cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interjurisdictional Externalities and Cooperation Effects on Police Expenditures and Crime Rates

This article investigates the influence of interjurisdictional externalities and cooperation on police expenditures and crime rates. Police protection generates both positive externalities (protection provided to individuals commuting into a jurisdiction) and negative externalities (crime diverted out of ajurisdiction); cooperation among police agencies has both an internalization effect (which compensates for the influence of externalities) and an efficiency effect (which reduces the cost of providing police services). Empirical analysis of 1970 data for a sample of 64 SMSAs suggests that crime diversions are the dominant externality and that cost reductions are the dominant effect of cooperation.
Genetic Evidence of a Long-Range RNA-RNA Interaction between the Genomic 5′ Untranslated Region and the Nonstructural Protein 1 Coding Region in Murine and Bovine Coronaviruses

Higher-order RNA structures in the 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) of the mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV), separate species in the betacoronavirus genus, appear to be largely conserved despite an ∼36% nucleotide sequence divergence. In a previous study, each of three 5'-end-proximal cis-acting stem-loop domains in the BCoV genome, I/II, III, and IV, yielded near-wild-type (wt) MHV phenotypes when used by reverse genetics to replace its counterpart in the MHV genome. Replacement with the BCoV 32-nucleotide (nt) inter-stem-loop fourth domain between stem-loops III and IV, however, required blind cell passaging for virus recovery. Here, we describe suppressor mutations within the transplanted BCoV 32-nt domain that along with appearance of potential base pairings identify an RNA-RNA interaction between this domain and a 32-nt region ∼200 nt downstream within the nonstructural protein 1 (Nsp1)-coding region. Mfold and phylogenetic covariation patterns among similarly grouped betacoronaviruses support this interaction, as does cotransplantation of the BCoV 5' UTR and its downstream base-pairing domain. Interestingly, cotransplantation of the BCoV 5' UTR and BCoV Nsp1 coding region directly yielded an MHV wt-like phenotype, which demonstrates a cognate interaction between these two BCoV regions, which in the MHV genome act in a fully interspecies-compliant manner. Surprisingly, the 30-nt inter-stem-loop domain in the MHV genome can be deleted and viral progeny, although debilitated, are still produced. These results together identify a previously undescribed long-range RNA-RNA interaction between the 5' UTR and Nsp1 coding region in MHV-like and BCoV-like betacoronaviruses that is cis acting for viral fitness but is not absolutely required for viral replication in cell culture.
CONSTRUCTING FULL BLOCK TRIANGULAR REPRESENTATIONS OF ALGEBRAS

Every finite dimensional representation of an algebra is equivalent to a finite direct sum of indecomposable representations. Hence, the classification of indecomposable representations of algebras is a relevant (and usually complicated) task. In this note we study the existence of full block triangular representations, an interesting example of indecomposable representations, from a computational perspective. We describe an algorithm for determining whether or not an associative finitely presented k-algebra R has a full block triangular representation over .
Defining Appropriate Use of Proton-Pump Inhibitors Among Medical Inpatients

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used among medical inpatients, both for prophylaxis against upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and continuation of outpatient use. While PPIs reduce the risk of UGIB, they also appear to increase the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Depending upon the underlying risks of these conditions and the changes in those risks with PPIs, use of proton-pump inhibitors may lead to a net benefit or net harm among medical inpatients. We aimed to determine the net impact of PPIs on hospital mortality among medical inpatients. A microsimulation model, using literature-derived estimates of the risks of UGIB, HAP, and CDI among medical inpatients, along with the changes in risk associated with PPI use for each of these outcomes. The primary outcome was change in inpatient mortality. Simulated general medical inpatients outside the intensive care unit (ICU). Change in overall mortality during hospitalization. New initiation of PPI therapy led to an increase in hospital mortality in about 90 % of simulated patients. Continuation of outpatient PPI therapy on admission led to net increase in hospital mortality in 79 % of simulated patients. Results were robust to both one-way and multivariate sensitivity analyses, with net harm occurring in at least two-thirds of patients in all scenarios. For the majority of medical inpatients outside the ICU, use of PPIs likely leads to a net increase in hospital mortality. Even in patients at particularly high risk of UGIB, only those at the very lowest risk of HCAP and CDI should be considered for prophylactic PPI use. Continuation of outpatient PPIs may also increase expected hospital mortality. Apart from patients with active UGIB, use of PPIs in hospitalized patients should be discouraged.
Roentgenogram of the Month Heart Failure and Cyanosis in a Newborn

#{176}From the Departments of Pediatrics and Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven. O*US Public Health Service Fellow, supported by Training Grant NIH (No. 5-T01-AD-00177). Reprint requests: Dr. Hellenbrarjd, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven 06510 holosystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border radiating to the left axilla and to the right sternal border. No murmur was audible over the head or the liver. The liver was enlarged 6 cm below the right costal margin. The Po2 was 35 mm Hg in room air and 55 mm Hg on 100 percent 02 An electrocardiogram showed combined ventricular and atrial enlargement and significant ST-T wave changes. The echocardiogram demonstrated two dilated ventricles, a large left atrium, and four normal cardiac valves. The chest roentgenogram is presented in
Built-in online and offline test of airborne digital systems

This paper studies the effects of both online and offline test during flight critical missions where safety is a major issue. The online test, in this context, is a test performed on a digital airborne system during some specified windows in time while it is still performing its intended task. An offline test is a test that is performed on the digital system once it is taken offline because of a suspected failure. Both the online and the offline tests are performed during flight. The difference between the two is that the offline test can be made more effective than an online test due to the longer amount of time available for testing. Moreover, the offline test may be designed to have diagnosis and repair capability built in. Upon successful repair, the faulty processor may be reconfigured back into the system. Even though both tests are important, we show that the online test is more important than the offline test in enhancing the mission reliability. This is a counter-intuitive result since system repairs are conducted offline.
Integrating agent-oriented enterprise software engineering into software engineering curriculum

Agent-oriented enterprise software engineering (AOESE) has emerged as a promising approach to developing Web-based enterprise software systems. AOESE is based on developing and evolving enterprise software systems from selected pre-engineered and pre-tested software agents, and then assembling them within appropriate software architectures. We view agent-oriented software engineering as an extension of conventional component-based software engineering, and software agents as next-generation software components. Software agents offer greater flexibility and adaptability than traditional components. However, making transition to agent-oriented enterprise software engineering requires software engineers to learn a new set of technical skills. To provide such a learning opportunity, the author has created a new course sequence that integrates both agent-oriented enterprise software engineering and component-based enterprise software engineering into software engineering curriculum. A new course in the sequence is intended to provide students with the opportunity to acquire a good understanding of the key concepts and principles of agent-oriented enterprise software engineering, and the new opportunities and challenges involved in developing Web-based multi-agent systems. The course is designed to help build a solid foundation for integration of research into education in the area of agent-oriented enterprise software engineering. The course has special emphasis on developing architectures and frameworks for Web-based multi-agent enterprise systems rather than developing single agent. In this paper, the author shares her experience of developing the course, and presents the course organization, its components, and the future plans for the course.
Challenges and policy lessons for the growth-employment-poverty nexus in developing countries

Of the world’s 6.7 billion people (as of 2008), 1.3 billion lived on less than $1.25 Purchasing Power Parity dollars per person per day and another 1.7 billion lived on between $1.25 and $2.50 PPP dollars (Chen and Ravallion, 2012). The scourge of absolute economic misery among billions of the world’s people is one of the most serious problems facing humankind today. Unemployment (defined below) befalls about 200 million of the world’s people - a sizeable number but small compared to the three billion people who are poor using the $2.50 PPP dollar poverty line. A much larger number - 900 million - are employed but earning so little that they and their families are unable to reach even $2 per person per day (ILO, 2012). They are working hard and they are working poor. (Working Hard, Working Poor is the title of my latest book (Fields, 2012). To achieve more and better employment (where “better” depends on such factors as rate of pay, job security, employment protections, and type of work), analysts and donors need to understand better how employment, growth, poverty and other factors interact, how unemployment is caused, and how employment can be improved. At the same time, drawing on practical experience, research can identify knowledge gaps that to date pose limits to successful employment creation policy.
Fully Virulent Bacillus anthracis Does Not Require the Immunodominant Protein BclA for Pathogenesis

The BclA protein is the immunodominant epitope on the surface of Bacillus anthracis spores; however, its roles in pathogenesis are unclear. We constructed a BclA deletion mutant (bclA) of the fully virulent Ames strain. This derivative retained full virulence in several small-animal models of infection despite the bclA deletion.
Effects of Electricity and Altered Conductivity on Rainbow Trout Embryos: A Study to Determine Efficacy of Electricity for Eradication of Invasive Salmonids

Electricity has been an applied means of facilitating capture and removal of invasive fishes for many years. Current methods involve use of electrodes to establish a current through which passing fish will be susceptible to a brief shock to stun. This method, however, only affects free swimming individuals and is not inclusive of early life history stages such as embryos within spawning substrate. This study evaluates the susceptibility of embryonic and larval stage rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to direct DC current between 2-20v/cm in varying conductive waters to determine lethality for invasive salmonid eradication efforts. Rainbow trout embryos (n = 10 embryos/exposure) were initially exposed to homogeneous electric fields for 5 sec with a water conductivity of 220uS/cm from 1 day post fertilization (DPF)/ 27 temperature units (TU) to 15 DPF/405TU. Mortality was assessed 24 hours post exposure and the LV50 (lethal voltage) at 220uS/cm was determined for each TU. Embryos from six periods of development were then exposed to their respective LV50 voltages in varying conductive waters (20-600uS/cm). Susceptibility to direct DC voltages increased with voltage but overall susceptibility decreased with development. Susceptibility to a constant voltage increased with increasing conductivity and was consistent throughout early development (81TU-292TU), but the effects of increased conductivity were not enhanced in eyed embryos after 364TU. Results indicate that direct DC current applied prior to eyed embryonic stages, the period of greatest trout embryo susceptibility, is an effective means of eradicating invasive and nuisance salmonids.
Development of obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance: The role of adipose tissue, fatty acids, and toll-like receptors

The innate immune receptors, toll-like receptor-2 (Tlr2) and toll-like receptor-4 (Tlr4), are implicated in the development of inflammation and insulin resistance in various cell populations. However, little is known about the relationship of these receptors in dietinduced obesity (DIO). We have shown that Tlr4 deficient C57BL/10ScN mice were protected against DIO, specifically when mice were fed a high saturated fatty acid (SFA) diet. Moreover, these mice exhibited a specific reduction in adipose tissue (AT) inflammation as evidenced by the reduction in nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activation, proinflammatory gene expression, and macrophage accumulation. There was also a marked increase in Tlr2 expression in mice fed a high fat diet. 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with the Tlr2 agonist, zymosan A (ZymA), exhibited increased NFκB and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation, proinflammatory gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and insulin resistance, similarly to palmitate or Tlr4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These effects were attenuated in adipocytes treated with a specific c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125) indicating involvement of this intracellular kinase in SFA and Tlr agonist-mediated signaling. Finally, we demonstrated that Tlr2 mice were also protected from DIO. However, unlike Tlr4 deficient 10ScN mice there were no significant changes in body weight, energy intake, or lipid profile. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in serum (C-reactive protein (CRP), endotoxin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP1)) and AT (Tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), MCP-1, F4/80, and nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) transcript abundance) were attenuated in Tlr2 and 10ScN mice, which was more apparent in mice fed high SFA diet. Insulin sensitivity was improved in 10ScN, but not Tlr2 mice. However, stromal vascular (SV) cells isolated from AT of Tlr2
An augmented electric field integral equation for low frequency electromagnetic analysis

The surface integral equations solved by the method of moments (MoM) using the Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG) or roof-top basis functions are widely applied to scattering, antenna and microwave circuit problems. For the analysis of high speed interconnects, solutions are mainly expected in the full-field regime, where the electric field and magnetic field have to be simulated together to capture the equally important circuit physics and wave physics. It is a difficult regime for the conventional RWG based electric field integral equation (EFIE), because the small electrical size of the fine geometry details poses the well-known low frequency breakdown. The problem is usually remedied by employing the Helmholtz decomposition. It provides a valid solution from zero to microwave frequencies, but is burdened by the global loop search for complicated structures. In addition, the wave phenomenon across the whole structure causes the representation of loops and trees physically improper, so that the iterative solvers fail to converge.
Determination of fish host use by wild populations of rare freshwater mussels using a molecular identification key to identify glochidia

AbstractNaturally parasitized fish were collected and examined for glochidial infestations to evaluate host use by 2 mussel species, the yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) and tidewater mucket (Leptodea ochracea), that are listed as threatened in Maine. Fish were captured at 13 sites in 3 river watersheds throughout the range of L. cariosa and L. ochracea in Maine to determine if host fish identified in the laboratory are used in nature and to assess additional species as potential hosts. A species-specific molecular identification key using restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene was used to identify 687 glochidia from 230 fish. White perch (Morone americana) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were previously identified as host fish for L. cariosa in laboratory trials and were confirmed as host fish in wild populations. Five additional species were identified as potential hosts for L. cariosa. Three of these potential hosts are native (...
SY17-2HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS WITH PROBLEM-GAMBLING SEVERITY: INSIGHTS FROM A LONGITUDINAL REPRESENTATIVE US SAMPLE

Introduction. In the general population, problem-gambling severity lies across a spectrum, ranging from non-gambling through recreational gambling to problematic gambling. Cross-sectional data indicate that subsyndromal levels of gambling (i.e., not meeting the threshold for pathological gambling or in DSM-5 gambling disorder) are associated to varying degrees with poor health, particularly psychopathology. However, few studies have investigated incident psychiatric or general medical conditions with respect to problem-gambling severity. Methods. Secondary analysis of data from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions was conducted. The 2 waves (collected from 2001–2002 and 2004–2005, respectively) included at wave 1 measures of problem-gambling severity (operationalized using inclusionary criteria for pathological gambling with individuals acknowledging one or more criteria categorized as having at-risk/problematic gambling - ARPG) and at waves 1 and 2 measures of psychiatric and medical conditions. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the extent to which ARPG prospectively related to new (incident) psychiatric and general medical conditions. Results. Relative to non-ARPG, ARPG was prospectively associated with: 1) incident nicotine dependence among adult women; 2) incident alcohol use disorders among adult men; 3) incident anxiety disorders and substance use disorders among older adults; and 4) incident cardiovascular conditions among older adults. Conclusions. The findings of incident psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular conditions in relation to ARPG suggest that public health policies and initiatives should incorporate considerations relating to problem-gambling severity.
Clinical predictors of early second event in patients with clinically isolated syndrome

This study aimed to determine the predictors of increased risk of a second demyelinating event within the first year of an initial demyelinating event (IDE) suggestive of early multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) seen at the UCSF MS Center within one year of the IDE were studied. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were used to analyze predictors of having a second event within 1 year of the IDE. Of 330 patients with MS/CIS, 111 had a second event within 1 year. Non-white race/ethnicity (HR = 2.39, 95% CI [1.58, 3.60], p < 0.0001) and younger age (HR for each 10-year decrease in age = 1.51, 95% CI [1.28, 1.80], p < 0.0001) were strongly associated with an increased risk of having a second event within one year of onset. Having a lower number of functional systems affected by the IDE was also associated with an increased risk of early second event (HR for every one less FS involved = 1.31, 95% CI [1.06, 1.61], p = 0.011). These results were similar after adjusting for treatment of the IDE with steroids and disease-modifying therapy. Non-white race/ethnicity, younger age, and a lower number of FS affected by the IDE are associated with a substantially increased hazard ratio for a second demyelinating event within 1 year. Since early relapse is predictive of worse long-term outcome, identifying and treating such patients after the IDE may be of benefit to them.
Geoid anomalies over cooling lithosphere: source for a third kernel of upper mantle thermal parameters and thus an inversion

Summary. The geoid anomaly over an isostatic mass redistribution on an infinite flat earth is simply 27πC/g times the differential mass moment. On a spheroidal earth the limiting value can never quite be reached because the external effect of a spherical shell of mass dipole is identically zero, so distant portions of the spherical surface subtract from the effect of the region under the point of observation. The width of the integrating kernel varies with the depth of the mass distribution, but the observable fraction of the limiting geoid slope can be estimated, at least for ocean basins of moderate extent, where it should reach about 90 per cent. For very small ( 3 cm yr−1) ocean basins, the observable geoid slope is smaller. A consideration of published geoid data, together with gravity anomalies in the same area, compared to the theoretical free geoid gravity anomalies (= gravity observed on the geoid) leads, with great caution, to a crude estimate of the thermally produced slope of 0.14 ± 0.02 m Myr−1. Given a value of the thermal geoid signal, it is possible to conduct an inversion for the upper mantle thermal parameters if two, the density and specific heat, are assumed to be known. The parameter ‘kernels’ for the heat flow, topographic decay and geoid give three equations to solve for expansion coefficient α, diffusivity κ and initial temperature TI. The results are different from common modelling assumptions: 3.1 × 10−5°C−1±17 per cent; 0.0065 cm2 s−l±45 per cent; and 1660°C ±29 per cent. Manipulation of the equations in the case of general temperature-variable parameters leads to partial explanations: α appears multiplied by k0.7/k0 (conductivity at 0.7 of T1; at surface temperature), while k is weighted toward the lower values in the low-to-medium temperature range. An estimate of T1, using the shape of the temperature variations of k and k in the most reliable available data for olivine, remains at about 1660°C ±30 per cent. In spite of the large error band, the higher initial temperature is plausible because decompression of upwelling material produces enough partial melting to generate the oceanic crust. The latent heat of melting must be supplied from somewhere, and the only other possible source is a large amount of mechanical work applied to the system in the divergent flow.
Phylogenetic relationships and classification of the Vespinae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

. The phylogenetic relationships of the genera, subgenera and species-groups of the Vespinae are analysed using cladistic techniques. The results are used as the basis for a natural classification of these wasps. The cladogram for the four genera recognized is: Vespa+(Provespa + (Dolichovespula + Vespula)). No subgenera are recognized; all those previously described are synonymized with the appropriate genus. The synonymies of Nyctovespa with Vespa and Rugovespula with Vespula are new.
Recognition memory and introspective remember/know judgments: Evidence for the influence of distractor plausibility on “remembering” and a caution about purportedly nonparametric measures

One popular technique in the study of human recognition memory involves the elicitation ofremember andknow judgments and the attribution of those judgments to qualitative states of memory retrieval. An alternative view, reviewed here, implicates quantitative, but not qualitative, differences in evidence as the basis for those two judgments. That theory makes two clear and testable predictions: that of criterion shifts in “remembering” and that of isodiscriminability across different response sets. In this experiment, the makeup of the distractor set in a recognition test is shown to influence overall recognition criterion and also rates of “remember” responses. The second portion of the article demonstrates howA’ is a poor choice of a measure to test the prediction of isodiscriminability. When this measure is corrected (Equation 7) to make it more consistent with current knowledge about the receiveroperating characteristic in recognition memory, it reveals that there is no difference in discriminability between “remember” and all positive responses.
Imaging the Molecular Dimensions and Oligomerization of Proteins at Liquid/Solid Interfaces

Individual Concanavalin A (ConA) molecules have been imaged at the liquid/solid interface with an atomic force microscope (AFM). Three-dimensional sizing with very high resolution (<5 A) has been obtained by a novel approach based on height distributions, which avoids the tip convolution effects which normally affect scanning probe microscopy techniques. Each height measurement correlates to a particular molecular orientation on the surface. A large number of such measurements provide a statistical ensemble of orientations. The complete height distribution reflects the three-dimensional size of the protein sample and hence its tertiary and quaternary structure. A surface adsorption and orientation model, based on a minimization of surface adsorption energy, is proposed. This model is in good agreement with the observed height distribution of Con A molecules at the liquid/solid interface. Analysis of Con A and succinylated Con A molecules on mica demonstrates that Con A dimers are the prevalent species at the liquid/solid interface. This is in contrast to the tetrameric organization of Con A normally observed in solution. The new possibilities opened by height distribution analysis on the physical characterization of biomolecules at interfaces are also discussed.
Accurate diode forward and reverse recovery model using asymptotic waveform evaluation techniques

An accurate simulation of diode forward and reverse recovery phenomena using AWE is presented. Moment-matching technique is applied directly to the drift-diffusion equation to construct a reduced-order model that describes the dynamic process occurring in a p-n junction. The model provides an increasingly accurate approximation to the characteristics of the device under all operating conditions. It simulates accurately the diode transient behavior and high frequency characteristics in power electronic simulation. The p-n diode recovery phenomenon is simulated, and the improved accuracy is verified by comparisons with SPICE simulations.
Role theory and executive functioning: Constructing cooperative paradigms of drama therapy and cognitive neuropsychology

Abstract This theoretical investigation reviews drama therapy theory within the framework of neuropsychology. In order to accomplish such a task, Landy's role theory ( Landy, 1993 , Landy, 2001 , Landy, 2009 ) is outlined via its foundational components and re-examined within an executive functioning model. The focus of this work is on those executive functions which contribute to the development, selection, and activation of roles within a social context. They are: working memory, attention, cognitive control (inhibition), and theory of mind. As a result, conceptual groundwork is established for the development of a burgeoning cooperation between paradigms of drama therapy and cognitive neuropsychology.
Euroland Foods S.A.

In January 2001, the senior-management committee of this company has to decide which major projects should be funded for implementation by the company starting in 2001. The board of directors has arbitrarily set a limit of ¬120 million to be spent on capital projects in 2001. Various managers, however, have proposed projects totaling ¬316 million. The task for the student is to evaluate the completed discounted-cash-flow (DCF) analyses that the case presents, together with qualitative factors (mainly strategic considerations and internal politics of the company), and to choose the projects to be approved. The main objectives of this case are (in descending order): (1) to explore the problem of resource allocation within corporations; (2) to illustrate and assess the impact of capital rationing on capital-investment decisions; (3) to exercise and interpret the implications of classic tools of investment analysis (e.g., net present value [NPV], internal rate of return [IRR], payback), and to consider possible adjustments for differences among the projects in risk (e.g., through the use of risk-adjusted discount rates), size (e.g., through the profitability index), and life (e.g., through using equivalent annuities, replacement chains, or both); (4) to consider the impact of behavioral influences on financial decision making.
Sudden Death in Germfree Mice Reared Through Successive Generations on Chemically Defined Liquid Diet

A diet for germfree animals which consists of chemically defined, low-molecular-weight nutrients, and which can be prepared in liquid form for sterilization by filtration, brings the experimental animal one step farther toward complete control of nutritional and antigenic variables. Such a diet, consisting of purified amino acids, sugars, ethyl linoleate, vitamins and minerals, all dissolved in a single water solution, has been fed to germfree rats (1) and to germfree mice (2,3). The fat-soluble portion of the diet had been solubilized in the water solution by use of Polysor-bate 80, These preliminary experiments had implicated the nonionic detergent as a cause of persistent diarrhea in some mice. Changes in the lymph nodes of germfree mice fed the detergent diet also resembled those observed by Mori and Kato (4) in conventional rats fed polysorbate. For these reasons the detergent was eliminated and the fat-soluble portion of the diet was prepared and fed separately from the water-soluble portion, according to a procedure reported at the 1966 meeting of this Association. Diet prepared in this way has now been subjected to long-term testing of its nutritional adequacy.
Low Threshold Supercontinuum Generation in Highly Nonlinear Robust Step-Index Chalcogenide Nanotapers

We generate low-threshold supercontinuum spanning the wavelength range 1_2 μm in highly nonlinear and mechanically robust step-index chalcogenide nanotapers. The high index-contrast improves the mode confinement and increases the waveguide dispersion in the nanotapers.
microRNAs and Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the major causes for autism and mental retardation in humans. The etiology of FXS is linked to the expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeats, r(CGG), suppressing the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene on the X chromosome, resulting in a loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression, which is required for regulating normal neuronal connectivity and plasticity. Recent studies have further identified that microRNAs are involved in the mechanisms underlying FXS pathogenesis at three different developmental stages. During early embryogenesis before the blastocyst stage, an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-specific microRNA, miR-302, interferes with FMR1 mRNA translation to maintain the stem cell status and inhibit neural development. After blastocyst, the downregulation of miR-302 releases FMRP synthesis and subsequently leads to neuronal development; yet, in FXS, certain r(CGG)-derived microRNAs, such as miR-fmr1s, are expressed and accumulated and then induce DNA hypermethylation on the FMR1 gene promoter regions, resulting in transcriptional inactivation of the FMR1 gene and the loss of FMRP. In normal neuronal development, FMRP is an RNA-binding protein responsible for interacting with miR-125 and miR-132 to regulate the signaling of Group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), respectively, and consequently affecting synaptic plasticity. As a result, the loss of FMRP impairs these signaling controls and eventually causes FXS-associated disorders, such as autism and mental retardation. Based on these current findings, this chapter will summarize the etiological causes of FXS and further provides significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying microRNA-mediated FXS pathogenesis and the related therapy development.
The Dynamic Pricing Model for Airline Parallel Flights

In the current circumstance of fierce competition market in air passenger industry,there are a few correspondingly monopoly routes for airline company.Moreover,the multiple flights in the same leg every day are named as parallel flights.How to make dynamic pricing policy in order to maximize total revenue of all the flights of the leg? With the stochastic control theory,dynamic pricing continuous time model for two parallel flights of a monopoly airline is developed,the properties of the value function and the threshold point of time of optimum control are discussed.Numerical examples show that this control policy is not only prone to implement,but also more profitable than that of the policy for independent demand.
Research progress of regenerator in FCC unit

The research status of regenerator and regeneration process in FCC unit in recent years is presented.The regeneration processes mainly include single-stage,two-stage and fast fluidized bed regeneration.The advantages and disadvantages of various types of regenerators are compared.The improvement process of three types of regenerators is summarized,and the direction for future development is put forward according to the merit and demerit in the existing structures of regenerators.
Inhibition of the purified human red-cell Ca2+ pump by a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract 1. A monoclonal antibody (1G4) was raised against the red-cell Ca2+ pump, and it reacted with the pump, as verified by Western blot analysis and by the e.l.i.s.a. method. 2. At 1 mM-ATP and 10 microM-Ca2+, 1G4 inhibited the activity of the purified Ca2+ pump by 40%. 3. Ca2+ pump inhibition by the antibody was non-competitive with regard to Ca2+, calmodulin and the high-affinity portion of the ATP curve. Thus its mechanism was quite different from that of the antibody previously reported [Verbist, Wuytack, Raemaekers, VanLeuven, Cassiman & Casteels (1986) Biochem. J. 240, 633-640], which partially caused inhibition by competition at the ATP site. 4. Antibody 1G4 reduced the steady-state level of phosphorylated intermediate and increased by 50% the calmodulin-activated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity of the pump. 5. The experimental results are consistent with the hypothesis that 1G4 inhibits the Ca2+ pump by decreasing the rate of the transition from the E2 form to the E1 form, causing a higher concentration of E2. 6. Analysis by Western blot of the pattern of cross-reaction of 1G4 after tryptic digestion of the pump showed that this antibody reacts with bands of Mr 90,000, 85,000, 50,000 and 33,000. After chymotryptic digestion, the antibody reacts almost exclusively with a fragment of Mr 105,000 that is fully active but is not responsive to calmodulin. Altogether, the results indicate that 1G4 binds to an epitope involved in the functional properties of the enzyme but which is not related to the calmodulin-binding domain.
High-Performance Blue-Excitable Yellow Phosphor Obtained from an Activated Solvochromic Bismuth-Fluorophore Metal–Organic Framework

We report the synthesis, structure, and photoluminescence properties of a new bismuth based luminescent metal–organic framework (LMOF). The framework is comprised of a 9-coordinated Bi3+ building unit and 4′, 4‴, 4′′′′′, 4′′′′‴-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl)tetrakis([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid) (H4tcbpe) organic linker, which has strong yellow aggregation induced emission (AIE). The structure can be viewed as two interpenetrated 4,4-anionic nets that are stabilized by K+ ions forming one-dimensional helical inorganic chains by connecting bismuth nodes through shared oxygen bonds. The as-made LMOF has a bluish emission centered at 459 nm with an internal quantum yield of 57% when excited at 360 nm. The emission properties of the LMOF were found to be highly solvochromic with respect to DMF. Upon partial solvent removal, the framework undergoes significant red-shifting to a greenish emission centered at 500 nm. Complete removal of DMF results in additional red-shifting fluorescence coupled with structural c...
Does Natural Visual Camouflage Reduce Turtle Nest Predation

Abstract Egg and nest crypsis is a strategy to reduce detection by predators, thereby minimizing offspring mortality. While this strategy has been well studied in birds, it has received little attention in other taxa. Turtles are plausibly able to camouflage their subterranean nests by reducing the level of soil surface disturbance. To test the hypothesis that more cryptic nests experience lower predation, we first quantified the camouflage of natural Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) nests from the human perspective and demonstrated that substantial variation in nest camouflage exists. We subsequently tracked the predation fates of these nests and related nest camouflage to nest survival. Although the results trend in the expected direction, logistic regression did not yield a significant association between camouflage rating and nest survival. These results suggest turtle nests are highly detectable by predators and mothers have little ability to influence predation risk to their nests via camouflage. Th...
Board Processes and CEO Succession Planning

CEO succession is one of the most important transitions in any firm’s life cycle. However, despite substantive ramifications for the actors and the firm, and the potentially competing interests tha...
Mechanical Performance of Graphite- and Aramid-Reinforced Composites at Cryogenic Temperatures

Advanced structural composites reinforced with boron, graphite, or aramid fibers have unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties that make them attractive alternatives for metals in many cryogenic applications. A most promising application is the structure of the central solenoid of the poloidal field system in Tokamak magnetic fusion energy (MFE) devices.1 Depending on the flux rise time of a particular design, energy loss due to generation of eddy currents in metallic structures might place an excessive burden on the refrigeration system. Here, a replacement of the metallic structure with advanced composites could suppress eddy currents while providing strength and stiffness equal to that, of steel. The low thermal conductivity of graphite-reinforced epoxy laminates in the 77–4 K range combined with high strength and modulus suggests the possibility of fabricating more efficient thermal isolation supports than heretofore available.
Classification and Management of Pediatric Craniocervical Injuries

This article addresses the key features, clinical presentation, patterns of injury, indicated workup, and radiographic findings associated with craniocervical injuries in the pediatric population. It discusses nonsurgical and surgical management of pediatric cervical spine trauma, addressing when each is indicated, and the various techniques available to the pediatric neurosurgeon.
Transition‐Metal Complexes with (C–C)→M Agostic Interactions

The coordination of sigma bonding electron density to a Lewis acid had for some time been largely the domain of boron hydride chemistry. Subsequently it was found that C-H bonds could undergo intramolecular coordination to metal centers, forming what are now known as "agostic bonds" and "agostic complexes". Thereafter even the H-H bond in molecular hydrogen was found capable of coordination, leading to what are commonly referred to as "sigma complexes". Eventually, coordination by much more shielded C-C bonds has been established, which is of particular significance relative to the interest in C-C bond activation. This review focuses on the key developments in this field, including the nature of the bonding interactions in these and some related species, as revealed by spectroscopic, structural, and theoretical studies, their involvement in important chemical reactions such as alkene polymerizations and metathesis, and comparisons to the other types of electron deficient bridge bonding.
Elements and Innovations of a New Global Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity

This essay traces the evolution of crimes against humanity prior to and during the Nuremberg trials; discusses the post-World War II prosecutions and legal developments of the crime as well as its codification in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and then explores the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative’s efforts to draft the first comprehensive, specialized convention beginning in 2008, which led to the adoption of the topic “crimes against humanity” by the UN International Law Commission in summer 2013, and the work of the Commission through 2016. It discusses the core elements of a new treaty on crimes against humanity, as well as the innovations a new treaty could bring to the further prevention and punishment of atrocity crimes.
Core–Shell Nanostructured Cobalt–Platinum Electrocatalysts with Enhanced Durability

Pt-bimetallic alloys involving 3d transition metals (Co, Ni, etc.) are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Despite the enhanced catalytic activity versus Pt, the electrocatalytic performance of Pt-bimetallic catalysts is however limited by the lack of long-term durability, primarily due to the leaching of the non-noble element under harsh electrochemical conditions. Our study shows that the core–shell nanostructure comprising a Pt shell and a cobalt core (denoted as Co@Pt) could overcome this limitation, demonstrating ∼10 times improvement in catalytic activity versus commercial Pt catalysts and no more than 13% of loss after 30000 potential cycles. The evolutions of nanoscale and surface structures over the course of extensive potential cycling were followed by combining electron microscopic elemental mapping and electrochemical studies of CO stripping. Atomistic simulations and density functional theory calculations suggest that the core–shell nanostructure could protect ...
Toeplitz/Hankel Matrix Structure and Polynomial Computations

Toeplitz matrices, Hankel matrices, and matrices with similar structures (such as Frobenius, Sylvester, and subresultant matrices) are probably the most studied structured matrices. Among their numerous important areas of application, we select fundamental polynomial computations, including multiplication, and the Extended Euclidean Algorithm, together with their several extensions and applications. In this chapter we reveal the correlation among computations with polynomials and structured matrices of Toeplitz and Hankel types (see Figures 2.1 and 2.2) and show superfast algorithms for these computations. In the next chapter we similarly study matrices of Vandermonde and Cauchy types. Apart from the introductory material of the next section and the estimates for the arithmetic cost of multiplying Toeplitz, Hankel, Vandermonde, and Cauchy matrices by vectors, the results of these two chapters are little used in Chapters 4–7. Some sample pseudocodes for the algorithms of Sections 2.4 and 2.5 are collected in Section 2.15.
Composite Advancement Flap (Cutler-Beard Procedure)

The Cutler-Beard procedure is indicated in reconstruction of large defects of the upper eyelid. Typically, defects of more than 60% of the eyelid require repair with this two-stage reconstruction using full-thickness tissue from the lower eyelid. In the first stage, a full-thickness flap from the lower eyelid is advanced posterior to an intact lower eyelid margin. This includes the conjunctiva of the lower fornix, deep tissue of the lower eyelid, and skin. It attains collateral vascularization and lengthens over a period of 3–8 weeks. In the second-stage, the flap is divided at the level of the palpebral fissure, and the lower eyelid is reconstructed. The fornices are moderately foreshortened after this procedure.
Production of Non-Natural and Functional Poly-β-Hydroxyalkanoates by Bacteria

Poly-β-hydroxyalkanoates, PHAs, are produced as storage granules or inclusion bodies by a wide variety of bacteria under conditions of metabolic stress in the presence of excess carbon. Normally the PHAs produced are a family of aliphatic polyesters with n-alkyl groups at the β-position, which is a chiral center that exists only in the [R] absolute configuration in these biopolymers, as follows:
Affirmative action and medical school admissions.

Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin continues the debate about affirmative action in higher education. What constitutes adequate representation of a given group, and should those groups be based on race or class?
Impact of Contralateral Symmetry Procedures on Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes following Unilateral Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction.

Background One aim of unilateral postmastectomy breast reconstruction (BR) is to restore symmetry with the contralateral breast. As such, unilateral prosthetic reconstruction often requires a contralateral symmetry procedure (CSP). There is sparse literature on the impact of CSPs on long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) such as satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aims to describe PROs following CSPs, using a validated PRO tool, BREAST-Q. The hypothesis is that CSPs are associated with greater patient-reported satisfaction and HRQoL. Methods This study is a single institutional analysis of prospectively collected BREAST-Q scores of patients who underwent unilateral prosthetic BR during 2011 to 2015. Women 18 years and older with BREAST-Q scores measured ≥ 9months after BR with or without CSP(s) at the time of expander replacement were included. Patients were classified into four subcohorts: augmentation, mastopexy, reduction, and no symmetry procedure (controls). Sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and BREAST-Q scores were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression was performed. Results Of 553 patients, 67 (12%) underwent contralateral augmentation, 68 (12%) mastopexy, 93(17%) reduction, and 325 (59%) were controls. Mean follow-up time was 52 months. Satisfaction with breast and outcomes were higher in the augmentation compared with the control groups (p = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, augmentation remained an independent predictor of satisfaction with breast (p = 0.04). Physical well-being scores were lower for contralateral mastopexy and reduction compared with the controls with a trend toward statistical significance on multivariable models. Psychological and sexual well-being was similar across groups. Conclusion Prosthetic reconstruction with contralateral breast augmentation was associated with greater satisfaction with breast and reconstructive outcome. In contrast, breast reduction and mastopexy procedures demonstrated equivalent satisfaction with breasts compared with controls but may be associated with lower physical well-being. Such information can be used to improve the shared decision-making process for women who choose unilateral prosthetic BR.