cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microphysics of Raindrop Size Spectra: Tropical Continental and Maritime Storms

Abstract This work uses raindrop size spectra measured at the surface in tropical continental storms to determine the associated parameters of the best-fit gamma distributions. The physical processes responsible for those parameters and their relations to the measurable radar reflectivity Z and differential reflectivity ZDR are then explored. So too are their relations to quantitative measurements of rain. Comparison is then made with corresponding features previously reported in tropical maritime regimes. The storms observed in Brazil and Arecibo, Puerto Rico, have been divided into convective (C), transition (T), and stratiform (S) segments. The raindrop size distribution (DSD) parameters are clearly defined on a gamma parameter diagram (GPD) that shows 1) how median volume drop size D0 increases from S to T to C segments of the rain while 2) the range of the spectrum breadth parameter μ increases, and the range of the slope parameter Λ decreases in the same sequence of S to C. Drop growth occurs predom...
Surface modification strategies for (100)3C‐SiC

Several surface modificaation techniques were performed in situ in an ultrahigh vacuum as part of a program to develop electrical contacts on the (100) face of cubic SiC. The Auger electron spectroscopy line shapes and peak-to-peak heights of the Si LVV and CKLL transitions indicated changes in surface stoichiometry, bonding, and short range order. Changes in the low-energy electron diffraction pattern identified changes in the symmetry of long range ordering on the surface. Heating above 1050 C depleted the surface of Si with an activation energy of 120 kcal/mol, resulting eventually in a disordered graphitic layer which was several atomic layers thick. Bombardment by Ar ions of energies greater than 1000 eV enhanced the Si to C ratio on the surface and destroyed the LEED pattern. Long range order was recovered by simultaneous heating and ion bombardment. Finally, adsorption of Cr on the Ar ion damaged surface and subsequent desorption left a reconstructed, p(2 x 1)Si enriched surface. Similar treatments with Al did not produce a surface reconstruction.
Functional profiling of a human cytomegalovirus genome

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a ubiquitous herpesvirus, causes a lifelong subclinical infection in healthy adults but leads to significant morbidity and mortality in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Its ability to grow in different cell types is responsible for HCMV-associated diseases, including mental retardation and retinitis, and vascular disorders. To globally assess viral gene function for replication in cells, we determined the genomic sequence of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based clone of HCMV Towne strain and used this information to delete each of its 162 unique ORFs and generate a collection of viral mutants. The growth of these mutants in different cultured cells was examined to systematically investigate the necessity of each ORF for replication. Our results showed that 45 ORFs are essential for viral replication in fibroblasts and 117 are nonessential. Some genes were found to be required for viral replication in retinal pigment epithelial cells and microvascular endothelial cells, but not in fibroblasts, indicating their role as tropism factors. Interestingly, several viral mutants grew 10- to 500-fold better than the parental strain in different cell types, suggesting that the deleted ORFs encode replication temperance or repressing functions. Thus, HCMV encodes supportive and suppressive growth regulators for optimizing its replication in human fibroblasts, epithelial, and endothelial cells. Suppression of viral replication by virus-encoded temperance factors represents a novel mechanism for regulating the growth of an animal virus, and may contribute to HCMV's optimal infection of different tissues and successful proliferation among the human population.
Cleft palate formation: a role for pyridoxine in the closure of the secondary palate in mice.

Dietary pyridoxine deprivation in mice throughout pregnancy produced 20% cleft palate (CP). This frequency was significantly increased when either 4-deoxypyridoxine or cortisone was administered during the period of palate closure. A low dose of cortisone given to pregnant mice fed a pyridoxine-deficient diet produced a CP frequency greater than the sum of those produced by each teratogen alone. At a higher dose the interaction between cortisone and pyridoxine deficiency was additive. The effects of cortisone and pyridoxine deprivation were mitigated when pyridoxine was given during the time of palate shelf movement. Clearing arid staining for bone formation revealed general delay of ossification but no visible skeletal defects. Exencephaly, with a frequency of 0.4 %, was the only other gross defect seen after maternal pyridoxine deprivation.
Preparation of functionally active cell-permeable peptides by single-step ligation of two peptide modules.

Noninvasive cellular import of synthetic peptides can be accomplished by incorporating a hydrophobic, membrane-permeable sequence (MPS). Herein, we describe a facile method that expedites synthesis of biologically active, cell-permeable peptides by site-specific ligation of two free peptide modules: one bearing a functional sequence and the second bearing a MPS. A nonpeptide thiazolidino linkage between the two modules is produced by ligation of the COOH-terminal aldehyde on the MPS and the NH2-terminal 1,2-amino thiol moiety on the functional sequence. This thiazolidine ligation approach is performed with stoichiometric amounts of fully unprotected MPS and functional peptide in an aqueous buffered solution, eliminating the need for additional chemical manipulation and purification prior to use in bioassays. Two different MPSs were interchangeably combined with two different functional sequences to generate two sets of hybrid peptides. One set of hybrid peptides, carrying the cytoplasmic cell adhesion regulatory domain of the human integrin β3, inhibited adhesion of human erythroleukemia cells to fibrinogen-coated surfaces. A second set of hybrid peptides, carrying the nuclear localization sequence of the transcription factor NF-κB, inhibited nuclear import of transcription factors NF-κB, activator protein 1, and nuclear factor of activated T cells in agonist-stimulated Jurkat T lymphocytes. In each assay, these nonamide bond hybrids were found to be functionally comparable to peptides prepared by the conventional method. Cumulatively, this new ligation approach provides an easy and rapid method for engineering of functional, cell-permeable peptides and demonstrates the potential for synthesis of cell-permeable peptide libraries designed to block intracellular protein–protein interactions.
Long-term benefit of electron beam radiation therapy in the treatment of scleredema of Buschke

Abstract Introduction Scleredema of Buschke is a rare connective tissue disorder presenting with woody thickening and induration of the nuchal and shoulder regions resulting in progressive decrease in the range of motion of the neck. Treatment options include several forms of systemic therapy with variable results. Local radiation therapy (RT) is often thought of as a secondary form of therapy. Few reports exist in the literature about the durability of its benefit, however. Here, we present a case report with the longest known follow-up after primary treatment with electron beam RT. Methods The patient was treated using 8-MeV en face electrons with 2000 cGy in 10 fractions with 2 separate but matched electron fields. The treatment fields included the posterior neck from the occiput superiorly to the mid-thoracic spine inferiorly with the lateral borders extending to the scapulae. The patient received no additional therapy either pre- or post-RT. Clinical follow-up was obtained at regular intervals. Published literature regarding RT for this disease was reviewed and consolidated. Results The patient was followed at regular intervals for 6 years with significant softening of the plaque starting at 2 months after RT, resulting in decrease in plaque size by 50% after 18 months. The patient regained 45° of lateral, bidirectional cervical motion from central axis and 50% improvement in neck extension that has remained durable 6 years after treatment with no additional therapy. Quality of life was restored with a simple nontoxic treatment limited to transient, grade 1 fatigue. Conclusion Scleredema of Buschke is a rare connective tissue disorder commonly treated with multimodal therapy, but it can be effectively and durably controlled with RT alone. This case report documents the durability of the benefit achieved with RT and suggests that RT should be considered earlier in the treatment of this disease.
Discussion of the Paper on Houseflies, Musca Domestica

After reading Mr Keiding’s paper my first reaction was “What more is there to say?”. On further reflection there are some experiences and ideas that come to mind from our work in New Jersey over the past 25 years which might be worth considering.
A Study Of The Importance Of Certain Attributes To Clients Initial Selections Of Audit Firms: A Longitudinal And Stratified Approach

This study examines the importance of certain accounting firm characteristicsreputation, personnel, industry experience, and feeto the selection of audit firms by publicly-traded corporations. Client perceptions of these attributes were assessed to determine: (1) possible longitudinal changes in the relative importance of these attributes to clients selections, and (2) possible concurrent differences in the relative importance of these attributes to two different client strata-large versus small corporations. Using conjoint analysis, interval measures of the relative importance of each firm attribute were determined. The results of this study indicate that large and small corporations have very different relative preferences for characteristics of audit firms. In addition the importance attached to certain attributes of audit firms by large and small clients appears to be stable over time.
Solving and explaining analogy questions using semantic networks

Analogies are a fundamental human reasoning pattern that relies on relational similarity. Understanding how analogies are formed facilitates the transfer of knowledge between contexts. The approach presented in this work focuses on obtaining precise interpretations of analogies. We leverage noisy semantic networks to answer and explain a wide spectrum of analogy questions. The core of our contribution, the Semantic Similarity Engine, consists of methods for extracting and comparing graph-contexts that reveal the relational parallelism that analogies are based on, while mitigating uncertainty in the semantic network. We demonstrate these methods in two tasks: answering multiple choice analogy questions and generating human readable analogy explanations. We evaluate our approach on two data-sets totaling 600 analogy questions. Our results show reliable performance and low false-positive rate in question answering; human evaluators agreed with 96% of our analogy explanations.
Traumatic Rupture of the Corpus Cavernosum: A Case report and Survey of the Incidence in Arkansas

AbstractTraumatic rupture of the corpus cavernosum of the penis is reported infrequently in the United States. A survey to discover the incidence of such an occurrence in Arkansas disclosed 25 new cases. A review of the literature suggests that immediate surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.
Postwar Railroad Freight Rate Increases and Agriculture

T HE economic history of our nation affords many illustrations of the long standing interest shown by agricultural shippers in railroad transportation problems. Legislation developed by individual states during the Granger movement marked the first organized attempt of these groups to curb exorbitant freight charges and prevent discriminatory practices, and the experience gained through state control had a significant influence in shaping Federal regulation of rail carriers. Since then, agricultural interests have participated to an increasing extent in all nation-wide proceedings affecting costs of transporting farm products to market, and equipment to the farm. Agricultural shipments move primarily by rail, highway, and water carriers, but since railroads transport the great bulk their postwar freight rate increases on agricultural commodities is the topic with which this article is concerned.
Implantation of Hydroxyapatite Granules into Superplastic Ti Alloy Substrate with Deposited Ti Film

It was attempted to implant hydroxyapatite granules into a superplastic Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Fe-2Mo-alloy substrate. In order to improve the biocompatibility of the Ti-alloy, a pure titanium film was initially coated on the alloy substrate by reactive direct current (DC) sputtering method. Hydroxyapatite granules with 32-38μm in diameter were spread over the coated Ti-alloy substrate and then pressed to implant the granules in the substrate. Upon implanting the granules at the temperature of 750°C, many cracks on the coating film were observed centering around the implanted granules, and the HAp granules themselves were observed to be damaged, too. In the meanwhile, upon implanting the granules at the temperature of 800°C, a pure titanium coating film was observed to become thin partially at the shoulder of the side wall in the vicinity of HAp granules; however, the granules were implanted into the alloy smoothly without any crack at all on the coating film and any damage to the granules. The hydroxyapatite implanted Ti alloy is expected to be useful for biomaterials as artificial bones and dental roots.
Material Behavior of Mixed Formulation Solder Joints

The transition from tin-lead to lead free soldering in the electronics manufacturing industry has been in progress for the past 10 years. In the interim period before lead free assemblies are uniformly accepted, mixed formulation solder joints are becoming commonplace in electronic assemblies. For example, area array components (BGA/CSP) are frequently available only with lead free Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder balls. Such parts are often assembled to printed circuit boards using traditional 63Sn-37Pb solder paste. The resulting solder joints contain unusual quaternary alloys of Sn, Ag, Cu, and Pb. In addition, the alloy composition can vary across the solder joint based on the paste to ball solder volumes and the reflow profile utilized. The mechanical and physical properties of such Sn-Ag-Cu-Pb alloys have not been explored extensively in the literature. In addition, the reliability of mixed formulation solder joints is poorly understood. In this work, we have explored the physical properties and mechanical behavior of mixed formulation solder materials. Seven different mixture ratios of 63Sn-37Pb and SAC305 solder materials have been formed, which include five carefully controlled mixtures of the two solder alloys (by weight percentage) and the two extreme cases (pure Sn-Pb and pure SAC). For the various percentage mixtures, the melting point, pasty range, stress-strain curves, mechanical properties (modulus, strength), and creep curves have been characterized. The variations of the mechanical properties and creep rates with aging at room temperature (25 °C) and elevated temperature (100 °C) have also been measured. Finally, the microstructures realized with the various mixtures have been found and correlated to the mechanical measurements and microstructures found in actual mixed formulation BGA solder joints. The results for the mechanical and physical properties show a very complicated dependence on the mixture ratio.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Application of the paper disc technique to the collection of whole blood and serum samples in studies on eastern equine encephalomyelitis.

Received for publication July 17, 1957. Paper NS 235 from the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, published with the approval of the director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station. * On leave from the Central Institute of Hygiene, Zagreb, Yugoslavia. Many of the blood samples from wild birds were collected by Drs. L. E. Starr and R. L. Watson, Georgia Department of Public Health. Dr. Watson is now Public Health Veterinarian, U. S. Public Health Service, Baltimore, Maryland.
Intraoperative Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Infant Heart Transplant Patients Is Not Associated with Worsened Outcomes.

BACKGROUND:Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is common during infant cardiac surgery. A previous report of pediatric heart transplant recipients showed that increased RBC transfusion volume was independently associated with increased length of intensive care unit stay. It is unclear whether transfusi
The Research of Island Frequency Coordination Control Method Considering Multi-frequency Accommodating Factors

Against the power grid supported characteristics of system frequency variation,under the operation state of power system island,the sensitivity of the frequency variation is different from traditional frequency variation characteristics.This paper facing state of power system island,considering the comprehensive constraint of generator control factors and load frequency characteristic adjustment factors,established dynamic math model for frequency variation process,using stepwise method comprehensive to analyze the response process of generator control model and load frequency characteristics,extracting the feature variables of influence factors,and coordinating the control function of feature variables,puts forward the control method of frequency in the island operation mode.On the basis of an actual power grid in certain area,building the simulation model for system operation,applying the frequency coordination control method,forms the corresponding frequency regulation scheme.The simulation results proved that the frequency control method is feasible,enhancing the level of the safe and stable operation.
Serum gastrin levels in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

Fasting serum gastrin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in serum from 67 patients with peptic ulcer disease and 102 hospitalized patients without recognized gastrointestinal disease of similar age and sex distribution. Unlike patients with the Zollinger- Ellison syndrome, patients with ordinary peptic ulcer disease were not found to have serum mean fasting gastrin levels elevated when compared with this control population. The mean fasting serum gastrin level for the control population was 165 pg per ml (± 28 se). The mean serum gastrin level for the patients with peptic ulcer disease was 98 pg per ml (± 12 se). The serum gastrin concentrations for patients with gastric ulcers, pyloral-antral ulcers, and duodenal ulcers were 126 (± 41 se), 118 (± 6.8 se), and 82 (± 11.5 se) pg per ml, respectively. Mean fasting serum gastrin levels in the control population were found to increase with increasing age. It was speculated that these increasing fasting serum gastrin levels with increasing age may reflect the effects of achlorhydria (and less complete forms of reduced acid secretion) in removing the usual inhibition of gastrin release due to antral acidification.
Highly Conductive, Sulfonated, UV-Cross-Linked Separators for Li–S Batteries

Metal (based on Li, Na, Mg, or Al)–sulfur batteries are promising candidates for rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices capable of high charge storage. However, the success of metal–sulfur battery technology calls for solutions of fundamental problems associated with the inherently complex solution chemistry and interfacial reactivity of sulfur and polysulfide species in commonly used electrolytes. It is understood that the dissolution and shuttling of polysulfides induce rapid capacity degradation, poor cycling stability, and low efficiency of these cells. Herein, we report on the synthesis and transport properties of membranes containing sulfonate groups that are able to rectify transport of polysulfide species in liquid electrolytes. Composed of a cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) framework containing pendant SO32– groups, the membranes facilitate electrolyte wetting and Li+ ion transport, but are highly selective in preventing migration of negatively charged sulfur species (Sn2–) dis...
The Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System and the Kidney

Abstract The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) mediates vasoconstriction, regulates glomerular filtration rate, stimulates aldosterone secretion, and exerts stimulatory effects on the renal tubule. In addition, the RAS has been found to have a wide range of physiologic effects, altering cell expression, inflammation, fibrosis, and fetal development, impacting a whole host of diseases. The benefits of this research are seen today in the widespread use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in slowing progression of chronic kidney disease but will likely expand to wider clinical use as the benefits of RAS blockade in other disease processes are fully elucidated. Even with wide clinical use, however, there is much to be discovered. While dual ACE-I and ARB does not appear justified, the role of mineralocorticoid blockade in combination with ACE-I or ARB is still unclear, as is the role of novel agents in development. Furthermore, the potential clinical role of the RAS has focused upon AII; the clinical relevance of many of the other mediators of the RAS such as AT2, AIV, and even renin itself remain largely unexplored. The potential benefits of AT2 receptor activation, for instance, are many and AT2 receptor agonists may 1 day be used in reducing hypertension and further forestalling renal disease.
A comparative study of commuting matrix approaches for the discrete fractional fourier transform

As an extension of the conventional Fourier transform and as a time-frequency signal analysis tool, the fractional Fourier transforms (FRFT) are suitable for dealing with various types of non-stationary signals. Computation of the discrete fractional Fourier transform (DFRFT) and its chirp concentration properties are both dependent on the basis of DFT eigenvectors used in the computation. Several DFT-eigenvector bases have been proposed for the computation of transform, and there is no common framework for comparing them. In this paper, we compare several different approaches from a conceptual viewpoint and review the differences between them. We discuss five different approaches to find centered-DFT (CDFT) commuting matrices and the various properties of these commuting matrices. We study the properties of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of these commuting matrices to determine whether they resemble those of corresponding continuous Gauss-Hermite operator. We also measure the performance of these five approaches in terms of: mailobe-to-sidelobe ratio, 10-dB bandwidth, quality factor, linearity of eigenvalues, chirp parameter estimation error, and, finally the peak-to-parameter mapping regions. We compare the five approaches using these performance metrics and point out that the modified QMFD approach produces the best results in terms of bandwidth of the spectral peak for a chirp, invertibility of the peak-parameter mapping, linearity of the eigenvalue spectrum and chirp parameter estimation errors.
Case and Experiential Learning Methods

(2003). Case and Experiential Learning Methods. Marketing Education Review: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 33-33.
Compact optical probe for flame temperature and carbon dioxide using interband cascade laser absorption near 4.2 µm

Abstract An in situ thermometry technique was developed for low-pressure flames based on laser absorption spectroscopy of nascent carbon dioxide. Discrete, rovibrational lines within the ν3 fundamental band near 4.2 µm were utilized due to their superior strength, large temperature sensitivity and isolation from interfering absorption lines of other combustion species. These transitions were simultaneously accessed with a single interband cascade laser using scanned-wavelength direct absorption and Voigt lineshape fitting to infer temperature from the ratio of integrated absorbance. A single-ended optical probe constructed of sapphire rods was used to deliver the laser light to the flame. Measurements of temperature and CO2 were conducted in burner-stabilized flames for methane–oxygen and ethylene–oxygen reactant mixtures over a pressure range of 25–60 torr and from a distance of 3–23 mm above the burner face. Measurements were compared to a 1-D kinetic model as well as thermocouple measurements. The sensor was also used for path-averaged thermometry on a propane torch at 760 torr to demonstrate the potential for measurement at atmospheric pressure.
To transduce a zebra finch: interrogating behavioral mechanisms in a model system for speech

The ability to alter neuronal gene expression, either to affect levels of endogenous molecules or to express exogenous ones, is a powerful tool for linking brain and behavior. Scientists continue to finesse genetic manipulation in mice. Yet mice do not exhibit every behavior of interest. For example, Mus musculus do not readily imitate sounds, a trait known as vocal learning and a feature of speech. In contrast, thousands of bird species exhibit this ability. The circuits and underlying molecular mechanisms appear similar between disparate avian orders and are shared with humans. An advantage of studying vocal learning birds is that the neurons dedicated to this trait are nested within the surrounding brain regions, providing anatomical targets for relating brain and behavior. In songbirds, these nuclei are known as the song control system. Molecular function can be interrogated in non-traditional model organisms by exploiting the ability of viruses to insert genetic material into neurons to drive expression of experimenter-defined genes. To date, the use of viruses in the song control system is limited. Here, we review prior successes and test additional viruses for their capacity to transduce basal ganglia song control neurons. These findings provide a roadmap for troubleshooting the use of viruses in animal champions of fascinating behaviors-nowhere better featured than at the 12th International Congress!
Aerosol-Jet-Assisted Thin-Film Growth of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskites—A Means to Achieve High Quality, Defect-Free Films for Efficient Solar Cells

A high level of automation is desirable to facilitate the lab-to-fab process transfer of the emerging perovskite-based solar technology. Here, an automated aerosol-jet printing technique is introduced for precisely controlling the thin-film perovskite growth in a planar heterojunction p–i–n solar cell device structure. The roles of some of the user defined parameters from a computer-aided design file are studied for the reproducible fabrication of pure CH3NH3PbI3 thin films under near ambient conditions. Preliminary power conversion efficiencies up to 15.4% are achieved when such films are incorporated in a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate-perovskite-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester type device format. It is further shown that the deposition of atomized materials in the form of a gaseous mist helps to form a highly uniform and PbI2 residue-free CH3NH3PbI3 film and offers advantages over the conventional two-step solution approach by avoiding the detrimental solid–liquid interface induced perovskite crystallization. Ultimately, by integrating full 3D motion control, the fabrication of perovskite layers directly on a 3D curved surface becomes possible. This work suggests that 3D automation with aerosol-jet printing, once fully optimized, could form a universal platform for the lab-to-fab process transfer of solution-based perovskite photovoltaics and steer development of new design strategies for numerous embedded structural power applications.
House Full: Indian Cinema and the Active Audience, by Lakshmi Srinivas: Chicago, IL, The University of Chicago Press, 2016, 315 pp., US$26.29 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-226-36156-7

The Indian film industry has come under intense scholarly scrutiny over the past few years, and rightly so. India produces, on average, 1,500 films every year in more than eight different languages...
A novel SMA fed substrate integrated E-plane horn antenna

A novel SMA fed substrate integrated E-plane horn antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna is built by binding two printed circuit boards. Copper strips are inserted at the interface between two circuit boards to support longitudinal current that is excited by an SMA adapter. Copper plated through holes are drilled along the propagating direction to support vertical current. A trapezoidal dielectric load using the same substrate material is used to improve gain and impedance matching.
Towards more effective online information support for mammography screening decisions

Abstract We sought to determine the extent to which web-based patient-directed resources of U.S. public health agencies and professional groups offer consistent and relevant information on the benefits and harms of mammography screening. Between August 2016–February 2017, we identified, collected and analyzed information about mammography screening from the websites of 14 well-known governmental public health agencies and professional groups. We recorded and compared the qualitative and quantitative information the sites offered on (1) breast cancer mortality; (2) false-positive results; (3) unnecessary biopsy; and (4) overdetection. Our results show considerable variation on which benefits and harms are mentioned, whether they are discussed in qualitative and/or quantitative terms, and how this information is delivered and framed. We argue that it is ethically problematic that benefit and harm information is presented in inconsistent and incomplete ways, and we suggest that organizations work towards the adoption of uniform categories to genuinely support preference-sensitive decision making.
Cosmopolitan, dynamic, and contested energy futures: Navigating the pluralities and polarities in the energy systems of tomorrow

Abstract The futures of energy are cosmopolitan, dynamic, and full of contradictions. There are multiple actors and institutions with multiple aims and interests advancing the futures of energy; at the same time, these futures are envisioned differently and will, therefore, be produced and negotiated heterogeneously. This context highlights that energy futures are not free of cultural, political, and economic influence, and hence can be best-approached with cosmopolitan and plural lenses. This collection evidences plurality in terms of the disparate geographic locations, disciplinary foundations, conceptual frameworks, and methodological choices of our authors and their papers. This breadth points to the many roads of imagining the sociotechnicality of energy futures and of making these expectations real and durable. We suggest embracing plurality and reflexivity, and understanding the politics of energy futures, at the same time that we also issue a caveat on the complexity of these processes. Claiming no comprehensiveness or closure, our collective contributions should be taken as works-in-progress in the unending quest to understand, analyze, and critique the plurality of the futures of energy and the ways we imagine, navigate, and contest them.
Eccentricities and inclinations of multiplanet systems with external perturbers

Compact multi-planet systems containing super-Earths or sub-Neptunes, commonly found around solar-type stars, may be surrounded by external giant planet or stellar companions, which can shape the architechture and observability of the inner systems. We present a comprehensive study on the evolution of the inner planetary system subject to the gravitational influence of an eccentric, misaligned outer perturber. Analytic results are derived for the inner planet eccentricities ($e_i$) and mutual inclination ($\theta_{12}$) of the "2-planet + perturber" system, calibrated with numerical secular and N-body integrations, as a function of the perturber mass $m_p$, semi-major axis $a_p$ and inclination angle $\theta_p$. We find that the dynamics of the inner system is determined by the dimensionless parameter $\epsilon_{12}$, given by the ratio between the differential precession rate driven by the perturber and the mutual precession rate of the inner planets. Loosely packed systems (corresponding to $\epsilon_{12} \gg 1$) are more susceptible to eccentricity/inclination excitations by the perturber than tightly packed inner systems (with $\epsilon_{12} \ll 1$) (or singletons), although resonance may occur around $\epsilon_{12}\sim 1$, leading to large $e_i$ and $\theta_{12}$. Dynamical instability may set in for inner planet systems with large excited eccentricities and mutual inclinations. We present a formalism to extend our analytical results to general inner systems with $N>2$ planets and apply our results to constrain possible external companions to the Kepler-11 system. Eccentricity and inclination excitation by external companions may help explain the observational trend that systems with fewer transiting planets are dynamically hotter than those with more transiting planets.
Adults’ Conceptualisations of Children’s Social Competence in Nepal and Malawi

Adults in Nepal (N = 14) and Malawi (N = 12) were interviewed about their views regarding social competence of 5- to 17-year-old children in their societies. Both Nepali and Malawian adults discuss...
Dynamic tracking influenced by anatomy following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: Computational simulation.

Abstract Background Continued patellar instability can occur following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Computational simulation of function was used to investigate the influence of the lateral position of the tibial tuberosity, trochlear dysplasia and patella alta on lateral patellar tracking following MPFL reconstruction. Methods Multibody dynamic simulation models were developed to represent nine knees being treated for recurrent patellar instability. Knee extension against gravity and dual limb squatting were simulated with and without simulated MPFL reconstruction. Graft resting lengths were set to allow 10 mm and five millimeters of patellar lateral translation at 30° of knee flexion. The bisect offset index, lateral tibial tuberosity to posterior cruciate ligament tibial attachment (TT–PCL) distance, lateral trochlear inclination, and Caton–Deschamps index were quantified at every five degrees of knee flexion to characterize lateral tracking, lateral position of the tibial tuberosity, trochlear dysplasia, and patella alta, respectively. For the pre-operative and post-operative conditions and each type of motion, bisect offset index was correlated with the anatomical parameters using stepwise multivariate linear regression. Results For both motions, the pre-operative and post-operative bisect offset indices were significantly correlated with lateral trochlear inclination and lateral TT–PCL distance. For both motions, the adjusted r2 decreased with MPFL reconstruction, but was still approximately 0.5 for MPFL reconstruction allowing five millimeters of lateral translation. Conclusion MPFL reconstruction decreases but does not eliminate lateral maltracking related to trochlear dysplasia and a lateralized tibial tuberosity. Patients with these pathologies are likely at the highest risk for instability related to maltracking following MPFL reconstruction.
Embryonic mescencephalon derived neurospheres contain progenitors as well as differentiated neurons and glia.

Purpose: Stem cells and progenitor cells in the central nervous system may have potential for therapeutic use in patients with degenerative diseases or after injury. Neural precursor cells can be grown in culture in the presence of mitogens as aggregates termed neurospheres (NSs), as a source of proliferating progenitor cells. Withdrawal of mitogen and allowing the NSs to adhere to a substrate is the conventional way to study the differentiation potential of the progenitor cells propagated in NSs form. Here we asked if differentiation occurs within NSs cultured in the normal manner, in the presence of mitogen. Methods: We used non-passaged NSs derived from E13.5 mouse ventral mesencephalon. Results: The NSs contained not only progenitor cells but also phenotypically-differentiated neurons and glia, in the presence of mitogen. Extracellular matrix molecules (fibronectin, laminin and collagen type IV) were also detected within these NSs, which may aid in the differentiation of progenitors inside the NSs. The cell types within NSs were also organized in a way that the differentiated cells were found in the inner cell mass while progenitors were found in the outer region. Additionally, the proportion of differentiated cell types within the NSs was also affected by exposure to different mitogens. Moreover, when placed together in to co-culture, dissociated embryonic striatal and mesencephalic cells aggregated spontaneously to form mixed NSs, enhancing the eventual differentiation into dopaminergic neurons from progenitors within these NSs. Conclusion: Therefore, the NSs contained progenitor cells and differentiated neurons and glial cells. In addition, NS culture system can be used to study cellular differentiation in vitro in non-adherent conditions.
Physiologic and situational determinants of drinking behavior.

Sober alcoholics are presumed to be more susceptible to relapse during states of emotional dysphoria. A prior study investigating situations most conducive to craving for alcohol reveals that 93% of alcoholics claim to experience craving when depressed, 90% when nervous, 88% when worried, 78% when feeling bad, 77% when under stress and 72% after failure: in contrast, only 35% of alcoholics claim craving when successful, 30% when happy, 23% when feeling good and 18% when relaxed (Ludwig and Stark, 1974). Toker, et al., 1973, similarly report that alcoholics, in comparison to normal controls, are most likely to go to the bar, drink, smoke and take pills whenever they feel helpless, depressed, angry and anxious. While these findings are hardly surprising, it is necessary to point out that such claims by alcoholics have never been tested adequately under laboratory conditions.
Biomedical Research Techniques

The chapter on biomedical research techniques encompasses a large number of procedures – some common – some restricted to hamsters, which are used in research with the Syrian golden hamster. The chapter is written primarily for the needs of the laboratory animal veterinarian or biomedical researcher. Each technique is either described in detail or directs the reader to an appropriate reference. Included are discussions on general handling and restraint, tooth trimming, radiology, electrocardiography, collecting biological specimens (such as blood, urine, milk, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.), injections and intubations, catheterizations, many surgical procedures (such as ovariectomy, adrenalectomy, and olfactory bulbectomy), and more.
17-OR: MODULATION OF microRNA-449a BY HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) IN REGULATING EXPRESSION OF THE INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKER YKL40 THROUGH TARGETING COMPONENTS OF THE NOTCH/NF KAPPA B SIGNALING PATHWAYS

Aim HCV mediated liver diseases is a major health problem both in the United States and worldwide. This study is to identify the role of HCV induced changes in microRNAs in mediating inflammation leading to autoimmunity and allograft fibrosis. Methods Using Genomewide microarray analyses and qPCR dysregulation of miR-449a and NOTCH1 in the livers of HCV patients were identified. Computational sequence analyses and reporter assays using the YKL40 promoter region were done to analyze transcription factors. Chromatin and protein immunoprecipitations were done to establish interactions between transcription factors and DNA. Results Ykl40 is up regulated in patients with chronic liver diseases with fibrosis and cirrhosis. YKL40 is regulated by miR-449a in human hepatocytes in a TNFα dependent manner. Putative binding sites for transcription factors were defined for YKL40 promoter which included NF Kappa B/P65 and CEBPα which play a key role in hepatic fibrosis. siRNA mediated knockdown of NOTCH1 , a direct target of miR-449a, significantly reduced YKL40 expression. NOTCH1 expression was found to be upregulated of HCV patients. Further, NOTCH1 facilitated nuclear localization of P65 in response to TNFα. Co-expression of P65 and CEBPα results in higher level of activation of the YKL40 promoter compared to either alone indicating co-operation between these two in regulating YKL40 . Immunoprecipitation experiments established interaction between P65 and CEBPα in hepatocytes and sequence specific binding of P65 and CEBPα to the YKL40 promoter. Conclusions Taken together our results demonstrate that miR-449a plays an important role in modulating expression of the inflammatory biomarker Ykl40 through targeting the components of the NOTCH signaling pathway in response to HCV infection. Therefore, defining transcriptional regulatory mechanisms which control inflammation following HCV will be important towards developing strategies to prevent hepatic fibrosis following liver transplantation of HCV recipients.
A New Data Resource to Examine Meals on Wheels Clients' Health Care Utilization and Costs.

Background:Access to social services (eg, nutrition) can impact older adults’ health care utilization and health outcomes. However, data documenting the relationship between receiving services and objective measures of health care utilization remain limited.Objectives:To link Meals on Wheels (MOW) p
Non-targeted detection of milk powder adulteration by 1H NMR spectroscopy and conformity index analysis

Abstract A non-targeted method for classifying authentic and adulterated skim and nonfat dry milk powders (MP) by solution-state, high-field 1H NMR spectroscopy and conformity index analysis has been developed. Authentic MP samples from the global market and synthetically-adulterated MP samples involving eight adulterants were used in a pre-validation study. Adulteration was detected at the lowest concentrations (≥ 0.005 – 0.05% w/w) for samples containing nitrogen-rich, small molecules (melamine and dicyandiamide). For urea, a milk metabolite, and for sucrose and maltodextrin, the detection thresholds were higher (≥ 0.5% w/w). An NMR peak associated with ammonium sulfate was not observed; however, adulteration was indirectly detected at 5% w/w via matrix effects on milk metabolites. Adulteration by soy protein isolate and whey protein concentrate was not detected even at 5% w/w of spiking, which was attributed in part to poor protein solubility. These results provide a successful proof of concept that 1H NMR combined with conformity index analysis can support MP authentication and detect adulteration.
VARIANTS IN THE PROMOTER OF TRKB ARE ASSOCIATED WITH A GOOD RESPONSE TO LITHIUM IN BIPOLAR DISORDER

Background BDNF and its receptor TrkB have repeatedly been associated with bipolar disorder and lithium response. Lithium induces release of BDNF which is essential for its function. We have previously shown that genetic variants in the TrkB gene are associated with lithium response and bipolar disorder. The goal of this study was to identify novel and common sequence variants in these two genes that affect the action of lithium in bipolar disorder. Methods Retrospective samples were collected in regard to lithium responsiveness. 73 good responders, (LiR), 49 moderate responders (Mod), and 47 poor responders (NR) individuals were used for a sequencing study of these two genes. We targeted exons, non-coding regions with putative regulatory functions, 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions, and numerous DNase hypersensitive regions. Samples were combined into pools of 23 to 37 individuals. Paired-end sequencing was done using Custom Amplicons (Illumina). Variants were called with Genome Analysis Toolkit. PLINK was used to calculate a chi-square statistic between individual groups. Annotation of identified variants was done using SIFT and PolyPhen-2. Results For BDNF, 35 variants were called, and 159 variants were called for TrkB. Using a conservative Bonferroni correction for 174 comparisons, a statistically significant p-value would be Discussion Targeted sequencing revealed the over abundance of a minor allele of a common SNP in the promoter of TrkB for LiR but not in NR. Lithium efficacy for the treatment of bipolar disorder is likely to involve the BDNF/TrkB pathway. This study provides a likely candidate region to further investigate the function of lithium in bipolar individuals.
Long-term survival of structurally compromised tooth preserved with crown lengthening procedure and restorative treatment: A pilot retrospective analysis.

Aim Since there is limited study to assist in an evidenced-based decision whether to extract or preserve a structurally compromised tooth, the aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term survival rate of tooth preservation after crown lengthening procedure (CLP) and restorative treatments. Methods Electronic and paper chart of patients received CLP in our graduate clinic from 1990 to 2015 were reviewed. Statistical analysis was done using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimator. Results A total of 766 coded charts were initially collected. Four hundred and fourteen cases were included in the final analysis. The Kaplan-Meier estimate shows a cumulative survival rate of 88.3% in 5 years, 78.4% in 10 years and 68.1% in 15 years. In terms of reasons for failure, restorative problem such as recurrent decays was the main issue (35.2%), followed by fracture (29.6%), endodontic complications (23.9%) and periodontal breakdown (11.3%). Conclusions Within the limitation of this study, structurally compromised teeth have a reasonable long-term survival rate close to 80% after 10 years in a teaching institute. Patients with high fracture or caries risk may pose a higher chance of failure. Objective information should be presented to the patient to arrive at an evidence-based decision.
MHD Modeling of Shock Physics Experiments with the PHELIX Portable High Magnetic Field Drive

The PHELIX portable pulsed power driver has recently completed a set of experiments examining the response of granular material to convergent shock loading. Here a nearly 4 MA peak current is delivered to a Z-pinch load with a quarter wave cycle time of ~3 μs. This produces B ~ 0.30 MG field at the surface of a ~3 cm diameter, 1 mm thick, 3 cm tall Al liner. The liner is accelerated to ~800 km/s before shock impacting a target cylinder filled with fine-grain CeO 2 powder. Design and analysis simulations are performed with 2D MHD Lagrangian/ALE code to predict the liner performance and material response. Computational results are compared to the PHELIX Faraday rotation measurements for load current as well as proton radiographic imaging of the evolution of the density profile in the CeO 2 .