cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of Density Functionals for Adsorption Energies on Transition Metal Surfaces.

The quantitative prediction of adsorption energies of radicals and molecules on surfaces is essential for the design and understanding of heterogeneous catalytic processes. A recent paper by Wellendorff et al. collected an experimental database of 39 reaction energies involving adsorption energies on transition metal surfaces that can be used as benchmarks for testing quantum mechanical electronic structure methods, and we compared the experimental data to Kohn–Sham density functional calculations with six exchange–correlation functionals. In this paper, we rearranged the data into two categories: open-shell radical adsorption reactions and closed-shell molecular adsorption reactions. We recalculated the adsorption energies with PBE, and we also calculated them with three functionals, M06-L, GAM, and MN15-L, that were not studied in the Wellendorff et al. paper; then we compared our results to the benchmark data. Of the nine functionals that have been compared to the databases, we find that BEEF-vdW, GAM,...
Use of RNA‐seq to determine variation in canine cytochrome P450 mRNA expression between blood, liver, lung, kidney and duodenum in healthy beagles

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a powerful tool for the evaluation and quantification of transcriptomes and expression patterns in animals, tissues, or pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiologic expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) mRNA transcripts in whole blood, kidney, duodenum, liver, and lung in healthy, adult male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) beagles via RNA-seq. mRNA expression was above background (transcripts per million) for 45 canine CYPs, with liver, duodenum, and lung expressing a high number of xenobiotic metabolizing CYPs, while prominent endogenous metabolizing CYP expression was present in blood and kidney. The relative expression pattern of CYP2A13, 2B11, 2C21, 2D15, 2E1, 3A12, and 27A1 in liver, lung, and duodenum was verified through qPCR. This is the first global profiling of physiologic CYP mRNA expression in multiple canine tissues, providing a platform for further studies characterizing canine CYPs and changes in gene expression in disease states.
Assessing the Effects of Court Date Notifications within Pretrial Case Processing

Jurisdictions at every level throughout the U.S. are paying an increasing amount of attention to pretrial case processing. The primary areas of attention appear to be on risk assessment development and classification, the effects of pretrial detention, and the effectiveness of various strategies that may impact a defendant’s failure to appear for their assigned court dates. The current study is a randomized experimental trial designed to test the effects of court notification strategies, using failure to appear (FTA) as the primary outcome of interest. Our findings do not reveal a palpable effect for court notification strategies (telephone calls, and text messaging, with other conditions layered in), but do indicate and reinforce the utility of an actuarial method of risk classification when predicting likelihood of FTA.
Combination BRAF-Directed Therapy and Immunotherapy

There have been two major advances in the treatment of metastatic melanoma within the past several years, including immunotherapy and BRAF-directed therapy. Both of these classes of therapy demonstrate survival benefit, but also have limitations as monotherapy with regard to overall response rate and/or durability of response. We have gained significant insight into mechanisms of response to BRAF-directed therapy and to potential synergy between these two treatment modalities. This chapter focuses on the limitations of each of these strategies as monotherapy, and provides the rationale for combining these therapies. Importantly, ongoing clinical trials of combined BRAF-directed therapy and immunotherapy are discussed, as well as considerations and future directions for therapy.
Case series of outcomes of a standardized surgical approach for placenta percreta for prevention of ureteral lesions.

Objective To report the outcomes of women with placenta percreta who were surgically treated by a specialized technique based on gynecologic oncology experience, and to demonstrate its safety in preventing ureteral lesions and reducing blood loss. Methods In the present retrospective study, data from patients with placenta percreta radically treated at Hotel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon, between December 2012 and January 2017 were reviewed. Demographic, pathology, and delivery data, medical history, per-operative and postoperative information, and neonatal data were assessed. Operative and postoperative outcomes were compared between emergency and scheduled cases. Results Data from 35 patients were reviewed. Median gestational age at delivery was 34 weeks. Cesarean hysterectomy was scheduled in 20 (60%) cases. No ureteral lesions were noted. The median estimated blood loss was 1 L and a median of 3 units of red blood cells units was transfused. Emergency and scheduled cases presented comparable estimated blood loss, intra-operative transfusion, bladder injury incidence, and surgery duration (all P>0.05). The mean delivery weight was 2100 g; admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was needed for 30 (86%) neonates. Conclusion The surgical technique developed for placenta percreta was found to be effective (operative and postoperative outcomes) and safe (prevention of ureteral lesions).
Electronic Cortisol Detection Using an Antibody-Embedded Polymer Coupled to a Field-Effect Transistor

A field-effect transistor-based cortisol sensor was demonstrated in physiological conditions. An antibody-embedded polymer on the remote gate was proposed to overcome the Debye length issue (λD). The sensing membrane was made by linking poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) (PSMA) with anticortisol before coating the modified polymer on the remote gate. The embedded receptor in the polymer showed sensitivity from 10 fg/mL to 10 ng/mL for cortisol and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 pg/mL in 1× PBS where λD is 0.2 nm. A LOD of 1 ng/mL was shown in lightly buffered artificial sweat. Finally, a sandwich ELISA confirmed the antibody binding activity of antibody-embedded PSMA.
Identification of genes leading to glucocorticoid-induced leukemic cell death.

Glucocorticoidal steroids (GC) are capable of causing apoptotic death of many varieties of lymphoid cells; consequently, GC are used in therapy for many lymphoid malignancies. Gene transcription in the GC-treated cells is required for subsequent apoptosis, but only a few of the actual genes involved have been identified. We employed gene microarray analysis to find the network of genes involved in GC-evoked cell death, using three clones derived from the CEM lymphoid leukemia cell line. Clone C1–15 was resistant to GC-evoked apoptosis, although not necessarily to GC-induced gene transcription; the other two underwent apoptosis in the presence of GC. Clone C7–14 was subcloned from the apoptosis-sensitive parental C7 clone to establish karyotypic uniformity. The second sensitive clone, C1–6, was a spontaneous revertant from parental resistant clone C1. A period of ≥24 h in the constant presence of receptor-occupying concentrations of synthetic GC dexamethasone (Dex) was necessary for apoptosis to begin. To identify the steps leading to this dramatic event, we identified the changes in gene expression in the 20-h period preceding the onset of overt apoptosis. Cells in the log phase of growth were treated with 10−6 M Dex, and 2–20 h later, mRNA was prepared and analyzed using the Affymetrix HG_U95Av2 chip, containing probes for about 12,600 genes. Of these, approximately 6,000 were expressed above background. Comparisons of the basal and expressed genes in the three clones led to several conclusions: The dex-sensitive clones shared the regulation of a limited set of genes. The apoptosis-resistant clone C1–15 showed Dex effects on a largely different set of genes. Promoter analysis of the regulated genes suggested that primary gene targets for GC often lack a classic GC response element.
Identification and Valuation Implications of Financial Market Spirals

Lack of liquidity is a major cause of financial crises. Occasionally stocks experience numerous consecutive days of decreasing prices (loss spirals) and liquidity (illiquidity spirals). We rigorously define these losses and illiquidity spirals, and show that they are statistically significant determinants of firm valuations. Stocks that are more vulnerable to illiquidity and loss spirals have lower price-to-earning and price-to-book ratios.
Politics, diversity and the distribution of federal disaster assistance.

Using a database of natural hazard events and costs that have struck the U.S. since 1964, this paper evaluates the distribution of federal disaster assistance in light of state electoral politics, population diversity, and other demographic factors. The results of the analysis indicate that electoral politics does appear to affect the distribution of federal disaster aid. More to the point, it tends to show that Republican leaning states receive less federal aid than Democratic leaning states.
On the Many Faces of Transition

For a given shear-layer geometry the high-Reynolds-numbers turbulent flows possess strong, stable in-the-large, nearly universal features associated with the large number of degrees of freedom in the flows. These features include a range of scales of dominant energetic motion, a range of operating intensity levels, and average three-dimensional phase relations which, together, somehow insure the maintenance of a self-regenerative process. In seeking a rational approach to the bewildering variety of transitional behavior (Ref. 1), the author conjectures that many instability paths to turbulence are admissible and that their effectiveness hinges on whether the given mechanism supplies the proper scales, intensity level, and 3D phase relations needed for self-regeneration.
Financial Distress and Discussing the Cost of Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Total joint arthroplasty is expensive. Out-of-pocket cost to patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty varies considerably depending on their insurance coverage but can range into the tens of thousands of dollars. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association between patient financial stress and interest in discussing costs associated with surgery. Methods One hundred forty-one patients undergoing elective total hip and knee arthroplasty at a suburban academic medical center were enrolled and completed questionnaires about cost prior to surgery. Questions regarding if and when doctors should discuss the cost of healthcare with patients, evaluating if patients were affected by the cost of healthcare and to what extent, and financial security scores to assess current financial situation were included. The primary outcome was the answer to the question of whether a doctor should discuss cost with patients. Results Financial stress was found to be associated with patient experience of hardship due to cost of care [P = .004], likelihood to turn down a test or treatment due to copayment [P = .029], to decline a test or treatment due to other costs [P = .003], to experience difficulty affording basic necessities [P = .008], and to have used up all or most of their savings to pay for surgery [P = .011]. In total, 84% of patients reported that they wanted to discuss surgical costs with their doctors, but 90% did not want to do so at every visit. Conclusion Total joint arthroplasty creates considerable out-of-pocket costs that may affect patient decisions. These findings help elucidate important patient concerns that orthopedic surgeons should account for when discussing elective arthroplasty with patients.
System Level Esd Simulation In Spice: A Holistic Approach

Compliance to system-level ESD robustness at the product level is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage. Predicting the classification test level of a design prior to fabrication is critical in achieving first pass success and also addressing key concerns in this regards. Compact models and a simulation platform have been developed to predict system-level ESD robustness.
The pulmonary artery pulsatility index correlates with ventriculo-vascular coupling and elevated filling pressures in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background: Right ventricular (RV) failure is associated with increased mortality and mortality. The pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is a reliable marker of RV dysfunction in the setting of myocardial ischemia and RV failure post LVAD. However, its use in patients with pulmonary hypertension has not been properly evaluated. We aim to assess the use of PAPi in the evaluation of patients with PAH. Methods: We integrated catheterization and cardiac MRI to use single beat analysis to measure RV contractility (Ees, end-systolic elastance), afterload (Ea, arterial elastance), and RVPA coupling ratio (Ees/Ea) in treatment-naive patients with advanced PAH before and after 3 months of therapy with treprostinil. PAPi was calculated as (PASP-PADP)/RAP. Patients were divided by low ( Results: 46 patients were included in the study. There was a negative correlation between PAPi and the ratio RAP/PAOP (r -0.396, p Conclusions: Decreased PAPi identifies a hemodynamic phenotype of increased RV filling pressures and impaired RVPA coupling. Further studies are needed to assess the prognostic implications of PAPi in the evaluation of PAH.
The Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetases

Abstract Fatty acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) catalyzes the ATP-dependent formation of a thioester bond between a fatty acid and coenzyme A. This fundamental reaction allows the fatty acid to be degraded for energy production, incorporated into complex lipids, or participate in other metabolic pathways. Different ACS proteins exhibit preferences for fatty acid substrates of varying chain lengths, ranging from 2 to more than 30 carbon atoms. ACSs also differ in their tissue and cellular expression patterns, and subcellular locations. Humans and mice have 26 different ACSs. Emerging evidence suggests that each may perform a unique function essential for the maintenance of normal lipid homeostasis.
Sustained productivity of intensively managed loblolly pine plantations: Persistence of fertilization and weed control effects across rotations

Abstract Two randomized complete block design experiments were used to study the effects of fertilization and weed control treatments on the productivity of second rotation loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations growing on poorly-drained Spodosols in north Florida. One experiment (actively managed retreated) received similar treatments as in the first rotation (Control, C; Fertilizer, F; Fertilizer + weed control, FW; Weed control, W), and the second was left untreated in the second rotation [untreated carryover (C-): CC, CF, CFW, and CW]. Comparisons of total height and current annual increment across rotations indicated that the second-rotation stands were more productive than the first-rotation. In the current rotation of the untreated carryover experiment, treatments that received fertilizer in the first rotation (CF and CFW) accumulated significantly more aboveground biomass compared to the CC treatment [i.e. CF (63 Mg ha−1) = CFW (60 Mg ha−1) > CC (40 Mg ha−1)]. From the third to the fourth year, biomass accumulation in CF exceeded CFW, but by the fifth to the seventh years the two treatments were similar; a change that likely occurred because of root development into the lower solum for the CFW or increased understory competition in the CF treatment. In the actively managed retreated experiment, cumulative total aboveground biomass accumulation followed the trend: FW (90.6 Mg ha−1) > F (71.8 Mg ha−1) > W (55.1 Mg ha−1) > C (31.8 Mg ha−1). Comparison of upper quartile height gains due to fertilization between the first- and second- rotation experiments suggested that fertilizer added in the second rotation only provided growth gains after the fourth year. Our results suggest that management practices enhanced levels of productivity across treatments and rotations with some adjustment caused by carryover effects from past fertilization and weed control treatments.
Are millennials more multimodal? A latent-class cluster analysis with attitudes and preferences among millennial and Generation X commuters in California

Millennials tend to use a variety of travel modes more often than older birth cohorts. Two potential explanations for this phenomenon prevail in the literature. According to the first explanation, millennials often choose travel multimodality at least in part because of the effects of the economic crisis, which affected young adults more severely than their older counterparts. Another explanation points to the fact that millennials may have fundamentally different preferences from those of older birth cohorts. This paper presents an examination of millennials’ travel behavior as compared to the preceding Generation X, based on a survey of 1069 California commuters. It shows that millennials adopt multimodality more often than Gen Xers, on average. However, the analysis also points to substantial heterogeneity among millennials and indicates that, perhaps contrary to expectations and the stereotype in the media, the majority of millennials are monomodal drivers in California. The paper contributes to the literature on millennials’ mobility in several ways. First, it rigorously classifies various forms of travel multimodality (on a monthly basis and distinctively taking trip purpose into account) through the analysis of a rich dataset that includes individual attitudes and preferences; second, it explores gradual changes of multimodality across age and generation; and third, it analyzes the effects of various demographic, built environment, and attitudinal attributes on the adoption of multimodality.
Provisional checklist of terrestrial heterotrophic protists from Antarctica

Heterotrophic soil protists encompass lineages that are both evolutionarily ancient and highly diverse, providing an untapped wealth of scientific insight. Yet the diversity of free-living heterotrophic terrestrial protists is still largely unknown. To contribute to our understanding of this diversity, we present a checklist of heterotrophic protists currently reported from terrestrial Antarctica, for which no comprehensive evaluation currently exists. As a polar continent, Antarctica is especially susceptible to rising temperatures caused by anthropogenic climate change. Establishing a baseline for future conservation efforts of Antarctic protists is therefore important. We performed a literature search and found 236 taxa identified to species and an additional 303 taxa identified to higher taxonomic levels in 54 studies spanning over 100 years of research. Isolated by distance, climate and the circumpolar vortex, Antarctica is the most extreme continent on Earth: it is not unreasonable to think that it may host physiologically and evolutionarily unique species of protists, yet currently most species discovered in Antarctica are considered cosmopolitan. Additional sampling of the more extreme intra-continental zones will probably result in the discovery of more novel and unique taxa.
Plasma P-tau 181, P-tau 217 and Other Blood-Based Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers in a Multi-Ethnic, Community Study

Introduction. Blood-based Alzheimer9s disease (AD) biomarkers provide opportunities for community studies and across ethnic groups. We investigated blood biomarker concentrations in the Washington Heights, Inwood, Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), a multi-ethnic community study of aging and dementia. Methods. We measured plasma Aβ40, Aβ42,T-tau, P-tau181 and P-tau217, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) in 113 autopsied participants, (29% with high AD neuropathological changes) and in 300 clinically evaluated individuals (42% with clinical AD). Receiver operating characteristics were used to evaluate each biomarker. We also investigated biomarkers as predictors of incident clinical AD. Results. P-tau181, P-tau217 and NfL concentrations were elevated in pathologically and clinically diagnosed AD. Decreased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and increased P-tau217 and P-tau181 were associated with subsequent AD diagnosis. Discussion. Blood-based AD biomarker concentrations are associated with pathological and clinical diagnoses and can predict future development of clinical AD, providing evidence that they can be incorporated into multi-ethnic, community-based studies.
Predicting Calcite Crystallization and Inhibition Kinetics at up to 175 °C Using a New Theoretical Inhibition Model

Calcite crystallization happens ubiquitously in various natural and industrial processes. To more accurately predict and control these processes, a theoretical and quantitative understanding of cal...
Modeling the population effects of epitope specific escape mutations in SARS-CoV-2 to guide vaccination strategies

Escape mutations (EM) to SARS-Cov-2 have been detected and are spreading. Vaccines may need adjustment to respond to these or future mutations. We designed a population level model integrating both waning immunity and EM. We also designed a set of criteria for elaborating and fitting this model to cross-neutralization and other data in a manner that minimizes vaccine decision errors. We formulated four model variations. These define criteria for which prior infections provide immunity that can be escaped. They also specify different sequences where one EM follows another. At all reasonable parameter values, these model variations led to patterns where: 1) EM were rare in the first epidemic, 2) rebound epidemics after the first epidemic were accelerated more by increasing drifting than by increasing waning (with some exceptions), 3) the long term endemic level of infection was determined mostly by waning rates with small effects of the drifting parameter, 4) EM caused loss of vaccine effectiveness and under some conditions, vaccines induced EM that caused higher levels of infection with vaccines than without them. The differences and similarities across the four models suggest paths for developing models specifying the epitopes where EM act. This model is a base on which to construct epitope specific evolutionary models using new high-throughput assay data from population samples to guide vaccine decisions. HighlightsO_LIThis model is the first to integrate both antigenic drifting from escape mutations and immunity waning in continuous time. C_LIO_LITiny amounts of only waning or only escape mutation drifting have small or no effects. Together, they have large effects. C_LIO_LIThere are no or few escape mutations during the first epidemic peak and no effect of drifting parameters on the size of that wave. C_LIO_LIAfter the first epidemic peak, escape mutations accumulate rapidly. They increase with increases in waning rates and with increases in the drifting rate. Escape mutations then amplify other escape mutations since these raise the frequency of reinfections. C_LIO_LIEscape mutations can completely negate the effects of vaccines and even lead to more infections with vaccination than without, especially at very low waning rates. C_LIO_LIThe model generates population level cross-neutralization patterns that enable the model to be fitted to population level serological data. C_LIO_LIThe model can be modified to use laboratory data that determine the epitope specific effects of mutations on ACE2 attachment strength or escape from antibody effects. C_LIO_LIThe model, although currently unable to predict the effects of escape mutations in the real world, opens up a path that can guide model incorporation of molecularly studied escape mutations and improve predictive value. We describe that path. C_LIO_LIModel analysis indicates that vaccine trials and serological surveys are needed now to detect the effects of epitope specific escape mutations that could cause the loss of vaccine efficacy. C_LI
Sustainable Futures: An Agenda for Action: By Raphael Kaplinsky London: Wiley & Sons, 2021, 264 pp., £55.00 (hardback), £18.99 (paperback), £12.99 (e-book), ISBN 13: 978-1-509-54782-1

Raphael Kaplinsky is an acclaimed analyst of technology policy, global value chains, and the consequences of China’s rise on production and exports in developing countries. In Sustainable Futures, ...
Protest Brokers and the Technology of Mobilization: Evidence from South Africa:

Why do some communities protest to demand change, while other seemingly similar communities do not? A large body of literature has found that elites play an important role in this regard, and docum...
Biochemistry of Non-collagenous Proteins of Bone

Bone is a unique biological composite structure composed of an extracellular phase called osteoid in which is embedded living cells (osteoblasts and osteocytes). The cells synthesize and secrete the organic extracellular matrix of bone. They do so in a manner that reflects and anticipates their biomechanical force environment and provides a viable home (lacunae and associated dendrites) which facilitates nutrition and communication with other embedded osteocytes. Osteoid becomes mineralized, e.g., a process in which crystalline calcium hydroxyapatite crystals are formed and deposited along and among collagen fibrils. In addition to osteoblasts, bone also contains nerves that provide sensation and vascular channels which provide nutrition, oxygen, waste removal, and a source of calcium and phosphorus. As discussed elsewhere in this text, bones serve several key systemic functions: a dynamic reservoir for calcium and phosphorus, a rigid framework that allows for erect stance as well as an attachment of muscles and tendons facilitating movement, and protection for vital internal organs such as the heart, brain, and internal organs. Non-collagenous proteins of bone, as described herein, greatly increase the functionality of bone and directly/indirectly mediate many of its unusual properties.
Patient Selection in Short Stay Total Hip Arthroplasty for Medicare Patients.

Abstract There is a trend towards shortening inpatient hospital stays following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in an effort to reduce healthcare costs and potentially decrease complications. The purpose of this study was to identify patients who are at risk for readmission, complications, and mortality after short stay THA. The Medicare sample (1997–2011) was used to identify THA patients with 1–2-day (Group A, n=2949) or 3–day (Group B, n=8707) stays. Complication risks were similar between groups, though there was a reduced risk for hospitalization for Group A (adjusted hazard ratio=0.90, P =0.029). These findings suggest that age and comorbidities, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, have the greatest effect on readmission and event risk after short stay THA.
Vulnerable women and neo-liberal globalization: debt burdens undermine women's health in the global South.

Contemporary processes of globalization havebeen accompanied by a serious deterioration inthe health of many women across the world. Particularly disturbing is the drastic declinein the health status of many women in theglobal South, as well as some women in theglobal North. This paper argues that thehealth vulnerability of women in the globalSouth is inseparable from their political andeconomic vulnerability. More specifically, itlinks the deteriorating health of many Southernwomen with the neo-liberal economic policiesthat characterize contemporary economicglobalization and argues that this structure issustained by the heavy burden of debtrepayments imposed on many Southern countries. In conclusion, it argues that many Southerndebt obligations are not morally bindingbecause they are not democraticallylegitimate.
Catenary Support Vector Machines

Many problems require making sequential decisions. For these problems, the benefit of acquiring further information must be weighed against the costs. In this paper, we describe the catenary support vector machine(catSVM), a margin-based method to solve sequential stopping problems. We provide theoretical guarantees for catSVM on future testing examples. We evaluated the performance of catSVM on UCI benchmark data and also applied it to the task of face detection. The experimental results show that catSVM can achieve a better cost tradeoff than single-stage SVM and chained boosting.
Propagating waves in visual cortex: a large-scale model of turtle visual cortex.

This article describes a large-scale model of turtle visual cortex that simulates the propagating waves of activity seen in real turtle cortex. The cortex model contains 744 multicompartment models of pyramidal cells, stellate cells, and horizontal cells. Input is provided by an array of 201 geniculate neurons modeled as single compartments with spike-generating mechanisms and axons modeled as delay lines. Diffuse retinal flashes or presentation of spots of light to the retina are simulated by activating groups of geniculate neurons. The model is limited in that it does not have a retina to provide realistic input to the geniculate, and the cortex and does not incorporate all of the biophysical details of real cortical neurons. However, the model does reproduce the fundamental features of planar propagating waves. Activation of geniculate neurons produces a wave of activity that originates at the rostrolateral pole of the cortex at the point where a high density of geniculate afferents enter the cortex. Waves propagate across the cortex with velocities of 4 μm/ms to 70 μm/ms and occasionally reflect from the caudolateral border of the cortex.
2,5‐Bis(trimethylsilyloxy)furan

[77220-06-5] C10H20O3Si2 (MW 244.44) InChI = 1S/C10H20O3Si2/c1-14(2,3)12-9-7-8-10(11-9)13-15(4,5)6/h7-8H,1-6H3 InChIKey = LOPSBTBTWKKAIQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (diene for use in cycloadditions;3 building block for quinones3 and heterocycles4-6) Physical Data: bp 42–43 °C/0.01 mmHg. Solubility: insol H2O; sol aprotic organic solvents. Preparative Methods: readily prepared by the reaction of Succinic Anhydride, Triethylamine, Zinc Chloride, and Chlorotrimethylsilane in MeCN (eq 1). It can also be prepared in 66% yield using succinic anhydride, Trimethylsilyl Trifluoromethanesulfonate and triethylamine.2 (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: very unstable to air and moisture.
Orientation-specific adaptation in human visual cortex

Nearly all methods for analyzing and interpreting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data assume that the fMRI signal behaves in an approximately linear manner. However, it has been shown that the mean fMRI response to a pair of briefly presented visual stimuli is significantly smaller than would be expected from the response to a single stimulus. This smaller response could be the result of either a nonlinearity in the fMRI signal or neuronal adaptation. We tested the neuronal adaptation hypothesis by measuring the fMRI response to sequential pairs of sinusoidal gratings that had either the same or orthogonal orientation. The adaptation hypothesis predicts that brain areas with orientation-selective neurons should show a more linear response when the stimulus pair is orthogonal than when the pair is identical. Our results show no orientation-specific adaptation effects in primary visual cortex (V1) but increasing effects along the hierarchy of visual areas (V2, V3, and V4V). A psychophysical contrast detection experiment, using similar oriented gratings as adapters, shows evidence of orientation-specific adaptation in the visual system. These results have implications for the interpretation of rapid event-related fMRI experiments, as well as for recently developed methods that use adaptation as a tool to measure the response properties of underlying neuronal subpopulations.
History, collective memory and identity: the Tatars of sovereign Tatarstan

Abstract The present article offers a discussion of the challenges of identity construction among the Tatars of Soverign Tatarstan by highlighting the importance of collective memory in reconstructing identity in the post-colonial context. Its conclusions point to the particularly prominent role most Tatars assign to language and religion not only in identity construction, but in resurrecting and consolidating statehood as well.
Knowledge augmented policy conflict analysis for services collaboration

In the services computing environment, collaborations are constrained by different requirements from different service providers and consumers. Administrators in different providers and users from different consumers use policies to define control rules and configurations of application environments. These control rules and application configurations reflect different performance requirements, management needs, and business contracts. When collaboration is necessary between services for a specific task, various performance and management requirements from individual services and their providers may have conflicts. The situation is even worse when the collaboration is a one-time event. In policy-based systems, these conflicts are reflected in policy conflicts. Thus, we propose a knowledge-augmented logical analysis framework for these policy conflicts in order to make services collaboration possible and smooth. In our policy conflict analysis engine, a knowledge base is used to supply critical information for analyzing dynamic relationships, hidden information, and constraints on attributes and relationships. More importantly, this information is embedded in logic expressions and reasoning processes so that explicit and implicit constraints between different elements can be integrated into one logical analysis framework. Two different case studies in web services and sensor network environments and their corresponding experiment results confirm the strength and applicability of our proposed policy conflict analysis framework.
Design of nonlinearity-enhanced quantum-cascade lasers

We present simulations of mid-infrared quantum-cascade lasers (QCL) with optimized second-harmonic generation (SHG). The optimized design was obtained utilizing techniques from supersymmetric quantum mechanics with both material-dependent effective mass and band nonparabolicity. Two-photon processes are analyzed for resonant cascading triple levels designed for enhancing SHG. Nonunity pumping efficiency from one period of the QCL to the next is taken into account by including all relevant carrier scattering mechanisms between the injector/collector and active regions. Carrier transport and power output of the structure are analyzed by self-consistently solving rate equations for the carriers and photons. Current-dependent linear optical output power is derived based on the steady-state photon population in the active region. The SH power is derived from the Maxwell equations with the phase mismatch and modes overlapping included. Due to stronger coupling between lasing levels, the optimized structure has both higher linear and SH output powers. The optimized structure can be fabricated through digitally grading the submonolayer alloys by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique.
Specification and verification of network managers for large internets

Large internet environments are increasing the difficulty of network management. Integrating increasing numbers of autonomous subnetworks (each with an increasing number of hosts) makes it more difficult to determine if the network managers of the subnetworks will interoperate correctly. We propose a high level, formal specification language, NMSL, as an aid in solving this problem. NMSL has two aspects of operation, a descriptive aspect and a prescriptive aspect. In its descriptive aspect, NMSL specifies abstractions of the network components and their instantiations, and verifies the consistency of such a specification. The abstractions include the data objects and processes in a network management system. These abstractions are instantiated on network elements. Network elements are grouped together in the specification of domains of administration. An extension mechanism is provided to allow for the specification of new management characteristics that the basic language cannot express. In its prescriptive aspect, NMSL generates configuration information directly from a consistent specification. This information is used to configure network management processes to make their operation consistent with their specifications. Standard management protocols (such as the emerging ISO or IETF standards) can be used to incorporate the configuration information into running management processes.
An Evaluation of the Veterans Affairs Traumatic Brain Injury Screening Process Among Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans

Objective To describe the early results of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) screening program for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify patient and facility characteristics associated with receiving a TBI screen and results of the screening. Design National retrospective cohort study. Setting VA Medical facilities. Patients A total of 170,681 Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans who sought care at VA medical facilities from April 2007 to September 30, 2008. Methods Data were abstracted from VA administrative and operational databases, including patient demographics, facility characteristics, and outcomes. Main Outcome Measurements The main outcomes were receipt of and results of the TBI screen. Results The majority of veterans eligible received the TBI screen (91.6%). Screening rates varied by patient and facility characteristics. In all, 25% of screened veterans had probable TBI exposure, in which the majority of the exposures were blasts (85.0%). The rate of a positive TBI screen was 20.5% for the screened cohort. Male gender, service in the army, multiple deployments, and mental health diagnoses in the previous year were associated with a positive screen. Conclusions TBI screening rates are high in VA; concomitant mental health diagnoses were highly prevalent in individuals with positive TBI screens. These data indicate that there will be a significant need for long-term health care services for veterans with TBI symptomatology.
SYNTHESIS AND REACTIVITY OF THE OSMIUM METHYLIDENE COMPLEX (C5ME5)OS(=CH2)(DPPM)OTF

Treatment of the hydride complex (C5Me5)Os(dppm)H, [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane] with 2 equivalents of methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (MeOTf) affords the methylidene complex [(C5Me5)Os(CH2)(dppm)][OTf]; the molecular structure and dynamic NMR behavior of this methylidene complex are described.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study to Investigate the Effect of Rivaroxaban on QT-Interval Prolongation

Background: Rivaroxaban (BAY 59-7939) is a novel, oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor in advanced clinical development for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Unwanted pro-arrhythmic effects are a common reason for drugs failing to gain regulatory approval; these properties can be detected by assessing the effect of the drug on the QT interval. Objective: This study was performed, in accordance with International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E14 guidance, to assess whether rivaroxaban prolongs the QT interval. Study design: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, four-way crossover study. Setting: The study was conducted at a clinical pharmacology research unit. Subjects: Healthy male and female subjects (n = 54) aged ≥50 years were enrolled and remained in the study unit for 3 days for each treatment. Of these, 50 patients were eligible for the QT analysis. Intervention: Subjects received single oral doses of rivaroxaban 45 mg or 15 mg, moxifloxacin 400 mg (positive control), or placebo. Outcome measures: Multiple ECGs were taken at frequent intervals after drug administration, and the QT interval was measured manually under blinded conditions at a central laboratory. The Fridericia correction formula (QTcF) was used to correct the QT interval for heart rate. The primary outcome was the effect of rivaroxaban or moxifloxacin on the placebo-subtracted QTcF 3 hours after administration. The frequency of outlying QTcF values and the tolerability of the treatments were also assessed. Results: All treatments were well tolerated and had no effect on heart rate. Moxifloxacin established the required assay sensitivity; placebo-subtracted QTcF 3 hours after moxifloxacin administration was prolonged by 9.77 ms (95% CI 7.39, 12.15). Placebo-subtracted QTcF values 3 hours after rivaroxaban administration were −0.91 ms (95% CI −3.33, 1.52) and −1.83 ms (95% CI −4.19, 0.54) with rivaroxaban 45 mg and 15 mg, respectively. QTcF was not prolonged with rivaroxaban at any time, and the frequency of outlying results with rivaroxaban and placebo was similar. Conclusion: This thorough QT study, which was performed in accordance with ICH E14 guidelines, shows that rivaroxaban does not prolong the QTc interval. Therefore, the potential of rivaroxaban for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders, including chronic cardiovascular disorders, can be investigated in appropriate clinical studies without the need for intensive monitoring of the QTc interval.
Data structures and algorithms for approximate string matching

Abstract This paper surveys techniques for designing efficient sequential and parallel approximate string matching algorithms. Special attention is given to the methods for the construction of data structures that efficiently support primitive operations needed in approximate string matching.
Bayesian risk-based decision method for model validation under uncertainty

This paper develops a decision-making methodology for computational model validation, considering the risk of using the current model, data support for the current model, and cost of acquiring new information to improve the model. A Bayesian decision theory-based method is developed for this purpose, using a likelihood ratio as the validation metric for model assessment. An expected risk or cost function is defined as a function of the decision costs, and the likelihood and prior of each hypothesis. The risk is minimized through correctly assigning experimental data to two decision regions based on the comparison of the likelihood ratio with a decision threshold. A Bayesian validation metric is derived based on the risk minimization criterion. Two types of validation tests are considered: pass/fail tests and system response value measurement tests. The methodology is illustrated for the validation of reliability prediction models in a tension bar and an engine blade subjected to high cycle fatigue. The proposed method can effectively integrate optimal experimental design into model validation to simultaneously reduce the cost and improve the accuracy of reliability model assessment.
Detection of Climatic Change in the Western North American Arctic Using a Synoptic Climatological Approach

Abstract Studies which utilize a long-term temperature record in determining the possibility of a global warming have led to conflicting results. We suggest that a time-series evaluation of mean annual temperatures is not sufficiently robust to determine the existence of a long-term warming. We propose the utilization of an air mass-based synoptic climatological approach, as it is possible that local changes within particular air masses have been obscured by the gross scale of temperature time-series evaluations used in previous studies of this type. An automated synoptic index was constructed for the winter months in four western North American Arctic locations to determine if the frequency of occurrence of the coldest and mildest air masses has changed and if the physical character of these air masses has shown signs of modification over the past 40 years. It appears that the frequencies of the majority of the coldest air masses have tended to decrease, while those of the warmest air masses have increas...
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes in uveitis.

Purpose: to review the function and genetics of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and studies of KIR genetic associations with uveitis.Methods: Review of published studies.Results: KIRs are receptors on NK and some T cells. They may inhibit or activate cellular function, such as cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Studies have been published examining KIR gene associations with birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, and HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and axial spondyloarthropathy. Evidence for increased activating and/or less inhibitory KIR and HLA gene combinations was found for BCR and VKH disease. In HLA-B27-associated disease, a trend toward decreased activation and stronger inhibition was found, except for the weakly inhibitory 3DL1 and Bw4T80 combination. This latter combination was also found to confer risk in BCR.Conclusions: KIR genetics are complex, as are the functions of KIR-bearing cells. Nonetheless, evidence for KIRs in the pathoge...
On the asymptotic cograde of an ideal

Abstract Let I be an ideal in a local ring (R, M) and let s(I) be the asymptotic cograde of I (= the maximum length of an asymptotic sequence over I). Rees has shown that s(I) ⩽ altitude R − l(I), where l(I) is the analytic spread of I. We prove several more bounds on s(I): (i) s(I) ⩽ min{little depth P; P is an asymptotic prime divisor of I; (ii) s(I) ⩽ grade ∗ M I (= the maximum length of an asymptotic sequence contained in M I ) ; (iii) s(I) ⩽ grade ∗ M- grade ∗ I ; (iv) grade ∗ M − l(I) ⩽ s(I) ; and. (v) if R is quasi-unmixed, then grade R I n ⩽ s(I) for all large n. Also, it is shown that the asymptotic prime divisors of (I, b1,…, bs) R contain those of I, when b1,…, bs are an asymptotic sequence over I, and that the residue classes modulo I of such a sequence are an asymptotic sequence in R I . Finally, several sufficient conditions for l(I) to be equal to l(Ip) for some asymptotic prime divisor P of I are given.
Exotic states of nuclei

Abstract A brief description of exotic states of nuclei involving radioactive beam technology is presented with the emphasis being on the nucleus 11 Li. The status of experiment and theory associated with soft dipole excitation are discussed and suggestions for theoretical improvements are given.
Effects of haloperidol on cue-induced autonomic and behavioral indices of heroin reward and motivation

Most theoretical conceptions of motivation presume an internal state of sympathetic nervous system activation that precedes and accompanies goal-seeking behavior. The present study investigates the animals' physiological and behavioral response to presentation of environmental cues predictive of availability (S+) or non-availability (S–) of heroin in the goal box of a straight-arm alley. Animals were trained to discriminate between two olfactory cues, one predictive of the delivery of i.v. heroin (0.1 mg/kg) upon the rat's entry into the goal box of the runway (the S+) and another cue (the S–) predictive of i.v. saline upon goal-box entry. Once discriminative performance had stabilized, animals were challenged with each of four haloperidol treatments in a counterbalanced manner (0.0, 0.075, 0.15, 0.3 mg/kg i.p.). Run times and heart rates (measured via radiotelemetry) served as the dependent variables on every trial. Both behavioral and physiological measures of motivation responded differentially to S+ and S– cues. Haloperidol had no effect during or immediately following S– trials, nor prior to reinforcer delivery on S+ trials. However, the behavioral and physiological consequences of heroin delivery during dopamine receptor antagonism were reliable – animals ran more slowly and showed less activation (lower heart rates) on the first S+ trial following a heroin + haloperidol experience. The current data demonstrate that physiological and behavioral indices of cue-induced motivation remained intact during haloperidol challenge, while the reinforcing consequences of heroin appear to have been attenuated by dopamine receptor antagonism.