cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An In-Situ Study of Crack Propagation in Binary Lamellar TiAl

Single-colony thick compact tension specimens of binary lamellar Ti-46.5%Al were tested within a scanning electron microscope to examine the contribution of colony boundaries to crack growth resistance under monotonic loads. These specimens were obtained by machining slices from bulk material that had been heat treated to grow the colony size. Thus, the lamellae in adjacent colonies exhibit significant misorientation across the boundary. The orientation of the lamellae within a colony has been characterized in terms of two angles defined with respect to the notch orientation: an in-plane angle α and a through thickness angle β. The change in these two angles across the colony boundary quantifies the misorientation. In addition a third angle, θ, defines the colony boundary tilt to the vertical plane. These parameters were measured in several specimens and the crack growth resistance across the boundary was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized. The importance of the through-thickness angle β in providing resistance to crack growth is illustrated.
Directional climate change and potential reversal of desertification in arid and semiarid ecosystems

Our objective was to determine if long-term increases in precipitation can maintain grasslands susceptible to desertification, and initiate a reversal of historic regime shifts on desertified shrublands. Perennial grass production and species richness in a multi-year wet period were hypothesized to be greater than expected based on precipitation in a sequence of dry years. These responses were expected to differ for grasslands and shrublands with different dominant species and topo-edaphic properties. Long-term trends in desertification were documented using vegetation maps beginning in 1858, 1915, 1928, and 1998). These trends were compared with herbaceous and woody species responses to a sequence of dry (1994–2003) and wet years (2004–2008) for two grassland (uplands, playas) and three desertified shrubland types (honey mesquite, creosotebush, tarbush) in the Chihuahuan Desert. Analyses showed that both types of grasslands decreased in spatial extent since 1858 whereas areas dominated by mesquite or creosotebush increased. Production of upland grasslands in the wet period was greater than expected based on responses during the dry period whereas the relationships between species richness and precipitation was the same for both periods. Precipitation was not important to responses in playa grasslands in either period. For all ecosystem types, the production response in wet years primarily was an increase in herbaceous plants, and the most pronounced responses occurred on sandy sites (upland grasslands, mesquite shrubland). Results suggest that multiple wet years are needed to initiate a sequence of grass establishment and survival processes that can maintain upland grasslands without management inputs and lead to a state change reversal in desertified shrublands. Restoration strategies need to take advantage of opportunities provided by future climates while recognizing the importance of ecosystem type.
Sublinear approximation of signals

It has recently been observed that sparse and compressible signals can be sketched using very few nonadaptive linear measurements in comparison with the length of the signal. This sketch can be viewed as an embedding of an entire class of compressible signals into a low-dimensional space. In particular, d -dimensional signals with m nonzero entries (m -sparse signals) can be embedded in O (m log d ) dimensions. To date, most algorithms for approximating or reconstructing the signal from the sketch, such as the linear programming approach proposed by Candes-Tao and Donoho, require time polynomial in the signal length. This paper develops a new method, called Chaining Pursuit, for sketching both m -sparse and compressible signals with O (m polylog d ) nonadaptive linear measurements. The algorithm can reconstruct the original signal in time O (m polylog d ) with an error proportional to the optimal m -term approximation error. In particular, m -sparse signals are recovered perfectly and compressible signals are recovered with polylogarithmic distortion. Moreover, the algorithm can operate in small space O (m polylog d ), so it is appropriate for streaming data.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Resource finding in store-and-forward networks

The process of searching for a resource in a distributed system whose nodes are connected through a store-and-forward network is modeled. Based on this model, a lower bound on the number of messages needed for finding a resource when nothing is known about its location is shown. The model also helps to establish some results about the complexity of finding optimal algorithms to locate a resource when the probability distribution for the location of the resource is known. It is shown that the optimization problem is NP-hard for general networks. An algorithm is developed for tree networks which can be specialized to polynomial algorithms for a class of trees. (The polynomial algorithms can be used as the basis of heuristic algorithms for general networks.) An application of this algorithm for path networks can be adapted to find optimal search algorithms for bidirectional ring networks. >
An adaptive bandwidth reservation scheme in multimedia wireless networks

Next generation wireless networks target to provide quality of service (QoS) for multimedia applications. In this paper, the system supports two QoS criteria, i.e., the system should keep the handoff dropping probability always less than a predefined QoS bound, while maintaining the relative priorities of different traffic classes in terms of blocking probability. To achieve this goal, a dynamic multiple-threshold bandwidth reservation scheme is proposed, which is capable of granting differential priorities to different traffic class and to new ad handoff traffic for each class by dynamically adjusting bandwidth reservation thresholds. Moreover, in times of network congestion, a preventive measure by use of throttling new connection acceptance is taken. Another contribution of this paper is to generalize the concept of relative priority, hence giving the network operator more flexibility to adjust admission control policy by incorporating some dynamic factors such as offered load. The elaborate simulation is conducted to verify the performance of the scheme.
Dynamic batch mode active learning

Active learning techniques have gained popularity to reduce human effort in labeling data instances for inducing a classifier. When faced with large amounts of unlabeled data, such algorithms automatically identify the exemplar and representative instances to be selected for manual annotation. More recently, there have been attempts towards a batch mode form of active learning, where a batch of data points is simultaneously selected from an unlabeled set. Real-world applications require adaptive approaches for batch selection in active learning. However, existing work in this field has primarily been heuristic and static. In this work, we propose a novel optimization-based framework for dynamic batch mode active learning, where the batch size as well as the selection criteria are combined in a single formulation. The solution procedure has the same computational complexity as existing state-of-the-art static batch mode active learning techniques. Our results on four challenging biometric datasets portray the efficacy of the proposed framework and also certify the potential of this approach in being used for real world biometric recognition applications.
Contributions of rhodopsin, cone opsins, and melanopsin to postreceptoral pathways inferred from natural image statistics

Visual neural representation is constrained by the statistical properties of the environment. Prior analysis of cone pigment excitations for natural images revealed three principal components corresponding to the major retinogeniculate pathways identified by anatomical and physiological studies in primates. Here, principal component analyses were conducted on the excitations of rhodopsin, cone opsins, and melanopsin for nine hyperspectral images under 21 natural illuminants. The results suggested that rhodopsin and melanopsin may contribute to the three major retinogeniculate pathways. Rhodopsin and melanopsin may provide additional constraints in natural scene statistics, leading to new components that cannot be revealed by analysis based on cone opsin excitations only.
Ultrafast and Nonlinear Plasmon Dynamics

The interaction of light with a metal mediated by surface plasmon polaritons provides for sub-diffraction limited optical confinement and control. While the relationship of the linear plasmon response to the underlying elementary electronic excitations of the metal is well understood in general, the corresponding ultrafast and nonlinear plasmon interactions could provide further enhanced functionalities. However, while the ultrafast and nonlinear optics of metals is an advanced field, the understanding of the related plasmonic properties is less developed. Here we discuss ultrafast and nonlinear wave-mixing properties of metals and metallic nanostructures in terms of the elementary optical interactions related to electronic band structure, plasmon resonances, and geometric selection rules. These properties form the fundamental basis of the nonlinear plasmonic light-matter interaction. The understanding of these fundamental properties, together with the ability to measure and control the typically fast femtosecond intrinsic and extrinsic dephasing times, is important for the development of applications such as enhanced nano-imaging, coherent control of individual quantum systems, strong light-matter interaction and extreme nonlinear optics, and nano-photonic devices.
Removal of two halves restores the whole: reversal of visual hemineglect during bilateral cortical or collicular inactivation in the cat.

The purpose of the present study was to compare visual orienting behavior in the adult cat during (1) unilateral and bilateral cooling deactivation of posterior-middle suprasylvian (pMS) sulcai cortex, and (2) unilateral and bilateral deactivation of the superior colliculus. As expected, unilateral cooling deactivation of either pMS cortex or the superior colliculus resulted in a profound visual neglect of the contracooled hemifield. The addition of cooling the homotopic region in the opposite hemisphere largely reversed this deficit and restored visual orienting into the previously neglected hemifield. These results show that (1) pMS cortex and the superior colliculus are essential for normal detection and orienting to visual targets, and (2) unilateral visual neglect results from an imbalance of activities in the two hemispheres induced at either cortical or subcortical levels. These conclusions have implications for understanding neural bases of visual hemineglect following unilateral lesions in humans.
Yield surfaces and loading surfaces of aluminum and brass: An experimental investigation at room and elevated temperatures

Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation with two specimes of commercially pure aluminum and one specimen of free cutting brass. These three experiments under deadweight loading involved the determination of yield surfaces at room and elevated temperatures and the comparison of these yield surfaces with their associated loading surfaces. The prestressings were performed at room and at elevated temperatures; they were three-dimensional and two-dimensional and they included portions directed towards the origin and away from the origin.
Extracted memory from temporal patterns using adaptive resonance and recurrent network

Humans can recognize objects through receiving continuously huge temporal information including redundancy and noise, and can memorize them. This paper proposes a neural network model which extracts pre-recognized patterns from temporally sequential patterns which include redundancy, and memorizes the patterns temporarily. This model consists of an adaptive resonance system and a recurrent time-delay network. The extraction is executed by the matching mechanism of the adaptive resonance system, and the temporal information is processed and stored by the recurrent network. Simple simulations are examined to exemplify the property of extraction.
X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy Demonstrates Preferential Accumulation of a Vanadium-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent in Murine Colonic Tumors

Contrast agents that specifically enhance cancers on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will allow earlier detection. Vanadium-based chelates (VCs) selectively enhance rodent cancers on MRI, suggesting selective uptake of VCs by cancers. Here we report x-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) of VC uptake by murine colon cancer. Colonic tumors in mice treated with azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium were identified by MRI. Then a gadolinium-based contrast agent and a VC were injected intravenously; mice were sacrificed and colons sectioned. VC distribution was sampled at 120 minutes after injection to evaluate the long-term accumulation. Gadolinium distribution was sampled at 10 minutes after injection due to its rapid washout. XFM was performed on 72 regions of normal and cancerous colon from five normal mice and four cancer-bearing mice. XFM showed that all gadolinium was extracellular, with similar concentrations in colon cancers and normal colon. In contrast, the average VC concentration was twofold higher in cancers versus normal tissue (p < .002). Cancers also contained numerous "hot spots" with intracellular VC concentrations sixfold higher than the concentration in normal colon (p < .0001). No hot spots were detected in normal colon. This is the first direct demonstration that VCs selectively accumulate in cancer cells and thus may improve cancer detection.
Fibroblast growth factor 8 regulates postnatal development of paraventricular nucleus neuroendocrine cells

Background Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are crucial signaling molecules that direct the development of the vertebrate brain. FGF8 gene signaling in particular, may be important for the development of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis. Indeed, newborn Fgf8 hypomorphic mice harbor a major reduction in the number of vasopressin (VP) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the central output component of the HPA-axis. Additionally, recent studies indicated that adult heterozygous (+/neo) Fgf8 hypomorphic mice exhibit more anxiety-like behaviors than wildtype (WT) mice. These studies led us to investigate whether Fgf8 hypomorphy abrogated VP and/or corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neuronal development in the postnatal day (PN) 21 and adult mouse PVN. Furthermore, we studied whether Fgf8 hypomorphy disrupted HPA responsiveness in these mice.
STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND DIETARY REGULATION OF Δ6, Δ5, AND Δ9 DESATURASES

▪ Abstract Fatty acid desaturases introduce a double bond in a specific position of long-chain fatty acids, and are conserved across kingdoms. Degree of unsaturation of fatty acids affects physical properties of membrane phospholipids and stored triglycerides. In addition, metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids are used as signaling molecules in many organisms. Three desaturases, Δ9, Δ6, and Δ5, are present in humans. Delta-9 catalyzes synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid, a main product of Δ9 desaturase, is the major fatty acid in mammalian adipose triglycerides, and is also used for phospholipid and cholesteryl ester synthesis. Delta-6 and Δ5 desaturases are required for the synthesis of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), which are mainly esterified into phospholipids and contribute to maintaining membrane fluidity. While HUFAs may be required for cold tolerance in plants and fish, the primary role of HUFAs in mammals is cell signaling. Arachidonic acid is required as substrates...
An Existential Gaze at Multiracial Self-Concept: Implications for Psychotherapy

Multiracial self-concept is conceptualized using an existential framework. First, the authors offer an analysis of how existential concerns are revealed within the multiracial experience, employing the theoretical constructs of terror management and social identity theories. Expanding on this foundation, they apply Heideggerian notions of human existence and self to multiracialness. And finally, using the aforementioned analysis as a backdrop, the authors discuss the emergence of existential themes in psychotherapy with multiracial individuals.
Faithful representation of stimuli with a population of integrate-and-fire neurons

We consider a formal model of stimulus encoding with a circuit consisting of a bank of filters and an ensemble of integrate-and-fire neurons. Such models arise in olfactory systems, vision, and hearing. We demonstrate that bandlimited stimuli can be faithfully represented with spike trains generated by the ensemble of neurons. We provide a stimulus reconstruction scheme based on the spike times of the ensemble of neurons and derive conditions for perfect recovery. The key result calls for the spike density of the neural population to be above the Nyquist rate. We also show that recovery is perfect if the number of neurons in the population is larger than a threshold value. Increasing the number of neurons to achieve a faithful representation of the sensory world is consistent with basic neurobiological thought. Finally we demonstrate that in general, the problem of faithful recovery of stimuli from the spike train of single neurons is ill posed. The stimulus can be recovered, however, from the information contained in the spike train of a population of neurons.
On surface plasmon-polariton waves guided by the interface of a metal and a rugate filter with a sinusoidal refractive-index profile

The canonical boundary-value problem of wave propagation guided by the planar interface of an isotropic homogeneous metal and a dielectric rugate filter with a refractive index that varies periodically normal to the interface may admit more than one solution, at a specific frequency. The different solutions indicate surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves that differ in phase speed, attenuation rate, linear polarization state, and field distribution. The multiplicity of SPP waves can only be attributed to the periodic nonhomogeneity of the rugate filter.
Multi-institutional EAD: The University of Virginia's Role in the American Heritage Project

In 1996 the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded a joint grant to the University of California at Berkeley, Duke University, Stanford University, and the University of Virginia to produce a body of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids and to test the assumption that a collection of such guides could function both as a local resource and as a multi-institutional union database. This paper concentrates on the issues of workflow and on-line delivery for the University of Virginia guides, which employ Web forms for data creation, on-line searching, and "on the fly" conversion to HTML.
'A Right to Have Rights': Hannah Arendt and the Outlines of a Groundless Cosmopolitics

Hannah Arendt offered one of the most powerful criticisms of human rights in the light of the problems of statelessness and ended her critique with a rearticulation of human rights: "a right to have rights." Arendt provided only a brief and tantalizing discussion of this right and defined it mainly as a right to membership in a political community where one's action and opinions count. This paper engages with the interpretive controversies that this perplexing reformulation gave rise to so as to offer an alternative reading that makes a case for a "groundless cosmopolitics" centered on contemporary struggles, especially those waged by non-citizens, raising new rights claims. Of particular importance in this critical engagement are the interpretations that tie "a right to have rights" to the debates on the normative foundations of human rights. The paper contests the interpretations provided by not only the critics who fault Arendt for failing to provide normative foundations for human rights (e.g. Seyla Benhabib) but also scholars who turn to Arendt to find such foundations (e.g. Peg Birmingham). I suggest that directing our attention away from the endless quest for normative grounds to political practices of claiming rights is not only more in line with Arendt's political theory but also more helpful for understanding contemporary rights struggles such as the sans-papiers.
A predictive retransmission scheme for cooperative routing in intermittently connected sensor networks

We consider energy harvesting sensor networks that are characterized by intermittent connectivity between sensor nodes due to random sleep and wake cycles caused by sporadic availability of energy sources. A retransmission strategy is developed that probabilistically predicts the best transmission interval between successive retransmissions in order to maximize the likelihood of successful packet delivery. We utilize this strategy for a cooperative routing approach to further improve the delay performance in such intermittently connected networks. An analytical model is formulated to study the delay characteristics of the proposed retransmission scheme. The performance of the proposed protocol in a multi-hop environment is evaluated through simulations. Results show that the retransmission scheme can provide significant performance improvements when compared to existing approaches.
Best of RESPECT, Part 2

The guest editors introduce best papers on broadening participation in computing from the RESPECT'15 conference. The five articles presented here are part two of a two-part series representing research on broadening participation in computing. These articles study participation in intersectional ways, through the perceptions and experiences of African-American middle school girls, the sense of belonging in computing for LGBTQ students, the impact of a STEM scholarship and community development program for low-income and first-generation college students, a leadership development program, and how African-American women individually take leadership to enable their success in computing.
Prostacyclin, Thromboplastin, and Antiheparin Activities of the Rat Aorta

AbstractWe detected three “hemostasis-relevant” activities in an isotonic Tris-saline buffer in which fragments of normal rat aorta had been incubated for 10 min. One activity inhibited adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation, the other promoted clotting of citrated plasma and caused aggregation of platelets in heparinized piatelet-rich plasma, and the third suppressed the inhibitory effect of heparin on thrombin. These activities are represented by prostacyclin, thromboplastin, and an antiheparin of unknown nature. The platelet aggregation inhibiting activity in aorta-incubated buffer (AIB) disappeared upon storage or at high temperature, and was not present in AIB of aortas of aspirin-treated rats. Platelet aggregation of heparinized samples was inhibited by hirudin, citrate, high concentrations of heparin, and synthetic prostacyclin. The previously undescribed antiheparin activity appears to be distinct from both prostacyclin and thromboplastin.
Chromosomal Microarrays for the Prenatal Detection of Microdeletions and Microduplications

Chromosomal microarray analysis has replaced conventional G-banded karyotype in prenatal diagnosis as the first-tier test for the cytogenetic detection of copy number imbalances in fetuses with/without major structural abnormalities. This article reviews the basic technology of microarray; the value and clinical significance of the detection of microdeletions, microduplications, and other copy number variants; as well as the importance of genetic counseling for prenatal diagnosis. It also discusses the current status of noninvasive screening for some of these microdeletion and microduplication syndromes.
Monetary incentive for pharmacists to control drug costs.

An incentive program that paid hospital pharmacists at United Hospitals Incorporated (UHI) and Children's Hospital Incorporated (CHI) a percentage of the money saved by the pharmacy on drug and i.v. expenses in 1984 is described. Hospital administration, as part of a hospitalwide incentive program, approved the pharmacy department's proposal for a monetary incentive program. Pharmacy managers hoped that, by rewarding all pharmacists for their efforts to control costs, they could potentiate other cost-containment programs (stronger formulary control and improved purchasing and inventory control) and improve clinical services while maintaining quality of care. The incentive calculation was derived from the percentage of expenses saved on drugs and i.v. solutions and sets relative to budget. The payout, to be applied to 1984 salaries of pharmacists, could not exceed 10% of salary or more than 35% of the total savings to the hospital. A screening mechanism was established to protect the hospital from paying an incentive if the total pharmacy expenses exceeded budget. In fiscal 1984, drug and i.v. expenses per adjusted case decreased 1.55%, which led to each full-time pharmacist receiving an average payout of $500. This payout was less than had been anticipated because of a nursing strike at other hospitals, which resulted in an influx of intensive-care patients. The monetary incentive program for pharmacists is a useful tool for controlling drug and i.v. expenses and for rewarding pharmacists for successful cost-saving approaches.
Mouse synexin (annexin VII) polymorphisms and a phylogenetic comparison with other synexins.

Abstract Two sets of cDNAs encoding mouse synexin were isolated from a liver cDNA library and sequenced. The coding regions of synexin clones show 99% identity. By contrast, the two mouse synexin cDNAs differ in a number of ways in both 5' and 3' non-coding regions. The two sets of cDNA encode a polypeptide of 463 amino acid residues which has a deduced molecular mass of 50 kDa. The amino acid sequence of mouse synexin shows a high degree of similarity to both the unique N-terminal domain and the highly conserved C-terminal domain of previously cloned human synexin. Northern-blot analysis using mouse liver polyadenylated RNA revealed two transcripts of 1.8 kb and 2.6 kb, corresponding to group I and group II respectively. Further hybridization analysis using specific sequences from each set of clones showed that the two sizes of mRNAs differ in the length of the 3' non-coding region which corresponded to the cDNAs. Both mouse liver synexin and recombinant mouse synexin expressed in Escherichia coli reacted after Western-blot analysis with a goat antibody against bovine synexin. Only in the larger group-II cDNAs do we find point mutations leading to amino acid replacements of Ser to Ala at residue 145 in the unique N-terminal domain, and of Ala to Gly at residue 304 in the transition zone between repeats II and III. We conclude from a comparison of mouse, human and Dictyostelium synexins that changes occur predominantly in the hydrophobic N-terminal domain, or, in the C-terminal region at the ends of some predicted alpha-helices, on the hydrophobic face of the amphipathic C-helices, and within a lengthy non-helical domain connecting major repeats II and III.
Trauma and deliberate self-harm among inpatient adolescents: The moderating role of anxiety sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: Youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have significant difficulties regulating affective experiences; as a result, many engage in nonadaptive coping behaviors including deliberate self-harm (DSH). To identify youth with PTSD symptoms who may be most at risk for DSH, this study examined anxiety sensitivity (AS) as a moderator of the relationship between PTSD symptoms and DSH in a diverse sample of psychiatric inpatient youth with a history of potentially traumatic events (PTE). METHOD: Participants (N = 50; 52.0% female; Mage = 15.1 years, SD =.51; 44% White) completed a test battery that included measures of DSH frequency, depression, AS and PTSD symptomatology. RESULTS: The proposed model accounted for 53.6% of variance in DSH, with PTSD symptoms being a significant predictor (sr2 =.11). The interaction of PTSD symptoms and AS accounted for an additional 4.5% of variance above and beyond covariates and main effects. Simple slopes revealed that the association between PTSD symptoms and DSH was significant for individuals scoring high (b =.25, SE =.06; t(50) = 3.83, p CONCLUSIONS: Findings are consistent with theoretical and empirical work suggesting that DSH may be used to reduce emotional distress in the presence of maladaptive cognitive and emotional processes. (PsycINFO Database Record(c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Morphological study of marine bacterial capsules: implications for marine aggregates

The morphological variation in bacterial capsules found in suspended and sinking particles from the open ocean is examined. The capsules consist of matrices of mucopolysaccharides that remain attached to and extend the cell surface. Transmission electron microscope images of several distinct and recurring morphs are presented. Capsule abundance relative to total numbers of bacteria is significantly higher in sinking particles (up to 80% of total bacteria present) than in fine suspended particles (up to 20%). Discrete fecal pellets and minipellets are inadequate sources of the capsules captured by sediment traps. Alternatively, the data and previous observations indicate that the bacterial capsules are removed from the fine suspended-particle phase in association with macroaggregates, or marine snow. The combined properties of the bacterial capsules with their extensive open matrices of attached sticky polymers suggest a high aggregation efficiency.
Thiol‐Ene Step‐Growth as a Versatile Route to Functional Polymers

A new use of the thiol-ene reaction to generate functional, redox-tunable polymers is described. To illustrate the versatility of this approach, tailored divinyl ether monomers were polymerized with triethylene glycol dithiol to yield polymers containing either a carbonate or zwitterionic phosphocholine within the polymer backbone. Similarly, dithioerythritol was polymerized with triethylene glycol divinyl ether to yield a polymer with pendant diols and show how functional groups can be designed into either the divinyl ether or dithiol monomer. Using the thioether functional group inherent to this polymerization, all three polymers were selectively and quantitatively oxidized to either sulfoxides or sulfones by treatment with dilute hydrogen peroxide or mCPBA, respectively. With these illustrative examples, it is shown that the thiol-ene polymerization is a broad-reaching method to access a class of new redox-active polymers which contain varied and dense functional-group compositions.
141. Combinatorial Aptamer Transcripts (CATs) for HIV RT Suppression

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Reverse Transcriptase (RT) is a DNA polymerase encoded by the viral genome and it is preferentially targeted by current therapeutics due to its critical role in the viral life cycle. High affinity RNA aptamers that bind RT out-compete viral genome for access to the active site and thereby inhibit replication. Aptamer binding to RT during viral formation is believed to drive aptamer encapsidation into the budding virus, which leads to significantly reduced infectivity. We reasoned that co-transcribing multiple aptamer modules as combinatorial transcripts would increase avidity and packaging, resulting in greater net viral suppression. To test this hypothesis, we built a series of Combinatorial Aptamer Transcripts (CATs) carrying multiple, co-transcribed aptamer modules and compared their inhibitory capabilities as a function of valency. Specifically, aptamers from two different structural types (representing (6/5)AL and UCAA structural motifs) were combined into homodimeric and homotrimeric CATs.Two designs were explored for increasing valency; in the first we generated threads of homo-aptamer modules. In general, transcripts with more modules exhibited moderately increased RT inhibition in Primer Extension Assays and increased net binding affinity in Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSAs). The EMSAs do not show evidence of binding multiple RT per transcript, and preliminary cell-based assays do not indicate that this approach to multivalency improves net viral suppression. In contrast, an alternative design appears to be more promising, in which individual aptamer modules are incorporated into a stable3-Way Junction (3WJ) to increase modularity. The 3WJ structural core is expected both to isolate the individual aptamer structures from each other (and thereby reduce misfolding) and to allow sufficient separation to prevent steric hindrance in the binding of multiple RT. Other design features simplify the operational requirements of replacing individual modules with other aptamers or with libraries of aptamers. Initial data based on this design are encouraging.Combinatorial transcripts are expected to block evolutionary escape by forcing the virus to acquire multiple simultaneous mutations, especially for designs that include hetero-multimers. It is well established that combinations of small molecule drugs or of siRNA improves their targeting, delivery, and potency, while reducing their susceptibility to escape mutations. By demonstrating the benefits of multimerization we will inform downstream utilization of CATs as a therapeutic design in the treatment of HIV.
Keynote: What is the State of E-Learning? Reflections on 30 Ways Learning is Changing

This paper is based on a keynote talk delivered at the biannual DEANZ Conference, at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand in April 2016. As highlighted in that talk, we have entered Education 3.0; an age filled vast resource abundance and extensive opportunities for learner empowerment. During the past decade, there have emerged at least 30 different ways in which learning in changing; for instance, it is becoming increasingly collaborative, global, mobile, modifiable, open, online, blended, massive, visually-based, hands-on, ubiquitous, instantaneous, and personal. These 30 learning and technology-related changes reflect three distinct “mega-trends;” namely, (1) learner engagement, (2) the pervasive access to learning, and (3) the customisation and personalization of learning.
Quantitative Proteomic Approach for MicroRNA Target Prediction Based on 18O/16O Labeling.

Motivation: Among many large-scale proteomic quantification methods, ¹⁸O/¹⁶O labeling requires neither specific amino acid in peptides nor label incorporation through several cell cycles, as in metabolic labeling; it does not cause significant elution time shifts between heavy- and light-labeled peptides, and its dynamic range of quantification is larger than that of tandem mass spectrometry-based quantification methods. These properties offer ¹⁸O/¹⁶O labeling the maximum flexibility in application. However, ¹⁸O/¹⁶O labeling introduces large quantification variations due to varying labeling efficiency. There lacks a processing pipeline that warrants the reliable identification of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). This motivates us to develop a quantitative proteomic approach based on ¹⁸O/¹⁶O labeling and apply it on Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) microRNA (miR) target prediction. KSHV is a human pathogenic γ-herpesvirus strongly associated with the development of B-cell proliferative disorders, including primary effusion lymphoma. Recent studies suggest that miRs have evolved a highly complex network of interactions with the cellular and viral transcriptomes, and relatively few KSHV miR targets have been characterized at the functional level. While the new miR target prediction method, photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP), allows the identification of thousands of miR targets, the link between miRs and their targets still cannot be determined. We propose to apply the developed proteomic approach to establish such links. Method: We integrate several ¹⁸O/¹⁶O data processing algorithms that we published recently and identify the messenger RNAs of downregulated proteins as potential targets in KSHV miR-transfected human embryonic kidney 293T cells. Various statistical tests are employed for picking DEPs, and we select the best test by examining the enrichment of PAR-CLIP-reported targets with seed match to the miRs of interest among top ranked DEPs returned by statistical tests. Subsequently, the list of DEPs picked by the selected statistical test is filtered with the criteria that they must have downregulated gene expressions, must have reported as targets by an miR target prediction algorithm SVMcrio, and must have reported as targets by PAR-CLIP. Result: We test the developed approach in the problem of finding targets of KSHV miR-K1. The RNAs of three DEPs are identified as miR-K1 targets, among which RAB23 and HNRNPU are novel. Results from both Western blotting and Luciferase reporter assays confirm the novel targets. These results show that the developed quantitative approach based on ¹⁸O/¹⁶O labeling can be combined with genomic, PAR-CLIP, and target prediction algorithms for the confident identification of KSHV miR targets. The developed approach could also be applied in other applications.
The Surface Velocity of The Yakataga Glacier Alaska

The Yakataga Glacier occupies a steep-walled valley in the Robinson Mountains on the north coast of the Gulf of Alaska. The main trunk of the glacier descends from 1130 to 150 m. in a distance of 21 km. A rock fall at the head of the glacier formed a moraine of distinctive shape which advanced at an average rate of 114 m./yr. from 1938 to 1954. The surface velocity of the glacier at fifteen stations below the firn line was calculated from the displacement of the rock-fall moraine and other less conspicuous features that are shown in two sets of vertical aerial photographs, taken in 1948 and 1954. For this time interval the average surface velocity along the medial line of the glacier ranged from a maximum of about 90 m./yr. at a station 14 km. above the terminus to zero at a station 2.3 km. above the terminus. The technique of photogrammetric measurement of surface velocity by using natural features on the surface of a glacier has wide application in Alaska, where many glaciers have been rephotographed from the air after intervals of a few years to as many as thirty years.
Comparing definitions of outpatient surgery: Implications for quality measurement

Abstract Background Adverse event (AE) rates in outpatient surgery are inconsistently reported, partly because of the lack of a standard definition of outpatient surgery. We compared the types and rates of surgical procedures defined by two national healthcare agencies: Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and considered implications for quality measurement. Methods We used HCCI and HCUP definitions to identify FY2012-14 VA outpatient surgeries. Results There were six times as many HCCI surgeries as HCUP (6,575,830 versus 1,086,640). Ninety-nine percent of HCUP-defined surgeries were also identified by HCCI. More HCUP surgeries had higher average Medicare Relative Value Units then HCCI surgeries [5.3 (SD = 4.4) versus 1.6 (SD = 2.3) RVUs]. Conclusions Rates and types of procedures vary widely between definitions. Quality measurement using HCCI versus HCUP may produce significantly lower AE rates because many of the surgeries included reflect low complexity and potentially low risk of AEs.
Sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na/K-ATPase) as a therapeutic target for uremic cardiomyopathy.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Clinically, patients with significant reductions in renal function present with cardiovascular dysfunction typically termed, uremic cardiomyopathy. It is a progressive series of cardiac pathophysiological changes, including left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and hypertrophy (LVH) which sometimes progress to left ventricular dilation (LVD) and systolic dysfunction in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Uremic cardiomyopathy is almost ubiquitous in patients afflicted with end stage renal disease (ESRD).Areas covered: This article reviews recent epidemiology, pathophysiology of uremic cardiomyopathy and provide a board overview of Na/K-ATPase research with detailed discussion on the mechanisms of Na/K-ATPase/Src/ROS amplification loop. We also present clinical and preclinical evidences as well as molecular mechanism of this amplification loop in the development of uremic cardiomyopathy. A potential therapeutic peptide that targets on this loop is discussed.Expert opinion: C...
Effect of extended aging on calpain-1 and -2 activity in beef longissimus lumborum and semimembranosus muscles

Our objectives were to (Exp. 1) determine the effect of postmortem aging (2, 3, 4, 14, 28, and 42days) on calpain-1 and -2 activity in beef longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) steaks and (Exp. 2) determine the effect of postmortem aging for two extended periods (63 and 84days) on calpain-2 activity of beef SM steaks. Calpain-1 was not active in either muscle following 14days of aging. Native calpain-2 activity decreased (P<0.001) with longer aging periods for both the LL and SM in Exp. 1 and for the SM in Exp. 2. Autolyzed calpain-2 activity increased (P<0.001) with longer aging for the LL and SM in Exp. 1 and for the SM in Exp. 2. Our results indicate that both calpain-1 and calpain-2 may contribute to the postmortem improvement of beef tenderness, with calpain-1 being responsible for the tenderness improvement early postmortem and calpain-2 responsible for additional tenderization during extended aging.
Education Policy, Globalization, Commercialization: An Interview with Bob Lingard by David Hursh.

In this interview with David Hursh, Bob Lingard comments on his current and/or recently completed research projects in respect to new modes of global governance in schooling and the complementarity between international large scale assessments and national testing. He also looks at a project that, in conjunction with school leaders, teachers, students, and community, developed an alternative mode of educational accountability to the currently dominant, simple, top-down, test-based mode. Here schools and their communities would be enabled to give an account of their multiple achievements of various kinds and draw on qualitative, as well as quantitative data. Another project has focused on the ways in which datafication in education opens up spaces for profit-motivated edu-businesses. Here data infrastructures are seen to actually structure schooling systems in particular ways and also work in networked governance across edtech companies and state actors. The final project considered is funded by a teacher union and documents the extent and nature of commercialisation of public schooling in Australia, what enables this, and teachers' and school leaders' attitudes to commercialisation.
Intrinsic mechanical properties of calcium aluminate crystals via the linear comparison composite method coupled with nano-indentation

Abstract Monocalcium aluminate and monocalcium dialuminate are minerals with a monoclinic crystal structure, that result from the fusion of limestone and bauxite. They are involved in many applications including high alumina cement, advanced biomaterials, or cement-polymer composites such as macro-defect-free cement. Despite several theoretical and experimental studies, predicting the nonlinear behavior of cement-polymer composites remains a challenge. Our research goal is to connect the effective strength behavior to the micro- and nano-constituents for cement-polymer composites, using nonlinear micromechanics, computational mechanics and experimental nano-mechanics. To this end, we extend the linear comparison composite method to non-porous granular materials. The nonlinear strength upscaling scheme is integrated into a finite element model so as to represent the mechanical behavior of calcium aluminate-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites—or macro-defect-free cements— across multiple length scales, while taking into account the chemistry, internal friction and grain size. At the sub-micron level, grid nano-indentation tests are carried out. An inverse scheme is implemented to predict the behavior of the basic unit, mono-calcium aluminate and monocalcium di-aluminate crystals, at the molecular level. Meanwhile, a forward approach is selected to predict the uniaxial tensile and compressive strength at the macroscopic level. The theoretical predictions agree well with independent experiments reported in the scientific literature. Macro-defect-free cements owe their extraordinary mechanical properties to a high packing density of calcium aluminate crystals, a granular morphology and the lack of porosity. The inter-disciplinary framework built can be applied to yield fundamental insights into the behavior of a broad class of engineered nano-composites.
Infrasellar Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for a Pituitary Adenoma Extending into the Third Ventricle, with Anterior Displacement of the Pituitary Gland.

Objectives The current video presents the nuances of the infrasellar endoscopic endonasal approach for a pituitary adenoma extending into the third ventricle, with anterior displacement of the pituitary gland. Design The video analyzes the presentation, preoperative workup and imaging, surgical steps and technical nuances of the surgery, the clinical outcome, and follow-up imaging. Setting The patient was treated by a skull base team consisting of a neurosurgeon and an ENT surgeon at a teaching academic institution. Participants The case refers to 73-year-old female patient who was found to have a sellar mass after failure of vision to improve with cataract surgery. She also reported a several-month history of progressive loss of vision along with daily retro-orbital headaches. The adenoma extended into the clivus as well as in the retrosellar and suprasellar regions, eroding into the floor of the third ventricle. The normal gland was displaced anteriorly. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures consisted of reversal of patient symptoms (headaches and visual disturbance), recurrence-free survival based on imaging, as well as absence of any complications. Results The patient's headaches and visual fields improved. There was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion The infrasellar endoscopic endonasal approach is safe and effective for pituitary adenomas extending into the third ventricle, with anterior displacement of the pituitary gland. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/zp_06mEyRvY .
Using Difference Scores to Inform Therapy Practice: Differences in Perceptions of Attachment Behaviors between Partners in a Clinical Sample

Using clinically relevant research methodology, this study focuses on differences (cross-partner difference scores) in perceptions of attachment behaviors (emotional accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement) between partners in couples therapy. In general, findings suggest that higher levels of self-enhancement attachment behaviors (participant perceives self as demonstrating more attachment behaviors than the partner's ratings of the participant) are associated with lower relationship satisfaction and greater relationship instability. The association between attachment behavior difference scores and measures of relationship health is mediated through partner perceived positive communication. These results suggest that differences in perceptions between partners' level of attachment behaviors are an important clinical construct for therapy. As such, clinical recommendations for addressing self-enhancing attachment behaviors, and the mediating role of positive communication, are discussed with recommendations for researchers.