cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A propensity score matched analysis to determine if second-generation drug-eluting stents outperform first-generation drug-eluting stents in a complex patient population.

Abstract Background Drug-eluting stents (DES) are routinely used in complex patients, but the impact of 1st- versus 2nd-generation DES on clinical outcomes has not been well described. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 2nd-generation (everolimus-eluting) DES compared to 1st-generation (sirolimus- and paclitaxel-eluting) DES in a selected, higher-risk population with complex clinical and angiographic features. Methods The study included 5693 consecutive patients with the presence of ≥1 predefined complex clinical and angiographic characteristic treated with either generation DES. Using propensity score matching, the clinical outcomes of 1076 patients treated with 2nd-generation DES were compared with the outcomes of a matched population treated with 1st-generation DES over 1-year follow-up. Results After matching, baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar between groups. At 1-year follow-up, the rate of major adverse cardiac events was 9.4% with 2nd-generation DES and 11.3% with 1st-generation DES (p=0.16). There were no significant differences in the rates of death (3.2 vs. 4.0%, p=0.30), myocardial infarction (1.6 vs. 1.3%, p=0.57), target vessel revascularization (5.9 vs. 7.3%, p=0.17) or target lesion revascularization (4.4 vs. 5.0%, p=0.50). Definite stent thrombosis was less frequent with 2nd-generation DES (0.1 vs. 0.8%, p=0.011), as was definite or probable stent thrombosis (0.7 vs. 1.6%, p=0.040). Conclusion In this propensity score matched patient population with complex features undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, the use of 2nd-generation DES was associated with lower rates of stent thrombosis, and similar 1-year major adverse cardiac events compared to 1st-generation DES.
Cross-species genetic exchange between visceral and cutaneous strains of Leishmania in the sand fly vector

Genetic exchange between Leishmania major strains during their development in the sand fly vector has been experimentally shown. To investigate the possibility of genetic exchange between different Leishmania species, a cutaneous strain of L. major and a visceral strain of Leishmania infantum, each bearing a different drug-resistant marker, were used to coinfect Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies. Eleven double–drug-resistant progeny clones, each the product of an independent mating event, were generated and submitted to genotype and phenotype analyses. The analysis of multiple allelic markers across the genome suggested that each progeny clone inherited at least one full set of chromosomes from each parent, with loss of heterozygosity at some loci, and uniparental retention of maxicircle kinetoplast DNA. Hybrids with DNA contents of approximately 2n, 3n, and 4n were observed. In vivo studies revealed clear differences in the ability of the hybrids to produce pathology in the skin or to disseminate to and grow in the viscera, suggesting polymorphisms and differential inheritance of the gene(s) controlling these traits. The studies, to our knowledge, represent the first experimental confirmation of cross-species mating in Leishmania, opening the way toward genetic linkage analysis of important traits and providing strong evidence that genetic exchange is responsible for the generation of the mixed-species genotypes observed in natural populations.
Privacy, traceability, and anonymity for content protection

In this paper we are concerned with the privacy, traceability and anonymity for content distribution and protection applications. We believe for many content protection applications, privacy friendly anonymous trust is needed. We argue broadcast encryption technologies have advantages over public key encryption systems in these applications. When coming to combat piracy, we provided some business scenarios where it is essential to offer traceability in order to protect the revenues drawn from the provided services. However, in some scenarios, privacy concern needs to be carefully addressed in order to have a viable business. We shed insights on different technologies that can be used to offer solutions in each category.
Oxidation and Reduction Reactions in Organic Chemistry

A variety of approaches to the concept of oxidation and reduction appear in organic textbooks. The method proposed here is different than most published approaches. The oxidation state is calculated by totaling the number of heterogeneous atoms, π-bonds, and rings. A comparison of the oxidation states of reactant and product determine what type of reaction occurred (oxidation, reduction, or neither). By employing this approach, students can examine organic reactions in terms of oxidation and reduction, which can reduce the amount of memorization necessary in an organic course.
Conductance fluctuations in mesoscopic granular superconductors

Abstract We report on a transport study of granular superconductivity films with lengths as small as 1000 A and typical grain sizes of 100 A. The I–V characteristics of these samples are hysteretic and exhibit sharp, discontinuous voltage jumps. We attribute these features to destruction of superconducting phase locking between individual grains. In addition, we observe a rich profile of conductance fluctuations which, unlike the previous features, are non-hysteretic. The amplitude of the fluctuations scales with the conductance and may reach values much larger than e 2 h . We suggest that these features stem from interference of the superconductive wave-function, which is modulated by self induced flux penetrating the random granular network.
Large group interventions as a tool for community visioning and planning

Large group interventions (LGIs) are a type of multi-stakeholder process designed to “get the whole system in the room” in order to develop shared understandings and agreements. LGIs are said to be...
The price tag for a fast Fourier transform on any sample size

Abstract A computer program that makes a time-to-frequency domain transformation on a signal sampled with any number of equally spaced points has been available for over 10 years. That program, Glassman's discrete Fourier transform (DFT), is not generally used. Perhaps this low use is due to the wide and unpredictable variations in the processing time caused by small changes in the sample size. This paper examines that program and shows how the sample size controls the processing time. The procedure described in this paper establishes the relative computation cost of any sample size and shows that small adjustments to the sample size will provide the DFT capability at an affordable cost. So, this paper is largely about the workings of a computer-based signal processing tool and how to use it effectively.
The anorexia nervosa syndrome

This article reviews the medical and dental literature on the anorexia nervosa syndrome and presents the oral and systemic manifestations of this serious disease process. A case is reported which demonstrates the generalized destruction of tooth structure, primarily as a result of the direct effect of gastric acid on this patient's dentition during a 5-year period of self-induced vomiting. The systemic, psychological, and social aspects of this syndrome are classically illustrated in this case history.
Transforming British higher education: A view from across the Atlantic

This article analyzes the major changes in British Higher Education during the past five years: increasing student numbers, mandated government assessment, linking funding to the assessment exercises, the modularized curriculum and the competency movement, and draws comparisons to the United States. The author then studies the impact of these policy changes on a single campus, the University of Leicester, with attention to the consequences of growth, the impact on decision-making, and challenges for staff development.
Prospects for satellite remote sensing of Adelie penguin rookeries

Abstract Future conservation efforts are expected to require population statistics for Southern Ocean species, including penguins. Preliminary laboratory spectral reflectance measurements are presented of penguin plumage plus some of the major components of the Antarctic environment. A sketch is presented of the prospects for employing remote sensing systems for monitoring penguin populations on a regional scale.
Dynamically Controlled Long Duration Operation of a Highly Energy Efficient Chiller-Less Data Center Test Facility

Data center energy consumption makes up a significant and rapidly growing portion of the national energy use. A large fraction of this energy consumption, in the range of 25%–40%, is used by the data center cooling infrastructure, particularly by the computer room air handlers (CRAH) and by the chiller plant. A joint US Department of Energy and IBM effort investigated the use of warm water server cooling and water side economization to help improve energy efficiency in a volume server by minimizing the use of CRAH and chiller hours with the goal of reducing the ratio of cooling energy to IT energy from the conventional value of approximately 50% to less than 10%. Previous work focusing on system characterization and one day runs found significant energy savings as compared to a traditional chiller based data center. In the work reported in this paper we discuss the development and implementation of a dynamic control approach followed by details and results from a 60+ day run of the data center test facility starting May 11th, 2012. Results from this long term study found the average cooling energy consumption to be 3.5% of the IT energy, which is consistent with previous short one day runs. The implemented control scheme was also able to reliably control the water temperature to within 0.5°C of the set-point under most conditions and could react and stabilize to a new set-point in 30 minutes. The work presented demonstrates the high energy efficiency of a warm water cooled, water-side economized, chiller-less data center over a long sustained period of time and highlights the benefits of energy aware control to help limit cooling energy.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Post-diapause sensory responsiveness in Culex pipiens

Abstract Adult Culex pipiens females do not host-seek and hence do not feed on blood during diapause. Such diapausing females do not possess the highly sensitive olfactory receptors for the host attractant lactic acid that are characteristic of nondiapausing host-seeking females. In this study single unit electrophysiological recordings coupled with quantitative odour-delivery techniques were employed to study sensory responsiveness in females that had terminated diapause (as evidenced by resumption of ovarian follicle growth). Such females display changes in peripheral receptor responsiveness that can be summarized as follows: (1) Highly sensitive lactic acid-excited cells associated with the sensilla basiconica type A3 are present in females that have terminated diapause. (2) The proportion of responsive (albeit nonspecific) cells associated with the sensilla trichodea type A2 increases whereas the proportion of nonresponsive cells decrease in post-diapause females; this change in sensory responsiveness is not accompanied by an increase in the number of cells specifically sensitive to ethyl propionate or by a change in receptor sensitivity. Resumption of post-diapause anautogenous reproductive activity in this mosquito thus involves resumption of ovarian follicle development, resumption of host-seeking behaviour, and changes in peripheral receptor responsiveness.
Protocols for Teaching Students How to Search for, Discover, and Evaluate Innovations:

The authors introduce and develop protocols to guide aspiring entrepreneurs’ behaviors in searching for and discovering innovative ideas that may have commercial potential. Systematic search has em...
The population of cells in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria of intermediate sensitivity to complement lysis: significance and mechanism of increased immune lysis.

Summary. The red cells in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) are of three sorts: population I in which the cells appear to be normal, population II in which the cells are 3–5 times more sensitive to complement (C) lysis than normal and population III in which the cells are 10–15 times more sensitive to complement. In all previously reported patients, two or three populations were present. Two patients were found to have only cells of population II. These cells are like those of population I (normal cells) and population III in fixation of antibody and the first and fourth components of complement. The cells of populations II and III fix larger amounts of the third component than normal. The amount of lysis obtained for a given amount of fixed C3 is much less for cells of population II than for cells of population III.
Long distance chiral contributions to the KL–KS mass difference

Abstract We use chiral symmetry to calculate the very long distance contributions to the K L –K S mass difference. We determine that the dominant effect arises from the two-pion dispersive contribution, which by itself produces a large result comparable to or greater than the experimental mass difference (with the correct sign). Some contributions from intermediate distance are also estimated and could be significant. These conclusions reinforce the need, first pointed out by Wolfenstein, to include an additive parameter to account for the long distance contributions in phenomenological studies of the K L –K S mass difference. This parameter may be determined from the data if the B-meson lifetime is as large as recent experiments indicate.
Correlation between oxidative stress and immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplant recipients with an uneventful postoperative course and stable renal function.

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators of cellular damage and lipid peroxidation is the most important expression of ROS-induced oxidative stress. Recent studies have suggested that increased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are a consequence of specific immunosuppressive therapies. This study aims at investigating the relation between oxidative stress and immunosuppressive therapies in renal transplant patients with stable renal function and uneventful postoperative course.
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injections and skeletal health

This editorial focuses on the effect that depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or Depo-Provera® has on skeletal health. It describes what happens to bone mineral density (BMD) during Depo-Provera® use as well as what happens after Depo-Provera® is discontinued. It also discusses the evidence behind this particular issue but states the importance of DMPA as a highly effective method of birth control for healthy women.
Crossings and embracings of set-partitions and q -analogues of the logarithm of the Fourier transform

Abstract We describe the relation between the q-analogue of the exponential formula found by Gessel [8], and the q-analogue of the convolution of probability distributions studied in [12].
The accuracy of castings produced by various investments

Abstract A total of 232 castings were made, and each investment material was used eight times for the three different types of restorations. The manufacturers' directions IAverage measurements of the different groups of castingsMODClass IFull crownProductMean (mm.)S.D. (mm.)Mean (mm.)S.D. (mm.)Mean (mm.)S.D. (mm.)Shiny Brite Cristobalite0.07±0.0040.14±0.0140.10±0.05Beauty Cast 900 °F.0.06±0.0110.13±0.0430.00±0.00R & R No. 10.08±0.0170.15±0.0170.05±0.03Cristobalite and Control Powder0.09+0.0110.14+0.0170.05+0.07Whip Mix Cristobalite0.07±0.007−0.13±0.0170.05±0.08Hygrotrol0.04±0.014−0.10±0.0380.25±0.05R & R Gray Investment0.05±0.0101.01±0.1100.20±0.05Beauty Cast0.06±0.015 ∗ ∗ 0.25±0.05Baker's Scientific Investment0.06±0.0070.06±0.0261.60±0.40Healey's Perfected Investment0.04+0.0100.07±0.048 † † ∗No measurements because all castings were finned.†No specific directions for full crowns. were followed. Although only nine investments were used, ten different casting techniques were followed, because both hygroscopic and high heat techniques were used with the Beauty Cast investment. In Class I inlays (Table I), Whip Mix Cristobalite and Hygrotrol produced only slightly undersized castings (−0.1 mm.). The remaining castings were only slightly oversized except those made with Gray Investment, which were oversized by an average of 1.0 mm. To check the results of Beauty Cast 1,200 °F. investment, an additional four castings were made, and they too were finned, as were the initial eight castings. The MOD castings were all found to be slightly undersized by a few hundredths of a millimeter. Whether or not they would be clinical failures cannot be stated. Beauty Cast 900 °F. investment provided sufficient expansion to produce full crown castings which seated completely in all eight samples. However, the crowns from Beauty Cast 1,200 °F. investment did not seat by an average of 0.2 mm. Shiny Brite Cristobalite, R & R No. 1, Cristobalite and Control Powder, and Whip Mix Cristobalite produced castings which seated completely in six out of eight samples. Although excellent results were obtained with Baker's Scientific Investment for inlays, the same was not so for full crowns, which did not seat by an average of 1.6 mm. Thermocouples placed in the investment molds compared to a thermocouple in the furnace demonstrated that mold temperatures and furnace temperatures may differ as much as 250 °F. Burnout time for a 1,200 °F. investment mold may be over an hour and fifteen minutes to insure proper mold temperature for adequate expansion.
Is the middle Cretaceous pulse of rapid sea-floor spreading real or necessary?

It is commonly accepted that the major control on long-term eustasy is variation in sea-floor spreading rate. The middle Cretaceous sea-level highstand, in particular, has been correlated with a postulated pulse of rapid spreading in the Pacific basin. This inferred event took place during the Cretaceous normal superchron (CNS) and has also been used as evidence for the existence of superplumes from the deep mantle, giving a causative link between core-mantle interactions and the record of sea-level change. There are reasons, however, to question the foundation upon which this linkage is based. Recent studies of marine geochemistry show no evidence for large hydrothermal fluxes during middle Cretaceous time that require major increases in oceanic spreading rates. Plate reorganizations in the Pacific during the CNS show evidence of ridge jumps, indicating that more of the sea floor of this age may be preserved than has been presumed. Improvements in the Mesozoic time scale indicate that the CNS was longer than previously assumed, reducing the need for rapid spreading rates in the Pacific basin. Middle Cretaceous rapid plate generation rates are not needed to explain the history of sea-level change. Long-term eustasy can easily be accounted for by supercontinent breakup, variations in the distribution of crust consumed at subduction zones, and other effects. Because the inferred pulse of spreading was, in part, used to argue for the existence of a superplume, the basis for this hypothesis is diminished. The phenomena attributed to deep mantle plumes can be accounted for by plate tectonic forces and plate reorganization. Hence, we question the basis and need for the Cretaceous pulse of rapid sea-floor spreading.
Arenas of interaction in the mediated public sphere

News and public affairs programming is increasingly organized around modes of human interaction rather than scripted narratives. This paper surveys a number of such interactional forms in the US,with an emphasis on news interviews,news conferences,and various forms involving audience participation (radio call-in shows,TV talk shows,and town meetings). These are analyzed as distinct arenas within the public sphere,each with its own conditions of access and modes of conduct. Accordingly,interactional arenas are examined from the standpoint of their historical development,constraints on participation,and the evolving norms and practices that organize conduct. The conclusion of the paper addresses the broader ramifications of broadcast interaction for journalism,politics,and the public sphere. # 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V. In recent years there has been a sea change in broadcast news and public affairs programming. The traditional way of packaging and presenting news—in the form of a narrative or story,which dominated broadcasting up through the early 1980s— has steadily declined in prominence. It now coexists alongside a plethora of communicative forms organized around human interaction—news interviews,news conferences,panel discussions,formal and informal debates,town meetings,and talk shows of various kinds. Some of these forms are fully institutionalized within broadcasting where they function as programming formats; others are ad hoc events occurring independently but still broadcast to the public. This diverse collection of media events shares a common property: each involves relatively unscripted encounters involving some combination of public figures,media professionals,and ordinary people.
Comparison of the liquefaction yields of coals with their composition, free radical density and thermal parameters

Abstract Pyrolysis behaviour of four coals, a vitrinite, and a bituminite sample has been investigated between 25°C and 600°C by in situ electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the results are compared with the percentage conversion of these samples to pyridine-soluble liquefaction products. The three distinct temperature stages of pyrolysis reported earlier by Seehra et al. in ESR spectroscopy are observed in these samples also. Linear regression analysis is used to ascertain correlation between percentage conversion and compositional and thermal parameters. Among the compositional parameters, the best correlation is obtained with the atomic H/C ratio (correlation coefficient, r = 0.82) and among the thermal parameters, the rate of mass loss measured in DTG gives the best correlation ( r =0.92), followed by the rate of thermally generated free radicals in stage 3 ( r =0.72). The significance of these results is discussed.
Canonical Analysis of Longitudinal and Repeated Measures Data with Stationary Weights.

When measuring the same variables on different “occasions”, two procedures for canonical analysis with stationary compositing weights are developed. The first, SUMCOV, maximizes the sum of the covariances of the canonical variates subject to norming constraints. The second, COLLIN, maximizes the largest root of the covariances of the canonical variates subject to norming constraints. A characterization theorem establishes a model building approach. Both methods are extended to allow for Cohort Sequential Designs. Finally a numerical illustration utilizing Nesselroade and Baltes data is presented.
Subband Coding Of Images Using Singular Value Decomposition (S V D)

The singular value decomposition method is proposed for the coding of the subband images generated via a two-dimensional (2-D) quadrature mirror filter analysis bank. This approach permits easy determination of the optimal bit allocation and by decomposing an image into singular vectors, a 2-D coding problem is transformed into a 1-D coding problem, for which a stable linear prediction algorithm exists. In addition, the determination of the SVD of subimages is much simpler than that of the original one, due to their considerably smaller sizes. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance characteristics of the proposed approach.
Change in neurocognition by housing type and substance abuse among formerly homeless seriously mentally ill persons

Abstract Objective To test the effect of living in group housing rather than independent apartments on executive functioning, verbal memory and sustained attention among formerly homeless persons with serious mental illness and to determine whether substance abuse modifies this effect. Method In metropolitan Boston, 112 persons in Department of Mental Health shelters were randomly assigned to group homes (“Evolving Consumer Households”, with project facilitator, group meetings, resident decision-making) or independent apartments. All were case managed. A neuropsychological test battery was administered at baseline, at 18 months (Time 2), with an 81% follow-up rate, and at 48 months (Time 3), with a 59% follow-up rate. Hierarchical Linear Modeling was applied to executive functioning—assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Perseverations)—Logical Memory story recall, and an auditory Continuous Performance Test (CPT) for sustained attention. Subject characteristics were controlled. Results When moved to group homes, subjects without a lifetime substance abuse history improved on Perseverations, while those who moved to independent apartments deteriorated on Perseverations. Across the two housing conditions, subjects showed no change in Perseverations, but improved on Logical Memory story recall and the CPT. Conclusions Type of housing placement can influence cognitive functioning; notably, socially isolating housing is associated with weakened executive functioning. Substance abuse significantly diminishes environmental effects. These are important factors to consider in housing placement and subsequent treatment.
Clinical Potential of Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Endocarditis

All lesions associated with endocarditis are three dimensional (3-D). Transthoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiographic techniques, while highly useful in endocarditis, yield only two-dimensional (2-D) data. The newly evolving method of 3-D echocardiography that provides volume and surface rendered reconstructions could be helpful in endocarditis. The clinical feasibility of 3-D echocardiography and its ability to display valvular and other cardiac structures have been recently demonstrated. Early experience suggests that vegetations, damaged valves, and other abnormalities could be delineated well by this method in viewing projections unavailable by current clinical techniques. Ongoing refinements in data acquisition, image processing, and display are likely to make 3-D echocardiography a clinically valuable tool, aiding in enhanced diagnostic appraisal of disorders such as endocarditis, and in making therapeutic decisions.
Predictive Capabilities of Series Solutions for Laminar Free Convection Boundary Layer Heat Transfer

Various types of series solutions for predicting laminar, free-convection boundary-layer heat transfer over both isothermal and nonisothermal boundaries are reviewed. The methods include finite difference, Merk series, Blasius series, and Goertler series. Comparative results are presented for heat transfer over an isothermal, horizontal, elliptical cylinder in both slender and blunt configurations.
Confocal Microscopy in Ophthalmology

Purpose To describe the principles, capabilities, and applications of confocal microscopy in vivo in ophthalmology. Design Perspective, literature review, and commentary. Methods Review and synthesis of selected recent literature, with interpretation and perspective. Results Confocal microscopy imaging has led to a better understanding of the cellular microstructure in the normal, postsurgical, and diseased cornea by enabling quantitative analysis of the cellular response in the human cornea in vivo. At present, the major role of confocal microscopy is in research of corneal surgery and disease. Clinical applications are limited to facilitating the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba and deep fungal keratitis, measuring residual bed thickness after laser in situ keratomileusis, and measuring endothelial cell density in high-light-scattering situations. Conclusions In addition to providing qualitative data, confocal microscopy is valuable for quantitative analysis of the cornea and will enable the investigation of pharmacologic and surgical modifications of corneal wound healing, nerve regeneration, and cellular responses. Prospective, quantitative analyses require individual calibration of confocal microscopes for lateral and axial dimensions of images, for image depth, and for light intensity.
Translational repression of EF-1α mRNA in vitro

In this report we show that when 10000 ×g supernatant extracts of growth arrested murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells are incubated there is a rapid conversion of essentially all mRNAs to non-translating messenger ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. Most of these RNPs are readily translated in an initiation-dependent manner when added to a nuclease-treated rabbit reticulocyte lysate. A notable exception is the RNP containing eucaryotic elongation factor 1α (EF-1α) mRNA. The mRNA for poly(A)-binding protein behaved similarly to EF-1α. Previous work has demonstrated that the translation of both these mRNAs are repressed in vivo when the growth of a number of different mammalian cells is arrested [Slobin L. I. and Jordan, P. (1984) Eur J. Biochem. 145, 1984; Thomas, G. and Thomas, G. (1986) J. Cell Biol. 103, 1986]. Translational activity of EF-1α mRNA could be restored by treating RNP particles with 0.5 M KCl, provided that the RNPs were separated from salt wash by chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose. Addition of the salt wash to total MEL cell mRNA significantly and selectively inhibited EF- 1α mRNA translation, suggesting that a component of the salt wash acts as a trans-acting translational repressor of EF-1α mRNA.
Genetic analysis of the structure and function of 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) in cells

The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), comprised of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and cyclins T1 (CycT1) or T2 (CycT2), activates eukaryotic transcription elongation. In growing cells, P-TEFb exists in active and inactive forms. In the latter, it is incorporated into the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein, which contains hexamethylene bisacetamide-induced proteins (HEXIM) 1 or 2, La-related protein 7 (LaRP7), methyl phosphate capping enzyme, and 7SK small nuclear RNA (7SK). HEXIM1 inhibits the kinase activity of CDK9 via interactions between 7SK, HEXIM1, and CycT1. LaRP7 and methyl phosphate capping enzyme interact with 7SK independently of HEXIM1 and P-TEFb. To analyze genetic interactions between HEXIM1 and/or LaRP7 and 7SK using a cell-based system, we established artificial heterologous RNA tethering assays in which reporter gene expression depended on interactions between selected regions of 7SK and its cognate binding partners fused to a strong activator. This system enabled us to map the HEXIM1- and LaRP7- binding regions of 7SK. Assays with various mutant 7SK plasmid targets revealed that the 5′ U-U bulge and central loop of stem-loop I or RNA motif 3 of 7SK are required for transactivation, suggesting that HEXIM1 and CycT1 form a combinatorial binding surface for 7SK. Moreover, a region in HEXIM1 C-terminal to its previously mapped RNA-binding motif was also required for interactions between HEXIM1 and 7SK. Finally, a tyrosine-to-alanine mutation in HEXIM1, which is critical for its inhibitory effect on CDK9, changed HEXIM1 into an activator. These cell-based assays elucidate this important aspect of transcription elongation in vivo.
COLLECTIVE PERSONS AND POWERS

INTRODUCTION There is a type of organization found in certain collectivities that makes them into subjects in their own right, giving them a way of being minded that is starkly discontinuous with the mentality of their members. This claim in social ontology is strong enough to ground talk of such collectivities as entities that are psychologically autonomous and that constitute institutional persons. Yet, unlike some traditional doctrines (Runciman 1997), it does not spring from a rejection of common sense. I try to argue here that the claim is supported by the implications of a distinctive social paradox—the discursive dilemma—and is consistent with a denial that our minds are subsumed in a higher form of Geist or in any variety of collective consciousness. And having done that, I draw attention to one way in which the claim may prove to have policy-making implications.
Analyzing and Forecasting Rocky Mountain Lee Cyclogenesis Often Associated with Strong Winds

Since numerical forecast models often err in predicting the timing and location of lee cyclogenesis, a physically based method to diagnose such errors is sought. A case of Rocky Mountain lee cyclogenesis associated with strong winds is examined to explore the transformation from a stationary lee trough to a mobile midlatitude cyclone (hereafter, departure). Up to 12 h before departure, a pronounced surface pressure trough travels eastward across western North America at an average speed of 22 m s21. Several methods are employed to examine the structure and evolution of the pressure field: total sea level pressure, time series at individual stations, isallobars, and bandpass filtering. Bandpass filtering of the observed sea level pressure data is useful for clarifying the movement of the mobile trough through the complex terrain. Quasigeostrophic height-tendency diagnostics show that the mobile pressure trough is related to the traveling mid- to upper-tropospheric vorticity maximum that is responsible for departure. At many stations, surface temperature changes associated with this pressure trough are not consistent with those commonly associated with surface frontal passages. To test the hypothesis that mobile pressure troughs are associated with departure, a five-winter climatology of 111 southern Alberta lee cyclones is constructed. Sixty-two percent of these events feature an upstream pressure minimum 3‐9 h prior to departure, in a manner resembling the case study. Seventy-six percent of these 111 events are associated with reports listed in Storm Data, indicating the potential severity of these storms.
Physics and Biology Collaborate to Color the World

To understand how life works, it is essential to understand physics and chemistry. Physics informs and enlightens biology in myriad dimensions, yet many biology courses proceed with little or no consideration of physical properties or principles. The intersection between physics and biology is explored in this review of online media.
A parameter optimized ADI-FDTD method

We present a parameter optimized alternating-direction implicit (ADI)-finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. This parameter optimized ADI-FDTD algorithm can minimize the dispersion error for arbitrary incident angles and for different time-step sizes. Stability analysis shows that this algorithm is unconditionally stable if proper parameter values are chosen. Dispersion analysis illustrates the reduced dispersion error of this algorithm.
40Ar/39Ar dating of Silurian and Late Devonian cleavages in lower greenschist-facies rocks in the Westminster terrane, Maryland, USA

40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating of muscovite, biotite, and K-feldspar combined with microstructural analysis of lower greenschist-facies, polymetamorphic, phyllitic rocks, and marbles were successfully used to decipher the thermal and tectonic histories of the Westminster and adjacent terranes in western Maryland. The presence of unreset detrital muscovite in some samples demonstrates that temperatures in these rocks never exceeded the closure temperature for argon diffusion in muscovite, ∼350 ± 50 °C. Minor biotite in some arkoses constrains the minimum metamorphic temperatures to ≥∼320 °C. These data show an Early Silurian (ca. 430 Ma) cleavage in the western part of the Westminster terrane and a Late Devonian event (ca. 370 Ma) in the eastern Westminster and adjacent Potomac terranes. These two cleavage domains are separated by the NE-trending, newly identified Parrs Ridge fault zone. We propose that the sinistral transpressive collision of the Carolina terrane with Laurentia emplaced the western portion of the Westminster terrane in the Pennsylvania embayment along the Martic fault where it was folded and cleaved at ca. 430 Ma but otherwise largely sheltered from later deformation. The later Late Devonian dextral transpressive accretion of the outboard Potomac terrane thrust rocks of the eastern Westminster and Potomac terranes to the west, causing Late Devonian (360–370 Ma) S 2 cleavage in these rocks, but only minimal discrete overprinting S 3 cleavages in rocks farther west. Final juxtaposition and thermal convergence of these terranes occurred along reactivated dextral strike-slip faults in the Alleghanian at ca. 300 Ma.
Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane complexes of rhodium(III) halides as synthons for dinuclear rhodium(III) complexes

Abstract Several rhodium(III) complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of dirhodium tetraacetate, Rh2(O2CCH3)4, with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), in the presence of trimethylsilyl halides. Octahedral complexes of formula RhCl3(dppm)(CH3CN) (1) and RhI3(dppm)(CH3CN) (2) have been isolated as minor products in the reaction between Rh2(O2CCH3)4, dppm and Me3SiCl or Me3SiI, respectively. In addition, the tri-n-butylphosphine complex RhCl3(dppm)(P-n-Bu3) (3) has also been prepared either by treatment of 1 with P-n-Bu3 or from the reaction of Rh2Cl6(P-n-Bu3)4 with dppm. Dimerization occurs upon heating 3 at 150 °C in vacuo for 2 h to form the Rh(II) complex Rh2Cl4(dppm)2, which we have previously reported. X-ray crystallographic characterization of 1, 2 and 3 gave the following: for 1: space group I4, a=19.090(4), c=15.100(3) A, V=5503(1) A−3, Z=8; for 2: space group Cc, a=11.897(2), b=17.110(3), c=15.246(1)A, β=106.04(9)°, V=2983(1)−3, Z=4; for 3: space group P212121, a=15.914(4), b=19.819(6), c=12.207(3) A, V=3850(2) A3, Z=4.
A Cross-Language State Sharing and Mapping Approach to Bilingual (Mandarin–English) TTS

We propose a hidden Markov model (HMM)-based bilingual (Mandarin and English) text-to-speech (TTS) system to synthesize natural speech for given bilingual text. A simple baseline system consisting of two independent monolingual HMM synthesizers is built first from corresponding Mandarin and English data recorded by a bilingual speaker. A new, mixed language TTS is then constructed by asking language-independent and language-specific questions for sharing HMM states across the two languages in decision-tree based clustering. By sharing states, the new system has a smaller footprint than the baseline system. Speech synthesized by the new system sounds very similar to the baseline for non-mixed, Mandarin or English, monolingual sentences but much better for mixed-language sentences. This higher quality of mixed-language output is confirmed by a preference score, 60.2% to 39.8%, in a subjective listening test. A cross-language state mapping algorithm is further proposed for cross-language synthesis when only monolingual (English) recorded data from a source language speaker is available. Mandarin speech is then synthesized with the HMM model parameters in the nearest neighbor leaf nodes of the English decision tree. The nearest neighbor is measured with the Kullback-Leibler divergence (KLD) and mappings between leaf nodes in the decision trees of the source and target languages are established via the speech data recorded by a different, bilingual speaker. High voice (speaker) similarity is preserved in the synthesized target language sentences by using the recording of a source language from a monolingual speaker. Perceptual test results conducted on synthesized Mandarin speech show 1) high intelligibility which is confirmed by a Chinese character transcription accuracy of 92.1% and 2) decent speech quality with an average MOS score of 3.1.
Analysis, modeling, and simulation of autonomous microgrids with a high penetration of renewables

Autonomous microgrids are operated and coordinated by intelligent automatic controls without any reliance on human intervention. In this paper, a simulation framework utilizing sequential Monte Carlo simulations is developed to investigate the performance of autonomous microgrids that have the ability to interconnect to achieve adequate load service. Detailed models of the various microgrid components and interconnection policies implemented are provided. In order to minimize the exposure of each microgrid to vulnerabilities, it is also desired that the number of interconnections be minimal. Using the developed framework, various simulation scenarios are explored. Results show the impact of storage capacity, intermittent distributed energy resources (DERs), and the ability to interconnect occasionally with other microgrids on each microgrid's security and reliability as measured using standard risk indices.
Toward a Science of Group Cognition

Studying virtual math teams involves explorations along multiple dimensions: (a) designing a testbed to support interaction within teams, (b) analyzing how math is discussed within this setting and (c) describing how the teams achieve their cognitive tasks. Previous chapters have shown in various ways how virtual math teams co-construct their shared worlds of math discourse. This concluding chapter discusses how the VMT Project designed an environment in which this could take place and be studied; it reviews how the project approached the rigorous study of what took place in these virtual worlds; and it reflects on the nature of group cognition as an object for scientific investigation. In this way, the present volume prepares the way for a science of group cognition, a systematic description of the processes at the group level of analysis that may contribute to problem solving, knowledge building and other cognitive tasks undertaken by small groups collaborating synchronously over networked computers.
Elementary operators and the Aluthge transform

Abstract We characterize essential normality for certain elementary operators acting on the Hilbert-Schmidt class. We find the Aluthge transform of an elementary operator of length one. We show that the Aluthge transform of an elementary 2-isometry need not be a 2-isometry. We also characterize hermitian elementary operators of length 2.
Social Networking Sarajevo Roses: Digital Representations of Postconflict Civil Life in (the Former) Yugoslavia

Social networks of Sarajevo Roses, the red resin-filled mortar scars memorializing civilian casualties of the siege of Sarajevo, reveal a transient community of memory comprising locals and foreigners who blog. With the concurrent return of tourism to the former Yugoslavia and the mainstream adoption of blogs and Flickr, a network including photographs of Roses, rough-hewn “Don't Forget” memorials in Mostar, and the “Do Not” mural in Srebrenica was created. Here, stories of social divisions in the once-celebrated plural society of Yugoslavia are exchanged, amplifying civilian countermemorials to the conflict. Applying critical analysis to the blog entries as visual evidence, this article uncovers characteristics contributing to the reshaping of public memory with ongoing activity, forms of evidence, and reinterpreted information.
Introduction – Field methods in ‘closed contexts’: undertaking research in authoritarian states and places

This special section on field methods in authoritarian states and places aims to move beyond the normative language of the liberal/illiberal binary by foregrounding the ways in which closure can be an authoritarian act. Illustrating the variety of scales and places at which these practices unfold, the contributors are concerned with what implications they have for conducting geographic fieldwork. The main questions raised by this set of papers are: how is research in ‘closed contexts’ different from (or similar to) more ‘open’ settings? Does it raise unique ethical and methodological dilemmas? In what ways are field methods themselves informed by particular notions of power, agency, and freedom, and how might these differ between more- or less-closed settings? This article first provides some theoretical contextualization, before then introducing how each author variably highlights these themes through a critical reflection on their own experiences of conducting fieldwork in closed contexts, ranging from Vietnam to Kazakhstan, Mozambique, and the United States.
Social media-driven news personalization

While social media have achieved significant and widespread adoption as platforms for sharing information, their use as a source of data for predicting user interests has not yet been fully explored. In this paper, we present a content-based approach to modeling user interests based on Twitter. Our recommendation system uses information retrieval techniques to represent tweets and users as collections of news topics, including high-level categories (e.g., sports, politics, business) and detailed subtopics (e.g., Chicago Bulls, Mitt Romney, entrepreneurship). We discuss the design of a system that uses this information to deliver news recommendations in the form of a personalized newspaper. Finally, we describe a novel method for evaluating recommendation systems based on Twitter that involves mining Twitter data to identify explicit indicators of news interests and comparing these to retroactive system recommendations.
Keep the QT interval: it is a reliable predictor of ventricular arrhythmias.

The cardiovascular community understands that the QT interval is the surface electrocardiographic representation of ventricular repolarization. However, despite tremendous advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis for cardiac repolarization and its surface ECG representation, clinicians, regulators, and drug developers are increasingly faced with uncertainty over the best way to interpret this parameter. The evidence described below demonstrates that Prolongation of the QT interval is a reliable predictor of ventricular arrhythmias in some settings, and may be less predictable in others The arrhythmogenic potential of a given degree of QT prolongation varies among individuals and drugs. Further, the relationship between QT prolongation and arrhythmia susceptibility is non-linear. Multiple mechanisms may underlie QT prolongation, and these may carry different arrhythmogenic potential. There is little doubt that further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying repolarization hold the promise of developing better indices of the arrhythmogenic potential of abnormalities of repolarization, but that science has not yet matured
Stigmata: The Stain of Sarbanes-Oxley on U.S. Capital Markets

In response to the dramatic fall of corporate icons such as Enron and other U.S. companies, Congress promulgated the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX"). In doing so, Congress triggered a chain reaction that has negatively impacted U.S. equity markets and changed the face of capital raising throughout the world. SOX has not only taxed U.S. businesses it has tarnished the face of U.S. equity markets. This paper demonstrates through a statistical analysis of global IPO data that the U.S. equity markets have indeed suffered from the implementation of SOX. In addition, this paper found a palpable increase in non-domestic capital raising in locations such as London and Hong Kong. This paper further isolated the role of Chinese IPOs in the global IPO market. Jockeying for Chinese IPOs has increased the competitiveness of the foreign IPO market and raised the stakes in regulation of exchanges. SOX has reduced demand for U.S. equity market participation by foreign companies and threatens the competitiveness of U.S. markets. U.S. capital markets no longer dominate the foreign IPO arena. Regional exchanges have grown in market capitalization and reduced the importance of the U.S. markets. Foreign companies seeking to raise capital should be aware of the shift in the global capital markets but also note the advantages of offering securities on foreign exchanges despite the regulatory hurdles. Finally, this paper acknowledges the upswing in regulatory efforts in the U.S. markets and offers an alternative path to regulation in its current form that may partially restore the attraction of U.S. markets to foreign issuers. [White paper dated as of Nov. 2006] NOTE: Published version: Duquesne Business Law Journal vol. 9 p. 126 (2007). My follow-up to this paper analyzing additional IPO data, etc was cut short by the credit crunch.