cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis by 2′,5′-Oligoadenylate Activation of RNase L Is Enhanced by IFN-β

The 2′,5′-oligoadenylate (2-5A) system is an interferon (IFN)-regulated RNA decay pathway that provides innate immunity against viral infections. The biologic action of the 2-5A system is mediated by RNase L, an endoribonuclease that becomes enzymatically active after binding to 2-5A. RNase L is also implicated in mediating apoptosis in response to both viral and nonviral inducers. To study the cellular effects of RNase L activation directly, 2-5A was transfected into the human ovarian cancer cell line, Hey1B. Activation of RNase L by 2-5A resulted in specific 18S rRNA cleavage and induction of apoptosis, as measured by TUNEL and annexin V binding assays. In contrast, the dimeric form of 2-5A, ppA2′p5′A, neither activated RNase L nor caused apoptosis. Treatment with IFN-β prior to 2-5A transfection enhanced cellular RNase L levels (≤ 2.2-fold) and increased the proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis (by ≤40%). However, rRNA cleavages after 2-5A transfections were not enhanced by IFN-β pretreatments, ind...
Multiple isomers of uracil-water complexes: infrared spectroscopy in helium nanodroplets.

Infrared laser spectroscopy is used to show that four structural isomers of the uracil–water binary complex are formed in helium nanodroplets. The assignment of the infrared spectra is aided by measurements of vibrational transition moment angles (VTMAs) for various vibrational modes of these complexes. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with ab initio calculations, which had previously predicated the existence of the same four isomers. The results suggest that the relative abundances of the various isomers formed in helium droplets have more to do with the widths of the valleys in the potential surface that funnel into a particular local minimum than on the associated energetics.
Postarrest Release Decisions An Empirical Examination of Social and Legal Criteria

This paper examines the influence of social and legal factors on postarrest decisions to release burglary arrestees prior to trial. The data were derived from a crime specific burglary program sponsored by the California Council on Criminal Justice during the period April 1972 to May 1973. Character istics of apprehended burglary offenders include such demographic informa tion as age, race, sex, number of crime partners involved in the incident, and the distance from the offender's residence to place of occurrence. Legal fac tors focus upon an offender's previous criminal history, including prior bur glary record, prior drug record, and the like. Applying the technique of pre dictive attribute analysis, the research focuses upon the importance of the above characteristics with regard to postarrest dispositions.
On self-sustained oscillations in two-dimensional compressible flow over rectangular cavities

Numerical simulations are used to investigate the resonant instabilities in two-dimensional flow past an open cavity. The compressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved directly (no turbulence model) for cavities with laminar boundary layers upstream. The computational domain is large enough to directly resolve a portion of the radiated acoustic field, which is shown to be in good visual agreement with schlieren photographs from experiments at several different Mach numbers. The results show a transition from a shear-layer mode, primarily for shorter cavities and lower Mach numbers, to a wake mode for longer cavities and higher Mach numbers. The shear-layer mode is characterized well by the acoustic feedback process described by Rossiter (1964), and disturbances in the shear layer compare well with predictions based on linear stability analysis of the Kelvin–Helmholtz mode. The wake mode is characterized instead by a large-scale vortex shedding with Strouhal number independent of Mach number. The wake mode oscillation is similar in many ways to that reported by Gharib & Roshko (1987) for incompressible flow with a laminar upstream boundary layer. Transition to wake mode occurs as the length and/or depth of the cavity becomes large compared to the upstream boundary-layer thickness, or as the Mach and/or Reynolds numbers are raised. Under these conditions, it is shown that the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability grows to sufficient strength that a strong recirculating flow is induced in the cavity. The resulting mean flow is similar to wake profiles that are absolutely unstable, and absolute instability may provide an explanation of the hydrodynamic feedback mechanism that leads to wake mode. Predictive criteria for the onset of shear-layer oscillations (from steady flow) and for the transition to wake mode are developed based on linear theory for amplification rates in the shear layer, and a simple model for the acoustic efficiency of edge scattering.
The Spanish Civil War

Best-selling author of Stalingrad A comprehensive history of one of the most fiercely fought ideological wars of modern times
Weitere Evidenz für die mikroskopische Gleichzeitigkeit des Bruches zweier Bindungen bei einer E2-Reaktion: H-Isotopeneffekte und Substituentenwirkungen bei der Reaktion von 2,2-Diphenyläthyl-benzolsulfonat mit Methoxid-Ion

Second order rate constants are determined for the E2 reactions of 2,2-diphenyl-ethyl benzenesulfonates Ph2CxHCH2O · O2S–C6H4–X with CH3ONa in methyl cellosolve solution (xH = H or D, X = p-CH3O, p-CH3, H or p-NO2). The HAMMETT ∂ values are of the same order of magnitude as those found in the first order solvolyses of methyl, ethyl or isopropyl benzenesulfonates. The primary deuterium isotope effects kH/kD are 5.27, 5.42 and 6.70 for X = p-CH3O, H and p-NO2. The ∂ values as well as the increase of kH/kD with introduction of p-NO2 supply evidence for simultaneous CαO and CβH bond cleavages also in the E2 reactions of these compounds.
Oncolytic adenovirus for imaging and treatment of pancreatic cancer

s / Pancreatology 13 (2013) e1–e94 e22 Methods:We assembled an islet isolation laboratory within a large operating room where the pancreatectomies were performed. This consisted of a hooded workstation (Labconco Class II Type A2), a centrifuge (Beckman Coulter Allegra 25R), and an islet isolation system (BiorepRicordi Islet Isolator) comparable to thoseused in thestandard laboratorysetting.Apancreatectomy was performed with immediate isolation of the islets within the operating room. As soon as the islets were suspended in the final preparation solution, they were infused into the portal venous system. The gastrojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomywereperformedduring the intraoperative islet isolation. Results: We report 8 patients who underwent successful intraoperative islet isolation with reinfusion over an 8-month period (8/2011 – 4/2012). Mean total operative time was 8.8 hrs (range 7.3 13 hrs). Mean islet equivalent (IEQ) yield was 707,235 islets (range 250,000-1,400,000 islets). Of these, 88% (7/8) are producing C peptide. Conclusion:We describe the first report of a totally intraoperative islet isolation series, which eliminates the time, cost and risk of processing the gland in a separate remote laboratory. Intraoperative islet isolation resulted in comparable islet yield to that described with utilization of a remote laboratory. The transplanted islets using this novel technique had a good functional outcome.
Enzymatic amplification staining for flow cytometric analysis of cell surface molecules.

Background Flow cytometric analysis is a powerful technique for the single cell assessment of cell surface expression of selected molecules. The major deficiency of flow cytometry has been its relative insensitivity. Only molecules expressed in abundance have been readily observed. Methods We have developed an enzymatic amplification procedure for the analysis of cell surface molecules by flow cytometry. Transformed and nontransformed cells expressing MHC class I, CD5, CD3, CD4, CD6, CD7, CD34, CD45, MHC class II, Fas ligand, and phosphatidylserine were assessed. Results Our enzymatic amplification technology increased the fluorescence signal between 10 and 100-fold for all surface molecules tested. Conclusions Enzymatic amplification staining produces a significant enhancement in the resolving power of flow cytometric analysis of cell surface molecules. Using this technique, we have been able to detect the presence of molecules that could not be observed by the standard procedure. Cytometry 40:81–85, 2000 © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison of cardiac troponin T versus creatine kinase-mb for risk stratification in a chest pain evaluation unit

We evaluated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) for risk stratification of chest pain unit (CPU) patients. We studied 383 consecutive patients with chest pain assigned to our CPU by emergency department physicians. At baseline all had normal or nondiagnostic electrocardiograms, no high-risk clinical features, and negative CK/CK-MB. CK-MB and electrocardiograms were taken at 0, 4, 8, and 12 hours and cTnT at 0, 4, and 8 hours. Eight patients (2.1%) were CK-MB positive and 39 (10.2%) were cTnT positive, including all but 1 CK-MB-positive patient. All marker-positive patients were detected by 8 hours. Seven cTnT-positive patients and 1 cTnT-negative patient had myocardial infarction (p <0.0001). cTnT-positive patients were older, less likely to be women or smokers, and more often had diabetes mellitus or known coronary disease (CAD). Seventy-one percent of patients underwent diagnostic testing. cTnT-positive patients more often underwent angiography (46% vs 20%) and underwent stress testing less often (28% vs 57%) than cTnT-negative patients. When performed, their stress tests were more often positive (46% vs 14%) and they more often had angiographically significant lesions (89% vs 49%) and multivessel disease (67% vs 29%). There were no short-term deaths. Long-term mortality was higher in cTnT-positive patients (27% vs 7%, p <0.0001). Thus, cTnT identified more CPU patients with myocardial necrosis and multivessel CAD than CK-MB and a population with high long-term mortality risk. Routine use of cTnT in CPUs could facilitate risk stratification and management.
Thermal Expansion of MgFe2O4, FeO, and MgO·2FeO

The thermal expansion of magnesium ferrite, wustite, and magnesio-wustite has been measured up to 1000°C. Good agreement has been found with published data obtained at lower temperatures, but the reported extrapolations have been shown to be low. The thermal expansion of MgFe2O4 has been interpreted to support Gilleo's hypothesis that the super-exchange energy for Fe3+-O2--Fe3+ linkages is independent of the Fe3+-O2- distance. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the energy per linkage is the same as that for Fe3+-O2-Fe3+ linkages in a variety of crystal structures.
fMRI correlates for low frequency local field potentials appear as a spatiotemporal dynamic under multiple anesthetic conditions

In the previous decade, interest in the “functional connectivity” of the brain has greatly increased, but the nature of the signal underlying derived predictive metrics remains poorly understood [1]. A typical study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and calculates regions of correlated low-frequency activity or “functional networks” when no task is being performed, the “resting state”. However, unlike traditional block/event based fMRI, the spontaneous fluctuations that determine such networks may not relate to a standard “hemodynamic response” to neural activity [2] and may be task and brain region dependent [1]. Ten rats were anesthetized with either isoflurane (iso) or dexmedetomidine (med). Each rat had simultaneous local field potentials (LFP) [3] recorded from implanted electrodes in bilateral primary somatosensory cortex (SI) simultaneously with single-slice fMRI of SI [4]. After preprocessing, signals were filtered to regions of significant spectral coherence (0.04-0.18Hz iso, 0.05-0.3Hz med). Pearson correlation (rt) was calculated between LFP signals at time shifts -10s to 10s relative to fMRI, at every fMRI voxel (Figure ​(Figure1B).1B). Instead of a simple hemodynamic response, the LFP correlates appeared both to have a component of spatial propagation (Figure ​(Figure1B,1B, white arrows), and alternation between positive and negative correlation. This was observed using both anesthesias and suggests that LFPs in coherent frequencies do not simply reflect local activation, but may instead be part of a large scale dynamic process. Using an fMRI-based algorithm validated in both anesthetized rats and awake humans [5], a spatiotemporal dynamic was produced that was highly similar to rt (Figure ​(Figure1C).1C). Spatial correlation (rs) between the two types of pattern reached a maximum at approximately the same shift between patterns in all rats, mean rs = 0.25 (med) and mean rs = 0.23 (iso), with mean rs > 0.10 indicating significance at p < 0.05 when using boot-strapping and correcting for multiple comparisons [6]. These results suggest that the neural basis of functional networks may be more complex than a simple hemodynamic response and possibly contains contributions from large-scale neuromodulatory processes. Figure 1 A. A coronal image of a rat’s brain in the same plane as the fMRI images used in this study. B. (med) rt between LFP and fMRI at each voxel, times listed are the time shift of LFP prior to fMRI. C. (med) fMRI pattern from Majeed et al. algorithm ...
Dyadic short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV

Full Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) administration can be time-consuming and may not be necessary when intelligence quotient estimates will suffice. Estimated Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) and General Ability Index (GAI) scores were derived from nine dyadic short forms using individual regression equations based on data from a clinical sample (n = 113) that was then cross validated in a separate clinical sample (n = 50). Derived scores accounted for 70%-83% of the variance in FSIQ and 77%-88% of the variance in GAI. Predicted FSIQs were strongly associated with actual FSIQ (rs = .73-.88), as were predicted and actual GAIs (rs = .80-.93). Each of the nine dyadic short forms of the WAIS-IV was a good predictor of FSIQ and GAI in the validation sample. These data support the validity of WAIS-IV short forms when time is limited or lengthier batteries cannot be tolerated by patients.
Crime Victims With Developmental Disabilities: A Review Essay

Rates of violence and abuse perpetrated on people with developmental disabilities (e.g., mental retardation, autism) appear significantly higher than for people without these disabilities. Few of these crimes get reported to police, and even fewer are prosecuted because officials hesitate to pursue cases that rely onthe testimony of a personwith a developmental disability. The author offers several conceptual models to explain their differential victimization risk, including routine activities theory, dependency-stress model, cultural stereotyping, and victim-learned compliance. This article summarizes the research evidence on crimes against children and adults with developmental disabilities. It is divided into four sections. The first section describes the nature and extent of crimes against individuals with developmental disabilities. The second reviews the literature onrisk factors associated with their victimization. The third discusses the manner in which justice agencies respond to these crimes. Th...
Selective phase-matched Bragg scattering for single-photon frequency conversion in a nonlinear waveguide

We describe a design for phase-matched Bragg scattering for single-photon conversion between two arbitrary frequencies. The bandwidth of the Bragg scattering process is calculated and immunity against competing processes is discussed.
Let’s Talk About Same Sex: How Social Workers Can Make Judges Listen

Researchers have created a diverse toolbox of literature reporting that same sex cohabitating relationships are strikingly similar to heterosexual marriages in amicus curiae briefs submitted to the courts. However, judges are trained to fit information into legal frameworks and to ignore data that does not fit the rhetoric of a case. The following article aims to fit existing data on same sex relationships into the framework judges will use to decide whether same sex marriage can be prohibited. The primary precedent used to support same sex marriage is based on the analogy of a case prohibiting marriage discrimination based on race. The legal framework created by this case requires social work policy practitioners to frame research in terms of the evolution that has occurred in scientific understanding of same sex attraction and public opinion. A simple shift in the discourse used to frame the data can significantly impact whether judges listen.
Population Change and Farm Settlement in the Northern United States

As farm settlement spread westward, area after area exhibited remarkably similar economic and demographic changes, among them, the establishment of a virtually zero growth rate of farm population. At bottom this was due to a shift in farm family fertility from very high to replacement levels, a trend apparent in older areas as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century despite the abundance of good farm land to the west. The principal source of this wholly voluntary adjustment of fertility was the increasing difficulty encountered by farm parents in providing for their children the kind of start in life they would like them to have. Similar pressures may account for other rural fertility declines in the historical past or today's LDC's.
Ant Colony Optimization for power efficient routing in manhattan and non-manhattan VLSI architectures

Rapid advances in VLSI technology have increased the number of transistors that fit on a single chip to about two billion. In such complex designs, a primary design goal is to limit the power consumption of the chip. Power consumption depends on capacitance, which depends on the length of wires on the chip and the number of vias which connect wires on different layers of the chip. We use Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms to minimize wirelength, vias and capacitance. ACO provide a multi-agent framework for combinatorial optimization by combining memory, stochastic decision making and strategies of collective and distributed learning by ant-like agents. This paper applies ACO to the NP-hard problem of finding optimal routes with minimum capacitance for interconnect routing on VLSI chips. The constraints on interconnect routing are used by ants as heuristics which guide their search process. We implemented ACO algorithms on both manhattan and non-manhattan routing architectures. The results are compared with several state of the art academic routers. The ACO routing algorithm was able to obtain an overall improvement of 8% in terms of wire-length, 7% in terms of vias and capacitance. Running times were longer than those routers, but very similar to the other router which is able to route all wires on all benchmark chips.
Fabrication of Double Shell Targets with a Glass Inner Capsule Supported by SiO2 Aerogel for Shots on the Omega Laser in 2006

AbstractIndirectly driven double shell implosions are being investigated as a possible noncryogenic path to ignition on the National Ignition Facility. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has made several technological advances that have produced double shell targets that represent a significant improvement to previously fielded targets. The inner capsule is supported inside the ablator shell by SiO2 aerogel with a nominal density of 50 mg/cm3. The aerogel is cast around the inner capsule and then machined concentric to it. The seamless sphere of aerogel containing the embedded capsule is then assembled between the two halves of the ablator shell. The concentricity between the two shells has been improved to less than 1.5 μm. The ablator shell consists of two hemispherical shells that mate at a step joint that incorporates a gap with a nominal thickness of 0.1 μm. Using a new flexure-based tool holder that precisely positions the diamond cutting tool on the diamond turning machine, step discontinuities...
Sickle Cardiomyopathy: The Missing Forest in the Trees.

Of the known cardiac manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD), none has received more attention than pulmonary hypertension. Elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocities (TRVs), even those too mild to be considered diagnostic of pulmonary hypertension, have been shown to predict mortality in
Ennobling Direct Democracy

In this essay, I argue that we should be attentive to the effect that direct democracy may have on our public character. Building upon earlier work, I suggest that the initiative in particular threatens to debase us by undercutting a crucial character trait - a form of courage that might best be called "responsibility-taking." The bulk of this essay is devoted to explaining what this means, and why it matters. Why should we care about the effect of political processes on public character? Why is this particular trait important and worth preserving? How is it threatened by direct democracy? In conclusion, and by way of illustration, I suggest that this effect might be countered - that direct democracy might be "ennobled" - through a simple but dramatic change in the way initiative voting is conducted. It should not be anonymous. If we want to tell our gay and lesbian neighbors that they may not marry, for example, we should at least be willing to look them in the eye when we do so
Real Time Detection of Lysozyme by Pulsed Streaming Potentials Using Polyclonal Antibodies Immobilized on a Renewable Nonfouling Surface Inside Plastic Microfluidic Channels

A composite surface was prepared on cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microchannels by UV-photografting of polyethylene glycol acrylate (PEGA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) films. A PEGA layer of globul...
Effect of Number of Paris Law Parameters on Bayesian Inference for Remaining Useful Life Estimation

Information on damage sizes obtained from structural health monitoring (SHM) can be used to estimate remaining useful life (RUL). Damage growth information may also be used to reduce uncertainty in the material properties that govern damage propagation for the structure being monitored, turning aircraft into flying fatigue laboratories. These properties are often widely distributed between nominally identical structures because of manufacturing variability and aging effects. The reduced uncertainty in damage growth characteristics reduces in turn uncertainty in prediction of the RUL of the monitored structural component. It can also help in anticipating damage growth on similar components. Bayesian inference has been used for progressively reducing the uncertainty in structure-specific damage growth parameters in spite of noise and bias in sensor measurements. However, the approach to Bayesian updating we are using here can be computationally intensive, in particular when it comes to updating multiple variables. In this paper we compare updating the two parameters that characterize crack growth in Paris law to updating only one and taking advantage of the correlation between the two. We find that there is little to be gained by updating both parameters.
Preservation solutions for static cold storage of abdominal allografts: which is best?

Purpose of reviewTo update the reader on the recent literature in liver, kidney, pancreas, and intestine static cold preservation, and to identify which solutions are most advantageous for each organ.Recent findingsThe comparison of randomized trials of histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK), Cels
Community Enclaves and Public Imaginaries: Formations of Asian American Online Identities

Abstract This article draws on an 18th-month digital ethnography of Asian American online writers to extend on current theories of digital publics and argues for a broader framework that includes the co-constructing relationship writers have, not only with their digital environments, but also through their ethnic and raced experiences. Additionally, online writing ecologies can be seen as simultaneous and overlapping community and public imaginaries for writers who may need to have multiple audience orientations in order to articulate their ethnic and raced experiences. Ultimately, this article addresses the following questions : How does a particular group of online Asian Americans conceive of the public? Under what conditions do Asian American identities form for these writers? And, how is this Asian American collective shaping their public identity?
Deep T-Wave Inversions After Pacemaker Adjustment

Aman inhis80spresented forhis 1-month follow-upafterbioprosthetic aortic valveplacement for severeaortic stenosis.Atpresentation, he was feeling well and denied chest pain or dyspnea, and an electrocardiogram(ECG)wasobtained (Figure 1).Hehadahistoryof paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, first degree atrioventricular block, and sicksinussyndromeforwhichadual-chamberpermanentpacemaker (PPM)hadbeenplacedayearprior.The lower rate limitof thisdevice hadbeen increasedfrom60beatsperminute(bpm)to80bpminthe perioperative settingof the recent valveplacementprocedure. Two weeks later, evaluationofhis device revealedunderlying atrial fibrillationwith97%ventricularpacing.The lowerrate limitwasdecreased back to 60bpmat that visit. Question:What is the cause of the patient’s T-wave inversions (TWIs)?
Analysis on Etiological Factors of Recurrent Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Children

Objective To analyze the etiological factors of recurrent lower respiratory tract infection in children. Methods A total of 47 children with recurrent lower respiratory tract infection during Jan. 2011 and Sep. 2012 were enrolled into this study in Shenzhen Children's Hospital as the observation group. At the same time,a total of 46 healthy children for physical examization were also enrolled into this study as the control group. The clinical data in the study were recorded in detail according to the questionnaire,and zinc, iron,calcium,magnesium,immunoglobulin A( IgA),immunoglobulin G( IgG),immunoglobulin M( IgM), and the T cell subpopulation of all the subjects were tested. Results Compared with the control group,the blood CD 8 +level of the observation group increased significantly,the blood zinc,calcium,iron,IgA,IgG, IgM,CD 3 +,CD 4 +and CD 4 +/ CD 8 +level decreased significantly,with significant differenced( P 0. 05). The blood C3 and C4 level were not significantly changed( P 0. 05); there were differences in premature birth, children-bearing age,living environment,standard treatment,hypersensitivity of the two groups,which were statistically significant( P 0. 05); there was no difference in the feeding manner between the two groups( P 0. 05). Conclusion The incidence of recurrent lower respiratory tract infection in children may be correlated with the higher levels of CD 8 +,the lower level of zinc,calcium,iron,IgA,IgG,IgM,CD 3 +,CD 4 +and CD 4 +/ CD 8 +,premature birth,children-bearing age≥35 years,living environment,standard treatment,and hypersensitivity.
Different Motivations, Different Solutions

A usual working hypothesis among airport planners is that they share common goals and problems. The assumption seems reasonable enough. The airlines use only a small variety of aircraft, almost all of which come from a few major manufacturers. The aircraft using the airports thus tend to be alike, and impose similar requirements for the length, width, slope and thickness of the runways, taxiways and parking areas. Passengers are also all about the same size and have the same physical needs. International regulations furthermore force air travelers to carry nearly the same amount of baggage and to follow comparable procedures when they arrive at the terminal to check in for a flight. It is therefore plausible for airport designers to feel that they all share the same difficulties and should work together toward their solution.
Random sampling from a continuous parameter stochastic process

Let {X(t),−∞<t<∞} be a continuous parameter, stationary, ergodic process. We consider random sampling times {τn} and show that for certain of these, if we can observe the bivariate process {τn,X(τn)} we are able to estimate consistently all finite-dimensional distributions of the process {X(t)}.
Returns to Specialization: Evidence from Health Mutual Fund Managers

We investigate the benefits of specialized knowledge in generating superior performance in the asset management industry. We compare the returns of health sector mutual fund managers with prior health-related education or experience (specialists) to those without such a background (generalists). Specialists outperform generalists by 4.7% per year in annualized net returns, and up to 7.8% per year after adjusting for risk and controlling for observable fund and manager characteristics. We also find evidence of differences in anticipating major medical-related events, as specialists reduce holdings of stocks prior to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug rejections. The paper provides new evidence on the competitive advantages that can be used to generate true alpha
Acting under the influence: Plans as improvisational gifts:

Actors in complex urban environments cope with uncertainties and interdependencies by using each other’s plans, subscribing to pre-existing decision-making frameworks, and building relationships with other actors over long periods of time. Improvisational comedians employ similar strategies to create coherent and meaningful multi-actor stories without a script or director; in short, they use “gifts,” “games,” and “group mind” to cope with uncertainty on stage. We use the metaphor of improvisational theater to illustrate how many plans over many years work to shape the urban built environment. This is accomplished by reformatting over 30 years of plans created by public and private organizations in Charlotte, North Carolina, into an improvised dialog of plans. This improvised “set” reveals how plans are used as signals among diverse actors over long periods of time, offering a counter-narrative to a dominant “plans-as-consensus, then implement” narrative.
Automorphic pseudodifferential operators and vector bundles

Given a discrete subgroup Г of SL(2, ℝ), we consider its action on pseudodifferential operators whose coefficients are holomorphic functions on the Poincare upper half plane H and construct a vector bundle over the quotient space Г\H whose sections can be identified with pseudodifferential operators invariant under such Г-action.
Identifying Key Steps for Developing Mobile Applications and Mobile Websites for Libraries

Mobile applications and mobile websites (MAMW) represent information systems that are increasingly being developed by libraries to better serve their patrons. Due to a lack of in-house IT skills and the knowledge necessary to develop MAMW, a majority of libraries are forced to rely on external IT professionals, who may or may not help libraries meet patron needs but instead may deplete libraries’ scarce financial resources. This paper applies a system analysis and design perspective to analyze the experience and advice shared by librarians and IT professionals engaged in developing MAMW. This paper identifies key steps and precautions to take while developing MAMW for libraries. It also advises library and information science (LIS) graduate programs to equip their students with the specific skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement MAMW.
Experience of Data Analytics in EDA and Test—Principles, Promises, and Challenges

Applying modern data mining in electronic design automation and test has become an area of growing interest in recent years. This paper reviews some of the recent developments in the area. It begins by introducing several key concepts in machine learning and data mining, followed by a review of different learning approaches. Then, the experience of developing a practical data mining application is described, including promises demonstrated through positive results based on industrial settings and challenges explained in the respective application contexts. Future research directions are summarized at the end.
Media Representation and Early Disclosure of Sexual Orientation: A Formula for Suicide Risk Among Gay and Bisexual Male Adolescents

Gay and bisexual (GB) male adolescents are at increased risk for engaging in suicidal behaviors, when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Traditional models of the coming out process suggested that GB male youths are vulnerable to negative mental health outcomes (e.g., suicidality) due to their feelings of estrangement from same-sex peers and the lack of media representation of GB men (Troiden, 1979; Cass, 1984). However, GB male representations in the media have increased significantly. This review of the literature suggests that this increased representation of GB men may be related to a decision for many GB male adolescents to disclose their sexual orientations at younger ages than previous generations. This may, in turn, contribute to an increase in GB adolescent suicide risk, as early disclosure of sexual orientation is a significant risk factor for suicidal behaviors. The paper discusses clinical and societal implications of this finding, recommendations for culturally competent treatment, and limitations of the research.
Stomach curvature is generated by left-right asymmetric gut morphogenesis.

Left-right (LR) asymmetry is a fundamental feature of internal anatomy, yet the emergence of morphological asymmetry remains one of the least understood phases of organogenesis. Asymmetric rotation of the intestine is directed by forces outside the gut, but the morphogenetic events that generate anatomical asymmetry in other regions of the digestive tract remain unknown. Here, we show in mouse and Xenopus that the mechanisms that drive the curvature of the stomach are intrinsic to the gut tube itself. The left wall of the primitive stomach expands more than the right wall, as the left epithelium becomes more polarized and undergoes radial rearrangement. These asymmetries exist across several species, and are dependent on LR patterning genes, including Foxj1 , Nodal and Pitx2 . Our findings have implications for how LR patterning manifests distinct types of morphological asymmetries in different contexts.
Persuading the undecided: An interdisciplinary approach to increase public support for the arts

This paper uses an interdisciplinary approach to address the issue of lack of public support for the arts. The paper utilizes an acquisition- and transaction-value approach from marketing and economic theory to identify 4 segments that vary in the degree to which members of each segment value and support the arts. Using system 1 and system 2 processing styles as discussed in management literature, as well as central and peripheral routes to persuasion as studied in psychology, the segments are examined in order to understand their potential information-processing styles. Last, using advertising and communication theories, the paper proposes the use of information and transformational communication strategies to create better persuasive communications that match the processing styles of targeted segments of undecided decision makers in order to garner greater public support for the arts.
Fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for treatment of non-isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion (FETO) is a prenatal treatment that may increase survival in severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In the U.S., FETO is offered for isolated severe left-sided CDH in the context of an FDA approved feasibility study. FETO in non-isolated cases of severe CDH is only performed with a compassionate use exemption from US regulatory bodies. Anomalies frequently associated with CDH include congenital cystic lesions of the lung and cardiac defects. We describe two cases of non-isolated severe left-sided CDH that underwent prenatal FETO, survived after birth and underwent postnatal surgical repair. The potential benefit of FETO in this setting is discussed.
Blockade of Asparagine Endopeptidase Inhibits Cancer Metastasis

Asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), also called legumain, is highly expressed in various solid tumors, promoting cancer cell invasion, migration, and metastasis. It has been proposed to be a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for cancer treatment. However, an effective nonpeptide, small-molecule inhibitor against this protease has not yet been identified. Here we show that a family of xanthine derivatives selectively inhibit AEP and suppress matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) cleavage, leading to the inhibition of cancer metastasis. Through structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis, we obtained an optimized lead compound (38u) that represses breast cancer invasion and migration. Chronic treatment of nude mice, which had been inoculated with MDA-MB-231 cells, with inhibitor 38u via oral administration robustly inhibits breast cancer lung metastasis in a dose-dependent manner, associated with blockade of MMP-2 by AEP. Therefore, our study supports that 38u might act as a potent and specific AEP inhibitor...
Land of the Free: Prison Reform Following the War on Drugs

ince its beginnings in 1971, the war on drugs has been largely unsuccessful in reducing drug use. Instead, it has had many unintended consequences, one of which is a huge increase in the federal prison population over the past 40 years. Despite making up only five percent of the world population, the U.S. is home to 25 percent of its prisoners. Since the 1970s, the prison population in the U.S. has skyrocketed due to the implementation of War on Drugs policies. The main reason for the failure of the War on Drugs can be attributed in part to mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Implemented as a part of the Anti- Drug Abuse Act of 1986, these one-size-fits-all policies require a certain punishment based on the amount and type of drug in possession without allowing for flexibility based on context.
Sialidase-catalyzed one-pot multienzyme (OPME) synthesis of sialidase transition-state analogue inhibitors.

Sialidase transition-state analogue inhibitor 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac2en, DANA) has played a leading role in developing clinically used anti-influenza virus drugs. Taking advantage of the Neu5Ac2en-forming catalytic property of Streptococcus pneumoniae sialidase SpNanC, an effective one-pot multienzyme (OPME) strategy has been developed to directly access Neu5Ac2en and its C-5, C-9, and C-7-analogues from N-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc) and analogues. The obtained Neu5Ac2en analogues can be further derivatized at various positions to generate a larger inhibitor library. Inhibition studies demonstrated improved selectivity of several C-5- or C-9-modified Neu5Ac2en derivatives against several bacterial sialidases. The study provides an efficient enzymatic method to access sialidase inhibitors with improved selectivity.
Identification of peak performance age in track and field athletics

The aim of this paper is to process and evaluate the peak performance age in track and field athletics. The object of this paper is to analyse the top world’s Championships (World Championships, Eu...
Utilities and Effluent Treatment | Reducing the Negative Impact of the Dairy Industry on the Environment

Large-scale dairy farms are required to follow certain best management practices, including having developed a comprehensive nutrient management plan. Application of manure to crops/fields is done based on the type of soil, moisture and nutrient concentrations in the manure, expected nutrient removal rate by crops, and limitations on application based on land slope, setbacks from waterways, and expected precipitation. Using manure as a fertilizer reduces the groundwater needed to grow crops because manure increases the water-holding capacity of soil and reduces the need for commercial fertilizers. Depending on the type of product and plant operations, the quantity and quality of waste can differ in the manufacture of fluid milk and other dairy products. The most common types of waste produced by dairy plants are wastewater, whey, packaging material, fats, oil, and grease. Wastewater generated by the milking parlors and dairy product processors contains milk components and chemical compounds used in cleaning and sanitizing equipment. Additionally, dairy processing facilities use significant amounts of energy, which can have an impact on the environment and dependence on natural resources. Approaches are being taken in each sector of the dairy industry to minimize the environmental impact of production, transport, and processing of milk.
Using Oral History Methods to Document the Subjective Experiences of Statelessness: The Case of Stateless Chinese-Bruneian Immigrants in Vancouver

This article reflects upon the use of oral histories in uncovering people’s subjective experiences of statelessness — an area that has received relatively little attention in the growing body of literature on statelessness. Through an analysis of 13 oral history interviews with formerly stateless Chinese-Bruneian immigrants living in Vancouver, this study sought to understand the emotional and material repercussions of being denied a nationality, as well as respondents’ conceptions of citizenship and civic behaviour. By privileging the voices of formerly stateless people and giving them the opportunity to tell their life stories using their own words, this study advocates for the need to pay greater attention to the subjective, quotidian dimensions of this global human rights crisis.
Investigating steam turbine feasibility to improve the sustainability of a biomass boiler using TRNSYS

Abstract Adding a turbine to a steam generator plant of a district energy system increases the efficiency of the plant by generating some electricity. This is the method of turning a heating and cooling plant into a combined heating, cooling, and power plant. The district energy plant at University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA is modeled by using TRNSYS modeling software. Simulation of different models is made to compare the current system configuration to the current plus a small backpressure steam turbine, and adding a double effect absorption chiller. Operating costs, energy, and exergy efficiencies are evaluated at current and maximum steam pressure levels through the boiler and turbine. Primary components in the system include a wood chip fired boiler, steam turbine, 2100 kW single effect and 4100 kW double effect absorption chillers, and campus with associated pumping needs. Results show that installing a turbine and increasing pressure to maximum possible levels improve energy and exergy efficiency by 3–4% and 5%, respectively over current levels. Bringing a double effect chiller in addition to the turbine increases energy and exergy efficiencies further to 20% and 7%. Economic savings are substantial if power can be sold back to the utility at a higher rate.
A divergence of sub- and supra-second timing abilities in childhood and its relation to academic achievement.

Abstract Work with adult humans and nonhuman animals provides evidence that the processing of sub-second ( 1 s) durations are modulated via distinct cognitive and neural systems; however, few studies have explored the development of these separate systems. Moreover, recent research has identified a link between basic timing abilities and academic achievement, yet it is unclear whether sub-second and supra-second temporal processing may play independent roles in this relation. In the current study, we assessed the development of sub- and supra-second timing across middle childhood and examined how each ability may relate to academic achievement. Child participants (6- to 8-year-olds, n = 111) completed reading and math assessments and a temporal discrimination task that included comparisons in both the sub- and supra-second ranges. Results revealed that younger children performed comparably across the sub- and supra-second ranges, whereas 8-year-olds and adults (n = 72) were relatively better at discriminating durations in the supra-second range. Although discrimination performance in these distinct duration ranges did not uniquely predict math or reading achievement, overall timing abilities were related to math, but not reading, when controlling for age. Together, these data provide evidence for a divergence in timing abilities across sub- and supra-second durations emerging around 8 years of age; however, at least during this stage of development, the relation between children’s timing and math achievement is unrelated to this divergence.
Scaled consensus

A notion of scaled consensus is defined, wherein network components' states approach dictated ratios in the asymptote. A linear network dynamics that achieves scaled consensus for a prescribed interaction graph is introduced, and an equivalence with the class of (negative) singular M -matrices is explored. A few further characterizations of the scaled synchronization process are given, and finally a modification that allows tracking on the stable manifold is presented.
Integrated Care in ESKD: A Perspective of Nephrologists.

In an effort to control rising health care costs and improve quality of care, public and private payers are shifting from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement to value-based models that attempt to link payment to quality. The bipartisan Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (
A predictive grading scale for acute cholecystitis.

Background Acute cholecystitis presents in a spectrum of severity, where acute disease may be complicated by severe inflammation, gangrene, and perforation. The goal of this study is to outline an evidence-based grading scale that predicts patient outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods A retrospective review of all patients with a preoperative diagnosis of acute cholecystitis who underwent LC from August 2011 until June 2015 at a tertiary-level hospital was performed. Patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy, incidental cholecystectomy, a planned open cholecystectomy, had gallstone pancreatitis or choledocholithiasis, and those admitted to a non-surgical service were excluded. Severity of disease was obtained from operative and pathology reports, and patients were classified according to the following grading scale: Grade I: symptomatic cholelithiasis. Grade II: acute/chronic cholecystitis. Grade III: gangrenous/necrotizing cholecystitis. Grade IV: gallbladder perforation or abscess. The groups were compared on age, gender, body mass index, severity of gallbladder disease, presence of preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, hospital length of stay, length of operation, complications within 30 days, conversion to open rate, and cost of hospitalization. Results During the study period, 1252 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were analyzed; 677 met inclusion criteria. The most common grade was grade 2, which was present in 80% of patients, followed by grade 3, which was found in 16% of patients. Grade 4 cholecystitis occurred in 1.2% of patients and grade 1 occurred in 3.2% of patients. There were statistically significant increases in age, presence of preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, hospital length of stay, conversion to open rate, cost of hospitalization, and length of operation with increased cholecystitis grade. Conclusions The proposed grading scale is an accurate predictor of duration of operation, conversion to open rate, hospital length of stay, and cost of hospitalization. Level of evidence III Study type Prognostic