cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new unique form of microRNA from human heart, microRNA-499c, promotes myofibril formation and rescues cardiac development in mutant axolotl embryos.

A recessive mutation “c” in the Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, results in the failure of normal heart development. In homozygous recessive embryos, the hearts do not have organized myofibrils and fail to beat. In our previous studies, we identified a noncoding Myofibril-Inducing RNA (MIR) from axolotls which promotes myofibril formation and rescues heart development. We randomly cloned RNAs from fetal human heart. RNA from clone #291 promoted myofibril formation and induced heart development of mutant axolotls in organ culture. This RNA induced expression of cardiac markers in mutant hearts: tropomyosin, troponin and α-syntrophin. This cloned RNA matches in partial sequence alignment to human microRNA-499a and b, although it differs in length. We have concluded that this cloned RNA is unique in its length, but is still related to the microRNA-499 family. We have named this unique RNA, microRNA-499c. Thus, we will refer to this RNA derived from clone #291 as microRNA-499c throughout the rest of the paper. This new form, microRNA-499c, plays an important role in cardiac development.
Distribution of Ground-dwelling Arthropods in Tropical Countryside Habitats

The future of biodiversity depends to a great extent on the conservation value of human-dominated and seminatural habitats. In a mixed agricultural landscape in southern Costa Rica, we compared the richness and composition of terrestrial arthropod communities occurring in three habitat types along a gradient of increasing disturbance: in a large (227 ha) forest fragment, small (3.8–5.3 ha) forest fragments, and sun coffee ( 1–3h a) plantations. Pitfall trap sampling revealed decreasing morphospecies richness with increasing disturbance. Moreover, the number of species unique to a habitat type was lower in the smaller forest fragments and the coffee sites. We found significant changes in community composition associated with habitat at the levels of order (all arthropods), family (beetles), and morphospecies (carabids, scarabs, and ants). We identified no significant correlation of richness among the taxonomic orders, meaning these taxa are unable to serve as biodiversity indicators (for each other or for all arthropods) in the study region. Arthropod diversity presently found in countryside habitats is certainly lower, and perhaps less sustainable, than that of the extensive forested habitats fragmented > 40 years ago. It nonetheless remains substantial, suggesting a conservation opportunity in human-dominated landscapes of the tropics.
Approaches to half-tetrad analysis in bacteria: Recombination between repeated, inverse-order chromosomal sequences

In standard bacterial recombination assays, a linear fragment of DNA is transferred to a recipient cell and, at most, a single selected recombinant type is recovered from each merozygote. This contrasts with fungal systems, for which tetrads allow recovery of all meiotic products, including both ultimate recombinant products of an apparent single act of recombination. We have developed a bacterial recombination system in which two recombining sequences are placed in inverse order at widely separated sites in the circular chromosome of Salmonella typhimurium. Recombination can reassort markers between these repeated sequences (double recombination and apparent gene conversion), or can exchange flanking sequences, leading to inversion of the chromosome segment between the recombining sequences. Since two recombinant products remain in the chromosome of a recombinant with an inversion, one can, in principle, approach the capability of tetrad analysis. Using this system, the following observations have been made. (a) When long sequences (40 kb) recombine, conversion frequently accompanies exchange of flanking sequences. (b) When short sequences (5 kb) recombine, conversion rarely accompanies exchange of flanks. (c) Both recA and recB mutations eliminate inversion formation. (d) The frequency of exchanges between short repeats is more sensitive to the distance separating the recombining sequences in the chromosome. The results are presented with the assumption that inversions occur by simple interaction of two sequences in the same circular chromosome. In an appendix we discuss mechanistically more complex possibilities, some of which could also apply to standard fungal systems.
Reducing saturated fatty acids in Arabidopsis seeds by expression of a Caenorhabditis elegans 16:0–specific desaturase

Plant oilseeds are a major source of nutritional oils. Their fatty acid composition, especially the proportion of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, has important effects on human health. Because intake of saturated fats is correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, a goal of metabolic engineering is to develop oils low in saturated fatty acids. Palmitic acid (16:0) is the most abundant saturated fatty acid in the seeds of many oilseed crops and in Arabidopsis thaliana. We expressed FAT-5, a membrane-bound desaturase cloned from Caenorhabditis elegans, in Arabidopsis using a strong seed-specific promoter. The FAT-5 enzyme is highly specific to 16:0 as substrate, converting it to 16:1∆9; expression of fat-5 reduced the 16:0 content of the seed by two-thirds. Decreased 16:0 and elevated 16:1 levels were evident both in the storage and membrane lipids of seeds. Regiochemical analysis of phosphatidylcholine showed that 16:1 was distributed at both positions on the glycerolipid backbone, unlike 16:0, which is predominately found at the sn-1 position. Seeds from a plant line homozygous for FAT-5 expression were comparable to wild type with respect to seed set and germination, while oil content and weight were somewhat reduced. These experiments demonstrate that targeted heterologous expression of a desaturase in oilseeds can reduce the level of saturated fatty acids in the oil, significantly improving its nutritional value.
Role of anti-CD4-binding site antibodies in modulating gp120-specific CD4 T cell and antibody responses.

Background MHC II presentation of antigenic peptides to CD4 T cell is critical for the initiation of the primary immune response as well as for the maintenance of the secondary immune response. Previously we have shown that gp120-specific human CD4+ T cell responses are inhibited in the presence of antibodies to the CD4-binding site of gp120 (CD4bs) [1,2]. But the role of these antibodies in modulating the immune responses to gp120 in vivo is not yet determined.
BARBAROUS RADIATE HOARDS: the INTERPRETATION of COIN DEPOSITS IN LATE THIRD-CENTURY ROMAN BRITAIN

Summary: The episode of prolific coin hoarding in Roman Britain between c. 259 and 287 has never been fully explained. This paper looks at a major group of these hoards; those recognised as containing irregular antoniniani. Two distinct sub-groups are identified, which are shown to have non-random, almost mutually exclusive, distributions. an explanation for coin hoarding is considered which associates the location of certain deposits with the spread of coin use to new, marginal, areas of Britain.
Polymerization of aromatic nuclei. XIV. Polymerization of toluene with aluminum chloride–cupric chloride

The polymerization of toluene with aluminum chloride and cupric chloride was performed in carbon disulfide and in a neat system. The solvent reaction produced an insoluble, light-brown product which did not melt below 350°C. In the neat system, polymerization was much more vigorous, yielding a dark, purple-brown solid with mp ∼250°C and molecular weight of 634. Infrared, NMR, and ultraviolet spectroscopy, along with elemental analysis and oxidative degradation, indicated that the backbone chain contains o-polyphenylene units with the methyl group situated in the 4-position. Some p-polyphenylene structures may also be present. Evidence for small amounts of benzyl and polynuclear moieties was obtained. The mechanistic aspects are discussed. Our principal conclusions concerning oligomer structure are in disagreement with those of Kuwata.
Virtual solar system project: Building understanding through model building

In this manuscript we describe our introductory astronomy course for undergraduate students in which students use three-dimensional (3-D) modeling tools to model the solar system and, in the process, develop rich understandings of astronomical phenomena. Consistent with our participatory pedagogical framework, it was our intention to establish a context that supported students in carrying out scientific inquiry using virtual models they developed. The progression of our thinking and the course curriculum has been grounded in a series of ''design experiments,'' in which we develop entire courses, do research, and cycle what we are learning into the next iteration of the course. In this manuscript, we use field notes, portions of case studies, interview data, artifact analysis, and excerpts from previous manuscripts to situate the reader in the actual happenings of the course. Focusing primarily on the dynamics of the earth - moon - sun system, we illustrate the modeling process and how learning evolved in this context. In general, we found that 3-D modeling can be used effectively in regular undergraduate university courses as a tool through which students can develop rich understandings of various astronomical phenomena. Additionally, we found the design experiment approach to be a useful strategy for supporting course design that was both theoretically and empirically grounded.fl 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 719 - 756, 2000
In the Defense of Women: Gender, Office Holding, and National Security Policy in Established Democracies

Do women’s political gains in office translate into substantive differences in foreign policy outcomes? Previous research shows that men and women hold different national security policy preferences and that greater representation by women in the legislature reduces conflict behavior. But are these relationships an artifact of confounding variables? To answer this question, we analyze the defense spending and conflict behavior of 22 established democracies between 1970 and 2000. We argue that the ability of female officeholders to represent women’s interests is context dependent—varying with the level of party control over legislators and the gender stereotypes that officeholders confront. Consistent with the literature on stereotypes, we find that increases in women’s legislative representation decreases conflict behavior and defense spending, while the presence of women executives increases both. However, these effects are conditioned by the gendered balance of power in the legislature and the degree of...
Fidelity of Histone Gene Regulation Is Obligatory for Genome Replication and Stability

Fidelity of chromatin organization is crucial for normal cell cycle progression, and perturbations in packaging of DNA may predispose to transformation. Histone H4 protein is the most highly conserved chromatin protein, required for nucleosome assembly, with multiple histone H4 gene copies encoding identical protein. There is a long-standing recognition of the linkage of histone gene expression and DNA replication. A fundamental and unresolved question is the mechanism that couples histone biosynthesis with DNA replication and fidelity of cell cycle control. Here, we conditionally ablated the obligatory histone H4 transcription factor HINFP to cause depletion of histone H4 in mammalian cells. Deregulation of histone H4 results in catastrophic cellular and molecular defects that lead to genomic instability. Histone H4 depletion increases nucleosome spacing, impedes DNA synthesis, alters chromosome complement, and creates replicative stress. Our study provides functional evidence that the tight coupling between DNA replication and histone synthesis is reciprocal.
Activation of a Development-Specific Gene, dofA, by FruA, an Essential Transcription Factor for Development of Myxococcus xanthus

FruA is an essential transcription factor for Myxococcus xanthus development. The expression of tps and dofA genes is fruA dependent. In this study, we show by gel shift and footprint assays with the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of FruA and by a lacZ fusion assay that FruA may directly activate dofA expression during development.
The Pharmacokinetics of L-DOPA in Plasma and CSF of the Monkey

L-DOPA is the single most effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). After years of treatment, however, its efficacy is mitigated by the development of a fluctuating response (“on-off”) that may be as disabling as the disease. There are no changes in the peripheral pharmacokinetics of L-DOPA to explain the development of fluctuations1. Therefore, a change in the central pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of L-DOPA and dopamine are postulated to underlie the appearance of fluctuations2–6. When a constant plasma concentration of L-DOPA is maintained by intravenous infusion in Parkinsonian patients, the motor fluctuations may be abolished for hours to days, indicating that the clinical response is dependant on the plasma level and that pharmacokinetic mechanisms contribute to the clinical fluctuations7. The short plasma half-life of L-DOPA and the regulation of its entry into brain by carrier-mediated transport may become critical factors when the decreased striatal storage of dopamine due to the loss of dopaminergic nerve terminals makes motor function dependant on the constant delivery of L-DOPA to striatum to support the continuous synthesis of dopamine8.
Defining the Incremental Utility of Prostate Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Standard and Specialized Read in Predicting Extracapsular Extension of Prostate Cancer.

Abstract Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is increasingly used in staging early prostate cancer (PCa) but remains heavily reader-dependent. We aim to define the incremental utility of mpMRI over clinical parameters in determining the pathologic extracapsular extension (pECE) of PCa interpreted in a standard radiologic setting and when further over-read by a specialized reader. We retrospectively reviewed 120 men with clinically localized PCa undergoing mpMRI and radical prostatectomy. We obtained radiologic prediction of pECE from standard radiologic reports (standard read) and by a specialized reader blinded to clinical and pathologic findings (specialized read). We determined the incremental benefit of standard read and specialized read by sequential addition to a baseline clinical parameters-only logistic regression model predicting pECE. The sensitivity and specificity of standard read were 77% and 44%, respectively, whereas those of specialized read were 86% and 81%. The positive likelihood ratio was 1.7 at baseline, 1.7 adding standard read, and 6.5 adding specialized read. The negative likelihood ratio was 0.6 at baseline, 0.5 adding standard read, and 0.1 adding specialized read. Standard read modestly improved prediction of pECE, whereas specialized read improved it moderately. Patient summary The incremental benefit of mpMRI over clinical information is small but increases to moderate with a specialized second opinion. This second opinion may be useful when considering active surveillance, nerve-sparing surgery, or focal therapy.
Survival on the Streets: Experiences of the Homeless Population and Constructive Suggestions for Assistance

This phenomenological study explored the experiences and needs of 11 individuals of the homeless population. Results revealed 5 themes: need for employment, perceptions of needs, perceptions of programs and shelters, coping mechanisms, and perceptions of treatment. Counseling implications for practice are discussed. Este estudio fenomenologico explore las experiencias y necesidades de 11 individuos de la poblacion sin techo. Los resultados revelaron 5 temas: la necesidad de empleo, las percepciones de sus necesidades, las percepciones de los programas y albergues, los mecanismos de afrontamiento y las percepciones de tratamiento. Se discuten las implicaciones para la practica de la consejeria.
Purine and Pyrimidines in Sediments from the Experimental Mohole

Cytosine, adenine, guanine, and thymine, but not uracil, have been detected in core samples taken from various depths of the experimental Mohole. The following quantities of bases were found in the deepest core samples available (approximately 25 x 10(6) years old): cytosine, 2.5 microg/5 g; adenine, 0.9 microg/5 g; guanine, 0.2 micro/5 g; thymine and uracil, 0 microg/5 g.
The Effects of Civil Gang Injunctions on Reported Violent Crime

Several cities have recently adopted civil injunctions as a means to reduce gang violence. To evaluate the effectiveness of such injunctions, I develop an extensive database of neighborhood-level reported crime counts from four police jurisdictions within Los Angeles County. I construct two different comparison samples of neighborhoods not covered by injunctions to control for underlying trends that could cause one to overstate the injunctions' effects. The analysis indicates that, in the first year after the injunctions are imposed, they lead violent crime to fall by 5 to 10 percent.
Control of initiation and elongation of cilia during ciliary regeneration in Tetrahymena.

Abstract Tetrahymena thermophila strain B could regenerate approximately 10% of its somatic ciliary mass in concentrations of cycloheximide believed to block all cytoplasmic protein synthesis. A quantitative study of the relative numbers and lengths of cilia regenerated in the presence and absence of cycloheximide under a variety of conditions suggested that specific initiation and elongation protein factors are involved in the control of ciliary morphogenesis in Tetrahymena.
Gender differences in exogenous entrepreneurial motivation factors in the context of the post-2008 US recession business environment

In the last decade, growth in female-owned entrepreneurial ventures in the USA has accelerated. Despite this, there is sparse research that examines whether exogenous entrepreneurial motivations of females are materially different from those of males. This paper adds to the extant literature by examining this topic in the context of the post-2008 US economic recession. Specifically, this paper examines the motivation factors of: 1) work and family balance flexibility; 2) lack of corporate opportunities; 3) career aspirations. Findings suggest that these exogenous motivation factors are stronger motivators for female entrepreneurs than for male entrepreneurs.
Physical attraction and its effects on the perception of extra-marital affairs.

The institution of marriage has existed almost since the beginning of mankind and extra-marital affairs have existed since the institution of marriage. Affairs, although forbidden in most societies, are quite prevalent (3). Most individuals know someone who is or has engaged in an extra-marital affair and on the basis of that act has made some assessment of the actors engaged in that behavior. History is replete with examples, such as David and Bathsheba in the Bible, Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth, and the putative affairs of Presidents Jefferson, Eisenhower, and Roosevelt. A dearth of material exists on this topic in the psychological literature although it is common behavior as well as an excellent vehicle for the study of person perception. Hattnett and colleagues (1, 2) found that the impression of a cheating spouse is in part a function of the presence or absence of love in an affair and the presence or absence of children in the marriage. The present study was an exploratory one examining the function of physical attractiveness and its determinants on perception toward action engaged in an affair. Sub jeca were 64 male and 64 female unmarried undergraduate students. Equal numbers of males and females, 32 per cell, were randomly assigned across four conditions to read one of four short vignettes describing a married couple. In two of the vignettes, the husband was having the affair and in the other two vignettes it was the wife. Amactiveness was manipulated by having the cheater described as much more attractive than the other spouse in half the conditions and much less atttactive in the other half. After reading the vignettes the subjects were asked to rate the protagonists (husband, wife, ocher person) on a seven-point semantic differential. Analysis indicated that both husband and wife were viewed less favorably when they were identified as the cheater. They were rated (p < .01) lower on the adjectives good (M = 3.8 vs 5.6), sensitive (M = 2.9 vs 5.1), considerate (M = 3.1 vs 5.2), happy (M = 4.2 vs 4.9). and practical (M = 3.9 vs 5.9). From inspection of the interactions of the attraction x cheat and the attraction X cheat X sex of subject it is apparent that attraction plays an important role in the perceptual process. When the wife was having an affair the husband was rated as significantly (P < .02) less inter
The Slave Economies in Political Perspective

The economic interpretations of the slave economies of the New World, as well as those social interpretations which adopt the neoclassical economic model but leave the economics out, assume everything they must prove. By retreating from the political economy from which their own methods derive, they ignore the extent to which the economic process permeates the society. They ignore, that is, the interaction between economics, narrowly defined, and the social relations of production on the one hand and state power on the other. For any economic system remains not merely a method of allocating scarce resources, but a system that, at least on the margin and frequently more pervasively, commands those scarce resources. Even an international market such as that which prevailed in the Atlantic world during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries depends heavily on the state formations that guarantee the ultimate command of economic goods. Neoclassical economists achieve their theoretical sophistication by falling silent on the social relations of production that ultimately determine the prices of commodities in the market. In other words, these economists mystify reality by abstracting prices from the social relations of production and then blithely assuming that their abstraction provides an effective analytic substitute for those social relations. Even in a society such as our own where most facets of human life pass through the market, there remain pockets of nonpriced labor-for example, the household work of many women and the early reproduction of human capital. In the eighteenth-century Atlantic world, commercial capital organized the market and fed off it, but it did not evenly penetrate all productive sectors. Typically, commercial capital organized the surplus production of larger or smaller domestic units of labor before the transformation of labor-power into a commodity. In this respect, the slave plan-
The Data Analysis Framework for the NIFFTE Fission Time Projection Chamber

Abstract The NIFFTE collaboration has developed a time projection chamber to study neutron-induced fission events in actinide targets by tracking and identifying fission fragments in three dimensions as they traverse a gas volume. This paper will provide an overview of the analysis software that has been developed by the NIFFTE collaboration, as well as examples of its success in analyzing data.
Study on the evaluation method to errors in estimation of power generation of wind farm in the complex terrain

WAsP is not able to simulate the flow of wind field in the complex terrain,because of the model limitation,which induces some errors when applies it to the wind resource assessment for complex terrain.At present,the RIX method is the most popular method for error evaluation of wind speed,but how to evaluate the error of energy production,there are not any effective methods yet.This paper studies the error of calculated energy production by WAsP when it was applied to the complex terrain.An error evaluation method is presented and verified by the actual production data from an existing wind farm.The result shows that the presented error evaluation method is very effective and has a good practical value.
Triple Religious Markets in China

Does increased religious regulation lead to lower religious faith and practice in a society? Based on the economics of religion in the new paradigm of the social scientific study of religion,this article argues that increased religious regulation will not lead to religious demise,but to complication.It will result in triple religious markets: the legal red market,the illegal black market,and the neither legal nor illegal or both legal and illegal gray market.With empirical evidence and logic,this article discusses three of the theoretical propositions of the triple market: To the extent that religious organizations are restricted in number and in operation,a black market will emerge in spite of high costs to individuals.To the extent that a red market is restricted and a black market is suppressed,a gray market will emerge.The more restrictive and suppressive is the regulation,the larger the gray market.Moreover, under heavy regulation,the gray market is likely to be large,volatile,unsettled,and destined to be a fertile ground for new religious movements.The existence and dynamics of the gray market show that the limited effect of religious regulation is beyond subjective desires.
VNS Retriever: Querying MEDLINE over the Internet.

Academic medical centers around the country are developing networking infrastructures and connecting to the Internet. Baylor College of Medicine is developing VIrlS Retriever, an architecture for comprehensive handling of our institution's database requests. The first implemented instance of this architecture is the MEDLINE Retriever, a tool to query the considerable citation database of medical literature at the National Library of Medicine. Response times that we have experienced with the MEDLINE Retriever have pleased us and impressed our user community. The system will work for small sites, but is extensible for use on large campuses as well. The MEDLINE Retriever uses the Corporation for National Research Initiatives' ABIDE gateway. The principal user interface employs Motif and the X Window System.
An ultrastructural study of Mycoplasma laidlawii type A and two strains of Mycoplasma laidlawii isolated from the oviducts of dairy cows.

Summary The ultrastructure of Mycoplasma laidlawii type A and 2 strains of Mycoplasma laidlawii isolated from the genital tract of dairy cows was studied by thin sectioning of colonies grown on solid medium. Cells varied from dense elementary bodies 75 to 100 mμ in diameter, to large empty cells of 1,000 to 1,300 mμ. Intermediate highly pleomorphic forms contained net-like nuclear areas, ribosome-like granules and vesicles. Frequently included within the latter, were smaller, membrane-bounded forms. No significant ultrastructural difference was observed between the 3 strains of Mycoplasma examined.
Human Impulsivity and Choice: A Challenge to Traditional Operant Methodology

“Impulsivity” refers to the choice of an immediate, small reinforcer over a delayed, large reinforcer. Traditional operant methods (single-subject designs, free-operant choice procedures) have frequently been used to study impulsivity in nonhuman subjects but, curiously, have not been applied to humans. Data are reported replicating and extending previous results obtained with an alternative paradigm using a group-statistical design and discrete-trials choice procedure. Adults chose between schedules differing in delay and/or amount of reinforcement, the reinforcer being slides of entertainment and sports personalities. Delay was defined as the interval between a choice response and onset of a slide, amount as the duration of viewing time. Some participants exhibited impulsivity even though such behavior reduced total viewing time. All participants exhibited impulsivity when this behavior increased total viewing time and was thus adaptive. Traditional operant methods may be ineffective in producing the maladaptive form of impulsivity.
The α3 isoform protein of the Na+/K+-ATPase is associated with the sites of neuromuscular and cardiac impulse transmission

In heart and skeletal muscle the sodium pump is crucial for maintenance of membrane potential and cellular integrity. Of the three α-subunit isoforms, α2 and α3 mRNA’s are concentrated in cardiac conduction system (CCS) of normal adult rat (6). We thus studied expression of pump isoform proteins in normal rat heart and skeletal muscle, and in vascular endothelial tissue, using immunofluorescence, immuno-EM, and Western blotting with isoform-specific antibodies.
Newborn Screening for X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

Early diagnosis of males with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is essential for preventing loss of life due to adrenal insufficiency and for timely therapy of the childhood cerebral form of X-ALD with hematopoietic cell transplantation. This article describes X-ALD, the current therapies, the history of the development of the newborn screening test, the approval by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the addition of X-ALD newborn screening to the recommended uniform panel of disorders screened as newborns (RUSP) and the successful implementation of X-ALD newborn screening in the state of New York beginning on 30 December 2013. Follow-up guidelines that have been established in New York are outlined. Based on the success of newborn screening in New York, and early results in Connecticut, where X-ALD newborn screening started in December 2015, and in California, where X-ALD newborn screening began in September 2016, we are confident and hopeful that X-ALD newborn screening will expand to include all US states and to countries that have established neonatal screening programs. The Minster of Health in the Netherlands has approved the addition of X-ALD to the newborn screening program with a start date expected in 2017. The states, such as Massachusetts, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida and Washington, that have legislative approval will commence screening as soon as budgetary resources, testing and follow-up procedures are in place.
Genetic analysis of B-cell lymphomas associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

TO THE EDITOR: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive, life-threatening syndrome of excessive immune activation. HLH clinically presents with fever, pancytopenia, splenomegaly, and hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, or liver. A proposed mechanism for HLH is a
Framing two enemies in mass media: A content analysis of U.S. government influence in American film during world War II

This content analysis of World War II movies and Office of War Information documents was conducted to ascertain the influence of the U.S. government on the depictions of the Japanese and German ene...
Going the Distance: Individualism and Interdependence in the Commuter Marriage

Commuter spouses—dual-income couples who live apart for their professional careers—have been the subject of relatively little scholarly research. Another, largely theoretical body of scholarship has explored the fundamental cultural tension generated by the simultaneous embracing of personal autonomy and the institution of marriage in the United States, although few scholars have explicitly sought to understand how these seemingly conflicting cultural goals play out “on the ground.” Drawing on data from in-depth interviews (N = 97), the analysis finds that commuter couples indeed engaged in two discourses about their marriages that operated in tension. Although they positioned themselves as highly individualistic, interdependence was a key theme in their responses as well. Surprisingly, a substantial minority of respondents indicated that their noncohabitation enhanced their interdependence. These results not only shed light on this understudied population but also broaden our understanding of the evolving cultural meaning of marriage.
The Periphery Rises: Technology and Cultural Legitimization in Belém’s Tecnobrega

In the mid-2000s, tecnobrega , a popular rhythm from the Amazon region of Brazil, rose to national prominence. This article provides a historical overview of the development of this industry and gives an inside perspective of the stigma tecnobrega has carried. It shows how cult of new technology plays a central role in the cultural legitimization of tecnobrega, and analyzes a particular case of partnership between mass media and academia that has been decisive in this process. Finally, it presents tecnobrega as an example of a larger phenomenon, pointing to the rise of a new Musica Periferica Brasileira.
Automated watershed subdivision for simulations using multi-objective optimization

A qualitative trial-and-error approach is commonly used to define watershed subdivisions through varying a single topographic threshold value. A methodology has been developed to quantitatively det...
Surgical Technique and Difficult Situations from Roberto Bergamaschi (Laparoscopic)

Although laparoscopic-assisted right colectomy was first reported in 1991 [5], descriptions of a standardized surgical technique became available in recent years. The first, termed laparoscopic facilitated, consisted of a five-step lateral-to-medial approach with extracorporeal vascular ligation and ileocolic anastomosis [7]. The second, termed laparoscopic assisted, included eight steps with a medial-to-lateral approach in which vascular ligation was performed intracorporeally while the anastomosis was fashioned extracorporeally [6]. Laparoscopic intracorporeal right colectomy entails ten steps with intracorporeal anastomosis followed by specimen removal in a bag [1].
The Therapeutic use of human albumin in cancer patients’ management

Human albumin (HA) has been widely used in clinical practice due to its unique physiological characteristics and pharmacokinetics. However, with the absence of clear institutional recommendations, its uncontrolled prescription remains largely controversial. An extensive review on the albumin chemistry, pharmacology, physiology and pathology was performed, and data on commercially available HA, its cost, medical usage and the related available guidelines, particularly in oncology patients were gathered. Studies assessing the appropriate use and safety of HA in cancer patients are lacking. A retrospective survey of the appropriateness of HA infusions according to the SIMTI guidelines (2009) was performed in our department. Among 53 patients who received HA infusions, only 5.7% of the indications were appropriate for HA administration. Occasionally appropriate and inappropriate indications were considered in 10% and 84.3% of the prescriptions respectively with a relatively high cost. The adoption of strict guidelines may substantially reduce the inappropriate use and the subsequent healthcare costs.
The impact of legalized casino gambling on state education spending displacement

Corporate casino gambling has expanded from being legal in only two U.S. states (Nevada and New Jersey) in the late 1980s to 12 states in 2006. As a result, the annual gambling revenue realized by the casino industry has grown from $9 billion in 1991 to over $32 billion in 2006. The growth of gambling in many states has not been matched by a corresponding increase in academic research on casino gambling. To shed more light on casino gambling and state budgets, this research examines state education spending following the introduction of corporate casino gambling and attempts to answer the following question: Does gambling revenue earmarked for education spending displace funds usually spent on these programs?
Ultrasound actuated shape-memory polymer based drug delivery containers

Advancements in controlled drug delivery (CDD) technology still face major challenges in practice, including chemical issues with synthesizing biocompatible drug containers, releasing the pharmaceutical compounds at the targeted location in a controlled time rate and using an effective and safe trigger for initiating the drug release. This work aims to overcome these challenges with employing biodegradable shape memory polymer (SMP) based drug-delivery containers. Besides biological safety, biodegradability ensures that no further surgery will be needed for the removal of the containers. Focused ultrasound (FU) is used as a trigger for noninvasively stimulating SMP-based drug capsules. FU has a superior capability to localize the heating effect, thus initiating a controlled shape recovery process only in selected parts of the polymer, which affects the amount of drug released. The current research uses a mathematical multiphysics model which performs an acoustic-thermoelastic analysis, to optimize the design of SMP containers. The proposed designs exploit various parameters such as nonlinearity, absorption and diffraction effects, as well as input power and frequency of the propagating acoustic wave to attain the desired shape recovery, as required by the application or location of drug release. The acoustic-thermoelastic effects on the SMP containers are studied with the help of finiteelement methods. Multilayer simulations are performed at millimeter scale to mimic the in vivo conditions of a drug delivery container travelling inside an artery. By manipulating the design and the shape recovery rate of the SMP containers, velocity of the drug particles is controlled and directed towards a specific location.
Kinetics of Fe II -polyaminocarboxylate oxidation by molecular oxygen

Abstract Complexation of iron by naturally-occurring and synthetic organic ligands has a large effect on iron oxidation and reduction rates which in turn affect the aqueous geochemistry of many other chemical constituents. In this study, the kinetics of FeII oxidation in the presence of the polyaminocarboxylate synthetic chelating agents ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and trimethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (TMDTA) was investigated over the pH range 5.50–8.53. Batch oxidation experiments in the presence of molecular oxygen were conducted using a 2:1 M concentration ratio of polyaminocarboxylate (ligand, L) to FeII. The experimental data resembled first order kinetics for the oxidation of FeII-L to FeIII-L and observed rate constants at pH 6.0 were comparable to rate constants for the oxidation of inorganic FeII. Similar to other structurally-similar FeII-polyaminocarboxylate complexes, oxidation rates of FeII-EGTA and FeII-TMDTA decrease with increasing pH, which is the opposite trend for the oxidation of FeII complexed with inorganic ligands. However, the oxidation rates of FeII complexed with EGTA and TMDTA were considerably lower (4–5 orders of magnitude) than FeII complexed to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The distinguishing feature of the slower-reacting complexes is that they have a longer backbone between diamine functional groups. An analytical equilibrium model was developed to determine the contributions of the species FeIIL2− and FeII(H)L− to the overall oxidation rate of FeII-L. Application of this model indicated that the protonated FeII(H)L species are more than three orders of magnitude more reactive than FeIIL2−. These rate constants were used in a coupled kinetic equilibrium numerical model where the ligand to iron ratio (TOTL:TOTFe) and pH were varied to evaluate the effect on the FeII oxidation rate. Overall, increasing TOTL:TOTFe for EGTA and TMDTA enhances FeII oxidation rates at lower pH and inhibits FeII oxidation rates at higher pH. Finally, this work demonstrates that the rate of FeII oxidation is very sensitive to the identity and structure of the polyaminocarboxylate chelating agent, which has implications for any metal or organic chemical that reacts either directly or indirectly with iron.
Product yields of stabilized Criegee intermediates in the ozonolysis reactions of cis-2-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, cyclopentene, and cyclohexene

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) was utilized in combination with chemical titration with sulfur dioxide (SO2) to quantify stabilized Criegee intermediates (sCIs) produced at low pressures (4–20 Torr) in ozonolysis reactions of cis-2-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, cyclopentene, and cyclohexene. The yield of stabilized sCI, acetaldehyde oxide (CH3CHOO), from cis-2-butene ozonolysis decreased with decreasing pressure and reached to 0.05±0.04 at the zero-pressure limit. The nonsymmetric alkene 2- methyl-2-butene produced two stabilized sCIs, CH3CHOO and acetone oxide ((CH3)2COO), and their total yield decreased with decreasing pressure and reached 0.01±0.03 at the zero-pressure limit. For cyclopentene and cyclohexene, the sCI yields were essentially constant near zero, as expected of endocyclic alkenes. The nascent yields of sCI of various alkenes are compared.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Friction in Self-Lubricating Materials: An Overview of Theories and Available Models

In this chapter, an overview of theories and investigated computational models is presented. Among all available theoretical models, Quantum Mechanics (QM), Molecular Mechanics (MM), Monte Carlo (MC), and Molecular Dynamics (MD) are the most used models. MD was selected as the focus of this chapter, because of its high accuracy in predicting the molecular level motions while keeping the computational costs relatively low as well as availability of well-established modeling softwares (i.e., LAMMPS). MD models have been used to investigate mechanical and chemical behaviors of different phenomena, including friction and self-lubrication. The authors further reviewed available MD models in previous literatures with focus on self-lubricating materials. These models direct the contribution of different self-lubricating agents including graphite, graphene, MoS2, and poly tetra-fluoro ethylene (PTFE) on the friction behavior of different composites. This review was conducted in order to show the power of computational modeling to predict the molecular level behaviors of different physical models.
Introduction to Heat Transfer Enhancement

This lecture provides a general introduction to the subject of the Institute. Introductory remarks are made about heat transfer enhancements, surface augmentation or intensification in heat exchangers. The preview of lecture topics is introduced, indicating their contributions to the institute.
Socialization and Sex-Role Development

ABSTRACT Recent secular trends have attenuated long-term continuities in sex-role socialization, but sex differences within age periods probably continue to be aspects of one or more ontogenetic series. Knowledge about sex-role development remains fragmentary at all age periods largely because underlying theoretical assumptions have not been satisfactorily incorporated into research designs. It is suggested that each theory of socialization can be translated into a distinct set of predictions for the several parameters of developmental trends in behavior (dependent variables) and for the impact of socializing influences (independent variables) upon these developmental trends. Certain concepts are suggested for sex-role measurement, including the competence-performance distinction. In illustrating these points, particular attention is given to psychodynamic and cognitive theories of sex-role identity, and to internalized normative structures as regulators of sex-role behaviors and development. Implications for a life-span developmental framework are discussed, including the issue of ontogenetic versus secular changes in sex roles, differences between early and later sex-role socialization, and the possibility that sex-role development is subordinated to other ontogenetic sequences during much of the life cycle.
Racializing Neoliberal Urban Governance: Emergency Management and Detroit Public Schools

This paper examines the political, economic, and social impact of the state of Michigan’s decision to place the Detroit Public School district into receivership from 2009 through 2016. As one of America’s largest cities, Detroit has not only struggled with rising joblessness, poverty, and other factors associated with the “urban crisis,” but the recent surge of financial investment transforming the city’s central business district and Cass Corridor areas marks a a broader shift in urban policy. This neoliberalization of urban governance, where policy makers redirect tax dollars from supporting public services towards the creation of ‘business-friendly’ cities, has not only driven policy changes in city hall, but it has transformed how education is governed in the city as well. Based on interviews with parents in the Detroit Public School district, this project reveals how changes in the school system have not only impacted the students, but it has limited the ability of parents to influence the school system. Building on the recent work of Black political scientist Michael C. Dawson, this paper examines how neoliebralization of Detroit Public Schools has influenced the evolution of Black citizenship in Detroit.
Direct Frequency-To-Digital Gyroscopes with Low Drift and High Accuracy

The FM gyroscope measures rate directly as a frequency variation and employs rate chopping to reject drift. The scale factor is set by a reference clock. Symmetric and asymmetric readout modes enable trading off long- versus short-term errors without changing the transducer or circuits. Chopped at 10 Hz, the prototype achieves better than 40 ppm scale factor accuracy, 1.5 deg/h1.5 rate random walk in symmetric mode, and 1 mdps/rt-Hz ARW in asymmetric mode.
Mitochondrial Dynamics: Biogenesis, Fission, Fusion, and Mitophagy in the Regulation of Stem Cell Behaviors

Stem cells have the unique capacity to differentiate into many cell types during embryonic development and postnatal growth. Through coordinated cellular behaviors (self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation), stem cells are also pivotal to the homeostasis, repair, and regeneration of many adult tissues/organs and thus of great importance in regenerative medicine. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondria are actively involved in the regulation of stem cell behaviors. Mitochondria undergo specific dynamics (biogenesis, fission, fusion, and mitophagy) during stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. The alteration of mitochondrial dynamics, fine-tuned by stem cell niche factors and stress signaling, has considerable impacts on stem cell behaviors. Here, we summarize the recent research progress on (1) how mitochondrial dynamics controls stem cell behaviors, (2) intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate mitochondrial dynamics, and (3) pharmacological regulators of mitochondrial dynamics and their therapeutic potential. This review emphasizes the metabolic control of stemness and differentiation and may shed light on potential new applications in stem cell-based therapy.
Non-invasive diagnosis of liver steatosis: ready for primetime?

The formal diagnosis of hepatic steatosis relies on liver histology based on a liver biopsy, which is an invasive procedure that is not required in the majority of cases. Due to the high prevalence of liver steatosis, in particular in the context of an increase in NAFLD incidence, there has been renewed interest in use of non-invasive tools to assess the presence of liver disease.