cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The CLOSER: automating resource management in java

While automatic garbage collection has relieved programmers from manual memory management in Java-like languages, managing resources remains a considerable burden and a source of performance problems. In this paper, we present a novel technique for automatic resource management based on static approximation of resource lifetimes. Our source-to-source transformation tool, CLOSER, automatically transforms program code to guarantee that resources are properly disposed and handles arbitrary resource usage patterns. CLOSER generates code for directly disposing any resource whose lifetime can be statically determined; when this is not possible, CLOSER inserts conditional disposal code based on interest-reference counts that identify when the resource can be safely disposed. The programmer is only required to identify which types should be treated as resources, and what method to invoke to dispose each such resource. We successfully applied CLOSER on a moderate-sized graphics application that requires complex reasoning for resource management.
Infrared spectra of thiolane and tetramethylene sulfoxide adsorbed on montmorillonite

Infrared spectra (4000-1200 cm-1) were obtained for several homoionic montmorillonite films on which tetramethylene sulfoxide (TMSO) or thiolane were adsorbed at various temperatures and for different periods of exposure. The spectra indicate that the Na-, H-, and natural montmorillonite complexes contain a physically adsorbed species, whereas transition metal-montmorillonite complexes contain both physically adsorbed and metal-complexed species in their interlamellar spaces. Apparently, thiolane adsorbed on most montmorillonites undergoes oxidation to TMSO in an air atmosphere. Consistent with the mechanism proposed earlier for aqueous solutions, the rate of sulfoxide formation increases by increasing the pH of the suspensions from which the clay films were deposited or by increasing the concentration of the water molecules in the interlamellar spaces. The infrared spectra of γ-thiolactone adsorbed on Co-montmorillonites suggest that sulfoxide-type molecules are formed which chelate to the Co ions in the interlamellar spaces.
A Nonfeminizing Estrogen Analog Protects against Ethanol Withdrawal Toxicity in Immortalized Hippocampal Cells

We have shown that 17β-estradiol protects against ethanol withdrawal toxicity in rats. Here, we investigated whether a cellular model of ethanol withdrawal could be developed in a cultured hippocampal cell line (HT22) and whether an adamantyl-containing nonfeminizing estrogen analog, ZYC26 [(3-hydroxy-2-adamantyl(1)-4-methyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-17-one], protects against ethanol withdrawal toxicity. HT22 cells were exposed to ethanol (0–500 mM) for 24 h in the presence or absence of ZYC26 or 17β-estradiol. The ethanol solution was then removed from the cells for 4 h to create ethanol withdrawal. Samples were collected at the end of a 24-h ethanol exposure or at 4 h of ethanol withdrawal to assess cell viability using a calcein assay, lipid peroxidation by measuring malondialdehyde, and protein oxidation by measuring carbonyl contents. When tested, ethanol concentrations were constantly maintained during a 24-h ethanol exposure and eliminated at 4 h of ethanol withdrawal. Ethanol withdrawal decreased cell viability and increased the levels of malondialdehyde and carbonyls more than ethanol exposure. ZYC26 reduced the cell death and malondialdehyde levels at a lower dose (1 μM) than 17β-estradiol (10 μM). The increased carbonyl contents were reduced only by ZYC26 treatment. These data suggest that ethanol withdrawal can be created in HT22 cells in a manner that is more toxic than ethanol exposure and that ZYC26 is a more potent cytoprotectant than 17β-estradiol against cell death and oxidative damage induced by ethanol withdrawal. Therefore, ZYC26 can be a potential alternative estrogen therapy for a cellular and oxidative imbalance associated with ethanol withdrawal.
Hypnosis Delivered Through Immersive Virtual Reality for Burn Pain: A Clinical Case Series

This study is the first to use virtual-reality technology on a series of clinical patients to make hypnotic analgesia less effortful for patients and to increase the efficiency of hypnosis by eliminating the need for the presence of a trained clinician. This technologically based hypnotic induction was used to deliver hypnotic analgesia to burn-injury patients undergoing painful wound-care procedures. Pre- and postprocedure measures were collected on 13 patients with burn injuries across 3 days. In an uncontrolled series of cases, there was a decrease in reported pain and anxiety, and the need for opioid medication was cut in half. The results support additional research on the utility and efficacy of hypnotic analgesia provided by virtual reality hypnosis.
Cardiac arrest from inadvertent overdose of lidocaine hydrochloride through an arterial pressure line flush apparatus.

IMPLICATIONS An overdose of the antiarrhythmic drug, lidocaine hydrochloride, was inadvertently administered to a patient through an arterial pressure monitoring apparatus, resulting in cardiac asystole. This medication error demonstrates to all anesthesia care team members the importance of preventing similar occurrences.
Systematic pathway generation and sorting in martensitic transformations: Titanium α to ω

Martensitic phase transitions appear in a diverse range of natural and engineering material systems. Examination of the energetics and kinetics of the transformation requires an understanding of the atomic mechanism for the transformation. A systematic pathway generation and sorting algorithm is presented and applied to the problem of the titanium $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ to $\ensuremath{\omega}$ transformation under pressure. The transformation pathways are separated into strain and shuffle components. All pathways are constructed within energetically motivated strain and shuffle constraints, and efficiently sorted by their energy barriers. The geometry and symmetry details of the seven lowest energy barrier pathways are given. The lack of a single simple geometric criterion for determining the lowest energy pathway shows the necessity of atomistic studies for pathway determination. The general algorithm can determine the pathway for any martensitic transformation.
AlphaWolf: Social Learning, Emotion and Development in Autonomous Virtual Agents

We present research in synthetic social behavior for interactive virtual characters. We describe a model from the natural world, the gray wolf (Canis lupus), and the social behavior exhibited by packs of wolves, to use as the target for an interactive installation entitled AlphaWolf, which was shown at SIGGRAPH 2001. We offer a computational model that captures a subset of the social behavior of wild wolves, involving models of learning, emotion and development. There is a range of real-world applications of synthetic social behavior, from short-term possibilities such as autonomous characters for computer games, to long-term applications such as computer interfaces that can interact more appropriately with humans by utilizing human social abilities. Our research offers initial steps toward computational systems with social behavior, in hope of making interactions with them more functional and more inherently rewarding.
‘It’s just so much waste.’ A qualitative investigation of food waste in a universal free School Breakfast Program

Objective To understand stakeholders' perspectives on food waste in a universal free School Breakfast Program implementing a Breakfast in the Classroom model. Design Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were conducted with school district stakeholders. Inductive methods were used to code resulting transcripts, from which themes were identified. The analysis provides a thematic analysis of stakeholders' perspectives on food waste in the School Breakfast Program. Setting Ten elementary schools in a large urban school district implementing a universal free Breakfast in the Classroom model of the US national School Breakfast Program. Subjects Elementary-school students (n 85), parents (n 86), teachers (n 44), cafeteria managers (n 10) and school principals (n 10). Results Stakeholders perceived food waste as a problem and expressed concern regarding the amount of food wasted. Explanations reported for food waste included food-related (palatability and accessibility), child-related (taste preferences and satiation) and programme-related (duration, food service policies, and coordination) factors. Milk and fruit were perceived as foods particularly susceptible to waste. Several food waste mitigation strategies were identified by participants: saving food for later, actively encouraging children's consumption, assisting children with foods during mealtime, increasing staff support, serving smaller portion sizes, and composting and donating uneaten food. Conclusions Stakeholders recognized food waste as a problem, reported myriad contributing factors, and have considered and employed multiple and diverse mitigation strategies. Changes to the menu and/or implementation logistics, as well as efforts to use leftover food productively, may be possible strategies of reducing waste and improving the School Breakfast Program's economic, environmental and nutritional impact.
Multiplier Effect Of Micro Credit Investment Among Small Scale Poultry Agribusiness Entrepreneurs In Delta State, Nigeria

Financial injection, through credit program is expected to result in a proportional increase in saving and investment of beneficiaries. The multiplier measures the size of the carry-through effect of credit. It is important to investigate the multiplier effect of micro-credit so as to justify credit program in the poultry industry. This study was undertaken to examine the multiplier effect of micro credit among small scale poultry farmers in Delta State. A well structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from randomly selected sixty (60) poultry entrepreneurs. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and regression model. The study revealed that a 14% change in the consumption (expenditure) of the poultry entrepreneur correlated with income without obtaining micro credit. After obtaining micro credit, the consumption (expenditure) of the poultry entrepreneur increased by 62%. Also, it was revealed that 33% change in savings correlated with access to micro credit as against 6% save. The result revealed an overall multiplier effect of 72%. It was recommended among others that government and credit institutions should facilitate the delivery of micro credit to the rural poultry farmers to catalyse the growth in the poultry subsector. Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 15(3): 2012: page 29-32 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tare.v15i3.5253
Variable Hepatocellular Vacuolization Associated with Glycogen in Rabbits

Marked variation in hepatocellular vacuolization was present in New Zealand white rabbits used as controls in 28-day and 91-day percutaneous studies conducted at 5 different laboratories. Vacuoles in hepatocytes of alcohol-fixed and formalin-fixed livers contained periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive material which was removed with diastase digestion, indicating the presence of glycogen. The magnitude of hepatocyte vacuolization was subjectively assessed by light microscopy using 5 histologic grades. Quantitative measurements of hepatocyte perimeter and lobule radius for representative liver sections of each histologic grade corroborated the different grades used. Factors associated significantly with the degree of vacuolization were sex (females were affected more severely than males), body weight, relative liver weight, and the laboratory conducting the study. Also apparent were variations in mean severity of hepatocyte vacuolization between studies conducted at the same laboratory, and variation in severity of vacuolization within individual studies. Duration of the study and season had no significant association with the degree of vacuolization. Marked variation of hepatocellular vacuolization due to glycogen accumulation must be recognized when evaluating results of toxicity testing in rabbits.
A significant new systemic disease of net-pen reared chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) brood stock

Harrell, L.W., Elston, R.A., Scott, T.M. and Wilkinson, M.T., 1986. A significant new systemic disease of net-pen reared chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) brood stock. Aquacul­ ture, 55: 249-262. During an 8-month period in 1983 and 1984, over 80% mortality occurred in groups of 3-year­ old chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) brood stock which were being cultured in net­ pens in Puget Sound, Washington. Despite thorough pathological and microbiological examina­ tion, these losses could not be attributed to known pathogens or poor nutrition. All sick fish were anemic with a marked lymphocytosis. The kidneys and spleens were enlarged at necropsy. Both light- and electron-microscopic examination ofspleen and kidney tissue revealed numerous intra­ cellular 3-7-flID. spherical organisms with histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics sug­ gesting that they had affinities to marine algae or fungi. The laboratory and field observations indicate that the disease reported here is a previously unknown and significant infectious disease ofchinook salmon. Furthermore, this is the first report of a systemic disease of fish caused by an apparently obligate intracellular eukaryotic pathogen. The presumptive causative micro-organism was descriptively termed the chinook salmon rosette agent.
Association Between NCAP Ratings and Real-World Rear Seat Occupant Risk of Injury.

Objective: Several studies have evaluated the correlation between U.S. or Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) ratings and injury risk to front seat occupants, in particular driver injuries. Conversely, little is known about whether NCAP 5-star ratings predict real-world risk of injury to restrained rear seat occupants. The NHTSA has identified rear seat occupant protection as a specific area under consideration for improvements to its NCAP. In order to inform NHTSA's efforts, we examined how NCAP's current 5-star rating system predicts risk of moderate or greater injury among restrained rear seat occupants in real-world crashes.Methods: We identified crash-involved vehicles, model year 2004–2013, in NASS-CDS (2003–2012) with known make and model and nonmissing occupant information. We manually matched these vehicles to their NCAP star ratings using data on make, model, model year, body type, and other identifying information. The resultant linked NASS-CDS and NCAP database was analyzed to examine assoc...
Reverse mathematics and $\Pi_{2}^{1}$ comprehension

We initiate the reverse mathematics of general topology. We show that a certain metrization theorem is equivalent to Π1 2 comprehension. An MF space is defined to be a topological space of the form MF(P) with the topology generated by {N p ∣ p ϵ P}. Here P is a poset, MF(P) is the set of maximal filters on P, and N p = {F ϵ MF(P) ∣ p ϵ F }. If the poset P is countable, the space MF(P) is said to be countably based. The class of countably based MF spaces can be defined and discussed within the subsystem ACA0 of second order arithmetic. One can prove within ACA0 that every complete separable metric space is homeomorphic to a countably based MF space which is regular. We show that the converse statement, “every countably based MF space which is regular is homeomorphic to a complete separable metric space,” is equivalent to . The equivalence is proved in the weaker system . This is the first example of a theorem of core mathematics which is provable in second order arithmetic and implies Π1 2 comprehension.
Graph-Based Unsupervised Learning of Word Similarities Using Heterogeneous Feature Types

In this work, we propose a graph-based approach to computing similarities between words in an unsupervised manner, and take advantage of heterogeneous feature types in the process. The approach is based on the creation of two separate graphs, one for words and one for features of different types (alignmentbased, orthographic, etc.). The graphs are connected through edges that link nodes in the feature graph to nodes in the word graph, the edge weights representing the importance of a particular feature for a particular word. High quality graphs are learned during training, and the proposed method outperforms experimental baselines.
Peter Fishburn’s analysis of ambiguity

In ordinary discourse the term ambiguity typically refers to vagueness or imprecision in a natural language. Among decision theorists, however, this term usually refers to imprecision in an individual’s probabilistic judgments, in the sense that the available evidence is consistent with more than one probability distribution over possible states of the world. Avoiding a prior commitment to either of these interpretations, Fishburn has explored ambiguity as a primitive concept, in terms of what he calls an ambiguity measure a on the power set \(2^{\Omega }\) of a finite set \(\Omega \), characterized by five axioms. We prove, in purely set-theoretic terms, that if \(\lambda \) is a so-called necessity measure on \(2^{\Omega }\) and \(\upsilon \) is its associated possibility measure, then \(a=\upsilon -\lambda \) is an ambiguity measure. When \(\Omega \) is construed as a set of possible exemplars of a vague predicate \(\phi \), then \(\lambda \) and \(\upsilon \) may be regarded as arising from a fuzzy membership function f on \(\Omega \), where \(f(\omega )\) designates the degree to which \(\phi \) is applicable to \(\omega \). In this case a(A) represents the degree to which the partition \(\{A,A^{c}\}\) differentiates members of \(\Omega \) with respect to the predicate \(\phi \). When \(\Omega \) is construed as a set of possible states of the world, a necessity measure may be regarded as a very special type of lower probability known as a consonant belief function, and a possibility measure as its associated upper probability, whence a(A) represents the degree of imprecision in the pair \((\lambda ,\upsilon )\) with respect to the event A. Fishburn’s axioms are thus consistent with an interpretation of ambiguity as linguistic vagueness, as well as (a very special sort of) probabilistic imprecision.
Using The Monopoly Board Game As An Efficient Tool In Introductory Financial Accounting Instruction

This paper discusses the use of the Monopoly board game as a tool to contrast the concept of income from an economic perspective with the financial accounting (GAAP) concept of income. This approach is used in a principles of accounting course to make more efficient use of time in an environment where only one academic term is devoted to presenting basic financial accounting concepts. The use of an engaging and unusual medium early in the principles course helps students build confidence and provides positive reinforcement of understanding in a course that undergraduate business students do not always enjoy. The board game medium allows for a simple presentation of some of the differences in economic and accounting definitions of income. Further, it provides a familiar economic simulation of business activity that saves time in demonstrating the value of accounting information from the users perspective.
Once-daily aminoglycosides.

Our conclusion about toxicity related to once-daily aminoglycosides was meant, in a broad sense, to convey that higher doses administered at longer intervals have the potential to reduce toxicity. We did not intend to imply that the risk of any specific form of toxicity may be reduced. In the
New Formulation of Compressive Strength of Preformed-Foam Cellular Concrete: An Evolutionary Approach

AbstractIn the present study, new empirical models are derived to predict the compressive strength of preformed foam cellular concrete using volumetric and weighted approaches. The proposed models ...
Laser speckle micro-rheology for biomechanical evaluation of breast tumors(Conference Presentation)

The stiffness of the extra cellular matrix (ECM) is recognized as a key regulator of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Therefore technologies that quantify ECM stiffness with micro-scale scale resolution will likely provide important insights into neoplastic progression. Laser Speckle Micro-Rheology (LSM) is a novel optical tool for measuring tissue viscoelastic properties with micro-scale resolution. In LSM, speckle images are collected through an objective lens by a high-speed camera. Spatio-temporal correlation analysis of speckle frames yields the intensity autocorrelation function, g2(t), for each pixel, and subsequently a 2D map of viscoelastic modulus, G*(ω) is reconstructed. Here, we investigate the utility of LSM for micro-mechanical evaluation of the ECM in human breast lesions. Specimens collected 18 women undergoing lumpectomy or mastectomy were evaluated with LSM. Because collagen is the key protein associated with ECM stiffness, G*(ω) maps obtained from LSM were compared with collagen content measured by second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Regions of low G*(ω), identified by LSM, corresponded to low-intensity SHG signal and adipose tissue. Likewise, regions with high G*(ω) in LSM images matched high intensity SHG signal caused by desmoplastic collagen accumulation. Quantitative regression analysis demonstrated a strong, statistically significant correlation between G*(ω) and SHG signal intensity (R=0.66 p< 0.01). These findings highlight the capability of LSM for quantifying the ECM micro-mechanics, potentially providing important insights into the biomechanical regulators of breast cancer progression.
Cooperation in an Uncertain World: For the Maasai of East Africa, Need-Based Transfers Outperform Account-Keeping in Volatile Environments.

Using an agent-based model to study risk-pooling in herder dyads using rules derived from Maasai osotua (“umbilical cord”) relationships, Aktipis et al. (2011) found that osotua transfers led to more risk-pooling and better herd survival than both no transfers and transfers that occurred at frequencies tied to those seen in the osotua simulations. Here we expand this approach by comparing osotua-style transfers to another type of livestock transfer among Maasai known as esile (“debt”). In osotua, one asks if in need, and one gives in response to such requests if doing so will not threaten one’s own survival. In esile relationships, accounts are kept and debts must be repaid. We refer to these as “need-based” and “account-keeping” systems, respectively. Need-based transfers lead to more risk pooling and higher survival than account keeping. Need-based transfers also lead to greater wealth equality and are game theoretically dominant to account-keeping rules.
Design and Simulation of 4nd Source Low-passed Filter based on Multisim

Filter is the circuit which has a selective for the frequency of signals,its function is to make a specific range of frequency through.Source filter is widely used for information processing and data transmission circuit.Based on the analysis of principle of 2nd Source low-passed filter,by using the Scheme of cascading two 2nd source low-passed filter and the method of examining the table,the 4nd source low-passed filter based on Butterworth is designed.By using the oscilloscope and Bode plotter in Multisim,the AC Features of this Filter was Simulated,and the simulation results were analyzed,it's AC features met with theory design and has certain reference value.
Introduction: Medical Significance of H. pylori.

Until the discovery of Helicobacter pylori in 1982, the normal human stomach was generally considered to be sterile, or transiently populated by oropharyngeal bacteria carried there by peristalsis. However, we now know that from one-third to one-half of the human population carries H. pylori, and that once infected, most persons remain infected for decades, if not for life (1).
Prominent Vascular and Perivascular Eosinophilic Infiltrates Heralding CNS Mycosis Fungoides

Brain parenchymal involvement of mycosis fungoides (MF) is very rare. This study reports a patient with known cutaneous MF (under treatment) who presented with a CNS syndrome and multiple brain lesions. Brain biopsy demonstrated massive eosinophilic infiltrates but no MF cells. Despite treatment, new lesions developed and the patient died. At autopsy, there was massive involvement MF cells, suggesting that the eosinophilic infiltrates presaged the severe involvement of the CNS by MF.
Parallels in the Organization of Auditory and Visual Systems in Crocodiles

Vertebrates are thought to have had a unimodal origin; that is, they are thought to have arisen only once in time (Romer, 1966). Therefore, all vertebrate nervous systems should exhibit certain features in common which reflect their common genetic inheritance. Indeed, at a certain level of examination this appears to be the case. Thus all vertebrate brains that have been examined reveal the same gross brain regions: prosencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon. Furthermore, additional subdivisions such as the telencephalon and optic tectum can readily be identified in all vertebrates. Soon, however, a point is reached where clear-cut divisions are not obvious. For example, the dorsal division of the lateral geniculate nucleus, which is easily identified in many mammals because of its striking pattern of lamination, may or may not be present in other vertebrate classes. Therefore, one task for comparative vertebrate neuroanatomy is to identify and describe which neuronal aggregates and neural circuits are or are not present in various vertebrates. This approach, which will document similarities as well as differences, requires comparison of similar findings not only in other members of a particular class but also in species in other vertebrate classes. In this manner, similarities may reveal basic features of neural organization common to all vertebrate central nervous systems whereas differences may reveal important aspects or trends in the evolution of vertebrate nervous systems.
The Ayurvedic plant Bacopa monnieri inhibits inflammatory pathways in the brain

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Bacopa monnieri (L) Wettst (common name, bacopa) is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine of India, as a nootropic. It is considered to be a “medhya rasayana”, an herb that sharpens the mind and the intellect. Bacopa is an important ingredient in many Ayurvedic herbal formulations designed to treat conditions such as memory loss, anxiety, poor cognition and loss of concentration. It has also been used in Ayurveda to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. In modern biomedical studies, bacopa has been shown in animal models to inhibit the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. However, less is known regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of Bacopa in the brain. Aim of the study The current study examines the ability of Bacopa to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from microglial cells, the immune cells of the brain that participate in inflammation in the CNS. The effect of Bacopa on signaling enzymes associated with CNS inflammatory pathways was also studied. Materials and methods Various extracts of Bacopa were prepared and examined in the N9 microglial cell line in order to determine if they inhibited the release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Extracts were also tested in cell free assays as inhibitors of caspase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (enzymes associated with inflammation) and caspase-3, which has been shown to cleave protein Tau, an early event in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Results The tea, infusion, and alkaloid extracts of bacopa, as well as Bacoside A significantly inhibited the release of TNF-α and IL-6 from activated N9 microglial cells in vitro. In addition, the tea, infusion, and alkaloid extracts of Bacopa effectively inhibited caspase 1 and 3, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 in the cell free assay. Conclusions Bacopa inhibits the release of inflammatory cytokines from microglial cells and inhibits enzymes associated with inflammation in the brain. Thus, Bacopa can limit inflammation in the CNS, and offers a promising source of novel therapeutics for the treatment of many CNS disorders.
Electrode impedance in neurophysiologic recordings : 1. Theory and intrinsic contributions to noise

ABSTRACT.The theory behind common and differential mode signals, thermal noise, input voltage and input current noise, 1/f noise, and “popcorn” noise is discussed and the results applied to in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings. Intrinsic noise in EEG and evoked potential paradigms was examined as a function of frequency, total electrode impedance, electrode impedance imbalance, and electrode type. It was demonstrated that electrode impedance may be much less important than other electrode properties in determining intrinsic noise levels. Dramatic increases in intrinsic noise levels below 1 Hz are demonstrated, both with real electrodes and pure resistances. Real electrodes, however, show much more rapid noise increase with decreasing frequency, probably as a result of complex electrochemical processes at the electrode-solution interface. From a practical perspective, although the noise levels in electrodes are much lower than the signal in human EEG, studies pursuing small changes in the E...
Lulac v. Perry : The Frumious Gerry-Mander, Rampant

Election law is the infrastructure of representative democracy, and hence the basis for most other law. In this most fundamental of fields, this is the story of the case with everything. Absconding officials. Abuses of power. Ethical malfeasance. Alleged theft. Midnight legislation. Partisan bloodletting. Political revenge. Entitled incumbents. Procedural hijinks. Marginalized minorities. Willie Nelson. Misdirection. Whistleblowing. Primaries. Coalitions. Polarization. Retrogression. Preclearance. Discrimination. Redistricting. Re-redistricting. Race. Party. Power. Voice.LULAC v. Perry is about a fight over a few election districts in Texas. And it is a fight about so very much more. This chapter tells the story of the salacious political and legal battle, including a Supreme Court victory by an advocate arguing her first appellate case in any forum, on behalf of clients most observers had entirely ignored. In accessible terms, it helps to explain the way that the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution do and do not constrain politics. The chapter even presents a new understanding of the theory behind the Court’s redistricting cases. No experience is required. But you might want a seatbelt.Professors who are feeling unkind contemplate giving the fact pattern of LULAC as a final exam. The case is one part democratic theory, one part institutional turf war, one part action-adventure.Once upon a time . . .
The Geometry of Estimating Functions in the Presence of Nuisance Parameters 1

The paper studies the geometry of estimating functions in the presence of nuisance parameters. The basic technique involves an idea of orthogonal projection first introduced by Small and McLeish (1989, 1991, 1992, 1994) in this context. The three main topics are : (A) globally optimal estimating functons; (B) locally optimal estimating functions; (C) conditionally optimal estimating functions. A general result is derived in each case. As special cases, we extend and unify some of the results already available in the literature. In particular, as special cases of our result on globally optimal estimating functions, we find the results of Godambe and Thompson (1974) and Godambe (1976) with nuisance parameters. We provide also a geometric interpretation of conditional and marginal inference of Bhapkar (1989, 1991) and Lloyd (1987) . As application of our result on locally optimal estimating functions, Godambe's (1985) result on optimal estimating functions for stochastic processes is extended to nuisance par...
The Role of the bZip Protein Bach2 in Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) T Lymphocytes.

Abstract Graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurring after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is mediated by donor T cell alloreactivity against major and minor histocompatibility antigens presented by recipient antigen presenting cells (APC). Clinical reports identify that umbilical cord blood (UCB) elicits reduced incidence and severity of GVHD due to reduced cytokine production. Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT1) plays a pivotal role in the transcription of cytokine genes and other immune responses. NFAT1 regulates the expression of cytokine genes through direct interaction with AP-1 (Fos/Jun, basic-lucine zipper bZip proteins). NFAT1 and AP-1 cooperatively bind to a 15-bp DNA that contains both NFAT1 and AP-1 sites. We used Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays to compare gene expression of primary purified CD4+ UCB T-cells to adult peripheral blood CD4+ T-cells (AB) at baseline, 6, and 16 hours after primary stimulation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28. NFAT-regulated genes exhibited lower expression in UCB CD4+ T-cells including: GM-CSF, IFN- g, TNF-a, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL- 2R (CD 25). In addition, AP-1 (Fos/Jun) did not show a significant change. However, Bach2, an 841- amino-acid-residue containing bZip protein, did show a significant increase in UCB CD4+ T-cells. Previous reports identify from the crystal structure of the quaternary complex of NFAT1/AP-1/DNA (Chen et al., Nature 1998) that NFAT1 is in contact with the lucine zipper region of AP-1 while the basic region of AP-1 binds to the DNA site at TGTTTCA. The amino-acid residues that make contact with DNA in the bZip regions of Jun and Fos are highly conserved in the Jun and Fos families. These amino acid residues are also 100% conserved in the human and mouse Bach2. The high similarity of DNA-contacting amino-acid residues between Bach2 and AP-1 strongly suggests that Bach2 and AP-1 may bind to the same DNA site. We hypothesize that Bach2 may act as a transcriptional repressor of cytokine genes due to the fact that increased Bach2 in UCB may compete with AP-1 for same DNA binding site, which in turn may partly block the interaction of NFAT1 with AP-1 and the expression of cytokine genes in UCB. We are currently pursuing this hypothesis. Ongoing studies are to confirm whether the protein levels of Bach2 and AP-1 are different in UCB compared to with AB CD4+ T-cells. This includes using gel-shift assays in vitro to test Bach2 binding to the DNA site of AP-1 as well as to test potential competitive binding of Bach2 and AP-1 to the same DNA site.
El ser ahí de la vulnerabilidad y la potencia política de la eticidad performativa. Una lectura de Judith Butler en clave hegeliana

Este ensayo pretende enfocar el trasfondo hegeliano clave para entender algunas posiciones de Judith Butler acerca de la subjetividad y el derecho universal a la ciudadania, discutiendo algunos de sus escritos mas recientes relacionados con manifestaciones y concentraciones populares y la ocupacion del espacio publico. Me ocupare en primer lugar del intento de Butler de esbozar un nuevo marco de reconocimiento en clave hegeliana, capaz de denunciar toda violencia etica y de fundar algo asi como una "vida etica performativa". En segundo lugar, me centrare en la conexion entre la identidad narrativa del yo y la estetica del ser ahi [ thereness ] delimitada por la teoria de la performatividad politica de Butler. Por ultimo, me referire a la reivindicacion de esta autora de la existencia de una comunidad corporal "no elegida" y "pre-contractual" que desafia la politica denunciando la produccion neoliberal de la precariedad y rechazando la desatencion a la humanidad y dignidad de todos los seres humanos.
Are Supreme Court Nominations a Move-the-Median Game? – ERRATUM

The above paper (Cameron, C.M. and Kastellec, J.P. 2016) was published with a few errors. Figure 2 and some accompanying text is incorrect. These errors do not affect the discussion of the predicted locations of nominee ideology—instead, the published version sometimes characterizes nominees as moving-the-median when in fact they do not (they also do not affect any of the empirical tests in the article). This mischaracterization occurs for the position-taking senators and mixed-motivations model—for the court-outcome and nearly court-outcome models, Figure 2 and the accompanying text are unchanged. We regret the errors.
An Actor's Knowledge and Intent Are More Important in Evaluating Moral Transgressions Than Conventional Transgressions

An actor's mental states-whether she acted knowingly and with bad intentions-typically play an important role in evaluating the extent to which an action is wrong and in determining appropriate levels of punishment. In four experiments, we find that this role for knowledge and intent is significantly weaker when evaluating transgressions of conventional rules as opposed to moral rules. We also find that this attenuated role for knowledge and intent is partly due to the fact that conventional rules are judged to be more arbitrary than moral rules; whereas moral transgressions are associated with actions that are intrinsically wrong (e.g., hitting another person), conventional transgressions are associated with actions that are only contingently wrong (e.g., wearing pajamas to school, which is only wrong if it violates a dress code that could have been otherwise). Finally, we find that it is the perpetrator's belief about the arbitrary or non-arbitrary basis of the rule-not the reality-that drives this differential effect of knowledge and intent across types of transgressions.
"Connecting the Dots": A Qualitative Study of Home Health Nurse Perspectives on Coordinating Care for Recently Discharged Patients.

In 2012, nearly one-third of adults 65 years or older with Medicare discharged to home after hospitalization were referred for home health care (HHC) services. Care coordination between the hospital and HHC is frequently inadequate and may contribute to medication errors and readmissions. Insights from HHC nurses could inform improvements to care coordination. To describe HHC nurse perspectives about challenges and solutions to coordinating care for recently discharged patients. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with six focus groups of HHC nurses and staff (n = 56) recruited from six agencies in Colorado. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a mixed deductive/inductive approach to theme analysis with a team-based iterative method. HHC nurses described challenges and solutions within domains of Accountability, Communication, Assessing Needs & Goals, and Medication Management. One additional domain of Safety, for both patients and HHC nurses, emerged from the analysis. Within each domain, solutions for improving care coordination included the following: 1) Accountability—hospital physicians willing to manage HHC orders until primary care follow-up, potential legislation allowing physician assistants and nurse practitioners to write HHC orders; 2) Communication—enhanced access to hospital records and direct telephone lines for HHC; 3) Assessing Needs & Goals—liaisons from HHC agencies meeting with patients in hospital; 4) Medication Management—HHC coordinating directly with clinician or pharmacist to resolve discrepancies; and 5) Safety—HHC nurses contributing non-reimbursable services for patients, and ensuring that cognitive and behavioral health information is shared with HHC. In an era of shared accountability for patient outcomes across settings, solutions for improving care coordination with HHC are needed. Efforts to improve care coordination with HHC should focus on clearly defining accountability for orders, enhanced communication, improved alignment of expectations for HHC between clinicians and patients, a focus on reducing medication discrepancies, and prioritizing safety for both patients and HHC nurses.
Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy for Cancer Provides Oncologic Outcomes and Overall Survival Identical to Open Distal Pancreatectomy.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has been shown to provide short-term clinical outcomes similar to open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for patients with benign tumors. Our aim was to better define oncologic outcomes and long-term survival profiles following LDP for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We queried the National Cancer Database to identify patients with pathologic stage I–III PDAC who underwent distal pancreatectomy between 2010 and 2013. Logistic regression was performed to examine predictors of oncologic outcomes. Cox modeling was used for survival analysis and to estimate median overall survival (OS). One thousand five hundred fifty-four patients were included in the analysis. Patients undergoing LDP and ODP demonstrated identical probabilities of an adequate lymph node sampling and 90-day mortality. Those undergoing LDP demonstrated an increased probability of margin-negative resection (OR 1.78, CI 1.25–2.52) and a decreased probability of a prolonged hospital stay (OR 0.55, CI 0.32–0.95) or readmission (OR 0.56, CI 0.33–0.95) relative to those undergoing ODP. There was no difference in OS between groups (29.6 vs. 23.8 months, p = 0.10). LDP is an effective modality for managing resectable cancer in the pancreatic body and tail. LDP provides short-term oncologic outcomes and long-term OS rates identical to those for ODP while affording an accelerated recovery.
Importance of feed recirculation for the overall energy consumption in membrane distillation systems

Abstract Membrane distillation (MD) has received significant interest for treating high salinity wastewaters, particularly when reverse osmosis is not feasible. MD has low single pass water recovery, which necessitates feed recirculation to achieve a desired overall water recovery. Feed recirculation increases turbulence in the feed channel to reduce polarization effects and membrane fouling. However, it increases the thermal and electrical energy requirements of the system. This study emphasizes the importance of recirculation and demonstrates its impact on the energy consumption of MD, which can be an order of magnitude greater when compared with calculations based on a single pass recovery. For instance, an increase in water recovery in a DCMD module from 10 to 50% for a feed solution containing 100 g/L of NaCl would increase the required recycle ratio by 633% (i.e., from 3 to 22) with a corresponding increase in thermal energy required to heat the recycle stream by 556% (i.e., from 39 to 256 kWh/m3 of feed). While the electrical energy required for feed recirculation is only a few percent of thermal energy requirements, it may be a significant factor when considering the overall life cycle impacts of the MD process.
Initial Right Ventricular Dysfunction Severity Identifies Severe Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Phenotype With Worse Early and Overall Outcomes: A 24-Year Cohort Study.

Background Outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) vary. We sought to determine whether severity of left or right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) at PPCM diagnosis differentially associates with adverse outcomes. Methods and Results We conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of 53 patients with PPCM. The primary outcome was a composite of left ventricular assist device implantation, cardiac transplantation, or death. We used Kaplan‐Meier curves to examine event‐free survival and Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction Conclusions Initial moderate‐to‐severe RVD is associated with a more advanced cardiomyopathy phenotype and increased risk of adverse outcomes in PPCM, within and beyond the first year of diagnosis. By identifying a worse PPCM phenotype, initial moderate‐to‐severe RVD may prompt earlier consideration of advanced heart replacement therapies.
Chemistry in Ionomers

The chemistry of transition metals incorporated in ionomers based on perfluoroethylene sulfonic acid (Nafion, PFSA) and polystyrene sulfonic acid (SPS or PSSA) materials is explored. Their formation, dehydration and reactions with gaseous molecules are illustrated by spectroscopic studies of metal-gas product moieties and reactive intermediates, such as metal carbonyls and hydrides, and by the formation of dispersed metal particles in the ionomers. The use of metal-containing ionomers as catalysts is illustrated by the role of Rh, Ru and Pt - containing ionomers in the CO oxidation reaction.
The problem of bias when nursing facility staff administer customer satisfaction surveys.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Customer satisfaction instruments are being used with increasing frequency to assess and monitor residents' assessments of quality of care in nursing facilities. There is no standard protocol, however, for how or by whom the instruments should be administered when anonymous, written responses are not feasible. Researchers often use outside interviewers to assess satisfaction, but cost considerations may limit the extent to which facilities are able to hire outside interviewers on a regular basis. This study was designed to investigate the existence and extent of any bias caused by staff administering customer satisfaction surveys. Methods Customer satisfaction data were collected in 1998 from 265 residents in 21 nursing facilities in North Dakota. Half the residents in each facility were interviewed by staff members and the other half by outside consultants; scores were compared by interviewer type. In addition to a tabulation of raw scores, ordinary least-squares analysis with facility fixed effects was used to control for resident characteristics and unmeasured facility-level factors that could influence scores. Results Significant positive bias was found when staff members interviewed residents. The bias was not limited to questions directly affecting staff responsibilities but applied across all types of issues. The bias was robust under varying constructions of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Discussion A uniform method of survey administration appears to be important if satisfaction data are to be used to compare facilities. Bias is an important factor that should be considered and weighed against the costs of obtaining outside interviewers when assessing customer satisfaction among long term care residents.
Sminthopsis crassicaudata (Fat-tailed marsupial mouse)

Every pair of chromosomes can be unequivocally identified. The karyotypes are gifts of Dr. David L. Hayman, University of Adelaide, South Australia.
Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Foreign Language

Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning of Chinese as a Foreign Language provides new and experienced teachers of Chinese with a timely review and evaluation of the use of technology in the language classroom. The book draws from Second Language Acquisition theories and empirical studies to demonstrate the use of technologies in facilitating language learning. With a strong practical and pedagogical focus, this is an ideal resource for current and prospective teachers of Chinese as a Foreign Language. Key features include: Demonstration and analysis of technologies in use Principles and methods to evaluate instructional technologies Summary tables presenting the key functions of each technology tool Online resources include up-to-date information on new technologies and tools to address the ever-changing nature of the topic.
Insertion of Molecular Oxygen into the Metal–Methyl Bonds of Platinum(II) and Palladium(II) 1,3-Bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindolate Complexes

Upon exposure of [(BPI)M(CH3)] (M = Pd, Pt, BPI = 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindole) complexes to O2, direct insertion was observed to generate the O2 insertion products (BPI)M(OOCH3). Kinetic and mechanistic analyses of the O2 insertion reaction support a radical chain substitution mechanism. Reproducible kinetics were observed in the presence of a radical initiator. The release of methanol was subsequently observed from the M–OOCH3 products.