cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave-assisted oxidative coupling of amines to imines on solid acid catalysts

Abstract A K-10 montmorillonite catalyzed microwave-assisted oxidative coupling of amines is described. Substituted benzylamines readily undergo self-coupling reactions to produce benzylidene–benzylamines, while aliphatic amines and anilines cannot form self-coupled products. A mixture of a benzylamine and an aniline or aliphatic amine, respectively, effectively, and selectively produces mixed imines, such as benzylidene–anilines and benzylidene–alkylamines.
Residual phenomena in silicate glasses under IR femtosecond laser pulses

Summary form only given. Optical glasses show higher information density recording compared with the usual photomaterials. Different linear and nonlinear phenomena were used for this goal. We study a new mechanism of glass excitation leading to modification of glass optical parameters that can be used for data recording.
An integrated framework for the study of group decision support systems

The authors consolidate the work of prior frameworks for group decision support systems (GDSSs) and present the results of that consolidation, using the major factors of contextual, intervening, adaptation, and outcome variables. The end result is a comprehensive list of factors that have been studied or suggested, organized into these four categories. The model proposed offers a control system type interpretation of the four factor dimensions. >
MORPHOLOGICAL DEFORMATION IN PRESERVED SPECIMENS OF THE DEEP-SEA OCTOPUS GRANELEDONE

Although morphology of firm-bodied shallow-water octopuses resists preservation-linked deformation, preservation and handling of deep-sea specimens of Graneledone are hypothesized to deform specimens by accelerating fluid loss from mantle and arm tissues. Principal components analysis finds that seven of 39 North Pacific specimens of the genus are exceptionally narrow; the remaining specimens show considerable morphological variation, independent of time in preservation. Five exceptionally narrow specimens, including some paratypes of G. pacifica, were collected and preserved by the same trawling study; a single unrecorded factor in their common preservation history may have caused their deformation. The high morphological variation among the remaining specimens, seemingly unique among octopodids, may reflect factors as subtle as how the specimen was stored in the jar. Two types of change with time in preservation are documented. The mantle wall of formalin-fixed specimens thins unpredictably after storage for 30 months in 70% ethanol, consistent with deformation in preservation. Skin tubercles on the dorsal mantle, important taxonomic characters, become more prominent during the first decade in preservation. To maximize the information specimens with fluid-rich tissues convey and to identify the sources of deformation, the full preservation history and measurements made prior to dissection should be permanently recorded.
An Empirical Approach For Multilayer Traffic Modeling And Multimedia Traffic Modeling At Different Time Scales

We describe empirical approaches for multilayer traffic modeling — i.e., models that span several protocol layers — and for modeling multimedia traffic at various time scales.
Thermal Segregation of Cations in Iron Aluminate Spinels

An examination was conducted on the effects of a temperature gradient on the distribution of iron and aluminum cations in iron aluminate spinels for the cases where the cation vacancies have been completely restricted or allowed to flow freely. A comparison of both cases yields insight into the mechanisms through which segregational forces act and their relative magnitudes of importance. This paper examines the conditions under which cation segregation can be expected in oxide solid solutions where the oxygen sublattice is essentially rigid relative to the mobile cations. 20 refs.
Inflammatory markers in coronary heart disease

Introduction Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Sources of data Peer-reviewed studies published in English-language journals were reviewed with a focus on C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA2). Areas of agreement Elevated levels of serum CRP and Lp-PLA2 are associated with an increased risk of incident CHD events in both primary and secondary prevention studies across a wide range of age, gender and ethnic groups. Areas of controversy The utility of inflammatory markers in predicting CHD risk when added to traditional risk factors is under debate. They are most useful in subjects in the intermediate-risk category. Growing points Treatment with a statin in subjects with elevated CRP but without hyperlipidemia can reduce the risk of CHD. Areas timely for developing research Extensive research is under way to identify additional novel serum markers with higher specificity for coronary artery plaque inflammation. Specific inhibitors against vascular inflammation in combination with medications to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, i.e. statins, may help prevent cardiovascular events in the future.
Observing the evolution of internet as topology

Characterizing the evolution of Internet topology is important to our understanding of the Internet architecture and its interplay with technical, economic and social forces. A major challenge in obtaining empirical data on topology evolution is to identify real topology changes from the observed topology changes, since the latter can be due to either topology changes or transient routing dynamics. In this paper, we formulate the topology liveness problem and propose a solution based on the analysis of BGP data. We find that the impact of transient routing dynamics on topology observation decreases exponentially over time, and that the real topology dynamics consist of a constant-rate birth process and a constant-rate death process. Our model enables us to infer real topology changes from observation data with a given confidence level. We demonstrate the usefulness of the model by applying it to three applications: providing more accurate views of the topology, evaluating theoretical evolution models, and empirically characterizing the trends of topology evolution. We find that customer networks and provider networks have distinct evolution trends, which can provide an important input to the design of future Internet routing architecture.
Segmentation of the Blanco Transform Fault Zone from earthquake analysis: Complex tectonics of an oceanic transform fault

[1] The Blanco Transform Fault Zone (BTFZ) forms the ∼350 km long Pacific–Juan de Fuca plate boundary between the Gorda and Juan de Fuca ridges. Nearby broadband seismic networks provide a unique framework for a detailed, long-term seismotectonic study of an entire oceanic transform fault (OTF) system. We use regional waveforms to determine 129 earthquake source parameters; combined with 28 Harvard moment tensors, they represent the largest waveform derived OTF source parameter data set. Joint epicenter determination removes the northeasterly routine location bias. Projecting seismicity onto the BTFZ, we determine along-fault seismic slip rate variations. Earthquake source parameters and morphology indicate several transform segments separated by extensional step overs. The eastern segment from Gorda Ridge to Gorda Depression is a pull-apart basin. The longest transform (∼150 km) following Blanco Ridge from the Gorda to Cascadia depression is seismically very active, seismically fully coupled, has a wider seismic zone (∼9 km) than other BTFZ transform segments and accommodates the largest (Mw 6.4–6.5) BTFZ earthquakes. Interpretation of Cascadia Depression as spreading ridge is supported by plate motion parallel normal faulting T axes. Spreading is currently tectonic; 9 km deep earthquakes indicate a deep source for intermittent intrusives and rapid postemplacement cooling. A short transform connects to the pull-apart Surveyor Depression. Widely spread seismicity along the western BTFZ reflects complex morphology indicating ongoing plate boundary reorganization along short, narrow width subparallel faults. Seismic coupling is low in extensional (≤15%) compared to transform areas (35–100%), implying different mechanical properties. Centroid depth variations are consistent with seismic slip cutoff near 600°C.
The morphology of supraglacial lake ogives

Supraglacial lakes on grounded regions of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets sometimes produce 'lake ogives' or banded structures that sweep downstream from the lakes. Using a variety of remote-sensing data, we demonstrate that lake ogives originate from supraglacial lakes that form each year in the same bedrock-fixed location near the equilibrium-line altitude. As the ice flows underneath one of these lakes, an 'image' of the lake is imprinted on the ice surface both by summer- season ablation and by superimposed ice (lake ice) formation. Ogives associated with a lake are sequenced in time, with the downstream ogives being the oldest, and with spatial separation equal to the local annual ice displacement. In addition, lake ogives can have decimeter- to meter-scale topographic relief, much like wave ogives that form below icefalls on alpine glaciers. Our observations highlight the fact that lake ogives, and other related surface features, are a consequence of hydrological processes in a bedrock-fixed reference frame. These features should arise naturally from physically based thermodynamic models of supraglacial water transport, and thus they may serve as fiducial features that help to test the performance of such models.
Magnetorheological (MR) Damping for Vibration Mitigation: Experimental Analysis

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers have emerged as a viable means of semi-active damping in multiple industry applications. The semi-active nature of these dampers is a significant attribute since the damper functions as a passive damper in the event of a failure. While there have been other smart materials like ferroelectric, piezoelectric, shape memory alloys, etc. that have been successfully used, MR fluids exhibit a unique combination of completely reversible effect, very low response time, high durability and very low energy requirements that make them suitable for vibration control in a wide variety of applications. This paper presents results from an experimental investigation that has been carried out to evaluate the performance of a MR damper for vibration mitigation. The capability of a commercial MR damper to isolate a payload from base excitation is analyzed and the damper parameters are identified to simulate the capability of the damper with regards to transmissibility. Multiple iterations of testing are performed in order to evaluate the influence of variables such as input current to the electromagnet, mass of the payload, excitation frequency and excitation amplitude. Results indicate that the MR damper is successful in mitigating vibrations transmitted to the payload. Vibration mitigation is quantified through multiple means such as comparing the root mean square (RMS) of the time history of acceleration of the base with that of the payload, comparing the frequency response and evaluating the hysteresis plots. Displacement transmissibility results directly demonstrate the variable damping capability of the MR damper. Although the stiffness constant of the damper may also change, it is not seen to vary appreciably in this study since the excitation amplitude is limited to a low threshold. The damper is found to be robust with an inherent ability of handling payload and excitation variability. It is observed that increasing the input current to the electromagnet around the MR fluid results in an increase in damping, therefore, making the use of these dampers viable in applications where payloads and excitation inputs are expected to change during operation.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Minimizing Parking Search Time on Urban University Campuses Through Proactive Class Assignment

Parking search time is a key factor in evaluation of the efficiency of parking facility operation and management. This study introduced an optimization algorithm to demonstrate the feasibility of minimizing the parking search time of daily commuters on urban university campuses. An activity-based model was developed to assess the variation in parking search time due to different classroom assignment methods. This model was able to investigate the effect of different arrival and departure conditions as well as different parking search methods. The campus of the University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio, was selected as a case study to show the reduction of parking search time under a variety of conditions by using the proposed optimization approach. According to the results, with this approach parking demand can be efficiently distributed and search time can be effectively reduced by about 20%.
Mobile exercising and tweeting the pounds away: The use of digital applications and microblogging and their association with disordered eating and compulsive exercise

AbstractIn recent years, content featuring fitspiration messages on blogs and microblogs has increased. In addition, the use of mobile phone applications to monitor diet and exercise has also seen greater adoption. This study examined the association between consumption of various types of social media and reports of disordered eating and compulsive exercising. The sample consisted of 262 participants who completed an online questionnaire that included questions related to exercise and eating habits, as well as the frequency of use of traditional blogs, microblogs, and mobile phone applications featuring nutritional and exercise-related content. Results showed that the use of mobile phone applications and microblogs were significantly and positively associated with reports of disordered eating. Further, the use of mobile phone applications was also significantly and positively associated with compulsive exercise behaviors. However, the use of traditional blogs was not significantly associated with unhealt...
The Issue of Sati Death in Abe Family

The Abe Family written by Moriogai is the second novel about Sati death.This paper analyzes the different death attitude of each retainer in the novel,and the changes of Moriogai's Sati death attitude.
768 Mothers and fathers perceptions of injury risks to youth working on family farms

Background Youth live in the agricultural workplace and are at risk of injury and death on the family farm. Fathers usually oversee the most dangerous youth farm work, namely work around large equipment. Less is known about the safety roles and beliefs of mothers. This study examined differences between mothers and fathers in their work and family roles on the family farm, as well as differences in risk-taking, safety perceptions and knowledge, and perceptions of youth injury risk. Methods Participants were 248 farm parents (124 married couples) with a youth aged 9–19 yrs. Families lived on farms growing row crops in the Southeastern U.S. Mothers and fathers completed study questionnaires. Results Mothers were less likely than fathers to operate tractors and large equipment, had lower safety self-efficacy, less confidence and perceptions of control related to keeping their youth safe, less safety training, and less knowledge about farm safety. As compared to fathers, mothers believed that youth should be older before being allowed to work with and operate farm equipment. Unexpectedly, mothers perceived less injury risk to youth than did fathers. Fathers were greater risk-takers than were mothers. For both mothers and fathers, higher risk-taking was associated with less perceived youth injury risk. When asked about decision-making related to youth’s use of farm equipment, mothers often deferred to fathers. Conclusions Study findings suggest that on family farms growing row crops in the Southeastern U.S., mothers perceive less injury risk to their youth than do fathers. Gendered labour patterns and limited access to agricultural networks and training constrain women’s knowledge about farm safety, especially related to large equipment. These factors may compromise the ability of some women to work jointly with their husbands to keep their youth safe. There is a need for communities to provide farm safety education designed for women, as well as men.
Mapping the whole Escherichia coli K-12 transcriptome at single nucleotide resolution

W have examined the whole transcriptome of Escherichia coli K-12 at the single nucleotide level by ultra-high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Cells were grown in batch cultures in MOPS glucose minimal medium at 37°C under rigorously controlled conditions in a fermenter. Samples were taken throughout logarithmic (log) growth phase, at the end of the log growth phase, and following the transition into stationary phase. RNAs were subjected to RNA-Seq on an ABI Solid 4 platform; we obtained more than 310 million paired-ends, 75-bp reads. Excellent correlation exists among replicate logarithmic phase samples; and the data are generally of very high quality. Our data allowed identification of transcription start sites (TSS) for nearly all previously recognized genes turned on in the stationary phase and revealed a number of previously unknown genes that are similarly induced. We also found a large number of previously uncharacterized operons and unrecognized members of known operons, as well as many instances of weak transcription termination resulting in readthrough transcription of downstream genes or generation of anti-sense RNA from adjacent coding sequences. We observed many short anti-sense RNAs in regulatory regions that appear to arise from independent TSSs not associated with regulatory regions of neighboring genes. All of these features have been cataloged.
La-Dopant Location in La-Doped γ-Al2O3 Nanoparticles Synthesized Using a Novel One-Pot Process

We have recently developed a “solvent-deficient” method of synthesizing high surface area γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles that show promise for catalyst support applications. Here, we investigate doping the alumina with La3+ to stabilize the γ phase to higher temperatures. The one-pot method for synthesizing La-doped γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles developed here has several advantages over conventional methods including requiring only 3 h instead of 3 days and wasting no lanthanum. TEM, X-ray PDF, and BET analyses as a function of calcination temperature show that the La stabilizes the γ phase by 100 °C. In order to begin understanding the mechanism of stabilization, the location of the La3+ atoms in our doped γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles is investigated via X-ray PDF and EXAFS analyses which indicate that the La dopant adsorbs as single, isolated atoms on the γ-Al2O3 surface. As calcination temperature increases, the immediate oxygen coordination shell of the La becomes increasingly like La2O3 though an extended La2O3 lattice is ...
Spin pumping from a ferromagnet into a hopping insulator: Role of resonant absorption of magnons

Motivated by recent experiments on spin pumping from a ferromagnet into organic materials in which the charge transport is due to hopping, we study theoretically the generation and propagation of spin current in a hopping insulator. Unlike metals, the spin polarization at the boundary with ferromagnet is created as a result of magnon absorption within pairs of localized states and it spreads following the current-currying resistor network (although the charge current is absent). We consider a classic resonant mechanism of the ac absorption in insulators and adapt it to the absorption of magnons. A strong enhancement of pumping efficiency is predicted when the Zeeman splitting of the localized states in external magnetic field is equal to the frequency of ferromagnetic resonance. Under this condition the absorption of a magnon takes place within individual sites.
Control of synthetic gene networks and its applications

One of the underlying assumptions of synthetic biology is that biological processes can be engineered in a controllable way. Here we discuss this assumption as it relates to synthetic gene regulatory networks (GRNs).We first cover the theoretical basis of GRN control, then address three major areas in which control has been leveraged: engineering and analysis of network stability, temporal dynamics, and spatial aspects. These areas lay a strong foundation for further expansion of control in synthetic GRNs and pave the way for future work synthesizing these disparate concepts.
Beyond Labor Law: Private Initiatives to Promote Employee Freedom of Association in the Obama Era

This Article first discusses the impact of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and its procedures as they relate to trade union organizing. It then describes and analyzes an alternative dispute resolution program—the first of its kind anywhere in the United States and perhaps the world—established by the British multinational corporation FirstGroup PLC (“FirstGroup” or “the company”) to respond to criticisms that the company was failing to protect employees’ freedom of association rights in the United States. The Article examines the strength and limitations of the process, describes standards adopted by a program to resolve disputes against the backdrop of the NLRA, and considers a few issues which may arise from the implementation of the program, such as whether deference to the program can and should be provided by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or “the Board”) (as is the case with grievance-arbitration machinery) and whether the process once implemented can become a contract that can be enforced by employees or unions. Finally, the Article focuses upon the initiatives of the Obama Administration, some of the key decisions and policies of the new Obama Board, and the relationship between these efforts and private initiatives such as the FirstGroup program.
VIIRS-derived ocean color product using the imaging bands

Abstract A technique and implementation for deriving ocean color product using the imaging band (I-band) measurements from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) have been developed. The three VIIRS-SNPP image bands (638, 862, and 1600 nm) with spatial resolution of 375 m are much better than the VIIRS moderate (M) resolution bands of 750 m, which have been used for routinely producing VIIRS global ocean color products. In particular, the high spatial resolution of VIIRS-derived normalized water-leaving radiance at the wavelength of 638 nm (I1 band) nLw(638) can provide useful information about water optical, biological, and biogeochemical properties over turbid coastal and inland waters. In addition, VIIRS-derived nLw(638) data provide an important spectral point and coverage along with nLw(λ) from the seven VIIRS M-bands at wavelengths of 410, 443, 486, 551, 671, 745, and 862 nm, particularly over turbid coastal and inland waters. In this paper, we describe our effort to develop a technique for deriving VIIRS nLw(λ) spectra for both M-bands and I-bands using the Multi-Sensor Level-1 to Level-2 (MSL12) ocean color data processing system. Some examples of VIIRS-derived nLw(638) are provided and discussed, showing the usefulness of this added capability for providing water properties over global turbid coastal and inland waters. Therefore, MSL12 is now capable of routinely and efficiently producing VIIRS nLw(638) for both spatial resolutions of 375 and 750 m, along with nLw(λ) spectra at VIIRS M1–M7 with the spatial resolution of 750 m.
Unsupervised noise-aware adaptive feedback cancellation for hearing aid devices under noisy speech framework

This paper proposes a novel adaptive feedback cancellation (AFC) architecture to improve the performance of an existing robust AFC method in the presence of noisy speech conditions. By employing a computationally efficient Spectral flux (SF) feature-based unsupervised voice activity detector (VAD), we adaptively control the step sizes in the proposed AFC algorithm (SFPEM-AFC). The proposed AFC method achieves faster convergence and lower misalignment errors than earlier methods. Objective evaluation of the AFC algorithm is presented using Signal to Feedback Ratio (SFR) and Misalignment (MISA) values for several noisy conditions. The Proposed method shows a significant reduction in the MISA values while maintaining higher SFR and higher perceptual quality over the earlier methods. Experimental results are presented for realistic noisy conditions to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed noise-adaptive AFC method for hearing aid devices (HADs).
Bilateral exudative retinal detachments due to thrombotic microangiopathy associated with intravenous abuse of Opana ER

Abstract Purpose To report the only known case, to our knowledge, of bilateral exudative retinal detachments in the setting of thrombotic microangiopathy associated with intravenous abuse of extended-release oxymorphone (Opana ER). Observations A 35-year-old male presented with headaches and acute, painless vision loss in the context of daily IV abuse of crushed oral Opana ER. The patient was found to have microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), acute kidney injury in conjunction with hypertensive crisis and bilateral exudative retinal detachments. Conclusions and importance Bilateral exudative retinal detachments are rare ophthalmic complications that have been reported with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Non-TTP thrombotic microangiopathy, initially described as a “TTP-like illness” consisting of MAHA and thrombocytopenia, has been associated with the IV abuse of Opana ER. We report a case of bilateral exudative retinal detachments due to thrombotic microangiopathy in the setting of IV abuse of Opana ER.
Glycosyltransferases and transporters that contribute to proteoglycan synthesis in Drosophila: Identification and functional analyses using the heritable and inducible RNAi system.

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster is an important model organism that can be used as a powerful genetic tool to analyze the physiological functions of various molecules. Recently, many successful analyses of the function of glycans in vivo have been performed using Drosophila . The glycan portion of proteoglycans, namely glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which include heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), is conserved structurally between Drosophila and mammals, including humans. The analysis of mutant and RNAi flies has demonstrated that HS proteoglycans play key roles in the regulation of various basic developmental signaling pathways, including those of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Wingless (Wg)/Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), and Decapentaplegic (Dpp, a BMP-type ligand that belongs to the TGFβ family). In this chapter, I give an overview of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis in Drosophila and then describe the methods that can be used to identify and perform functional analyses of the molecules involved in this process, namely glycosyltransferases, sulfotransferases, sugar-nucleotide transporters including PAPS transporters, and core proteins, using the heritable and inducible RNAi system.
Taxonomy of Errors: Adverse Event/Near Miss Analysis

Errors in healthcare delivery cause many deaths each year. These errors may be caused by individual lapses or mistakes that are inevitable or they may be caused by latent conditions within an organization. Any given error may result in either an adverse event or a near miss. The large difference in outcome between an error that causes harm and the same error that results in a near miss may be as simple as chance or may be related to the presence or absence of one or more latent conditions. Correcting or preventing latent conditions and maximizing the system’s defenses can either prevent errors or mitigate the consequences of errors and reduce subsequent harm.
The politics of conceptualizing corruption in reform China

It is significant to examine Chinese debates over corruption for several reasons. These debates confirm certain universal aspects of corruption that have been emphasized in the Western social science literature. They also suggest unique features of corruption that are useful for understanding the issue in the Chinese context. They further reveal how the conceptualization of corruption is politicized in the Chinese discourse,giving insight to the alignment of political and intellectual forces on the issue. Finally, Chinese analyses have heuristic values for general discussions of political corruption. This paper surveys Chinese debates over the definitions, sources, and consequences of corruption from the late 1980's to the late 1990's.
Lost Resource Opportunities

Since the very first explorations of the Afghanistan territory by the British in the 1840s, knowledge of plentiful resources in the country kept accumulating and was reasonably well understood by the external science community at least. In the late nineteenth century, British geologist Griesbach was responsible for mapping and describing the geology and resources in the country, as also were a number of American petroleum geologists in the early twentieth century. Nothing came of these efforts, however, in part because of great distances to market, lack of interest in the home countries, and fears of a looming war. After World War II the American-led Helmand Valley Authority produced the huge and expensive Helmand Valley Project as a major Cold War counter effort to Soviet inroads in Afghanistan but the earlier good resource opportunities that had been revealed, were lost to later incompetent follow-up assessments.
Center, Scale and Asymptotic Normality for Censored Sums of Independent, Nonidentically Distributed Random Variables

This paper develops a new approach (called the Censored Centered Method, or CCM) to the problem of determining centers and scales for distributions, and features applications to asymptotic normality for censored sums of independent, generally nonidentically distributed random variables.
The Evolution of Fungal Diversity

Fungi are an heterogeneous assemblage of eukaryotic organisms united by an absorptive mode of nutrition in which they grow through the substrate, secreting degradative enzymes and absorbing nutrients. Because of this absorptive mode of nutrition, the fungi are ubiquitous, intimately associated with their substrates, and able to degrade a diverse range of organic and inorganic materials. The breakdown of substrates, primarily organic materials, by fungi results in the cycling of nutrients that is crucial for long term ecosystem maintenance. The relationships of fungi with their nutrient sources ranges from that of: obligate parasites, often causing serious diseases of plants, animals, and humans; obligate mutualists, as in the arbuscular mycorrhizal associations of the Glomales with roots of crops plants and in the anaerobic chytrids in the rumen of ruminant animals; obligate commensals, as in the Trichomycetes, a specialized group of fungi that exist in the hind guts of insects without causing any apparent harm to the host; to facultative relationships, primarily as saprobes degrading all kinds of plant material from simple sugars to the complex carbohydrates, lignin and chitin, often in specialized habitats, for example, yeasts fermenting flower nectar, as well as serving as hosts for viruses. Fungi often form complex communities interacting with other organisms inhabiting the same substrates. Thus, fungal diversity is reflected in the diversity of substrates available for fungal exploitation throughout evolutionary history and into the present and future.
The End and the Beginning

The pattern of investigation evolved in the development of the pressure-height problem became the model for much of later meteorological development, including dynamic meteorology. In this pattern, the first step was the discovery of a basic atmospheric property. Next, attempts were made to establish a mathematical relationship between two or more of the involved variables. The last step was to express mathematically the corrections to the basic relationship, which had been empirically discovered. This method became the basis of dynamic meteorological development in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.1
CT-08 Safety and tolerability of omalizumab, a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody in systemic lupus erythematosus (STOP LUPUS)

Background Previous evidence indicates a putative pathogenic role for IgE autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We hypothesized that Omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds IgE, will reduce SLE activity by decreasing circulating IgE autoantibodies, subsequently blocking basophil activation and type I IFN responses. This study assessed the safety, tolerability, biologic and clinical efficacy of Omalizumab in mild to moderate SLE. Methods Fifteen subjects with SLE and a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI 2K) of ≥4 and elevated IgE autoantibodies (above 2SD of mean of healthy controls) were randomized to receive Omalizumab or placebo (2:1) added to their baseline standard of care therapy (excluding monoclonal antibodies and alkylating agents) for 16 weeks. This was followed by a 16 week open label phase and 4 week washout period. SLEDAI 2K, British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index (BILAG 2004) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) were recorded at each visit. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index (SRI 4) was calculated as a composite measure of improvement in disease activity at weeks 16, 32 and 36. Type I Interferon (IFN) induced gene signature was determined using a previously validated four gene interferon score (IFI27, IFI44, IFI44L, RSAD2) using quantitative PCR. Results No local or systemic allergic reactions occurred following Omalizumab injections. Of the 52 adverse events (AEs), 49 were reported as mild while 3 met the criteria for severe AEs. SLEDAI 2K scores improved significantly in the Omalizumab group at week 16 (p=0.038), as well as during the open label phase in subjects initially receiving placebo (p=0.020). No worsening in BILAG scores or PGA were detected. A total of 26% (4/15) patients achieved SRI4 response criteria with Omalizumab. IFN gene signature improved in subjects treated with Omalizumab (p=0.11), especially in subjects with high baseline IFN scores (p=0.052). Conclusions Omalizumab in subjects with SLE is well tolerated and associated with improvement in disease activity potentially linked, at least in part, to modulation of type-I IFN responses. Larger randomized clinical trials are required to assess the role of this drug in patients with SLE. Trial registration Clinical Trials registration number NCT01716312
A Novel Reporter Mouse Uncovers Endogenous Brn3b Expression

Brn3b (Pou4f2) is a class-4 POU domain transcription factor known to play central roles in the development of different neuronal populations of the Central Nervous System, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that connect the retina with the visual centers of the brain. Here, we have used CRISPR-based genetic engineering to generate a Brn3b-mCherry reporter mouse without altering the endogenous expression of Brn3b. In our mouse line, mCherry faithfully recapitulates normal Brn3b expression in the retina, the optic tracts, the midbrain tectum, and the trigeminal ganglia. The high sensitivity of mCherry also revealed novel expression of Brn3b in the neuroectodermal cells of the optic stalk during early stages of eye development. Importantly, the fluorescent intensity of Brn3b-mCherry in our reporter mice allows for noninvasive live imaging of RGCs using Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO), providing a novel tool for longitudinal monitoring of RGCs.
Surgical Outcomes Of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment In Young Adults Ages 18-30 Years.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate associations with and surgical outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in young adults. Methods This is a retrospective consecutive case series of patients aged 18-30 years who underwent surgical repair for RRD between January 1, 2014 and December 1, 2016 at a university referral center. Results The current study includes 38 eyes with RRD. Documented high or moderate myopia was present in 28 (74%) eyes. Connective tissue disease was present in 3 (8%) eyes. Median pre-operative visual acuity (VA) was 20/70. Surgery was performed via scleral buckle (SB) alone in 27/38 (71%) and via combined SB and pars plana vitrectomy (SB/PPV) in 11/38 (29%) eyes. Single surgery anatomical success (SSAS) rate was 20/27 (74%) for SB and 7/11 (64%) for SB/PPV. The retina was reattached at last follow-up in 25/27 (93%) for SB and 11/11 (100%) for SB/PPV. The median postoperative VA was 20/40. Conclusion In the current study of young adults with RRD, the most common association was high or moderate myopia. Visual and anatomic outcomes at last follow-up were generally favorable.
Systemic and Topical Treatment of Hand Eczema: Less Well-Established Agents

Despite advances in the treatment of refractory chronic hand eczema, many patients remain burdened with recalcitrant disease. Patients with limited therapeutic options may use topical bexarotene, systemic steroids, ranitidine, vitamin E, azathioprine, disulfiram, disodium cromoglycate, zinc sulfate, iron, or biologics to achieve control of symptoms. Evidence for the use of these atypical agents is only supported by smaller studies, anecdotal evidence, or single case reports.
Prospects for achieving durable disease resistance with elite fruit quality in apple breeding

Apple industries suffer from major apple diseases because of widely planted susceptible cultivars. Developed disease-resistant cultivars that often carry only a single source of resistance are not expected to be durable over time. Cultivars with multiple sources of resistance are often commercially unacceptable due to unsatisfactory fruit quality alleles inherited from unimproved and improved parents. To improve fruit quality, approximately five modified backcrossing generations have been used with phenotypic selection for offspring with the least proportion of unimproved genome and elite fruit quality. Modified backcrossing is time-consuming owing to the long juvenility of apple. Unimproved parents are always assumed to carry undesirable alleles in addition to the targeted resistance allele. To efficiently identify favorable offspring each generation, DNA-based markers would be useful. Locus-specific DNA tests are unavailable to detect many sources of resistance alleles. Known numbers of DNA segments from unimproved parents could help subsequent parent selection among offspring because of the direct connection to the probability of eliminating such segments each generation. Accurately estimating the proportion and number of unimproved segments requires precise information on genomic positions of recombinations that can be detected with effective genetic marker sets. High-resolution and genome-wide apple SNP arrays can be used to characterize unimproved DNA segments present in disease-resistant offspring to efficiently achieve durable resistance and elite fruit quality. To hasten apple flowering, a rapid generation cycling approach with transgenic genetic stocks is available. Using these tools is expected to effectively exploit additional unimproved germplasm toward apple genetic improvement.
Tensor decomposition of multi-frequency echosounder time series

In this paper we use tensor decomposition to analyze multi-frequency ocean sonar time series recorded by a moored echosounder on a cabled ocean observatory. Echosounders are high-frequency sonar systems widely used to observe biological aggregations in the ocean. Conventional echo analysis procedures rely heavily on human experts to manually analyze and extract synoptic information from the observations, a procedure that is difficult to scale up for large volumes of data. Frequency-dependent echo features, which varies strongly depending on the size and material properties of the scatterer, is one of the main features human experts use in this process to identify biological aggregations of interest. Tensor decomposition generalizes standard latent decomposition techniques to multi-way analysis and thus is a natural fit for extracting patterns from multi-frequency echo data. We show that, by explicitly accounting for frequency information in the formulation, tensor decomposition discovers patterns that capture the dominant spatio-temporal structures in the echoes with frequency dependencies that are potentially biologically meaningful. The fully separable component contributions in the Kruskal form of tensor decomposition make the biological sources of these structures more interpretable, as all elements within the same component share an identical frequency signature. This research lays the foundation for further development of methodologies capable of handling large multi-modal echosounder data sets that stretch in time, space, and frequency.
Upzoning and value capture: How U.S. local governments use land use regulation power to create and capture value from real estate developments

Abstract The public sector can harness its authority to control land uses to secure valuable public benefits from real estate developments. This paper investigates how five major U.S. cities—Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle—are using their land use regulation powers to create and capture value for the public benefit. An analysis of the zoning and entitlement processes of the 20 largest real estate development projects in each city reveals that value has been captured from all 100 projects. Furthermore, these cities implicitly differentiated value capture into two distinct components: value creation and value capture. Among the 100 projects, cities created value for 90 projects by allowing greater density and height—a practice often referred to as “upzoning.” Distinguishing such upzoning incidences from traditional land use exaction tools is important because the added value gives local governments greater legitimacy in asking for public benefits. The experience of the five cities further revealed that value capture strategies can be customized to adapt to unique regulatory, political, and cultural contexts. Lastly, despite the fact that the majority of the upzoned projects increased density and height through project-specific negotiations, none of the cities had clear standards or evaluation frameworks for determining: how much value was created, what can be asked for in return, and who should benefit from the value captured. Cross-national scholarship on value capture can be leveraged to address these important questions.
Predicting and Preventing Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes Using Big Data Analytics and Decision Theoretic Analysis

Background: Despite new glucose sensing technologies, nocturnal hypoglycemia is still a problem for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as symptoms and sensor alarms may not be detected while sleepin...
Exosomal MiRNA Transfer between Retinal Microglia and RPE

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the outermost layer of the retina, provides essential support to both the neural retina and choroid. Additionally, the RPE is highly active in modulating functions of immune cells such as microglia, which migrate to the subretinal compartment during aging and age-related degeneration. Recently, studies have highlighted the important roles of microRNA (miRNA) in the coordination of general tissue maintenance as well as in chronic inflammatory conditions. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA profiles in extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the RPE, and identified and validated miRNA species whose expression levels showed age-dependent changes in the EVs. Using co-culture of RPE and retinal microglia, we further demonstrated that miR-21 was transferred between the two types of cells, and the increased miR-21 in microglia influenced the expression of genes downstream of the p53 pathway. These findings suggest that exosome-mediated miRNA transfer is a signaling mechanism that contributes to the regulation of microglia function in the aging retina.
Network effects in influenza spread: The impact of mobility and socio-economic factors

Abstract This paper introduces new methods of modeling and analyzing social networks that emerge in the context of disease spread. Four methods of constructing informative networks are presented, two of which use. static data and two use temporal data, namely individual citizen mobility observations taken over an extensive period of time. We show how the built networks can be analyzed, and how the numerical results can be interpreted, using network permutation-based surprise analysis. In doing so, we explain the relationship of surprise analysis with conventional network hypothesis testing and Quadratic Assignment Procedure regression. Surprise analysis is more comprehensive, and can be without limitation performed with any form(s) of network subgraphs, including those with multiple nodal attributes, weighted links, and temporal features. To illustrate our methodological work in application, we put them to use for interpreting networks constructed from the data collected over one year in an observational study in Buffalo and Erie counties in New York state during the 2016–2017 influenza season. Even with the limitations in the data size, our methods are able to reveal the global (city- and season-wide) patterns in the spread of influenza, taking into account population mobility and socio-economic factors.
Hyperthermia and Tumor Immunity

Thermal ablation is a cornerstone in the management of cancer patients. Typically, ablation procedures are performed for patients with a solitary or oligometastatic disease with the intention of eradicating all sites of the disease. Ablation has traditionally played a less prominent role for patients with a widely metastatic disease. For such patients, attempting to treat numerous sites of disease compounds potential risks without a clear clinical benefit and, as such, a compelling justification for performing an intervention that is unlikely to alter a patient's clinical trajectory is uncommon. However, the discovery of immune checkpoints and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors have brought a new perspective to the relevance of local cancer therapies such as ablation for patients with a metastatic disease. It is becoming increasingly apparent that local cancer therapies can have systemic immune effects. Thus, in the new perspective of cancer care centered upon immunologic principles, there is a strong interest in exploring the utility of ablation for patients with a metastatic disease for its immunologic implications. In this review, we summarize the unmet clinical need for adjuvant interventions such as ablation to broaden the impact of systemic immunotherapies. We additionally highlight the extant preclinical and clinical data for the immunogenicity of common thermal ablation modalities.
Case 47: What an Airway Surprise

You are working in a university hospital in Durban, South Africa. Today you are doing an orthopedic procedure on an 18-year-old female (29 kg and 5′ 1″). Although she is malnourished, you classify her as ASA 1. You do note that she has a small mouth opening and a somewhat receding chin. The IV induction with thiopental and morphine is uneventful. However, the patient is difficult to ventilate but this gets easier after vecuronium. She also proves to be a difficult intubation, as she has a very anterior larynx. Luckily, after about 3–5 minutes, you are able to secure the airway with a red rubber endotracheal tube (ETT) (6.5 mm) using a gum-elastic bougie [1].