cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical measurements in an elderly black population: knee height as the dominant indicator of stature

This investigation examined (a) select physical measurements for age and gender differences in an elderly Black population, and (b) the relationship of stature as a dependent variable on knee height, weight, age, and gender in this population. T-test values were greater for men than for women in stature and knee height (p < .001), whereas gender differences in weight were not significant. Multiple regression was used to determine the relationship of stature to the four independent variables. When all Black subjects (n = 119) were included, three variables were significant: 3 square root knee height, gender, and 3 square root weight (R2 = .49). The equation inclusive only of the 98 Black females contained two variables: knee height2 and 3 square root weight (R2 = .29). The probability of both R2's was < .001. In decreasing order, knee height, gender, and weight were important in predicting stature; age was not significant.
Effect of concentric and eccentric muscle actions on muscle sympathetic nerve activity

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of concentric (Con) and eccentric (Ecc) muscle actions on leg muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). Two protocols were utilized. In protocol 1, eight subjects performed Con and Ecc arm curls for 2 min, with a resistance representing 50% of one-repetition maximum for Con curls. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were greater (P < 0. 05) during Con than during Ecc curls. Similarly, the MSNA was greater (P < 0.05) during Con than during Ecc curls. In protocol 2, eight different subjects performed Con and Ecc arm curls to fatigue, followed by postexercise muscle ischemia, by using the same resistance as in protocol 1. Endurance time was significantly greater for Ecc than for Con curls. The increase in HR, MAP, and MSNA was greater (P < 0.05) during Con than during Ecc curls. However, when the data were normalized as a function of endurance time, the differences in HR, MAP, and MSNA between Con and Ecc curls were no longer present. HR, MAP, and MSNA responses during postexercise muscle ischemia were similar for Con and Ecc curls. Con curls elicited greater increase (P < 0.05) in blood lactate concentration than did Ecc curls. In summary, Con actions contribute significantly more to the increase in cardiovascular and MSNA responses during brief, submaximal exercise than do Ecc actions. However, when performed to a similar level of effort (i.e., fatigue), Con and Ecc muscle actions elicit similar cardiovascular and MSNA responses. These results indicate that the increase in MSNA during a typical bout of submaximal dynamic exercise is primarily mediated by the muscle metaboreflex, which is stimulated by metabolites produced predominantly during Con muscle action.
Semi-conductor impurity and exciton levels in a magnetic field

Abstract An accurate multiparameter variational calculation of impurity and exciton levels in a magnetic field is presented. Of particular interest are effects due to screening.
Tracking with debiased consistent converted measurements versus EKF

In tracking applications target motion is usually best modeled in a simple fashion using Cartesian coordinates. Unfortunately, in most systems the target position measurements are provided in terms of range and azimuth (bearing) with respect to the sensor location. This situation requires either converting the measurements to a Cartesian frame of reference and working directly on converted measurements or using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) in mixed coordinates. An accurate means of tracking with debiased consistent converted measurements which accounts for the sensor inaccuracies over all practical geometries and accuracies is presented. This method is compared with the mixed coordinates EKF approach as well as a previous converted measurement approach which is an acceptable approximation only for moderate cross-range errors. The new approach is shown to be more accurate in terms of position and velocity errors and provides consistent estimates (i.e., compatible with the filter calculated covariances) for all practical situations. The combination of parameters (range, range accuracy, and azimuth accuracy) for which debiasing is needed is presented in explicit form. >
Evaluation of Patients' Knowledge Regarding Smoking and Chronic Pancreatitis: A Pilot Study.

Objective: Over the last decade, a strong association has been found between smoking and chronic pancreatitis. Some studies suggest that smoking may be a more important cause of chronic pancreatitis than alcohol and the two are additive. The primary purpose of our study was to test the use of a questionnaire to assess patient’s knowledge regarding the association of smoking with pancreatic disease. Methods: The questionnaire was administered prospectively during a 9 month period in 2013 to patients referred to a pancreas clinic at the University of Alabama Birmingham. The primary purpose of the questionnaire was to investigate patient awareness regarding the association of smoking with pancreatic disease; however, it was also designed for assessing doctor-patient communication regarding smoking in general and pancreatic disease specifically and the patient’s stage of change for quitting smoking. Results: Eighteen patients (mean age 52 years; 85% male) were used for the analysis. The data analysis showed that 56% of patients were aware of the relationship between smoking and chronic pancreatitis and 72% were aware about alcohol and pancreatitis. Patients related that physicians were an important reference source for their knowledge regarding the causes of chronic pancreatitis, but only 39% stated that their physician had specifically mention the effect of smoking on the pancreas. Conclusion: Elaborate studies involving greater number of study population, are necessary to better define measuring tools and to further assess patient’s knowledge regarding the relationship between smoking and chronic pancreatitis. Additionally, efforts should be directed towards enhancing physician’s knowledge on this established relationship and the importance of patient education as well.
The increased cost of medical services for people diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma: a decision analytic approach.

Purpose Glaucoma accounts for more than 11% of all cases of blindness in the United States, but there have been few studies of economic impact. We examine incremental cost of primary open-angle glaucoma considering both visual and nonvisual medical costs over a lifetime of glaucoma. Design A decision analytic approach taking the payor's perspective with microsimulation estimation. Methods We constructed a Markov model to replicate health events over the remaining lifetime of someone newly diagnosed with glaucoma. Costs of this group were compared with those estimated for a control group without glaucoma. The cost of management of glaucoma (including medications) before the onset of visual impairment was not considered. The model was populated with probability data estimated from Medicare claims data (1999 through 2005). Cost of nonocular medications and nursing home use was estimated from California Medicare claims, and all other costs were estimated from Medicare claims data. Results We found modest differences in the incidence of comorbid conditions and health service use between people with glaucoma and the control group. Over their expected lifetime, the cost of care for people with primary open-angle glaucoma was higher than that of people without primary open-angle glaucoma by $1688 or approximately $137 per year. Conclusions Among Medicare beneficiaries, glaucoma diagnosis not found to be associated with significant risk of comorbidities before development of visual impairment. Further study is necessary to consider the impact of glaucoma on quality of life, as well as aspects of physical and visual function not captured in this claims-based analysis.
A fuzzy blood pressure controller

An automatic blood-pressure controller yielding satisfactory results in simulation has been constructed using fuzzy set theory. This prototype controller is not adaptive and is therefore not intended for closed-loop control in surgery. However, the fuzzy control approach is very well suited to closed-loop control in complex biomedical problems. Further study is currently under way in the area of adaptive fuzzy control, in order to manage wide variations in patients' drug responses (e.g. drug sensitivity and time delay). >
The emergence of the internet to deliver video programming: economic and regulatory issues

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the internet as an emerging video distribution platform and to analyze the corresponding emerging economic and legal issues.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the historical evolution of the business model for the television business and, using a layered model of communications, identifies issues that accompany the growth of the internet as both a complement and a competitor to existing distribution platforms.Findings – As video is increasingly distributed using the internet, a new business model is developing that possesses characteristics such as, unbundled content, irrelevance of geographic exclusivity, irrelevance of structured time or structured release, and new business combinations, alliances, and ventures.Practical implications – Public policy makers throughout the world are faced with the need to update, replace, and/or revise existing regulations that govern the relationships between and among traditional video distri...
Direct Cytosolic Delivery of siRNA Using Nanoparticle‐Stabilized Nanocapsules

We report the use of nanoparticle-stabilized nanocapsules (NPSC) for the direct cytosolic delivery of siRNA. In this approach, siRNA is complexed with cationic arginine-functionalized gold nanoparticles via electrostatic interactions, with the resulting ensemble self-assembled onto the surface of fatty acid nanodroplets to form NPSC/siRNA nanocomplex. The complex rapidly delivers siRNA into cytosol via membrane fusion, a mechanism supported by cellular uptake studies. Using destabilized green fluorescent protein (deGFP) as a target, 90% knockdown was observed in HEK293 cells. Moreover, the delivery of siRNA targeting polo-like kinase 1(siPLK1) efficiently silenced PLK1 expression in cancer cells with concomitant cytotoxicity.
Hydrate Dissociation in Pipelines by Two-Sided Depressurization: Experiment and Model

: Experimental data were obtained on the dissociation of short methane hydrate plugs in a simulated pipeline. The hydrate plugs were dissociated by the method of two-sided depressurization. Results indicated that plug dissociation occurred radially and not axially. This results in extreme safety concerns, listed herein. When the system was depressurized to atmospheric pressure, ice was formed from the dissociating hydrate plug, which aided in the dissociation process. A model describing hydrate dissociation assumes that heat is conducted radially into the plug from the surroundings. The model is in quantitative agreement with the data using no fitted parameters. A rapid pressure reduction to atmospheric pressure on both ends of the hydrate plug leads to the optimal dissociation rate.
Transformation of Existing Programs into Autonomic and Self-healing Entities

Autonomic computing is a grand challenge in computing, which aims to produce software that has the properties of self-configuration, self-healing, self-optimization and self-protection. Adding such autonomic properties into existing applications is immensely useful for redeploying them in an environment other than they were developed for. Such transformed applications can be redeployed in different dynamic environments without the user making changes to the application. However, creating such autonomic software entities is a significant challenge because of the amount of code transformation required. This paper presents feasible solutions to such code transformations and identifies associated issues. To illustrate such code transformations, a technique is presented that inserts Java byte code with self-healing primitives and transforms it to become a self-healing component. Experiments show that such code transformations are challenging however they are worthwhile in order to provide transparent autonomic behavior
Decontamination of targeted pathogens from patient rooms using an automated ultraviolet-C-emitting device.

objective.To determine the effectiveness of an automated ultraviolet-C (UV-C) emitter against vancomycin-resistantenterococci(VRE), Clostridium difficile, andAcinetobacterspp. in patient rooms. design.Prospective cohort study. setting.Two tertiary care hospitals. participants.Convenience sample of 39 patient rooms from which a patient infected or colonized with 1 of the 3 targeted pathogens had been discharged. intervention.Environmental sites were cultured before and after use of an automated UV-C-emitting device in targeted rooms but before standard terminal room disinfection by environmental services. results.In total, 142 samples were obtained from 27 rooms of patients who were colonized or infected with VRE, 77 samples were obtained from 10 rooms of patients withC. difficileinfection, and 10 samples were obtained from 2 rooms of patients with infections due toAcinetobacter. Use of an automated UV-C-emitting device led to a significant decrease in the total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) of any type of organism (1.07 log 10 reduction; ), CFUs of target pathogens (1.35 log 10 reduction; ), VRE CFUs P!.0001 P!.0001 (1.68 log 10 reduction; ), andC. difficileCFUs (1.16 log 10 reduction; ). CFUs ofAcinetobacteralso decreased (1.71 log 10 P!.0001 P!.0001 reduction), but the trend was not statistically significant ( ). CFUs were reduced at all 9 of the environmental sites tested. Reductions Pp.25 similarly occurred in direct and indirect line of sight. conclusions.Our data confirm that automated UV-C-emitting devices can decrease the bioburden of important pathogens in realworld settings such as hospital rooms.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis Strain PY79.

ABSTRACT Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive soil-dwelling and endospore-forming bacterium in the phylum Firmicutes. B. subtilis strain PY79 is a prototrophic laboratory strain that has been highly used for studying a wide variety of cellular pathways. Here, we announce the complete whole-genome sequence of B. subtilis PY79.
Information accuracy and sampling effort: a field study of surgical scheduling coordination

Coordination of dynamic schedules in complex environments requires the sampling of the current status of the system being coordinated. In many such systems that include human components, the requisite status information is unavailable or unreliable. Optimal sampling theory focuses on monitoring a system's status for changes, with limited consideration of future changes or missing information. Models of sampling for coordination and scheduling must consider resolving missing or ambiguous data points. Through field-based observations, we observed that human information-seeking involving this type of sampling balances the need for specific information with the effort required to attain the information, and the accuracy of the information. This paper uses field-based observations of the coordination of operating-room suite activities to demonstrate these factors and discusses communication strategies within the operating room context, as well as implications for technology design to support such work.
AGU Makes Research More Accessible to Public by Making Journals Freely Available Online

As a leader in the scientific community, AGU has a responsibility to advance our science and support the execution of high-quality research. Perhaps equally important, we also have a responsibility to share that knowledge as widely as possible.
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting: changes in anesthetic management and surgical procedure.

Abstract Objective: The authors hypothesized that changes in surgical procedures for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) have led to changes in anesthetic management with a resultant decrease in the complexity of care. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: University teaching hospital. Participants: Review of the records of 60 patients who underwent MIDCAB surgery. Measurements and Main Results: Data included preoperative demographics, perioperative anesthetic management, and postoperative cardiac and noncardiac issues and complications. Two groups were formed: in group I, a coronary stabilizer (CS) was not used, and in group II, it was. With the exception of a greater incidence of those with no preoperative comorbidities in group II (CS), there were no differences between the two groups with respect to demographics or preoperative variables. A surgical design called H-graft was used in a greater number of group II (CS) patients, whereas a direct anastomosis was performed in the majority of group I patients. Use of pharmacologically induced bradycardia/ asystole has not been performed after the introduction of the CS. The use of central venous catheters (instead of pulmonary artery catheters) and single-lumen (v double-lumen) endotracheal tubes was greater in group II (CS) patients. Despite changes in intraoperative management, there was no significant change in the incidence of postoperative complications, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay between groups I and II. New-onset atrial fibrillation was the most common postoperative complication (13 of 56 patients; 23%). Three of 24 patients (12.5%) who received intraoperative magnesium experienced atrial fibrillation compared with 10 of 32 patients (31%) who did not receive magnesium. Conclusions: The complexity of anesthetic technique has decreased since the onset of MIDCAB surgery. The decrease in complexity may be related to changes in surgical design and technology.
Characterization of cell-death pathways in Punta Toro virus-induced hepatocyte injury

Punta Toro virus (PTV; genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae) causes apoptosis of hepatocytes in vivo in experimentally infected hamsters and in vitro in cultured HepG2 cells. Screening for expression of apoptosis-related genes has shown alterations in the genes for tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the TNF receptor family. This study examined the roles of the TNF receptor-related extrinsic pathway and the Bcl-2 family-associated mitochondrial pathway in PTV-induced cell death. The effects of caspase inhibitors (caspIs) and TNF on cellular viability, virus replication, and morphological and biochemical changes in apoptosis were examined in HepG2 cells at different time points after infection with PTV (Adames strain). The results showed that caspIs dampened the virus-induced reduction in cellular viability, partially suppressed and delayed viral titres and antigen expression, and partially decreased the expression of apoptotic genes, caspase activities and DNA fragmentation. TNF treatment further decreased cellular viability after PTV infection and increased the level of apoptosis, whilst caspIs partially inhibited these effects. These findings indicate that TNF, caspase-8 and caspase-9 contribute to PTV-induced hepatocytic apoptosis and that additional mediators are probably also involved in this process. These mediators from different pathways correlated with one another and may be interlinked.
Numerical Modeling of the Transient Chilldown Process of a Cryogenic Propellant Transfer Line

Before cryogenic fuel depots can be fully realized, efficient methods with which to chill down the spacecraft transfer line and receiver tank are required. This paper presents numerical modeling of the chilldown of a liquid hydrogen tank-to-tank propellant transfer line using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP). To compare with data from recently concluded turbulent LH2 chill down experiments, seven different cases were run across a range of inlet liquid temperatures and mass flow rates. Both trickle and pulse chill down methods were simulated. The GFSSP model qualitatively matches external skin mounted temperature readings, but large differences are shown between measured and predicted internal stream temperatures. Discrepancies are attributed to the simplified model correlation used to compute two-phase flow boiling heat transfer. Flow visualization from testing shows that the initial bottoming out of skin mounted sensors corresponds to annular flow, but that considerable time is required for the stream sensor to achieve steady state as the system moves through annular, churn, and bubbly flow. The GFSSP model does adequately well in tracking trends in the data but further work is needed to refine the two-phase flow modeling to better match observed test data.
Inhibitors of Strand Transfer That Prevent Integration and Inhibit HIV-1 Replication in Cells

Integrase is essential for human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) replication; however, potent inhibition of the isolated enzyme in biochemical assays has not readily translated into antiviral activity in a manner consistent with inhibition of integration. In this report, we describe diketo acid inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase that manifest antiviral activity as a consequence of their effect on integration. The antiviral activity of these compounds is due exclusively to inhibition of one of the two catalytic functions of integrase, strand transfer.
Shock and Awe: the Theatre and Dramatic Literature of September 11th

How did the American theatre community respond to the events of September and how did the response shape new dramatic works? This thesis will examine the American theatre before and directly after the events of September ll’ , 2001. The response to theatrical works being written and performed will be examined by reviews. Also, the political activism from theatre artists will be discussed. The thesis will also look at the dramatic literature that was written in response to these events. With more dramatic works being written, there are categories which emerged. The categories are plays written before 9/11 with parallel themes of post 9/11 plays, remembrance, responses to the politics and policies directly after 9/11 and the Bush administration. The following plays will be used to demonstrate the three categories: Omnium Gatherum by Theresa Rebeck and Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros Guantanamo: 'Honor Bound to Defend Freedom' by Victoria Brittain & Gillian Slovo The Guys by Anne Nelson Stuff Happens by David Hare with Their Eyes: September 11th— The View from a High School at Ground Zero by Annie Thoms Wake Up and Smell the Coffee by Eric Bogosian The Women of Lockerbie by Deborah Brevoort 9 Parts of Desire by Heather Raffo Using excerpts from these scripts, the thesis will define the categories and how each plays best fit into the categories.
Social Work's Professional and Social Justice Projects: Discourses in Conflict

Abstract This article argues that social work has two distinct and very different projects that are so conflated that they are indistinguishable from one another; the social justice project and the professional project. The social justice project seeks to transform the conditions that permit the existence of preventable human suffering. The professional project positions social work as a profession in a system of professions in competition with one another for jurisdictional turf. The effect of this conflation is that social justice discourses are rendered instrumental vehicles of the professional project. After laying out this thesis, this article discusses ways to reverse this relationship so that professionalization can be made to serve the ends of social justice.
Henoch–Schönlein Purpura

A 20-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a one-day history of fever and acute, painful symmetric polyarthritis that involved the wrists, elbows, and ankles. During the next two days, edema and palpable purpura developed over the dorsal aspect of the hands and feet (Panels A and B), as well as on the buttocks and legs. Severe abdominal pain with hematemesis developed, along with an increase in liver aminotransferase levels. Henoch–Schonlein purpura was suspected. Computed tomographic scanning of the abdomen revealed edema of the small intestine, a finding consistent with the presence of intestinal vasculitis. Examination of a biopsy . . .
Use of a ringed intraluminal graft in the surgical treatment of dissecting aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. A new technique.

An intraluminal graft made of woven tubular Dacron with cloth-covered grooved rings at both ends is used to repair dissecting aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. Six consecutive white male patients ranging in age from 31 to 69 years with an average age of 55 years were operated upon with the use of this graft. Three patients had a dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta and three others had a dissecting aneurysm of the descending aorta. Total cardiopulmonary bypass was utilized in repairing dissecting aneurysms of the ascending aorta and left heart bypass was used in patients with dissecting aneurysms of the descending aorta. The basic technique consists in inserting the whole ringed graft into the true lumen of the dissected aorta and circumferentially ligating the aorta against the groove in the rings. The proximal ring of the graft effectively stabilized the flail aortic valve in two patients with aortic regurgitation associated with dissection of the ascending aorta. There were no hospital deaths. All patients are doing well 1 year, 1 month to 2 years, 8 months after the operation.
The Benchmarking Capacity of a General Outcome Measure of Academic Language in Science and Social Studies.

The amount of research evaluating the technical merits of general outcome measures of science and social studies achievement is growing. This study targeted criterion validity for critical content ...
The Stratospheric Aerosol Layer and Anhydrous Reactions Between Ammonia and Sulfur Dioxide1

Past studies of the reactions between anhydrous NH3 and anhydrous SO2 have suggested that two distinct products are formed. These products are stable below about 10C, are pale yellow or white solids, and have NH3:SO2 stoichiometric ratios of 1:1 and 2:1, respectively. The present work corroborates these results and presents quantitative measurements of the equilibrium total vapor pressure over the products at temperatures between −10 and −70C. Infrared spectra of the vapor infer that the products dissociate reversibly on sublimation into their components, NH3 and SO2. One white product was formed which exerted an extremely low vapor pressure at low temperatures. Regions of temperature minima would be preferred for its formation in the atmosphere. This stable product may appear at some stage in the formation of the ammonium sulfate layer in the lower stratosphere.
Distribution of pathogens causing nosocomial infection in general hospitals and distribution trends

OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in general hospital and to provide scientific bases for the prevention and control of nosocomial infections in clinics.METHODS Version2.0 nosocomial infection control system that comes from Beijing hospital infection control improvement and management Centre was applied to statistically analyze the pathogenic bacteria during 2007-2009.RESULTS During the three years of clinical inspection,a total of 833 hospital infection bacteria specimens were detected.The top five pathogens of nosocomial infection were Staphylococcus aureus 156(18.73%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa 131(15.73%),Acinetobacter baumannii 75(9.01%),Klebsiella pneumoniae 69(8.28%),and Candida albicans 65(7.80%).The pathogens isolated from the lower respiratory tract were 603,accounting for 72.39%.CONCLUSION Scientific monitoring can reduce the nosocomial infection pathogens and the incidence of nosocomial infection.
Indispensable Institutions: Making a Case for Public Libraries as Local E-Government Service Administrators

EDITOR'S SUMMARY While electronic access to government information is an expressed goal, implementation varies widely by locality, purpose and focus. Public libraries are uniquely situated to serve e-government administration by assembling and managing online collections of local electronic government records. Materials to be collected should reflect local and patron needs, be permitted by law and be accessible online. Libraries already provide internet access and reference support, and they are increasingly serving as intermediaries as agencies cut staffing as they move materials online. Libraries promote transparency, in strong demand by the public and necessary for citizen participation in the democratic process. Libraries are trusted institutions, and, supported by librarians’ competencies, they enable access, digital preservation and support for online collections. Numerous public and private libraries serve as depositories of state and federal government records, providing access points for citizens to obtain information. With the foundation of skills, capabilities and precedents, it would not be difficult for public libraries to expand on their tradition of managing and supporting access to information to administer online collections of local government information.
Spermiation and Epididymal Maturation of Spermatozoa in the Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata) as Viewed by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Spermiation and epididymal maturation of spermatozoa were studied in the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) by light and scanning electron microscopy. The morphology, location, and release of residual body were observed during spermiation. Along the epididymal duct, the shape of spermatozoa changed, the constriction at the anulus disappeared, the marginal thickening diminished in length, and the cytoplasmic droplet regressed and moved toward the posterior end of the middle piece. Mature spermatozoa were very similar to those of other Cercopithecidae, and they showed a forward motility and a drop in eosin stainability.
Surgeons and Pilots: What Do We Have in Common?

Pilots undergo intensive training in order to fly commercially or privately. However, this training cannot always predict who will commit errors and who will handle emergency situations effectively. Numerous factors play a part in how these situations are handled. Some of these factors include communication with other personnel, the technical skill and mental state of the pilot, and external factors such as weather. A key component is extensive training, so that when an emergency occurs, s/he does not have to think about the basic procedures for their job. Instead, the pilot is able to focus solely on the current emergency and how to handle it. Performing complex surgery is much like flying a plane. Both take an enormous amount of training, which at times can be grueling. Surgery itself can be dangerous, time-pressured, and while much of it depends on technical skills of the surgeon, other factors and non-technical elements have major effects and are required to effectively execute an operation. There are a number of common features that both of these high-pressure, high-demand professions share. This chapter seeks to review the commonalities and differences between the decision-making among pilots and surgeons, by incorporating the concepts of situational awareness and sense-making, and how these phenomena can be applied to understanding the process of dynamic decision-making.
A Reptation Model of Slip at Entangled Polymer–Polymer Interfaces

Interfaces between immiscible polymer melts can exhibit significant slip when subjected to large shear stresses. We describe and analyze a slip-link/tube model of the nonlinear steady-state rheology of an interface between entangled immiscible polymer melts. The model assumes that near equilibrium shear stress is transmitted across such an interface primarily by chains that form loops across the interface and entangle with chains of the other species. Such binary interfacial entanglements can be created by diffusion of chain ends to the interface and destroyed by either Brownian reptation or slip-induced convective constraint release. Interfacial stress is predicted to be a nonmonotonic function of interfacial slip velocity, leading to the possibility of a stick–slip transition between an entangled state with a very low slip velocity and an unentangled state with a much higher slip velocity.
Hemophilia Gene Therapy

Abstract SCI-48 Over the last decade, five clinical studies on gene therapy for hemophilia A and B using viral and nonviral vectors for liver-restricted or ectopic expression of clotting factor demonstrated safety with no inhibitor formation. Although efficacy in these early phase trials was not achieved because of sustained levels of clotting factor below 1%, these studies form the basis for the second generation of clinical trials. To date, two studies on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector encoding a FIX transgene for liver-restricted expression are ongoing. In one study using a modified AAV genome pseudotyped with serotype 8, emerging data are encouraging and sustained therapeutic levels of FIX have been obtained in a dose-dependent manner. Novel approaches for hemophilia have been explored targeting hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) using lentiviral vectors for expressing FVIII or FIX genes. Transgene expression under the control of either a non-lineage specific promoter or a platelet-specific promoter showed biological activity and improvement of the disease phenotype. The platelet-restricted approaches did not increase circulating plasma clotting factor levels, but they resulted in enrichment of the factor at the injury site upon platelet activation. An advantage of targeting FVIII expression and storage in platelets is the protection of FVIII from neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors). In this model, platelet-FVIII provided superior hemostasis than elevated plasma FVIII levels upon hemostatic challenges in the microcirculation and macrocirculation. Recently, platelet-restricted expression of human FVIII gene using a lentiviral vector for ex vivo transduction of canine HSC resulted in improvement of the disease phenotype in severe hemophilia A dogs without unwanted immune responses to the transgene. Additional strategies to optimize gene- and/or cell-based approaches have also focused on use of clotting factors with enhanced biological activities will be discussed. Together with the generation of novel vectors, further enhancement of both the efficacy the safety of these approaches is envisioned. Disclosures: Arruda:Pfizer: Research Funding.
Successful Engraftment of Hematopoietic Stem Cells into Immunocompetent Recipients Using Only Anti-CD117 Antibody and CD47 Blockade As Conditioning

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an efficacious therapy for many otherwise incurable hematologic malignancies and disorders that affect production of hematopoietic cells, including life-threatening anemias, and immunodeficiency syndromes. In a successful transplantation, clearance of bone-marrow niches must be achieved for donor hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) to engraft. Current methods to clear niche space rely on radiation and/or chemotherapy, which can impart toxic adverse effects that greatly limit the potential clinical utility of BMT. Thus, there is a major clinical need for safer conditioning regimens. To this end, a monoclonal antibody against CD117 (ACK2) has been shown to transiently deplete HSCs in immunocompromised mice and enable donor cell engraftment. However, this regimen has proved ineffective in immunocompetent animals. We hypothesized that HSC-depletion by this antibody may occur, in part, through Fc-mediated effector functions, such as antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). We thus sought to enhance the ADCP activity of anti-CD117 antibodies by blocking the inhibitory CD47-SIRPα “don’t eat me” pathway. Consistent with previous reports, we found treatment of wild-type mice (C57BL/6) with ACK2 alone resulted in only modest and transient depletion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Strikingly, the addition of the CD47-antagonist CV1 (Weiskopf & Ring, 2013) in combination with ACK2 resulted in rapid and prolonged depletion of bone marrow HSPCs as well as clearance of the bone marrow niche. This depletion was accompanied by profound reductions in hematocrit and blood leukocyte counts not observed in mice treated with ACK2 alone. In support of the role of Fc receptors in the treatment regimen, depletion of HSCs was not observed in mice lacking functional Fc receptors, nor in animals treated with high-doses F(ab) fragments of ACK2. Finally, high levels of granulocyte chimerism (~70%) were achieved post-BMT in mice receiving the combination of ACK2 and CV1 as compared to no chimerism in animals treated with ACK2 alone (p-value Disclosures Ring:Stanford University: PCT/US2013/021937 Patents & Royalties. Weiskopf:Stanford University: PCT/US2013/021937 Patents & Royalties. Weissman:Stanford University: PCT/US2013/021937 Patents & Royalties.
The Future Development of GISystems, GIScience, and GIServices

The advancement of geospatial cyberinfrastructure and technology will enable high-performance GISystems, provide smart and intelligent GIServices, and transform GIScience from a specialized scientific discipline into an important research domain bridging data science, computer science, and geography. There are four unstoppable trends in the future development of GISystems: (1) Web-based and Cloud-based GIS; (2) personalized data collection methods via mobile apps, drones, digital cameras, and portable LIDAR devices; (3) high-performance computing frameworks and dynamic data storage services; and (4) lightweight and responsive mapping application programming interfaces with lightweight geodata exchange formats. These new developments will facilitate new types of GIServices, including self-driving cars, smart transportation systems, and smart city applications. Intelligent web mapping services will provide 3D and real-time map display functions across various display devices. Location-based services will be improved by combining both outdoor positioning systems and indoor positioning systems. However, the spatial disparity of geospatial technology and the potential digital discrimination between rural and urban areas could trigger serious social problems and social unrest in the future.
Whither Geography? Reviewing its Impact on Economic Development

The impact of geography on economic outcomes has traditionally been ignored by economists. Research by scientists and other social scientists, however, has uncovered connections between factors such as climate and ecology, and economic progress. Recently, economists have also begun to examine the existence of this relationship by studying the effects of geography on aggregate levels of economic activity and more specifically on productivity. This chapter summarises the recent literature on this topic and traces the pathways through which these effects take place. The direct influences of geography include factors such as climate, disease ecology, location and natural resources all of which can impart distinct advantages or obstacles to development, as the case may be.
The effects of ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification on the fatigue performance of 3D-printed Ti64

Abstract 3D-printed metals have great potential for application in the biomedical and the aerospace industries. Unfortunately, they suffer from poor surface finish, high porosity, and high tensile residual stresses, leading to inferior mechanical properties as compared with traditional cast or wrought metals. In this study, we introduce an innovative method, ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM), for the processing of a 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The surface finish, microstructure, residual stresses and mechanical properties of the samples before and after UNSM treatment were characterized and compared. It was found that the UNSM treatment resulted in much better surface finish, lower subsurface porosity, and a high magnitude of compressive residual stresses, leading to significant improvement in rotation bending fatigue performance.
Computer Simulation of the Development of Microstructure during Martensitic Transformations

This paper describes a computer simulation study of the martensitic transformation in a simple model crystal. The transformation is assumed athermal and irreversible. The elastic energy developed during martensite growth is calculated from the theory of linear elasticity for elastically homogeneous media. The results show that the development of complex, multivariant microstructures is promoted by geometric constraints on the transforming crystal, and is strongly affected by an applied stress. Either constraint or applied stress increases the thermal resistance to the transformation, as measured by the spread between the M s and M f temperatures. Typical microstructures are described and illustrated.
Neurobehavioral Analysis of Odor Preference Development in Rodents

At birth, altricial rodents are blind, deaf, and have limited motor control. The olfactory system, however, is functional even during their prenatal life, when pups are capable of learning about odors (Pedersen and Blass 1982; Stickrod et al. 1982). Olfaction continues to be the dominant sensory modality for young rodents until they are weaned. During the first 2 weeks postpartum, the young use the odor of the maternal nipples to determine an appropriate target to attach for suckling (Pedersen and Blass 1981 for a review). By the third week of life, rat pups can stray from the maternal nest, where they must return for nourishment and warmth until they are weaned.
Why Chronic Diseases

Raise your hand and count yourself lucky if you’ve made it through middle age without knowing someone who’s been knocked down by complications of (to name a few) obesity, arthritis, asthma, or heart disease.
Getting it right on GMOs

In Seeds of Science , Mark Lynas gives readers a firsthand look at both sides of the discourse on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Lynas, formerly a dyed-in-the-wool anti-GM activist for Greenpeace, is now an advocate for the safe use of GM technology.
MODULATION OF NATURAL CELL MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY OF T-COLONIES AND PBL BY INTERLEUKIN-2

Publisher Summary Exponential proliferation of T-cell lines developed from mitogen-stimulated T-lymphocyte clonal expansion has been found to be highly dependent upon the presence of T-cell growth factor, designated as Interleukin-2 (IL-2). Initiation of clonal expansion has been shown to be positively regulated by Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and negatively regulated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which are both produced by monocyte/macrophages. The T-cell colonies used in these experiments described in this chapter were obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Individual T-lymphocyte colonies were removed from soft agar culture and then placed into liquid medium containing 1.0 unit per ml IL-2 until a density of 7.0 × 105 lymphocytes per ml or greater was obtained. The presence of IL-2 during clonal proliferation may have a critical impact on functional expression and T-cell colony selection. The results indicate that IL-2 causes significant augmentation of NK activity in 18 h incubation. The effect of IL-2 in the system indicates that under standard conditions of T-cell colony establishment, expression of natural cytotoxicity would be strongly promoted.
Functional Neuroimaging of Speech Production

Publisher Summary The addition of neuroimaging techniques to language research has allowed independent evaluation of theories developed to explain the mechanisms responsible for this unique human activity. The rapid pace of technological advance in functional neuroimaging methods shows no signs of abating, as the limits to the ability to resolve neural activity on ever finer spatial and temporal scales have been more constrained by engineering and financial considerations than physical ones. During the relatively brief time that systems allowing efficient and noninvasive monitoring of brain activity have been widely available, investigators utilizing functional neuroimaging have relied on a series of related techniques. Most of these methods rely on the tight coupling between neuronal activity and regional cerebral blood flow first noted at the end of the 19th century, based on the observation that focal electrical cortical stimulation resulted in localized changes in cerebral hemodynamics. The first successful single photon emission computed tomography imaging system based on these phenomena utilized inhalation of radioactive 133Xe, which served as a relatively noninvasive marker for cerebral blood flow. The development of functional magnetic resonance imaging systems suitable for psychological studies provided a more convenient and completely noninvasive means to study perception, language, and action.
Bird Populations as Indicators of Environmental Change

An age-old pursuit of biologists has been to relate the distribution and abundance of organisms to some aspect of their environment. Factors influencing their evolution, reproductive success, dispersal and migration, and other aspects of their ecology have been investigated. These pursuits have ranged from qualitative descriptions of plant and animal distributions and associations to quantitative statistical analyses of the interrelationships of plants, animals, and their environment.
Chromatin in Aging Brain

Dementia is a major problem for the Veterans Administration and will become more so as the World War I veterans enter their seventies and eighties. Dementia and confusional states may occur for a number of reasons. However, in a large number of cases, perhaps half of those with severe memory loss show a pathology similar to that first described in patients with pre-senile dementia by Alzheimer, namely cortical atrophy, neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. For want of a better name, one is tempted to call dementia in the elderly with this type of pathology an Alzheimer’s type senile dementia, even though by definition Alzheimer’s disease is a pre-senile dementia. We may need a better name. Euphanisms cannot hide a problem on which little research is being done, which is costing more and more money, and placing more and more patients in chronic care institutions.
Examining the Impact of Training and Feedback on Visualization-Supported Decision Making under Uncertainty:

Empirical evaluations of uncertainty visualizations often employ complex experimental tasks to ensure ecological validity. However, if training for such tasks is not sufficient for naive participan...
AIDS prevention in primary care clinics: testing the market.

To assess attitudes toward educational programs about AIDS, 540 patients and 36 of their medical providers in primary care clinics were systematically sampled to ascertain what age groups should be exposed to a pamphlet entitled “Am I at Risk for AIDS?”, as well as what was acceptable content for posters and pamphlets placed in clinic waiting rooms. Although fewer than 10% of patients and providers opposed asking both teenagers and adults to read a pamphlet listing risk groups and practices, 24% of patients and 51% of providers opposed exposing children to the pamphlets. Only 6% of patients and none of the providers opposed all posters about AIDS, but 30% of patients and 44% of providers opposed posters listing risk groups, and opposition was even greater to posters describing “safe sex.” Regarding pamphlets acceptable for clinic waiting rooms, resistance among patients and providers was common (>25%) only when sexual practices were specifically mentioned. Although 89% of patients stated they had never been asked about their sexual orientations by a doctor or nurse, 34% of providers stated that they “always” or “often” so inquire. In the primary care clinics surveyed, a wide variety of educational interventions about AIDS could be implemented with little opposition.