cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ingestion of Fossil Seashells, Stones and Small Mammal Bones by Gravid Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in South Florida

Instances of vertebrates supplementing their diets through the ingestion of gastroliths have been observed or documented in numerous organisms, including birds, crocodiles and dinosaurs. Although not uncommon, this behavior can be motivated by a wide range of factors that include endoparasite removal, stomach cleaning, or calcium supplementation during eggshell formation. As plant-based diets are often mineral deficient, the use of gastroliths as calcium supplements may play an important role in the reproductive biology of egg-laying herbivorous reptiles. Whereas gravid females of some species of herbivorous reptiles have been shown to seek out calcareous gastroliths, the occurrence or prevalence of gastroliths in gravid females remains unknown for many species. Using field observations and radiographs, we studied patterns of gastrolith ingestion by adult female gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), a herbivorous species of testudinoid turtles. Gastroliths documented included fossil seashells, calcareous stones and carnivore feces containing vertebrate bones. The prevalence of gastroliths was significantly different between gravid and non-gravid tortoises. We suggest this behavior is a means of supplementing calcium intake during eggshell formation and may play a part in the female reproductive biology of this species.
Experimental levitation of dust grains in a plasma sheath

[1] Dust grains have been observed to levitate above the surface of the Moon and as spokes in Saturn's rings. In order to gain a better understanding of these observations, we have performed levitation experiments on dust grains in a low-density plasma. Plasma sheath potential profiles, measured by an emissive probe, are used to determine the spatial dependence of the electric force on a grain in the sheath. The observed levitation height agrees with the values calculated using orbital-motion-limited charging theory and force balance equations. Levitating grains were also exposed to an ultraviolet light source to induce photoemission. Three types of dust were investigated: polystyrene divinylbenzene microspheres 10.0 ± 0.5 μm in diameter, glass microballoons <38 μm in diameter, and JSC-1 (lunar regolith simulant) <25 μm in diameter. Our experimental results show that (1) various types and sizes of grains can levitate in a plasma sheath above a conducting surface; (2) levitating grains of a standard size float at a height corresponding to that predicted by theory; (3) exposure to UV light causes the grain levitation height to decrease slightly as a result of less negative charge; and (4) a mechanism to inject grains into the sheath is not necessary if the electric field is sufficiently strong.
“One Jumped Off the Balance Beam” Meta-Analysis of Perceptual-Motor Training

This study reports the findings of a meta-analysis, the application of statistical methods of data synthesis from individual studies, reviewing 180 studies assessing the efficacy of perceptual-motor training. The primary finding indicated that perceptual-motor training is not an effective intervention technique for improving academic, cognitive, or perceptual-motor variables. The data were refined into more discrete groupings spanning the diverse assortment of outcomes, programs, subject, grades, and design variables. For each aggregated subset, support was rendered for the primary finding. It was concluded that extant research, although possessing methodological flaws not allowing definitive conclusions in previous narrative reviews, has demonstrated that perceptual-motor training is not effective and should be questioned as a feasible intervention technique for exceptional children.
Working Both Sides of the Street: Academic and Business

During the past ten years the applied side of geography has come to occupy an increasing amount of the discipline’s attention. Stimulated by a decline in academic job opportunities, applied geography has become an attractive alternative to university teaching and research. As with any developing field of inquiry, its form, shape, structure, and direction are not well defined. Some suggest that applied geography applies geographical techniques to the solution of practical problems (Frazier and Henry 1978, p. 4). Others, not in disagreement, add a social dimension to the definition, indicating a need to evaluate human welfare (Frazier 1982, p. 13). To some, applied geography centers on ends rather than means, emphasizing results rather than methodology (Sant 1982, p. 1). A less restricted view considers that applied geography is the use of geographical knowledge as an aid to making choices (Briggs 1981, pp. 1–8). As expected, there is a divergence of views on how to define applied geography. Two underlying factors, however, appear common to all definitions of applied geography: it takes place outside the university, and it deals with real world problems.
The Way Forward: Translation

Chronological age is the largest risk factor for most of the age-related diseases that account for the bulk of morbidity, mortality, and health costs in developing and developed countries. These disorders, including dementias, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancers, and arthritis among many others, share predisposing pathogenic mechanisms with processes associated with aging, including low-grade “sterile” inflammation, cellular senescence, accumulation of damaged macromolecules, and stem and progenitor cell dysfunction. These processes are the targets of many of the genetic, environmental, and pharmacological interventions that appear to be effective in extending lifespan in lower mammals. Early indications suggest these interventions may also impact healthspan and resilience, and delay age-related disorders in animal models. Because fundamental aging mechanisms are frequently conserved across a wide range of species, these interventions may be translatable into clinical treatments to prevent, delay, alleviate, or reverse a range of age-related chronic disorders in humans. A great deal of effort to complete the preclinical, clinical proof-of-concept, and formal clinical trials acceptable to regulatory agencies will be required for this to be achieved. Here, we consider some of the interventions that hold promise, the process of translating them into clinical applications, potential clinical conditions for which agents that target fundamental aging mechanisms may be first tested, personnel and resources needed to do so, and regulatory and intellectual property issues in developing feasible interventions. Although the path to clinical application of agents that target fundamental aging mechanisms will likely be difficult, tortuous, and possibly lengthy, the potential to transform health care as we know it is unparalleled.
Anterior Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability can present as symptomatic and asymptomatic laxity, dislocation, and subluxation. There are several mechanisms that contribute to anterior shoulder instability including both soft tissue injuries and bony injuries. These injuries include Bankart lesions, humeral avulsions of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL), glenoid labral articular defect (GLAD), and anterior labral periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA), Hill–Sachs lesions, bony Bankarts, and tuberosity fractures. Diagnosis is paramount to determining timely treatment to prevent further injuries and recurrent instability. To successfully treat anterior shoulder instability, surgeons should address the labrum, chondral surfaces, and bony fractures and defects. This chapter includes key points to guide clinicians in diagnosis and management of the more common causes of anterior instability.
The damaged U.S. image

While the Reagan administration was still flouting international law; the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev became a champion of the United Nations and arms control.
Wireless Optogenetic Manipulation of Direct-Pathway Neurons of Basal Ganglia in Free Moving Mice

Striatum is one of the major components of basal ganglia. More than 90% of principle neurons in striatum are medium spiny neuron (MSN). The MSNs are further subdivided into the direct-pathway (striatonigral or D1) MSNs or the indirect-pathway (striatopallidal or D2) MSNs. The striatonigral MSNs project to GPi and substantia nigra (SN). The striatopallidal MSNs project to globus pallidus externa (GPe), which can indirectly influence the SN via the subthalamic nuclei (STN). Disruption of two pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Drug addiction and Schizophrenia. The development of optogenetics has introduced an elegant method to stimulate MSNs and basal ganglia circuits, both in vitro and in vivo. However, current optogenetics setup employs cumbersome tethers and commutators that prohibits the studying the free, natural behavior of the animal. Using a light weight (1-2 g) wireless infrared receiver coupled to optic fiber implants, we could deliver mW order light in free mouse. Injection of Cre-dependent Channelrhodopsin or/and halorhodops in an inverted open-reading-frame in Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) transgenic Drd1a-Cre mice enables us to precisely stimulate or/and inhibit genetically defined direct-pathway neurons. We have successfully employed such optogenetic device to examine more complex behavior in plus maze (for anxiety), three chamber interaction test (for social interaction) and rotarod tests. Our results revealed that direct-pathway stimulation elicits robust grooming behavior in free moving mice in their home cage, recapitulating the D1 receptor agonist-induced behavioral phenotypes in mice. These experiments demonstrate that the wireless optogenetic device can be readily used in complex behavioral experiments. Such technology will accelerate progress in both basic neuroscience and translational technologies and have strong potential for broader use in biology and medicine.
Analysis and Improvement on the Current Logistics of SGMW

Presently many enterprises realizes that internal logistics is important in cost saving,improvement of logistics benefit and enterprise management.To promote a continuous development and enhance the core business competence,more and more enterpsises are optimizing the internal logistics management,even using the 3PL.Based on SGMW internal logistics current status,this test tries to find major issues of SGMW internal logistics and introduce 3PL for a modern,professional logistics service and establish a integration lean logistics management model.
Synchronizing determination of mercury and arsenic in food by hydride atomic fluorescence spectrometry with microwave digestion

Objective:To establish a method for synchronizing determination of mercury and arsenic in food by atomic fluorescence spectrometry with microwave digestion.Methods:The food were dissolved by microwave and Hg,As in them were synchronizing detected by double-channel hydride generation-atomic fiuorcscence spectrometry.Results:Linear range for the determination was:rHg=0.9998,rAs=0.9997.The detection limit was:Hg:0.0002 mg/kg,As:0.005 mg/kg,with the RSD was:Hg:1.2%,As:0.83%.The recovery rate was:Hg:85%～91%,As:94%～103%.Conclusion:The method is simple and rapid with good accuracy.So it is suitable for the current determination of batch.
Designing an Electrochemically Labelled Thrombin DNA Aptamer using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Single-stranded DNA and RNA aptamers are able to bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and are widely used in many routine molecular-diagnostic laboratories. Developing methods for direct detection of specific targets using aptamers could be challenging. As a central protease of hemostasis, thrombin is widely used as targeted molecule for testing new analytical approaches. To develop an electrochemical method for the detection of thrombin, our collaborator uses osmium tetroxide, 2,2' bipyridine as an electrochemical tag that can be detected at an electrode surface. However, conjugation of the osmium to thrombin can potentially change the binding interface, diminishing the binding affinity of the aptamer to the thrombin analyte. To gain insight into the molecular basis of the thrombin-aptamer interaction, we investigated systems of hydrated thrombin and osmium-thrombin in the presence of DNA aptamer with 29 nucleotides. In particular, we conducted both canonical simulations and umbrella sampling with exchange of umbrellas to calculate the binding energy of the aptamer with thrombin and osmium-thrombin. We found that the orientations of thrombin-aptatmer complex rapidly relax from native conformation into another more energetically favourable conformations. Our results also indicate that, as a result of conjugating osmium complex to thrombin, the binding affinity of aptamer for osmium-thrombin conjugate significantly decreased in relation to thrombin/aptamer system. Therefore, we redesigned aptamers to regain the lost affinity for the osmium-thrombin conjugate to accommodate the osmium tags. We then calculate and compare the binding free energy of computer-optimized aptamers in the present of thrombin and osmium-thrombin conjugate. Overall, our results reveal in atomistic detail a variety of redesigned aptamers that may have enhanced binding affinity for osmium-thrombin conjugate. Our next step is to validate our computer-optimized aptamers in the presence of thrombin and osmium-thrombin using experimental methods.
Adaptive Control of Formation Flying Spacecraft for Interferometry

This paper presents an adaptive control system for coordination and control of a fleet of micro-spacecraft moving in formation.
Selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with ammonia over high-activity Fe/SSZ-13 and Fe/one-pot-synthesized Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts

Fe/SSZ-13 and Fe/one-pot-synthesized Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts were prepared by a simple incipient wetness impregnation (I.W.I.) method. These Fe-impregnated catalysts showed higher catalytic activities for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with ammonia as compared to other high-activity catalysts that were prepared by the ion-exchange (I.E.) method, such as Fe-SSZ-13, Cu-SSZ-13 and one-pot-synthesized Cu-SSZ-13. These Fe-impregnated catalysts also exhibited higher SO2 resistance and yielded lower N2O product concentrations. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, ESR, H2-TPR and ICP. The XPS and H2-TPR results indicated that the lower oxidation-state Fe which existed in the Fe-impregnated sample via incipient wetness impregnation was beneficial for the NH3-SCR activity.
Ginsenoside Rg3, a Gating Modifier of EAG Family K+ Channels.

Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 (Rg3) is a steroid glycoside that induces human ether-a-go-go-related gene type 1 (hERG1, Kv11.1) channels to activate at more negative potentials and to deactivate more slowly than normal. However, it is unknown whether this action is unique to hERG1 channels. Here we compare and contrast the mechanisms of actions of Rg3 on hERG1 with three other members of the ether-a-go-go (EAG) K+ channel gene family, including EAG1 (Kv10.1), ERG3 (Kv11.3), and ELK1 (Kv12.1). All four channel types were heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and K+ currents were measured using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. At a maximally effective concentration, Rg3 shifted the half-point of voltage-dependent activation of currents by −14 mV for ERG1 (EC50 = 414 nM), −20 mV for ERG3 (EC50 = 374 nM), −28 mV for EAG1 (EC50 = 1.18 μM), and more than −100 mV for ELK1 (EC50 = 197 nM) channels. Rg3 also induced slowing of ERG1, ERG3, and ELK1 channel deactivation and accelerated the rate of EAG1 channel activation. A Markov model was developed to simulate gating and the effects of Rg3 on the voltage dependence of activation of hELK1 channels. Understanding the mechanism underlying the action of Rg3 may facilitate the development of more potent and selective EAG family channel activators as therapies for cardiovascular and neural disorders.
CEO succession: what we know and where to go?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the splintered chief executive officer (CEO) succession literature and provide a unifying future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach This review content analyzes 227 relevant articles published after 1994. These articles examine the causes, process, replacement, and consequences of CEO succession. Findings The review develops a comprehensive typology, identifies gaps in the literature, and proposes opportunities for future research. For instance, the CEO succession literature can be classified along four primary dimensions: when, how, who, and consequences. These four primary dimensions are further explained by ten secondary factors and 30 tertiary components. Research opportunities include: enlarging the data pool to expand the repertoire of firms studied, incorporating the CEO’s perspective, and integrating CEO succession research with literatures in selection, turnover, and human capital theory. Practical implications Through integrating research across research domains, future research will be able to better predict when CEO succession will occur, how to avoid unwanted CEO succession, how to better implement CEO succession, and how to minimize negative aspects and maximize positive aspects of CEO succession for the firm and the CEO, as well as understand the consequences of CEO selection, and help move toward and understanding of how to prevent poor performance, and retain high performing CEOs. Originality/value This is the first comprehensive review since 1994. It creates a typology to guide and categorize future research, and shows ways to incorporate relevant, but often ignored literatures (e.g. human resources, psychology, decision making, and human capital).
Non-Muscle Myosin II Mediates Microparticle Release From Endothelial Cells Activated by Antiphospholipid Antibodies,

Abstract 3343 The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA). The majority of pathogenic APLA are actually directed against β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI), an abundant plasma phospholipid binding protein. Microparticles are small phospholipid-rich vesicles that may express tissue factor and are thought to play an important role in thrombosis. Increased release of microparticles may be stimulated by cellular activation or apoptosis, and previous work from our laboratory and others has demonstrated increased levels of circulating microparticles in patients with APS, even far removed from thrombotic events. Though several mechanisms have been proposed for mediating release of microparticles from cells, this process is poorly understood and there is little information available concerning the mechanisms of microparticle release from endothelial cells stimulated by APLA/anti-β2GPI antibodies. To address this issue we assessed the role of non-muscle myosin II motor protein in mediating the release of microparticles from endothelial cells activated by anti-β2GPI antibodies. We observed that incubation of endothelial cells with β2GPI and anti-β2GPI antibodies caused significant increases in the release of microparticles compared to cells treated with β2GPI and control antibodies. Proteomic and biochemical studies demonstrated that anti-β2GPI antibodies caused increased phosphorylation of endothelial cell Myosin II light chain (MLC), an essential step in the activation of Myosin II motor protein. Moreover, examination of endothelial cells stimulated by anti-β2GPI antibodies using confocal microscopy revealed a dramatic increase in the formation of actin-myosin II filaments. To assess the effects of these changes on microparticle release, we inhibited MLC phosphorylation in anti-β2GPI-treated endothelial cells using ML-7, a highly specific inhibitor of MLC. ML-7 caused a significant decrease in the release of microparticles from anti-β2GPI-treated cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that non-muscle myosin II motor protein activation by anti-β2GPI antibodies is necessary for the increased release of microparticles from activated cells. These microparticles may play important roles in the propagation of thrombosis and other clinical sequelae observed in patients with APS. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Forests of east Texas, 2016

This resource update provides an overview of forest resources in east Texas based on an inventory conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program at the Southern Research Station (SRS) in cooperation with Texas A&M Forest Service. The 254 counties of Texas are consolidated into seven FIA survey units--Southeast (unit 1), Northeast (unit 2), North Central (unit 3), South (unit 4), West Central (unit 5), Northwest (unit 6), and West (unit 7). The estimates presented in this update are limited to east Texas, which is made up of units 1 and 2 with a total of 43 counties (fig. 1). Forest resource estimates are based on field data collected using the FIA annualized sample design and are updated yearly (Bechtold and Patterson 2005). The data used in this publication were accessed from the FIA Database on March 23, 2018.
ANALISIS FAKTOR MAKRO YANG MEMPENGARUHI INDEKS HARGA SAHAM GABUNGAN DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA

The existence of capital markets have an important role for the economy of a country because the capital markets as a means for companies to obtain funds from investors (investors) . Th ese funds can be used for business development, expansion, increase working capital and others, in addition to the capital markets a means for people to invest in financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and others. Thus, the public can put its own funds in accordance with the characteristics of the benefits and risks of each instrument. This study aims to determine whether macro factors such as inflation and interest rate of Bank Indonesia (SBI) affect Composite Stock Price Index at the Indonesian Stock Exchange, so that potential investors can take informed decision when going to invest in the stock market. The research data were used adalalah secondary data, the method of data collection methods of documentation, the method of data analysis using multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that simultaneous partial and variable levels of inflation and SBI significant effect on the Indonesia Stock Exchange Composite Index for the period from December 2009 to July 2014 . Keywords: IHSG , Inflation Rate and Interest Rate of Bank Indonesia
Jak Inhibitors Modulate Production of Replication Competent Zika Virus in Human Hofbauer, Trophoblasts, and Neuroblastoma cells

Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a Flavivirus that has been implicated in brain deformations, birth defects, and microcephaly of unborn fetuses and associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Mechanisms responsible for transmission of ZIKV across the placenta to the fetus are incompletely understood. Herein, we define key events modulating infection in clinically relevant cells, including primary placental macrophages (human hofbauer cells; HC), trophoblasts, and neuroblastoma cells. Consistent with previous findings, HC and trophoblasts are permissive to ZIKV infection. Decrease of interferon signaling by Jak 1/2 inhibition (via ruxolitinib) significantly increased ZIKV replicationin HC, trophoblasts, and neuroblasts. Enhanced ZIKV production in ruxolitinib treated HC was associated with increased expression of HLA-DR and DC-SIGN. Nucleoside analogs blocked ruxolitinib-mediated production of extracellular virus. Although low-level ZIKV infection occurred in untreated HC and trophoblasts, the produced virus was incapable of infecting naive Vero cells. These deficient virions from untreated HC present “thin-coats” suggesting immature virion structure. Blocking Jak 1/2 signaling (with ruxolitinib) restored replication competence as virions produced under these conditions confer CPE in naive Vero cells. These data demonstrate that Jak-STAT signaling directly impacts the ability of primary placental cells to produce replication competent virus and is a key gatekeeper in production of mature virions in clinically relevant cells including HC and trophoblasts. Design of targeted agents to prevent ZIKV replication in the placenta should consider Jak 1/2 signaling and the impact of its block on ZIKV infection and subsequent transmission to the fetus.
Distinct cerebellar regions related to motor and cognitive performance in SCA6 patients.

Abstract Objective To demonstrate a correlation between anatomic regional changes in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 6 (SCA6) patients and measures of cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests. Methods Neurocognitive testing was conducted on 24 SCA6 and 28 control subjects. For each cognitive test, SCA6 patients were compared against the controls using Student's t-test. For the cerebellar patients, using voxel based morphometry, correlations between cerebellar gray matter volume at each voxel and performance on the neuropsychological exams were calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient implemented in SPM8. Results Compared to controls, SCA6 patients exhibited significantly impaired performance on the following cognitive tests: Rey-Auditory Verbal Learning Test Trial V, Controlled Oral Word Association phonemic test and semantic-verb test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure copy test as well as immediate and delayed visuo-spatial memory recall test, Trail Making Test (TMT) Part A and Part B, Stroop Color Task completion time, Stroop Color-Word Task score, and Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) Dominant and Non-Dominant Hand time. Correlations of gray matter density with cognitive test performance were determined for all SCA6 subjects. Using a p-value threshold of 0.001 and family-wise small volume error correction, significant correlations were found for GPT Non-Dominant, GPT Dominant, TMT Part A, and TMT Part B. Conclusion Different regional patterns of cerebellar involvement were found for the motoric GPT task and the executive version of the TMT. The results for the GPT strongly indicated that the integrity of medial superior hemispheric regions was associated with motor task performance, whereas executive cognitive function was localized in distinctly different inferior regions. This is the first VBM study to differentiate cognitive and motor contributions of the cerebellum.
The Urban Quality of Life and Entrepreneurship: Past, Present, and Future

Urban spaces are known for their local quality of life, often fostering higher rates of entrepreneurship and innovation. In 2017 more than half of the world population is already considered urban; by 2050 this number is expected to surpass 70%. To face this accelerated growth, current research needs to better understand urban ecosystems to preserve and promote the urban quality of life that fosters local entrepreneurship and innovation. To aid this research goal Pennings original work on urban quality of life and entrepreneurship is revisited and discussed. This review includes five sections: (1) a historically framed theoretical context, (2) a summary of the original paper, (3) an analysis of the original contributions, (4) a suggested future research agenda, and (5) a brief conclusion.
Non–Vitamin K–Dependent Oral Anticoagulants for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With CKD: Pragmatic Considerations for the Clinician

Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a complex conundrum because of higher risks for both thromboembolic and bleeding complications compared to the general population. This makes it particularly important for clinicians to carefully weigh the risks versus benefits of anticoagulation therapy to determine the individualized net clinical benefit for every patient. During the past few years, 4 non–vitamin K–dependent oral anticoagulant (NOAC) agents have supplemented warfarin in the therapeutic armamentarium for the prevention of systemic thromboembolism in nonvalvular AF. However, the use of NOACs in CKD specifically mandates a nuanced understanding due to their varying dependence on renal clearance, with resultant safety implications related to either underdosing (thromboembolism) or excessive drug exposure (bleeding). This pragmatic review highlights unique considerations pertaining to accurate estimation and temporal monitoring of kidney function in the context of NOAC use with specific clinical deliberations and variables when determining whether an NOAC is appropriate for a patient with CKD. The dependence of NOACs on renal clearance and several troubling safety signals in the published literature suggest that it is vital for nephrologists to be active members of a multidisciplinary team caring for these high-risk patients with CKD and AF.
Tense and Context in French

In this article I discuss the tense system of French from a cross-linguistic perspective. Taking the characterization of tense as a point of departure, I consider certain tenses in French. The main thrust of the discussion is semantic and pragmatic. The role of context is a recurrent theme: the interpretation of tense depends crucially on information in context, a point often not sufficiently appreciated for tense. Section 1 gives a general discussion of tense and its properties across languages; Section 2 discusses the atemporal meanings of past tense; Section 3 addresses the question of a Future tense: whether it ever makes sense to posit such a tense, or whether Future always belong to a separate, modal category; Section 4 shows that a tensed clause may have one of three different temporal interpretations, depending on the type of discourse context in which the clause appears; Section 5 concludes.
Ultrasonic Evaluation of Damage in Concrete Bridge Deck Pavements

Interest in repair, maintenance and characterization of infrastructure in the United States has reached unprecedented highs in recent years. The interest in this area is motivated by the aging and associated degradation of our built environment. There is also a perception that the complexity of the problems encountered in this area are a suitable venue for application of new technology from academic and defense related research. However, while applying established technological solutions to the challenges encountered in infrastructure research, basic questions are encountered regarding the nature of the materials used in roads, bridges and other structures. In spite of the enormous experience base with many of the materials used in infrastructure, often the behavior of the materials has only been understood in terms of the gross behavior in large scale measurements. The materials often show a large variation in their properties between samples as well as a large spatial variation in properties in a single sample. Perhaps the most important material, concrete, may also be the most variable material used in infrastructure.
The Impact of the Law of the Sea on Ocean Resource Development and Ocean Resource Technology

Since 1958 there has been a dramatic and continuous change in the International Law of the Sea and in particular the Law of the Sea as it relates to Ocean Resources and Ocean Technology. These changes in the Law of the Sea were based on predictions and mispredictions by technologists as to the future of resource related technology. The author has been involved in this prediction process in public fora since 1958 and in print since 1966. The time scales of these predictions were made in terms of decades and as a result these predictions and those of his colleagues have already come home to roost. Rationalisation now suggests that the technologists of that decade were not altogether wrong even though the legal community seized upon technical mispredictions and misconceptions as the basis for negotiation of substantial elements of the Law of the Sea. At the first annual meeting of the Law of the Sea Institute oceanic technologist Willard Bascomb stated, “I should perhaps note that in our search for underseas minerals we began at the top of the scale with diamonds and then we descended through platinum and gold, tungsten, tin and we are getting down to the lower levels now. I think we may never get down to manganese nodules”. At the second annual conference of the Institute John Mero (he of deep seabed minerals fame) gave equal prominence to ocean thermal energy (and it’s associated artificial upwelling) and the manganese nodules. He predicted economic viability for one or both in from “ten to twenty years” (i.e. 1976–1986). Students of fact and logic will agree that it is correct to say that both Bascomb and Mero were right.
It Just Looks the Same: An Evolutionary Psychological Account of Differences in Racial Cognition Among Infants and Older Humans

Forms of racial cognition begin early: from about 3 months onwards, many human infants prefer to look at own-race faces over other-race faces. What is not yet fully clear is what the psychological mechanisms are that underlie racial thoughts at this early age, and why these mechanisms evolved. In this paper, we propose answers to these questions. Specifically, we use recent experimental data and evolutionary biological insights to argue that early racial cognition is simply the result of a “facial familiarity mechanism”: a mental structure that leads infants to attend to faces that look similar to familiar faces, and which probably has evolved to track potential caregivers. We further argue that this account can be combined with the major existing treatments of the evolution of racial cognition, which apply to (near-) adult humans. The result is a heterogeneous picture of racial thought, according to which early and later racial cognition result from very different psychological mechanisms.
Coupling Natural Hazard Estimates with Road Network Analysis to Assess Vulnerability and Risk: Case Study of Freetown (Sierra Leone)

Many of the world’s most disaster-prone cities are also the most difficult to model and plan. Their high vulnerability to natural hazards is often defined by low levels of economic resources, data ...
Perceptual Training in Drawing Among Students from Two Countries

The purpose of this investigation was to measure and compare the effects of an experimental treatment as a strategy for teaching drawing to students from Jamaica and the United States. A total of 94 students averaging 13.3 years of age with a grade point average of 75.4 participated in this study. Two intact classes were selected from each country. Students from these classes were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control or experimental. Subjects completed a pre- and post-test of a Still-Life Drawing Test and a Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test prior and subsequent to the treatment. The SPSSX statistical package was used to analyze the raw scores generated from the evaluative tests. Findings indicated that the experimental treatment was successful as a teaching strategy for teaching drawing to students from Jamaica and the United States.
Global Competency Development in a Short-Term Study Abroad Program

International field trips help students develop cross-cultural competencies if they are carefully crafted to achieve this goal. This chapter focuses on the challenges of designing and directing a study abroad field trip, combined with a group project based on a visit and interviews at a foreign company. Recommendations and best practices of designing similar student learning experiences are discussed.
Stigmatization by Ridicule: From Dr. Strangelove to Donald Trump

No nuclear-armed states or their closest allies have signed the Nuclear Ban Treaty. These states emphasize that nuclear weapons remain necessary for deterrence purposes, even as many of them also claim to support disarmament in the long run. This inconsistent approach creates an opportunity to stigmatize nuclear deterrence strategy via the use of public ridicule. The chapter examines numerous instances when academics and former policymakers, diplomats, and military leaders have ridiculed nuclear deterrence strategy and/or weapons deployments, often by identifying logical inconsistencies and paradoxes associated with various policies. The conclusion explains that U.S. President Donald Trump’s bellicose nuclear threats create ongoing opportunities for ridicule.
Ultra-small Cd@NiAg and Cr@NiAg nano-clusters with enhanced mixing

Structural, mixing vs segregation, and electronic properties of Cd-doped and Cr-doped ultrasmall NiAg nanoclusters have been analyzed here using first principles density functional theory based electronic structure calculations. The optimized structures of the doped clusters assume a core-shell-like structural pattern, similar to that of the undoped NiAg clusters. Both the dopings induce an enhanced mixing trend keeping intact the core-shell structural pattern of the host NiAg nanoclusters. Between the two types of dopings, the Cr-doping appears more effective for providing enhanced mixing of the NiAg clusters. Enhanced orbital hybridization for the doped NiAg clusters plays an important role in increasing the mixing trend. In the present work, we use a new formulation of mixing energy for such ternary nanoclusters to assess the merit of the doped binary NiAg nanoclusters compared to a similar doping in the associated monometallic nanoclusters of same size. This analysis indicates that the Cd-doping indeed is efficient for enhancing the mixing of the NiAg nanoclusters, while the Cr-doping would be more favorable for the monometallic Ni-cluster compared to the binary NiAg nanocluster of similar size.
Genomics of impulsivity: integrating genes and neuroscience.

The identification of naturally occurring functional genetic variants that modulate impulsivity has enabled better understanding of pathways that lead to impulsivity and of ways the pathways and genes can also influence other behaviors in a pleiotropic fashion. The effects of rare and common variants of MAOA and HTR2B genes are dependent on context. These contexts include stress and endocrine exposures with genotype effect being dependent on the environmental interaction and genetic contexts, with some alleles being present only in particular populations or families.
Broad gene expression throughout the mouse and marmoset brain after intravenous delivery of engineered AAV capsids

Genetic intervention is increasingly explored as a therapeutic option for debilitating disorders of the central nervous system. The safety and efficacy of gene therapies relies upon expressing a transgene in affected cells while minimizing off-target expression. To achieve organ/cell-type specific targeting after intravenous delivery of viral vectors, we employed a Cre-transgenic-based screening platform for fast and efficient capsid selection, paired with sequential engineering of multiple surface-exposed loops. We identified capsid variants that are enriched in the brain and detargeted from the liver in mice. The improved enrichment in the brain extends to non-human primates, enabling robust, non-invasive gene delivery to the marmoset brain following IV administration. Importantly, the capsids identified display non-overlapping cell-type tropisms within the brain, with one exhibiting high specificity to neurons. The ability to cross the blood–brain barrier with cell-type specificity in rodents and non-human primates enables new avenues for basic research and potential therapeutic interventions unattainable with naturally occurring serotypes.
Neuronal immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules in epithelial morphogenesis: insights from Drosophila.

In this review, we address the function of immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs) in epithelia. Work in the Drosophila model system in particular has revealed novel roles for c...
Emergency Endovascular Repair of Symptomatic Post-dissection Thoraco-abdominal Aneurysm Using a Physician Modified Fenestrated Endograft During the Waiting Period for a Manufactured Endograft

Introduction Fenestrated branched endovascular aortic repair with custom manufactured devices (CMDs) has been applied to treat post-dissection thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA), but the long waiting period for device manufacture limits its application in symptomatic or contained ruptured aneurysms. Report A 59 year old female presented with a 7 cm chronic post-dissection extent II TAAA. The patient underwent first stage total arch repair with the elephant trunk technique. At the time of the initial placement of the thoracic stent graft a fenestration was created in the septum to perfuse the right renal artery, which originated from the false lumen. A second stage procedure was planned with a CMD, but the patient presented with severe chest pain and lower extremity weakness, which was attributed to compression of the true lumen below the renal arteries due to increased flow into a pressurised false lumen. The patient underwent successful repair using a physician modified endograft (PMEG) with four fenestrations and preloaded guidewires. Follow up at 21 months showed no complications and a widely patent stent graft. Discussion The Zenith Alpha has several advantages over the TX2 platform for modification, notably lower profile fabric and wider Z tents, which provide greater flexibility for the creation of fenestrations or branches. In this case, the creation of a larger fenestration during the first stage procedure probably contributed to pressurisation of the false lumen. PMEGs remain a valuable option for TAAA repair, including chronic post-dissection aneurysms. Their application is particularly useful in symptomatic patients who are not candidates for an off the shelf endograft and cannot wait for a device to be manufactured.
The Cultural Psychology of Religiosity, Spirituality, and Secularism in Adolescence

Cultural psychology has raised awareness of religiosity, spirituality, and secularism in people's psychological lives. This article takes a cultural-developmental approach by examining the development of religiosity, spirituality, and secularism among culturally diverse adolescents. At the outset, an explanation is provided as to why the valid study of peoples' psychological lives necessitates taking culture into account, and of key implications for theory and methodology. Throughout research on adolescent religiosity, spirituality, and secularism is described, including studies on conceptions of God, afterlife beliefs, the development of an Ethic of Divinity in moral reasoning, recent increases in spirituality and secularism, and the impact of globalization on worldviews and religiously-based puberty rituals. While the focus is on adolescents, the article includes relevant research with children and emerging adults. Concrete future research directions are proposed, including a call to address the extent to which effects of religion on adolescents are dependent on culture and globalization.
Diagnosis of Achilles’ Tendon Rupture during a Virtual Examination

Virtual Diagnosis of Achilles’ Tendon Rupture A 54-year-old man presented for a remote assessment with pain in his left lower leg after feeling a tearing sensation while playing tennis. During the ...
The Euro in Perspective

Looking at the euro from a 20-year perspective, one sees many successes that are consistent with the principles of economic freedom: the emphasis on transparency, the goal of price stability, endorsement of market-based reforms, encouragement of sound budget policy, open capital markets, and improved communication. However, recent deviations from rules-based strategies may have delayed more classical liberal policies. One reason for the deviations may be special circumstances such as the lower bound on interest rates, but in this chapter, international influences are emphasized. While these have provided incentives to adopt policies conducive to economic freedom, they may have led to less rules-based policies and less classical liberalism. This is a reason for a rules-based reform of the international monetary system.
Preschool-Aged Children Jointly Consider Others’ Emotional Expressions and Prior Knowledge to Decide When to Explore

Emotional expressions are abundant in children's lives. What role do they play in children's causal inference and exploration? This study investigates whether preschool-aged children use others' emotional expressions to infer the presence of unknown causal functions and guide their exploration accordingly. Children (age: 3.0-4.9; N = 112, the United States) learned about one salient causal function of a novel toy and then saw an adult play with it. Children explored the toy more when the adult expressed surprise than when she expressed happiness (Experiment 1), but only when the adult already knew about the toy's salient function (Experiment 2). These results suggest that children consider others' knowledge and selectively interpret others' surprise as vicarious prediction error to guide their own exploration.
Spike-and-Slab Group Lasso for Consistent Estimation and Variable Selection in Non-Gaussian Generalized Additive Models.

We study estimation and variable selection in non-Gaussian Bayesian generalized additive models (GAMs) under a spike-and-slab prior for grouped variables. Our framework subsumes GAMs for logistic regression, Poisson regression, negative binomial regression, and gamma regression, and encompasses both canonical and non-canonical link functions. Under mild conditions, we establish posterior contraction rates and model selection consistency when $p \gg n$. For computation, we propose an EM algorithm for obtaining MAP estimates in our model, which is available in the R package sparseGAM. We illustrate our method on both synthetic and real data sets.
Comprehension, Utility, and Acceptability of a Multi-Domain Physical Functioning Report for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients and Their Providers.

Objective Patient-provider discussions about functioning are often outside the scope of usual care for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and tools to facilitate such discussions are lacking. We assessed the comprehension, utility, and acceptability of a novel, individualized functioning report, the purpose of which is to facilitate patient-provider communication about functioning, in a predominantly Black SLE patient population. Methods Individualized reports (including sections with pictorial representations of participants' measured activities of daily living, falls, physical performance, perceived physical functioning, and community mobility from a previous pilot study visit) and surveys were emailed or mailed to 59 SLE patients. Ease of interpretation was dichotomized ("very easy" vs. all other responses). Utility and acceptability were assessed by items relating to usefulness for care planning and comfort with discussing the report. Results Among 47 (79.7%) SLE patients who completed the survey (78.7% Black, 91.5% female, mean age=49.6), reported ease of interpretation ranged from 70.2% to 85.1% across the report sections. Ease of interpretation was lower among those who were older, Black, and female and who had lower cognitive scores (P>0.05 for all). Most reported that physical functioning domains of the report were useful for treatment or other care planning (70.2-80.5%) and that they felt comfortable discussing the report with a healthcare provider (93.2-100%). Conclusion We found that a novel functioning report for SLE patients was associated with high comprehension, utility, and acceptability. Future studies can help determine how an individualized functioning report could improve patient-provider communication in the clinic setting.