cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Resource - Instance Model of Music Representation

Traditional software synthesis systems, such as Music V, utilize an instance model of computation in which each note instantiates a new copy of an instrument. An alternative is the resource model, exemplified by MIDI ‘‘mono mode’’, in which multiple updates can modify a sound continuously, and where multiple notes share a single instrument. We have developed a unified, general model for describing combinations of instances and resources. Our model is a hierarchy in which resource-instances at one level generate output which is combined to form updates to the next level. The model can express complex system configurations in a natural way.
Monitoring HPV Vaccine Impact: Early Results and Ongoing Challenges

same period (15.8%) and women from the prevaccine period (28.7%). Using the age-adjusted HPV prevalence ratio of vaccinated to unvaccinated women, the authors calculate a vaccine effectiveness of 73% against infection with any of the 4 vaccine types. Because the major benefit of HPV vaccination—prevention of cervical and other less common HPV-associated cancers—will not be evident for decades, a spectrum of intermediate outcomes are being monitored to assess the early impact of HPV vaccines. Although considered to be the simplest and earliest indicator of vaccine impact, a reduction in HPV vaccine type prevalence may not be sufficient to guide vaccine policy and practices. Therefore, in addition to ongoing HPV type prevalence monitoring, cancer and precancer outcomes as well as HPV-associated genital warts are also included in the monitoring portfolios of most high-income and some middleand low-income countries where quadrivalent vaccine is being used [2, 3]. Although this study is the first to
Aircraft support equipment technology insertion plan improves aircraft availability

The support equipment technology insertion plan (SE-TIP) implements a systematic method to manage the acquisition, sustainment, and planning for an aircraft fleet's support equipment (SE). The SE-TIP coordinates these activities among the operator management, the aircraft's engineering authority, the aircraft's component supply chain, and SE users.
Peripheral naloxone attenuates lipopolysaccharide fever in guinea pigs by an action outside the blood-brain barrier

We have previously shown that the febrile response of guinea pigs to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is attenuated by the subcutaneous administration of the tertiary mu-receptor opioid antagonist naloxone-hydrochloride (Nal-HCl). Because Nal-HCl readily crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB), this study was undertaken to investigate whether its effect on fever is mediated peripherally or centrally. For this, the effects of 1) Nal-HCl (23 and 46 mumol/kg sc), 2) the quaternary opioid antagonists Nal-methiodide (Nal-mI, 46 and 92 mumol/kg sc) and Nal-methobromide (Nal-mBr, 92 mumol/kg sc), which do not cross the BBB, and 3) intracerebroventricular Nal-HCl (0.25 and 1.25 mumol) on the febrile response to intravenous S. enteritidis LPS (2 micrograms/kg) were investigated in conscious guinea pigs. Under afebrile conditions, both Nal-HCl (whether administered sc or icv) and its quaternary analogues induced hypothermic responses. Peripheral Nal-HCl, Nal-mI, and Nal-mBr also attenuated both phases of the characteristically biphasic LPS fever. The thermal effects of the peripheral opioid antagonists, both tertiary and quaternary, were associated with cutaneous vasodilation. Intracerebroventricularly administered Nal-HCl did not evoke any attenuation of fever. The analysis of the data shows that Nal-HCl possesses three different thermoregulatory actions: a central hypothermic action, a peripheral thermolytic action (which is due to, at least partly, cutaneous vasodilation), and a peripheral antipyretic action. The latter effect suggests that, in guinea pigs, circulating opioids may have a role in fever production.
Evangelical Unity in the Pentecostal Theology of Alexander A. Boddy

In contrast to their counterparts in the United States, early British Pentecostal leaders more often fostered interdenominational cooperation and stressed common evangelical identity. None represented this tendency better than A.A. Boddy, Anglican vicar and one of the most influential European Pentecostals in the first decade of the movement. Boddy's approach to Pentecostal theology and practice was inseparable from his understanding of evangelical unity, which can be seen in how Boddy allowed disagreement on non-vital issues, checked ‘unscriptural’ excesses, stressed the practical results of Spirit-baptism, and emphasized a Christ-centred theology. Although Boddy's vision of evangelical unity was shaped by his historical context and came to be displaced by a more sectarian Pentecostalism by the 1920s, it provides useful material for those wishing to formulate a Pentecostal witness that engages openly with other Christian traditions.
Molecular Basis for Redox Activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Kinase.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a target of signal-derived H2O2, and oxidation of active-site cysteine 797 to sulfenic acid enhances kinase activity. Although a major class of covalent drugs targets C797, nothing is known about its catalytic importance or how S-sulfenylation leads to activation. Here, we report the first detailed functional analysis of C797. In contrast to prior assumptions, mutation of C797 diminishes catalytic efficiency in vitro and cells. The experimentally determined pKa and reactivity of C797 toward H2O2 correspondingly distinguish this residue from the bulk of the cysteinome. Molecular dynamics simulation of reduced versus oxidized EGFR, reinforced by experimental testing, indicates that sulfenylation of C797 allows new electrostatic interactions to be formed with the catalytic loop. Finally, we show that chronic oxidative stress yields an EGFR subpopulation that is refractory to the FDA-approved drug afatinib. Collectively, our data highlight the significance of redox biology to understanding kinase regulation and drug pharmacology.
The Polish Underground and the Jews, 1939–1945

The Polish Underground and the Jews, 1939–1945 examines one of the central problems in the history of Polish-Jewish relations: the attitude and the behavior of the Polish Underground - the resistance organization loyal to the Polish government-in-exile - toward the Jews during World War II. Using a variety of archival documents, testimonies, and memoirs, Zimmerman offers a careful, dispassionate narrative, arguing that the reaction of the Polish Underground to the catastrophe that befell European Jewry was immensely varied, ranging from aggressive aid to acts of murder. By analyzing the military, civilian, and political wings of the Polish Underground and offering portraits of the organization's main leaders, this book is the first full-length scholarly monograph in any language to provide a thorough examination of the Polish Underground's attitude and behavior towards the Jews during the entire period of World War II.
Self-reported Willingness to Pay for Texas Persimmon Fruit as a Food Source

The purpose of this study was to test the consumer-stated willingness to pay (WTP) of a native Texas plant fruit product, texas persimmon (Diospyros texana), for the restaurant industry, as well as for the consumer market. Farmers’ markets and restaurants specializing in either local foods, organic foods, or both were the focus of the market samples. Responses were gathered from five cities located in the geographic area of central Texas where the fruit is native including: San Marcos, Austin, New Braunfels, Wimberley, and Bastrop. About 400 quantitative survey responses were collected from farmers’ markets consumers during market days. Seven interviews collecting qualitative responses from restaurateurs provided more in-depth data on the value of the product to specialty restaurants. Restaurateurs responded positively to the texas persimmon and stated they would be willing to pay between $3.59 and $3.69/lb of texas persimmon. Results indicated the prime audience for the texas persimmon to be those who attend farmers’ markets in the age group of 25–34 years who value locally produced foods and are concerned about the environment. Farmers’ market consumers were willing to pay prices similar to specialty fruit prices.
Acute Generalized Erythrodermic Pustular Psoriasis Associated with Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave®).

Abstract Background We report a case of erythrodermic pustular psoriasis associated with initiation of bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave®; Orexigen Therapeutics, La Jolla, CA) in a patient with no history of psoriasis. Case Report A 55-year-old woman was transferred to our tertiary medical center from a community hospital for possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome 3 weeks after initiation of bupropion/naltrexone. The patient was admitted to the burn unit for wound treatment and hydration. She received intravenous cyclosporine during the admission that resulted in acute kidney injury and the therapy was discontinued. The skin biopsy ruled out Stevens-Johnson syndrome and was more consistent with generalized pustular psoriasis. After discharge, the patient followed up with her dermatologist. She was diagnosed with acute generalized and erythrodermic psoriasis and the patient was restarted on cyclosporine 100 mg twice a day. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Few case reports of bupropion-induced generalized pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis in patients with a history of psoriasis have been reported. To our knowledge, acute generalized erythrodermic pustular psoriasis associated with bupropion/naltrexone has not been reported in a patient without history of psoriasis. Due to increases in obesity and increases in prescribing of bupropion/naltrexone SR, health care providers should be aware of this possible severe adverse reaction.
Intrinsic Response Towards Physiologic Stiffness is Cell-Type Dependent

In the continuous search for better tissue engineering scaffolds it has become increasingly clear that the substrate properties dramatically affect cell responses. Here we compared cells from a physiologically stiff tissue, melanoma, to cells isolated from a physiologically soft tissue, brain. We measured the cell line responses to laminin immobilized onto glass or polyacrylamide hydrogels tuned to have a Young’s modulus ranging from 1 to 390 kPa. Single cells were analyzed for spreading area, shape, total actin content, actin-based morphological features and modification of immobilized laminin. Both cell types exhibited stiffness- and laminin concentration-dependent responses on polyacrylamide and glass. Melanoma cells exhibited very little spreading and were rounded on soft (1, 5, and 15 kPa) hydrogels while cells on stiff (40, 100, and 390 kPa) hydrogels were spread and had a polarized cell shape with large lamellipodia. On rigid glass surfaces, spreading and actin-based morphological features were not observed until laminin concentration was much higher. Similarly, increased microglia cell spreading and presence of actin-based structures were observed on stiff hydrogels. However, responses on rigid glass surfaces were much different. Microglia cells had large spreading areas and elongated shapes on glass compared to hydrogels even when immobilized laminin density was consistent on all gels. While cell spreading and shape varied with Young’s modulus of the hydrogel, the concentration of f-actin was constant. A decrease in laminin immunofluorescence was associated with melanoma and microglia cell spreading on glass with high coating concentration of laminin, indicating modification of immobilized laminin triggered by supraphysiologic stiffness and high ligand density. These results suggest that some cell lines are more sensitive to mechanical properties matching their native tissue environment while other cell lines may require stiffness and extracellular ligand density well above physiologic tissue before saturation in cell spreading, elongation and cytoskeletal re-organization are reached.
Impact of Labour Controls on Tipping Point Dynamics in Large Complex Projects

Large, complex development projects are subject to unique risks, including rework and scope increases that can push a project from progressing towards completion past a tipping point to falling farther and farther behind. Previous research demonstrated the potential of rework‐induced tipping point dynamics to cause large, complex projects to fail. The impacts of project labour control policies on performance have also been investigated. However, the impacts of project labour controls on tipping point dynamics have not been fully investigated. The current work uses a simulation model to investigate the ability of project labour control actions to respond to tipping point dynamics. A contribution of the current work to the body of knowledge is to develop an improved understanding of the impacts of project labour controls on project tipping point robustness. The work demonstrates the counter‐intuitive result that well‐intended, reasonable project labour control actions can push a project over a tipping point to failure. Results of project robustness analysis with sensitivity analysis are used to design effective responses to tipping point dynamics. Implications for practice and future research opportunities are discussed. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergent niche structuring leads to increased differences from neutrality in species abundance distributions

Species abundance distributions must reflect the dynamic processes involved in community assembly, but whether and when specific processes lead to distinguishable signals is not well understood. Biodiversity and species abundances may be shaped by a variety of influences, but particular attention has been paid to competition, which can involve neutral dynamics, where competitor abundances are governed only by demographic stochasticity and immigration, and dynamics driven by trait differences that enable stable coexistence through the formation of niches. Key recent studies of the species abundance patterns of communities with niches employ simple models with pre-imposed niche structure. These studies suggest that species abundance distributions are insensitive to the relative contributions of niche and neutral processes, especially when diversity is much higher than the number of niches. Here we analyze results from a stochastic population model with competition driven by trait differences. With this model, niche structure emerges as clumps of species that persist along the trait axis, and leads to more substantial differences from neutral species abundance distributions than have been previously shown. We show that heterogeneity in "between-niche" interaction strength (i.e., in the strength of competition between species in different niches) plays the dominant role in shaping the species abundances along the trait axis, acting as a biotic filter favoring species at the centers of niches. Furthermore, we show that heterogeneity in "within-niche" interactions (i.e., in the competition between species in the same niche) counteracts the influence of heterogeneity in "between-niche" interactions on the SAD to some degree. Our results suggest that competitive interactions that produce niches can also influence the shapes of SADs.
A Practical Guide to Large Tiled Displays

The drive for greater detail in scientific computing and digital photography is creating demand for ultra-resolution images and visualizations. Such images are best viewed on large displays with enough resolution to show "big picture" relationships concurrently with fine-grained details. Historically, large scale displays have been rare due to the high costs of equipment, space, and maintenance. However, modern tiled displays of commodity LCD monitors offer large aggregate image resolution and can be constructed and maintained at low cost. We present a discussion of the factors to consider in constructing tiled LCD displays and an evaluation of current approaches used to drive them based on our experience constructing displays ranging from 36 Mpixels to 307 Mpixels. We wish to capture current practices to inform the design and construction of future displays at current and larger scales.
Strategies Towards Capturing Nitrogenase Substrates and Intermediates via Controlled Alteration of Electron Fluxes.

Nitrogenase utilizes an ATP-dependent reductase to deliver electrons to its catalytic component to enable two important reactions: the reduction of N2 to NH4+ , and the reduction of CO to hydrocarbons. The two nitrogenase-based reactions parallel the industrial Haber-Bosch and Fischer-Tropsch processes, yet they occur under ambient conditions. As such, understanding the enzymatic mechanism of nitrogenase is crucial for the future development of biomimetic strategies for energy-efficient production of valuable chemical commodities. Mechanistic investigations of nitrogenase has long been hampered by the difficulty to trap substrates and intermediates relevant to the nitrogenase reactions. Recently, we have successfully captured CO on the Azotobacter vinelandii V-nitrogenase via two approaches that alter the electron fluxes in a controlled manner: one approach utilizes an artificial electron donor to trap CO on the catalytic component of V-nitrogenase in the resting state; whereas the other employs a mismatched reductase component to reduce the electron flux through the system and consequently accumulate CO on the catalytic component of V-nitrogenase. Here we summarize the major outcome of these recent studies, which not only clarified the catalytic relevance of the one-CO (lo-CO) and multi-CO (hi-CO) bound states of nitrogenase, but also pointed to a potential competition between N2 and CO for binding to the same pair of reactive Fe sites across the sulfur belt of the cofactor. Together, these results highlight the utility of these strategies in poising the cofactor at a well-defined state for substrate- or intermediate-trapping via controlled alteration of electron fluxes, which could prove beneficial for further elucidation of the mechanistic details of nitrogenase-catalyzed reactions.
The Narragansett Bay Model

One of the basic problems in formulating mathematical expressions for detailed ecological processes is how to combine into a single expression the influences of several factors that operate simultaneously. The approach chosen here, and in many other similar models (Canale et al, 1974; DiToro et al, 1971; O’Brien and Wroblewski, 1972), is to postulate a maximum rate as a function of one factor, usually temperature, and to determine the effects of the remaining factors as unitless fractions which reduce the maximum. Functionally, this is the same assumption implicit in commonly used equations for even a single factor. For example, the hyperbolic Monod (1942) expression for substrate-limited growth of microorganisms (also used in enzyme reaction kinetics by Michaelis and Menten, 1913) is the product of a maximum growth rate, μmax, and a fraction: $$ \mu = {\mu_{\max }}(\frac{S}{{{K_s} + S}}) $$ Note that numerator and denominator have the same units (concentration), and the fraction is therefore a unitless number between 0 and 1. This logic may be easily extended to include more limiting fractions, each of which may be independently derived.
Place cell assemblies remain intact, despite reduced phase precession, after cholinergic disruption

The hippocampal theta rhythm is frequently viewed as a clocking mechanism that coordinates the spiking activity of neurons across the hippocampus to form coherent neural assemblies. Phase precession is a form of temporal coding evidencing this mechanism and is degraded following systemic pharmacological disruption of cholinergic signaling. However, whether neural assemblies are commensurately degraded, as would be predicted from a clocking mechanism hypothesis, remains unknown. To address this, we recorded the spiking activity of hippocampal place cells as rats completed laps on a circle track for chocolate drink before versus during the influence of a systemic muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. We compared the integrity of hippocampal ensembles using three approaches. The first approach used cross-correlogram (CCG) analyses to ask if the relative spike-timing between pairs of cells became less reliable. The second used a general linear model based analysis to ask whether the activity of simultaneously recorded neurons became any less predictive of the spiking activity of single neurons. Finally, the third approach used a reconstruction analysis to ask if the population activity was any less informative regarding the environmental position of the animal and whether theta sequences were impaired. The results of all three analyses paint a consistent picture: systemic cholinergic disruption did not degrade assembly integrity. These data demonstrate that place cell assemblies do not depend upon high quality phase precession.
Authoritarian Capitalism. Sovereign Wealth Funds and State-Owned Enterprises in East Asia and Beyond

Richard Carney’s perspective that a “new statist-authoritarian world order is on the rise” (xi) may dismay those who wistfully hope for the (continued) dominance of liberal capitalism. Carney sees ...
Growth and Metal Uptake of Lettuce [lactuca Sativa L] on Soil Amended with Biosolids and Gypsum

ABSTRACTAlthough soil amended with biosolids can improve soil properties, heavy metal uptake by vegetable crops grown on biosolids-amended soil is of concern. This study evaluated the effects of bi...
Coronavirus Pandemic Calls for an Immediate Social Work Response.

We are in strange and anxiety-producing times. As the media began discussing coronavirus, or COVID19, in January 2020, their reports were an early signal that world as we had come to know it would ...
Characterization of groove density variation of VLS gratings with ALS XROL LTP-II in different operation modes

The long trace profiler, LTP-II, available at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) X-ray Optics Laboratory (XROL), was recently upgraded by replacing a multimode diode laser light source with a single-mode, wavelength-stabilized, fibercoupled diode laser system. The upgrade enables us to reliably characterize the lateral variation of groove density of variable-line-spacing (VLS) x-ray diffraction gratings. Here, we discuss the LTP-II performance with an example of measurements with a VLS grating with the groove density at the grating center of 300 lines/mm. For the measurements, we use the LTP-II in two different operation arrangements, the single Gaussian beam and the pencil beam interferometer arrangements. For each operation arrangement, we apply two data processing algorithms: with calculating the centroid position and with determining the position of a characteristic features of the detected beam intensity distributions. We discuss the observed strong correlation between the LTP-II modes of operation and the resulted (extracted) groove density variations. We also speculate on possible origin of the correlation.
Optimal Allocation of Societal HIV Prevention Resources to Reduce HIV Incidence in the United States.

Objectives. To optimize combined public and private spending on HIV prevention to achieve maximum reductions in incidence.Methods. We used a national HIV model to estimate new infections from 2018 ...
Setting Sun Sign in Infants

The setting sun sign refers to the downward displacement of the globes with lid retraction. This sign, which is infrequently seen in infants, may be helpful in diagnosing patients with hydrocephalu...
Compassionate Deactivation of Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Support: Lessons Learned from Our First 14 Cases

Purpose Compassionate deactivation (CD) of ventricular assist device (VAD) support is a recognized option for children when the burden of ongoing therapy outweighs the benefits. The circumstances, indications, and outcomes of CD in pediatric VAD patients are insufficiently described. Methods Review of all cases of CD at our institution between 2011-2020. To distinguish CD of VAD from other situations where VAD support is discontinued, deactivations occurring after myocardial recovery, brain or cardiac death or while also on ECMO, were excluded. Results are presented descriptively. Results Of 24 deaths on VAD, 14 (58%) were CD. Median age was 5.7 (0.6, 11.6) years; 7 (50%) had congenital heart disease; 4 (29%) were on a “dischargeable” device. CD occurred after 40 (IQR: 26, 75) days of support, none while active transplant candidates. CD discussions were initiated by the patient/parent/caregiver in 6 (43%) cases, the remainder by a medical provider ( Table ). Reasons for CD were multifactorial, and included stroke, end-organ injury, and loss of transplant candidacy. ( Figure ). CD occurred with endotracheal extubation in 12(86%) cases, and death occurred within 10 (IQR: 4, 23) minutes of CD. Conclusion CD is the mode of death in more than half of our VAD non-survivors, and is chosen for reasons mainly related to noncardiac events. Patients, caregivers, and providers may initiate CD discussions. Ventilatory support is often withdrawn at time of CD with ensuing death.
Bayesian, Universal COVID Testing

During the SARS-COV2 pandemic, there has been a persistent call for universal testing to better inform policy decisions. However, a little considered aspect of this call is the relationship between a test9s accuracy and the tested demographic. What are the implications of frequent, universal testing in otherwise asymptomatic demographics? By applying Bayesian statistics, it becomes clear that as the odds of having COVID decreases, there is a non-linear increase in the odds that each positive test is, in fact, a false positive. This phenomenon has precedence in the historical narrative surrounding universal mammogram screening which is no longer recommended due to the unacceptably high rate of false positives. The solution to combat the inflation of false positives is also suggested by Bayesian statistics: intelligently integrating multiple COVID diagnostic tests and symptoms via Bayes9 Theorem, an approach conceptually similar to pre-screening for mammograms. This extra information is readily available (e.g olfactory function and fever) and will minimize the economic and emotional costs incurred by false positives while simultaneously improving the information available for policy-makers. In summary, along with the push for universal testing should be an equally rigorous approach to interpreting the test results.
Auxiliary Feed-Forward Noise Cancellation Techniques for a Generic Type-II Ring Oscillator Phase Locked Loop

This brief presents an auxiliary feed-forward noise cancellation (AFFNC) technique that can be applied to a generic Type-II ring oscillator (RO) PLL. The AFFNC technique uses a stand alone sub-sampling phase detector (SSPD) embedded into an alignment loop to extract and cancel noise from the RO output. Along with AFFNC, which uses one reference edge for noise extraction, a Double Sampled AFFNC (DS-AFFNC) which utilizes both the rising and falling edge of the reference for noise extraction is also presented. By using both the reference edges, higher cancellation bandwidth is achieved in DS-AFFNC. The phase-domain model developed for AFFNC and DS-AFFNC show a 2.9x and 3.9x integrated jitter reduction respectively.
Identification of Structural Factors that Affect Binding to Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1

Abstract Similar to the opioid system, the endocannabinoid system which regulates immune response, memory and nociceptive thresholds, cell communication, appetite, and metabolism, also modulates (via Cannabinoid receptor type 1 - CB1R) the rewarding effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Although currently there is significant controversy concerning the (legal) use of cannabis, it has been established that prolonged consumption of a large variety of chemicals from the cannabinoid family can lead to the development of psychiatric and cardiovascular pathologies. In addition to (-)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC or simply THC), the main addictive component of cannabis, 43 other synthetic cannabimimetic agents are currently classified as Schedule I drugs and their use in the U.S. is illegal (DEA-DCT-DIR-032-18 [1] ). In this study, three-dimensional spectrometric data-activity relationship (3D-SDAR) quantitative and categorical models aimed at better understanding the molecular mechanism of action and the structural features governing binding to CB1R were developed. The performance parameters for a consensus model constructed from composite PLS and KNN quantitative models achieved R2 of 0.703 for an external blind set and an accuracy of 0.846, sensitivity of 0.870, and specificity of 0.840 for binary classification. In addition to the classical A, B, C-tricyclic terpenoid system, other structural alerts were also discovered and reported. We also identified the presence of a hERG linked toxicophore in the molecular structures of a subset of diaryl-(piperidinyl)purines which are known to be selective and potent CB1R binders.
Combinatorial Matrix Classes

A natural sequel to the author's previous book Combinatorial Matrix Theory written with H. J. Ryser, this is the first book devoted exclusively to existence questions, constructive algorithms, enumeration questions, and other properties concerning classes of matrices of combinatorial significance. Several classes of matrices are thoroughly developed including the classes of matrices of 0's and 1's with a specified number of 1's in each row and column (equivalently, bipartite graphs with a specified degree sequence), symmetric matrices in such classes (equivalently, graphs with a specified degree sequence), tournament matrices with a specified number of 1's in each row (equivalently, tournaments with a specified score sequence), nonnegative matrices with specified row and column sums, and doubly stochastic matrices. Most of this material is presented for the first time in book format and the chapter on doubly stochastic matrices provides the most complete development of the topic to date.
Estimated GFR and Subsequent Higher Left Ventricular Mass in Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Normal Kidney Function: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background Left ventricular hypertrophy is common and is associated with cardiovascular events and death among patients with known chronic kidney disease. However, the link between reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) remains poorly explored among young and middle-aged adults with preserved kidney function. In this study, we examined the association of cystatin C–based estimated GFR (eGFR cys ) and rapid decline in eGFR with subsequent LVMI. Study Design Observational study. Setting & Participants We included 2,410 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort with eGFR cys > 60mL/min/1.73m 2 at year 15 and who had an echocardiogram obtained at year 25. Predictor eGFR cys at year 15 and rapid decline in eGFR cys (defined as >3% per year over 5 years from years 15 to 20). Outcome LVMI measured at year 25. Measurements We adjusted for age, sex, race, diabetes, body mass index, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, cumulative systolic blood pressure, and albuminuria. Results Mean age was 40±4 (SD) years, 58% were women, and 43% were black. After 10 years of follow-up, mean LVMI was 39.6±13.4g/m 2.7 . Compared with eGFR cys > 90mL/min/1.73m 2 (n = 2,228), eGFR cys of 60 to 75mL/min/1.73m 2 (n = 29) was associated with 5.63 (95% CI, 0.90-10.36) g/m 2.7 greater LVMI ( P = 0.02), but there was no association of eGFR cys of 76 to 90mL/min/1.73m 2 (n = 153) with LVMI after adjustment for confounders. Rapid decline in eGFR cys was associated with higher LVMI compared with participants without a rapid eGFR cys decline (β coefficient, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.11-2.83; P = 0.03) after adjustment for confounders. Limitations There were a limited number of participants with eGFR cys of 60 to 90mL/min/1.73m 2 . Conclusions Among young and middle-aged adults with preserved kidney function, eGFR cys of 60 to 75mL/min/1.73m 2 and rapid decline in eGFR cys were significantly associated with subsequently higher LVMI. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that contribute to elevated LVMI in this range of eGFR cys .
Dark Rearing Alters the Development of GABAergic Transmission in Visual Cortex

We studied the role of sensory experience in the maturation of GABAergic circuits in the rat visual cortex. Between the time at which the eyes first open and the end of the critical period for experience-dependent plasticity, the total GABAergic input converging into layer II/III pyramidal cells increases threefold. We propose that this increase reflects changes in the number of quanta released by presynaptic axons. Here, we show that the developmental increase in GABAergic input is prevented in animals deprived of light since birth but not in animals deprived of light after a period of normal experience. Thus, sensory experience appears to play a permissive role in the maturation of intracortical GABAergic circuits.
Neutralization and antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue viruses.

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the neutralization and protection against dengue infection by antibodies and relevant clinical and epidemiological and experimental studies that support the phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhanced (ADE) are discussed. Epidemiological studies provide the background evidence that shows ADE to be a biologically plausible hypothesis. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the neutralization of viruses in vivo : aggregation of viruses resulting in elimination by phagocytic cells; blocked attachment to one or another cell receptor by (a) stearic interference, (b) capsid stabilization, or (c) structural changes; or neutralization of uncoating due to (a) capsid stabilization or (b) interference with fusion.
Multi-conditional learning: generative/discriminative training for clustering and classification

This paper presents multi-conditional learning (MCL), a training criterion based on a product of multiple conditional likelihoods. When combining the traditional conditional probability of "label given input" with a generative probability of "input given label" the later acts as a surprisingly effective rerularizer. When applied to models with latent variables, MCL combines the structure-discovery capabilities of generative topic models, such as latent Dirichlet allocation and the exponential family harmonium, with the accuracy and robustness of discriminative classifiers, such as logistic regression and conditional random fields. We present results on several standard text data sets showing significant reductions in classification error due to MCL regularization, and substantial gains in precision and recall due to the latent structure discovered under MCL.
The Fiery Cross: The Klan's Fight to Save America

The Fiery Cross, published monthly by the Ku Klux Klan out of its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, took it upon itself to address all of these growing issues. Through this periodical, the KKK was determined to spread its own views: opposition to the New Deal and its Communist-like programs, anti-immigration, and opposition to American involvement in the European war. In its publication, the Ku Klux Klan preached about the creation of an America for Americans only.
A Defensible Defense?: Reexamining Castle Doctrine Statutes

Recent years have seen a proliferation of so-called “castle doctrine” statutes – laws that provide home dwellers with more expansive self-defense protections if they resort to lethal force in confrontations with intruders. The passage of such laws and subsequent uses of the defense have captured the public imagination, prompting significant media attention, as well as skeptical and critical scholarship from the legal academic community. Considering the current prevalence of castle laws and the often polarized nature of the debate concerning their application, this Article argues that it is important to excavate the doctrine from the culture wars rhetoric in which it has been mired. This Article contends that the current discourse has become too firmly rooted in the overly reductive, potentially fallacious dichotomy of American political partisanship. It aims to link the castle doctrine’s moral and philosophical underpinnings to those of more broadly accepted self-defense doctrines, to examine the potentially harmful and unexpected consequences of its elimination, and to challenge its cultural framing in current politically-tinged legislative debates and ideological mappings. By rooting the discussion of these laws in a broader framework of over-criminalization and systemic inequality, the Article ultimately argues that eliminating the castle defense might actually harm as opposed to help socially and politically marginalized groups.Please note that the copyright in the Harvard Journal on Legislation is held by the President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Looking at you: computer generated graphical - human interaction

Currently computers do not interact with their users in the same manner people interact with each other, but it has been argued that this would facilitate better human-computer interaction [3]. We have heard of robots which behave like living dogs (Sony's AIBO), or who can aid in cleaning up a home (iRobot's iRoomba). We already interact with our computers by clicking on a mouse, or entering commands from the keyboard, but how much easier it would be if we could simply dictate things to our computer, or even point to the screen, and get a response as quickly as if we were speaking to a human. There is already a limited technological basis for this kind of interface: Vivid's Mandala system, which can be found at museums and amusement parks, allows users and computer generated graphics to interact with one another using a video camera for input and green-screen technology.
Molecular cloning, nucleotide sequence, and expression in Escherichia coli of a hemolytic toxin (aerolysin) gene from Aeromonas trota

Aeromonas trota AK2, which was derived from ATCC 49659 and produces the extracellular pore-forming hemolytic toxin aerolysin, was mutagenized with the transposon mini-Tn5Km1 to generate a hemolysin-deficient mutant, designated strain AK253. Southern blotting data indicated that an 8.7-kb NotI fragment of the genomic DNA of strain AK253 contained the kanamycin resistance gene of mini-Tn5Km1. The 8.7-kb NotI DNA fragment was cloned into the vector pGEM5Zf(-) by selecting for kanamycin resistance, and the resultant clone, pAK71, showed aerolysin activity in Escherichia coli JM109. The nucleotide sequence of the aerA gene, located on the 1.8-kb ApaI-EcoRI fragment, was determined to consist of 1,479 bp and to have an ATG initiation codon and a TAA termination codon. An in vitro coupled transcription-translation analysis of the 1.8-kb region suggested that the aerA gene codes for a 54-kDa protein, in agreement with nucleotide sequence data. The deduced amino acid sequence of the aerA gene product of A. trota exhibited 99% homology with the amino acid sequence of the aerA product of Aeromonas sobria AB3 and 57% homology with the amino acid sequences of the products of the aerA genes of Aeromonas salmonicida 17-2 and A. sobria 33.
Rhytidectomy Employing a Two-Layered Closure: Improved Results with Hidden Scars:

The goal of a face-life procedure should be to obtain the maximal improvement with minimal morbidity. The author's technique is presented as an alternative technique to accomplish this goal. It is based on 427 face-lift patients from 1973 to 1979. The technique employs defatting of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and platysma muscle (which is not dissected free) and use of multiple plication sutures to create a second-layer closure. This is in contrast to the standard face-lift procedure, which employs a single-layer closure whereby all the retraction tension is sustained by the skin flaps. With the author's technique, the complication rates are markedly reduced and satisfactory cosmetic results are obtained with "hidden" face-lift incisions.
Engineering higher-order modules in SML/NJ

SML/NJ and other Standard ML variants extend the ML module system with higher-order functors, elevating the module language to a full functional language. In this paper, we describe the implementation of higher-order modules in SML/NJ, which is unique in providing "true" higher-order static behavior. This implementation is based on three key ideas: unique internal variables (entity variables) for naming static entities, factorization of the static information in both basic modules and functors into signatures and realizations, and representing the static "effects" and type-level mapping performed by a functor using a static lambda calculus (the entity calculus). This design conforms to MacQueen-Tofte's re-elaboration semantics without having to re-elaborate functor bodies at functor applications.
LONG-TERM MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF A STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT IN CENTRAL NEW YORK

Monitoring, assessment and reporting of stream restoration projects have historically lagged far behind implementation. However, in recent years, rigorous post-project assessments (PPAs) of modern stream restoration practices have steadily increased. This has helped to stimulate debate and inquiry regarding the effectiveness of restoration techniques and has provided critical feedback to practitioners and planners useful in restoration design and implementation. Nonetheless, few studies exist that track the performance of modern restoration projects over a protracted period. Instead, most are based on a brief snapshot taken during the initial post-construction period, which may not always accurately characterize longer-term project performance. Here, we re-visit a stream restoration project implemented in 2005 on a third-order stream in central New York. By repeating several of our quantitative and qualitative evaluation procedures from the original 2007 PPA we demonstrate that (i) despite several recent large flood events and the fact that the current channel geometry differs from the design/as-built configuration, the project has made substantial progress towards the goals of channel stabilization and habitat enhancement; (ii) this more favourable, mid-term outcome was not necessarily evident during or well-predicted by our 2007 PPA; (iii) although continued deformation of in-stream structures may be a harbinger of future channel instability, riparian vegetation is playing an increasingly important role in maintaining channel stability; and (iv) accurately predicting local scour depths proximal to in-stream structures, performing a detailed sediment budget analysis, and prescribing adequate bank protection are critical to project success, especially during early stages of a project. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinct Therapeutic Mechanisms of Tau Antibodies: Promoting Microglial Clearance Versus Blocking Neuronal Uptake.

Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by accumulation of Tau amyloids, and include Alzheimer disease and certain frontotemporal dementias. Trans-neuronal propagation of amyloid mediated by extracellular Tau may underlie disease progression. Consistent with this, active and passive vaccination studies in mouse models reduce pathology, although by unknown mechanisms. We previously reported that intracerebroventricular administration of three anti-Tau monoclonal antibodies (HJ8.5, HJ9.3, and HJ9.4) reduces pathology in a model overexpressing full-length mutant (P301S) human Tau. We now study effects of these three antibodies and a negative control antibody (HJ3.4) on Tau aggregate uptake into BV2 microglial-like cells and primary neurons. Antibody-independent Tau uptake into BV2 cells was blocked by heparin, consistent with a previously described role for heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Two therapeutic antibodies (HJ8.5 and HJ9.4) promoted uptake of full-length Tau fibrils into microglia via Fc receptors. Surprisingly, HJ9.3 promoted uptake of fibrils composed of the Tau repeat domain or Alzheimer disease-derived Tau aggregates, but failed to influence full-length recombinant Tau fibrils. Size fractionation of aggregates showed that antibodies preferentially promote uptake of larger oligomers (n ≥∼20-mer) versus smaller oligomers (n ∼10-mer) or monomer. No antibody inhibited uptake of full-length recombinant fibrils into primary neurons, but HJ9.3 blocked neuronal uptake of Tau repeat domain fibrils and Alzheimer disease-derived Tau. Antibodies thus have multiple potential mechanisms, including clearance via microglia and blockade of neuronal uptake. However these effects are epitope- and aggregate size-dependent. Establishing specific mechanisms of antibody activity in vitro may help in design and optimization of agents that are more effective in vivo.
Effects of seasonally varying diet quality on collared peccary population dynamics — a simulation study

Abstract A model representing the effects of varying dietary crude protein (CP) levels on growth, survival, and reproductive success of collared peccaries is described, validated, and used to simulate population responses to selected environmental conditions. Behavior of the model on both individual and population levels is compared to available field data. At the individual level, predictions of body weight dynamics for juveniles and adults on varying CP diets compare favorably with similar data collected from captive animals. However, simulated individuals lose weight too rapidly when dietary CP remains at extremely low levels for extended periods of time. At the population level, predictions of herd size, herd structure (age-class distribution, sex ratio), seasonality of reproduction, and probability of survival exhibit trends generally similar to those observed among wild peccaries. Simulation of selected environmental conditions typical of south Texas, including a 12-month drought, and an 18-month wet period, suggests that changes in dietary CP can have a significant effect on population dynamics. Changes in juvenile survival rates are the most important factor influencing population responses to fluctuating nutritional conditions. The model relates variability in population recruitment to fluctuations in environmental conditions through the effect of diet quality on survival and reproductive performance of individuals. This approach to population modelling does not place the arbitrary density-dependent constraints on population dynamics that characterize many traditional population models. Rather, density-dependent population responses emerge as the result of ecological constraints on individuals.
Mobile Commerce Role Chain Model Based on Customer Value Perceived

Wireless communication and Internet services are converging to provide an unprecedented level of convenience for online shopping. Based on the review of value theory, especially on the newly research on the perceived value, the authors develop a framework that incorporates ten kinds of roles and three layers, as well as value chain. Because of the pervasiveness of perception criticality as an important characteristic of the mobile commerce, they also investigate the influence of consumers’ value consciousness. This study focuses on the perceived value of a new service delivery Model, presents the Mobile Commerce Value Chain Role Model. They reveal that the value perceptions, which in turn influence behavioral intentions of customers