cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunizing the social network: Public health and the “troubled teenager” in digital media

In the 1970s and 1980s, public health professionals increasingly focused on the figure of the troubled teenager, who they constructed as at risk of mass-media-provoked suicide contagion. Teenagers’ increased exposure to media today and such attendant problems as cyberbullying and harassment have inspired social media corporations to develop mental health tools meant to arrest the diminution of well-being their sites may create. The chapter argues that such tools naturalize communications media as an entry to mental health practices that view mental health as biological, diminishing attention to promoting social and community structures of care; that they participate in a general biopolitics of slow death, where only certain populations are marked out for intervention and rehabilitation; and that the use of natural language processing and other quantitative methods of analyzing messages on social media imposes biological understandings for mental health onto people’s expressions of frustration with their sociopolitical environment.
Human fatalities caused by venomous animals in Utah, 1900–90

An examination of death certificates at the Utah Bureau of Health Statistics from 1900 through 1990 indicates that Utah has a very low incidence of human fatalities due to venomous bites and stings. During this 91-year period, 20 fatalities were recorded from bee (10) or hornet (1) stings, spider bites 94), and rattlesnake bites (5). There were eight additional fatalities during the early part of this century recorded "insect bite," "apparently insect bite," or "unknown agent poisoning," some of which may have included spiders. No deaths were recorded from Gila monster or scorpion evenomizations, although in 1962 one death in San Juan County was recorded as "venom poisoning, unknown agent, possible scorpion." Utah statistics follow the natural pattern, indicating that bee stings cause more fatalities than spider or rattlesnake bites. Raid deaths (within minutes) occurred in the majority of bee sting fatalities, resulting from allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), whereas protracted death times of days or months, resulting from infection, followed most spider or unknown insect bites. Only two spider bite fatalities occurred 1-3 days, suggesting black widow envenomization. Two of the five fatalities from rattlesnake bite resulted from handling the offending snake, one fatality was recorded as a homicide, and one other envenomization occurred in Arizona, with subsequent death in Utah.
Effect of fiber architecture on the cell functions of electrospun fiber membranes

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of fiber architecture on the cell viability of the electrospun nanofiber (ENF) membrane. Three different ENF membranes (consists of single layer, four layers and six layers of cross-direction ENF layer) were developed and deposited on one side of the acrylic mold. The fibrous side of the mold was placed on the top of a well plate. Mouse osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation on each of the different kinds of membranes were observed using a fluorescent microscope technique. Results shows that the cell adhered and proliferated on each kind of ENF fiber membranes. Tests shows that the designed ENF membrane has no adverse effect on osteoblast cells, fiber attached to the fiber, and strongly dependent on the fiber layer numbers in the membrane.
Preferential interactions promote blind cooperation and informed defection

It is common sense that costs and benefits should be carefully weighed before deciding on a course of action. However, we often disapprove of people who do so, even when their actual decision benefits us. For example, we prefer people who directly agree to do us a favor over those who agree only after securing enough information to ensure that the favor will not be too costly. Why should we care about how people make their decisions, rather than just focus on the decisions themselves? Current models show that punishment of information gathering can be beneficial because it forces blind decisions, which under some circumstances enhances cooperation. Here we show that aversion to information gathering can be beneficial even in the absence of punishment, due to a different mechanism: preferential interactions with reliable partners. In a diverse population where different people have different—and unknown—preferences, those who seek additional information before agreeing to cooperate reveal that their preferences are close to the point where they would choose not to cooperate. Blind cooperators are therefore more likely to keep cooperating even if conditions change, and aversion to information gathering helps to interact preferentially with them. Conversely, blind defectors are more likely to keep defecting in the future, leading to a preference for informed defectors over blind ones. Both mechanisms—punishment to force blind decisions and preferential interactions—give qualitatively different predictions, which may enable experimental tests to disentangle them in real-world situations.
Synergies in alternative food network research: embodiment, diverse economies, and more-than-human food geographies

As ecologically and socially oriented food initiatives proliferate, the significance of these initiatives with respect to conventional food systems remains unclear. This paper addresses the transformative potential of alternative food networks (AFNs) by drawing on insights from recent research on food and embodiment, diverse food economies, and more-than-human food geographies. I identify several synergies between these literatures, including an emphasis on the pedagogic capacities of AFNs; the role of the researcher; and the analytical and political value of using assemblage and actor-network thinking to understand the far-reaching forces and power disparities confronting proponents of more ethical and sustainable food futures.
Thermal conductivity of cold compacted bismuth nanowires

Abstract In contrast to their macroscale counterparts, nanostructures may exhibit a higher thermoelectric figure of merit (performance) due to their enhanced Seebeck coefficient and/or reduced thermal conductivity. Nonetheless, practical use of individual nanostructures in larger scale thermoelectric applications may not be feasible. Instead, the use of compressed materials formed from these nanomaterials may offer unique opportunities. This work explores the effects of anisotropy and particle size and shape on the thermal transport behavior in compressed materials formed from bismuth nanowires. In its bulk and nanoscale forms, bismuth and its alloys are attractive candidates as thermoelectric materials. Free standing bismuth nanowires of two different diameters, 250 nm and 20 nm, were synthesized through a vapor deposition process and compressed into pellets. Bismuth microparticles (mean diameter 100 µm) were also compressed to the same pressures for comparison. The thermal conductivity of individual nanowires with 250 nm diameter was measured to be 6.1 ± 1.2 W/m K. The compressed nanowire pellets were found to be nearly thermally isotropic with thermal conductivity of approximately 1 W/m K. The microparticle pellets showed a higher degree of anisotropy as well as higher thermal conductivity. Results indicate that thermal characteristics are a function of pellet porosity, compression pressure, and the presence of an oxide layer on the particle surface. The increase in pressure initially reduces the porosity (from 100 to 500 MPa but further compression to 3000 MPa does not influence porosity) and enhances the thermal conductivity for the microparticle samples. The results also indicate the surface oxide is breached due to compression. Some anisotropy in thermal properties due to particle shape and the direction of compression was also observed.
Reconfiguring Black Internationalism: English as Foreign Language Teachers of African Descent in South Korea

ABSTRACTBlack internationalism is a framework used to analyze the oppression faced by people of African descent and their collaborative efforts globally, sometimes alongside other people of color, to dismantle white supremacy. Black internationalism, however, is not without its shortcomings, privileging certain intellectuals, locations, and institutions. This article seeks to reconfigure the contours of Black internationalism by focusing on the political activism of English as Foreign Language teachers of African descent in South Korea. I posit that these millennials’ activism, including Black History Month festivals and #BlackLivesMatterKorea, is a result of their racialized socialization. I also emphasize the role of the Facebook group Brothas and Sistas in South Korea (B.S.S.K.) in facilitating the practice of Black internationalism. Additionally, I show how Black American identity comes into sharp relief when refracted through the eyes of Koreans and continental Africans living in South Korea. These e...
A Comparison of Simulated and Field-Derived Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Canopy Height Values from Four Forest Complexes in the Southeastern USA

Vegetative leaf area is a critical input to models that simulate human and ecosystem exposure to atmospheric pollutants. Leaf area index (LAI) can be measured in the field or numerically simulated, but all contain some inherent uncertainty that is passed to the exposure assessments that use them. LAI estimates for minimally managed or natural forest stands can be particularly difficult to develop as a result of interspecies competition, age and spatial distribution. Satellite-based LAI estimates hold promise for retrospective analyses, but we must continue to rely on numerical models for alternative management analysis. Our objective for this study is to calculate and validate LAI estimates generated from the USDA Environmental Policy Impact Climate (EPIC) model (a widely used, field-scale, biogeochemical model) on four forest complexes spanning three physiographic provinces in Virginia and North Carolina. Measurements of forest composition (species and number), LAI, tree diameter, basal area, and canopy height were recorded at each site during the 2002 field season. Calibrated EPIC results show stand-level temporally resolved LAI estimates with R2 values ranging from 0.69 to 0.96, and stand maximum height estimates within 20% of observation. This relatively high level of performance is attributable to EPIC’s approach to the characterization of forest stand biogeochemical budgets, stand history, interspecies competition and species-specific response to local weather conditions. We close by illustrating the extension of this site-level approach to scales that could support regional air quality model simulations.
A Humanistic and Futuristic Approach to Sex Education for Blind Children.

Sex education programs for blind children must take into account the sexual negativism of American culture and work to overcome resistance to the use of touch so necessary to learning by blind chil...
Language and Learning: An Experimental Paradigm

There is no mystery as to how either human beings or lower organisms learn the “meanings” of events (“signals”) which regularly precede other events. The principle here involved is associative learning or “conditioning.” And it is equally understandable how it is that lower animals make certain stereotyped signals (gestural, auditory, visual, olfactory); they do so reflexly, automatically, instinctively, given the appropriate stimulus circumstances. But the signals which human beings most often use are sound-producing responses called words, which are not at all reflexive, but conventional, that is, learned, as a function of the particular system of words, or language, which the infant hears in use around him.
Four Lectures on Random Matrix Theory

It is a great pleasure and honor for me to give these lectures in St. Petersburg. I am also very pleased to be here with so many of my friends. My topic is random matrix theory with an emphasis on the relationship to integrable systems.
Endoscopic techniques for treating gastroesophageal reflux.

Purpose of review Nearly, a third of patients with medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) will desire an additional nonsurgical treatment option. Recently, endoscopic therapy has been reintroduced as a minimally invasive antireflux barrier treatment, after addressing prior efficacy and safety concerns. Over the last two decades, additional experience and new technologies have resulted in devices and protocols with favorable short-term outcomes and safety profiles. The current literature in endoscopic antireflux therapies covers new devices, long-term follow-up data and further safety experience. This review discusses the endoscopic antireflux devices on the market and most recent studies in this area. Recent findings Quality of life and reflux symptom score improvement is observed in 73-90% of patients through a 36-48 month follow-up period, with 41-77% remaining off all reflux medicines. Composite data from several thousand cases indicate a low rate (0.93-2.4%) of serious complications and no late adverse effects, including gas-bloat syndrome. Summary In this review, we describe the four endoscopic antireflux devices on market and summarize the current data in the literature. The short and long-term data demonstrate durable symptom improvement and favorable safety profile. Endoscopic antireflux treatment should be considered in the management of GERD.
Tribal Bonds: Indian Sovereignty and the Tax Legislative Process

In tax law, as elsewhere, the federal government has treated native Americans and their tribal governments ineffectively and inconsistently. Examining the treatment of Indian tribal government under the Internal Revenue Code through the early 1990's demonstrates again their unique position in our federal system. The saga of how these tax laws affected tribal governments, however, also illustrates in dramatic microcosm the relationship between ambiguous statutory language, administrative discretion, and legislative oversight.This article begins by reviewing IRS rulings that preceded any legislative action. Part II explores the forces that produced the Tribal Tax Act of 1982 and analyzes the legislative benefits of a vague statutory standard in connection with a key provision of the legislation, that giving the tribes authority to issue tax-exempt bonds for "essential governmental functions." Part II describes the response of the IRS to this statutory provision. It explains the impact of the tribal governments on the regulatory process and the significance of such participation on administrative discretion. Part IV considers the bond offerings undertaken by the tribes, all but one of which were leveraged buy-outs involving off-reservation businesses, as well as congressional action to halt such offerings and the consequences of the legislative changes. The articles concludes by observing that however one evaluates the result in the tribal bond case, this series of events demonstrates the need for active oversight by members of Congress who wish both to prevent lenient regulations under broad statutory delegations and to avoid costly ex post action, such as passing new legislation.
Interaction of seed dispersal and environmental filtering affects woody encroachment patterns in coastal grassland

Encroachment of woody plants into grasslands has occurred worldwide and includes coastal ecosystems. This conversion process is mediated by seed dispersal patterns, environmental filtering, and biotic interactions. As spatiotemporally heterogeneous, harsh environments, barrier islands present a unique set of challenges for dispersal and establishment. Environmental conditions act as filters on dispersed seeds, thereby influencing encroachment and distribution patterns. Seldom have patterns of propagule dispersal been considered in the context of woody encroachment. We quantified dispersal and post‐dispersal processes of an encroaching woody population of Morella cerifera relative to directional rate of encroachment and observed distribution patterns on an Atlantic coastal barrier island with strong environmental filtering. We analyzed historic foredune elevation as a proxy for reduced interior environmental stress. The dispersal kernel was leptokurtic, a common characteristic of expanding populations, but rate of encroachment has slowed since 2005. Expansion pattern was related to foredune elevation, which limits encroachment below a threshold elevation. This difference between dispersal kernel behavior and encroachment rate is due to limited availability of suitable habitat for Morella and temporal variability in chlorides during the time of germination. Our results demonstrate that processes mediating seeds and seedling success must be accounted for to better understand establishment patterns of encroaching woody plants.
On the origin of Anagyrus callidus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of pink hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Anagyrus callidus Triapitsyn, Andreason & Perring (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), recently described from southern California, USA and Mexico, is a primary parasitoid of the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). This wasp species previously was misidentified as Anagyrus kamali Moursi, which was introduced and released as such in the United States (California and Florida) and Mexico. In this paper, the origin of A. callidus is shown to be from Taiwan, based on differences in the morphology and molecular sequences of voucher specimens of an earlier colony of the misidentified A. kamali from Puerto Rico (released in August 2002 in southern Florida), and specimens that originated in southern Taiwan.
Discovery and Validation of Prediction Algorithms for Psychosis in Youths at Clinical High Risk

Abstract In the past 2 to 3 decades, clinicians have used the clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) paradigm to better understand factors that contribute to the onset of psychotic disorders. While this paradigm is useful to identify individuals at risk, the CHR-P criteria are not sufficient to predict outcomes from the CHR-P population. Because approximately 25% of the CHR-P population will ultimately convert to psychosis, more precise methods of prediction are needed to account for heterogeneity in both risk factors and outcomes in the CHR-P population. To this end, several groups in recent years have used data-driven approaches to refine predictive algorithms to predict both conversion to psychosis and functional outcomes. These models have generally used either clinical and behavioral data, including demographics and measures of symptom severity, neurocognitive functioning, and social functioning, or neuroimaging data, including structural and functional measures, to predict conversion to psychosis in CHR-P samples. This review focuses on the empirical models that have been derived within each of these lines of research and evaluates the performance and methodology of these models. This review also serves to inform best practices for data-driven approaches and directions moving forward to improve our prediction of psychotic disorders and associated outcomes. Because sample size is still the most critical consideration in the current models, we urge that algorithms to predict conversion be conducted using multisite data in order to obtain the power necessary to conclusively determine predictive accuracy without overfitting.
Ultrafast and filament-LIBS

Abstract This chapter provides a brief overview of the physics behind ultrafast laser-induced breakthrough spectrometry (LIBS) generation, emission, and plume fundamentals. A comparison between nanosecond LIBS and ultrafast LIBS is discussed wherever it is appropriate. A discussion of femtosecond laser filament-LIBS and its usefulness for standoff analysis is also given. This chapter culminates with the current status of modeling efforts on ultrafast LIBS plume generation, its expansion, emission features, and future outlook.
CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein-Mediated Genomic Editing in Primary Innate Immune Cells.

Summary CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering can be used to functionally investigate the complex mechanisms of immune system regulation. Decades of work have aimed to genetically reprogram innate immunity, but current approaches are inefficient or nonspecific, limiting their use. Here, we detail an optimized strategy for non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (cRNP) genomic editing of primary innate lymphocytes (ILCs) and myeloid lineage cells, resulting in high-efficiency editing of target gene expression from a single electroporation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Riggan et al. (2020) .
Holistic Multi-timescale Attack Resilient Control Framework for Power Electronics Dominated Grid

Power system is being upgraded by integrating wide-area communication substructures alongside smart devices. This upgrade might jeopardize the resiliency and security of the grid. Malicious activities could take advantage of potential vulnerabilities of the power-electronics-dominated grid (PEDG) and its heterogeneous components, which might lead to large-scale blackouts. The grid’s edge houses numerous distributed resources that could be targeted as manipulation points. Attacks on operating set-points of smart PV inverters (SPVIs) are among the most likely malicious actions. These attacks could cause various issues like voltage fluctuations and frequency instabilities. According to grid integration standards, fluctuations on voltage could push the SPVIs or even the entire grid cluster to go islanded if they are not mitigated in a timely manner. Thus, the grid edge must be equipped with an all-inclusive control approach that alleviates voltage fluctuations within a specified interval. This paper proposes a holistic multi-timescale voltage control framework for dispersed SPVIs at the grid edge. The proposed framework consists of three different tiers with different responsibilities acting on different timescales. By implementing the proposed control framework, the SPVIs will participate in voltage regulation across the grid in occurrence of rapid voltage fluctuations in a sub-second timeframe, while keeping the entire distribution grid at an optimal operating condition in a long term. The proposed control framework is verified via simulation.
Design Expertise in Gaming and Interactive Entertainment Industry Practices

My broad research interest is to study contemporary design thinking, practices, and processes in the gaming and interactive entertainment industry. Designers in the interactive entertainment industry create some of the most engaging and enriching experiences for media users. However, as someone who has worked in the industry, I find that designers do not have enough time to conduct research or reflect over their practice. There is not much research work done that focuses on improving the design expertise or maturity levels of the design thinking, practices, and processes framework. Academic research on the other hand focuses more on theory-building and studying the effects of media interaction. I find that there is a disconnect between designer-studio practices and academic research focus. I wish to bridge this gap through my research work with the objective of building theories grounded in practice. The outcome of my dissertation work will include design frameworks that foster enjoyable experiences for designers and game studios in terms of sustainable processes, designer engagement with the process and effectiveness of the design outcome.
Positron Emission Tomographic Measurement of Bone Marrow Blood Flow to the Pelvis and Lumbar Vertebrae in Young Normal Adults

Ten young normal adults had pelvic and lumbar vertebral body bone marrow blood flow examined using [15O]water and positron emission tomography (PET) in a study designed to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of the PET technique for measuring marrow blood flow to various marrow regions. The procedure was well tolerated. Repeated blood flow measurements obtained from two consecutive [15O]water exams on each individual subject were highly reproducible. In addition, there was minimal variation in marrow blood flow from individual to individual and no gender differences were noted. In contrast, mean +/- SD bone marrow blood flows (expressed as milliliters per minute per 100 g) at selected anatomical sites were significantly different and were as follows: lower lumbar vertebral bodies, 17.6 +/- 3.1; most posterior and superior pelvis (conventional site of percutaneous bone marrow biopsy), 14.3 +/- 3.1; and total superior pelvis, 11.1 +/- 2.0. We conclude that PET is a relatively noninvasive, simple, and reproducible technique for measuring bone marrow blood flow. Marrow blood flow is consistent between normal young subjects, but varies significantly between different anatomic regions of the marrow.
Sensory neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide α regulate adaptive thermogenesis and diet-induced obesity.

Abstract Objectives Heat-sensory neurons from the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) play a pivotal role in detecting the cutaneous temperature and transmission of external signals to the brain, ensuring the maintenance of thermoregulation. However, whether these thermoreceptor neurons contribute to adaptive thermogenesis remains elusive. It is also unknown whether these neurons play a role in obesity and energy metabolism. Methods We used genetic ablation of heat-sensing neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide α (CGRPα) to assess whole-body energy expenditure, weight gain, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity in normal chow and high-fat diet-fed mice. Ex vivo lipolysis and transcriptional characterization were combined with adipose tissue-clearing methods to visualize and probe the role of sensory nerves in adipose tissue. Adaptive thermogenesis was explored using infrared imaging of intrascapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT), tail, and core temperature upon various stimuli including diet, external temperature, and the cooling agent icilin. Results In this report, we show that genetic ablation of heat-sensing CGRPα neurons promotes resistance to weight gain upon high-fat diet (HFD) feeding and increases energy expenditure in mice. Mechanistically, we found that loss of CGRPα-expressing sensory neurons was associated with reduced lipid deposition in adipose tissue, enhanced expression of fatty acid oxidation genes, higher ex vivo lipolysis in primary white adipocytes, and increased mitochondrial respiration from iBAT. Remarkably, mice lacking CGRPα sensory neurons manifested increased tail cutaneous vasoconstriction at room temperature. This exacerbated cold perception was not associated with reduced core temperature, suggesting that heat production and heat conservation mechanisms were engaged. Specific denervation of CGRPα neurons in intrascapular BAT did not contribute to the increased metabolic rate observed upon global sensory denervation. Conclusions Taken together, these findings highlight an important role of cutaneous thermoreceptors in regulating energy metabolism by triggering counter-regulatory responses involving energy dissipation processes including lipid fuel utilization and cutaneous vasodilation.
Using Technology Acceptance Model to Evaluate the Utilization of Kolintang Instruments Application

To preserve traditional Kolintang musical instruments, originating from Minahasa (North Sulawesi, Indonesia), Aplikasi Musik Kolintang was developed and can be run on web browsers and Android-based smartphones with several controllers to attract users’ attention. This study aims to explore the acceptability and utilization of this application, especially the use of a webcam as a sensor for motion detections, and identify the modifications to make for better user experiences. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was adopted to determine user acceptance and behavioral intentions toward the application. The TAM variables used in this study were perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards usage, and behavioral intentions. External variables were also included, namely application design, application design, and expectancy. An online questionnaires-based survey was conducted to collect data from 177 people randomly selected at Universitas Katolik De La Salle Manado. The results suggested that all variables in the proposed framework either directly or indirectly have effects on the overall behavioral intention to use the application as they have statistically significant positive correlations. The respondent propensity to embrace and use the application was high leading to an increase in positive attitude toward usage, which consequently influenced the behavioral intention to use. Several modifications were indeed required to improve the quality of the application and enrich the user experience.
Towards a Dichotomy for Minimally Factorizing the Provenance of Self-Join Free Conjunctive Queries.

We consider the problem of finding the minimal-size factorization of the provenance of self-join-free conjunctive queries, i.e., we want to find an equivalent propositional formula that minimizes the number of variable occurrences. Our work is partly motivated from probabilistic inference where read-once formulas are known to allow exact PTIME solutions and non-read-once formulas allow approximate solutions with an error that depends on the number of repetitions of variables. We embark on the challenge of characterizing the data complexity of this problem and show its connection to the query resilience problem. While the problem is NP-complete in general, we develop an encoding as max-flow problem that is guaranteed to give the exact solution for several queries (and otherwise approximate minimizations). We show that our encoding is guaranteed to return a read-once factorization if it exists. Our problem and approach is a complete solution that naturally recovers exact solutions for all known PTIME cases, as well as identifying additional queries for which the problem can be solved in PTIME.
Charting a Middle Course for Court-Connected Mediation

This article describes two theoretical perspectives about court-connected mediation and sketches an approach to combine the benefits and reduce the risks of both perspectives. One perspective focuses on the fundamental principle that parties should make decisions in mediation voluntarily, without inappropriate pressure. The other perspective, which I call a “liti-mediation perspective,” is grounded in a concern that without court orders, some parties lose valuable opportunities to mediate, and courts spend their limited resources on cases that should appropriately be resolved in mediation. For courts that want to operate a mandatory mediation program, this article outlines some policies that should motivate parties and lawyers to gain the benefits of mediation while protecting parties’ rights to make their own decisions. This intermediate approach is intended to make mediation attractive so that parties and lawyers believe that it satisfies their interests, reducing the need for courts to regulate the process. It outlines possible approaches for educating parties and other stakeholders about mediation, setting the timing of mediation, protecting confidentiality, and promoting productive participation in mediation. This article argues that the key to producing optimal results is using dispute system design techniques that engage all the stakeholder groups to develop policies that advance the interests of all stakeholders in mediation, with a priority on satisfying parties’ interests. It relies on principles expressed in the National Standards for Court-Connected Mediation Programs and the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution’s Resolution on Good Faith Requirements for Mediators and Mediation Advocates in Court-Mandated Mediation Programs.
Functional outcome and quality of life after meningioma surgery: a systematic review.

Assessment of long-term functional outcomes after meningioma surgery is important. We systematically reviewed the literature on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and functional disability (FD) of patients after surgery for intracranial meningiomas. Using PRISMA 2015 guidelines, we screened 289 abstracts and 43 titles were retained for full-paper screening. 15 articles did not present enough data to meet the inclusion criteria and 7 articles failed to assess functional assessment and HrQoL. Twenty-two articles were included in our review. HrQol was assessed in N = 18 publications, most frequently using SF-36 (N = 10), followed by EQ5D-5L (N = 4), EORTC-QLQ (N = 4), and the FACT questionnaire (N = 2). The assessment of FD was reported in N = 11 publications, mostly using the KPS (N = 8). The Barthel index was used in N = 2 publications. Follow-up was reported in N = 12 publications, ranging from 6 months to 9 years. Scientific publications assessing long-term postoperative HrQol and FD in patients undergoing meningioma surgery are scarce and the data are heterogeneously reported, using various scales and follow-up protocols. Efforts should be undertaken to uniformly assess long-term post-operative functional outcomes in meningioma patients.
Laurelin: Java-native ROOT I/O for Apache Spark

Apache Spark[1] is one of the predominant frameworks in the big data space, providing a fully-functional query processing engine, vendor support for hardware accelerators, and performant integrations with scientific computing libraries. One difficulty in adopting conventional big data frameworks to HEP workflows is the lack of support for the ROOT file format in these frameworks. Laurelin[6] implements ROOT I/O with a pure Java library, with no bindings to the C++ ROOT[2] implementation, and is readily installable via standard Java packaging tools. It provides a performant interface enabling Spark to read (and soon write) ROOT TTrees, enabling users to process these data without a pre-processing phase converting to an intermediate format.
Carbon nanotube network and interphase in buckypaper nanocomposites using atomic force microscopy

Abstract The CNT network and interphase in nanocomposites have not been studied quantitatively enough in the literature. The AFM peak force quantitative nanomechanics mapping technique was applied to polymer nanocomposites (PNC) reinforced with 0.5 wt% MWCNT and CNT buckypaper (BP). The DMA, BJH, SEM, and tension stress-strain curves were studied. BP is heterogeneous due to its local porous structure and nonuniform resin impregnation. The Interphase thickness for the CNT network is 26.8 ± 7 and 17.4 ± 5.1 nm in BP PNC and 0.5 wt% MWCNT PNC. The interphase thickness between infiltrated BP and polymer is ∼40 ± 4 nm. The CNT network sizes in BP PNC (108.5 ± 21.3 and 45.4 ± 10.3 nm) are influenced by the size of inter-bundle and intra-bundle pores. The interphase thickness normalized to the CNT network size is at least ∼7 times higher in BP PNC compared to 0.5 wt% MWCNT PNC, confirming pronounced interphase effects in the former. The Kolarik, Quali, and Takayanagi models for nanocomposite moduli were evaluated.
Mobile radio interferometric geodetic systems

The ARIES 9m transportable VLBI station and two large fixed radio antennas have been used to obtain three dimensional positions of eight sites in California. Three of the sites have been occupied by the ARIES station more than once, over periods of one to three years. A significant right lateral horizontal movement of 12-15 cm on a baseline spanning the San Andreas fault was observed, with most of the displacement occurring in 1975. The accuracy in the horizontal components is better than six centimeters and has been demonstrated by comparison with measurements by the National Geodetic Survey.
Five-coordinate compounds…-IV: Synthesis and properties of [o…-OC6H4CHNCH2C(CH3)2NCHC6H4O…-o]VO

Abstract A model compound, [ o …-OC 6 H 4 CHNCH 2 C(CH 3 ) 2 NCHC 6 H 4 O…- o ]VO, has been prepared to test the possible effect of steric hindrance. Only 50 percent condensation of the diamine, H 2 NCH 2 C. (CH 3 ) 2 NH 2 , with acetylacetone was indicated, however, and a five-coordinate complex could not be isolated. The model compound shows no discernable tendency toward adduct formation in benzene, pyridine, or dimethylsulfoxide. Attempts to prepare pyridine adducts were unsuccessful though a pyridine derivative of the parent compound VO(salen) was prepared. Attempts to resolve optical enantiomers of the model compound were unsuccessful. Assuming reasonable values for the heat of adduct formation, calorimetric measurements showed that the formation did not occur.
Multiple model encoding of images

Images are fundamentally inhomogeneous and nonlinear, yet most coding has been based on homogeneous processing using linear techniques. This paper describes our progress to develop a framework for nonlinear, multiscale, inhomogeneous coding, and describe the particular research efforts within the MIT Perceptual Computing Section that are beginning to fill out this framework. >
Identification of multiple proteins that interact with functional regions of the human cardiac alpha-actin promoter.

5' Sequences of the human cardiac alpha-actin gene are involved in the tissue-specific and developmental regulation of the gene. Deletion analyses combined with transient expression experiments in muscle cells have demonstrated three primary regions of functional importance (A. Minty and L. Kedes, Mol. Cell. Biol. 6:2125-2136, 1986; T. Miwa and L. Kedes, Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:2803-2813, 1987), and we have previously demonstrated binding of a protein indistinguishable from serum response factor (SRF) to the most proximal region (T.A. Gustafson, T. Miwa, L.M. Boxer, and L. Kedes, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:4110-4119, 1988). In this report, we examine protein interaction with the remainder of the promoter. Gel shift and footprinting assays revealed that at least seven distinct nuclear proteins interacted with known and putative regulatory regions of the promoter. The transcription factor Sp1 bound to eight sites, as demonstrated by footprinting assays and gel shift analysis with purified Sp1. Purified CCAAT box-binding transcription factor CTF/NF-I and Sp1 were shown to interact with the far-upstream regulatory element at -410, and footprint analysis showed extensive overlap of these two sites. Two unidentified proteins with similar but distinct footprints interacted with the second region of functional importance at -140, which contains the second CArG motif [CC(A + T rich)6GG], and these proteins were shown to be distinct from SRF. SRF was found to bind to the remaining three CArG boxes, two of which were closely interdigitated with Sp1 sites. In addition, CArG box 4 was found to interact with SRF and another distinct protein whose footprint was contained within the SRF-binding site. Sequences surrounding the TATA box were also shown to bind proteins. Sp1 was shown to bind to a site immediately downstream from the TATA box and to a site within the first exon. Thus, each of the three functional upstream regions, as defined by transfection assays, was shown to interact with five factors: Sp1 and CTF/NF-I at the upstream site, two unidentified proteins at the central site, and SRF at the most proximal site. These results suggest that expression of the cardiac actin gene in muscle cells is controlled by complex interactions among multiple upstream and intragenic elements.
On the relationship between high ozone in the rural surface layer and high pressure systems

Abstract The relationship of high ozone (ozone in excess of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards—NAAQS) with high pressure systems was examined using data collected in the summer of 1973, 1974 and 1975. It was found that high surface ozone occurred most often when a high pressure system was near a reporting station. Long periods of high ozone were associated with long-term buildups of high pressure greater than 20 days. High ozone occurred most often on the back side of the high pressure system in air that had large residence times in the system. This suggested that time was required to develop large or critical concentrations of ozone precursors. It was shown that high ozone occurred most often when the high pressure system was in the eastern portions of the United States. The evidence indicated that as the high pressure system moved from west to east, the air in the high had larger concentrations of ozone precursors and destructive agents when it was in the east. This suggested an injection of these constituents in the east. Furthermore, there appeared to be a change in the role of synthesis and destruction of ozone between 1973 and 1974 or 1975.
Crack-growth studies under selected temperature-strain histories

Abstract In many engineering applications, components experience complex temperature-strain histories. The sequence of exposure to temperature and strain, and their respective ranges as a function of time, influence the material behavior. The ensuing crack-nucleation and crack-growth behavior may be different than that predicted based upon simpler tests. A number of temperature-strain histories were considered in this study. Isothermal straining, out-of-phase thermomechanical loading and repeated temperature and strain cycle (termed “repeated cyclic strain aging”) tests were performed on laboratory specimens of 1070 steel (Class U wheel steel). The differences in observed behavior among the three histories were discussed in terms of the crack growth rates. Repeated temperature and strain cycle histories resulted in highest crack growth rates on double-edge notched specimens. The two-bar structure was used to simulate temperature-strain histories typically experienced in service. By considering phase and amplitude changes in the temperatures of both bars, variations of the out-of-phase thermomechanical loading case were examined. The model was employed to understand mechanical strain-temperature variation under localized surface heating conditions.
Tweed microstructures II. In several phases of the Ni-Al system

Abstract In this second in a series of papers on tweed microstructures in phases of the Ni-Al system, we describe the electron microstructure of the 3R and 7R martensites, the γ phase and the newly discovered Ni5Al3 phase in an alloy of average composition 63 at.% Ni-Al. The alloy was subjected to ageing treatments at temperatures ranging from 300 to 850°C for periods of up to 15 days, which resulted in the precipitation of the γ and Ni5Al3 phases from the supersaturated β phase. The metastable Ni2Al phase has also been found to occur, and its effect on the tweed microstructure in the β phase is examined. We conclude that Ni2Al precipitation is not the cause of tweed in β-Ni-Al. The cubic γ phase exhibits a tweed microstructure almost identical to that of the β phase. The tweed microstructures of the tetragonal 3R martensite and orthorbombic Ni5AI3, differ from those of the cubic phases in ways which reflect their different symmetries. These differences provide further clues to the origin of tweed microst...
A mechanisms-based model for dynamic behavior and fracture of geomaterials

Abstract A mechanisms-based fracture model applicable to a broad class of earth and earth-like materials is presented. The key features the model captures are: (1) material anisotropy; (2) rate-sensitive directional fracture; (3) dilatational friction; (4) dynamic overstress in loading extremes, where the rate of supplied energy is not fully compensated by the rate of the energy redistribution and release and, lastly, (5) spatial stochasticity due to material heterogeneity. In comparison with more traditional phenomenological descriptions, the contribution of the proposed approach is the utilization of tensor representation theory; the theory is suitable for converting observed deformation and fracture mechanisms into a precise mathematical description of the material’s behavior.
Electrical resistivity of thin films of potassium at 100°K

The electrical resistivity of thin potassium films at 100°K has been measured as a function of thickness in the range 148–1600 A. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with Fuchs's theoretical predictions in the range 500–1600 A and show that the scattering of the electrons at the film surfaces is completely diffuse. Comparison of experimental and theoretical curves gives a bulk resistivity parameter of 1·85 μΩ-cm, a mean free path of 1180 A, and an electron to atomic density ratio of 1·0. The films were deposited on a Pyrex substrate from a beam of potassium vapor in a vacuum chamber which had a pressure less than 5 × 10−8 mm Hg. The film thickness, in each case, was computed from a known beam intensity, exposure time, and film density. A surface ionization detector was used to calibrate the beam intensity (J1) as a function of effusion oven temperature (T0). The linear plot of log (J1T012) versus T0−1 gave a heat of sublimation for potassium at 450°K of 21·1 kcalmole, in good agreement with Brewer's value of 21·4 kcalmole within our experimental error.
Epidermal structural proteins. I. Isolation and purification of keratohyalin granules of the newborn rat.

Abstract Elucidation of the biosynthetic pathways of epidermal structural proteins depends upon the availability of systems for the study of protein synthesis in keratinizing epithelia and upon knowledge of the structural proteins themselves. The latter problem has been approached by the isolation of the keratohyalin granule fraction from tetraphenylboron-separated newborn rat epidermis. This material which is extractable in the presence of deoxycholate has been purified by differential centrifugation and molecular sieve chromatography. It contains protein as its major component in addition to smaller amounts of hexose, hexosamine and lipid. Antibodies raised to the purified fraction have been localized by indirect immunofluorescence to the keratohyalin granules of the epidermis. Radioactive amino acids are readily incorporated into the proteins of the fraction following intracutaneous injection. Although homogeneous by usual electrophoretic criteria, the purified keratohyalin granules show heterogeneity following electrophoresis in the presence of either sodium dodecylsulfate or various ampholines. Amino acid analyses of the isolated material reveal a high content of glycine and glutamic acid and a low content of histidine and cysteic acid.
Fatigue of glass fiber reinforced injection molded plastics. II: Tensile versus flexural loading

A previous paper reported fatigue data for several glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic materials by measuring their S-N, stress versus number of cycles to fail, behavior. It was demonstrated that both fiber orientation and loading mode, tensile versus flexural, strongly influence the resultant S-N data. The orientation effects are considered real, reflecting the local fiber orientation distributions in the samples, which are determined by geometry, processing and material variables. However, the higher fatigue lives observed in flexural loading are considered an artifact. Specifically for this class of materials, it is concluded that the use of linear elastic beam bending theory equations to calculate bending stresses are inappropriate. It is shown that a plasticity-based correction factor makes the flexural S-N data equivalent to the tensile results. In fact this correction applies equally well to monotonic loading, not just fatigue. Although it is concluded that tensile loading is preferred, some cases where flexural loading may be advantageous are indicated. Polym. Compos. 25:569–576, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Pyridone Methylsulfone Hydroxamate LpxC Inhibitors for the Treatment of Serious Gram-Negative Infections

The synthesis and biological activity of a new series of LpxC inhibitors represented by pyridone methylsulfone hydroxamate 2a is presented. Members of this series have improved solubility and free fraction when compared to compounds in the previously described biphenyl methylsulfone hydroxamate series, and they maintain superior Gram-negative antibacterial activity to comparator agents.