cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Soft Law, Hard Law, and Coherence

A rule of law is a norm coupled with coercive power. International soft law is only the norm. There is a vast number of such non-coercive norms, and many recent papers have been preoccupied with their apparent normative tilt toward respect for human rights and democracy. In criticizing the entire soft-law enterprise, I feel like the Grinch who stole Christmas. But I do try to put in a good word or two for the time-honored sources of the 4000 year-old public international law. This paper will be a chapter in the forthcoming The Philosophy of International Law, to be published by Oxford University Press.
Intermodal Expressive Arts in Group Supervision

ABSTRACTGroup supervision is an integral part of developing counseling skills and case conceptualization. Group supervision can also be used as a supervision intervention to facilitate the development of supervisory skills when group members are supervising counselors and the focus of the group is on supervision of supervision. As with any group, group supervision members can often become stagnated when group trust and cohesiveness have not been well developed, thus hindering the group supervision process. The authors describe how an intermodal expressive arts technique was employed to develop trust and cohesiveness in a supervision group that was experiencing ineffective group dynamics.
Encouraging Identification with the Larger Campaign Narrative: Grassroots Organizing Texts in Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential Campaign

Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign motivated thousands of people to train, organize, and recruit volunteers to get involved at the grassroots level. In this essay, I study a set of training ...
The Problematic Quest for Happiness in the Modern World: A Serresian Reading of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree

The purpose of this study is to explore Shel Silverstein’s complex and highly controversial book The Giving Tree from a different lens which incorporates the theories of the contemporary French philosopher Michel Serres. This investigation will highlight that this widely popular tale is not merely a narrative about giving as the title unequivocally implies, but it is also a story about happiness. Indeed, the theme of happiness, which has only been mentioned in passing by researchers such as Richard Neuhaus and Jean Elshtain, appears to be the central focus of this short story for children. Specifically, the progressive disenchantment of the character “Boy” throughout the narrative compels the reader to ponder whether the modern world is conducive to any type of genuine or lasting happiness at all. Moreover, regardless of the debatable intentions of this reclusive author, The Giving Tree is a poignant representation of the parasitic relationship that the alienated modern subject has with the remainder of the biosphere which provides sustenance to all of the earth’s sentient and non-sentient beings. The utter disillusionment of the protagonist later in life after a seemingly pleasant childhood also causes the reader to question the hollow virtues of consumerism that are allegedly supposed to maximize one’s happiness.
Microstructural changes to proso millet protein bodies upon cooking and digestion

Abstract Cooking results in a drastic decline in digestibility of proso millet proteins, panicins. Scanning electron and confocal microscopy were used to observe morphological changes in proso millet protein bodies upon cooking and digestion that could be associated with the loss in digestibility. Spherical protein bodies (1–2.5 μm) were observed in proso millet flour and extracted protein. Cooking did not result in any noticeable change in the size or shape of the protein bodies. However, upon digestion with pepsin the poor digestibility of cooked proso millet protein was clearly evident from the differences in microstructure of the protein bodies: large cavities were observed in the uncooked protein bodies while cooked protein bodies had only tiny holes. When proso millet was cooked in 8 M urea and then digested, the protein bodies appeared similar to uncooked digested protein bodies. The morphological changes observed in proso millet protein upon cooking and digestion did not show any visible aggregates, but the inability of pepsin to digest cooked protein bodies was clearly evident under microscopy and is in agreement with the chemical analyses reported previously.
Automatic verification of the SCI cache coherence protocol

This paper describes an ongoing effort to verify the cache coherence protocol of the IEEE/ANSI Standard for Scalable Coherent Interface using the Murϕ verification system. A model of the typical set protocol was constructed in the Murϕ description language. This model was augmented with a specification of properties necessary for cache coherence. The Murϕ verification system automatically checks if all reachable states in the model satisfy the given specification. Although verification is still under way, we have already found several errors in the C-code defining the protocol. Finally, we elucidate the experiences gained in the verification project.
Utility of SPECT/CT in evaluating post renal transplant complications

2002 Objectives Renal transplatation continues to provide the best quality of life for patients with end stage renal disease, but often post transplant complications are of a major concern. SPECT/CT hybrid cameras provide fusion of anatomic (CT) with physiologic (SPECT) information adding greater value to diagnosis of human diseases with accuracy and confidence. Our objective is to determine usefulness of SPECT/CT in diagnosing complications following renal transplant. Methods It is a retrospective study of 12 patients who underwent renal transplant procedure. Ten patients were suspected of having urinary leak, one with transplant non-viability and one with infection. Eleven patients were injected with 10mCi of Tc-99m-MAG3 followed by 30 min of dynamic imaging at 30 sec/frame. One patient was injected with 500uCi of In-111 labeled WBC, and at 24 hrs had a whole body scan. After planar imaging, all patients had a 10 sec/stop, 60 stops non-circular SPECT scan each, followed by low dose non-contrast CT scan on a hybrid SPECT/CT system. Results SPECT/CT demonstrated the presence of a urinary leak in 7 of 10 patients as defined by Tc activity associated with fluid that was outside the confines of the urinary collecting system. SPECT/CT showed no Tc-99m-MAG3 accumulation in the transplanted kidney in the patient with a non-viable renal transplant. In111-WBC SPECT/CT scan demonstrated the presence of a renal transplant abcess in 1 patient. Conclusions SPECT/CT scanning is useful in diagnosing post renal transplant complications
Local Bioethical Discourse: Implications for Understanding Disease

Together the essays in this volume explore how moral discourse, moral narratives, and moral commitments take different shape within particular cultures and traditions as we enter the Third Millennium. More specifically, the essays consider the challenges these different shapes pose to our moral relations between and among ourselves and to the character of medical knowledge, therapeutics, and bioethical reflections in our society.
Quality of Life Well-Being in General Medicine, Mental Health and Coaching

This chapter reviews the history of QOL in medicine and mental health, presents one possible unifying theory based on research in Social Indicators Research, and then concludes with guidelines for how this theory or any other theory can be used to guide medical/mental health assessment and treatment planning for individual patients.
Pharmacologic marrow purging in murine T cell leukemia.

Deoxycoformycin in combination with deoxyadenosine was used to purge 6C3HED malignant T cells from murine marrow in vitro. Adenosine deaminase activity of 6C3HED cells was ablated by incubation with 10(- 6) mol/L deoxycoformycin (dCF). During a 12-hour incubation with 10(-6) mol/L dCF and 10(-4) mol/L deoxyadenosine, tumor cells sequentially accumulated dATP, became depleted of NAD followed by ATP, then died. More than 5 logs of 6C3HED cells were killed as measured by survival of mice injected with treated tumor cells. Identical incubation of 5 x 10(6) marrow cells did not interfere with rescue of syngeneic lethally irradiated mice. Long-term survival was demonstrated in 12 of 14 mice that received marrow that had been contaminated with 5% 6C3HED cells, incubated with deoxycoformycin and deoxyadenosine, then used to rescue lethally irradiated mice. This murine model provides information not available from in vitro assays and may be useful in the development of strategies to purge malignant T cells from marrow.
SP0083 Gaps in patient treatment – what patient organisations can do?

Background Access to healthcare is a basic human right and one of the fundamental principles of European health systems, together with safety, quality, and equity. Unfortunately due to economic crisis and the cuts in healthcare budgets in many countries, inequalities in healthcare have been made worse. Furthermore the healthcare systems are facing increasing demands due to demographic change and the fact that the number of patients with chronic diseases is growing. Objectives To identify the inequalities in healthcare system and the degree to which the standards of care are affected. To outline patients organisations challenges in such a demanding environment and their efforts to overcome the gaps in patients’ healthcare. Methods Describe the gaps in patients’ access to health care and the degree of their satisfaction from the offered health care services as reflected by the relative EPF survey conducted in 2016 among patients in European countries. In these challenging conditions, patient organisations should help to fill the gaps and suggest specific solutions by raising awareness about the problems of the patients and the consequences of inadequate healthcare. At the same time they should develop collaborations with the scientific and academic community as well as with other patients’ organisations. Conclusion Patients with chronic and long term conditions have valuable experience as a result of their interaction with the healthcare system and can identify important gaps and propose solutions in order to improve access to healthcare. Disclosure of Interest None declared
The dimensionality of suicidal ideation and its clinical implications.

Objectives No consensus has been reached regarding the theoretical dimensions underlying the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) and Beck's Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), widely used in research and clinical practice. This undermines the understanding and management of suicidal behavior. Methods The factor structure of the SSI and the BSI was investigated in 201 patients visiting the emergency department of the Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland, for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. Results Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) identified a unique theoretical dimension. Item removal based on analyses of communalities improved the explained part of variance in both scales. A joint factor analysis provided results very similar to those yielded by initial EFAs. Conclusions The single factor underlying the SSI and the BSI was composed of items encompassing a construct of suicide desire. Nonretained items corresponded to other elements of suicidal behavior (e.g., plans and preparations regarding the upcoming suicide attempt). These scales could not discriminate between suicide ideators and suicide attempters.
Screening for Ovarian Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Importance With approximately 14 000 deaths per year, ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death among US women and the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer. More than 95% of ovarian cancer deaths occur among women 45 years and older. Objective To update the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for ovarian cancer. Evidence Review The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women not known to be at high risk for ovarian cancer (ie, high risk includes women with certain hereditary cancer syndromes that increase their risk for ovarian cancer). Outcomes of interest included ovarian cancer mortality, quality of life, false-positive rate, surgery and surgical complication rates, and psychological effects of screening. Findings The USPSTF found adequate evidence that screening for ovarian cancer does not reduce ovarian cancer mortality. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that the harms from screening for ovarian cancer are at least moderate and may be substantial in some cases, and include unnecessary surgery for women who do not have cancer. Given the lack of mortality benefit of screening, and the moderate to substantial harms that could result from false-positive screening test results and subsequent surgery, the USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that the harms of screening for ovarian cancer outweigh the benefit, and the net balance of the benefit and harms of screening is negative. Conclusions and Recommendation The USPSTF recommends against screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women. (D recommendation) This recommendation applies to asymptomatic women who are not known to have a high-risk hereditary cancer syndrome.
Psychosocial experiences of concussed collegiate athletes: The role of emotional support in the recovery process

Objective: Understand from whom concussed football players seek and receive emotional support, and whether this support is associated with injury perceptions. Participants: Football players (N = 26...
Perceived police fairness: exploring the determinants of citizens’ perceptions of procedural fairness in Ghana

The purpose of this study is to examine factors affecting citizens’ perceptions of police procedural fairness. More specifically, using data systematically collected from two large metropolitan are...
The Promise and Limits of Tailorability for Turkopticon

The increased accessibility of open-source software promises wider opportunity for people to build tools for their own purposes. We present an exploratory case study of rebuilding Turkopticon (TO), an activist tool that for digital workers, as a user-tailorable system. We reflect on the challenges we faced to offer lessons about the limitations of open source infrastructures and the importance community organizing. We situate our analysis of software and organizing practice in the political economy of the internet industries and forms of marginalization it engenders.
A phase II trial of docetaxel, thalidomide, bevacizumab, and prednisone in patients (pts) with metastatic androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC)

13037 Background: Angiogenesis plays a vital role in progression of prostate cancer. Antiangiogenic agents’ thalidomide (Td) and bevacizumab (Bv) have been shown in Phase II trials to enhance docet...
Formation of subtropical mode water in a high-resolution ocean simulation of the Kuroshio Extension region

Abstract A high-resolution numerical model is used to examine the formation and variability of the North Pacific Subtropical Mode Water (STMW) over a 3-year period. The STMW distribution is found to be highly variable in both space and time, a characteristic often unexplored because of sparse observations or the use of coarse resolution simulations. Its distribution is highly dependent on eddies, and where it was renewed during the previous winter. Although the potential vorticity fluxes associated with down-front winds can be of the same order of magnitude or even greater than the diabatic ones due to air–sea temperature differences, the latter dominate the potential vorticity budget on regional and larger scales. Air–sea fluxes, however, are dominated by a few strong wind events, emphasizing the importance of short time scales in the formation of mode waters. In the Kuroshio Extension region, both advection and mixing play important roles to remove the STMW from the formation region.
Clinical Research and Practice Collaborative: An Evidence-Based Nursing Clinical Inquiry Expansion.

Introduction Implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices (EBPs) are common challenges faced by healthcare organizations. The Clinical Research and Practice Collaborative, an evidence-based initiative implemented at a large Military Treatment Facility, addresses EBP implementation and sustainment by expanding the culture of nursing clinical inquiry and broadening nursing research efforts to include EBP. The evidence-based intervention of scheduled, intentional, intraprofessional collaboration between PhD nurse scientists and advanced practice registered nurses as compared to previous methods of spontaneous, consultative collaboration, focuses on developing support for nursing research and EBP initiatives. Materials and methods A 2-year pre- and 2-year post-implementation timeframe compared outcomes (proposals, publications, posters) from individual and collaborative nursing research and EBP initiatives. Results Although nursing research initiatives remained stable, research publications and posters were reduced by 63%, EBP initiatives grew 450%, EBP publications and collaborative nursing initiatives for both research and EBP increased. Additionally, EBP Council membership rose 300%, and an intraprofessional cadre was formed during the implementation. Conclusions Intentionally scheduled collaboration between PhD nurse scientists and advanced practice registered nurses is a promising model to promote an expanded culture of nursing clinical inquiry and should be considered for medical facilities seeking to enhance EBP and nursing research efforts.
Potential effect of microwaved vermicast on dahlia plant growth and flower production

Enhancement of natural growing medium amendments with microwave irradiation has been demonstrated but has received less research attention A greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine the effect of microwaved vermicast on dahlia Dahlia pinnata lsquo Cobequid Celestial Star rsquo plant growth and flower production Fresh moist vermicast was treated with microwave irradiation power levels W W W and W with non microwaved vermicast as the control W The temperature of the microwaved vermicast increased from oC at W to oC at W but dropped to oC at W The density of bacteria colonies was high in treatments W W and W and the least in treatment W while treatment W did not support bacteria growth Total nitrogen content did not change much but leaf tissue phosphate content increased from W to W Leaf tissue chlorophyll content was increased by treatment W followed by the FV while anthocyanin content consistently increased with an increase in power output level Microwave irradiation increased total plant and tuberous roots fresh weights Those treatments ge W had the greatest positive impact on total number of floral organs and longevity of flowers as compared to the W and the W treatments Overall it was demonstrated that microwave irradiation at W improve vermicast chemical properties and enhance dahlia plant growth and flower production Further study on microbial structure will be necessary
What a Clinician Should Know About the Neurobiology of Schizophrenia: A Historical Perspective to Current Understanding.

The brain is no doubt the "organ" of psychiatry; yet, over the years, few evidence-based classifications of psychiatric disorders have been based on brain mechanisms. The National Institute of Mental Health notably proposed one such system, known as Research Domain Criteria, although it has not yet influenced any changes in the DSM. Of all the major psychiatric disorders, the brain has been studied most extensively in schizophrenia, with its speculative pathology first documented by Emil Kraepelin as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Subsequently, the revolution in technology over the past 50 years has changed how investigators are able to view the brain before death without performing biopsies. Schizophrenia is thus found to have both structural and functional widespread brain anomalies that likely lead to its clinical deterioration. At the onset of illness, acquiring an MRI scan could be part of the routine evaluation to determine how progressive the disease has so far been. However, this practice is not yet recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in any of its guidelines on the treatment of schizophrenia.
Growth of Ambulatory Virtual Visits and Differential Use by Patient Sociodemographics at One Urban Academic Medical Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Despite widespread interest in the use of virtual (ie, telephone and video) visits for ambulatory patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies examining their adoption during the pandemic by race, sex, age, or insurance are lacking. Moreover, there have been limited evaluations to date of the impact of these sociodemographic factors on the use of telephone versus video visits. Such assessments are crucial to identify, understand, and address differences in care delivery across patient populations, particularly those that could affect access to or quality of care. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine changes in ambulatory visit volume and type (ie, in-person vs virtual and telephone vs video visits) by patient sociodemographics during the COVID-19 pandemic at one urban academic medical center. Methods: We compared volumes and patient sociodemographics (age, sex, race, insurance) for visits during the first 11 weeks following the COVID-19 national emergency declaration (March 15 to May 31, 2020) to visits in the corresponding weeks in 2019. Additionally, for visits during the COVID-19 study period, we examined differences in visit type (ie, in-person versus virtual, and telephone versus video visits) by sociodemographics using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Total visit volumes in the COVID-19 study period comprised 51.4% of the corresponding weeks in 2019 (n=80,081 vs n=155,884 visits). Although patient sociodemographics between the COVID-19 study period in 2020 and the corresponding weeks in 2019 were similar, 60.5% (n=48,475) of the visits were virtual, compared to 0% in 2019. Of the virtual visits, 61.2% (n=29,661) were video based, and 38.8% (n=18,814) were telephone based. In the COVID-19 study period, virtual (vs in-person) visits were more likely among patients with race categorized as other (vs White) and patients with Medicare (vs commercial) insurance and less likely for men, patients aged 0-17 years, 65-74 years, or ≥75 years (compared to patients aged 18-45 years), and patients with Medicaid insurance or insurance categorized as other. Among virtual visits, compared to telephone visits, video visits were more likely to be adopted by patients aged 0-17 years (vs 18-45 years), but less likely for all other age groups, men, Black (vs White) patients, and patients with Medicare or Medicaid (vs commercial) insurance. Conclusions: Virtual visits comprised the majority of ambulatory visits during the COVID-19 study period, of which a majority were by video. Sociodemographic differences existed in the use of virtual versus in-person and video versus telephone visits. To ensure equitable care delivery, we present five policy recommendations to inform the further development of virtual visit programs and their reimbursement.
Female Consumers’ Symbolic Expression of Identity through Harley-Davidson Apparel

The purpose of this study was (1) to understand the potential role of Harley branded apparel in defining and expressing the self-identity of female participants within the Harley community and (2) to explore the potential role of the Harley community in shaping the identity of these women. A qualitative grounded theory method was used. Participants (n=23) were contacted through snowball and convenience sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, which included open-ended questions and photo elicitation. Through inductive analysis, symbolic interaction theory as well as identity theory, symbolic consumption, and self-image congruency facilitated understanding of the data. Findings indicated that social relational aspects of Harley apparel consumption and personal identity were important for participants. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge about the role of Harley apparel and the Harley community in defining and expressing the self-identity of female members within the Harley subculture of consumption.
Robot-Assisted Jejunostomy Tube Placement

Jejunostomy tube placement during esophagectomy allows for earlier enteric feeding, while the esophagogastric conduit anastomosis undergoes a healing process and strengthens over time. There are several complications that could arise from the placement of a jejunostomy tube. Two main concerns are bile leak onto the skin at the site of tube placement and clogging of the jejunostomy tube. We found that patients with smaller tubes tend to have less leaks around the tube but highly likely to clog, while bigger tubes tend not to have issues with clogging but high risk of developing a leak. The leak around the J-tube is a very challenging problem. The technique presented in this chapter seems to provide a low leak rate around the tube with a low incidence of clogging of the tube (Video 8.1).
Tumour necrosis factor inhibitor monotherapy for CNS neurosarcoidosis

While glucocorticoids are widely used as a first-line treatment for neurosarcoidosis, the relatively high doses and cumulative steroid exposure needed to secure remission or an otherwise favourable treatment response can in some cases be excessive, leading to glucocorticoid toxicity, intolerability, and adverse events. A range of steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents have been used to treat central nervous system (CNS) neurosarcoidosis with variable efficacy and tolerability. The immunologic hallmark of sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory response, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is important in the pathogenesis of granuloma formation and maintenance. Several case series have reported favourable clinical and imaging benefits with TNF inhibitor therapy for neurosarcoidosis.1–3 In the paper by Hilezian et al ,4 the authors add to …
Mammography Screening in a Large Health System Following the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations and the Affordable Care Act.

Background Practice recommendations for mammography screening were issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2009 and expansion of insurance coverage was provided under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act soon thereafter, yet the influence of these changes on screening practices in the United States is not known.
The Paleolithic of Arabia in an Inter-regional Context

Very little is known about the Paleolithic of Arabia. In spite of surveys undertaken immediately after the initial exploration of this environmentally marginal region (e.g., Philby, 1933; Caton-Thompson, 1939) and a small but continuous trickle of prehistorians into Arabia over the past 60 years, knowledge of both Arabian Pleistocene occupations and paleoenvironments is woefully poor, compared to what is known about adjacent regions. The reasons for this are myriad, ranging from the absence of extant, large karstic caves with deeply stratified sediments (the highly preferred Paleolithic site type of the twentieth century), to truly difficult logistics, and, until recently, a lack of encouragement from local authorities. Still, prehistorians did try and virtually all found some materials they could attribute to the Paleolithic (e.g., Caton-Thompson, 1954; Van Beek et al., 1963; Gramly, 1971; Pullar, 1974; Inizan and Ortlieb, 1987; Whalen and Pease, 1990; McBrearty, 1993).
Integrated PCR-CE System for DNA Analysis to the Single Molecule Limit

We have developed an integrated PCR-CE system for DNA amplification and analysis from nanoliter volumes with single molecule sensitivity. In addition, thermal cycling elements have been microfabricated directly onto the device for improved thermal cycling efficiency. PCR-CE data demonstrating sex determination from human genomic DNA are presented.
Hyaline-Vascular Type Castleman’s Disease, Sarcoidosis, and Crohns Disease

Sarcoidosis and Crohns disease have been associated with increased long term risk of lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomas. Newly developed lymphadenopathy in a patient with these disorders should prompt pathological evaluation. Castleman's disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by enlarged hyperplastic lymph nodes with regressed follicles surrounded by expanded mantle zones of small lymphocytes, and interfollicular vascular proliferation in the hyaline-vascular type. Similar to sarcoidosis and Crohns disease, its etiology is incompletely understood, although immune dysregulation, genetic factors and infectious and environmental factors are thought to play a role in all three diseases. Interleukin-6 is a possible pathological common factor between these three disease processed. Unicentric, hyaline-vascular type Castleman's disease can be treated successfully with complete surgical resection. We report a patient with long history of sarcoidosis and Crohns disease with newly developed lymphadenopathy which was found to be due to Castleman's disease.
Ultrasound to Decontaminate Organics in Dredged Sediments

Sediments contaminated with organics compounds due to past disposal practices threaten the environment and require remediation. This study was an attempt to develop a technology to decontaminate organics in dredged sediments using ultrasound coupled with vacuum pressure. A set of laboratory scale experiments were carried out using simulated dredged sediments from New York/New Jersey harbor, category III sediments that failed to meet USEPA requirements for toxicity or bioaccumulation, and required secure disposal. Acoustic cavitation due to ultrasound energy coupled with vacuum pressure was used to facilitate the removal of p-terphenyl (the selected organic contaminant) from the sediments. Two coupled processes were used to separate and to treat both coarse (Process 1) and fine (Process 2) fractions of sediments. Selected variables for evaluation of Process 1 were ultrasound power, solvent to sediment ratio, vacuum pressure, and sonication time. Process 2 was evaluated without and with surfactants. Process...
Tax Increment Finance Investment Impacts on Localized Real Estate: Evidence from Chicago’s Multifamily Markets

Indices for the Chicago multifamily real estate market are developed in order to examine the relationship between real property appreciation rates and proximity to a designated tax increment financing (TIF) district. Chicago is a community with a long history of TIF investment and a patchwork of more than 100 established TIF districts, comprising over 25 percent of the city’s total acreage and approximately 13.5 percent of the total tax base. Municipal governments across the country have come under increased pressure to provide quantifiable evidence that the tools they employ in the name of economic development have the potential to increase private investment. The central hypotheses assert that properties located within a designated TIF district will exhibit higher rates of appreciation after the area is designated a qualifying TIF district when compared to those properties selling outside TIF districts, and when compared to properties that sell within TIF district boundaries prior to designation.
Human Cytomegalovirus oriLyt Sequence Requirements

The mechanisms of action and regulation of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) lytic-phase DNA replicator, oriLyt, which spans more than 2 kbp in a structurally complex region near the middle of the unique long region (UL), are not understood. Because oriLyt is thought to be essential for promoting initiation of lytic DNA synthesis and may participate in regulating the switch between lytic and latent phases, we undertook a mutational study to better define its sequence requirements. Kanr gene cassette insertions located an oriLyt core region between nucleotides (nt) 91751 and 93299 that is necessary but not sufficient for replicator activity in transient assays. In contrast, insertions into auxiliary regions flanking either side of this core—also required for significant replicator activity—had little effect. To search for essential components within the core region, we made a series of overlapping, roughly 200-bp deletions, and qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the abilities of the resulting constructs to mediate replication. All but one of these deletions produced a significant (i.e., greater than twofold) loss of activity, arguing that sequences across this entire region contribute to replicator function. However, two particularly critical segments separated by a dispensable region, here called essential regions I and II, were identified. Within essential region I, which overlaps the previously identified early transcript SRT, two adjacent but nonoverlapping, roughly 200-bp deletions abolished detectable replication. No single element or motif from the left half of essential region I was found to be essential. Thus, essential region I probably promotes replication through the cooperation of multiple elements. However, four small deletions in the right half of essential region I, which included or lay adjacent to the conserved 31-nt oligopyrimidine tract (referred to as the Y block), abolished or virtually abolished oriLyt activity. Together, these results identify candidate oriLyt sequences within which molecular interactions essential for initiation of oriLyt-mediated DNA synthesis are likely to occur.
Understanding The Relationships Between Noncommunicable Diseases, Unhealthy Lifestyles, And Country Wealth

The amount of international aid given to address noncommunicable diseases is minimal. Most of it is directed to wealthier countries and focuses on the prevention of unhealthy lifestyles. Explanations for the current direction of noncommunicable disease aid include that these are diseases of affluence that benefit from substantial research and development into their treatment in high-income countries and are better addressed through domestic tax and policy measures to reduce risk-factor prevalence than through aid programs. This study assessed these justifications. First, we examined the relationships among premature adult mortality, defined as the probability that a person who has lived to the age of fifteen will die before the age of sixty from noncommunicable diseases; the major risk factors for these diseases; and country wealth. Second, we compared noncommunicable and communicable diseases prevalent in poor and wealthy countries alike, and their respective links to economic development. Last, we examined the respective roles that wealth and risk prevention have played in countries that achieved substantial reductions in premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases. Our results support greater investment in cost-effective noncommunicable disease preventive care and treatment in poorer countries and a higher priority for reducing key risk factors, particularly tobacco use.
A Phylogenetic Analysis and Taxonomic Revision of Ricefishes, Oryzias and Relatives (Beloniformes, Adrianichthyidae)

Ricefishes, known best by the model organism, the medaka, Oryzias latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, comprise the family Adrianichthyidae, which ranges broadly throughout fresh and brackish waters of Central, South and Southeast Asia and the Indo-Malay-Philippines Archipelago as far east as Timor. Twenty-eight Recent species are recognized here in two monophyletic genera, Adrianichthys and Oryzias. Xenopoecilus and Horaichthys are placed in synonymy of Oryzias for the first time. Adrianichthys comprises four species from Lake Poso, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Oryzias comprises 24 species that live throughout the range of the family. A fossil genus and species, †Lithopoecilus brouweri from the Miocene of central Sulawesi, is included tentatively in the Adrianichthyidae. Evidence for the sister group relationship of adrianichthyids and exocoetoids is reviewed briefly and that relationship corroborated. Monophyly of adrianichthyids is likewise strongly supported here. Species groups within Oryzias are diagnosed as monophyletic largely based on osteology, colour pattern and meristic variation. They correspond only in part to species groups previously recognized based on chromosome constitution. Miniature species do not comprise a monophyletic group; disjunct absolute size in close relatives has evolved repeatedly. Oryzias latipes is a member of a species complex that includes O. luzonensis, O. curvinotus and the miniatures O. sinensis and O. mekongensis. A new species, Oryzias bonneorum sp. nov., is described from Lake Lindu, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Lectotypes are designated for Haplochilus celebensis Weber, 1894 and Haplochilus timorensis Weber & de Beaufort, 1922. No claim to original US Government works. Journal compilation © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 154, 494–610.
Glucose and fructose absorption in chronically immobilized rat.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of chronic immobilization on gastrointestinal absorption of glucose and fructose was studied in rats restrained from 5 to 25 weeks. 2. 2. Glucose absorption studies have failed to indicate any significant differences in the transport system while fructose results showed a significant increase in sugar absorption in restrained animals throughout the 25-week period. 3. 3. Although the exact mechanisms causing altered gastrointestinal absorption of fructose are unknown, the increase in ability of restrained animals to absorb fructose is attributed to either a stimulatory effect on intestinal uptake or change in metabolic utilization of sugar occurring during chronic immobilization.
Application of the Electrochemical Methods in the Diagnostics of the Engineering State of Structural Materials

We study the possibility of application of electrochemical approaches to the analysis of the engineering state of structural metal materials in the stages of design and long-term operation in hydrogenating corrosive media. It is shown that the analysis of the effect of stresses on the intensity of corrosion processes should take into account the nonstationary electrochemical processes of interaction of the metal with the medium, which serves as a basis for the prediction of corrosion resistance, corrosion-fatigue strength, and cavitation resistance. The influence of the operation factors (service time, absorbed hydrogen, contact corrosion, macroscopic galvanic couples, and bioactive media) on the intensity of corrosion and stress-corrosion fracture of steels is investigated. The possibility of application of the methods of stationary or nonstationary electrochemistry to the prediction of the efficiency of protector and inhibitor protection of steels in loaded structures is demonstrated. The efficiency of the use of some electrochemical characteristics in the evaluation of the in-service degradation of the mechanical properties is substantiated.
A Model for Studying Neuropsychological Effects of Sleep Intervention: The Effect of 3-week Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly have cognitive complaints. There are few randomized studies that have examined neuropsychological effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in patients with OSA. In this double-blind trial, we examined if a three-week CPAP treatment compared with placebo CPAP treatment has specific therapeutic effects on cognitive impairments in patients with OSA and if there are specific domains of cognitive impairments sensitive to three-week CPAP treatment. Thirty-eight newly diagnosed patients with untreated OSA underwent neuropsychological testing before and after three-week CPAP or placebo-CPAP treatment. The two treatment groups (therapeutic CPAP and placebo-CPAP) were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Impairments in neuropsychological functioning ranged from 2.6% to 47.1% before treatment. In response to three weeks of treatment, there was no significant time by treatment interaction for a global deficit score of neuropsychological functioning. Only the Stroop Color (number correct) test showed significant improvement specific to CPAP treatment. The study demonstrates the importance of further randomized placebo-controlled studies in this area.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(alkyl vinyl ether)/poly(ϵ-caprolactone) diblock copolymers

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of hydroxyl functionalized poly(butyl vinyl ether) oligomers, and block copolymers comprised of poly(butyl vinyl ether) and poly(ϵ-caprolactone). Using the HI/ZnI2 initiating system in toluene at −20°C, monofunctional poly(butyl vinyl ether) oligomers of predicted molecular weights precisely terminated with aldehyde or primary hydroxyl endgroups have been prepared. Furthermore, the primary hydroxyl end functionality has been utilized to initiate ring opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolactone in the presence of stannous octanoate as the catalyst. This ring opening reaction provides an entry into new poly[(butyl vinyl ether)-block-poly(ϵ-caprolactone)] copolymers.
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer-Nadir (MODIS-N): Progress 1988

The paper describes progress made through 1987 in refining the required characteristics of the MODIS-N, which is one of two MODIS sensors being planned as a facility for the earth observing system. The MODIS-N will make it possible to observe new characteristics of the land and ocean surfaces and the troposphere at least once every three days over the entire globe for a decade following launch. Spatial resolutions of 1000 m or better are expected.
PP2A in the Regulation of Cell Motility and Invasion

Cell motility is a very critical phenomenon that plays an important role in the development of eukaryotic organisms. One of the well studied cell motility phenomena is chemotaxis, which is described as a directional movement of cell in response to changes in external chemotactic gradient. Numerous studies conducted both in unicellular organism and in mammalian cells have demonstrated the importance of phosphatidylionositol-3 kinase (PI3K) in this process. In addition, it is now well established that although PI3K plays an activation role in chemotaxis, the role of phosphatases is also critical to maintain this dynamic cyclical process. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase that is a key player in regulating PI3K signaling. PP2A is abundantly and ubiquitously expressed and has been highly conserved during the evolution of eukaryotes. PP2A is composed of three protein subunits, A, B, and C. Subunit 'A' is a 60-65 kDa structural component, 'C' is a 36-38 kDa catalytic subunit, and 'B' is a 54-130 kDa regulatory subunit. The core complex of PP2A is comprised of the A and C subunits, which are tightly associated and this dimeric core complexes with the regulatory B subunit. The B subunit determines the substrate specificity as well as the spatial and temporal functions of PP2A. PP2A plays an important role in regulating multiple signal transduction pathways, including cell-cycle regulation, cell-growth and development, cytoskeleton dynamics, and cell motility. This review focuses on the role of PP2A in regulating motility of normal and transformed cells.
Spontaneous DNA Damage Stimulates Topoisomerase II-mediated DNA Cleavage

Apurinic sites are position-specific poisons of topoisomerase II and stimulate DNA scission ∼10-18-fold when they are located within the 4-base overhang generated by enzyme-mediated cleavage (Kingma, P. S., and Osheroff, N. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 1148-1155). To determine whether other major forms of spontaneous DNA damage also act as topoisomerase II poisons, the effects of position-specific apyrimidinic sites and deaminated cytosines (i.e. uracil:guanine mismatches) on the type II enzyme were determined. Both of these lesions stimulated topoisomerase II-mediated DNA scission with the same positional specificity as apurinic sites but were less efficacious. Moreover, apurinic sites dominated the effects of apyrimidinic sites in substrates that contained multiple lesions. The differential ability of spontaneous lesions to enhance DNA cleavage did not correlate with either a decreased stability of the double helix or the size of the gap formed by base loss. Rather, it appears to be due (at least in part) to increased rates of religation for substrates containing apyrimidinic sites or deaminated cytosines. These results suggest that several forms of spontaneous DNA damage are capable of acting as endogenous poisons of topoisomerase II.
RSIM: A circuit simulation program for VLSI interconnect networks

This paper describes RSIM, a circuit simulation tool for the analysis and design of power supply routing in VLSI digital cir cuits. A review of existing VLSI solution techniques is make to show the development of RSIM. The program simulates the distributed power supply voltages and currents,and the resulting noise margins and operational reliability environments. The in put structure of RSIM allows for easy entry of circuit design and facilitates parameter changes. Examples show a speed improve ment of more than 500% over that of the widely used SPICE program. RSIM can handle much larger circuits than SPICE. RSIM output has proven to give accurate results in the analysis of power supply noise margins in large circuits.
Rethinking animal models and human obesity.

Obesity and overweight are among the biggest public health challenges in the U.S. ([13][1]). They are also increasing rapidly throughout the world, and many countries are on an obesity trajectory that is tracking that seen in the U.S., but with a 10- or 20-year time delay (<http://www.oecd.org/els/
Closure of post-laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulae

Closure of salvage laryngectomy defects with vascularized tissue remains controversial. We evaluate outcomes in patients who required repair of a fistula after attempted primary closure of salvage laryngectomy defect and assess risk factors for persistent fistula. Between 2001 and 2010, 20 patients were treated for pharyngocutaneous fistulae after primary closure of a salvage laryngectomy. All patients required free flap repair for definitive fistula management. Patients presented with fistulae from one to 18 months in duration; median time to closure was seven days. Radial forearm free flap was used in 86% of patients. With free flap alone 50% of patients achieved fistula closure. Additional procedures improved closure rate to 85%. Recipient vessels were used in the neck in 54.5%, compared to internal mammary vessels in 45.5%. Hypothyroidism was identified as a risk factor for persistent fistula (p = 0.01). Chronic steroid use (p = 0.08) did not reach significance as a risk factor for fistula closure. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was newly diagnosed or noted as a comorbidity in 14 patients (70%) in this study. It did not reach statistical significance as a risk factor in refistulization (p = 0.12). Complications included leak, carotid blowout, infection, free flap loss, and late refistulization. Overall flap failure in this study was 4.5%. Delayed secondary repair of pharygocutaneous fistulas after salvage laryngectomy is associated with a higher complication rate and poor success rates compared to use of vascularized tissue at the time of salvage laryngectomy. Prolonged wound healing in these patients is associated with hypothyroidism.
Privacy-preserving clustering with distributed EM mixture modeling

Privacy and security considerations can prevent sharing of data, derailing data mining projects. Distributed knowledge discovery can alleviate this problem. We present a technique that uses EM mixture modeling to perform clustering on distributed data. This method controls data sharing, preventing disclosure of individual data items or any results that can be traced to an individual site.