cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expanding the view of proton pumping in cytochrome c oxidase through computer simulation.

Abstract In cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), a redox-driven proton pump, protons are transported by the Grotthuss shuttling via hydrogen-bonded water molecules and protonatable residues. Proton transport through the D-pathway is a complicated process that is highly sensitive to alterations in the amino acids or the solvation structure in the channel, both of which can inhibit proton pumping and enzymatic activity. Simulations of proton transport in the hydrophobic cavity showed a clear redox state dependence. To study the mechanism of proton pumping in CcO, multi-state empirical valence bond (MS-EVB) simulations have been conducted, focusing on the proton transport through the D-pathway and the hydrophobic cavity next to the binuclear center. The hydration structures, transport pathways, effects of residues, and free energy surfaces of proton transport were revealed in these MS-EVB simulations. The mechanistic insight gained from them is herein reviewed and placed in context for future studies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Respiratory Oxidases.
A Bayesian provedure to recognize independent signals

We propose a Bayesian test to assess the statistical dependence when only a small number of samples are available. Our procedure converts the problem of independence test to a parametric one through quantization and computes the likelihood of the observed cell counts under the independence hypothesis where the marginal cell probabilities are modeled by independent symmetric Dirichlet priors. We tested the ability of our Bayesian test in validating the solutions to the problem of blind source separation. The experimental results indicate that while the standard parametric method frequently fails to distinguish the case of independent signals from dependent ones due to the deviation of the test statistic from its desired distribution, our approach can overcome the scarcity of data samples with a proper selection of the prior parameters to achieve a significantly superior performance
The Infinite-Server Queue with Poisson Arrivals and Semi-Markovian Services

This paper considers the queue with an infinite number of servers with a Poisson arrival process and with semi-Markovian service times. It studies jointly the queue-length process and the type of the first customer to join the queue after t and obtains transient and asymptotic results that are matrix extensions of the corresponding results of the M/G/∞ queue. In particular, it proves that the limiting distribution of the queue-length process is Poisson.
The Professional Model of Law vs. The Business Model of Law: A Critical View of Opposing Trends in the United States and the People's Republic of China

This study begins by reflecting on the literature characterizing the nature and function of a profession qua profession. It continues by arguing that based upon commonly used indicia of a profession that the practice of law in the US is de-professionalizing in significant ways and morphing towards a functioning business model. The related advantages of such a development for American society, its lawyers and their clients, including especially criminal defendants are critically discussed. It then traces the emergence and ascendancy of the rule of law in China and corresponding quest to institutionalize the practice of law in China as a profession. The study concludes by exploring the alternative advantages of applying the business model to the Chinese legal practice. It recommends that embracing a paradigm shift away from the professional model towards a business model comparable to what is happening in the US would be to the greater advantage of Chinese lawyers in terms of enhanced authority, increased self-regulation, as well as greater leverage in advocating client interests.
Ontogenetic Diet Change in the Arthroleptid Frog Schoutedenella xenodactyloides

Abstract Anuran amphibians are important consumers of arthropods in tropical ecosystems. Previous research has indicated that very small, terrestrial frogs, especially juveniles, largely consume small leaf litter arthropods. To date, few studies have examined diet in African anurans, and no studies exist of ontogenetic change in prey composition for any African frog. We investigated the change in diet that accompanies body size increase in the arthroleptid frog Schoutedenella xenodactyloides (Anura: Ranoidea) from a population located on the Mulanje Massif in Malawi, central Africa. Schoutedenella xenodactyloides is a miniature (< 22 mm snout–urostyle length; SUL), direct-developing frog that is often very abundant and is likely an important consumer of small leaf litter arthropods. Based on examination of stomach and intestinal contents from specimens that span the known range of posthatching body sizes, we document the taxonomic diversity of prey consumed by S. xenodactyloides. We present evidence that ...
SciSpark: Applying in-memory distributed computing to weather event detection and tracking

In this paper we present SciSpark, a Big Data framework that extends Apache™ Spark for scaling scientific computations. The paper details the initial architecture and design of SciSpark. We demonstrate how SciSpark achieves parallel ingesting and partitioning of earth science satellite and model datasets. We also illustrate the usability and extensibility of SciSpark by implementing aspects of the Grab 'em Tag 'em Graph 'em (GTG) algorithm using SciSpark and its Map Reduce capabilities. GTG is a topical automated method for identifying and tracking Mesoscale Convective Complexes in satellite infrared datasets.
Making Carbon Offsets Work in the Developing World: Lessons from the Chinese Wind Controversy

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is the leading international carbon market and a driving force for sustainable development globally. But the eruption of controversy over offsets from Chinese wind power has exposed cracks at the core of how carbon credits are verified in developing economies. It has become almost impossible to determine whether offsets from Chinese wind are "additional" and that they in fact represent "real" reductions beyond business as usual. Unless this problem can be resolved, it threatens to spread beyond wind in China and could threaten the ability of carbon markets to deliver the mitigation demanded by international climate policy.In 2009 the CDM Executive Board (EB) shocked the carbon market by forcing an unprecedented review of whether multiple Chinese wind projects satisfied UNFCCC additionality requirements. CDM investors reeled as the safest CDM bet became the riskiest; the Chinese government publicly criticized the UN's oversight of carbon markets; and the CDM EB prepared itself for an unprecedented fight over how carbon offsets could be verified in the world's largest CDM market.When the EB observed decreases over time in power tariffs granted by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to wind projects, it became concerned that China might be manipulating power tariffs in order to guarantee additionality and subsidize its domestic wind development with international finance. If the Chinese government were controlling additionality, then the CDM's ability to validate carbon offsets would be dealt a near‐lethal blow because the problems posed by Chinese wind extend to nearly all power sector projects in almost every developing country. If offsets cannot be credibly verified, then the integrity of emissions caps set by the Kyoto Protocol is directly threatened.The Chinese wind controversy therefore has direct implications for the design and negotiation of any successor to the Kyoto Protocol. Despite largely failed negotiations in Copenhagen, the design of reliable, efficient carbon markets remains the world's most serious prospect for international cooperation. The developed world has committed USD 30 billion in climate aid by 2012, but the majority of these funds will likely have to be private capital delivered through markets. In order for carbon markets to avoid controversy and function effectively, the lessons from the Chinese wind controversy must be used to implement key reforms.This report examines the application of additionality in the Chinese wind power market and draws implications for the design of effective global carbon offset policy. It demonstrates the causes of the wind power controversy, highlights underlying structural flaws in how additionality is applied in China, and charts a reform path that can strengthen the credibility of global carbon markets.
Role of Filler Shape and Connectivity on the Viscoelastic Behavior in Polymer Nanocomposites

We compare the rheological behavior of three classes of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) to understand the role of particle shape and interactions on mechanical reinforcement. The first two correspond to favorably interacting composites formed by mixing poly(2-vinylpyridine) with either fumed silica nanoparticles (NPs) or colloidal spherical silica NPs. We show that fumed silica NPs readily form a percolated network at low NP volume fractions. We deduce that the NPs act as network junctions with the effectively irreversibly bound polymer chains serving as the connecting bridges. By comparing with colloidal spherical silica, which has a significantly higher percolation threshold, we conclude that the fractal shape of the fumed silica is responsible for its unusually low percolation threshold. The third system corresponds to polystyrene grafted colloidal silica nanoparticles (PGNPs) in a polystyrene matrix. These PNCs have an even lower percolation threshold probably because the grafted chains increase the eff...
Gaussian Processes for Independence Tests with Non-iid Data in Causal Inference

In applied fields, practitioners hoping to apply causal structure learning or causal orientation algorithms face an important question: which independence test is appropriate for my data? In the case of real-valued iid data, linear dependencies, and Gaussian error terms, partial correlation is sufficient. But once any of these assumptions is modified, the situation becomes more complex. Kernel-based tests of independence have gained popularity to deal with nonlinear dependencies in recent years, but testing for conditional independence remains a challenging problem. We highlight the important issue of non-iid observations: when data are observed in space, time, or on a network, “nearby” observations are likely to be similar. This fact biases estimates of dependence between variables. Inspired by the success of Gaussian process regression for handling non-iid observations in a wide variety of areas and by the usefulness of the Hilbert-Schmidt Independence Criterion (HSIC), a kernel-based independence test, we propose a simple framework to address all of these issues: first, use Gaussian process regression to control for certain variables and to obtain residuals. Second, use HSIC to test for independence. We illustrate this on two classic datasets, one spatial, the other temporal, that are usually treated as iid. We show how properly accounting for spatial and temporal variation can lead to more reasonable causal graphs. We also show how highly structured data, like images and text, can be used in a causal inference framework using a novel structured input/output Gaussian process formulation. We demonstrate this idea on a dataset of translated sentences, trying to predict the source language.
Abstract B136: Inhibition of azoxymethane-induced mucin depleted foci in the rat colon by a novel resistant starch

The purpose of this study was to test the inhibitory effects of a novel resistant starch on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. The novel resistant starch was processed from a commercial high amylose cornstarch(patent pending). Three groups of 5-week-old male Fischer 344 rats including 15 animals each were injected with AOM and fed normal cornstarch diet, high amylose cornstarch diet, and novel resistant starch diet respectively. Another three groups of male Fischer 344 rats with 5 animals in each group were injected with saline and fed the same three kinds of diets as control groups. Two injections were performed one week apart. Each of the 3 diets contained 55% water boiled high moisture starch, together with 45% of other ingredients necessary for rats’ nutritive requirements. The rats were fed with the above diets for 9 weeks after the second injection and then killed. Liver weight, caecal fermentation (caecum weight and pH), and a predictor of carcinogenicity - Mucin Depleted Foci (MDF) - were investigated. MDF were only seen with AOM treatment and were significantly reduced in rats fed novel resistant starch diet in comparison with rats fed the other two diets. Increased caecum weight and decreased caecum pH were also observed in the novel resistant starch diet group in comparison with the other two diet groups. No significant difference was found comparing liver weights. These results suggested that the novel resistant starch, which is less digestible than regular cornstarch or commercial high amylose cornstarch, may inhibit colonic carcinogenesis, and the inhibition might be related to increased caecal fermentation.
Immigration Reform in 2013-14: An Essay on the Senate's Bipartisan Plan, the House's Standard for Immigration Reform, Interest Convergence and Political Realities

This essay assesses the prospects for immigration reform using interest convergence theory and the political realities under which Congress operates. It explains the bipartisan Senate's plan for immigration reform, including the four key areas addressed by the plan: immigration overhaul, employment verification, worker programs, and the need to create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the United States. It also discusses the House's principles for immigration reform, including the main aspects of its proposal: border security, an entry-exit system, employment verification and workplace enforcement, reforms to the current immigration system, youths, and adult undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. The essay then tracks the time line and developments of both plans and the legislative action so far, including passage of the Bipartisan Plan in the Senate and its failure to pass in the House. It also discusses the political, economic, and faith-based appeals made to Congress to encourage immigration reform. Finally, this essay analyzes the theory of interest convergence and its application to the debate surrounding immigration reform.
Skin and wound infections: an overview

Skin infections are common and may be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Breaks in the skin integrity, particularly those that inoculate pathogens into the dermis, frequently cause or exacerbate skin infections. Bacterial skin infections caused by corynebacteria include erythrasma, trichomycosis axillaris and pitted keratolysis. Staphylococci may cause impetigo, ecthyma and folliculitis. Streptococcal skin infections include impetigo and erysipelas. Human papillomavirus skin infections present as several different types of warts, depending on the surface infected and its relative moisture, and the patterns of pressure. The many dermatomycoses (skin infections caused by fungi or yeasts) include tinea capitis, tinea barbae, tinea cruris, tinea manus, tinea pedis and tinea unguium (onychomycosis). Candidal infections occur in moist areas, such as the vulva, mouth, penis, skinfolds and diaper area. Wounds caused by wood splinters or thorns may result in sporotrichosis. Animal bites may result in complex, serious infections, requiring tetanus and, possibly, rabies prophylaxis in addition to appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Expectations and full employment

In recent years a new and according to some ‘revolutionary’ element has been added to the neoclassical macroeconomic model, the rational expectations hypothesis (REH). Closely associated with the REH is what has been called the new classical economics, which is our primary concern. While it was the members of the new classical economics school who were instrumental in introducing the REH into the economics profession, the REH is no longer theirs alone. It has been taken on board by many who call themselves Keynesians. In order to fully appreciate the implications of the REH, it is necessary to consider other neoclassical treatments of expectations which predated the REH.
Identification of distinct biological functions for four 3′-5′ RNA polymerases

The superfamily of 3'-5' polymerases synthesize RNA in the opposite direction to all other DNA/RNA polymerases, and its members include eukaryotic tRNA(His) guanylyltransferase (Thg1), as well as Thg1-like proteins (TLPs) of unknown function that are broadly distributed, with family members in all three domains of life. Dictyostelium discoideum encodes one Thg1 and three TLPs (DdiTLP2, DdiTLP3 and DdiTLP4). Here, we demonstrate that depletion of each of the genes results in a significant growth defect, and that each protein catalyzes a unique biological reaction, taking advantage of specialized biochemical properties. DdiTLP2 catalyzes a mitochondria-specific tRNA(His) maturation reaction, which is distinct from the tRNA(His) maturation reaction typically catalyzed by Thg1 enzymes on cytosolic tRNA. DdiTLP3 catalyzes tRNA repair during mitochondrial tRNA 5'-editing in vivo and in vitro, establishing template-dependent 3'-5' polymerase activity of TLPs as a bona fide biological activity for the first time since its unexpected discovery more than a decade ago. DdiTLP4 is cytosolic and, surprisingly, catalyzes robust 3'-5' polymerase activity on non-tRNA substrates, strongly implying further roles for TLP 3'-5' polymerases in eukaryotes.
Pursuing Meaning in Work: The Double-Bind of Calling Among Artists

Past research has shown many benefits of pursuing work as a calling, yet, we know little about the negative implications or costs of calling. In response to recent calls, we used a grounded theory ...
Abstract IA08: p62/SQSTM1 accumulation links chronic tissue damage to malignant progression in liver and pancreas

Despite extensive genomic exploration, the mechanisms that initiate malignancy remain obscure. We addressed this issue by studying how chronic liver diseases progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We focused our studies on the role of p62/SQSTM1, whose accumulation is a hallmark of premalignant liver disease. Using mice, we found that hepatocyte-specific p62 ablation inhibits HCC development in four distinct models, with strongest effect exerted in etiologies involving mTORC1 activation. Forced p62 expression in autophagy-competent livers suffices for HCC induction. Amongst p62 activities including aggregate formation, binding ubiquitinated proteins, mTORC1 stimulation and transcription factor activation, most critical is the NRF2 pathway, which is mutationally activated in 14% of human HCCs. We propose that environmentally-induced p62-dependent NRF2 signaling is a key early event inHCC pathogenesis that together with mTORC1 promotes survival and expansion of superoxide-accumulating HCC-initiating cells. Indeed, high p62 expression in preneoplastic human liver predicts rapid HCC recurrence after curative ablation. Citation Format: Michael Karin. p62/SQSTM1 accumulation links chronic tissue damage to malignant progression in liver and pancreas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr IA08.
Preliminary Report: Effects of black mustard allelopathy on the fitness and life history strategies of buffalo gourd in southern California

Abstract. The allelopathic compounds secreted into the soil by Brassica nigra (L.) W. D. J. Koch (black mustard) serve to reduce seed germination rates and plant fitness in nearby species. As such, B. nigra shares in an amensalistic relationship with most of the species within range of its allelopathic interference. However, Cucurbita foetidissima (buffalo gourd) is a native species in southern California that has managed to persist within and around areas invaded by B. nigra. We hypothesized that increased proximity to B. nigra would negatively impact C. foetidissima fitness and alter life history strategies. We found that C. foetidissima growing in close proximity to B. nigra had smaller fruit volume, a lower number of seeds per fruit, lower dry seed weight, a higher number of seeds per cubic centimeter, and a higher number of seeds per gram of fruit than C. cucurbita that grew outside of the allelopathic range of B. nigra. The reproductive strategy of C. cucurbita also appeared to change from K-selecti...
Danazol in Combination with Busulfan Induces Long-Term Remission in Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD).

MPD is a clonal stem cell disorder encompassing essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), myelofibrosis (MF), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Chemotherapy has been a mainstay of therapy for the treatment of MPD but new agents including anegrelide, interferon, imatinib mesylate and thalidomide have been recently introduced. In most cases, continuous therapy is required to maintain remission and relapses are the rule when the treatment is discontinued. We report long-term remission of MPD with combined therapy of danazol and busulfan and an unusually long remission following discontinuation of therapy. Nine patients (4 women, 5 men) with MPD (7 MF, 1 PV, 1 ET) were studied. Danazol (200–800mg/day) was given with dosage adjustment for liver function abnormalities. Busulfan (2–4mg/day) was administered intermittently for 3 months to 2 yrs depending on blood counts and status of remission. Spleen size was evaluated with physical exam and CAT scans. The responses were classified as “excellent” [E] or complete remission (CR) when blood counts were normal with absence of splenomegaly, “good” [G] when spleen size was reduced > 50% with normal blood counts, “poor” [P] for no improvement in blood counts and splenomegaly and “fair” [F] for responses between P and G. Erythropoietin was administered when anemia developed. RESULT. Overall response of E and G was 77% (7/9). There were 2 E, 5 G, 1F and 1P responses. Table 1 summarizes data on 2 E responders. Table 1 The duration of CR in 2 E responders (1 PV, 1 MF) was 15 years in the first and approximately 5 years in the second. The remissions lasted over 2 –4 years even after therapy was discontinued. CAT scans confirmed reduced or normal sized spleen. All 5 “good” responders showed a remarkable clinical improvement initially but when the treatment was withheld, disease recurred. Re-treatment induced remissions but responses were seldom complete and required more uninterrupted therapy. In all responders, re-treatment was as effective as initial therapy, indicating that the benefit was due to therapy, not a coincidence. Compared to E responders, G and F responders had more advanced disease and longer duration of MPD, ranging from 2–15 yrs (average 9.2 years). Therapy was tolerated well but bone marrow suppression was seen in 3 cases, all of which recovered without serious complications. Danazol was withheld or reduced in 4 patients due to liver function abnormalities but was safely resumed in lower doses. SUMMARY. Danazol therapy with busulfan is very effective in MPD and offers a good alternative with potential clinical cure in some patients with MPD. Although clinical remissions were observed in most patients with MPD, those with shorter duration (
Antitrust Goals, Procedures, and Policies in the U.S. and the EU:

The U.S. and the EU have somewhat similar antitrust policies, and both have been globally influential. This article, however, argues that the differences between the two systems of antitrust are de...
A Market-Clearing Model of the Uranium and Enrichment Industries

A market-clearing model of the uranium and enrichment industries through 2030 is presented. Built around thorough databases of primary and secondary uranium supplies as well as enrichment facilitie...
Comparative Evaluation of U.S. Brand and Generic Intravenous Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex in Sucrose Injection: Physicochemical Characterization

The objective of this study was to evaluate physicochemical equivalence between brand (i.e., Ferrlecit) and generic sodium ferric gluconate (SFG) in sucrose injection by conducting a series of comparative in vitro characterizations using advanced analytical techniques. The elemental iron and carbon content, thermal properties, viscosity, particle size, zeta potential, sedimentation coefficient, and molecular weight were determined. There was no noticeable difference between brand and generic SFG in sucrose injection for the above physical parameters evaluated, except for the sedimentation coefficient determined by sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) and molecular weight by asymmetric field flow fractionation-multi-angle light scattering (AFFF-MALS). In addition, brand and generic SFG complex products showed comparable molecular weight distributions when determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The observed minor differences between brand and generic SFG, such as sedimentation coefficient, do not impact their biological activities in separate studies of in vitro cellular uptake and rat biodistribution. Coupled with the ongoing clinical study comparing the labile iron level in healthy volunteers, the FDA-funded post-market studies intended to illustrate comprehensive surveillance efforts ensuring safety and efficacy profiles of generic SFG complex in sucrose injection, and also to shed new light on the approval standards on generic parenteral iron colloidal products.
Evaluating the use of high-fidelity simulators during mock neonatal resuscitation scenarios in trying to improve confidence in residents

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of high-fidelity simulators with multidisciplinary teaching on self-reported confidence in residents.Methods:A total of ...
Characteristics and Classification of Type

In §1.4, we studied a first order system equivalent to a telegraph equation and determined lines o(x,t)=0 across which the system variables were continuous, with simple discontinuities of derivatives. In multidimensional systems with three or more independent variables, the characteristic lines are replaced with characteristic surfaces.
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Case Study Approach

Contents: Corporate Social Responsibility: Introduction and Overview Chris Mallin PART I: CSR IN EUROPE 1. CSR and Integrated Triple Bottom Line Reporting in Italy: Case Study Evidence Andrea Melis, Silvia Carta and Silvia Del Rio 2. CSR in Spain - Examples of Some Practices Maria Sacristan Navarro and Silvia Anson Gomez 3. Sticking to Core Values: The Case of the Body Shop Bert van de Ven, Andre Nijhof and Ronald Jeurissen PART II: CSR IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES 4. CSR in Russia Alexander Settles, Olga Melitonyan and James Gillies 5. Responsible Business in Polish Economic Practice: The Experiences of the Camela S.A. Factory of Clothing Inserts Izabela Koladkiewicz PART III: CSR IN ASIA AND AUSTRALIA 6. CSR Dynamics in South Korea and Japan Seungho Choi and Ruth Aguilera 7. Pulp, Politics, Process and Pollution: Gunns Ltd and the Tamar Valley Pulp Mill Kathy Gibson and Gary O'Donovan PART IV: CSR: ADDITIONAL DIMENSIONS 8. A Case Study of the Strategic Use of CSR: The American Gaming Association and the National Center for Responsible Gaming Don Siegel and Kate Contreras 9. Accounting Disclosure and Human Rights Issues in the Oil Industry Matthias Beck and Steve Toms 10. Does the Adoption of Codes of Conduct Marginalize Labor Unions? The Case of Turkey's Garment Industry Melsa Ararat and Mahmut Bayazit 11. CSR in the Middle East Chris Pierce and Samy Nathan Index
The Active Pulley Hypothesis

Several fundamental aspects of ocular motility are properties of extraocular muscles (EOMs) and their associated connective tissue pulleys. The active pulley hypothesis proposes that the rectus and the inferior oblique EOMs have connective tissue pulleys that are actively controlled by the action of the orbital layers of the EOMs. The rectus pulley array constitutes an inner mechanism, similar to a gimbal, rotated torsionally by an outer mechanism driven by the oblique EOMs. This arrangement accounts for commutative aspects of ocular motor control, yet permits noncommutative motility as during the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Pulley system pathology is associated with predictable patterns of strabismus that are surgically treatable.
Rates of production of alanine and heptapeptide and of loss of biological activity during digestion of insulin with trypsin.

SUMMARY A sample of desoctapeptide-insulin, obtained by the action of trypsin on insulin, was essentially inactive, having less than 2 y0 of intact insulin, in lowering the blood sugar of rabbits. A sample of synthetic heptapeptide, Gly-Phe-Phe-Tyr-Thr- Pro-Lys (5), which was identical with that released by the action of trypsin on bovine insulin, possessed less than 0.1 y0 of the activity of intact insulin in the mouse convulsion test. The rates of release of alanine and heptapeptide and of the loss of biological activity during the digestion of insulin with trypsin were found to follow essentially the same kinetics. From the above data, it is concluded that, in contrast with the report of Nicol (3), desoctapeptide-insulin possesses very low or no antidiabetogenic properties and that some portion of the octapeptide, removed by the action of trypsin on insulin, is re- quired for the biological activity insulin. Acknowledgments-The authors would like to thank Miss Sharon L. Hayes and Mr. A. Hirotoshi Nishikawa for aid in the
Cytokines and CD8 T cell immunity during respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Abstract Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection and hospitalization in infants. In spite of the enormous clinical burden caused by RSV infections, there remains no efficacious RSV vaccine. CD8 T cells mediate viral clearance as well as provide protection against a secondary RSV infection. However, RSV-specific CD8 T cells may also induce immunopathology leading to exacerbated morbidity and mortality. Many of the crucial functions performed by CD8 T cells are mediated by the cytokines they produce. IFN-γ and TNF are produced by CD8 T cells following RSV infection and contribute to both the acceleration of viral clearance and the induction of immunopathology. To prevent immunopathology, regulatory mechanisms are in place within the immune system to inhibit CD8 T cell effector functions after the infection has been cleared. The actions of a variety of cytokines, including IL-10 and IL-4, play a critical role in the regulation of CD8 T cell effector activity. Herein, we review the current literature on CD8 T cell responses and the functions of the cytokines they produce following RSV infection. Additionally, we discuss the regulation of CD8 T cell activation and effector functions through the actions of various cytokines.
“Her Voice is Full of Money”: Mechanical Reproduction and a Metaphysics of Substance in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

ABSTRACTMuch has been written on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, but critics have largely ignored how 1920s consumer culture contributes to the novel’s philosophical themes. Viewing the novel through Marxist literary critic Walter Benjamin’s “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”, this article argues that 1920s consumer society—and the popularisation of mechanically reproduced consumer goods—deconstructs the metaphysical underpinnings of upperclass privilege modelled by Tom and Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby strives to imitate an aristocratic identity but is eventually found out by Tom, who exposes Gatsby’s social performance as an inauthentic forgery. But, as Benjamin argues, mechanical reproduction results in a diminished aura, the originary ontology that authorises a metaphysics of substance and, with it, a social order governed by the logic of authenticity. So, while the American aristocracy is successful in its condemnation of Gatsby’s inauthentic social performance, the novel decons...
Chapter 104 – Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (BP), also known as manic-depressive illness, affects approximately 1–2% of the adult population. The disorder is characterized by cyclic disturbances of mood, energy pattern, and behavior, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Epidemiologic studies have shown that BP is caused by a complex mix of environmental and genetic factors, but very little is known about the specific biological mechanisms underlying BP. Environmental risk factors, such as loss of social support or disruption of the sleep/wake cycle, contribute to the manifestation of symptoms. Family, twin, and adoption studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in its pathogenesis, and recent genome-wide association studies have started to identify confirmed risk loci. These recent findings have provided new insights into the cellular and molecular pathways that may be involved in the disorder. However, the complex nature of the disorder, the variability of the phenotype, and the lack of good animal models continue to challenge our progress in understanding the pathophysiology of mood disorders such as BP. In this chapter, we discuss some current strategies for overcoming difficulties in finding the underlying causes of BP.
Behavioral induction of a high beta state in sensorimotor cortex leads to movement slowing

The sensorimotor beta rhythm (∼13-30 Hz) is commonly seen in relation to movement. It is important to understand its functional/behavioral significance in both health and disease. Sorting out competing theories of sensorimotor beta is hampered by a paucity of experimental protocols in humans that manipulate/induce beta oscillations and test their putative effects on concurrent behavior. Here, we developed a novel behavioral paradigm to generate beta and then test its functional relevance. In two human experiments with scalp EEG (n = 11 and 15), we show that a movement instruction generates a high beta state (postmovement beta rebound), which then slows down subsequent movements required during that state. We also show that this high initial beta rebound related to reduced mu-beta desynchronization for the subsequent movement and, further, that the temporal features of the beta state, that is, the beta bursts, related to the degree of slowing. These results suggest that increased sensorimotor beta in the postmovement period corresponds to an inhibitory state-insofar as it retards subsequent movement. By demonstrating a behavioral method by which people can proactively create a high beta state, our paradigm provides opportunities to test the effect of this state on sensations and affordances. It also suggests related experiments using motor imagery rather than actual movement, and this could later be clinically relevant, for example, in tic disorder.
Muscle activation during single leg squat is affected by position of the nonstance limb.

Context The single leg squat (SLS) is appropriate for targeting activation, strengthening, and/or neuromuscular retraining of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and quadriceps. However, the effect of different non-stance leg positions on muscle activity has not been fully evaluated. Objective To compare the muscle activity of selected stance leg hip muscles during the SLS with 3 non-stance leg positions: in front, in the middle, and in back. Design Controlled laboratory study. Setting Biomechanics laboratory. Participants Seventeen healthy adults. Main outcome measure(s) Surface EMG data of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, lateral hamstrings, medial hamstrings, rectus femoris, and TFL as well as kinetic data of the hip and knee were collected while participants performed the 3 SLS tasks. Mean muscle activation levels during the descent phase and ascent phase for the selected hip muscles were compared for the 3 tasks. Hip and knee kinetics in all 3 planes were also compared for the 3 tasks. Each variable of interest was analyzed using a separate linear regression model with a generalized estimating equations correction. Results Muscle activation levels of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, medial hamstrings, rectus femoris, and TFL on the stance leg during descent, and the medial hamstrings and TFL during ascent were significantly different between SLS tasks. The greatest number of differences occurred between SLS-Front and SLS-Back. During descent, gluteal muscle activity was greater in SLS-Front and SLS-Middle than in SLS-Back. For both phases, TFL activity was greater during SLS-Front than both SLS-Middle and SLS-Back. Kinetic differences at the hip and knee between SLS tasks were also observed. Conclusion The 3 SLS tasks have different muscle activation and kinetic profiles. Clinician and researchers can vary non-stance leg position during the SLS to manipulate muscle activation levels and tailor the exercise to assist with goals at different stages of rehabilitation.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Ridesourcing and Taxi Usage by Zones

The burst of demand for transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber, Lyft, or Via, has significantly changed the transportation landscape and dramatically disrupted the Vehicle for Hire market that used to be dominated by taxicabs for many years. Since first being introduced by Uber in 2009, ridesourcing services have rapidly penetrated the market. This paper aims to investigate temporal and spatial patterns in taxi and TNC usage based on data at the taxi zone level in New York City. Similar analysis is possible using rideshare data that is specific to different countries. To our data, we fit suitable time series models to estimate the temporal patterns. Next, we subtract out the temporal effects and investigate spatial dependence in the residuals using global and local Moran’s I statistics. We discuss the relation between the spatial correlations and the demographic and land use effects at the taxi zone level. Estimating and removing these effects via a multiple linear regression model and recomputing the Moran’s I statistics on the resulting residuals enables us to investigate spatial dependence after accounting for these effects. Our analysis indicates interesting patterns in spatial correlations between taxi zones in NYC and over time, indicating that predictive modeling of ridesourcing usage benefits from accommodating both temporal and spatial dependence.
Europa Clipper Payload Verification and Validation: Early Architecture and Implementation

NASA's Europa Clipper mission will investigate the Jovian icy moon Europa with a sophisticated payload consisting of a suite of nine instruments. Clipper's observations will help provide answers to a broad range of scientific objectives related to Europa's habitability. As the project proceeds through Phase C, we are building confidence in the system's ability to achieve these science goals by implementing a rigorous payload verification and validation (V&V) program. This paper details the planned structure and implementation of the Europa Clipper payload V&V program as it exists leading up to the project critical design review (CDR), before the bulk of instrument- or payload- level V&V activities have begun. We first explain the context for payload V&V on Europa Clipper, including its interfaces with other parts of the project system. We then describe the taxonomy of V&V concepts and their interrelationships, followed by a discussion on how this framework allows us to codify interfaces, processes, and ideas that are key to a successful V&V program. We focus on key aspects of the planning phases of V&V, especially establishing a complete set of verification items and accurately mapping them into appropriate verification activities. The second half of the paper describes the logistics of implementing this framework onto our actual payload system, including the processes and tools we use to manage and communicate agreements, changes, and risks across the project. We conclude with a reflection on the unique drivers and challenges of the V&V program concept development so far and the work that is planned for phase D implementation.
Toward Pinpointing Data Leakage from Advanced Persistent Threats

Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) consist of most skillful hackers who employ sophisticated techniques to stealthily gain unauthorized access to private networks and exfiltrate sensitive data. When their existence is discovered, organizations – if they can sustain business continuity – mostly have to perform forensics activities to assess the damage of the attack and discover the extent of sensitive data leakage. In this paper, we construct a novel framework to pinpoint sensitive data that may have been leaked in such an attack. Our framework consists of creating baseline fingerprints for each workstation for setting normal activity, and we consider the change in the behavior of the network overall. We compare the accused fingerprint with sensitive database information by utilizing both Levenstein distance and TF-IDF/cosine similarity resulting in a similarity percentage. This allows us to pinpoint what part of data was exfiltrated by the perpetrators, where in the network the data originated, and if that data is sensitive to the private company's network. We then perform feasibility experiments to show that even these simple methods are feasible to run on a network representative of a mid-size business.
Teaching students to be political in a nonpartisan way: Reflections from action civics education across red and blue states

Using a student-centered approach, Generation Citizen’s (GC) action civics model helps students gain civic knowledge and skills as they work together to take action on a local issue in their commun...
Open versus laparoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injury: A nationwide propensity-matched analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction Minimally invasive surgical techniques have become routinely applied in the evaluation and treatment of patients with isolated traumatic diaphragmatic injuries (TDI). However, there remains a paucity of data that compares the laparoscopic repair to the open repair approach. The aim of our study is to examine patient outcomes between TDI patients managed laparoscopically versus those managed using open repair. Methods Adult (age ≥18 years) trauma patients presenting with TDI that required surgical repair were identified in the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database 2017. Patients were excluded if they underwent any other surgical procedure of the abdomen or chest. Patients were then stratified into 2 groups based on the surgical approach: laparoscopic repair of the diaphragm versus open repair. Propensity-score matching in a 1:2 ratio was performed. Primary outcome measures were in-hospital major complications and length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Results A total of 177 adult trauma patients who had a laparoscopic repair of their isolated diaphragmatic injury were matched to 354 patients who had an open repair. Mean age was 35 ± 16 years, 78% were male, and mean BMI was 27 ± 7 kg/m2. 67 percent of the patients had penetrating injuries, and the median ISS was 17 [9-21]. CT imaging was done in 67% of the patients, with 71% presenting with left-sided injury and 21% having visceral herniation. Conversion from laparoscopic to open was reported in 7.3% of the cases. Patients with a laparoscopic repair had significantly lower rates of major complications (5.6 versus 14.4%; P Conclusion Laparoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injury was associated with decreased morbidity and a shorter hospital course, with a low conversion rate to open repair. Future studies remain necessary to further explore the long-term outcomes of patients with such injury. Level of Evidence Level III Study Type Therapeutic
p-adic numbers

If X is a nonempty set, a distance, or metric, on X is a function d from pairs of elements (x, y) of X to the nonnegative real numbers such that $$ \begin{gathered} d(x,\,y) = 0\,if\,and\,only\,if\,x = y. \hfill \\ \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ (1) $$ d(x,\,y) = d(y,\,x). $$ (2) $$ d(x,\,y)\, \leqslant \,d(x,\,z) + d(z,\,y)\,for\,all\,z\, \in \,X. $$ (3) A set X together with a metrid d is called a metric space. The same set X can give rise to many different metric spaces (X, d), as we’ll soon see.
The Need and Opportunity for Physical Education in Rural Communities

(1919). The Need and Opportunity for Physical Education in Rural Communities. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 24, No. 8, pp. 437-443.
Geophysics: Finding chaos in abyssal hills

The abyssal hills which occur all over the floors of the world's oceans are generated at faults at mid-ocean-ridge spreading centres. There are two principal but largely incompatible ways of considering the genesis and subsequent pattern of these hills — one largely taken by physical modellers, the other by observationalists. A new numerical physical model of faulting at mid-ocean ridges produces a satisfyingly realistic abyssal-hill morphology, and will help to reconcile the two different viewpoints.
Salvage chemotherapy with CPT-11 for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme

Background: A prospective Phase II study of CPT-11 in adult patients with recurrent supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods: Forty patients (25 men, 15 women) ages 32–71 years (median 59), with recurrent GBM were treated. All patients had previously been treated with surgery and involved field radiotherapy (median dose 60 Gy; range 59–60). Additionally, all patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (BCNU in 20, PCV in 18, Procarbazine in 2). Twenty-five patients (62%) were on anticonvulsants (phenytoin in 15, carbamazepine in 10) and 26 patients (65%) were on dexamethasone. Recurrent disease was defined by neuroradiographic disease progression (>25% increase in tumor dimensions) using gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging. The starting dose of CPT-11 was 400 mg/m2 followed in three weeks by 500 mg/m2, operationally defined as one cycle. At week 6, all patients were evaluated with MRI and neurological examination. Results: All patients were evaluable. Two doses (one cycle) of CPT-11 were administered to all patients. CPT-11-related toxicity included: diarrhea (16 patients, 40%); thrombocytopenia (9 patients, 23%); and neutropenia (6 patients, 15%). No patient required transfusion nor was treatment for neutropenic fever required. No treatment-related deaths were observed. All patients demonstrated progressive disease following one cycle of CPT-11. Conclusions: The lack of response to CPT-11 in this patient group with recurrent GBM suggests either CPT-11 has minimal activity or CPT-11 doses/schedule utilized in this study were sub-optimal. The latter is supported by the modest toxicity seen in this study and the previously documented enhanced clearance of CPT-11 in patients on anticonvulsants and dexamethasone.