cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 665: Conditional Deficiency of Myeloid Cell Hif-2α Activity Promotes Aneurysmal Aortic Degeneration

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic degenerative disease mediated by myeloid cells, particularly macrophages. The transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-2α is a potent modulator of macrophage activation/ polarization. A potential role for HIF-2α in aneurysm pathogenesis has yet to be demonstrated. To consider this role, we created experimental AAA in conditional, myeloid cell-specific HIF-2α deficient mice (CKO) by intra-aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). Following PPE infusion, serial ultrasound imaging demonstrated progressively larger aneurysms in HIF-2α CKO mice, characterized by increased aortic medial elastin fragmentation and smooth muscle cell depletion, compared to WT controls. Aortic accumulation of CD68+ macrophages and CD4+ T cells, as well as aortic mural CD31+ neovessel formation were also augmented in HIF-2α CKO mice. These observations suggest that myeloid cell-derived HIF-2α activity may limit aneurysm pathogenesis and influence progression of AAA ...
Changes in sensitivity to the rate-decreasing effects of opioids in pigeons treated acutely or chronically with I-α-acetylmethadol

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute and chronic treatment with l -α-acetylmethadol (LAAM), a long-acting mu opioid agonist that is used to treat opioid dependence. In pigeons responding under an FR20 schedule of food presentation, LAAM decreased responding in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with the largest decrease occurring 4 hr after the administration of 5.6 mg/kg. Acute (1.0–5.6 mg/kg) or chronic (1.0–5.6 mg/kg/day) treatment with LAAM decreased sensitivity to morphine and increased sensitivity to naltrexone, although for both drugs changes in sensitivity were 3- to 10-fold greater during chronic treatment. Chronic LAAM treatment (5.6 mg/kg/day) also decreased sensitivity to fentanyl and etonitazene by 3-fold and increased sensitivity to nalorphine and nalbuphine by 30- and 6-fold, respectively; sensitivity to enadoline and ketamine increased only 2- to 3-fold. When LAAM treatment was temporarily suspended for 1 day, response rates decreased to 33% of control; this disruption was reversed by acute administration of morphine or etonitazene. Increased sensitivity to naltrexone and disruptions in responding when LAAM treatment was temporarily suspended indicate that dependence developed to LAAM. Tolerance and cross-tolerance to agonists as well as increased sensitivity to antagonists can be similar during chronic treatment with morphine or LAAM; however, increased sensitivity to nalbuphine during LAAM treatment is not typically observed during morphine treatment, suggesting that dependence on LAAM might not be identical to dependence on morphine. Finally, changes in sensitivity to other drugs might predict altered sensitivities to opioids and nonopioids in humans receiving LAAM.
Abstract 4150: Circulating microRNA patterns in ovarian cancer increased expression with surgical intervention and chemotherapy: Stable high presurgical “survival pattern” (SP) miRNA expression may reflect intrinsic ability for recognition and elimination of malignancy

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer accounts for 90% of all cases of malignant tumors of the ovaries, the majority of patients are diagnosed at stage III disease with 70% of them succumbing to their disease within 5 years. Objectives: We addressed 3 questions 1) are there patterns in the pre-surgical miRNA profiles between survivors of stage III ovarian cancer and patients who do not survive the disease “surviving pattern” (SP) 2) are there changes in the miRNA profiles that occur during or after chemotherapy that convert patients into SP. 3) Do patients with benign ovarian masses have the SP? Methods: Between 2004 and 2011 we investigated in patterns of circulating miRNAs collected before, after surgery, during and after chemotherapy in patients presenting for surgery for ovarian masses. We also collected blood at ovarian cancer relapse and tumor and benign ovary (if available) for miRNA analysis. Raw Ct values obtained from Taqman and software Data Assist. Data were processed via programming language R. Raw data were normalized using the least variable miRNA from dataset. Differential expression was studied using the R/Bioconductor package “limma” using moderated t-statistic allowing both 2 sample comparison and multiple sample comparison. Only results with a p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4150. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4150
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Meckel's diverticulum and malrotation in a 3-month-old infant

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common developmental anomaly that usually presents in the neonatal period. It is known to be associated with cardiac, renal, genital and chromosomal anomalies. Late presentation of CDH (beyond 1-month of age) is seen in 13% of the cases. Malrotation is reported in 42% of CDH cases. We report a case of a 3-month-old infant with concurrent CDH, Meckel's diverticulum and malrotation. This is the first case report of such an association in an infant.
Footprinting RNA—Protein Complexes with Hydroxyl Radicals

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the application and advantages of hydroxyl radicals for probing protein-binding sites on Ribonucleic acid (RNAs). Hydroxyl radicals are small, readily diffusible reagents that cleave ribose groups of the RNA backbone without preference for nucleotide or secondary structure character. Because of the small size of the hydroxyl radical reagent, the resulting footprinting data have much higher resolution than that offered by enzymatic cleavage methods. A stepwise approach for preparing the RNA transcripts, radiolabeling, protein binding, Fe(II)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) cleavage, and data analysis are provided; moreover, the advantages and experimental considerations relevant to the technique are described. Examples of hydroxyl radical footprinting are drawn from the analysis of RNA–coat protein interactions among the single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses, alfalfa mosaic virus, and the ilarviruses. The chapter discusses in detail about the prior uses of hydroxyl radical footprinting. The chapter also explains concepts related to preparing an RNA template for hydroxyl radical footprinting. Concepts of binding and cleavage reactions are also discussed. The chapter also presents an overview of footprinting data, and coupling hydroxyl radical footprinting with other methods.
A Clinical Review of Return-to-Play Considerations After Anterior Shoulder Dislocation.

Context:Shoulder dislocations are common in contact sports, yet guidelines regarding the best treatment strategy and time to return to play have not been clearly defined.Evidence Acquisition:Electr...
Bias optimization of dual ring CMUT arrays for forward looking IVUS applications

Dual-ring annular CMUT arrays for FL-IVUS which enable independent optimization of transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) functionalities have been described previously. In this work, we have investigated optimal DC biasing schemes for Tx and Rx elements of identical geometry with separate bias electrodes. Fabricated arrays, 800 µm in diameter, with 32 Rx and 24 Tx elements were designed to operate at 23 MHz and 12 MHz with collapse voltages measured to be at 190 V and 60 V respectively. The samples were coated with 3 µm of Parylene C for electrical isolation and tested in water. Pitch catch experiments with a fixed transmit pulse showed optimal receiver sensitivity close to the measured collapse voltage. The output pressure for different transmitter biasing and pulse combinations were measured using a broadband hydrophone. Experiments using the 12 MHz device and a 5 cycle tone burst showed that without biasing, it was possible to transmit at two times the excitation frequency with harmonic separation of 25 dB. Bipolar and unipolar pulse excitation also showed that the peak pressure can be improved by 14 dB and 5.7 dB with respect to optimal transmission biased close to collapse. Further experimentation with the 23 MHz array showed that it was possible to increase the transmit pressure by 4.2 dB without altering the frequency content though the use of a bipolar pulse and bias greater than the 190 V collapse. These trends are in agreement with a simple SPICE based CMUT model. We have shown that the optimal transmit conditions regarding bias and pulse characteristics do not coincide with the optimal receive bias. Dual ring arrays can take advantage of this optimization to improve the SNR of the system.
Costimulatory Effects of Interleukin-18 (IL-18) on Human Natural Killer (NK) Cells Activated through Fc Receptors for Immunoglobulin (IgG)

Abstract 2780 NK cells play an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Most human NK cells express CD16, an Fc receptor for IgG that mediates lysis of antibody-coated target cells and costimulates interferon (IFN)-g production in response to cytokines. IL-18 is an immunostimulatory cytokine with antitumor activity in preclinical animal models. The effects of IL-18 on human NK cell function were examined. Here we show that NK cells stimulated with immobilized IgG in vitro secreted IFN-g; such IFN-g production was partially inhibited by blocking CD16 with monoclonal antibodies. IL-18 augmented IFN-g production by NK cells stimulated with immobilized IgG or CD16 antibodies ([Figure 1][1]). NK cell IFN-g production in response to immobilized IgG and/or IL-18 was inhibited by chemical inhibitors of Syk, extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K). Stimulation with IL-18 or immobilized IgG could augment IL-12-induced IFN-g production by STAT4-deficient lymphocytes obtained from lymphoma patients after autologous stem cell transplantation ([Figure 2][2]). IL-18 also augmented the in vitro lysis of rituximab-coated Raji cells by human NK cells ([Figure 3][3]). These observations that IL-18 can co stimulate IFN-g production and cytolytic activity of NK cells activated through Fc receptors makes it an attractive cytokine to combine with monoclonal antibodies for treatment of cancer. ![Figure][4] ![Figure][4] ![Figure][4] Disclosure: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #F1 [2]: #F2 [3]: #F3 [4]: pending:yes
E-081 Smoking does not affect hydrosoft coil outcomes for intracranial aneurysm treatment: a subgroup analysis of the gel-the-nec trial

Introduction The Gaining Efficacy Long Term: HydroSoft, an Emerging, New, Embolic Coil (GEL THE NEC) randomized clinical trial was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of HydroSoft coils in treating intracranial aneurysms. This study is a subgroup analysis evaluating the effect of tobacco smoking on immediate and long-term angiographic outcomes of patients in the GEL THE NEC trial. Methods Patients from the GEL THE NEC trial were divided into 3 groups: 1) Current Smoker 2) Former Smoker, and 3) Never Smoker. The two primary outcomes studied were immediate and long-term angiographic outcomes after HydroSoft coil treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used to test statistical significance of differences in immediate and long-term angiographic outcomes amongst the 3 groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for baseline variables that were significant on univariate analysis was also performed. Results A total of 598 patients with 598 aneurysms were included in this study. Immediate (P = 0.48) and long-term (P = 0.29) angiographic outcomes were not significantly associated with smoking. On multivariate analysis, former smokers (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.34–1.97; p = 0.73) and current smokers (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.56–2.53; p = 0.66) had similar odds of recanalization compared with never smokers. Former smokers (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.75–3.43; p = 0.22) and current smokers (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.71–3.45; p = 0.27) had odds of complete/near complete occlusion similar to never smokers. The odds of retreatment for former smokers (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.14–2.37; p = 0.44) and current smokers (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.33–2.81; p = 0.94) were also similar to never smokers. Conclusions This unplanned subgroup analysis found that tobacco smoking was not an independent factor in affecting immediate or long-term angiographic outcomes after HydroSoft coil treatment for intracranial aneurysms. Since this is a subgroup analysis, these results should not alter clinical practice. However, they do provide meaningful insight for the design of future randomized clinical trials. Patients with intracranial aneurysms should continue to be counseled about the risks of tobacco smoking. Disclosures: A. Haider: None. W. Brinjikji: None. K. Layton: None. D. Kallmes: None.
Combined Seismo- and Gyro-Cardiography: A More Comprehensive Evaluation of Heart-Induced Chest Vibrations

This paper reports on the combined analysis of seismocardiogram (SCG) and gyrocardiogram (GCG) recordings. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) consisting of a three-axis micro-electromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer and a three-axis MEMS gyroscope is used to record heart-induced mechanical vibrations from the chest wall of the subjects. An electrocardiogram and an impedance cardiogram (ICG) sensor are also used as references for segmenting the cardiac cycles and recording the aortic valve opening and closure (AO and AC) events, respectively. A simplified model is proposed to explain the mechanical coupling of the chest wall to the IMU. Correlations and time differences are analyzed for the annotation of GCG and its first derivative with respect to ICG and SCG as references. Experimental results indicate a precise identification of systolic points such as the AO and AC events. The left ventricular ejection time and pre-ejection period metrics calculated from gyroscope recordings are also shown to accurately track their corresponding trends acquired from ICG signals. Waveform similarity analyses indicate that the first derivative of GCG has a better similarity with SCG than the GCG signal itself. Experimental results also suggest that interdevice differences in GCG recordings would need to be addressed before this technology can gain widespread application.
A Computer-Assisted Proof of Correctness of a Marching Cubes Algorithm

The Marching Cubes algorithm is a well known and widely used approach for extracting a triangulated isosurface from a three-dimensional rectilinear grid of uniformly sampled data values. The algorithm relies on a large manually constructed table which exhaustively enumerates all possible patterns in which the isosurface can intersect a cubical cell of the grid. For each pattern the table contains the local connectivity of the triangles. The construction of this table is labor intensive and error prone. Indeed, the original paper allowed for topological holes in the surface. This problem was later fixed by several authors, however a formal proof of correctness to our knowledge was never presented. In our opinion the most reliable approach to constructing a formal proof for this algorithm is to write a computer program which checks that all the entries in the table satisfy some sufficient condition of correctness. In this paper we present our formal proof which follows this approach, developed with the Coq proof assistant software. The script of our proof can be executed by Coq which verifies that the proof is logically correct, in the sense that its conclusions indeed logically follow from the assumptions. Coq offers a number of helpful features that automate proof development. However, Coq cannot check that the development corresponds to the problem we wish to solve, therefore, this correspondence is elaborated upon in this paper. Our complete Coq development is available online.
The role of taurine and glutamate during early postnatal cerebellar development of normal and weaver mutant mice.

It is generally accepted that the stimulation of neurotransmitter receptors can lead to the differentiation of neuronal cells1,2. That astroglial cells might play an active role in this developmental process was suggested, but its molecular mechanism still remains elusive. This study analyzes the interaction between cerebellar granule cell neurons (GC) and astroglial cells based on an amino-acid-transmitter mediated regulation mechanism.
Non-native production of Mandarin T2/T3 pairs in disyllabic real and pseudo words

Mandarin rising (T2) and falling rising (T3) tones have been found to be the most confusing tone pair for native and non-native production due to similar F0 trajectory and equivalent lexical function known as T3 sandhi. This ongoing preliminary study investigates non-native production of T2 and T3 combinations in disyllabic real and pseudo words, aiming to examine whether T3 sandhi is realized solely at the real word level. Another goal of this study is to explore the effects of two distinctive orthographic systems in Mandarin (i.e., the sound-based pinyin and the meaning-based Chinese characters) on tone production. Ten native English speakers with 8-12 months experience in learning Mandarin participated in the production task. The stimuli were combinations of T2-T2, T2-T3, T3-T3, and T3-T2 grouped into four semantic and orthographic contexts: real and pseudo words in pinyin only, and those in both pinyin and Chinese characters. In the perception task, five native listeners of Mandarin identified the tone category for the first and second syllables. The results are expected to indicate the effects of tonal context, word meaning, and/or orthographic input on T2/T3 productions, and will be compared with earlier findings (e.g., Mok et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2015).
Assessing serum albumin concentration following exercise-induced fluid shifts in the context of the athlete biological passport.

Purpose The hydration status of an athlete at the time of a doping control sample collection is an important factor to consider when reviewing athlete biological passports (ABPs). Dehydration results in a reduction of the circulating plasma volume (PV), which may lead to artificially high values of some blood parameters. This study aimed to identify whether serum albumin could serve as a single marker of fluid shifts, which are not currently accounted for in the hematological passport. An additional marker could be used to assist experts when interpreting irregularities in the ABP. Methods Twelve subjects underwent multiple controlled exercise trials designed to induce varying levels of PV shifts. Pre-exercise blood samples were collected to establish baseline values for individual passports. During exercise interventions, blood samples were collected before the start of exercise and at 10 minute, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 24 hours following exercise. Results Significant increases in hematological parameters - hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit (HCT), albumin (ALB), and calculated OFF-score - were identified at varying time points following fluid shift-inducing exercise. Changes in ALB correlated strongly with changes in [Hb] (r = 0.753) and with estimated PV shifts (r = -0.764). In analyzing ABPs, the resulting increases in Hb did not trigger any atypical findings at 99% specificity. Perspective Monitoring changes in ALB longitudinally may assist experts when reviewing PV shifts in the biological passport.
A virtual reality head stability test for patients with vestibular dysfunction

Background The contribution of visual information to standing balance in patients with vestibular dysfunction varies between patients. Sensitive tools to detect kinematic response to visual perturbation are needed to individualize treatment. Objective Using the Oculus Rift headset and sensors, we developed a novel virtual reality (VR) test of head stability (HST) in response to visual perturbation. During the test, head movements were tracked in six degrees-of-freedom. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the sensitivity of the VR_HST to differences between patients with vestibular dysfunction and controls. Methods Seventeen patients and 16 controls performed static balance tasks with eyes closed (feet together or tandem on floor and foam) and observing 'moving stars' (amplitude 32 mm, frequency 0.2 Hz) via the Oculus (tandem). Directional Path and Root Mean Square Velocity were calculated for postural and head oscillations. Results Postural sway differed significantly between groups when standing on foam with feet together and on floor while observing the 'moving stars' task. Head oscillations were larger among patients, primarily in pitch, yaw, and roll rotation. Conclusions The VR_HST was found to be sensitive to differences between small and diverse groups. Its clinical utility should be studied in larger samples of patients with vestibular dysfunction.
Critical Statistical and Methodological Issues in Sport Management Research

Sport management research has evolved significantly despite its relatively short history as an academic discipline. Although the pace of scholarly progress has been impressive, the extent to which ...
Recursive partitioning improves paleosol proxies for rainfall

The bulk elemental composition of soil subsurface (B) horizons is influenced by environmental, biological, geological, and climatic factors. Because fossil soils (paleosols) are common in the geologic record, quantitative models that link climate to paleosol geochemistry are highly desirable in the paleoclimate community. Error associated with these models is typically reported as the root mean square error (RMSE) of a regression analysis and reflects the variability imparted by non-climatic influences on soil formation and the uncertainty associated with model fitting. However, for prediction purposes, the RMSE is well known to underestimate model uncertainty. In this work we re-evaluate a widely used transfer function for mean annual precipitation (MAP) based on the chemical index of alteration minus potassium (CIA-K) using data science best practices on two continental-scale soil data sets. Data set inter-comparisons and cross-validation of exponential regression models indicate that the root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) between CIA-K and MAP for soils representative of climates across the continental United States is around 299 mm, significantly higher than the currently accepted 182 mm RMSE. Further, CIA-K is unable to predict perhumid (>2000 mm MAP) climate zones. We show that transitioning from a simple regression framework to one of recursive partitioning via random forests can significantly increase prediction accuracy while automating variable selection. We introduce two new, widely applicable random forest models for MAP (RF-MAP) that use 10 elemental oxides as input variables and were calibrated on the Baylor University Soil Informatics (BU-SI) data set. RF-MAP version 1.0 (RF-MAP1.0) was generated using the entire BU-SI data set (n = 685) and can predict MAP values up to 6865 mm with a RMSPE of 395 mm. RF-MAP version 2.0 (RF-MAP2.0) was generated using a modification of the BU-SI data set (n = 642) and can predict MAP values up to ∼1600 mm with a RMSPE of 209 mm. Pruned regression trees provide insight into the mechanisms driving the random forest models and demonstrate the first empirical confirmation of the sensitivity of soil elemental responses to global climate zones. The RF-MAP1.0 and RF-MAP2.0 models predict MAP values comparable to independent proxy estimates for a range of deep-time paleosols. We advocate for application of RF-MAP1.0 in settings where no a priori information on paleoclimate is available, and encourage the use of either RF-MAP1.0 or RF-MAP2.0 if users have independent constraints that paleo-MAP was below 1600 mm.
Dynamical evidence for a fifth force explanation of the ATOMKI nuclear anomalies

Recent anomalies in $^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ nuclear decays can be explained by postulating a fifth force mediated by a new boson $X$. The distributions of both transitions are consistent with the same $X$ mass, 17 MeV, providing kinematic evidence for a single new particle explanation. In this work, we examine whether the new results also provide dynamical evidence for a new particle explanation, that is, whether the observed decay rates of both anomalies can be described by a single hypothesis for the $X$ boson's interactions. We consider the observed $^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ excited nuclei, as well as a $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ excited nucleus; together these span the possible ${J}^{P}$ quantum numbers up to spin 1 for excited nuclei. For each transition, we determine whether scalar, pseudoscalar, vector, or axial vector $X$ particles can mediate the decay, and we construct the leading operators in a nuclear physics effective field theory that describes them. Assuming parity conservation, the scalar case is excluded and the pseudoscalar case is highly disfavored. Remarkably, however, the protophobic vector gauge boson, first proposed to explain only the $^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ anomaly, also explains the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ anomaly within experimental uncertainties. We predict signal rates for other closely related nuclear measurements, which, if confirmed by the ATOMKI group and others, would provide overwhelming evidence that a fifth force has been discovered.
A brief review of linear sufficient dimension reduction through optimization

Abstract In this paper, we review three families of methods in linear sufficient dimension reduction through optimization. Through minimization of general loss functions, we cast classical methods, such as ordinary least squares and sliced inverse regression, and modern methods, such as principal support vector machines and principal quantile regression, under a unified framework. Then we review sufficient dimension reduction methods through maximizing dependence measures, which include the distance covariance, the Hilbert–Schmidt independence criterion, the martingale difference divergence, and the expected conditional difference. Last but not least, we provide an information-theoretic perspective for the third family of sufficient dimension reduction methods.
RAMANN: in-SRAM differentiable memory computations for memory-augmented neural networks

Memory-Augmented Neural Networks (MANNs) have been shown to outperform Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) in terms of long-term dependencies. Since MANNs are equipped with an external memory, they can store and retrieve more data through longer periods of time. A MANN generally consists of a network controller and an external memory. Unlike conventional memory having read/write operations to specific addresses, a differentiable memory has soft read and write operations involving all the data stored in the memory. Such soft read and write operations present new computational challenges for hardware implementation of MANNs. In this work, we present a novel in-memory computing primitive to accelerate the differentiable memory operations of MANNs in SRAMs. We propose a 9T SRAM macro capable of performing both Hamming similarity and dot products (crucial for soft read/write and addressing mechanisms in MANNs). Regarding Hamming similarity, we operate the 9T cell in analog Content-Addressable Memory (CAM) mode by applying the key at the bitlines (RBLs/RBLBs) in each column, and reading out the analog output at the sourceline (SL). To perform dot product operation, the input data is applied at the wordlines, and the current passing through RBLs represents the dot product between the input data and the stored bits. The proposed SRAM array performs computations that reliably match the operations required for a differentiable memory, thereby leading to energy-efficient on-chip acceleration of MANNs. Compared to standard GPU systems, the proposed scheme achieves 43x and 85x performance and energy improvements respectively, for computing the differentiable memory operations.
Techniques for lower trapezius tendon transfer for the management of irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

Abstract Irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears are a challenging treatment problem. Several tendon transfers have been described for the treatment of irreparable tears. Recently the lower trapezius (LT) tendon transfer has grown in popularity. This procedure has shown promise in biomechanical studies, improving the external rotation moment arm at the side. This transfer may be done in several ways, including an open approach with an acromial osteotomy, mini-open, and arthroscopic-assisted. The purpose of this paper is to review the current evidence and rationale for the use of the LT transfer and to describe the available techniques.
The Value Impact of New Residential Construction and Neighborhood Disinvestment on Residential Sales Price

The topic of neighborhood redevelopment is central to the field residential appraisal and the lending process. We examine both the effect of neighborhood upgrading and decline, captured by subsidized new residential construction and sustained property tax delinquency respectively, on the sales price of one-to two family homes. The research uses a two stage hedonic price model of 12,100 individual residential sales in the City of Cleveland, Ohio during 1992-94. Results show a significant positive effect of $670 on the sales price of existing housing for each new unit built in a one-to-two block area. A decrease in sales price of $778 is associated with a one percent increase in the tax delinquency rate. The spatial variability of these effects is also explored.
1- and 2-Azetines via Visible Light-Mediated [2+2]-Cycloadditions of Alkynes and Oximes

Azetines, four-membered unsaturated nitrogen-containing heterocycles, hold great potential for drug design and development, but remain underexplored due to challenges associated with their synthesis. We report an efficient, visible light-mediated approach to-wards 1- and 2-azetines relying on alkynes and the unique triplet state reactivity of oximes, specifically 2-isoxazolines. While 2-azetine products are accessible upon intermolecular [2+2]-cycloaddition via triplet energy transfer from a commercially available iridi-um photocatalyst, the selective formation of 1-azetines proceeds upon a second, consecutive, energy transfer process. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a stepwise reaction mechanism via N-O bond homolysis following the second energy transfer event to result in the formation of 1-azetine products. Characteristic for this method is its operational simplicity, mild conditions and modular approach that allows for the synthesis of functionalized azetines and tetrahydrofurans via in situ hydrolysis from readily available precursors.
Heat and Mass Transfer in Fluids with Nanoparticle Suspensions

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a discussion on heat and mass transfer in fluids with nanoparticle suspensions. The fundamental laws of thermodynamics govern the transfer of heat and state that when a temperature gradient exists in a body, there is an energy transfer from the high-temperature region to the low-temperature region or from a region of high potential to a lower energy state. The effective thermal conductivity of nanoparticle suspensions is being studied both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental results have identified several areas in which there is a significant deviation from the theories developed to predict the effective thermal conductivity of micro- or millimeter-size particle suspensions. However, because the experimental data are limited, theoretical studies have not as yet been verified to the extent that they can provide the basis for a well-defined set of equations that could inform subsequent experimental research. The chapter presents various techniques for manufacturing ultrafine particles with unique physical and chemical properties. The chapter also presents a graphical representation of the thermal conductivity as a function of volume fraction of Al 2 O 3 powders in different fluids. The chapter tabulates the effective transport coefficient of different disperse systems and discusses the development of effective thermal conductivity equations. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the effects of the Brownian motion coupled with thermal phoresis.
Maintenance Terminal Function: the user interface for the Boeing 777 onboard maintenance system

A key ingredient to reduction of airline costs, and therefore increased profits, is to reduce the airline's fleet maintenance cost over the life of every airplane. This goal has become a challenge to meet because the rising complexity of avionics on commercial airplanes has led to an increased amount of information that must be readily accessible and understood by engineers, maintenance personnel, and flight crews in order to repair and maintain the fleet. To help the airlines streamline their airplane maintenance procedures, the Boeing Company, in conjunction with Honeywell Air Transport Systems, has developed the next generation Onboard Maintenance System (OMS) for the Boeing 777. Its graphical user interface, the Maintenance Terminal Function (MTF), provides much more capability and flexibility in the presentation of fault and performance monitoring data as compared to previous OMS systems that use a Control & Display Unit (CDU) to display information. >
Reading Moving Text on a CRT Screen

Text was presented on a cathode-ray tube screen in a format called "leading," in which the text was moved in discrete jumps of one or more characters at a time from right to left. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that jumps of from 4 to 10 characters at a time produced no significant comprehension differences, but reading comprehension was poorer for jumps of 1 or 2 characters. Experiment 3 showed that reading comprehension in the leading format was significantly inferior to that obtained when text was presented in a standard page format on the CRT screen.
Education: Fast ray tracing and the potential effects on graphics and gaming courses

The modern graphics processing units (GPUs), found on almost every personal computer, use the z-buffer algorithm to compute visibility. Ray tracing, an alternative to the z-buffer algorithm, delivers higher visual quality than the z-buffer algorithm but has historically been too slow for interactive use. However, ray tracing has benefited from improvements in computer hardware, and many believe it will replace the z-buffer algorithm as the graphics engine on PCs. If this replacement happens, it will imply fundamental changes in both the API to and capabilities of 3D graphics engines. This paper overviews the backgrounds in z-buffer and ray tracing, presents our case that ray tracing will replace z-buffer in the near future, and discusses the implications for graphics oriented classes should this switch to ray tracing occur. Since computer gaming is one of the most important industry driving graphics hardware and the fact that recently there are many computer science courses related to games and games development, we also describe the potential impact on games related classes.
Media Managing Mood: A Look at the Possible Effects of Violent Media on Affect.

The potential impact of violent media on children’s emotional well-being has been a source of controversy for several decades. To date evidence for a negative impact of violent media on emotional well-being has been mixed and increasingly connected to a “replication crisis” throughout psychological science. The current study examines concurrent and prospective relationships between violent media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety in a sample of 536 mostly Hispanic youth (309 males, age range 10–14). Youth and parents were surveyed regarding social environment, media use and mental health. 302 youth responded to a 1-year follow-up. Results indicated that neither violent television use nor violent video game use predicted anxiety or depression concurrently or depression prospectively with this sample. The impact of media violence use on child mood symptoms appears to be minimal. Further research may wish to focus on particular at-risk groups.
Coagulation considerations for infants and children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Summary Cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass imposes a significant pathophysiologic burden on patients. Pediatric patients are especially predisposed to the adverse effects of surgery and bypass on the coagulation system, with resultant bleeding, transfusion, and poor outcomes. These risks accrue to pediatric patients in inverse proportion to their weight and are attributable to hematologic immaturity, coagulation defects associated with congenital heart disease, bypass equipment, and the nature of congenital heart surgery. Standard anticoagulation does not completely inhibit thrombin generation, and continuous consumption of coagulation factor continues throughout bypass. Conventional measurements of anticoagulation during bypass poorly reflect this incomplete anticoagulation, and alternate methods may improve anticoagulant therapy. Emerging therapies for blocking the effects of bypass on the coagulation system hold promise for decreasing bleeding and related complications, and improving outcomes in congenital heart surgery.
The distributed Media Bank

The paper presents a design for a "Media Bank" that is a generalization of a video server. The bank is a distributed, evolutionary storage environment for audiovisual material accessed both sequentially and interactively. The idea is that information contained within it evolves both through use and through the analytical contributions of users. Every client is also a contributor to the bank. The design is deliberately independent of both network protocols and graphical scripting languages. The research focus is on the dynamic assembly of audiovisual material from primitive elements, on-the-fly, on demand, and interactively. In contrast to most community-wide video and transactional service models, the Media Bank assumes member contributions, multi-network distribution schema, variegated home processing capabilities and multiple, co-existing data formats. >
A Systematic Review to Identify Challenges of Demonstrating Efficacy of HIV Behavioral Interventions for Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV but few MSM-specific evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have been identified for this vulnerable group. We conducted a systematic review to identify reasons for the small number of EBIs for MSM. We also compared study, intervention and sample characteristics of EBIs versus non-EBIs to better understand the challenges of demonstrating efficacy evidence. Thirty-three MSM-specific studies were evaluated: Nine (27 %) were considered EBIs while 24 (73 %) were non-EBIs. Non-EBIs had multiple methodological limitations; the most common was not finding a significant positive effect. Compared to EBIs, non-EBIs were less likely to use peer intervention deliverers, include sexual communication in their interventions, and intervene at the community level. Incorporating characteristics associated with EBIs may strengthen behavioral interventions for MSM. More EBIs are needed for substance-using MSM, MSM of color, MSM residing in the south and MSM in couples.
A CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON OF SUPERVISOR SUPPORT IN PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Addressing the issue of how organizations can manage the tensions between maintaining local identities while embracing cultural diversity from a global perspective, this study explores a UK-based M...
A Bayes test of homogeneity of several means for one parameter exponential populations

The problem of testing the homogeneity of k(k>=2) mean time between failures (MTBF) vs. multiple t-slippage alternatives (1=
Marginal Cost Pricing and Subsidy of Small Urban Transit

This study analyzes economies of scale and density as a rationale for subsidizing transit agencies in small urban areas. A long-run cost model is estimated with data from 2006 to 2009 for 168 transit agencies that directly operated fixed-route bus service in small urban areas. With vehicle revenue miles used as transit output, results show that small urban transit agencies experience economies of scale and density. A full-cost model is estimated; the model includes the addition of external costs and benefits. External benefits result from the reduced waiting times that follow an increase in service frequency. Results are used to estimate the optimal fare, which is equal to marginal social cost of service. The needed subsidy is calculated as the difference between the revenue generated by the optimal fare and that needed to maintain efficient levels of production. The rationale for subsidies is an important issue, as many agencies have experienced recent reductions in operational funding.
Coordinate rotated TDHF excitation energies Li− 1S 1P

We present the first application of the coordinate rotation method, within the time-dependent Hartree–Fock framework, to calculation of positions and widths of metastable excited states. The method is briefly outlined and results of its application to 1P excited states of Li− are given. Comparison of our results to those obtained using electron scattering methods by other workers is also made.
A NOTE ON SPURIOUS BREAK

When the disturbances of a regression model follow an I(1) process there is a tendency to estimate a break point in the middle of the sample, even though a break point does not actually exist. In this note, we provide a mathematical proof for this phenomenon.
Design of riboflavin-presenting PAMAM dendrimers as a new nanoplatform for cancer-targeted delivery

This communication describes the synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of novel generation 5 PAMAM dendrimers conjugated with riboflavin as a targeting ligand. Cell-based experiments demonstrated that a dendrimer conjugated with riboflavin is able to undergo cellular binding and uptake in KB cells, and when the dendrimer is also conjugated with methotrexate, the riboflavin dendrimer conjugate can potently inhibit cell growth.
Characterization of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer of Bartonella bacilliformis

Abstract The 16S–23S intergenic spacer region from the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) operon of Bartonella bacilliformis was cloned and characterized. The spacer is 906 nucleotides (nt) in length and contains the genes encoding isoleucine-tRNA (tRNA Ile ) and alanine-tRNA (tRNA Ala ). The tRNA-encoding genes are separated by 122 nt and are centrally located in the 16S–23S spacer region, with approx. 300 flanking nt. Genes encoding tRNA Ile and tRNA Ala have 88.3 and 93.4% sequence identity, respectively, to the homologous genes of Rhodobacter sphaeroides .
"Conflictinator": Media, metaphors, and citizen audiences

Abstract This article takes the mainstream American media coverage of the 2010 rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear as its object of inquiry in order to elucidate the perceived relationship between audiences, ironic news, and civic engagement. Using both participant observation and rhetorical analysis of mainstream media coverage, it crafts a descriptive analysis of the rally's discursive framework. The author argues that whereas the generic hybridity of satiric news has been acknowledged (and celebrated) by scholars for its potential to engage audiences, the hybrid consumer position of the media savvy fan seems to slip convenient tropes used by the mainstream press to describe this cultural practice. The rhetorical conventions and discursive framework used to describe the rally goers not only reveal a deep ambivalence about the capacities of an (emotional) crowd but also indicate cultural anxieties about the future of journalism in the post-network era.
Simulation studies of self-replicating oligoribotides, with a proposal for the transition to a peptide-assisted stage.

Abstract A two-substrate Michaelis-Menten mechanism previously proposed for the self-replication of RNA-like oligomers is developed. Differential growth depends on the existence of two pairs of complementary monomers and leads to 2 n groups of 2 n components each ( n is the oligomer size). As n increases the 2 n groups tend to overlap with one another, and the efficiency of the process to increase the information content of the strands decreases. In a second stage we suppose that randomly synthesized peptides with one predominant amino acid interacted with the ribotides, increasing the growth rate of some of them, and at the same time had their mean life increased by interactions with other ribotides of the same kinetic group. Natural selection could have preserved a favourable codon-anticodon amino acid correlation, the precursor of the modern genetic code.
Conduction-Band-Offset Rule Governing J-V Distortion in CdS/CI(G)S Solar Cells

A type-I (“spike”) conduction-band offset (CBO) greater than a few tenths of an eV at the n/p interface of a solar cell can lead to significant distortion of the current-voltage (J-V) curve. Such distortion has been observed in CdS/CIS cells, low-gallium CdS/CIGS cells, and CIGS cells with alternative windows that increase the CBO. The basic feature is reduced current collection in forward bias. The distortion is mitigated by photoconductivity in the CdS or other window layer, and it is therefore more severe if the illumination contains no photons with energies greater than the band gap of the window layer. The device-physics analysis of such distortion is numerical simulation incorporating a three-layer [TCO/CdS/CI(G)S] approximation for the solar cell. The parameters that influence the barrier height, and hence the distortion, are the magnitude of the CBO, the doping of the p- and n- layers, the defect density of the CdS, and the thicknesses of the CdS and TCO layers. The key value, however, is the energy difference between the quasi-Fermi level for electrons and the conduction band at the CdS/CIS interface. Thermionic emission across the interface will limit the current collection, if the difference exceeds approximately 0.48 eV at 300 K and one-sun illumination. This constraint is consistent with experiment, and strategies to satisfy the 0.48-eV rule when designing solar cells are enumerated.
Fields of touch receptors in frog skin

Abstract Touch receptors connected to fast-conducting fibers were investigated for the properties of their peripheral fields during mechanical and electrical stimulation. For each unit, the fields for touch and for electrical stimulation differin shape and size. Areas are present where the receptor reacts to touch with the production of an action potential, but not to electrical stimulation and vice versa. At the points where the “electrical” fields of different branches of the same unit overlap a sudden decrease of the latency of response—a “jump”—may occur when the intensity of the electrical stimulus is increased. It follows that electrically excitable but masked branches may exist. The properties of the different parts of the arbor are discussed.