cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Commercialization to Conglomeration: The Transformation of the Chinese Press Within the Orbit of the Party State

This paper examines the trajectory of Chinese Communist party-controlled press commercialization in China and discusses the active role of the Chinese state in incorporating market-based press forms and practices into the existing press structure. Although market-oriented press developments in the past 2 decades have created a dynamic mass appeal sector catering to the urban middle class, it has also inadvertently led to a fragmented and decentralized press structure that undermined core party organs and their capital accumulation. Consequently, the party engineered a market rationalization campaign and pushed for press conglomeration. Both are aimed at enhancing political control on the one hand and facilitating press capitalization on the other. These developments are not only counter-intuitive to laissez-faire notions of free markets versus state control, but also have profound implications for emerging class and power relations in China.
Some Aspects of Salicylate Distribution and Metabolism in Man

This study is concerned with the pharmacokinetics of salicylate elimination in man, with special reference to the possible effect of absorption rate and the effect of normal variations in urinary pH. Data are presented concerning the quantitative composition of salicylate metabolites in the urine and the rate constants for the major salicylate elimination processes. Apparent volumes of distribution are reported, and their possible relation to individual serum protein profiles and salicylate elimination kinetics are discussed.
Software design techniques for the man machine interface to a complex underwater vehicle

As underwater vehicle complexity grows, so does the manpower needed to operate and maintain them. This paper describes the architecture of the software used to operate FOSS (Fiber-Optic Survey System), a complex full ocean depth towed vehicle. This system operates using the UNIX operating system and the X Windows graphical user interface. It is in constant serial communication with 25 different devices both on the vehicle itself and in the shipboard control van, providing centralized control as well as automatic fault detection, enhancing vehicle reliability while reducing operator workload, and thus significantly lowering operational costs. The paper explains the distributed architecture used to continually monitor over 70 analog channels, including leak detectors, current sensors, voltage sensors, and ground fault detectors, and the techniques used to provide immediate warnings to the operator when any signal falls outside of allowed parameters. Also detailed is: how the system manages and catalogs the media used by the vehicle's 2 electronic still cameras, 4 subsea video cameras, and the side-scan sonar; providing centralized indication of the recording time remaining for each system; logs of the media recorded; and even printed labels. The paper describes the techniques used to receive data from the various sensors, and redistribute it in proper format to all other systems, thus continually tagging all data streams with time, date, vehicle and ship position, vehicle attitude, water temperature, and transmissometer data. >
Evaluating the fetus with transposition.

Transposition, defined as concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculo-arterial connections, is a common neonatal congenital cardiac malformation.1 Repair of this lesion by means of the arterial switch in the neonatal period has progressed such that preoperative factors are playing a larger role in the postoperative outcomes.
Field Emission Properties of Thin Molybdenum Carbide and Diamond Films Deposited by Dielectrophoresis

Molybdenum carbide and diamond films were deposited at room temperature by dielectrophoresis on molybdenum foil and field emission tips. Films deposited on flat surfaces were characterized with XPS, UPS and SEM. Field emission Fowler-Nordheim current-voltage characteristics and electron energy distribution measurements were obtained using films deposited on field emission tips as part of a single aperture gated diode in a VG ESCALAB II system. Molybdenum trioxide was present after molybdenum carbide deposition at room temperature on all samples. At a temperature of about 650 °C, the dominant oxide changes to molybdenum dioxide. At about 800 °C, the oxygen content of the films significantly decreases and molybdenum carbide with significant graphite content remains. The UPS data for these samples were obtained at different annealing temperatures and a number of photon energies to determine photoelectric work functions for molybdenum trioxide, molybdenum dioxide and molybdenum carbide. The same kind of data was obtained for diamond deposited on molybdenum and molybdenum carbide coated foils and field emission tips.
Prevalence of Migraine and Raynaud Phenomenon in Women With Apical Ballooning Syndrome (Takotsubo or Stress Cardiomyopathy)

Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS), migraine, and Raynaud phenomenon are characterized by female predominance, identifiable triggers, and, likely, vascular dysfunction. Estrogen deficiency, such as in menopause, is considered to be a predisposing factor for ABS. We investigated the association of ABS with migraine, Raynaud phenomenon, and hormonal factors. We compared 25 consecutive residents (all women) of Olmsted County, Minnesota, presenting with ABS, to 2 age-matched control groups from the same community: 25 women presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), matched for the index ABS event date, and 50 women with neither diagnosis. The patients with ABS were more likely to have a migraine history (11 [44%] vs 4 [16%] STEMI controls, p = 0.031, and vs 6 [12%] population controls, p = 0.003), and “possible migraine” (including other headache syndromes suggestive of migraine; 15 [60%] vs 6 [24%] STEMI controls, p = 0.012; and vs 12 [24%] population controls, p = 0.003). Of the patients with ABS, 4 (16%) had Raynaud phenomenon compared to no STEMI controls and 1 (2%) population control (p = 0.038). No differences were present in parity, menopausal status, years since the onset of menopause, and frequency of oophorectomy. Current hormonal replacement therapy use was greater in those with ABS than in the population controls: 4 (16%) versus none (p = 0.002). In conclusion, the association of ABS with migraine and Raynaud phenomenon supports a role of vasomotor dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ABS. The absence of an association with reproductive characteristics and the finding that ABS occurred despite exogenous hormonal use in some patients suggests that estrogen deficiency per se is not the primary factor in the pathophysiology.
Environmental variability, early life-history traits, and survival of new coral reef fish recruits

For benthic marine organisms with complex life cycles, conditions experienced by pelagic larvae can influence juvenile survival. Trait-specific selective mortality has been documented in the laboratory and field, yet our knowledge of the factors contributing to the existence, strength, and consistency of natural selective mortality is limited. We compiled previously published and unpublished data on the common Caribbean coral reef fish, Thalassoma bifasciatum, recruiting to Barbados, West Indies, and the upper Florida Keys to examine how environmental variability during pelagic larval life influences the distribution of early life-history traits exhibited by new recruits. We explored how the scope of variability in otolith-derived traits such as larval growth, pelagic larval duration (PLD), size and condition at settlement, and early juvenile growth influences the degree to which mortality of juveniles is selective. At both locations, contrasting oceanographic conditions (periodic passage of large low-salinity North Brazil Current [NBC] rings near Barbados and seasonal variation in water temperature at Florida) led to significant differences in the early life-history traits of recruits. Mortality was most frequently selective for the two most variable traits, condition at settlement and early juvenile growth. Environmental variability (including variation in predation pressure and stress-inducing conditions) also likely influences juvenile mortality and consequently the degree to which selective loss of particular traits occurs. As we begin to better understand the spatial, temporal, and species-specific circumstances in which events occurring during larval life influence juvenile performance, studies must also be extended to examine how these processes are translated into adult fitness.
Factors Affecting Detection Probability of Burrowing Owls in Southwest Agroecosystem Environments

Estimating range-wide population trends of western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) requires standardized survey protocols that correct for detection bias in environments that support large owl populations. High concentrations of owls exist in irrigated agroecosystems within the southwest United States, yet little is known about the factors that affect detection bias during owl surveys in these systems. I used closed-population capture-recapture models to evaluate 4 factors that could affect the probability of a surveyor detecting an owl activity center (i.e., nest burrow) during visual surveys where owls are the focal object and analyzed the relationship (linear or curvilinear) between specific factors and detection probability. I recorded 1,199 detections of owls from 132 capture-recapture surveys within 12 sites of the Imperial Valley agroecosystem in California, USA between 16 April and 20 May 2006. I also conducted 96 time budget surveys throughout the day and used mixed linear models to evaluate the effect of each factor on probability of an owl activity center being available for detection (i.e., � 1 owls above ground) during surveys. Model selection results indicated that detection probability was influenced by ambient air temperature interacting with wind speed. Detection probability followed a curvilinear relationship that resembled bell-shaped curve along a temperature gradient, with the maximum detection probability shifting as a function of wind speed. At low temperatures, detection probability declined with increased wind speed, but this relationship was reversed at high temperatures, producing a 3-dimensional pattern in detection probability characterized by a saddle-shaped hyperbolic paraboloid response surface. The probability of an activity center being available for detection declined curvilinearly with increased temperature and explained 51% of the variation in detection probability. Given the broad range of detection probabilities, correcting visual survey counts for detection bias is necessary for comparing population estimates among regions and through time. Survey designs intended to estimate abundance of owls in southwest agroecosystems should incorporate methods to estimate and correct for variation in detection probability that include measurements of ambient temperature and wind speed for use as covariates. 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Use of local biasing in designing analog integrated circuits

A new biasing technique called ldquolocal biasingrdquo of transistors is used to design analog integrated circuit amplifiers, or any other analog ICs. The technique is based on designing the circuit without any external source but only the sources that are used to locally bias the transistors [12, 13]. Later these sources are transferred to appropriate locations in the circuit which leads the circuit to a new topology and configuration that makes it possible to replace the local biasing sources with final current mirrors and one or two conventional power supplies. Local biasing is revisited, and an OTA design example is provided to clarify the methodology and demonstrate the procedure.
Electrical shock hazards and safety standards

A general overview of the potential sources of electric shock in laboratory environments is presented. After a general review of 60 Hz 120/240 V electrical power supplies, the author discusses the basics of grounding, protection equipment and devices, codes and standards, the effects of electricity on the human body, electrical parameters for 60 Hz shocks, high-voltage safety principles, and typical laboratory accidents. >
A new species of Hibiscus (Malvaceae) from Madagascar

Hibiscus fanambanensis, a new species from the north-east of Madagascar, is described and illustrated based on its morphological characteristics. It belongs to Hibiscus sect. Azanza.
Vulnerability, Dependence, and Special Obligations to Domesticated Animals: A Reply to Palmer

Clare Palmer has recently argued that most humans have special obligations to assist domesticated animals, because domestication creates vulnerable, dependent individuals, and most humans benefit from the institution of domestication. I argue that Palmer has given us no grounds for accepting this claim, and that one of the key premises in her argument for this claim is false. Next, I argue that voluntarism, which is the view that one acquires special obligations only by consenting to those obligations in some way, offers a plausible explanation of the sorts of cases that motivate Palmer’s analysis. I conclude that voluntarism allows us to explain the prevalent intuition that special obligations to assist often obtain for domesticated animals, but rarely obtain for wild animals.
The fourth eye: Maori media in Aotearoa New Zealand [Book Review]

Review(s) of: The fourth eye: Maori media in Aotearoa New Zealand, by Hokowhitu, Brendan and Devadas, Vijay (Eds.), (2013), Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 251 pp. ISBN: 9780816681044.
Governing the Arctic Ocean

Abstract The biophysical state change currently underway in the Arctic Ocean is opening up the region to new and intensified human activities. While the pace of development is not as rapid as many expected a few years ago, increased human activities are generating new needs for governance pertaining to the Arctic Ocean. The critical shortcomings of the existing arrangements applicable to this area arise from jurisdictional and sectoral fragmentation. A more effective governance system for the entire Arctic Ocean must rest on the constitutive foundation provided by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The toolkit provided by the law of the sea includes at least four distinct though not mutually exclusive approaches: (i) the application of specific provisions of UNCLOS (e.g. Arts. 122 and 123) to address emerging needs for governance in the Arctic Ocean, (ii) the development of UNCLOS implementing agreements that are applicable to the Arctic Ocean, (iii) the use of measures adopted by UN specialized agencies (e.g. IMO, FAO), and (iv) the creation of subsidiary bodies, such as regional fisheries management organizations or regional seas arrangements, tailored to the circumstances of the Arctic Ocean. A critical review of these approaches reveals their strengths and weaknesses as mechanisms for meeting emerging needs for governance in the Arctic Ocean. The way forward is likely to feature the development of a multi-functional arrangement that applies to human activities in the entire Arctic Ocean and that allows for distinct categories of members possessing different rights and responsibilities.
A Study of the Composition of Odours of Predators and the Application of Research Results in Letting Animals Return to Nature

There is an ecological relation between predators and prey species,and prey species are often able to detect predators by using olfactory cues. Odours of predators can cause the prey to produce the responses of behaviour freezing,avoidance or defensiveness. This paper deals with the influence of predators odours on the behavior and physiology of the prey species and practical applications in programs of letting animals return to nature.
Menstrual Disorders in Adolescence

Current concepts of normal and pathologic puberty have been reviewed because menstrual abnormalities are usually due to abnormal maturation of the reproductive endocrine system. Schema are presented for the initial evaluation of patients with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea based upon whether they are hypoestrogenic or estrogenized. The role of the bone age in the differential diagnosis of delayed puberty is emphasized. The differential diagnosis and management of excessive genital bleeding and dysmenorrhea in adolescence are given.
Religious Objections to the Death Penalty after Hobby Lobby

In this short essay, I consider how the logic of the complicity-based claims in Hobby Lobby and subsequent nonprofit cases could be applied to challenge the common policy of “death qualifying” jurors in capital punishment cases — removing any juror who reports conscientious opposition to the death penalty. I argue that just like religious nonprofits that object to reporting a religious objection to contraceptives on the grounds that it enables someone else to provide contraceptives, a juror might object to reporting a religious objection to the death penalty on the grounds that it will enable someone else to replace them who is more likely to impose the death penalty.
Membranous Nephropathy: Pilot Study of a Novel Regimen Combining Cyclosporine and Rituximab

Introduction There is broad consensus that high-grade basal proteinuria and failure to achieve remission of proteinuria are key determinants of adverse renal prognosis in patients with primary membranous nephropathy. Since current regimens are not ideal due to short- and long-term toxicity and propensity to relapse after treatment withdrawal, we developed a treatment protocol based on a novel combination of rituximab and cyclosporine that targets both the B-cell and T-cell limbs of the immune system. Herein, we report pilot study data on proteinuria and changes in autoantibody levels and renal function that offer a potentially effective new approach to treatment of severe membranous nephropathy. Methods Thirteen high-risk patients defined by sustained high-grade proteinuria (mean 10.8 g/d) received combination induction therapy with rituximab plus cyclosporine for 6 months, followed by a second cycle of rituximab and tapering of cyclosporine during an 18-month maintenance phase. Results Mean proteinuria decreased by 65% at 3 months and by 80% at 6 months. Combined complete or partial remission was achieved in 92% of patients by 9 months; 54% achieved complete remission at 12 months. Two patients relapsed during the trial. All patients with autoantibodies to PLA 2 R achieved antibody depletion. Renal function stabilized. The regimen was well tolerated. Discussion We report these encouraging preliminary results for their potential value to other investigators needing prospectively collected data to inform the design and power calculations of future randomized clinical trials. Such trials will be needed to formally compare this novel regimen to current therapies for membranous nephropathy.
In-situ material flow pattern around probe during friction stir welding of austenitic stainless steel

Abstract The probe route as well as the material flow around the keyhole during weld termination were tracked and used to determine the probe position just prior to weld termination. This approach enables analysis of in-situ microstructure distribution and the nature of material flow during friction stir welding (FSW). A FSW flow model was established. During steady state FSW, the material at the advancing side (AS) recrystallized rapidly when it was swept by the hot rotating probe. The recrystallized grains were driven to rotate around the probe along the tool rotation direction, forming the material flow zone (MFZ). As the base material approached the probe, it was compressed initially, forming a compression zone (CPZ) mainly consisted of coarse deformed grains. When the coarse deformed grain in CPZ collided with the hot material in the MFZ, it recrystallized and added into the MFZ, thickening the MFZ ahead of the probe. During FSW, the material intersecting the path of probe was displaced to rotate around the probe and then deposited behind the probe at roughly the same transverse position as its initial position.
The Nature of Mexican Statecraft

In analysing Mexican politics each student makes a series of choices, consciously or not, about ongoing debates. Those choices in turn may alert the reader to biases. The following observations are the more important assumptions that guide the analysis of institutions and policies in succeeding chapters. Statecraft in Mexico as elsewhere is the art of making choices within a context shaped by historical experience and the international setting. The present task is to distinguish the general from the distinctive as we try to comprehend the issues confronting Mexico’s political leaders.
The AMPK Activator A769662 Blocks Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: Discovery of a Novel Pharmacophore with Potential Utility for Analgesic Development

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) regulate neuronal excitability by governing action potential (AP) generation and propagation. Recent studies have revealed that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators decrease sensory neuron excitability, potentially by preventing sodium (Na+) channel phosphorylation by kinases such as ERK or via modulation of translation regulation pathways. The direct positive allosteric modulator A769662 displays substantially greater efficacy than other AMPK activators in decreasing sensory neuron excitability suggesting additional mechanisms of action. Here, we show that A769662 acutely inhibits AP firing stimulated by ramp current injection in rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. PT1, a structurally dissimilar AMPK activator that reduces nerve growth factor (NGF) -induced hyperexcitability, has no influence on AP firing in TG neurons upon acute application. In voltage-clamp recordings, application of A769662 reduces VGSC current amplitudes. These findings, based on acute A769662 application, suggest a direct channel blocking effect. Indeed, A769662 dose-dependently blocks VGSC in rat TG neurons and in Nav1.7-transfected cells with an IC50 of ~ 10 μM. A769662 neither displayed use-dependent inhibition nor interacted with the local anesthetic (LA) binding site. Popliteal fossa administration of A769662 decreased noxious thermal responses with a peak effect at 5 mins demonstrating an analgesic effect. These data indicate that in addition to AMPK activation, A769662 acts as a direct blocker/modulator of VGSCs, a potential mechanism enhancing the analgesic property of this compound.
Metabolic influences on RNA biology and translation

Protein translation is one of the most energetically demanding processes for a cell to undertake. Changes in the nutrient environment may result in conditions that cannot support the rates of translation required for cell proliferation. As such, a cell must monitor its metabolic state to determine which mRNAs to translate into protein. How the various RNA species that participate in translation might relay information about metabolic state to regulate this process is not well understood. In this review, we discuss emerging examples of the influence of metabolism on aspects of RNA biology. We discuss how metabolic state impacts the localization and fate of different RNA species, as well as how nutrient cues can impact post-transcriptional modifications of RNA to regulate their functions in the control of translation.
Graph Model for Pattern Recognition in Text

In this paper, we propose a novel approach that uses a weighted directed multigraph for text pattern recognition. Instead of the traditional model which is based on the frequency of keywords for text classification, we set up a weighted directed multigraph model using the distances between the keywords as the weights of arcs. We then developed a keyword-frequencydistance- based algorithm which not only utilizes the frequency information of keywords but also their ordering information. We applied this new idea to the detection of plagiarized papers and the detection of fraudulent emails written by the same person. The results on these case studies show that this new method performs much better than traditional methods.
Predicting episodes of atrial fibrillation using RR-intervals and ectopic beats

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of stroke and mortality. Research into the prediction of AF onset has been motivated by the necessity to develop better pacing therapy to reduce the incidence of AF and maintain the heart's normal sinus rhythm. In this paper, we address a similar problem to that posed in the Computers in Cardiology Challenge 2001, but develop patient specific models to distinguish between epochs of ECG located far away from AF rhythms and those located just prior to the onset of those episodes. Our approach is validated using a publicly available dataset.
Unpacking pivotal politics: exploring the differential effects of the filibuster and veto pivots

Formal models of politics regularly combine assumptions about a variety of actors and institutions to produce equilibrium expectations, which serve as the primary target for empirical testing. Yet the underlying assumptions can vary in their accuracy among actors and across time and context. We focus on the pivotal politics model of lawmaking and argue that a full evaluation of the theory requires a granular analysis of its two primary components: the filibuster and veto “pivots” in Congress. We show that both types of pivots contribute to the success of pivotal politics in explaining postwar lawmaking, but that the relevance of each varies based on institution-specific contexts. Specifically, the filibuster pivot has little explanatory power before the 1970s, when norms of filibuster use were quite restrictive, while the veto pivot’s explanatory power is limited to situations in which the president has sufficient public backing to be a force in the legislative process.
Modelling the Spread and Control of Aids

Abstract The spread of AIDS by sexual contact is analyzed by a homogeneous mixing model. Using data for the epidemic in the U.S. homosexual population the infectivity of the virus is estimated. Behavioral responses to the epidemic in the form of declining sexual interaction rates and/or infectivity of the virus are modelled. These analyses are used to explore the potential efficacy of measures for controlling the epidemic.
Measuring exertion time, duty cycle and hand activity level for industrial tasks using computer vision.

AbstractTwo computer vision algorithms were developed to automatically estimate exertion time, duty cycle (DC) and hand activity level (HAL) from videos of workers performing 50 industrial tasks. The average DC difference between manual frame-by-frame analysis and the computer vision DC was −5.8% for the Decision Tree (DT) algorithm, and 1.4% for the Feature Vector Training (FVT) algorithm. The average HAL difference was 0.5 for the DT algorithm and 0.3 for the FVT algorithm. A sensitivity analysis, conducted to examine the influence that deviations in DC have on HAL, found it remained unaffected when DC error was less than 5%. Thus, a DC error less than 10% will impact HAL less than 0.5 HAL, which is negligible. Automatic computer vision HAL estimates were therefore comparable to manual frame-by-frame estimates.Practitioner Summary: Computer vision was used to automatically estimate exertion time, duty cycle and hand activity level from videos of workers performing industrial tasks.
A Review of Current Machine Learning Techniques Used in Manufacturing Diagnosis

Artificial intelligence applications are increasing due to advances in data collection systems, algorithms, and affordability of computing power. Within the manufacturing industry, machine learning algorithms are often used for improving manufacturing system fault diagnosis. This study focuses on a review of recent fault diagnosis applications in manufacturing that are based on several prominent machine learning algorithms. Papers published from 2007 to 2017 were reviewed and keywords were used to identify 20 articles spanning the most prominent machine learning algorithms. Most articles reviewed consisted of training data obtained from sensors attached to the equipment. The training of the machine learning algorithm consisted of designed experiments to simulate different faulty and normal processing conditions. The areas of application varied from wear of cutting tool in computer numeric control (CNC) machine, surface roughness fault, to wafer etching process in semiconductor manufacturing. In all cases, high fault classification rates were obtained. As the interest in smart manufacturing increases, this review serves to address one of the cornerstones of emerging production systems.
Judges in Street Clothes: Acting Ethically Off-the-Bench (Table of Contents and Preface)

This book examines the ethical rules governing one aspect of a judge’s off-bench life — the charitable, educational, religious, fraternal, civic, and law-related activities of a judge. The analysis details the circumstances leading to the adoption of the first ABA model judicial code in 1924 and the evolution of the rules governing the extrajudicial activities of judges over the next ninety-three years. The limits placed on off-bench activity are then evaluated against the public interests routinely invoked by the State to justify imposing restrictions on a judge’s personal life including: (1) safeguarding judicial independence, integrity, and impartiality; (2) ensuring the proper performance of judicial duties; (3) protecting against the misuse of judicial power and prestige; and (4) preventing separation of powers conflicts. This evaluation includes an in-depth study of how state and federal jurisdictions have interpreted and applied the rules that limit a judge’s off-bench law-related, educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, and civic endeavors. Finally, the book addresses an issue often ignored by courts, judicial disciplinary bodies, and judicial ethics advisory committees — the extent to which judicial code restrictions on non-political extrajudicial speech and conduct can survive First Amendment scrutiny.
Developing a Clinically Relevant Tissue Engineered Heart Valve—A Review of Current Approaches

Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) have the potential to address the shortcomings of current implants through the combination of cells and bioactive biomaterials that promote growth and proper mechanical function in physiological conditions. The ideal TEHV should be anti-thrombogenic, biocompatible, durable, and resistant to calcification, and should exhibit a physiological hemodynamic profile. In addition, TEHVs may possess the capability to integrate and grow with somatic growth, eliminating the need for multiple surgeries children must undergo. Thus, this review assesses clinically available heart valve prostheses, outlines the design criteria for developing a heart valve, and evaluates three types of biomaterials (decellularized, natural, and synthetic) for tissue engineering heart valves. While significant progress has been made in biomaterials and fabrication techniques, a viable tissue engineered heart valve has yet to be translated into a clinical product. Thus, current strategies and future perspectives are also discussed to facilitate the development of new approaches and considerations for heart valve tissue engineering.
Technological Maturity Proves a Valid and Important Concept

(1984). Technological Maturity Proves a Valid and Important Concept. Research Management: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 29-34.
Differential uptake of and sensitivity to diphenhydramine in embryonic and larval zebrafish.

The zebrafish fish embryo toxicity (FET) test is increasingly employed for alternative toxicity studies, yet our previous research identified increased sensitivity of zebrafish slightly older than embryos employed in FET methods (0-4 d postfertilization [dpf]). We identified rapid steady-state accumulation of diphenhydramine across zebrafish embryo and larval stages. However, significantly (p < 0.05) lower accumulation was observed at 48 h compared to 96 h in chorionated and dechorionated embryos (0-4 dpf), but not in zebrafish at 7 to 11 and 14 to 18 dpf. Increased uptake and toxicity of diphenhydramine was further observed in zebrafish at 7 to 11 and 14 to 18 dpf compared with 0-4 dpf embryos with chorion or dechorionated, which indicates that differential zebrafish sensitivity with age is associated with accumulation resulting from gill and other toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic changes during development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1175-1181. © 2017 SETAC.
Brown Rot of Stone Fruits

The stone fruit is botanically a drupe and contains a single, large pit or stone. The edible, fleshy portion is derived from the pistil. This fruit is in the genus Prunus.
Optimizing Open vSwitch to Support Millions of Flows

Software switch has emerged as a critical component in software defined networking and network virtualization areas. Open vSwitch (OvS) is a widely used software switch which uses tuple space search algorithm for packet classification, and an exact match cache (EMC) for caching most frequently used flows. In this paper, we propose two new optimizations for OvS to further improve its performance and scalability. First aims to completely remove the sequential search overhead of the tuple space search layer of OvS, and second is a dynamic cache insertion optimization for the EMC to improve EMC effectiveness. We show that the optimizations can improve OvS's throughput by up to 3.5X for millions of active flows.
Multiple-Model Estimators for Tracking Sharply Maneuvering Ground Targets

This paper presents algorithms that can be used to track the state of kinematic point targets, moving in two dimensions, that are capable of making very sharp heading maneuvers over short periods of time. Ground vehicles with continuous wheel tracks moving in an open field may perform such maneuvers. These targets are capable of 60 $^{\circ }\text{/s}$ turn rates, whereas measurements are received at only 1 Hz. We describe how an interacting multiple model estimator (IMM) should be designed to accommodate such maneuvers, and we introduce the nonzero mean, white noise turn-rate model to quickly detect sharp turns by modeling a multimode process noise probability density function. Results show that including such modes in an IMM achieves significant improvement in accuracy and consistency, as compared to conventional coordinated-turn IMM filters.
Spectrum of cerebral arterial and venous abnormalities in Alagille syndrome.

Alagille syndrome is a pediatric multisystem disease with increased prevalence of cerebrovascular disease. The spectrum of cerebrovascular disease in Alagille syndrome includes cerebral aneurysms, moyamoya arteriopathy and dolichoectasia. The prevalence of cerebrovascular disease in Alagille syndrome varies widely in the literature. To determine the prevalence of cerebrovascular disease in our institution’s Alagille patient population by employing a full primary review of all available neuroimaging. An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of all Alagille syndrome patients seen at a tertiary care children’s hospital from January 2000 to January 2014 was performed. All neuroimaging studies were reviewed for arterial or venous abnormalities. The prevalence of arterial and venous abnormalities was calculated and clinical outcomes were determined. Fifty-two patients with Alagille syndrome ranging in age from 11 months to 27 years were studied. Nineteen (37%) had dedicated vascular neuroimaging. Six (32%) had cerebral arterial disease, 4 with dolichoectasia, 3 with aneurysm(s) and 2 with moyamoya arteriopathy. Three of the four patients with dolichoectasia had associated aneurysm(s). Venous anomalies were present in 4 (21%) patients. One patient with moyamoya arteriopathy underwent revascularization procedures. No deaths were attributable to cerebrovascular disease. Cerebral vasculopathy is an important feature of Alagille syndrome and includes dolichoectasia, cerebral aneurysms and moyamoya arteriopathy. The high prevalence identified in our study suggests noninvasive vascular neuroimaging screening should be performed in this patient population. In addition to cerebral arterial abnormalities, alterations of venous development may be a feature of Alagille syndrome.
Focused Ultrasonic Transducer with Electrically Controllable Focal-Point Location

This paper describes the modeling, design, fabrication and measurement of a focused ultrasonic transducer with electrically controllability over the focal point location. Built on a 1.02 mm thick lead zirconate titanate (PZT) substrate, the transducer consists of 6 pie-shape sectors of nickel deposited electrodes, with each sector divided into 3 sub-regions along its radius (inner, middle and outer). Partial Fresnel lenses made of 20μm-thick Parylene-sealed air-cavities are built on the top of electrode sub-regions, which are designed to be offset along the sector radius to deliver an off-centered focal point position for each sub-region. With the electrical addressability to each subregion electrode, the transducer can be configured to deliver focused ultrasound to different focal points on its focal plane. We have fabricated a transducer capable of delivering multiple focal points over its focal plane through actuating different sets of the electrodes, and demonstrated its functionality by measuring the acoustic pressure with a point hydrophone.
Dermatologic Surgical Care for Transgender Individuals.

Background Transgender individuals experience common and unique dermatologic concerns from severe acne associated with testosterone therapy in transmen to complications due to illicit silicone injections in transwomen. Currently, 2 survey studies and 4 reviews have addressed the dermatologic care of transgender individuals. However, none of them provide a focus on the dermatologic surgeon. Objective To assess the dermatologic considerations in transgender individuals and the role of dermatologic surgeon in their care. Methods The PubMed and MEDLINE databases were reviewed in June 2018 using keywords, such as transgender, procedures, hair removal, laser, and hormone therapy. Results In total, 48 relevant publications addressing dermatologic care in transgender patients were reviewed. According to the literature, there are several critical dermatologic considerations in transgender patients, including hair growth and removal, acne vulgaris, facial procedures to masculinize and feminize the face, scar removal, and sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion As dermatologic surgeons have the privilege to improve the health care of transgender patients, they must understand the common and unique concerns of transgender individuals. Given the considerable spectrum of physical goals expressed by transmen and transwomen, individual patient preference must ultimately guide his/her/their dermatologic care.
A Political Economy of Contemporary Legality

The chapter starts with an observation: contemporary elite jurists pursue, vis-a-vis one another, a ‘hermeneutic of suspicion’, meaning that they work to uncover hidden ideological motives behind the ‘wrong’ legal arguments of their opponents, while affirming their own right answers allegedly innocent of ideology. The rise of the hermeneutic of suspicion is a striking manifestations of the contemporary transformation of the relationship between legal elites and political/economic elites. This transformation accompanies and corresponds to the progressive juridification, judicialization and finally constitionalization of the contemporary social order.
Outcomes of Repair of Kommerell Diverticulum.

Background Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is an uncommon congenital vascular anomaly. This study assessed outcomes of open and endovascular repair of this disorder. Methods Between 1997 and 2016, 152 adult patients presented with KD at Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH), 87 had no intervention, and 65 underwent open repair (n = 55; 19 elephant trunk [ET] procedures [9 with aortic dissection], including 7 frozen ET, and completions with 5 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs, 2 open, and 5 lost to follow-up) or endovascular procedures (n = 10). Non-ET open KD repairs consisted of resection (n = 15), interposition graft (n = 16), patch (n = 4), or aortopexy (n = 1). Maximum KD diameter was 2.1 cm for nonsurgical patients and 3.2 cm for surgical patients. Among surgical patients, 51 of 65 had dysphagia or dyspnea. A total of 608 patient-years of follow-up were available. Results For patients who underwent open and endovascular procedures, after multivariable adjustment, symptoms of dysphagia and hypertension predicted the likelihood of surgery (P Conclusions Open and endovascular approaches have a high success rate and low mortality risk. Selection of the specific type of intervention should be based on patient anatomy, additional needed procedures, and comorbid conditions.
The organosulfur compound dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is utilized as an osmoprotectant by Vibrio species

Abstract Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a key component of the global geochemical sulfur cycle that is a secondary metabolite produced in large quantities by marine phytoplankton and utilized as an osmoprotectant. Bacterial DMSP lyases convert DMSP to the climate active gas dimethylsulfide (DMS). Whether marine bacteria can also accumulate DMSP as an osmoprotectant to maintain the turgor pressure of the cell in response to changes in external osmolarity remains unknown. The marine halophile Vibrio parahaemolyticus, contains at least six osmolyte transporters, four betaine carnitine choline transport (BCCT) carriers BccT1-BccT4 and two ABC-family ProU transporters. In this study, we showed that DMSP is used as an osmoprotectant by V. parahaemolyticus and several other Vibrio species including V. cholerae and V. vulnificus. Using a V. parahaemolyticus proU double mutant, we demonstrated that these ABC transporters are not required for DMSP uptake. However, a bccT null mutant lacking all four BCCTs had a growth defect compared to wild type in high salt media supplemented with DMSP. Using bccT triple mutants, possessing only one functional BCCT, in growth pattern assays, we identified two BCCT-family transporters, BccT1 and BccT2 are carriers of DMSP. Vibrio cholerae and V. vulnificus, only contain a homolog of BccT3 and functional complementation in Escherichia coli MKH13 showed only V. cholerae BccT3 could transport DMSP. In V. vulnificus strains, we identified and characterized an additional BCCT transporter that was also a carrier for DMSP. Phylogenetic analysis uncovered at least 11 distinct BCCT transporters among members of the Harveyi clade, with some species having up to 9 BCCTs as exemplified by V. jasicida. Importance DMSP is present in the marine environment, produced in large quantities by marine phytoplankton as an osmoprotectant, and is an important component of the global geosulfur cycle. The bacterial family Vibrionaceae is comprised of marine species, many of which are halophiles such as V. parahaemolyticus, which can utilize a wide range of osmolytes and possesses at least six transporters for the uptake of these compounds. Here, we demonstrated that V. parahaemolyticus and other Vibrio species can accumulate DMSP as an osmoprotectant and show that the BCCT family transporters were required. DMSP was transported by four different BCCT transporters; BccT1, BccT2, BccT3 and BccT5 depending on the species. Bioinformatics and phylogenetics demonstrated that Vibrio species contain a large number of BCCTs and that many of these are associated with different metabolic pathways.
HiCRes: a computational method to estimate and predict the resolution of HiC libraries

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) conformation of the chromatin is crucial to stringently regulate gene expression patterns and DNA replication in a cell-type specific manner. HiC is a key technique for measuring 3D chromatin interactions genome wide. Estimating and predicting the resolution of a library is an essential step in any HiC experimental design. Here, we present the mathematical concepts to estimate the resolution of a library and predict whether deeper sequencing would enhance the resolution. We have developed HiCRes, a docker pipeline, by applying these concepts to human and mouse HiC libraries.
Psychometric properties of the Alliance and Negotiation Scale-Supervision Version.

Objective This study examines the psychometric properties of the Alliance Negotiation Scale-Supervision Version (ANS-S) for clinical trainees. Analyses were designed to evaluate the relationship between the ANS-S and other measures of supervision process and outcome. Method Online surveys included items from established measures in addition to questions about supervisor and supervisee training experiences. The survey was administered to a sample of mental health clinicians practicing under a licensed supervisor (N = 113). Results The ANS-S (a 12-item unidimensional scale) demonstrated sound psychometric properties, including evidence of reliability as well as content and construct validity. Conclusions The ANS-S was associated with several related supervision measures and outcome variables in the expected directions. These results extend previous findings on the ANS' psychometric integrity and offer a validated measure that can be used in further research on supervision.
How Conservative Justices Are Undermining Our Democracy (or What's at Stake in Choosing Justice Scalia's Successor?)

In this essay, Professor Garfield contends that the conservative justices on the Supreme Court have allowed elected officials to manipulate laws to entrench themselves in office and to disenfranchise voters who threaten their power. The justices’ unwillingness to curb these abuses has largely redounded to the benefit of the Republican Party because Republicans control the majority of state legislatures and have used this power to gerrymander legislative districts and to enact voter‑suppressive laws such as voter ID laws. With Justice Antonin Scalia’s unexpected passing during the administration of a Democratic president, the conservatives’ control of the Court has been put into play. While the media and presidential candidates have focused on the implications of a shifting Court majority for individual rights, it is likely that, behind the scenes, politicians are much more focused on the implications of a shifting majority for their ability to hold onto power.
Biopsy-proven PML in an HIV-negative patient with discoid lupus: Failure to detect JC virus in CSF.

Abstract We present a case of a 58-year-old man with a history of severe discoid lupus erythematosus and acute encephalopathy and incoordination. Antinuclear antibody testing was weakly positive but all other laboratory tests for systemic lupus erythematosus were negative and serum quantitative immunoglobulins and lymphocytes were normal. MRI brain showed T2/FLAIR hyperintensities within the bilateral parietal and temporal lobes with involvement of subcortical U fibers. CSF PCR was negative for varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex, JCV and BK virus. However, JCV antibody index was elevated (3.88; reference:
The Remaking—and Decline—of the Middle Class: A Note

In light of the extreme imprecision, and even obfuscation, surrounding the concept of "middle classness" this working paper examines it critically, identifying it with the individual's enjoyment of a particular measure of comfort, security and opportunity. Historically these were founded on property ownership, a basis that proved less tenable in the industrialized era, with the result that two principal versions of middle classness emerged as ways of providing the goods entailed--a more market-based version of middle classness in which the managerial-professional "Company Man" had these things by way of their job, and a more social democratic version where welfare states and labor unions enabled working people to enjoy these benefits. This working paper considers the limitations of each of those versions as observed at their peak in the post-World War II, "Keynesian Fordist" era, and afterward, the implications of the succeeding neoliberal era.