or laparoscopy or NOTES control. All animals received antibiotics and gastric irrigation; the laparoscopy group also received preoperative acid suppression. In the NOTES mesh group, the 2-cm2 polypropylene mesh was placed using a transgastric transportation device and clipped to the anterior abdominal wall. The control animals underwent endoscopy (no gastrotomy) followed by laparoscopic mesh placement or NOTES only without mesh placement. Necropsy was performed at 14 days. One NOTES mesh placement was incomplete (endoscope failure). All mesh animals survived to 14 days. At necropsy, significantly more mesh infections were noted in the NOTES mesh versus laparoscopy group (4:11 vs 0:14; p = 0.03). Gastric irrigation reduced the bacterial load significantly in all groups (p < 0.001). Infection was independent of gastric bacterial load. No difference between acid suppressed and non-suppressed animals was seen. The mesh placement via NOTES is technically feasible but has a high infection rate despite irrigation. Sterile conduits are needed to enable NOTES-type hernia repair with mesh.
Direct&#8212;A Multiprocessor Organization for Supporting Relational Database Management Systems

The design of DIRECT, a multiprocessor organization for supporting relational database management systems is presented. DIRECT has a multiple-instruction multiple-data stream (MIMD) architecture. It can simultaneously support both intra-query and inter-query concurrency. The number of processors assigned to a query is dynamically determined by the priority of the query, the type and number of relational algebra operations it contains, and the size of the relations referenced. Since DIRECT iS a virtual memory machine, the maximum relation size is not limited to that of the associative memory as in some other database machines. Concurrent updates are controlled through the use of locks on relations which are maintained by a controlling processor.
A 20 T hybrid solenoid for the collection of pions for a muon collider

In order to generate intense muon beams for a muon collider, intense pion beams must be produced in a stationary proton beam target. The pions produced by the target must be captured before they can go through phase rotation and decay into muons. A 20 T solenoid with a clear bore of 150 mm can capture particles with a transverse momentum of 225 MeV/c or less. As the captured particles leave the capture solenoid, the magnetic induction is decreased to 5 T while the beam pipe diameter increases to 300 mm. Phase rotation of the pions and the decay of the pions to muons will occur at 5 T. The capture solenoid and the solenoids just downstream from the capture solenoid are subject to high heat loads (up to 4.8 MW) and radiation loads from the target. The conventional inner solenoid of the 20 T hybrid magnet system and the water cooled absorber will absorb virtually all of the particle energy from the target thus protecting the superconducting part of the solenoid system from excessive radiation heating. This report also describes the solenoid magnets from the capture zone to the solenoidal beam channel within the phase rotation RF cavities.
A Study on the Ubiquitous Wellbeing System Design and Implementation Using Wireless Bio-Signal Sensor

As pervasive or ubiquitous computing matures, researchers and developers look for areas of application of this promising technology that can improve the quality of our lives. The "healthcare" and "home" is the best environments, so we focused the effective and undeveloped area in ubiquitous healthcare service in home. People spend more time in their homes than in any other space. The home ideally provides a safe, comfortable environment in which to relax, communicate, learn, and be entertained. Because of these reasons home environment is the best place for a chronic disease patient. As the standard of living rises, people are more interested in their health and desire well-being life. However they cannot make sufficient effort regarding their health and life style due to the fast moving working environment. In order to attain their sound life, it is necessary for people to have support from user customized life management service. The most prominent features of this system are rule based clinical decision supporting, life style recommendation based on user's vital signs, existence of chronic disease, life pattern and family history, as well as life style enhancement promoting service that induces user to accomplish their mental and physical healthiness based on the recommendations. The prototype system is designed and implemented using smart objects such as smart mirror and smart picture frame. The doctor side application is also built to enable medical doctors to examine systems' appropriateness of clinical use.
Anticoagulant-induced thrombosis.

EACH YEAR THROMBOEMBOLISM affects millions of individuals worldwide. As a result, anticoagulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in clinical practice. Heparin sodium and warfarin sodium are used alone or sequentially for primary and secondary prophylaxis in the management of a variety of thrombotic diseases. Bleeding complications associated with these agents are well-known; however, the risks and causes of paradoxical venous or arterial thrombosis occurring during anticoagulant therapy have only recently been elucidated. This article reviews the current understanding of serious acquired-prothrombotic states that can occasionally develop during treatment with anticoagulants. As background, a brief description of each drug’s mechanism of action is first presented.
Perestroika! The Raucous Rebellion in Political Science

Perestroika! The Raucous Rebellion in Political Science. Edited by Kristen Renwick Monroe. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2005. 608p. $35.00.Critics have berated the Perestroika movement since it erupted in 2000 for engaging in academic politics before improving the tools available for apprehending the political world. But the guiding thread of any group's thinking generally arises out of its common activities, as Karl Mannheim pointed out. So it is no surprise that Perestroika, as a movement of disaffected political scientists, would coalesce first as an attempt to storm the discipline's citadels in the name of “methodological pluralism.” Some years later, however, we are in a better position to assess the principles implicated in the movement and its slogan, a judgment now enabled by the publication of Perestroika! The Raucous Rebellion in Political Science, edited by Kristen Renwick Monroe.
Urine proteomics for discovery of improved diagnostic markers of Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. Absence of definitive diagnostic markers limits the accuracy of clinical evaluations of suspected KD with significant increases in morbidity. In turn, incomplete understanding of its molecular pathogenesis hinders the identification of rational targets needed to improve therapy. We used high-accuracy mass spectrometry proteomics to analyse over 2000 unique proteins in clinical urine specimens of patients with KD. We discovered that urine proteomes of patients with KD, but not those with mimicking conditions, were enriched for markers of cellular injury such as filamin and talin, immune regulators such as complement regulator CSMD3, immune pattern recognition receptor muclin, and immune cytokine protease meprin A. Significant elevations of filamin C and meprin A were detected in both the serum and urine in two independent cohorts of patients with KD, comprised of a total of 236 patients. Meprin A and filamin C exhibited superior diagnostic performance as compared to currently used markers of disease in a blinded case-control study of 107 patients with suspected KD, with receiver operating characteristic areas under the curve of 0.98 (95% confidence intervals [CI] of 0.97‐1 and 0.95‐1, respectively). Notably, meprin A was enriched in the coronary artery lesions of a mouse model of KD. In all, urine proteome profiles revealed novel candidate molecular markers of KD, including filamin C and meprin A that exhibit excellent diagnostic performance. These disease markers may improve the diagnostic accuracy of clinical evaluations of children with suspected KD, lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and allow the development of a biological classification of Kawasaki disease.
Habitat Selection and Activity Budgets of Keel-Billed Toucans at the Landscape Level

Abstract Landscape-level behavioral information is needed to understand factors that underlie animal distributions in disturbed habitats. I examined habitat use and activity budgets of Keel-billed Toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus) in a pasture-dominated landscape in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. The objectives were to compare habitat selection at two scales, and to describe activity budgets of toucans with an emphasis on how behavior varied by habitat type. Six toucans were followed between January and July 1998 for a total of 349 hr. I noted behavior, bird location, and habitat type. At one spatial scale, birds' individual movement area was a nonrandom portion of the overall study area. When time spent in habitats by individual toucans was compared to habitat available in individual movement areas, habitat selection was also nonrandom. Forest remnants were preferred at both scales. Toucans spent approximately equal time foraging and perching (35–40%). Calling, preening, and social interactions each occupied 10% or ...
Clinical pharmacology of drugs which influence uric acid production and excretion.

The hyperuricemia which occurs in primary gout can be demonstrated in a large proportion of cases to be due to overproduction of uric acid, i.e., an increase in rate and amount of de novo biosynthesis. In myeloproliferative diseases there is also consistent overproduction of uric acid, in this case due to an exaggeration of cell “turnover” and degradation of nucleic acid purines. Several compounds are available which can increase the urinary excretion of uric acid with beneficial effects on chronic gout, both primary and secondary. The recent availability of allopurinol, an effective inhibitor of uric acid biosynthesis, provides a highly effective means for controlling hyperuricemia with less risk of toxicity and adverse effects than is present in the use of the uricosuric drugs. Other compounds are discussed which block uric acid excretion or increase uric acid biosynthesis. These are of interest from a pharmacologic standpoint and as models for the study of uric acid metabolism.
Botulinum Toxin: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Roles in Pain States

Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, is produced by Clostridium botulinum, a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, and botulinum toxin injections are among the most commonly practiced cosmetic procedures in the USA. Although botulinum toxin is typically associated with cosmetic procedures, it can be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including pain. Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings to paralyze muscles and to decrease the pain response. Botulinum toxin has a long duration of action, lasting up to 5 months after initial treatment which makes it an excellent treatment for chronic pain patients. This manuscript will outline in detail why botulinum toxin is used as a successful treatment for pain in multiple conditions as well as outline the risks associated with using botulinum toxin in certain individuals. As of today, the only FDA-approved chronic condition that botulinum toxin can be used to treat is migraines and this is related to its ability to decrease muscle tension and increase muscle relaxation. Contraindications to botulinum toxin treatments are limited to a hypersensitivity to the toxin or an infection at the site of injection, and there are no known drug interactions with botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is an advantageous and effective alternative pain treatment and a therapy to consider for those that do not respond to opioid treatment. In summary, botulinum toxin is a relatively safe and effective treatment for individuals with certain pain conditions, including migraines. More research is warranted to elucidate chronic and long-term implications of botulinum toxin treatment as well as effects in pregnant, elderly, and adolescent patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Renal Mass

AbstractTo compare the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging with that of excretory urography, retrograde pyelography, ultrasound, computerized tomography, angiography and venography 34 patients with renal masses, including 25 renal cell carcinomas, were examined on a 0.15 Tesla Picker 1100 magnetic resonance imager with multiple pulse sequences. Pathological proof was available for all cases except renal cysts, for which ultrasound or computerized tomographic findings were accepted. Differentiation of solid from cystic lesions was seen with magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and computerized tomography but not excretory urography. Tumor invasion of the renal vein and inferior vena cava was visualized in 7 patients by magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computerized tomography and venography but not by excretory urography.Magnetic resonance T1 contrast scans best characterized renal masses, with good resolution of metastatic lymphadenopathy and renal cysts. Scans showing T2 contrast were bes...
Cisapride in children with chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction: An acute, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract To assess the effect of cisapride on gastrointestinal motility and gastric emptying in children with chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction, 20 children (mean age, 4.9 years; 14 female and 6 male) who required special means of alimentation or who had severe symptoms confirmed by diary during 2 weeks before the study were studied. A motility catheter with recording sites in the antrum and duodenum was placed on the first day of the study and remained in place until the end of the 5-day study. Cisapride (0.3 mg/kg PO t.i.d.) or placebo was given in double-blind randomized crossover fashion, with a 2-day "washout" interval. Antroduodenal motility was recorded on days 2 and 5. Recording consisted of 4 hours of fasting and 2 hours after a complex liquid meal labeled with 99m Tc. Gastric emptying was assessed for 1 hour after the meal. Based on manometry, 16 patients had neuropathic and 4 patients had myopathic disorders. Cisapride had no effect on the discrete, qualitative abnormalities found in individual records. Cisapride increased the postprandial duodenal motility index from 1180 ± 256 mm Hg/30 min after placebo to 2385 ± 430 mm Hg/30 min ( P
Mechanism of Charge Transfer from Plasmonic Nanostructures to Chemically Attached Materials

Plasmonic metal nanoparticles can efficiently convert the energy of visible photons into the energy of hot charge carriers within the nanoparticles. These energetic charge carriers can transfer to molecules or semiconductors, chemically attached to the nanoparticles, where they can induce photochemical transformations. Classical models of photoinduced charge excitation and transfer in metals suggest that the majority of the energetic charge carriers rapidly decay within the metal nanostructure before they are transferred into the neighboring molecule or semiconductor, and therefore, the efficiency of charge transfer is low. Herein, we present experimental evidence that calls into question this conventional picture. We demonstrate a system where the presence of a molecule, adsorbed on the surface of a plasmonic nanoparticle, significantly changes the flow of charge within the excited plasmonic system. The nanoparticle–adsorbate system experiences high rates of direct, resonant flow of charge from the nanop...
Biology, Prognosis, and Therapy of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare B-cell lymphoma characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of malignant lymphoplasmacytic cells, mainly in the bone marrow, and monoclonal IgM production. Despite its rarity, our understanding of the biology of this disease has improved significantly in recent years with the identification of recurrent mutations in the MYD88 and CXCR4 genes. Based on the diversity of clinical features observed in WM patients, therapy should be highly personalized having into account several factors such as age, co-morbidities, IgM levels, and presence of hyperviscosity, coagulopathy, cryoglobulinemia, or cold agglutinin disease. In this chapter, we review the recent advances in the biology of WM and the current therapeutic options for untreated and relapsed WM patients. Finally, we discuss the role of prognostic factors and current evidence supporting an improvement in the survival of WM patients in the last decade.
End of Life Care in the Emergency Department

End of life (EoL) care is aimed at patients with chronic or terminal illnesses and can be initiated in the emergency department. Religious and cultural beliefs often influence the type of EoL care the patient wishes for. Communicating bad news is a useful skill for all physicians and should be done with empathy.
The Computational Theory of Cognition

According to the computational theory of cognition (CTC), cognitive capacities are explained by inner computations, which in biological organisms are realized in the brain. Computational explanation is so popular and entrenched that it’s common for scientists and philosophers to assume CTC without argument. But if we presuppose that neural processes are computations before investigating, we turn CTC into dogma. If, instead, our theory is to be genuinely empirical and explanatory, it needs to be empirically testable. To bring empirical evidence to bear on CTC, we need an appropriate notion of computation. In order to ground an empirical theory of cognition, as CTC was designed to be, a satisfactory notion of computation should satisfy at least two requirements: it should employ a robust notion of computation, such that there is a fact of the matter as to which computations are performed by which systems, and it should not be empirically vacuous, as it would be if CTC could be established a priori. In order to satisfy these requirements, the computational theory of cognition should be grounded in a mechanistic account of computation. Once that is done, I evaluate the computational theory of cognition on empirical grounds in light of our best neuroscience. I reach two main conclusions: cognitive capacities are explained by the processing of spike trains by neuronal populations, and the processing of spike trains is a kind of computation that is interestingly different from both digital computation and analog computation.
Dual Theory (Algebraic)

Our object is to define a two-dimensional ℚ(λ) space, K f , dual to W f together with a natural map of K f into W1/f. Let Ω2 = ℚ(λ).
Delayed hydrocephalus associated with traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation: Case report and literature review.

Background Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is a rare but often fatal injury. Consequently, long-term data regarding surviving patients have been limited. In particular, the occurrence of hydrocephalus is not well-documented. Case description A 33-year-old male sustained AOD as a consequence of a motor vehicle collision. Although he did well initially after an occipitocervical fusion, 1 month after his operation, he exhibited signs of increased intracranial pressure (bilateral abducens nerve palsies, worsening headaches, and fatigue). He was found to have hydrocephalus, which was responsive to shunting. Conclusion Manifestations of hydrocephalus after AOD can be variable, ranging from interval ventricular dilatation to pseudomeningoceles and syringomyelia. In addition, the timing of presentation can be acute, requiring emergent external ventricular drainage, or delayed, requiring ongoing vigilance. Consequently, as more patients survive this once thought to be fatal injury, caution for hydrocephalus is stressed.
Crystal structures of the human elongation factor eEFSec suggest a non-canonical mechanism for selenocysteine incorporation

Selenocysteine is the only proteinogenic amino acid encoded by a recoded in-frame UGA codon that does not operate as the canonical opal stop codon. A specialized translation elongation factor, eEFSec in eukaryotes and SelB in prokaryotes, promotes selenocysteine incorporation into selenoproteins by a still poorly understood mechanism. Our structural and biochemical results reveal that four domains of human eEFSec fold into a chalice-like structure that has similar binding affinities for GDP, GTP and other guanine nucleotides. Surprisingly, unlike in eEF1A and EF-Tu, the guanine nucleotide exchange does not cause a major conformational change in domain 1 of eEFSec, but instead induces a swing of domain 4. We propose that eEFSec employs a non-canonical mechanism involving the distinct C-terminal domain 4 for the release of the selenocysteinyl-tRNA during decoding on the ribosome. Specialized translation elongation factors (eEFSec and SelB) promote selenocysteine incorporation into proteins. Here, the authors report the structure of human eEFSec, examine its interactions with guanine nucleotides, and propose a non-canonical mechanism for decoding selenocysteine.
Experiences of Students with Disabilities Transitioning from 2-Year to 4-Year Institutions

ABSTRACTIndividuals with disabilities are attending postsecondary institutions and successfully completing both 2-year and 4-year degrees. Although current literature identifies numerous factors associated with success for 2-year college transfer students in general, given the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, it is possible that other factors play important roles in their postsecondary experience. Through phenomenological research, we explored the experiences of a diverse group of 10 academically successful students with disabilities who transferred from 2-year to 4-year postsecondary institutions. Our findings reveal that although their experiences in many ways paralleled those of students without disabilities, our participants identified positive and negative experiences specifically related to their disabilities. We offer recommendations for 2-year college programming and support services.
Construction and Sustainability

Construction, rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of the built environment consume vast amounts of natural resources and energy. The civil engineering profession and construction industry recognizes that sustainability is a major concern for future development, particularly with rapid growth in countries such as China, India, and Brazil among others. This chapter reviews the issues that face the construction industry in its role in contributing to sustainability for the benefit of future generations.
Die bedingte Reaktion

Tiere mit vergleichsweise gut entwickelter Hirnrinde bilden eine Gruppe durch die Fahigkeit, zeitliche Beziehungen herzustellen zwischen ihrer dauernd wechselnden auseren Umwelt und den verschiedenen Tatigkeiten ihres physiologischen Haushalts. In den allgemeinsten Ausdrucken kann man sagen, das, wenn bei dieser Gruppe ein zeitliches Zusammentreffen irgend eines beliebigen auseren Reizes mit einer Tatigkeit des Organismus stattfindet, diese Tatigkeit in der Folge durch diesen auseren Reiz hervorgerufen werden kann.
An approach to explainable deep learning using fuzzy inference

Deep Learning has proven to be an effective method for making highly accurate predictions from complex data sources. Convolutional neural networks continue to dominate image classification problems and recursive neural networks have proven their utility in caption generation and language translations. While these approaches are powerful, they do not offer explanation for how the output is generated. Without understanding how deep learning arrives at a solution there is no guarantee that these networks will transition from controlled laboratory environments to fieldable systems. This paper presents an approach for incorporating such rule based methodology into neural networks by embedding fuzzy inference systems into deep learning networks.
The Producer as Fan: Forensic Fandom and The Good Wife

Jason Mittell argues that contemporary television narrative is marked by degrees of both structural and consumptive complexity. One way he addresses this complexity is through the concept of drillability, which he describes as “a mode of forensic fandom that invites viewers to dig deeper, probing beneath the surface to understand the complexity of a story and its telling.” This essay analyzes a particular episode of CBS’s The Good Wife (2009–2016) to extend Mittell’s concept of drillability and to explore its theoretical links to Mikhail Bakhtin’s “dialogic imagination.” In doing so, the essay argues that “producer-fans” model modes of critical media consumption required by an informed and engaged citizenry.
Increasing Incidence of Multiply Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in the United States: A Cohort Study

Background Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), the most common health care-associated infection, often recurs. Fecal microbiota transplantation is increasingly used to treat multiply recurrent CDI (mrCDI). Objective To determine whether the incidence of mrCDI is increasing in proportion to CDI and to identify risk factors for mrCDI. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting United States. Participants 38 911 718 commercially insured patients in the OptumInsight Clinformatics Database, of whom 45 341 developed CDI. Measurements Age- and sex-standardized incidence rates for CDI and mrCDI. Results From 2001 to 2012, the annual incidence of CDI and mrCDI per 1000 person-years increased by 42.7% (from 0.4408 to 0.6289 case) and 188.8% (from 0.0107 to 0.0309 case), respectively. The increase in mrCDI incidence was independent of known risk factors for CDI. Those who developed mrCDI were older (median age, 56.0 vs. 49.0 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 10-year increase in age, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.21 to 1.29]) and were more likely to be female (63.8% vs. 58.7%; aOR, 1.24 [CI, 1.11 to 1.38]) and to have used antibiotics (72.3% vs. 58.8%; aOR, 1.79 [CI, 1.59 to 2.01]), proton-pump inhibitors (24.6% vs. 18.2%; aOR, 1.14 [CI, 1.01 to 1.29]), or corticosteroids (18.3% vs. 13.7%; aOR, 1.15 [CI, 1.00 to 1.32]) within 90 days of CDI diagnosis. Chronic kidney disease (10.4% vs. 5.6%; aOR, 1.49 [CI, 1.24 to 1.80]) and diagnosis in a nursing home (2.1% vs. 0.6%; aOR, 1.99 [CI, 1.34 to 2.93]) were also associated with increased risk for mrCDI. Limitation The primary analyses included only commercially insured patients in the United States. Conclusion Relative to CDI, mrCDI incidence has disproportionately increased, indicating a rising demand for mrCDI therapies. Primary Funding Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
End-of-Day Lighting Effects on Herbaceous Perennials Grown Under Night Interrupted Lighting Outdoors in the Southern United States

A study was conducted in 2004 to determine if end-of-day lighting (EOD) alone or in combination with night-interrupted lighting (NIL) could be used to suppress stem elongation of ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton ‘Goldsturm’), ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) and ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Early Sunrise’) when grown outdoors under nursery conditions in the southern U.S. without negating the benefits of earlier flowering from NIL. End-of-day lighting, NIL, and the combination of the two treatments accelerated time to flowering of all three cultivars compared to that of plants under a natural photoperiod (NP); however, rudbeckia flowered quicker when exposed to NIL or NIL + EOD than when grown under EOD only. Height of rudbeckia grown under EOD or NIL was greater than that of plants grown under NP, whereas ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis exposed to EOD, NIL or EOD + NIL were similar in height and taller than plants grown under NP. Height of...
A study of how individuals solve complex and ill-structured problems

A number of factors cause individuals to use diverse strategies to solve problems. This paper presents a methodology for examining these differences in strategy. Verbal protocols are elicited to collect data on the cognitive processes occurring during problem solving. These data, codified into propositional representations, and non-parametric statistical comparisons are then used to evaluate the significance of strategy differences. These strategies are then mapped with dynamical graphs, with which we examine the task-independent and the task-specific cognitive representations the participants used. As an illustrative example we apply this methodology to study the influence of two contributing factors, professional training and national culture, on the strategies adopted by professionals to solve a complex and ill-structured problem (hunger in a country). The problem-solving strategies of professionals from different countries and trained in architecture, engineering, law or medicine are analyzed to show some intriguing differences in the general strategies adopted by individuals belonging to different professions, and the outcomes from using these strategies.
High dairy protein intake is associated with greater bone strength parameters at the distal radius and tibia in older men: a cross-sectional study

Dairy protein but not plant protein was associated with bone strength of the radius and tibia in older men. These results are consistent with previous results in women and support similar findings related to fracture outcomes. Bone strength differences were largely due to thickness and area of the bone cortex. Our objective was to determine the association of protein intake by source (dairy, non-dairy animal, plant) with bone strength and bone microarchitecture among older men. We used data from 1016 men (mean 84.3 years) who attended the Year 14 exam of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study, completed a food frequency questionnaire (500–5000 kcal/day), were not taking androgen or androgen agonists, and had high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans of the distal radius and distal or diaphyseal tibia. Protein was expressed as percentage of total energy intake (TEI); mean ± SD for TEI = 1548 ± 607 kcal/day and for total protein = 16.2 ± 2.9%TEI. We used linear regression with standardized HR-pQCT parameters as dependent variables and adjusted for age, limb length, center, education, race/ethnicity, marital status, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity level, corticosteroids use, supplement use (calcium and vitamin D), and osteoporosis medications. Higher dairy protein intake was associated with higher estimated failure load at the distal radius and distal tibia [radius effect size = 0.17 (95% CI 0.07, 0.27), tibia effect size = 0.13 (95% CI 0.03, 0.23)], while higher non-dairy animal protein was associated with higher failure load at only the distal radius. Plant protein intake was not associated with failure load at any site. The association between protein intake and bone strength varied by source of protein. These results support a link between dairy protein intake and skeletal health, but an intervention study is needed to evaluate causality.
Draft Genome Sequences of Acinetobacter and Bacillus Strains Isolated from Spacecraft-Associated Surfaces.

ABSTRACT We report here the draft genome sequences of four strains isolated from spacecraft-associated surfaces exhibiting increased resistance to stressors such as UV radiation and exposure to H2O2. The draft genomes of strains 1P01SCT, FO-92T, 50v1, and 2P01AA had sizes of 5,500,894 bp, 4,699,376 bp, 3,174,402 bp, and 4,328,804 bp, respectively.
Histone-targeted gene transfer of bone morphogenetic protein-2 enhances mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenic differentiation

Abstract Skeletal tissue regeneration following traumatic injury involves a complex cascade of growth factor signals that direct the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within the fracture. The necessity for controlled and localized expression of these factors has highlighted the role gene therapy may play as a promising treatment option for bone repair. However, the design of nanocarrier systems that negotiate efficient intracellular trafficking and nuclear delivery represents a significant challenge. Recent investigations have highlighted the roles histone tail sequences play in directing nuclear delivery and activating DNA transcription. We previously established the ability to recapitulate these natural histone tail activities within non-viral nanocarriers, improving gene transfer and expression by enabling effective navigation to the nucleus via retrograde vesicular trafficking. Herein, we demonstrate that histone-targeting leads to ∼4-fold enhancements in osteogenic bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression by MSCs over 6 days, as compared with standard polymeric transfection reagents. This improved expression augmented chondrogenesis, an essential first step in fracture healing. Importantly, significant enhancements of cartilage-specific protein expression were triggered by histone-targeted gene transfer, as compared with the response to treatment with equivalent amounts of recombinant BMP-2 protein. In fact, an ∼100-fold increase in recombinant BMP-2 was required to achieve similar levels of chondrogenic gene and protein expression. The enhancements in differentiation achieved using histone-targeting were in part enabled by an increase in transcription factor expression, which functioned to drive MSC chondrogenesis. These novel findings demonstrate the utility of histone-targeted gene transfer strategies to enable substantial reductions in BMP-2 dosing for bone regenerative applications. Statement of significance This contribution addresses significant limitations in non-viral gene transfer for bone regenerative applications by exploiting a novel histone-targeting approach for cell-triggered delivery that induces osteogenic BMP-2 expression coincident with the initiation of bone repair. During repair, proliferating MSCs respond to a complex series of growth factor signals that direct their differentiation along cellular lineages essential to mature bone formation. Although these MSCs are ideal targets for enhanced transfection during cellular mitosis, few non-viral delivery approaches exist to enable maximization of this effect. Accordingly, this contribution seeks to utilize our histone-targeted nanocarrier design strategy to stimulate BMP-2 gene transfer in dividing MSCs. This gene-based approach leads to significantly augmented MSC chondrogenesis, an essential first step in bone tissue repair.
Midtrimester microbial DNA variations in maternal serum of women who experience spontaneous preterm birth

Objectives: To evaluate if midtrimester maternal serum contains microbial DNA and whether it differs between women with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) and those delivering at term.Study design: I...
VelociGene and VelociMouse: High-Throughput Approaches for Generating Targeted Mutations in Mice on a Genome-Wide Scale

One of the most powerful approaches for understanding mammalian gene function involves the targeted mutation of specific genes in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, followed by the generation of genetically modified mice from these targeted ES cells. Phenotypes in the resulting mice often provide important insights into the role of the mutated gene. Until recently, targeting in ES cells was usually carried out for a single gene at a time because it required highly customized, laborious, and time-consuming efforts by a highly skilled practitioner. Furthermore, the process of using a targeted ES cell to produce genetically modified mice suitable for phenotyping required several generations of breeding, resulting in increased effort and adding many months to the time line. Two technologies have revolutionized the throughput and timing of these approaches: VelociGene has transformed gene targeting of ES cells into an assembly line operation that allows many genes to be simultaneously targeted in rapid fashion, whereas VelociMouse has dramatically reduced the time and effort required in progressing from a targeted ES cell to genetically modified mice that are suitable for phenotyping.