cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EEG-based communication: analysis of concurrent EMG activity

Abstract Objective : Recent studies indicate that people can learn to control the amplitude of mu or beta rhythms in the EEG recorded from the scalp over sensorimotor cortex and can use that control to move a cursor to targets on the computer screen. While subjects do not move during performance, it is possible that inapparent or unconscious muscle contractions contribute to the changes in the mu and beta rhythm activity responsible for cursor movement. We evaluated this possibility. Methods : EMG was recorded from 10 distal limb muscle groups while five trained subjects used mu or beta rhythms to move a cursor to targets at the bottom or top edge of a computer screen. Results : EMG activity was very low during performance, averaging 4.0±4.4% (SD) of maximum voluntary contraction. Most important, the correlation, measured as r 2 , between target position and EMG activity averaged only 0.01±0.02, much lower than the correlation between target position and the EEG activity that controlled cursor movement, which averaged 0.39±0.18. Conclusions : These results strongly support the conclusion that EEG-based cursor control does no depend on concurrent muscle activity. EEG-based communication and control might provide a new augmentative communication option for those with severe motor disabilities.
Adapting an example-based translation system to Chinese

We describe an Example-Based Machine Translation (EBMT) system and the adaptations and enhancements made to create a Chinese-English translation system from the Hong Kong legal code and various other bilingual resources available from the Linguistic Data Consortium (LDC).
Sol−Gel Synthesis, Electrochemical Characterization, and Stability Testing of Ti0.7W0.3O2 Nanoparticles for Catalyst Support Applications in Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

The materials currently used in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require complex control of operating conditions to make them sufficiently durable to permit commercial deployment. One of the major materials challenges to allow simplification of fuel cell operating strategies is the discovery of catalyst supports that are much more stable to oxidative decomposition than currently used carbon blacks. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of Ti0.7W0.3O2 nanoparticles (approximately 50 nm diameter), a promising doped metal oxide that is a candidate for such a durable catalyst support. The synthesized nanoparticles were platinized, characterized by electrochemical testing, and evaluated for stability under PEMFC and other oxidizing acidic conditions. Ti0.7W0.3O2 nanoparticles show no evidence of decomposition when heated in a Nafion solution for 3 weeks at 80 °C. In contrast, when heated in sulfuric, nitric, perchloric, or hydrochloric acid, the oxide reacts to form salts such as titany...
Temporal Coherence of Water Quality Variables in a Suite of Missouri Reservoirs

Abstract A six-year time series of water quality data from four eutrophic prairie reservoirs located in adjacent watersheds in northwest Missouri were analyzed for seasonal patterns and temporal coherence of temperature, dissolved oxygen, transparency, major ions, nutrients, suspended solids and chlorophyll. Water temperature was strongly seasonal as determined by the square of the average correlation of monthly means among years. No other variable was consistently seasonal in all four reservoirs, although two reservoirs exhibited strong seasonality for total and dissolved nitrogen and nitrate. Percent temporal coherence, measured as the square of the correlation between paired reservoir data sets, ranged from ≥98% for water temperature to <15% for chlorophyll. Ionic constituents (especially magnesium and alkalinity) and phosphorus fractions (dissolved, total and soluble reactive) had the strongest coherence (43–66%) averaged across all reservoir pairs. Algal biomass as chlorophyll and volatile solids had...
The Sociology of Religious Freedom: A Structural and Socio-Legal Analysis

This paper offers a structural and socio-legal analysis that examines historical, sociological, and cultural factors that have given rise to and promoted the idea of religious freedom in modern human societies. The effort involves an integration of research from the sociology of new and minority reli gions with theoretical ideas from the Sociology of Religion and the Sociology of Law. The relationship of pluralism to religious freedom is examined, as is how the pervasiveness, centralization, autonomy, type (adversarial vs. inquisitorial), and discretion of legal and judicial systems impact religious free dom. The application of key concepts from the work of Donald Black, including status, intimacy, and third party partisanship seem especially useful, and well as issues related to the social production of evidence used in legal cases involving newer and controversial religious groups
Selective desulfurization of 1,3-dithianes, -oxathiolanes and -thiazolidines by tributyltin hydride

Abstract Selective desulfurization of 2-alkyl-1,3-dithianes, -oxathiolanes, or -thiazolidines 1 with one equivalent of tri-n-butyltin hydride yields acyclic compounds R1R2CHX(CH2)nSSnBu3 (X = S,O,NH; n= 2,3), (2) which can be destannylated to the corresponding mercaptans 3.
Image-Based Surface Matching Algorithm Oriented to Structural Biology

Emerging technologies for structure matching based on surface descriptions have demonstrated their effectiveness in many research fields. In particular, they can be successfully applied to in silico studies of structural biology. Protein activities, in fact, are related to the external characteristics of these macromolecules and the ability to match surfaces can be important to infer information about their possible functions and interactions. In this work, we present a surface-matching algorithm, based on encoding the outer morphology of proteins in images of local description, which allows us to establish point-to-point correlations among macromolecular surfaces using image-processing functions. Discarding methods relying on biological analysis of atomic structures and expensive computational approaches based on energetic studies, this algorithm can successfully be used for macromolecular recognition by employing local surface features. Results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can be employed both to identify surface similarities in context of macromolecular functional analysis and to screen possible protein interactions to predict pairing capability.
Study of High-Power Wideband Terahertz-Pulse Generation Using Integrated High-Speed Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches

A 3-D finite-difference time-domain analysis of a photoconductive-semiconductor-switch-based terahertz (THz) source, integrated with a standard dipole and a large-aperture radiator, is presented. The simulation analysis is based on the coupling of semiconductor equations for charge transport with Maxwell electromagnetic equations. The simulation provides the transient field redistribution, carrier generation characteristics, and the field acceleration as a result of the bias voltage on the device, contributing to the nonlinear behavior of THz-pulse generation. A comparison of the radiation characteristics of the two antenna types shows that the large-aperture antenna produces approximately three times higher radiation amplitude and broader power spectrum than those produced by the dipole antenna.
Biosafety Guidelines for Handling Microorganisms in the Teaching Laboratory: Development and Rationale

The safe handling of microorganisms in the teaching laboratory is a top priority. However, in the absence of a standard set of biosafety guidelines tailored to the teaching laboratory, individual educators and institutions have been left to develop their own plans. This has resulted in a lack of consistency, and differing levels of biosafety practices across institutions. Influenced by the lack of clear guidelines and a recent outbreak of Salmonella infections that was traced back to teaching laboratory exposures, the Education Board of the American Society for Microbiology charged a task force to develop a uniform set of biosafety guidelines for working with microorganisms in the teaching laboratory. These guidelines represent best practices for safely handling microbes, based on the safety requirements found in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). Guidelines for safely handling microbes at both biosafety level 1 (BSL1) and biosafety level 2 (BSL2) were developed. The guidelines are brief by design for ease of use and are accompanied by an extensive appendix containing explanatory notes, sample documents, and additional resources. These guidelines provide educators with a clear and consistent way to safely work with microorganisms in the teaching laboratory.
The Role of the CPU in Energy-Efficient Mobile Web Browsing

Mobile Web browsing advancements have largely been driven by the single-minded pursuit of performance. This article takes a different stance and examines the energy efficiency of mobile Web browsing. Focusing on both the network and CPU, the authors find that generational advancements in network technology have reached a point where the mobile CPU is starting to have noticeable impact on Web browsing performance and energy consumption. Achieving energy-efficient mobile Web browsing requires considering both CPU and network capabilities (that is, latency). The authors show that under different network latency conditions, achieving energy-efficient mobile Web browsing mandates different CPU performance capabilities. It is important to understand and leverage such interactions between the network and CPU to deliver high mobile Web performance while maintaining a low energy footprint, which current OS dynamic voltage and frequency scaling governors fail to achieve. The authors' findings suggest that designing future high-performance and energy-efficient mobile Web clients implies looking beyond individual components and taking a full system perspective.
A participant's observations: preparing DSM-IV.

Objective:To provide an overview of the process of creating the DSM-IV from a participant's perspective.Method:Narrative review.Results:In its attempt to address the perceived weaknesses of both th...
Transfer of resonance radiation as a random walk

Abstract The distribution of resonance excitations in a homogeneous and isotropic is derived by analogy to the general solution of the continuous-time random walk. The solution is shown to reduce to the Holstein-Biberman result under certain approximations. Numerical results are presented for the case of a laser excited gas.
A Theory of Role Stress in Boundary Spanning Positions of Marketing Organizations

Role stress and its effects on marketing organizations represents one of the most researched areas in marketing. In spite of this tremendous volume of research, the boundary spanning roles of marketing organizations continue to be plagued by the deleterious effects of role stress. The theory developed in this article expands current theoretical frameworks used to investigate role stress impacts in the marketing literature. The theory is integrative and expansive with relation to the body of knowledge and may serve as a framework for future research. Specific propositions from the model are developed and suggestions for their empirical testing are discussed.
Coupling nitrosyls as the first step in the reduction of NO on metal surfaces: the special role of rhodium

The adsorption of NO and its coupling to yield N2O2 on Rh(100), Pd(100) and Pt(100) surfaces is analyzed using extended Huckel calculations. It appears that the Blyholder model is a valid description of the chemisorption of NO on Rh(100). There is substantial weakening of the NO bond on this surface. However, in the case of Pd(100) and Pt(100), the NO overlap population increases upon chemisorption. For some of the geometries studied, the results indicate that for rhodium surfaces the coupled product has significant NN double bond character, best described by the 6π electron system, hyponitrite. For rhodium surfaces the dimerization of chemisorbed NO seems to be a viable initial step in the NO reduction mechanism.
First Report of a Field Outbreak of a Bacterial Leaf Spot of Cantaloupe and Squash Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in Georgia.

In March 2000, a leaf spot was reported affecting yellow summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) and cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) in commercial fields in Colquitt, Echols, and Grady counties in Georgia. All of the crops affected were reported within a 10-day period, and average temperatures during that time were 8 to 22.5°C, which is very close to the 50-year normal temperatures for these areas located in southwest Georgia. Incidence in affected fields was 100%. Lesions on squash leaves appeared irregularly shaped, dark, water soaked, somewhat vein restricted, and were 5 to 10 mm in diameter. Lesions on cantaloupe were angular, light tan, and necrotic with a lesion diameter of 2 to 5 mm. A general chlorosis was observed around lesions of both crops. Leaf distortion was observed on squash. Four isolates collected were used in biochemical, pathogenicity, and physiological tests. Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from diseased tissue from squash and cantaloupes. Bacteria were aerobic, catalase-positive, fluorescent on King's medium B (1), oxidase-negative, nonpectolytic on potato, arginine dihydrolase-negative, utilized sucrose as a carbon source, produced levan, and gave a hypersensitivity response on tobacco (HR). Analysis of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles using the Microbial identification system (Sherlock version 3.1, Microbial identification system, Newark, DE) characterized representative strains as Pseudomonas syringae (similarity indices 0.65 to 0.80). Upon further characterization, the strains were negative for l (+)-tartarate utilization but utilized l-lactate and betaine and also exhibited ice nucleation activity. These characteristics are consistent with those of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. Squash and cantaloupes were grown in a greenhouse for 4 weeks. Bacteria were grown in nutrient broth, resuspended in sterile tap water, and standardized using a spectrophotometer. Plants were inoculated by infiltrating leaves with 1 ml of bacterial suspensions (1 × 107 CFU/ml) using sterile syringes. Sterile water was used as a negative control, and 1 ml was infiltrated into leaves of squash and cantaloupes. Water-soaked lesions developed in 4 to 6 days on squash and cantaloupes inoculated with bacterial suspensions, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae was isolated from diseased tissue. No symptoms developed on squash and cantaloupes used as negative controls. This outbreak of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae did not cause significant economic damage to either crop as symptoms subsided once daily high temperatures reached 28 to 32°C. This disease has been isolated from several cucurbit transplants reared in greenhouses, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of this disease occurring in the field. Reference: (1) E. O. King et al. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 44:301, 1954.
CELLULOSE SYNTHASE INTERACTIVE3 Regulates Cellulose Biosynthesis in Both a Microtubule-Dependent and Microtubule-Independent Manner in Arabidopsis

Anisotropic plant cell growth depends on the coordination between the orientation of cortical microtubules and the orientation of nascent cellulose microfibrils. CELLULOSE SYNTHASE INTERACTIVE1 (CSI1) is a key scaffold protein that guides primary cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) along cortical microtubules during cellulose biosynthesis. Here, we investigated the function of the CSI1-like protein, CSI3, in Arabidopsis thaliana. Similar to CSI1, CSI3 associates with primary CSCs in vitro, colocalizes with CSCs in vivo, and exhibits the same plasma membrane localization and bidirectional motility as CSI1. However, ProCSI1:GFP-CSI3 cannot complement the anisotropic cell growth defect in csi1 mutants, suggesting that CSI3 is not functionally equivalent to CSI1. Also, the colocalization ratio between CSI1 and CSI3 is low, which may suggest heterogeneity within the CSC population. csi1 csi3 double mutants showed an enhanced cell expansion defect as well as an additive reduction of CSC velocities, and CSI3 dynamics are dependent on CSI1 function. We propose that CSI3 is an important regulator of plant cellulose biosynthesis and plant anisotropic cell growth that modulates the velocity of CSCs in both a microtubule-dependent and microtubule-independent manner.
Line cameras for monitoring and surveillance sensor networks

A linear CCD sensor reads temporal data from a CCD array continuously and forms a 2D image profile. Compared to most of the sensors in the current sensor networks that output temporal signals, it delivers more information such as color, shape, and event of a flowing scene. On the other hand, it abstracts passing objects in the profile without heavy computation and transmits much less data than a video. This paper revisits the capabilities of the sensors in data processing, compression, and streaming in the framework of wireless sensor network. We focus on several unsolved issues such as sensor setting, shape analysis, robust object extraction, and real time background adapting to ensure long-term sensing and visual data collection via networks. All the developed algorithms are executed in constant complexity for reducing the sensor and network burden. A sustainable visual sensor network can thus be established in a large area to monitor passing objects and people for surveillance, traffic assessment, invasion alarming, etc.
Neurocognitive Function and Joint Attention Ability in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Versus Developmental Delay

Studies have shown that young children with autism are not impaired on prefrontal tasks relative to what would be expected for their mental age, raising questions about the executive dysfunction hypothesis of autism. These studies did not include ventromedial prefrontal tasks, however. The present study examined whether young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impaired on ventromedial prefrontal tasks, and whether performance on such tasks is correlated with a core autism symptom, joint attention ability. Seventy-two 3- to 4-year-old children with ASD, 34 3- to 4-year-old developmentally delayed children, and 39 12- to 46-month-old typically developing children, matched on mental age, were administered ventromedial and dorsolateral prefrontal tasks and joint attention tasks. Children with ASD performed similarly to comparison groups on all executive function tasks, indicating that at this early age, there is no autism-specific pattern of executive dysfunction. Ventromedial, but not dorsolateral, prefrontal task performance was strongly correlated with joint attention ability, however. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex is hypothesized to play a role in the development of joint attention and possibly some aspects of the autistic syndrome.
Cooperative Interactions between the Amino- and Carboxyl-terminal Lobes Contribute to the Unique Iron-binding Stability of Lactoferrin

Abstract Lactoferrin is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding proteins. Several functions have been ascribed to lactoferrin, including regulation of iron homeostasis, antibacterial properties, and regulation of myelopoiesis. However, the structural features of lactoferrin that are required for most of these functions are unknown. Previously, we reported the development of an efficient fungal expression system to produce recombinant human lactoferrin. The availability of this production system demonstrated the feasibility of producing mutant lactoferrins to address the structure/function relationship of the protein. In the present study, we used a site-directed mutagenesis approach to address the contribution of the bilobal structure of lactoferrin to its unique iron-binding stability. Like transferrin, lactoferrin consists of two repeated iron-binding lobes that bind one iron atom each. However, unlike transferrin, lactoferrin retains iron over a broad pH range, a key property that contributes to the unique iron-binding functions of the protein. Using mutants that selectively ablate the iron-binding function in either lobe, we demonstrate differential iron-binding stability of the amino- and carboxyl-terminal iron-binding lobes of lactoferrin. Further, we show that the unique iron-binding stability of the protein is imparted primarily by the carboxyl-terminal domain which functions cooperatively to stabilize iron-binding to the amino-terminal domain of lactoferrin.
Extension of the Shelf‐Life of Fresh Ground Pork with Polyphosphates

The antimicrobial effects of 1.0% sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) and sodium orthophosphate monobasic (ORTHO), alone or combined, were studied in fresh ground pork held at 2–4°C for 6 days. Addition of 1.0% SAPP to the meat inhibited psychrotrophic bacterial growth (P<0.01) and resulted in 50% longer meat shelf-life (equivalent to 2 days) in relation to control samples or to meat treated with 0.5% or 1.0% ORTHO. Addition of a 0.5% SAPP/0.5% ORTHO combination was less inhibitory to meat bacteria than 0.5% SAPP alone. Bacterial inhibition did not correlate with soluble orthophosphate content in ground pork.
A critical role for leukotriene B4 in K/BxN serum transfer arthritis pathogenesis

The leukotrienes (LTs) are potent inflammatory mediators whose functions include modulation of vascular permeability, induction of adhesion molecule expression, potent leukocyte chemoattraction, stimulation of smooth muscle contraction, induction of synovial fibroblast proliferation and triggering of cytokine secretion. Knowing that these bioactivities are active in the context of inflammatory arthritis, we hypothesized that the LTs may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of murine K/BxN serum transfer arthritis. We used a genetic approach to demonstrate the functional requirement for specific LT species in the induction of K/BxN serum transfer arthritis. We find that mice lacking 5-lipoxygenase, a proximal enzyme in LT biosynthesis, are resistant to the development of arthritis. We further demonstrate that LTA4 hydrolase-deficient mice, specifically lacking LTB4, are also profoundly resistant to arthritis induction. In contrast, mice lacking LTC4 synthase (and thus lacking all cysteinyl LTs), are fully competent to develop arthritis. The profound requirement for LTB4 highlights the importance of this lipid mediator of inflammation in the orchestrated, yet poorly understood, process of arthritis. Furthermore, these observations provide an in vivo rationale for pursuit of therapies directed at LTs and their receptors, an inflammatory pathway not currently utilized in treatment of patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Singing “I Will Survive”: Performance as Evolving Relationship

The 1978 disco hit “I Will Survive,” made popular by Gloria Gaynor, has personal significance for me as a listener and as a performer. In this essay, I trace my evolving relationship with this song from my childhood as I sang and listened to the song with my mother to my later performances of the song as a musician in different bands. In telling my story, I look to my various relationships with this song to argue for an analysis of music that complicates and considers the ways in which the listener, performer, and performance work together to shape the ways in which we come to interpret meanings and identities in the cultural performance of music.
Endocytosis in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells of mice during early pregnancy

We have localized horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the mouse uterus after intravenous administration on days 1 and 5 of pregnancy in an effort to understand how serum proteins reach the uterine lumen. Direct movement of HRP into uterine and glandular lumina was blocked by the epithelial tight junctions on both days. In luminal and glandular epithelial cells at both times, HRP was localized in endocytic vesicles along the basolateral membranes, multivesicular bodies (mvb), elongated dense bodies below the nucleus (bdb), and many small vesicles near the apical surface of the cells. The uptake of HRP was most extensive in the luminal epithelium on day 1: the number of tracer-containing apical vesicles and bdb was largest, and there were also clusters of vesicles containing the tracer above the nucleus. Acid phosphatase was localized on day 1 in mvb and bdb in both cell types, indicating that these structures are lysosomes. It appeared that HRP followed two pathways after basolateral endocytosis by the epithelial cells: it was transported to the apical region of the cells, where it was present in small vesicles that may release their contents into the uterine or glandular lumina, or it was transported to lysosomes. To investigate whether macromolecules may be transported from the uterine lumen to the stroma, we also studied endocytosis at the apical pole of luminal epithelial cells after intraluminal injection of HRP. There was no detectable uptake of HRP from the lumen on day 1, and no tracer was detected in the intercellular spaces or basement membrane region. On day 5, a large amount of HRP was taken up from the lumen into apical endocytic vesicles, mvb, and dense bodies, but tracer was not present in the Golgi apparatus, lateral intercellular spaces, or the basement membrane region at the times studied. These observations indicate that there was no transport of luminal macromolecules to the uterine stroma on day 1, while the possibility of transport on day 5 requires further study.
How to Rein in Executive Compensation

This article examines various corporate governance and compensation design issues that contribute to excessive executive compensation. It discusses numerous reform efforts to curb excessive executive pay. It provides some legal scholars' comments on the "Say on Pay" bill and the SEC's new compensation disclosure rules. In response to the global financial crisis, Congress passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA). In order to stimulate a recessionary economy with tax cuts and spending, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The ESSA created the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) to purchase distressed assets from financial institutions. The ESSA stipulates executive pay restrictions at recipient institutions of TARP funds. The ARRA amended the EESA's executive compensation restrictions. In addition to the ESSA and the ARRA, Congress vigorously proposed various legislative measures to rein in executive pay at recipient institutions of government bailout funds, and these proposed measures are described in this article. In order to stave off further regulations/legislative measures, corporations have to engage in voluntary efforts to rein in executive pay.
Effects of vanadyl sulfate on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with non—insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The safety and efficacy of vanadyl sulfate (VS) was tested in a single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eight patients (four men and four women) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) received VS (50 mg twice daily orally) for 4 weeks. Six of these patients (four men and two women) continued in the study and were given a placebo for an additional 4 weeks. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps were performed before and after the VS and placebo phases. VS was associated with gastrointestinal side effects in six of eight patients during the first week, but was well tolerated after that. VS administration was associated with a 20% decrease in fasting glucose concentration (from 9.3 +/- 1.8 to 7.4 +/- 1.4 mmol/L, P < .05) and a decrease in hepatic glucose output (HGO) during hyperinsulinemia (from 5.0 +/- 1.0 pre-VS to 3.1 +/- 0.9 micromol/kg x min post-VS, P < .02). The improvement in fasting plasma glucose and HGO that occurred during VS treatment was maintained during the placebo phase. VS had no significant effects on rates of total-body glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, glycolysis, carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation, or lipolysis during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. We conclude that VS at the dose used was well tolerated and resulted in modest reductions of fasting plasma glucose and hepatic insulin resistance. However, the safety of larger doses and use of vanadium salts for longer periods remains uncertain.
Degradation of Tyrosine Phosphatase PTPN3 (PTPH1) by Association with Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus E6 Proteins

Oncoproteins from DNA tumor viruses associate with critical cellular proteins to regulate cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 oncoproteins have been previously shown to associate with a cellular HECT domain ubiquitin ligase termed E6AP (UBE3A). Here we show that the E6-E6AP complex associates with and targets the degradation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN3 (PTPH1) in vitro and in living cells. PTPN3 is a membrane-associated tyrosine phosphatase with FERM, PDZ, and PTP domains previously implicated in regulating tyrosine phosphorylation of growth factor receptors and p97 VCP (valosin-containing protein, termed Cdc48 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and is mutated in a subset of colon cancers. Degradation of PTPN3 by E6 requires E6AP, the proteasome, and an interaction between the carboxy terminus of E6 and the PDZ domain of PTPN3. In transduced keratinocytes, E6 confers reduced growth factor requirements, a function that requires the PDZ ligand of E6 and that can in part be replicated by inhibiting the expression of PTPN3. This report demonstrates the potential of E6 to regulate phosphotyrosine metabolism through the targeted degradation of a tyrosine phosphatase.
Epidemiologic Modeling of HIV/AIDS: Use of Computational Models to Study the Population Dynamics of the Disease to Assess Effective Intervention Strategies for Decision-making

Computational models and simulations are becoming central research tools in epidemiology, biology, and other fields. Epidemiologic research involves the study of a complex set of host, environment and causative agent factors as these interact to impact health and diseases in any population. The most advanced of these efforts have focused on micro (cellular) or macro (human) population levels. The dynamic interplay of HIV with a focus in its hosts at the cellular level provides the micro-epidemiologic basis, while the dynamic interplay of multifactorial determinants: biomedical, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors provide the macro-epidemiologic basis at the human population level. We have developed the computational tools and mathematical approaches to study the population-level effects of various drugs on HIV to integrate models from micro to macro- levels in a seamless fashion. The critical variables that facilitate transmission of HIV and intracellular interactions and molecular kinetics were considered. Such multilevel models are essential if we are to develop quantitative, predictive models of complex biological systems such as HIV/AIDS.
Ubiquitin Goes Green

Chloroplasts depend on the nucleus for much of their proteome. Consequently, strong transcriptional coordination exists between the genomes, which is attuned to the developmental and physiological needs of the organelle. Recent studies highlight that the post-translational modifier ubiquitin adds another layer to plastid homeostasis and even helps eliminate damaged chloroplasts.
Policy Learning and Bottom Up Policy Diffusion: Changing the Unit of Analysis - The Case of Sexual Orientation Inclusive Nondiscrimination Laws

This paper further develops the concept of “bottom up” diffusion through an investigation of local-to-state adoption of sexual orientation inclusive nondiscrimination policies. While previous research utilizes the state as the unit of analysis, we focus on the policy learning of state-level decision makers. Our primary research hypothesis is that if local laws influence state policy adoption, state legislators in districts containing municipalities with such ordinances will be more likely to sponsor bills banning employment discrimination against lesbians and gays. State senators appear to learn from the existence of local ordinances banning discrimination against gays and lesbians, as demonstrated by bill sponsorship rates. This paper argues that state legislators receive vital policy and electoral information from the presence of laws within their jurisdiction, and that gay rights groups serve a key role as they can point to policy success at the local level.
UTILIZATION OF ELECTRONIC RECORD LINKED GENOTYPE DATA TO EVALUATE THE PATHOGENICITY OF SUSPECTED FAMILIAL CARDIOMYOPATHY DNA VARIANTS

The evolution of high throughput sequencing technologies has facilitated the rapid expansion of genetic testing in individuals with suspected heritable forms of cardiomyopathy. It is challenging to determine the pathogenicity of rare DNA variants in the absence of large kindreds that allow
WAVE REFLECTION AND TRANSMISSION IN CHANNELS OF VARIABLE SECTION

Reflection and transmission phenomena were investigated in a laboratory channel for transitions of linearly varying depth and/or width terminating in channels of reduced cross-section. Upstream wave characteristics were varied from deep to shallow water waves by changing wave frequencies, amplitudes and channel depths over a wide spectrum of conditions. Experimental values were corrected to correspond to transmission in an endless channel. The reflection and transmission coefficients are given as functions of the pertinent dimensionless parameters such as: group velocity ratio, channel depth ratio and wave steepness. Associated wave energies were also evaluated.
Iron-Based Coal Direct Chemical Looping Combustion Process: 200-h Continuous Operation of a 25-kWth Subpilot Unit

The coal direct chemical looping (CDCL) combustion process using an iron-based oxygen carrier has been developed and demonstrated in a 25-kWth subpilot unit. The CDCL subpilot unit is the first chemical looping demonstration unit with a circulating moving bed for the solid fuel conversions. To date, the CDCL subpilot unit at OSU has been operated for more than 550 h. The feasibility of the subpilot unit with various types of solid fuels including sub-bituminous coal and lignite coal has been tested. This article discusses the operational experience of a successful 200-h integrated, continuous demonstration with sub-bituminous coal and lignite coal. Throughout the 200-h continuous operation, the CDCL subpilot unit showed steady behavior in terms of solid circulation, coal handling, and oxygen carrier reactivity and recyclability. Tests with both coals confirmed more than 90% coal conversion with 99.5 vol % purity of CO2 achieved in the reducer. The sound design of the reducer allowed for nearly full coal c...
Application of Dynamical Systems Theory to Trajectory Design for a Libration Point Mission

Recently, there has been accelerated interest in missions utilizing trajectories near libration points. The trajectory design issues involved in missions of such complexity go beyond the lack of preliminary baseline trajectories (since conic analysis fails in this region of the solution space). Successful and efficient design of mission options will require new persepectives; a more complete understanding of the solution space is imperative. In this investigation, dynamical systems theory is applied to better understand the geometry of the phase space in the three-body problem via stable and unstable manifolds. Then, the manifolds are used to generate various solution arcs and establish trajectory options that are then utilized in preliminary design for the proposed Suess-Urey mission.
Electronic Properties of Cycloaddition-Functionalized Graphene

We have studied the electronic characteristics of covalently functionalized graphene by nitrene chemistry using first-principles density functional calculations. The perfluorophenylazide functionalization leads to a band-gap opening in graphene and transition from a semimetallic to a semiconducting state. The [2 + 1] cycloaddition-induced gap is shown to be attributed to the modification of the π conjugation that depends on the concentration of aziridine adducts. The implications of tailoring the band structure of functionalized graphene for future graphene-based device applications are discussed.
Therapeutic Options for Retinoblastoma

BackgroundRetinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children. The management of retinoblastoma is complex and depends on several factors.MethodsThis review provides an upd...
Open trial of oral fleroxacin versus amoxicillin/clavulanate in the treatment of infections of skin and soft tissue.

In a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial, fleroxacin was compared with amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (AMX/CP) for the treatment of infections of skin and soft tissue. Fleroxacin was given at a dosage of 400 mg once daily, and AMX/CP was given at a dosage of 500 mg/125 mg three times a day. Each was administered for 4–21 days. Adult patients with the clinical diagnosis of skin or soft tissue infections were eligible for enrollment. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio. A total of 191 patients were enrolled; 126 took fleroxacin, and 65 took AMX/CP. Of these patients, 42 in the fleroxacin group and 26 in the AMX/CP group were evaluable for both clinical and bacteriologic efficacies. Patients with abscesses comprised the largest single category in each group. Principal reasons for exclusion included: patients lost to follow-up (17 [13%] fleroxacin, 12 [18%] AMX/CP); failure to isolate a causative pathogen (19 [15%] fleroxacin, 9 [14%] AMX/CP); and resistance to study drug (11 [9%] fleroxacin, 2 [3%] AMX/CP). Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen. Streptococcus group A, Staphylococcus coagulase-negative, Escherichia coli, and Proteus species, in decreasing order, were the next most common pathogens. Clinical and bacteriologic efficacy was excellent in both groups, with a cure rate of ≥90%. There were two bacteriologic failures in each group. Patients taking fleroxacin complained of slightly more adverse events, which involved primarily the digestive and central nervous systems. The rate of withdrawal from the study because of adverse events was 4% in both groups. Fleroxacin, 400 mg given once daily, is safe and as effective as AMX/CP in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections in adults.
Le système de la mélanocortine centrale et son rôle dans l'homéostase énergétique

Obesity is an important health concern, and the central melanocortin system is likely to play an important role in both normal regulation of energy homeostasis as well as genetic predisposition to obesity. Three different mouse models of obesity have been created by virtue of mutations which alter the function of the melanocortin system, and a rare form of human obesity has been characterized in two families with mutations in the proopiomelanocortin gene [26]. More recently published works suggests an association between common childhood obesity and dominant inheritance of a single null allele of the melanocortin-4 receptor [44, 49]. Experimental work in the rodent suggests that the central melanocortin system may be a fundamental component of the adipostat, the mechanism by which constant energy stores are maintained. This hypothesis is the subject of this review.
Portacaval Shunt with Portal Vein Arterialization

A combination of end-to-side total portacaval shunt with arterialization of the hepatic stump of the interrupted portal vein completely decompresses the portal system while simultaneously maintaining perfusion of the liver. It is only marginally more difficult than a conventional total shunt yet it appears to be as effective as the technically taxing distal splenorenal shunt in preventing hepatic encephalopathy and death.
Blood Biomarkers for Evaluation of Perinatal Encephalopathy.

Recent research in identification of brain injury after trauma shows many possible blood biomarkers that may help identify the fetus and neonate with encephalopathy. Traumatic brain injury shares many common features with perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Trauma has a hypoxic component, and one of the 1st physiologic consequences of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury is apnea. Trauma and hypoxia-ischemia initiate an excitotoxic cascade and free radical injury followed by the inflammatory cascade, producing injury in neurons, glial cells and white matter. Increased excitatory amino acids, lipid peroxidation products, and alteration in microRNAs and inflammatory markers are common to both traumatic brain injury and perinatal encephalopathy. The blood-brain barrier is disrupted in both leading to egress of substances normally only found in the central nervous system. Brain exosomes may represent ideal biomarker containers, as RNA and protein transported within the vesicles are protected from enzymatic degradation. Evaluation of fetal or neonatal brain derived exosomes that cross the blood-brain barrier and circulate peripherally has been referred to as the “liquid brain biopsy.” A multiplex of serum biomarkers could improve upon the current imprecise methods of identifying fetal and neonatal brain injury such as fetal heart rate abnormalities, meconium, cord gases at delivery, and Apgar scores. Quantitative biomarker measurements of perinatal brain injury and recovery could lead to operative delivery only in the presence of significant fetal risk, triage to appropriate therapy after birth and measure the effectiveness of treatment.
A Final Word to Applicants and Search Committees: Picking the Right People for Leadership Roles the First Time

This chapter is about prevention. AMCs can save a lot of time and effort by picking the right person the first time and applicants by picking the right place. It sounds simple but it’s not. One reason why it’s not easy is that for applicants and search committees alike, the individuals seeking the positions are stepping up onto a stage where they haven’t been before and so they are left to predict how they will grow and adapt to a new environment. To improve the process, we offer advice to both applicants and to search committees. Based on material in this book, we’d advise applicants to consider four questions: (1) Why would I want this job now and does it fit my maturational curve? (2) What does the job entail and do I have those skills? (3) Is this job a fit for me? (4) Are the resources available to do the job? To search committees we offer advice on how to select the search committee and charge it and how the committee might optimally structure the way it conducts the interviews. We also issue warnings about picking the candidate who caters to every audience and how to spot those who are too self-centered to do the job. And, finally, we offer ideas on how to work with search firms.
Integrating Apple iPads into University Computing Courses

The use of mobile devices is becoming increasingly common in both society and in the K-12 environment. Products such as the Apple iPad and the Microsoft Surface, among others, have matured to a point where university faculty are striving to integrate this increasingly ubiquitous technology into the classroom and the curriculum. This paper represents a case study examining one attempt to integrate the use of tablets into five university-level computing courses during the 2015- 2016 academic year. The author used a set of iPads and accompanying classroom technology (e.g. Apple TV, keyboards) in an attempt to engage students and build their problem-solving and collaborative skills. Student feedback suggests that students were engaged, and the results for the iPad's impact on problem-solving and collaborative skills improved over the course of the year. A number of challenges were observed, including inadequate student knowledge of tablets, wireless connectivity issues, student resistance to the group learning afforded by the iPads, and keeping the tablets charged and clean. Future plans for the study intend to address the challenges uncovered, using student and instructor feedback as an impetus for future development. This paper serves as an experiential report designed to inform other faculty who may be looking into similar projects.
Defining Hate Speech

There is no shortage of opinions about what should be done about hate speech, but if there is one point of agreement, it is that the topic is ripe for rigorous study. But just what is hate speech, and how will we know it when we see it online? For all of the extensive literature about the causes, harms, and responses to hate speech, few scholars have endeavored to systematically define the term. Where other areas of content analysis have developed rich methodologies to account for influences like context or bias, the present scholarship around hate speech rarely extends beyond identification of particular words or phrases that are likely to cause harm targeted toward immutable characteristics. This essay seeks to review some of the various attempts to define hate speech, and pull from them a series of traits that can be used to frame hate speech with a higher degree of confidence. In so doing, it explores the tensions between hate speech and principles of freedom of expression, both in the abstract and as they are captured in existing definitions. It also analyzes historical attempts to define the term in the United States, from the brief period of time when the United States punished hate speech directly. From this analysis, eight traits are surfaced that can be used for the development of a confidence scoring system to help ascertain whether a particular expression should be considered one of hate speech or not.
A systematic review of coping among heterosexual female IPV survivors in the United States with a focus on the conceptualization and measurement of coping

Abstract Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant stressor associated with numerous negative consequences. Many IPV researchers have sought to understand survivors' experiences and to identify malleable factors that can enhance survivor well-being by focusing on survivors' coping efforts. To develop a better understanding of how coping has been conceptualized and measured in the context of U.S.-based research with heterosexual female IPV survivors, we conducted a systematic review of 48 research articles examining IPV and coping among this population. Additionally, the review assesses the state of this literature in terms of methodological strengths and limitations as well as what is known about these survivors' coping efforts. Review findings suggest that coping is a complex construct that has been conceptualized and measured in diverse ways. Findings also demonstrate that heterosexual, female survivors engage in various coping strategies and help-seeking behaviors, and some effort has been made to examine: (a) the relationship between coping and mental health, (b) the relationship between coping and other constructs (e.g., decision to leave an abusive partner, revictimization), and (c) differences in coping across diverse groups of survivors. Recommendations for future research are offered in light of review findings.
Managing Media Firms and Industries: What’s So Special About Media Management? Edited by Gregory Ferrell Lowe and Charles Brown

This rich volume, edited and compiled by two former presidents of the European Media Management Association (EMMA)—Gregory F. Lowe, professor of media management at the University of Tampere in Fin...
Hindfoot Arthritis Progression and Arthrodesis Risk After Total Ankle Replacement.

Background:The purpose of this study was to assess the radiographic progression of subtalar and talonavicular degenerative joint disease in a series of patients who had undergone TAA (total ankle a...