cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
X-ray scattering studies of polymeric zirconium species in aqueous xerogels

Abstract X-ray scattering in the small angle range was used to investigate the structure and size of the polymeric species present in zirconium acetate (ZrAc)-based gel powders (GP) and thin films (TF). The formation of amorphous zirconia aggregates/linear polymers was studied by measuring their gyration radii and their correlation and hydrodynamic lengths via Guinier, `longrods', Zimm and Porod plots. Scattering data obtained in this investigation suggest that both amorphous ZrAc-based GP and TF contain `tetrameric' units, arranged in a cylindrical fashion, that polymerize upon thermal treatment. Housdorff fractal dimensionality, D , of amorphous zirconia GP ( D ∼2.25) and TF ( D ∼2.5) indicates a diffusion-limited aggregation mechanism. Tricyclic cluster aggregates (Porod D ∼1.85) with a M w ∼12 000 were found within amorphous ZrAc-based GP. This structure is preserved over the entire curing range. In contrast, a linear polymeric chain (Porod D ∼1.52), with a M w ∼20 000 below 165 °C and ∼13 000 at higher temperatures, was suggested for amorphous ZrAc-based TF.
Fabrication and mechanical properties of pressureless melt infiltrated magnesium alloy composites reinforced with TiC and Ti2AlC particles

Abstract Herein we report on the fabrication and mechanical properties of Mg composites fabricated by pressureless melt infiltration of Mg and Mg alloys into porous preforms of TiC and Ti 2 AlC. The latter is a member of the MAX phases – viz. layered, machinable, ternary carbides and nitrides – some of which are relatively light and stiff. In this study, pure Mg and three, commercially available, aluminum-containing Mg alloys – AZ31, AZ61 and AZ91 – were used as matrices at a loading of ≈50 vol%. For the most part, increasing the Al content enhanced the elastic moduli, Vickers hardness values and yield and ultimate compressive strengths. Reducing the particle sizes of the TiC and Ti 2 AlC particulate reinforcements also had a large impact on the mechanical properties. At 1028±5 MPa, the ultimate compressive strength of a TiC–AZ61 composite, in which the TiC particle size distribution is Lorentzian and centered at, d c =0.41±0.01 µm, was ≈40% higher than that of the same composite with coarser TiC particles with a bimodal size distribution centered around d c =1.6±0.1 µm, and 5.8±0.3 µm. In addition, the elastic modulus and Vickers hardness of the former composite were measured to be 174±5 GPa and 3.4±0.3 GPa, respectively. For the Ti 2 AlC reinforced composites, the best properties were obtained when AZ61 was reinforced with Ti 2 AlC particles with d c =0.51±0.01 µm. The enhancements in elastic and mechanical properties are attributed to the presence of a strong interface mediated by the presence of Al in the matrix, finer reinforcement particle sizes and finer grained Mg-matrices. The Ti 2 AlC composites are slightly lighter and can be fabricated at lower temperature than comparable TiC composites; the former are also readily machinable but more expensive.
Explaining crossover and superiority as left-to-right evaluation

We present a general theory of scope and binding in which both crossover and superiority violations are ruled out by one key assumption: that natural language expressions are normally evaluated (processed) from left to right. Our theory is an extension of Shan’s (2002) account of multiple-wh questions, combining continuations (Barker, 2002) and dynamic type-shifting. Like other continuation-based analyses, but unlike most other treatments of crossover or superiority, our analysis is directly compositional (in the sense of, e.g., Jacobson, 1999). In particular, it does not postulate a level of Logical Form or any other representation distinct from surface syntax. One advantage of using continuations is that they are the standard tool for modeling order-of-evaluation in programming languages. This provides us with a natural and independently motivated characterization of what it means to evaluate expressions from left to right. We give a combinatory categorial grammar that models the syntax and the semantics of quantifier scope and wh-question formation. It allows quantificational binding but not crossover, in-situ wh but not superiority violations. In addition, the analysis automatically accounts for a variety of sentence types involving binding in the presence of pied piping, including reconstruction cases such as Whose criticism of his i mother did each person i resent?
Spin and magnetic field effects in organic semiconductor devices

The authors describe three spin and magnetic field effects in organic semiconductor devices: First, injection, transport and detection of spin-polarised carriers using an organic semiconductor as the spacer layer in a spin-valve structure, yielding low-temperature giant magnetoresistance effects as large as 40%. Secondly, spin-dependent exciton formation: pairs of electrons and holes show different reaction rates (the reaction products being spin singlet or triplet excitons, respectively) dependent on whether they recombine in spin-parallel or spin-antiparallel orientation. It is believed that this effect ultimately determines the maximum possible electroluminescent efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). And, finally, a large magnetoresistance (MR) effect in OLEDs in weak magnetic fields that reaches up to 10% at fields of 10 mT at room temperature. Negative MR is usually observed, but positive MR can also be achieved under certain operation conditions. The authors present an extensive experimental characterisation of this effect in both polymer and small molecular OLEDs. The last two effects do not, to the authors' best knowledge, occur in inorganic semiconductor devices and are therefore related to the peculiarities of organic semiconductor physics. The authors discuss their findings, contrasting organic and inorganic semiconductor physics, respectively.
Model selection for forecasting

This paper presents empirical comparisons of forecast accuracy resulting from variety of model selection procedures. Models of monthly sales of residential electricity are estimated, and used to forecast three years into the future for twenty states in the U.S. Models are selected by a variety of complexity criteria and by upward and downward F-tests at various significance levels. Forecast accuracy was measured by one-step and multistep conditional root-mean-square forecast errors. Overall the selection criteria which most heavily penalized overparametrized models performed best: the Schwarz criterion and 1% size sequential F-testing.
Biochemical and EPR probes for structure-function studies of iron sulfur centers of succinate dehydrogenase.

Since the discovery of succinate dehydrogenase, this enzyme has remained as one of the, if not the, most colorful enzymes essential for mitochondrial electron transport. Perhaps because it is tenaciously attached to the membrane and “uniquely” reacts with electron acceptors, reports on the serious attempts of its solubilization did not appear until 1955. It is true that Tsou in 1950 definitively established the non-identity of succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome b in the respiratory chain (1); this establishment dispersed and clarified a major confusion which otherwise might have hindered progress further. Nonetheless, even today the structure-function relationship of succinate dehydrogenase is still largely unknown. This paper will briefly review our work on a specific facet of the dehydrogenase, i. e. the iron-sulfur centers by biochemical and EPR studies.
Continental Magmatic Arcs

In this chapter the Nd isotopic data on continental igneous rocks are examined with emphasis on the implications for petrogenesis. The interpretations are based mainly on two concepts. One is a general model of isotopic variations of Nd and Sr in the crust and mantle, and the other is the systematics of mixing between the products of the different magma sources in the crust and mantle.
Finite plane strain deformations of rubberlike materials

A finite element program capable of analysing finite plane strain deformations of incompressible rubberlike (Mooney–Rivlin) materials has been developed. Two problems, namely a long wall loaded uniformly in two directions and a thick-wall cylindrical pressure vessel loaded internally, have been solved. The computed values of displacements, strains, stresses and hydrostatic pressure agree very closely with their values obtained analytically.
Multicultural Counseling as the "Fourth Force" A Call to Arms

Recent contributors to the multicultural counseling debate seem to suggest that multicultural counseling has almost attained the status of a new paradigm, a new theory. This article examines the field of multicultural counseling as a new paradigm in counseling theory and suggests that although there has been a heightened awareness in multicultural counseling theory, the need to recognize the cultural and political context of human development in clinical practice has been very slow. It is argued that the progress made seems to be only in theory and research and that as scientist-practitioners, we need to work hard at supporting competent practice. A call is made to the profession for action.
Epicardial Cardiac Rhythm Devices for Dialysis Patients: Minimizing the Risk of Infection and Preserving Central Veins

Transvenous leads of cardiac rhythm devices (CRDs) are known to cause central stenosis and are vulnerable to contamination during hemodialysis access-related bacteremia. In this retrospective study, nine consecutive chronic hemodialysis patients with transvenous CRD infection due to dialysis access-related bacteremia and recurrent central stenosis are presented. Four patients with tunneled hemodialysis catheters (TDCs) and three with arteriovenous grafts experienced access-related bacteremia that spread to the transvenous CRD. Two patients required repeated angioplasty procedures (less than 3 months apart) for central venous stenosis. Transvenous CRD was removed and replaced with an epicardial system in all. One patient with TDC switched to peritoneal dialysis and did not experience infection of the epicardial system despite two episodes of peritonitis. The remaining TDC (n =3 ) and graft patients (n = 3) received a new TDC after the resolution of bacteremia. While all six experienced on average 1.5 episodes of catheter-related bacteremia (average follow-up = 14.5 months), none developed infection of the epicardial system. The patients with central stenosis have required only one angioplasty each for the past 8 and 6 months. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to suggest that an epicardial approach might be a preferred method over transvenous leads for chronic hemodialysis patients.
An Integrated Approach to Evaluating Risk Mitigation Measures for UAV Operational Concepts in the NAS

*† An integrated approach is outlined in this paper to evaluate risks posed by operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the National Airspace System. The approach supports the systematic evaluation of potential risk mitigation measures recognizing key issues in creation of regulatory and safety policy, including public perception and UAV market forces. Risk mitigation measures are examined for two example concepts of operation: High Altitude Long Endurance UAV and small, local UAV operations. Primary hazards of ground impact and midair collision are considered. The examples illustrate three major areas of risk mitigation: exposure, recovery, and effects mitigation. The different mitigation possibilities raise key issues on how to determine appropriate UAV policies to ensure that an acceptable level of safety is achieved.
Carnegie Mellon's software development studio: a five year retrospective

The Software Development Studio is the centerpiece of Carnegie Mellon's Master of Software Engineering Curriculum. It represents 40 per cent of the course units students spend in the program. The Studio has continuously evolved since its prototype in the spring and summer of 1990. The lessons learned about organization, projects, and other issues are the subject of the paper. The use of a well established development process, a matrix organization, and one on one mentoring give the highest return on investment. This is being written as the seventh class of students prepare to enter the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Master of Software Engineering (MSE) Program. The program is a joint effort of the School of Computer Science and the Software Engineering Institute at CMU. The curriculum for the MSE has continuously evolved since its inception, though there have been no major changes for two years. The concept based core curriculum, representing 30 per cent of the units required for the degree, is documented by D. Garlan et al. (1995). The prototype offering of the Studio course, 40 per cent of the units students take, is described by J.E. Tomayko (1991). The paper presents the lessons learned in the five 16 month Studio offerings since then. Twelve projects, some of which were continuations of previous projects, staffed by just under 70 students, form the database from which the information presented is drawn.
Is Theistic Experience Phenomenologically Possible

William Forgie's negative conclusion concerning the possibility of theistic experience in particular turns on a sophisticated, if idiosyncratic, phenomenology of experience in general. Forgie introduces us to his position by having us imagine two people, Tim and Tom Tibbetts. He then asks us to suppose that Tim and Tom are identical twins who live next door. Imagine that looking over the fence one fine sunny day you have what you take to be a veridical visual experience of someone who looks like one of the Tibbetts. If you were required to rely solely on the content of your experience, says Forgie, and not on any extra-experiential information to which you may be privy (e.g. you know Tom is away at aunt Millie's), there would be no way to identify the object of your experience as Tim, rather than Tom, Tibbetts. An experience of one would be phenomenologically indistinguishable from an experience of the other and there would be, therefore, nothing in the experience itself which guarantees that it's Tim, rather than Tom.
Natal teeth, patent ductus arteriosus and intestinal pseudo-obstruction: a lethal syndrome in the newborn.

Two male siblings with natal teeth, patent ductus arteriosus and intestinal pseudo-obstruction have been observed. This may be a new X-linked recessive lethal syndrome.
In vivo hydrolysis of S-adenosylmethionine induces the met regulon of Escherichia coli

Regulation of methionine biosynthesis in Escherichia coli involves a complex of the MetJ aporepressor protein and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) repressing expression of most genes in the met regulon. To test the role of SAM in the regulation of met genes directly, SAM pools were depleted by the in vivo expression of the cloned plasmid vector-based coliphage T3 SAM hydrolase (SAMase) gene. Cultures with in vivo SAMase activity were assayed for expression of the metA, B, C, E, F, H, J, K and R genes in cells grown in methionine-rich complete media as well as in defined media with and without l-methionine. In vivo SAMase activity dramatically induced expression between 11- and nearly 1000-fold depending on the gene assayed for all but metJ and metH, and these genes were induced over twofold. metJ : : Tn5 (aporepressor defective) and metK : : Tn5 (SAM synthetase impaired; produces <5 % of wild-type SAM) strains containing in vivo SAMase activity produced even higher met gene activity than that seen in comparably prepared cells with wild-type genes for all but metJ in a MetJ-deficient background. The SAMase-mediated hyperinduction of metH in wild-type cells and of the met genes assayed in metJ : : Tn5 and metK : : Tn5 cells provokes questions about how other elements such as the MetR activator protein or factors beyond the met regulon itself might be involved in the regulation of genes responsible for methionine biosynthesis.
Maintaining an autonomous agent's position in a moving formation with range-only measurements

Using concepts from switched adaptive control theory, a provably correct solution is given to the problem of maintaining the position of a point modelled mobile autonomous agent in a moving formation in the plane using only range measurements to three of its neighbors. The performance of the resulting system degrades gracefully in the face of measurement and miss-alignment errors, provided the measurement errors are not too large.
Vapor pressures: Unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons

Vapor-pressure data available in the literature for olefins, diolefins, and acetylenes have been used to establish the constants of the Frost-Kalkwarf equation (9). This equation requires the establishment of constants A, B, C, and D and defines accurately the vapor-pressure function ever the complete range included between the triple point and the critical point. Constant D has been shown to be equal to a/2.303R2. Both van der Waals' constants can be predicted from the molecular structure (33), thus enabling the calculation of the critical temperatures and pressures for these unsaturated hydrocarbons. Constant B has been found also to depend on the molecular structure of these hydrocarbons. The normal boiling point of an aliphatic hydrocarbon in conjuction with its critical point and the values B and D calculated from structural considerations permit the calculation of constants A and C. All four vapor pressure constants were calculated for twenty-seven monoolefins, nine diolefine, and five acetylenes for which reliable vapor-pressure data are presented in the literature. Comparisons between calculated values and values reported in the literature produced an average percentage deviation of 0.63 for the monoolefins, 2.65 for the diolefins, and 1.13 for the acetylenes. For the forty-one unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons considered in this investigation the average deviation was 1.14% for the randomly selected points of comparison.
Visualizing intersecting surfaces with nested-surface techniques

This paper describes the adaptation and evaluation of existing nested-surface visualization techniques for the problem of displaying intersecting surfaces. For this work, we collaborated with a neurosurgeon who is comparing multiple tumor segmentations with the goal of increasing the segmentation accuracy and reliability. A second collaborator, a physicist, aims to validate geometric models of specimens against atomic-force microscope images of actual specimens. These collaborators are interested in comparing both surface shape and inter-surface distances. Many commonly employed techniques for visually comparing multiple surfaces (side-by-side, wireframe, colormaps, uniform translucence) do not simultaneously convey inter-surface distance and the shapes of two or more surfaces. This paper describes a simple geometric partitioning of intersecting surfaces that enables the application of existing nested-surface techniques, such as texture-modulated translucent rendering of exteriors, to a broader range of visualization problems. Three user studies investigate the performance of existing techniques and a new shadow-casting glyph technique. The results of the first user study show that texture glyphs on partitioned, intersecting surfaces can convey inter-surface distance better than directly mapping distance to a red-gray-blue color scale on a single surface. The results of the second study show similar results for conveying local surface orientation. The results of the third user study show that adding cast shadows to texture glyphs can increase the understanding of inter-surface distance in static images, but can be overpowered by the shape cues from a simple rocking motion.
Managing climate change in cities: Will climate action plans work?

Abstract Since the mid-20th century, most large cities of the United States have been warming at more than twice the rate of the planet as a whole. While many municipal and state governments have developed climate action plans designed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, rising concentrations of greenhouse gases typically are not the strongest driver of warming in cities. Our purpose is to evaluate the likely effectiveness of municipal and state level climate action plans in slowing the pace of warming in the most populous U.S. cities over the near-to-medium term. We employ time-series temperature trend analyses to differentiate global from local-scale climate change mechanisms in large U.S. cities between 1961 and 2010. We then review all climate action plans developed at the municipal or state level in the 50 most populous metropolitan regions to identify the various emissions control and heat management strategies incorporated into these plans. The results of our assessment suggest that the climate change management policies adopted through municipal and state climate action plans may fail to adequately protect human health and welfare from rapidly rising temperatures. Based on our review, we recommend that municipal and state governments broaden climate action plans to include heat management strategies in addition to greenhouse gas emissions controls.
Symmetric and asymmetric perturbations of the index of refraction in three-waveguide optical planar couplers

A study is presented on the behavior of modes propagating in three coupled, dielectric slab waveguides with a perturbation to the index of refraction. In an electro-optic crystal, an applied electric field changes the index of refraction. A voltage applied to a given electrode configuration generates the electric field. For various initial excitations of the three guides, the optical power in each waveguide is calculated as a function of the voltage applied to the electrodes. The amount of optical power coupled from one outside waveguide to the other is calculated as a function of the applied voltage. The calculation is done for both asymmetric and symmetric perturbations to the index of refraction. For an initial excitation of the center waveguide, the optical power coupled to the two outside waveguides is calculated as a function of the applied voltage. It is calculated for both asymmetric and symmetric perturbations of the index of refraction. It is shown that, in general, the applied voltage that is necessary to transfer optical power from one outside waveguide to the other is lower for an asymmetric perturbation of the index of refraction. However, for transfer of optical power from the center waveguide to the two outside waveguides, the necessary applied voltage is lower for a symmetric perturbation.
Predictive networks: a flexible, open source, web application for integration and analysis of human gene networks

Genomics provided us with an unprecedented quantity of data on the genes that are activated or repressed in a wide range of phenotypes. We have increasingly come to recognize that defining the networks and pathways underlying these phenotypes requires both the integration of multiple data types and the development of advanced computational methods to infer relationships between the genes and to estimate the predictive power of the networks through which they interact. To address these issues we have developed Predictive Networks (PN), a flexible, open-source, web-based application and data services framework that enables the integration, navigation, visualization and analysis of gene interaction networks. The primary goal of PN is to allow biomedical researchers to evaluate experimentally derived gene lists in the context of large-scale gene interaction networks. The PN analytical pipeline involves two key steps. The first is the collection of a comprehensive set of known gene interactions derived from a variety of publicly available sources. The second is to use these ‘known’ interactions together with gene expression data to infer robust gene networks. The PN web application is accessible from http://predictivenetworks.org. The PN code base is freely available at https:// sourceforge.net/projects/predictivenets/.
Quantitative analysis of the electroencephalogram during cranial electrotherapy stimulation.

Objective: Normal individuals were used to quantitate electroencephalographic (EEG) changes during concurrent administration of 0.5 and 100 Hz cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). Methods: Twelve normal, right-handed males were used in a randomized, double-blind crossover design study. A 3 amplifier system incorporating noise-cancellation was used to collect one channel of EEG (O1-Cz configuration) for 30 min. Either 0.5, 100 Hz, or sham CES treatment was administered for 20 min of each session. Statistical analyses were applied to time- and frequency-domain EEG variables. Results: Relative to sham control, 0.5 and 100 Hz CES caused the alpha band mean frequency to shift downward. Additionally, 100 Hz CES also caused a decrease of the alpha band median frequency and beta band power fraction. Conclusions: Both 0.5 and 100 Hz CES provide frequency distribution shifts that suggest beneficial changes in mental state. However, compared to 0.5 Hz CES, 100 Hz CES effected a greater overall change. It is suggested that similar tests be performed on individuals with various behavioral and neurological disorders to determine if comparable EEG changes can be realized and correlated with beneficial effects of CES therapy. q 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Extraction of coherent structures in a rotating turbulent flow experiment.

The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and discrete wavelet packet transform (DWPT) are used to extract and study the dynamics of coherent structures in a turbulent rotating fluid. Three-dimensional turbulence is generated by strong pumping through tubes at the bottom of a rotating tank ($48.4\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{cm}$ high, $39.4\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{cm}$ diameter). This flow evolves toward two-dimensional (2D) turbulence with increasing height in the tank. Particle image velocimetry measurements on the quasi-2D flow reveal many long-lived coherent vortices with a wide range of sizes. The vorticity field exhibits vortex creation, merger, scattering, and destruction. We separate the flow into a low-entropy ``coherent'' and a high-entropy ``incoherent'' component by thresholding the coefficients of the DWT and DWPT of the vorticity field. Similar thresholdings using the Fourier transform and JPEG compression together with the Okubo-Weiss criterion are also tested for comparison. We find that the DWT and DWPT yield similar results and are much more efficient at representing the total flow than a Fourier-based method. Only about 3% of the large-amplitude coefficients of the DWT and DWPT are necessary to represent the coherent component and preserve the vorticity probability distribution function (PDF), transport properties, and spatial and temporal correlations. The remaining small-amplitude coefficients represent the incoherent component, which has near Gaussian vorticity PDF, contains no coherent structures, rapidly loses correlation in time, and does not contribute significantly to the transport properties of the flow. This suggests that one can describe and simulate such turbulent flow using a relatively small number of wavelet or wavelet packet modes.
Evolution of Corporate Criminal Liability: Implications for Managers

Until recently, most managers of publicly held corporations had little reason to worry about corporate criminal liability. Times have changed. Criminal activity puts public corporations at greater peril than previously. State and federal prosecutors are more willing to proceed against publicly held firms and their managers. Convicted corporations now face onerous criminal fines and civil penalties as well as intrusive government oversight and other nonmonetary sanctions. Managers also now are more responsible for the fate of their companies should a crime occur. In contrast to the traditional approach to corporate criminal liability - under which there was little managers could do to avoid a conviction or reduce the sanction once a crime was detected - under the modern approach, managers can take actions that fully or partially insulate a company from criminal liability for its employees' wrongs. Managers can protect their firms by responding proactively with programs designed to deter crime. Managers of publicly held firms must understand the changing landscape of federal criminal law if they are to successfully respond to the challenges presented by potential wrongdoing by managers and other employees. This chapter discusses how managers can best respond to the evolving practice of corporate criminal liability. It highlights measures that managers can take to deter crime; it also discusses what managers can do to reduce potential sanctions for any crimes that are committed. Finally, the chapter discusses problems with the current system and pitfalls that arise for managers attempting to promote good corporate compliance.
“An Uncommonly Silly Law” — Contraception and Disparities in the United States

Today, conservative social mores are putting U.S. women's access to safe, affordable contraception at risk. But legal threats to women's reproductive health are not new. In 1965, the Supreme Court overturned a Connecticut law that criminalized the use of birth control.
Cluster Plasmonics: Dielectric and Shape Effects on DNA-Stabilized Silver Clusters.

This work investigates the effects of dielectric environment and cluster shape on electronic excitations of fluorescent DNA-stabilized silver clusters, AgN–DNA. We first establish that the longitudinal plasmon wavelengths predicted by classical Mie-Gans (MG) theory agree with previous quantum calculations for excitation wavelengths of linear silver atom chains, even for clusters of just a few atoms. Application of MG theory to AgN–DNA with 400–850 nm cluster excitation wavelengths indicates that these clusters are characterized by a collective excitation process and suggests effective cluster thicknesses of ∼2 silver atoms and aspect ratios of 1.5 to 5. To investigate sensitivity to the surrounding medium, we measure the wavelength shifts produced by addition of glycerol. These are smaller than reported for much larger gold nanoparticles but easily detectable due to narrower line widths, suggesting that AgN–DNA may have potential for fluorescence-reported changes in dielectric environment at length scales...
Multiple Shooting Technique for Optimal Control Problems with Application to Power Aware Networks

Abstract This paper presents a shooting method for a class of optimal control problems where the input u(t) is expressed analytically in terms of its associated state x(t) and costate (adjoint) p(t) along the optimal trajectory. The problem is formulated in terms of computing the initial costate that drives the final costate to a prescribed value. We solve this problem by a combination of gradient descent and multiple shooting. The proposed technique is applied to a power-aware problem of co-optimizing motion and transmission power in networks of mobile agents, and fast convergence is discerned from simulation of a fifty-agent system.
Teaching Volunteers of a Crisis Phone Service to Respond Therapeutically To Callers With Sex Problems

AbstractThe anonymity of the telephone encourages many to call who would otherwise not come for help. The tentative nature of their reaching out makes it especially important that the volunteers working on the crisis phone service respond as therapeutically as possible.Three major areas are involved in preparing the volunteer group: non-judgemental response to sexual behaviors and concerns, even when at variance with expected norms: awareness of the dynamics that prompt variations of sexual behaviors; techniques of intervention.Of special note is the problem of the person who phones to masturbate while talking with the volunteer.The telephone crisis line can be a helpful adjunct in the fields of both sex education and sex therapy. For this to be the case, however, the individuals who respond to the callers with sex problems, need to be carefully selected, rigorously trained, and appropriately supervised and sustained. Particularly in the instance of contact with the telephone masturbator, the volunteers n...
Dynamic analysis of a semisubmersible-type bucket-ladder dredge

A semisubmersible-type bucket ladder dredge is a candidate to satisfy the need of the Indonesian tin mining company, PT Timah, to recover tin deposits in water depths of 50 m and deeper. Their current vessel is a barge-type bucket ladder dredge capable of operating in depths shallower than only 30 m. In order to evaluate the dredging capabiilty in 50 m water depth, a dynamic analysis of both semisubmersible-type and barge-type bucket ladder dredges was conducted. The vessel was designed by modifying an existing semisubmersible platform used in the oil and gas industry, while the barge-type used is a conventional bucket ladder dredge. Hydrodynamic coefficients, wave forces, and response amplitude operators (RAOs) of both vessels were computed by using the 3D linear diffraction-radiation software WAMIT. The response spectra of the vessels were obtained in head, quarter, and beam seas of sea state 4. The effect of mooring stiffness was also investigated. Besides modeling the system with low stiffness, such as a catenary mooring, the dynamic analysis was also conducted for the free-floating condition. Finally, the motion performance for the two vessels was compared for various sea conditions, and it is shown that the semisubmersible-type bucket ladder dredge performs better with smaller responses in the selected sea conditions expected in water depths greater than 50 m.
Identification of distributed parameter systems by stochastic approximation

Stochastic approximation schemes are applied to the identification of linear distributed parameter systems. The dependent function is assumed piecewise continuous and is approximated by a finite number of functions chosen from a "complete" system of orthonormal functions. It is also assumed that noisy measurements of the function are available at random points in space and time. Therefore, the identification is performed off-line. The constant parameters multiplying the approximating functions are obtained sequentially by stochastic approximation algorithms that minimize a mean-square error performance criterion.
The effects of body-borne loads and cadence manipulation on patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint kinetics during running

Understanding how body-borne mass influences knee loads during running and how to modulate these knee loads may assist efforts to reduce the high rate of knee injuries in military populations. We tested a) the extent a 15-kg body-borne load affects peak and cumulative patellofemoral (PFJ) and tibiofemoral (TFJ) contact forces during running and b) if a 7.5% increase in running cadence modulates these contact forces. Compared with unloaded running, the body-borne load increased peak PFJ contact force (+0.2 body weights; p=0.001) and PFJ impulse (+32 body weights per km; p<0.001). Additionally, greater peak total TFJ contact force (+0.5 body weights; p<0.001) and greater peak medial TFJ contact force (+0.4 body weights; p=0.002) resulted with the added load. Similarly, 85 additional body weights of total TFJ impulse per km (p<0.001) and 65 additional body weights of medial TFJ impulse per km (p<0.001) were noted with the added load. The higher cadence condition reduced peak PFJ force (-0.5 body weights, p<0.001) and PFJ impulse per km (-15 body weights per km, p<0.016). Reduced peak total and peak medial TFJ contact forces (-0.8 body weights, p<0.001; -0.5 body weights, p<0.001, respectively) were also found with higher cadence, while reduced total TFJ and medial TFJ impulse per km (-18.5 body weights per km, p<0.001; -12.2 body weights per km, p<0.001, respectively) were observed. Thus, running with increased cadence eliminated increased knee loads per step but only partially reduced the greater cumulative knee loads per km that resulted with an added 15-kg body-borne load.
Nostro Mundo: espacios extraordinarios en la poesía de Néstor Perlongher

This essay examines the role played by what I call a queer exoticism in the poetry of Nestor Perlongher. This queer exoticism derives from a poetic search for strange, unfamiliar spaces with the potentiality to harbor or give rise to alternative sociabilities. Drawing on Jose Munoz's notion of a queer utopianism and Sylvia Molloy's explorations of a queer Orientalism, I analyze Perlongher's poetry from his participation in the magazine Somos , published by the Argentine Frente de Liberacion Homosexual in the early 1970s, to his Neo-Baroque --or "Neobarroso"-- poetry in Parque Lezama (1990). In all these cases, the exploration of dissident sexualities and sociabilities entails a critical reexamination of a "here and now" seen as oppressive and the formulation of an exotic queer space with utopian features.
211. CD2, the First Identified T cell Co-Stimulator, Demonstrates More Effective Chimeric Antigen Receptor Activity Over CD28 and 4-1BB

CD2, first identified as T11 sheep erythrocyte receptor protein, was originally classified as the trigger for an alternative T cell activation pathway and later as a costimulatory molecule that synergized with CD3 activation. Co-stimulation of T cells with CD2 augments CD3-mediated signaling cascades, IL-2 production, and proliferation. The field dedicated to the development of novel second- and third-generation chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has focused on the inclusion endodomains from CD28 superfamily and TNFRSF members as costimulation, but the use of CD2/SLAM family of costimulatory molecules has not been explored. Here, we report the development of an anti-mesothelin (SS1) chimeric antigen receptor co-stimulated with the endodomain of CD2 juxtaposed to the CD3z activation domain (SS1CD2z). Human T cells modified with SS1CD2z demonstrate comparable cytotoxicity of tumor cell lines in vitro as SS1z, SS1BBz, and SS128z. SS1CD2z T cells proliferation similar to SS128z and better than SS1BBz in vitro. SS1CD2z T cells exhibit a calcium flux in response to antigen that is half the amplitude of the response seen for SS128z, while no calcium flux is observed for SS1BBz. Similarly, all three CARs exhibit differential signaling profiles, consistent with the signaling of CD28 superfamily, TNFRSF, and CD2/SLAM superfamily pathways. Luminex analysis revealed that IL-2 production is superior among SS128z and SS1CD2z, while SS1BBz T cells produce less. IFNγ production is comparable between all CAR groups. Importantly, SS1CD2z cells produce minimal quantities TNFα similar to SS1BBz cells; contrary to SS128z cells, which produce large quantities of the neurotoxic cytokine. SS1CD2z T cells exhibited a fast and durable anti-tumor response against a subcutaneous mesothelioma xenograft model, while both SS128z and SS1BBz T cells lagged in terms of response rate. These results suggest that CAR co-stimulation via CD2 can produce potent antitumor activity, T cell proliferation and favorable cytokine profiles. Exploration of other CD2/SLAM superfamily members for CAR co-stimulation could be beneficial to cancer patients and the cellular therapy community.
The Metabolic Syndrome: 2009

The association of insulin resistance with a clustering of risk factors that not only increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus but also contributed to the development of cardiovascular disease was referred to as “syndrome X” by Reaven in 1988 (1). Over the next several years the term “the insulin resistance syndrome” was used to describe these individuals with metabolic abnormalities including atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, glucose intolerance, a prothrombotic profile, and a state of increased systemic inflammation. In 1998, the World Health Organization (WHO) task force on diabetes identified insulin resistance as the dominant cause of what we now term the metabolic syndrome and required indicators of insulin resistance to make the diagnosis (2). Over time, the critical role played by abdominal obesity assumed a dominant position in the diagnostic criteria.
Porous Titanium Wedges in Lateral Column Lengthening for Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity.

Lateral column lengthening (LCL) is a common procedure for reconstruction of stage II flexible adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). The recent development of porous titanium wedges for this procedure provides an alternative to allograft and autograft. The purpose of this study was to report radiographic and clinical outcomes achieved with porous titanium wedges in LCL. A retrospective analysis of 34 feet in 30 patients with AAFD that received porous titanium wedges for LCL from January 2011 to October 2014. Deformity correction was assessed using both radiographic and clinical parameters. Radiographic correction was assessed using the lateral talo–first metatarsal angle, the talonavicular uncoverage percentage, and the first metatarsocuneiform height. The hindfoot valgus angle was measured. Patients were followed from a minimum of 6 months up to 4 years (mean 16.1 months). Postoperative radiographs demonstrated significant correction in all 3 radiographic criteria and the hindfoot valgus angle. We ha...
Abstract 12681: Secretory Factor(s) Derived From Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells Induce Pseudo-hypoxic Activation of HIF-1α Signaling and Metabolic Reprogramming in Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Cell-cell communication is required for maintaining physiological functions of the vasculature, and is also involved in the development of vascular disorders, including pulmonary arterial hypertens...
Deciphering Cardiovascular Genomics and How They Apply to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Genomics, or the study of genomes, is concerned with understanding how the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of which genomes are constituted contributes to making an organism unique. Accordingly, human genomics focuses on how DNA sequences produce individuals’ traits—e.g., skin color, cholesterol levels—and contribute to diseases—e.g., myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus. The last few years have witnessed a remarkable leap forward in the use of genomics technology to understand human traits and diseases, to the point that new discoveries regarding what makes each person unique are being widely reported in the press and advertised by companies to the lay public. Although no practical use of genomics yet exists, there are high expectations that it will be clinically useful in the near future. Discussions with patients of the implications of genomics—whether it is in the form of genetic testing for disease risk, pharmacogenomics, or personalized medicine—will be unavoidable for primary care providers. This chapter seeks to: (1) explain the basic biology underlying genomics technology, (2) describe the potential future uses of genomics to improve patient care, particularly in cardiovascular medicine, and (3) set realistic expectations for the utility of genomics and explore the ethical implications of the technology.
About the anomaly at 980 MeV in the π+π− system☆

Abstract The “anomalous” behavior of the 〈Y10〉 moment of the π+π− angular distribution at 980 MeV is shown to arise from a dynamical zero of the ππ scattering amplitude. This effect is unrelated to opening of the K+K− threshold, a crucial point of other interpretations. Assuming straight-line propagation of zeros of amplitudes, we predict correctly the positions and characteristics of similar anomalies in all available ππ and Kπ data.
Amino-Incorporated Tricarboxylate Metal-Organic Framework for the Sensitive Fluorescence Detection of Heavy Metal Ions with Insights into the Origin of Photoluminescence Response.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are powerful chemosensors when designed to undergo a detectable change in optical properties upon interacting with target analytes. This work contributes to the over...
Adenovirus-mediated wild-type p53 expression induces apoptosis and suppresses tumorigenesis of experimental intracranial human malignant glioma.

Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer for the treatment of experimental intrinsic malignant brain neoplasms holds promise. The role, however, of intracellular, adenoviral-mediated p53 expression to inhibit growth of experimental human intracranial malignant gliomas remains largely unexplored. Using the AdCMV.p53 vector we measured the in vitro expression of p53 and the resultant effect upon U251 human malignant glioma cellular proliferation. We further measured the survival of nude mice after intracranial injection of the infected vs. control U251 cells. The growth of the infected U251 cells was inhibited when compared to both the uninfected cells and cells infected with the control vector (AdCMV.Null). Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the AdCMV.p53-dependent cellular apoptosis. Nude mice having intracranial injections of the U251 cells infected with the control (AdCMV.Null) vector showed diminished survival. In contrast, mice having intracranial injections of the cells infected with the AdCMV.p53 vector showed 100% survivorship measured 100 days after treatment. Gene therapy via the AdCMV.p53 viral vector holds promise for the clinical treatment of human malignant gliomas.
Globalizing ‘a rage that never dies’ (but can’t stay the same): shifting dynamics of identification in the transnational remaking of Ju-On into The Grudge

The Grudge was unique among transnational Japanese horror remakes due to several factors: Ju-On’s director Shimizu Takashi was retained for the Hollywood-financed version, as was its Japanese setti...
E-163 A method for automatic eloquence evaluation in acute stroke neuroimaging

The current state of the art neuroimaging in patients with acute stroke presenting 6–24 hours after symptom onset includes CT or MRI perfusion sequences for delineating volumes of the core infarct and ischemic penumbra. These imaging derived volumes together with clinical neurological symptom severity are the parameters driving the decision for endovascular therapy in the 6–24 hour time window for large vessel occlusion. As per current AHA guidelines no consideration is taken for the eloquence of the tissue at risk. Here we show an original machine learning method using perfusion MRI for predicting the expected motor improvement of reperfusing the tissue at risk in acute stroke. The ISLES 2015 data set which included diffusion and perfusion MRI as well as expert delineated core infarct and ischemic penumbra in 30 patients with acute stroke was used to train a Convolutional Neuroal Network model. The model output label maps indicating core infarct and ischemic penumbra. These maps were subsequently transformed into standard MNI space and overlaid onto a probabilistic map of motor regions. Percent overlap with primary motor, premotor and supplementary motor areas were calculated for the core infarct and ischemic penumbra. External technical performance was evaluated using clinical acute stroke MRI exams from our institution. The model derived volumes closely resembled those of the commercial RAPID software for these patients. Visual examination of the standard MNI space maps showed good anatomical alignment and correspondance of the motor areas. A software prototype generating an automatic report was developed (figure 1). The results show good technical performance of the Convolutional Neural Network model on acute stroke MRI on an independent data set. The degree of core infarcts and penumbra involvement of anatomical motor areas could be rapidly calculated using regular commercial computer hardware. Further investigation with a prospective clinical study is required for testing the clinical efficacy and possible improvement in clinical outcome prediction using the model. Disclosures H. Ullman: None. G. Duckwiler: None.