cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterned electrical activity modulates sodium channel expression in sensory neurons

Peripheral nerve injury induces changes in the level of gene expression for sodium channels Nav1.3, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 within dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which may contribute to the development of hyperexcitability, ectopic neuronal discharge, and neuropathic pain. The mechanism of this change in sodium channel expression is unclear. Decreased availability of neurotrophic factors following axotomy contributes to these changes in gene transcription, but the question of whether changes in intrinsic neuronal activity levels alone can trigger changes in the expression of these sodium channels has not been addressed. We examined the effect of electrical stimulation on the expression of Nav1.3, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 by using cultured embryonic mouse sensory neurons under conditions in which nerve growth factor (NGF) was not limiting. Expression of Nav1.3 was not significantly changed following stimulation. In contrast, we observed activity-dependent down-regulation of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 mRNA and protein levels after stimulation, as demonstrated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. These results show that a change in neuronal activity can alter the expression of sodium channel genes in a subtype-specific manner, via a mechanism independent of NGF withdrawal.
The continuum and current controversies in the USA

This article reviews policy developments in deinstitutionalisation and community inclusion in North America, and, specifically, the USA. The article starts with a critique of the continuum concept ...
The social identity voting model: Ideology and community structures:

Social identity voting (SIV) is a new model of voting behavior based on the principles of social identity theory. We introduce and use this model to analyze roll call votes for the 35th through 112th US Congresses. Comparing out-of-sample accuracy of SIV and Poole and Rosenthal’s Weighted NOMINAL Three-step Estimation (W-NOMINATE), we find that SIV performs better than the one- or two-dimensional W-NOMINATE model and that generally, W-NOMINATE needs up to 10 dimensions to produce accuracy comparable to that of SIV. The differences between SIV and W-NOMINATE are further clarified in three case studies: first, a longitudinal examination of all Congresses; second, an analysis of the 112th House of Representatives; and third, a study of the Tea Party caucus in the 112th House of Representatives. Each study sheds new light on the potential motivations driving voting behavior, supporting our assertion that the SIV and W-NOMINATE models provide two distinct approaches to understanding voting records. SIV, with its emphasis on political identity derived from group membership, expresses combinations of individual and group preferences which contribute to legislators’ ideological classifications.
Mouse Models and Techniques for the Isolation of the Diabetic Endothelium

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic endothelial dysfunction is necessary in order to improve the cardiovascular health of diabetic patients. Previously, we described an in vivo, murine model of insulin resistance induced by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) whereby the endothelium may be isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on Tie2-GFP expression and cell-surface staining. Here, we apply this model to two new strains of mice, ScN/Tie2-GFP and ApoE(−/−)/Tie2-GFP, and describe their metabolic responses and endothelial isolation. ScN/Tie2-GFP mice, which lack a functional toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), display lower fasting glucose and insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance compared to Tie2-GFP mice, suggesting that TLR4 deficiency decreases susceptibility to the development of insulin resistance. ApoE(−/−)/Tie2-GFP mice display elevated glucose and cholesterol levels versus Tie2-GFP mice. Endothelial isolation by FACS achieves a pure population of endothelial cells that retain GFP fluorescence and endothelial functions. Transcriptional analysis of the aortic and muscle endothelium isolated from ApoE(−/−)/Tie2-GFP mice reveals a reduced endothelial response to HFD compared to Tie2-GFP mice, perhaps resulting from preexisting endothelial dysfunction in the hypercholesterolemic state. These mouse models and endothelial isolation techniques are valuable for assessing diabetic endothelial dysfunction and vascular responses in vivo.
Automated Operation of Immiscible Filtration Assisted by Surface Tension (IFAST) Arrays for Streamlined Analyte Isolation

The purification of analytes is an important prerequisite for many analytical processes. Although automated infrastructure has dramatically increased throughput for many of these processes, the upstream analyte purification throughput has lagged behind, partially due to the complexity of conventional isolation processes. Here, we demonstrate automated operation of arrays of a new sample preparation technology—immiscible filtration assisted by surface tension (IFAST). IFAST uses surface tension to position an immiscible liquid barrier between a biological sample and downstream buffer. Paramagnetic particles are used to capture analytes of interest and draw them across the immiscible barrier, thus resulting in purification in a single step. Furthermore, the planarity of the IFAST design enables facile and simultaneous operation of multiple IFAST devices. To demonstrate the application of automation to IFAST, we successfully perform an array of 48 IFAST-based assays to detect the presence of a specific antibody. This assay array uses only a commercial automated liquid handler to load the devices and a custom-built magnet actuator to operate the assays. Automated operation of the IFAST devices resulted in more repeatable results relative to manual operation.
SEARCH FOR NEUTRAL STRANGELETS AT THE RELATIVISTIC HEAVY ION EXPERIMENT E864

We report on the first search for neutral strange quark matter in Au + Pb reactions at 11.6 A GeV/c in experiment E864 at the Brookhaven National Laboratory AGS. We have sampled approximately 1.3 billion 10% most central Au + Pb interactions and have observed no evidence for the production of neutral strangelet states with a baryon number in the range 3 < A < 100. We thus set production limits at the level of 8 × 10-8 for these exotic objects in the mass range 15 < A < 100, and limits between 10-4 and 10-7 in the mass range 3 < A < 15. These limits are rather insensitive to the details of production models thanks to the large acceptance of the E864 spectrometer. The limits for neutral strangelets reported in this work complement other limits reported by our collaboration for positive and negative strangelets (Xu Z 1999 J. Phys. G: Nucl. Part. Phys. 25 403, Van Buren G 1999 J. Phys. G: Nucl. Part. Phys. 25 411).
“Imperialism” in Bureaucracy*

If an important part of the political scientist's mission is to anticipate and explain “the critical problems that generate turbulence” in that part of the world which attracts his attention, then, in the study of administration, bureaucratic “imperialism” must be of compelling interest. If systematic data directly assembled for the purpose are lacking, and if there are some signal problems of theory which have been little investigated, there is still enough evidence from studies of other political problems that it seems worthwhile to set out some trial-run ideas in the hope that they will elicit further discussion.Bureaucractic imperialism seems pre-eminently a matter of inter-agency conflict in which two or more agencies try to assert permanent control over the same jurisdiction, or in which one agency actually seeks to take over another agency as well as the jurisdiction of that agency. We are thus primarily concerned with the politics of allocation and shall, except incidentally, bypass some other interesting aspects of inter-agency politics such as cooperation between agencies sharing missions, competition for favorable “one-time-only” decisions which do not involve jurisdictional reallocation, or the critical problems of the “holding company” administrative organization and its internal politics. For the moment, our concern with the politics of allocation leads to a focus on what would appear to be the likely behaviors of those decisionmakers who have both inclination and opportunity to look after the institutional well-being of agencies.
Diagnostic Testing for Migraine and Other Primary Headaches

Most primary headaches can be diagnosed using the history and examination. Judicious use of neuroimaging and other testing, however, is indicated to distinguish primary headaches from the many secondary causes that may share similar features. This article evaluates the reasons for diagnostic testing and the use of neuroimaging, electroencephalography, lumbar puncture, and blood testing. The use of diagnostic testing in adults and children who have headaches and a normal neurologic examination, migraine, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, hemicrania continua, and new daily persistent headache are reviewed.
Notes on the psychology of hope.

It was Nietzsche, in his consummate cynicism, who remarked that "Hope is the worst of all evils, for it prolongs the torment of man." But as any psychiatrist knows well, man's hopefulness is not his torment; it is rather his loss or failure to hope that torments his soul. Man loses hope and becomes hopeless by way of defect; he withdraws from hope by a failure to wish, to desire, to ambition, or to plan. He also becomes hopeless by way of excess, by clinging to excessive expectations beyond the limits of what is realistically possible. It is the burden of man's omnipotent expectations that prolongs his torment. The sense of hopelessness that pervades so many forms of psychopa thology is permeated by a sense of the impossible. The hopeless person feels that he is caught in a prison from which there is no exit. We can recognize the loss of a radical form of hope in the depressed, withdrawn, and apathetic states of seriously disturbed patients and, at less intense levels, of neurotic patients. We can recognize a failure or distortion of the
Effect of Tetracycline on Norethynodrel- and Mestranol-Induced Dental Caries in Rats

Weanling female rats were given subcutaneous injections of contraceptive steroids (norethynodrel and mestranol), tetracycline supplements in drinking water, or both, for seven weeks. Norethynodrel-mestranol treatment caused a significant increase in dental caries activity; this increase was prevented by intermittent supplements of tetracycline in drinking water.
Endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction does not require intracellular Ca2+ waves in arteries from rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia

Sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular disease, and patients with sleep apnea have elevated plasma endothelin (ET)-1 concentrations. Rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia (IH), a model of sleep apnea, also have increased plasma ET-1 concentrations and heightened constriction to ET-1 in mesenteric arteries without an increase in global vascular smooth muscle cell Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]). Because ET-1 has been shown to increase the occurrence of propagating Ca2+ waves, we hypothesized that ET-1 increases Ca2+ wave activity in mesenteric arteries, rather than global [Ca2+], to mediate enhanced vasoconstriction after IH exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to sham or IH conditions for 7 h/day for 2 wk. Mesenteric arteries from sham- and IH-exposed rats were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized to 75 mmHg to measure ET-1-induced constriction as well as changes in global [Ca2+] and Ca2+ wave activity. A low concentration of ET-1 (1 nM) elicited similar vasoconstriction and global Ca2+ responses in the two groups. Conversely, ET-1 had no effect on Ca2+ wave activity in arteries from sham rats but significantly increased wave frequency in arteries from IH-exposed rats. The ET-1-induced increase in Ca2+ wave frequency in arteries from IH rats was dependent on phospholipase C and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor activation, yet inhibition of phospholipase C and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor did not prevent ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction. These results suggest that although ET-1 elevates Ca2+ wave activity after IH exposure, increases in wave activity are not associated with increased vasoconstriction.
Some Issues in Security Arising from Distribution

This paper examines a number of issues in security that arise from the introduction of general distribution into computer systems. Most current computing, and the computer systems that support current computing, is based on programs running on a computer. Some advanced systems do have facilities for supporting distribution by supporting interaction between programs running on different computers. However, the main paradigm is that of programs and individual computers. In the near future this paradigm must change. Distribution must become the general case, interaction between programming units will be the norm. Distribution in its most general sense will mean fully heterogeneous global interaction must not only be possible, but it must be easy.
Mathematical Description of Biological Structures, Mechanisms, and States

A new method for mathematically describing cellular and molecular structures, mechanisms, and states is presented. A novel mathematical formulation of structure is developed, and new mathematical formulations of structural complexity and similarity are introduced that take into account differences in composition and structure at all levels of detail and apply equally to structures, mechanisms, and states. A recursive formula for calculation of structural similarity is derived. The methods and mathematical formulations apply equally to cases in which we have complete knowledge and to those in which we have only incomplete or partial information. The formalism and the mathematical similarity definition are the full generalization of sequence and sequence similarity. They enable the creation of repositories of formal multi-level structural descriptions of biological entities and new search capabilities, such as searching for processes or structures similar to a specified one, or with specified structural or compositional deviations.
Technical Note: New developments in service operations management

Declining consumer satisfaction and increasing foreign competition have forced the service industry to find new ways to remain competitive. Improving service quality is the first step. The focus of this paper is to discuss the reasons service quality is difficult to control, methods to increase the control of services by improving the service system and, finally, ways top managers can avoid the four common flaws made in service performance and improve service quality.
Ethnicity in Women Physicians

Other chapters in this book have reviewed many of the challenges faced by women physicians. Although minority women physicians face these same challenges, they may also face the stress of racism: negative racial stereotypes, alienation, racial isolation, and assumptions about intellectual abilities. In addition, practice choices and the academic climate may present unique challenges to minority women physicians. This chapter reviews the personal and professional characteristics of minority women physicians and some of the important issues they face, including racism and ethnically based harassment, affirmative action, and academic promotion.
Parties, Politics, and Power in Cameroon's Tumultuous and Uncertain Path to Democratic Change

This paper examines why Cameroon has resisted democracy even at a time when it has spread to neighboring countries. The study argues that the nation’s political failures are traced to Cameroon’s formal and informal political institutions.
Measuring Level-K Reasoning, Satisficing, and Human Error in Game-Play Data

Inferences about structured patterns in human decision making have been drawn from medium-scale simulated competitions with human subjects. The concepts analyzed in these studies include level-k thinking, satisficing, and other human error tendencies. These concepts can be mapped via a natural depth of search metric into the domain of chess, where copious data is available from hundreds of thousands of games by players of a wide range of precisely known skill levels in real competitions. The games are analyzed by strong chess programs to produce authoritative utility values for move decision options by progressive deepening of search. Our experiments show a significant relationship between the formulations of level-k thinking and the skill level of players. Notably, the players are distinguished solely on moves where they erred -- according to the average depth level at which their errors are exposed by the authoritative analysis. Our results also indicate that the decisions are often independent of tail assumptions on higher-order beliefs. Further, we observe changes in this relationship in different contexts, such as minimal versus acute time pressure. We try to relate satisficing to insufficient level of reasoning and answer numerically the question, why do humans blunder?
Roman Catholic Traditions and LGBT Rights in Poland and France

Throughout the years and through changing times, the Roman Catholic Church has attempted, or has seen opportunities, to reinvent itself. Poland and France are an indication of the ways in which Roman Catholicism has entered the LGBT dialogue. While the Church continues to debate whether it should reinvent itself over the question of same‐sex marriage and the rights of sexual minorities, LGBT organizations continue to raise public awareness and use the European framework in hopes of bringing greater change in the status of sexual minorities in both countries. Meanwhile, reflecting on building a just and fraternal world, Pope Francis has demonstrated sensitivity towards the needs of gay people, but he faces opposition from many cardinals and bishops who favor the status quo.
Characterization of the rat salivary-gland B1-immunoreactive proteins

The B1-immunoreactive proteins (B1-IPs) are major secretory products of rat submandibular gland acinar-cell progenitors, and are also produced by neonatal and adult rat sublingual and parotid glands. In order to characterize the B1-IPs, we have previously isolated cDNA clones encoding rat parotid secretory protein (PSP; the predominant parotid B1-IP) and the related clone ZZ3, which is developmentally regulated in the neonatal submandibular gland. The remainder of the B1-IPs were uncharacterized. This report demonstrates that all of the B1-IPs are derived from the PSP and ZZ3 transcripts. Molecular cloning and Western-blot analyses using PSP- and ZZ3-specific antisera show that, of the B1-IPs, only PSP and neonatal submandibular gland protein A (SMGA) are products of the Psp gene. This finding corrects our previous assertion that SMGA is derived from ZZ3. Neonatal submandibular gland proteins B1 and B2, as well as apparent Mr 26000-28000 and Mr 18000-20000 forms in submandibular, sublingual and parotid glands, are derived from the gene encoding ZZ3 by differential N-glycosylation and by proteolytic cleavage. The apparent Mr 18000-20000 proteolytic products are significant in secretion product collected in vitro, but rare in gland homogenate and submandibular/sublingual saliva. The gene encoding ZZ3 has been named Smgb. Psp and Smgb are regulated similarly in the developing submandibular gland, but differently in the sublingual and parotid glands. The expression pattern of Psp is conserved between rat and mouse. However, no evidence for proteins derived from an Smgb-like gene was observed in neonatal mouse submandibular or sublingual glands.
The lesion in children.

The conventional concept of the initiation of atherosclerosis begins with the fatty streak, a deposit of lipid in the intima and inner media of elastic and large muscular arteries. More lipid is deposited and is encapsulated by smooth muscle and connective tissue to form the fibrous plaque. The fibrous plaque undergoes a series of changes to result finally in stenosis or thrombosis, and thereby occludes the blood supply to a vital organ.
Evaluating a new intrauterine pressure catheter.

Objective To evaluate the performance and verify the safety of the Koala Intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC) in clinical use. Study design Twenty IUP Koala Catheters were placed in laboring women. IUPC monitoring provided diagnostic information in assessing the pressures generated by the myometrium during the labor and delivery process. Information was recorded pertaining to the catheters' safety, ease of use, accuracy, zeroing, drift and amnioinfusion capability. Comparisons were made to a preexisting IUPC. Results The Koala catheter was safe to introduce into the intrauterine cavity. There were no problems with amnioport communications, connectors, placental perforation, unusual patient discomfort or infections with either the Koala or Intran fluid-filled system. The numerical ratings were compared using the Mann-Whitney test and showed no significant difference between the two groups in safety, zeroing and drift. A statistically significant difference at the .01 level for ease of use, accuracy and setup in favor of the Koala was found. Conclusion Clinical study of the Koala Intrauterine Pressure Catheter vs. Intran and the other fluid-filled catheters demonstrated the Koala to be as safe and as functionally effective as, or more effective than, standard IUPCs.
Creating soft heterogeneity in clusters through firmware re-configuration

Customizing server hardware to adapt to its workload has the potential to improve both runtime and energy efficiency. In a cluster that caters to diverse workloads, employing servers with customized hardware components leads to heterogeneity, which is not scalable. In this paper, we seek to create soft heterogeneity from existing servers with homogenous hardware components through customizing the firmware configuration. We demonstrate that firmware configurations have a large impact on runtime, power, and energy efficiency of workloads. Since finding the firmware configuration that minimizes runtime and/or energy efficiency grows exponentially as a function of the number of firmware settings, we propose a methodology called FXplore that helps complete the exploration with a quadratic time complexity. Furthermore, FXplore enables system administrators to manage the degree of the heterogeneity by deriving firmware configurations for sub-clusters that can cater to multiple workloads with similar characteristics. Thus, during online operation, incoming workloads to the cluster can be mapped to appropriate sub-clusters with pre-configured firmware settings. FXplore also finds the best firmware settings in case of co-runners on the same server. We validate our methodology on a fully-instrumented cluster under a large range of parallel workloads that are representative of both high-performance compute clusters and datacenters. Compared to enabling all firmware options, our method improves average runtime and energy consumption by 11% and 15%, respectively.
Papillome des Plexus chorioideus

Eine Arbeit uber die 6 Papillome, welche unter den ersten etwa 1000 bestatigten Tumoren beobachtet worden waren, ist 1925 unter Mitarbeit Loyal Davis veroffentlicht worden (88). Unter den darauffolgenden 1000 Fallen sind 6 weitere Papillome bestatigt worden, so das ihre Haufigkeitsquote unverandert 0,6% betragt.
Marijuana effects on changes in brain structure and cognitive function among HIV+ and HIV- adults.

Background The current study examined the independent and interactive effects of HIV and marijuana (MJ) use on brain structure and cognitive function among a sample of HIV-positive (HIV + ) and HIV-negative (HIV–) individuals. Methods Participants (HIV+, n = 48; HIV–, n = 29) individuals underwent cognitive testing, questionnaires about substance use, and brain MRI. The HIV+ group was clinically stable based upon current plasma CD4 count, 50% had undetectable viral load (i.e., < 20 copies/mL), and all were on a stable regimen of cART. Results For HIV+ and HIV- participants, higher levels of MJ use were associated with smaller volumes in the entorhinal cortex and fusiform gyrus. HIV status (but not MJ use) was associated with cingulate thickness, such that HIV+ participants evidenced smaller thickness of the cingulate, as compared to HIV- controls. Regarding neurocognitive functioning, there was a HIV*MJ interactive effect on global cognition, such that when the amount of MJ use was less than 1.43 g per week, the HIV- group displayed significantly better neurocognitive performance than the HIV+ group (t = 3.14, p = 0.002). However, when MJ use reached 1.43 g per week, there were no significant HIV group differences in global cognitive performance (t = 1.39, p = 0.168). Conclusions Our results show independent and interactive effects of HIV and MJ on brain structure and cognition. However, our results do not support that HIV+ MJ users are at greater risk for adverse brain or cognitive outcomes compared to HIV- MJ users.
The MDS-Associated Protein EVI1 Impairs Erythroid and Megakaryocytic Differentiation by Direct Interaction with GATA-1.

EVI1 is an aggressive nuclear oncoprotein deregulated by recurring chromosomal abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. This protein has two Zn finger domains containing 7 motifs at the N-terminus and 3 motifs at the C-terminus. The expression of this gene is a very poor prognostic marker and is associated with diseases characterized by erythroid and megakaryocytic defects. We have recently shown that the forced expression of EVI1 in murine bone marrow results in a fatal disease with features characteristic of MDS, including fatal dyserythropoiesis, dysmegakaryopoiesis, and anemia. These lineages are regulated by the transcription factor GATA-1, a DNA-binding protein that in addition to erythrocytes and megakaryocytes exerts a strict control also on the differentiation of mast cells and eosinophils, on the basis of its expression and association with specific partners. In the present study, we used biochemical assays and in vitro culture to show that GATA-1 and the N-terminus of EVI1 are involved in the formation of a protein complex that is unable to regulate efficiently GATA-1-dependent promoters in reporter gene assays. EMSA studies with a GATA-1-specific probe indicate that EVI1 does not recognize and bind to the DNA probe but disrupts the DNA-binding of GATA-1. By deletion analysis and point mutations, we mapped the interaction between the proteins to two motifs in the proximal Zn finger domain of EVI1 and to the C-terminus Zn finger of GATA-1. Cys to Ala mutations in the two EVI1 motifs abrogate the interaction and restore the response of a promoter in reporter gene assays. We propose that the association between EVI1 and the DNA-binding motif of GATA-1 impairs efficient promoter binding by GATA-1 and the regulation of erythroid and megakaryocytic lineage. There studies suggest that the interaction surface between the two proteins could be an attractive target for the development of competing small molecules as a treatment in EVI1-associated leukemia.
Founding Father: John J. Wynne, S.J. and the Inculturation of American Catholicism in the Progressive Era

The dissertation explores the life and work of John J. Wynne, S.J. (1859-1948). Widely recongized as an editor, educator and historian, Wynne was among the foremost Catholic intellectuals of the early twentieth century. In addition to serving as founding editor of the Catholic Encyclopedia (1907) and the Jesuit periodical America (1909), Wynne was vice-postulator for the canonization causes of the first American saints, the Jesuit Martyrs of North America, and for St. Kateri Tekakwitha. He was also a founding member of a number of important early twentieth century professional organizations, including the American Catholic Historical Association, the National Catholic Education Association, the American Federation of Catholic Societies, and the National Catholic Welfare Council’s Bureau of Education. The dissertation explores Wynne’s contribution to the American Catholic intellectual tradition. In particular, it explores the ways in which Wynne used the Catholic Encyclopedia and America to negotiate American Catholic identity during the Progressive Era. Using a lens of theological inculturation, the dissertation argues that Wynne presented an alternate version of social reform rooted in a distinctly neo-Scholastic vision of society, a vision that enabled him to champion Catholic participation in American culture, critique the culture for its weaknesses, and successfully avoid the theological controversies of Americanism and Modernism. The dissertation concludes that Wynne’s legacy, which was animated by intellectual concerns characteristic of the Society of Jesus, was part of a much broader flowering of early twentieth century American Catholic intellectual thought that made him a key forerunner to the mid-century Catholic Revival.
Approaches to Macroevolution: 1. General Concepts and Origin of Variation

Approaches to macroevolution require integration of its two fundamental components, i.e. the origin and the sorting of variation, in a hierarchical framework. Macroevolution occurs in multiple currencies that are only loosely correlated, notably taxonomic diversity, morphological disparity, and functional variety. The origin of variation within this conceptual framework is increasingly understood in developmental terms, with the semi-hierarchical structure of gene regulatory networks (GRNs, used here in a broad sense incorporating not just the genetic circuitry per se but the factors controlling the timing and location of gene expression and repression), the non-linear relation between magnitude of genetic change and the phenotypic results, the evolutionary potential of co-opting existing GRNs, and developmental responsiveness to nongenetic signals (i.e. epigenetics and plasticity), all requiring modification of standard microevolutionary models, and rendering difficult any simple definition of evolutionary novelty. The developmental factors underlying macroevolution create anisotropic probabilities-i.e., an uneven density distribution-of evolutionary change around any given phenotypic starting point, and the potential for coordinated changes among traits that can accommodate change via epigenetic mechanisms. From this standpoint, "punctuated equilibrium" and "phyletic gradualism" simply represent two cells in a matrix of evolutionary models of phenotypic change, and the origin of trends and evolutionary novelty are not simply functions of ecological opportunity. Over long timescales, contingency becomes especially important, and can be viewed in terms of macroevolutionary lags (the temporal separation between the origin of a trait or clade and subsequent diversification); such lags can arise by several mechanisms: as geological or phylogenetic artifacts, or when diversifications require synergistic interactions among traits, or between traits and external events. The temporal and spatial patterns of the origins of evolutionary novelties are a challenge to macroevolutionary theory; individual events can be described retrospectively, but a general model relating development, genetics, and ecology is needed. An accompanying paper (Jablonski in Evol Biol 2017) reviews diversity dynamics and the sorting of variation, with some general conclusions.
Construction and In Vivo Testing of Prokaryotic Riboregulators

RNAs that are transcribed and self-assemble within living cells are valuable tools for regulating and organizing cellular activities. Riboregulators, in particular, have been widely used for modulating translation and transcription in response to cognate transactivating or trigger RNAs, enabling cells to evaluate logic operations and to respond to environmental cues. Herein we detail a set of methods for the rapid construction and testing of prokaryotic riboregulators in Escherichia coli. These methods enable construction of dozens of riboregulator plasmids at the same time without the use of restriction enzymes. Furthermore, they facilitate rapid screening of devices and can be applied to a variety of other self-assembling in vivo RNA systems.
Learning One's Place: How Status Matters for Social Capital in Collegial Communities

It is often presumed that individuals working together in communities will lead to collaboration and learning. However, there are challenges involved in building community. Not all individuals are equally well-integrated nor do they have equal access to community social capital given patterns of tie activation. This longitudinal study of 215 urban public school teachers in the U.S. indicates individuals’ social status affects their community ties. Individuals perceived to have high status are communicated with more frequently. Low status individuals are communicated with less frequently. Individuals who perceive their status more favorably than their colleagues associate more with members of other communities. These status inconsistent individuals, while appearing to learn more from colleagues, may mainly gain surface-level understandings of work practices.
Oligomeric state of wild-type and cysteine-less yeast mitochondrial citrate transport proteins.

Experiments have been conducted to determine the oligomeric state of the mitochondrial citratetransport protein (CTP) from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both wild-type andcysteine-less (Cys-less) CTPs were overexpressed in E. coli and solubilized with sarkosyl. The purity ofthe solubilized material is approximately 75%. Upon incorporation into phospholipid vesicles, ahigh specific transport activity is obtained with both the wild-type and Cys-less CTPs, therebydemonstrating the structural and functional integrity of the preparations. Two independentapproaches were utilized to determine native molecular weight. First, CTP molecular weightwas determined via nondenaturing size-exclusion chromatography. With this methodology weobtained molecular weight values of 70,961 and 70,118 for the wild-type and Cys-less CTPs,respectively. Second, charge-shift native gel electrophoresis was carried out utilizing a lowconcentration of the negatively charged detergent sarkosyl, which served to both impart acharge shift to the CTP and the protein standards, as well as to promote protein solubility.Via the second method, we obtained molecular weight values of 69,122 and 74,911 forthe wild-type and Cys-less CTPs, respectively. Both methods clearly indicate that followingsolubilization, the wild-type and the Cys-less CTPs exist exclusively as dimers. Furthermore,disulfide bonds are not required for either dimer formation or stabilization. The dimericstate of the CTP has important implications for the structural basis underlying the CTPtranslocation mechanism.
TFP-Based Financial Analysis

The common feature of the TFP-based financial analysis techniques proposed in this section is their reliance on the total factor productivity index as an aggregate productivity performance indicator. TFP growth targets implicit in budgets can be computed ex-ante, and actual TFP gains underlying actual financial performance can be calculated ex-post for use in audits, performance evaluation, and as a basis for corrective actions.
Analysis of Stochastic Equation Models of Crack Growth

In this paper we present a short summary of stochastic crack growth equations that have been proposed, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they relate to features observed from real crack growth data. Suggestions are presented as to what directions research efforts should take in order to develop more realistic models. Initial results towards this goal are discussed.
Hydrodynamic Instabilities in Flames

The strong coupling of a flame to the flow through which it propagates is caused primarily by the thermal expansion of the gas undergoing chemical reaction. This coupling has a prominent effect on the response of a flame to hydrodynamic disturbances. In the first stability analysis carried out independently by Darrieus (1938) and Landau (1945), the linear stability of a plane unbounded flame was studied. Their results reveal that the effect of thermal expansion is always to destabilize the flame. This instability is commonly referred as to the hydrodynamic instability; see the discussion on Flame Stability by J. Buckmaster in these proceedings. Since all combustion processes are accompanied by thermal expansion, the hydrodynamic instability is always present. However, other effects such as curvature, flame stretch, gravity and diffusion, may have stabilizing influences. These effects are briefly examined in the following.
New roles of glutathione peroxidase-1 in oxidative stress and diabetes

Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) was identified as an antioxidant enzyme in 1957 and as a selenoprotein in 1972. In the last ten years, ample data have been generated from several lines of GPX1 knockout mice, showing an essential role of GPX1 in defending against severe oxidative stress mediated by pro-oxidants. This protection is associated with attenuated oxidation of NADPH, NADH, lipid, and protein. When Sedeficient mice are under mild oxidative stress, minute amounts of GPX1 activity in tissues are able to protect them against the pro-oxidant-induced lethality and hepatic aponecrosis. Strikingly, GPX1 prevents apoptosis of hepatocytes caused by reactive oxygen species, but potentiates cell death caused by reactive nitrogen species. Mice overexpressing GPX1 developed insulin resistance and obesity. These new data illustrate mixed roles of GPX1 in coping with different types of oxidative stress, and suggest a possible deleterious impact of GPX1 up-regulation on glucose metabolism.
Reliable and Scalable Communication for the Power Grid

Future smart power grids require constant data availability for actuation of control decisions. The job of ensuring the timely arrival of data falls onto the network that connects these intelligent devices. This network needs to be fault tolerant. When nodes, devices or communication links fail along a default route of a message from A to B, the underlying hardware and software layers should ensure that this message will actually be delivered as long as alternative routes exist. Existence and discovery of multi-route pathways is essential in ensuring delivery of critical data.
European Court of Human Right Open Data project.

This paper presents thirteen datasets for binary, multiclass and multilabel classification based on the European Court of Human Rights judgments since its creation. The interest of such datasets is explained through the prism of the researcher, the data scientist, the citizen and the legal practitioner. Contrarily to many datasets, the creation process, from the collection of raw data to the feature transformation, is provided under the form of a collection of fully automated and open-source scripts. It ensures reproducibility and a high level of confidence in the processed data, which is some of the most important issues in data governance nowadays. A first experimental campaign is performed to study some predictability properties and to establish baseline results on popular machine learning algorithms. The results are consistently good across the binary datasets with an accuracy comprised between 75.86% and 98.32% for an average accuracy of 96.45%.
Characteristics, management, and outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation in neonates and early infants: a 20-year, single-institution study.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics, management, and outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) in neonates and infants (<1 year old) in a single institution over the past 20 years. METHODS From 1997 to 2016, 21 patients <1 year old underwent definitive surgery for CBD. Open surgery (OS) was performed between 1997 and 2008, and laparoscopic surgery (LS) has been performed since 2009. RESULTS The bile duct showed cystic dilatation in all patients. Sixteen (76.2%) of the 21 patients were diagnosed prenatally, and the incidence increased with time (OS 63.6%, LS 90%). Fourteen patients (66.7%) were symptomatic before surgery, with jaundice in 11 (52.4%), acholic stool in seven (33.3%), and vomiting in three (14.3%). There were no significant differences in operation time and blood loss, but the postoperative fasting period and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the LS group (P < 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications, but there was one postoperative early complication in one LS group patient, who had bile leakage and was treated with redo hepaticojejunostomy. CONCLUSION The incidences of prenatally diagnosed and asymptomatic patients increased with time. Although longer follow-up is needed, LS for CBD could be safely performed even in neonates and early infants.
Development of the Gut Microbiome in Children, and Lifetime Implications for Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease

Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome composition and function is associated with development of obesity and metabolic disease. Microbial colonization expands rapidly following birth, and microbiome composition is particularly variable during infancy. Factors that influence the formation of the gut microbiome during infancy and childhood may have a significant impact on development of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, with life-long consequences. In this review, we examine the determinants of gut microbiome composition during infancy and childhood, and evaluate the potential impact on obesity and cardiometabolic risk.
Probabilistic hurricane risk analysis of coastal bridges incorporating extreme wave statistics

Abstract Coastal bridges sustained severe damage during hurricanes Ike, Katrina, and Ivan. Reducing the impact of future hurricane events to coastal bridges requires conducting a comprehensive risk analysis. A comprehensive risk analysis of bridges enables owners to assign limited resources to the most critical bridges in the inventory through a risk-informed decision making process. This study presents a computationally efficient methodology for structural fragility analysis and risk assessment of simply supported coastal bridges vulnerable to hurricane hazard. Various sources of uncertainty associated with hurricane hazard and bridge response are identified, and thereby establishing probability distributions. The novelty of the proposed method includes the consideration of uncertainties in extreme wave heights and wave period by means of a wave spectral density distribution in the calculation of wave forces. The proposed hurricane risk analysis method was successfully applied to coastal bridges located in the state of Georgia (U.S.A). The application presents the derivation of probabilistic models of demand, capacity and hazard; and highlights the potential of the proposed framework for identification and ranking of the most vulnerable bridges.
Designing Online Curriculum: Program Revisions and Knowledge Exchange

In this article, I focus on the importance of knowledge exchange and knowledge communities to create an online curriculum that moves from individual course design to shared curriculum design. I draw from current discussions on communities of practice, agoras, and knowledge societies, expanding on the notion that knowledge, in order to benefit society, has to be shared. I show the results of a program redesign at Northern Arizona University achieved through collaboration on online course learning outcomes as well as course design, and I conclude by arguing for continued assessment of current practices to encourage educators to think critically about their contributions to an open knowledge society.
Computational analysis of vibrational modes in tetra-sulfur using dimensionally reduced potential energy surface

Electronic structure calculations are carried out for the S4 molecule at the CCSD(T)-F12a/VTZ-F12 level of theory to map out its potential energy surface, which possesses a double-well shape with a...
State-of-the-Art Imaging in Cardiac Oncology

Imaging modalities play an important role in the diagnosis and management of cardiotoxicity and cardiac tumors. In this review, we provide an overview of the imaging modalities that are relevant to the field of cardio-oncology. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides comprehensive tissue characterization in the assessment of cardiac tumors and cardiomyopathy. The combination of positron emission tomography/computed tomography offers improved localization of lesions, staging, targeting of biopsy and therapy, and greater confidence in interpretation. Overall, cardiac imaging plays a critical role in the assessment and management of cardiac tumors either for surgical planning or for initiation of appropriate cancer therapies. For certain higher risk cancer patients and survivors, routine surveillance with cardiac imaging may be warranted so appropriate interventions can be instituted to stabilize or even improve the cardiac dysfunction.
Nicardipine for the Treatment of Neonatal Hypertension During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is one of the primary reasons systemic hypertension is experienced in hospitalized neonates. Commonly used antihypertensive agents have resulted in significant adverse effects in neonatal and pediatric populations. Nicardipine is a desirable option because of its rapid and titratable antihypertensive properties and low incidence of adverse effects. However, data for use in neonatal ECMO are limited. We conducted a retrospective review of patients less than 44 weeks post-menstrual age who received a nicardipine infusion for first-line treatment of systemic hypertension while on ECMO at our institution between 2010 and 2016. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressures were evaluated for 48-h after nicardipine initiation. Eight neonates received a nicardipine infusion while on ECMO during the study period. Nicardipine was initiated at a mean dose of 0.52 ( ± 0.22) mcg/kg/min and titrated to a maximum dose of 1.1 ( ± 0.85) mcg/kg/min. The median duration of nicardipine use was 51 (range 4–227) hours. Significant decreases in SBP, DBP, and MAP occurred within one hour of initiation of nicardipine and were sustained through the majority of the 48-h evaluation period. No patients experienced hypotension. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the optimal dose, safety, and efficacy of nicardipine in neonates who require ECMO.
West Meets East: The Interplay of Unity and Diversity—The Relevance of Dunhuang for Education and Life Today

This chapter examines the multicultural interactions in Dunhuang thousands of years ago in connection with multicultural education as we understand it now in the global context. The collision and fusion of many cultures and religions, such as Hinduism, Daoism, and Confucianism, promoted the formation of Dunhuang’s civilization and its unique and rich thought (Ames and Rosemont, The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation. New York: Ballantine, 1998; Laozi, Daodejing (道德经, The Book of Virtue). Taiyuan: Shanxi Classics Press, 1999). In addition, Dunhuang’s history manifested connections among multiple ethnicities, languages, beliefs, customs, and artistic creations. The discussion examines the successful interactions and convergence of multiculturalism (Banks, An Introduction to Multicultural Education. Seattle: Pearson, 2010) in Dunhuang and its evidence in the Dunhuang Grottoes. Most importantly, the chapter examines the multiculturalism in Dunhuang with a keen focus on its implications for education and life today, as the world is getting so much “smaller” and human interactions are so intense and conflicting, with the hope of finding a model for peaceful coexistence in the insights from Dunhuang, which sustained such diversity for more than a thousand years.