cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Private to Public: Challenges in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia

In January 2007, the Bolivian government transformed the consortium Aguas del Illimani, which was responsible for the La Paz-El Alto water services concession, into a public and social enterprise company with the aim of reducing inequalities plaguing unequipped areas. This case study helps illuminate the ruptures and continuities that exist in the organization of the current water supply network. The urban governance of the new municipal company faces both a process of metropolitization, which may lead to conflicts between municipalities, and the antagonistic logics between the municipal utility provider and the surrounding rural communities, which are traversed by the network as it channels water to urban areas. Integrating indigenous populations into public policies is characterized by logics of conflict rather than a genuine attempt to accommodate their “right to water,” even though that right is promulgated by the Bolivian government.
Pattern Selection in Rotating Convection

Equivariant bifurcation theory is used to study spatially periodic pattern selection on the rhombic, square and hexagonal lattices for steady rotating convection. The coriolis force breaks a reflection symmetry present in the nonrotating problem. For the square lattice, this has no effect on the bifurcation problem; for the rhombic and the hexagonal lattices, the generic bifurcation problems differ significantly from the nonrotating case. For each lattice the primary solution branches, and their stabilities, are determined.
Cost-effectiveness of supplementary immunization for measles in India.

Objective This study aims to estimate the incremental cost effectiveness of a supplementary immunization activity (SIA) for measles in a district of India with measles vaccine coverage equivalent to the National average. Design A state transition model is used to estimate the effect of routine vaccination with measles vaccine as well as with measles vaccine during the SIA. The model follows each sub-cohort in the target population at respective age (1-5 years) to five years of age, using age specific incidence rate and vaccination rate to determine the number of cases of measles. Using age specific incidence rates and complication rates for measles; deaths and disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted is estimated. Results Using base-case assumptions, an estimated 65479 cases of measles and 1637 deaths due to measles will be prevented in a span of four years from a single supplementary immunization activity in a pediatric population (1-5 years of age) of size 839,473. The cost per measles vaccine dose delivered is INR 30. Using base case analysis the cost to avert a death is INR 15381 and the cost per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted is INR 430. Conclusions Supplementary immunization activity for measles is cost-effective. However, this cannot be considered superior to a second dose of measles in routine immunization.
A Buoyancy-Driven Therocline Model

Abstract A simple analytical model of stradfied circulation with application to the global consequences of convection is reviewed. The model is driven by buoyancy and mechanical forcing and buoyancy diffusion is parameterized in terms of diapycnal mass fluxes. The interior responds in typical Sverdrup fashion and the requirements of balanced heat and energy budgets are invoked to calculate the eastern boundary stratification parameters. This effort differs from past attempts to calculate stratification in that buoyancy flux boundary conditions are explicitly considered in the calculation of diapycnal fluxes. A major feature of the solutions is the interplay of planetary dynamics and buoyancy diffusion. This results in the most important components of the thermocline structure, namely density outcrops and interior “pinchoffs”. These are, in turn, essential to the production of thermodynamically balanced states. Some aspects of the present model resemble features found in previous numerical models.
Continuous Cyclic Distillation for Binary Solvent Exchange: The Batch Stack

As the pharmaceutical industry adopts continuous processes, batch distillation for solvent exchange will need to be replaced with a continuous distillation process. Cyclic distillation is adapted to solvent exchange, and a simplified calculation method that does not assume constant molar overflow is developed for binary systems. A three-stage cyclic distillation for exchange of methanol with water designed for a bottoms product that is 90% water produces a 99.3% methanol distillate, uses 25.4% less solvent than constant volume batch distillation, and is roughly equivalent to a five-stage continuous distillation. When water is the feed solvent and is exchanged with methanol, a three-stage cyclic distillation uses 54.4% and 40.0% less solvent than constant volume batch distillation and a three-stage continuous distillation, respectively.
Combustion Phasing Modelling of Dual Fuel Engines

Abstract Dual fuel engines can achieve high efficiencies and low emissions but also can encounter high cylinder-to-cylinder variations on multi-cylinder engines. In order to avoid these variations, they require a more complex method for combustion phasing control such as model-based control. Since the combustion process in these engines is complex, typical models of this system are complex as well and there is a need for simpler, computationally efficient, control-oriented models of the dual fuel combustion process. In this paper, a mean-value combustion phasing model is designed. Combustion phasing is predicted using a knock integral model, burn duration model and a Wiebe function.
Understanding the Polymorphism of A4[(UO2)3(PO4)2O2] (A = Alkali Metals) Uranyl Phosphate Framework Structures

In this study we combine experimental synthesis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to gain insight into the polymorphism of A4[(UO2)3(PO4)2O2] (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) uranyl phosphate structures. Single crystals of a new 3D uranyl phosphate, Cs4[(UO2)3(PO4)2O2], were grown by molten flux methods using a CsCl flux. DFT calculations, using the DFT+U method, were carried out to study the difference between this new 3D uranyl phosphate and a family of recently described layered uranyl phosphates. Variation of the computed properties with changes in Ueff values are also studied. The DFT results agree with the experimental observations, showing that the Cs-containing 3D polymorph and the K-containing layered polymorphs are more stable than their respective layered and 3D polymorph. We show an increase in the difference between the total energies of the layered and 3D polymorphs and an increase in the band gaps with increasing Ueff value. Volume-based thermodynamics was also applied to calculate the to...
The Protection of Intellectual Property: Issues of Origination and Ownership:

Western intellectual property protection is based on the twin premises that individual people can originate and own ideas. Because these premises are not universally accepted, differences in laws a...
15 – Impact of Avian Viruses

This chapter presents the comparison of class Aves with other vertebrates, elements of avian systematics, and geographic distribution of the avian host. The class Aves first diverged from the reptiles between 150 and 300 million years ago, depending on which current paleontological interpretations one accepts. The immune system of the intact bird is a critical feature in the establishment of ecological relationships between many viruses and hosts. The chapter summarizes the important features of relationships of various viruses with their avian hosts as well as the wide variety of relationships that exist. It also deals with the impact of viral transmission among members of the class Aves and impact of transmission of avian viruses outside the class Aves.
Real-Time Simulation of Microgrid and Load Behavior Analysis Using FPGA

Micro-grid is sub-unit of a smart grid consisting of a complex power electronics, energy storage systems and several generating sources distributed throughout the network. Real-time based simulations of Micro-grid (MG) demands large computational resources. This research presents MG system that utilizes a field programmable gate array (FPGA, NI PXIe-7976R) module where real-time simulations, communication, and analysis is performed to determine the behavior of the MG system. Also, the data acquisition using NI CompactDAQ cards with the integration of the LabView program is used to determine MG output signals as a power quality analyzer. The three-phase output signals are then modified to emulate real-time MG scenario using Regatron (TC ACS). Further, the AC variable loads such as resistive, capacitive and inductive loads are incorporated to investigate the behavior of MG outputs. Overall, the MG system design and hardware implementation, the transmission line model and the algorithms in software environment as LabView and OPAL-RT, the results and its verification are discussed.
¿Puedo decir algo?: métodos de comunicación en Jueces 6

Human-divine communication takes on many forms in the Hebrew Bible. From dreams and prophetic visions to spoken oracles, there are a variety of depictions of communication between humans and the divine. Judges 6 fits within the body of passages in which communication is of vital importance; the chapter focuses on the divine call of Gideon and his response. What precipitates this call is invasion and attacks on resources. Judges 6 begins with Israel encountering Midianites, Amalekites, and other unnamed groups. Israel’s livelihood is compromised because its agricultural activities and produce are disrupted by outside attacks. In the midst of these conflicts, Gideon is commissioned by Yahweh to provide needed relief. An uncertain agriculturalist turned warrior, Gideon has two divine encounters before going to battle—one on a wine press and another on a threshing floor. In these encounters, Yahweh communicates via agrarian products and the natural environment, namely the world surrounding Gideon is used to deliver divine messages and approval for war. This article examines these methods of communication using principles of ecological hermeneutics.
Scale and Performance in Active Management are Not Negatively Related

We revisit the nature of returns to scale following Pastor, Stambaugh, and Taylor (2015). Using replicated versions of their domestic equity fund sample, we confirm their negative and significant relation between industry scale and performance. However, upon closer examination we find the diseconomies of scale at the industry level result is an artifact of data errors that comprise less than 0.05% of the sample―168 out of 332,516 observations―that occurred most often in the year 2000. We are unable to find industry level diseconomies of scale in the post 2001 era. A major source of these errors is the incorrect use of Morningstar’s current performance benchmarks to measure historical return performance. We confirm the non-result findings using Fama-French three-factor adjusted returns, which are not subject to benchmarking errors.
An assessment of farmers' perception of priority areas in oil palm production and processing in Aniocha South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria.

The study examined farmers’ perception of priority in oil palm production and processing. The study was carried out in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. One hundred and sixty oil palm farmers randomly selected from eight communities were sampled. A structured interview schedule was used for data collection, while percentage, frequency count and mean scores were used to summarize data. The findings of the study show that nine priority areas are crucial to increased oil palm production and processing. These are: credit facilities for oil palm farmers, favourable land tenure policy; establishment of agro-chemical and fertilizer companies; building of mechanized processing mills at strategic locations; construction of access roads to palm plantations; providing ready markets for oil palm products; and sponsoring research on high yielding varieties and low-cost processing techniques. The study also found low technology utilization among oil palm farmers. The study recommends that the priority areas identified in this study should guide future efforts of government in revitalizing the oil palm production sub-sector. Also, oil palm farmers should be sensitized by the agricultural extension agency on the need to use improved production technologies.
Drones in urban stormwater management: a review and future perspectives

Cities across the world are struggling to address flooding and water quality pollution from stormwater runoff, in part because of a lack of technologies that can effectively support management acti...
Multilayer Etched Antireflective Structures for Silicon Vacuum Windows

Future instruments employing cryogenic detectors for millimeter and submillimeter astronomy applications can benefit greatly from silicon vacuum windows with broadband antireflection treatment. Silicon is an ideal optical material at these wavelengths due to numerous attractive properties, including low loss, high refractive index, and high strength. However, its high index ($$n=3.4$$) necessitates antireflection (AR) treatment, which has proven a major challenge, especially for the multilayer treatments required for wide spectral bandwidths. We address this challenge by developing a wide-bandwidth integral AR structure for silicon vacuum windows using a novel fabrication technique, tuning the effective refractive index of each AR layer using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and using wafer bonding to assemble the structure. We present the progress we have made in designing and fabricating such vacuum windows from 100-mm-diameter silicon wafers. We have previously demonstrated a two-layer AR structure for windows over a 1.6:1 bandwidth and are currently fabricating a four-layer coating designed for a 4:1 bandwidth. We have also converged on a design for a six-layer structure optimized to give − 20 dB reflection between 80 and 420 GHz (5.25:1 bandwidth), which will be useful for future multicolor Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) observations.
Quantifying gas emissions associated with the 2018 rift eruption of Kīlauea Volcano using ground-based DOAS measurements

Starting on 3 May 2018, a series of eruptive fissures opened in Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone (LERZ). Over the course of the next 3 months, intense degassing accompanied lava effusion from these fissures. Here, we report on ground-based observations of the gas emissions associated with Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption. Visual observations combined with radiative transfer modeling show that ultraviolet light could not efficiently penetrate the gas and aerosol plume in the LERZ, complicating SO2 measurements by differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS). By applying a statistical method that integrates a radiative transfer model with the DOAS retrievals, we were able to calculate sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates along with estimates of their uncertainty. We find that sustained SO2 emissions were highest in June and early July, when approximately 200 kt SO2 were emitted daily. At the 68% confidence interval, we estimate that 7.1–13.6 Mt SO2 were released from the LERZ during the entire May to September eruptive episode. Scaling our results with in situ measurements of plume composition, we calculate that 11–21 Mt H2O and 1.5–2.8 Mt CO2 were also emitted. The gas and aerosol emissions caused hazardous conditions in areas proximal to the active vents, but plume dispersion modeling shows that the eruption also significantly impacted air quality hundreds of kilometers downwind. Combined with petrologic studies of the erupted lavas, our measurements indicate that 1.1–2.3 km3 dense-rock equivalent of lava were erupted from the LERZ, which is approximately twice the concomitant collapse volume of the volcano’s summit.
In reply to Drs. Lv, Yang, and Deng.

We respectfully disagree with your interpretation of the lag in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations behind aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevations in patients with COVID-19. Specifically, you suggest that this lag reflects a dissociation between ALT and AST elevations and therefore implies a non-hepatic source of AST elevation.
Renaming the Narrative, Reclaiming Their Humanity: Black and Latino Males’ Descriptions of Success:

Background/ContextAn ongoing challenge for scholars who examine the educational experiences of young men of color, particularly Black and Latino males, is to illustrate the complex nature of their ...
Loneliness as a Partial Mediator of the Relation between Low Social Preference in Childhood and Anxious/Depressed Symptoms in Adolescence

This study examined the mediating role of loneliness (assessed by self-report at Time 2; Grade 6) in the relation between early social preference (assessed by peer report at Time 1; kindergarten through Grade 3) and adolescent anxious/depressed symptoms (assessed by mother, teacher, and self-reports at Time 3; Grades 7–9). Five hundred eighty-five boys and girls (48% female; 16% African American) from three geographic sites of the Child Development Project were followed from kindergarten through Grade 9. Loneliness partially mediated and uniquely incremented the significant effect of low social preference in childhood on anxious/depressed symptoms in adolescence, controlling for early anxious/depressed symptoms at Time 1. Findings are critical to understanding the psychological functioning through which early social experiences affect youths’ maladjusted development. Directions for basic and intervention research are discussed, and implications for treatment are addressed.
Creditor Control Rights, Corporate Governance, and Firm Value*

We provide evidence that creditors play an active role in the governance of corporations well outside of payment default states. Using a large sample of covenant violations reported by U.S. public firms, we show that violations are followed immediately with an increase in CEO turnover, an increase in the incidence of corporate restructurings and hiring of turnaround specialists, a decline in acquisitions and capital expenditures, and a sharp reduction in leverage and shareholder payouts. The changes in the investment and financing behavior of violating firms coincide with amended credit agreements that contain stronger restrictions on firm decision-making. In addition, changes in the management of violating firms suggest that creditors exert considerable behind-the-scenes influence on governance in addition to contractual control. We also show that firm operating and stock price performance improve following a violation, suggesting that actions taken by creditors benefit shareholders.
Illuminating and alleviating cellular oxidative stress with an ROS-activated, H2S-donating theranostic

Abstract This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dale L. Boger on the occasion of his receipt of the 2020 Tetrahedron Prize for Creativity. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous signaling molecule that has been shown to provide impressive antioxidative and cytoprotective effects. To further gauge its physiological and pathophysiological properties, small molecule donors with precise control over their H2S delivery within a biological setting are needed. Herein, we describe a novel, self-reporting H2S donor that is selectively activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Within our design, we append an ROS-responsive aryl boronate ester to 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin via an S-alkyl thiocarbonate linkage—a key feature which provides the efficient release of both H2S (via COS hydrolysis) and a fluorescent reporter in response to elevated levels of ROS. Thus, this design was found to provide a useful bifunctional tool given its rare ability to simultaneously image and neutralize hydrogen peroxide within live cells.
A phase 2 trial of single low doses of rasburicase for treatment of hyperuricemia in adult patients with acute leukemia.

Abstract Background Rasburicase can markedly and rapidly decrease uric acid (UA) levels, thereby preventing and treating tumor lysis syndrome. However, rasburicase is expensive, especially when used as per the manufacturer's recommended dosage of 0.2 mg/kg/day for up to 5 days. Numerous reports have shown that lower, and even single doses are effective in lowering UA levels but prospective randomized studies comparing low doses have not been performed. Objectives To prospectively determine the efficacy and safety of two single low doses of rasburicase in adult patients (pts) with acute leukemia and elevated plasma UA. Methods Eligible pts aged ≥ 18 years old with acute leukemia and UA ≥ 7.5 mg/dL were randomized to receive an initial single dose of rasburicase 1.5 mg (Arm A) or 3 mg (Arm B) on day 1 in an unblinded fashion. All pts received allopurinol 300 mg daily on days 1–6. Results Twenty-four pts (median age 69 years; 14 males and 10 females) were enrolled in this phase 2 study (12 on each arm). Twenty pts had acute myeloid leukemia while 3 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 1 had acute promyelocytic leukemia. Median initial UA level was 9.8 mg/dL. Eighty-three percent of pts in both arms achieved UA Conclusions Single doses of rasburicase (as low as 1.5−3 mg) used in addition to allopurinol were well tolerated and highly efficacious (83 % response rate) in decreasing UA levels within 24 h of administration in adult acute leukemia pts with hyperuricemia.
Trade Justice Delayed is Trade Justice Denied

International law is not known for being quick or effective. Cases can drag on for years, have limited legal force, and are infamous for noncompliance. Until recently, the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement process had served as a beacon of hope for being one of the fastest and most effective international dispute settlement systems in the history of the world. It may still hold that title, but it has slowed down considerably. Cases take much longer to complete today than they did at the start of the WTO in 1995. These delays have undermined the WTO’s usefulness as a way to resolve trade disputes. Today, with the process so much slower, governments can have a three-year or longer “free pass” to implement illegal protectionist measures while litigation drags on. Even the most obvious violation of the rules can take a long time to adjudicate. For the rule of law to work, there must be some degree of timeliness in the litigation process. We are in the midst of a major crisis in WTO dispute settlement, as the United States has challenged various aspects of the Appellate Body’s operation and possibly its very existence. Although this crisis will be difficult to resolve, perhaps raising such fundamental issues offers an opportunity to think about a broader reform agenda. A key element of such reform should be finding ways to make dispute settlement faster and more effective. The adoption of reforms toward that end could be a positive step forward at a time when much of the world trading system is moving backward from trade liberalization and the rule of law.
Honesty: a wish for the post-COVID era

‘Honesty, Honesty, It’s such a waste of energy,’ sings Paul Simon in his song Tenderness (1973). There have certainly been times during the pandemic when this has appeared true, as if honesty in policy has been low on the agenda. Looking towards the future, we must hope that it isn’t going to be in such short supply as we examine the challenges facing primary care, the NHS, and society. Firstly, there needs to be a degree of truth and acceptance as to what we mean by ‘post-COVID’. Realistically the future is likely to be one of living with, rather than living after COVID-19, with all the implications that brings for continued behaviours to promote infection control and reduce viral transfer. Warnings from Dr Susan Hopkins have emphasised the need for continued mask wearing and infection control measures, as well as the prospect of further high rates of mortality and morbidity related …
Analysts versus time-series forecasts of quarterly earnings: A maintained hypothesis revisited

Abstract We re-examine the maintained hypothesis of analysts' quarterly earnings per share (EPS) superiority versus ARIMA time-series forecasts. While our empirical results are consistent with overall analysts' dominance, they suggest a more contextual interpretation of this important relationship. Specifically, we find that for a relatively large number of cases (approximately 40%) ARIMA time-series forecasts of quarterly EPS are equal to or more accurate than consensus analysts' forecasts. Moreover, the percentage of time-series superiority increases: (1) for longer forecast horizons, (2) as firm size decreases, and (3) for high-technology firms. Due to the data demands that ARIMA forecasting requires we also examine using a seasonal random walk (SRW) model that requires only one year of data to create quarterly forecasts. Although the ARIMA time-series model results in a significant reduction in sample size it dominates the SRW model. Our findings support the analyst dominance over time series models but suggest that ARIMA time-series models may provide useful input to researchers seeking quarterly EPS expectation models for certain types of firms.
Trophic ecology of fishes associated with artificial reefs assessed using multiple biomarkers

Understanding trophic relationships within artificial reef communities, especially those of the most numerically abundant fish, provides value to ecologists and managers looking to prioritize healthy food webs. Here we elucidate the trophic interactions of three common fish species on high relief (> 5 m) and low relief (< 5 m) artificial reefs in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Biomarkers including stable isotopes, (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S), and essential fatty acids (18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 18:4n-3, 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, 22:5n3, and 22:6n-3) were analyzed within muscle and liver tissue. Species-specific comparisons among tomtate (Haemulon aurolineatum), pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera), and red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), revealed differences in biomarkers within muscle tissue (long-term) namely δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, EPA (20:5n-3), and DHA (22:6n-3). However, using liver tissue (short-term) significant differences existed among a fewer number of biomarkers (δ15N, δ34S, and EPA) among the three species, indicating increasing trophic similarity. Red snapper collected from low relief reefs had higher δ15N values than those on high relief reefs which may be due to higher forage trophic level due to the lack of co-occurring congeners. This study highlights the importance of inter-specific food web observations that aid in the interpretation of the complex trophic relationships occurring on artificial reefs.
Creation of a Single Cell RNASeq Meta-Atlas to Define Human Liver Immune Homeostasis.

The liver is unique in both its ability to maintain immune homeostasis and in its potential for immune tolerance following solid organ transplantation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) is a powerful approach to generate highly dimensional transcriptome data to understand cellular phenotypes. However, when scRNA data is produced by different groups, with different data models, different standards, and samples processed in different ways, it can be challenging to draw meaningful conclusions from the aggregated data. The goal of this study was to establish a method to combine ‘human liver’ scRNA seq datasets by 1) characterizing the heterogeneity between studies and 2) using the meta-atlas to define the dominant phenotypes across immune cell subpopulations in healthy human liver. Publicly available scRNA seq data generated from liver samples obtained from a combined total of 17 patients and ~32,000 cells were analyzed. Liver-specific immune cells (CD45+) were extracted from each dataset, and immune cell subpopulations (myeloid cells, NK and T cells, plasma cells, and B cells) were examined using dimensionality reduction (UMAP), differential gene expression, and ingenuity pathway analysis. All datasets co-clustered, but cell proportions differed between studies. Gene expression correlation demonstrated similarity across all studies, and canonical pathways that differed between datasets were related to cell stress and oxidative phosphorylation rather than immune-related function. Next, a meta-atlas was generated via data integration and compared against PBMC data to define gene signatures for each hepatic immune subpopulation. This analysis defined key features of hepatic immune homeostasis, with decreased expression across immunologic pathways and enhancement of pathways involved with cell death. This method for meta-analysis of scRNA seq data provides a novel approach to broadly define the features of human liver immune homeostasis. Specific pathways and cellular phenotypes described in this human liver immune meta-atlas provide a critical reference point for further study of immune mediated disease processes within the liver.
Effect of fungicides and hybrids on foliar diseases of grain sorghum in Arkansas

Abstract Two fungicides, pyraclostrobin and pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad, were evaluated on five grain sorghum hybrids to manage foliar diseases in a three-year field study. Anthracnose (leaf phase) caused by Colletotrichum sublineola Henn. ex Sacc. and Trotter was observed each year in Arkansas, while target leaf spot caused by Bipolaris sorgicola (Lefebvre and Sherwin) Alcorn was observed in 2016. Overall disease severity at growth stage 8 (hard-dough) was severe in 2016 and 2017, but low in 2018. The fungicides were similar in efficacy to control anthracnose and target leaf spot. Grain sorghum hybrids varied in susceptibility to anthracnose with Pioneer 83P99 and Pioneer 84P80 being susceptible compared to Dyna-Gro M73GR55, Sorghum Partners 7715, and Terral REV 9782. Pioneer 84P80 and Terral REV 9782 were susceptible to target leaf spot. A greater grain yield was observed on the anthracnose-resistant hybrids when foliar disease was severe (>20%) compared to susceptible hybrids. When anthracnose was severe (>20%), yield protection by a fungicide averaged 70% on the susceptible and 7% on anthracnose-resistant hybrids. Fungicides were more frequently profitable on susceptible hybrids when anthracnose severity was >20% than on the anthracnose-resistant hybrids. At best, fungicide profitability was inconsistent on susceptible hybrids where disease pressure was low (
The Mammalian Family of Katanin Microtubule-Severing Enzymes

The katanin family of microtubule-severing enzymes is critical for cytoskeletal rearrangements that affect key cellular processes like division, migration, signaling, and homeostasis. In humans, aberrant expression, or dysfunction of the katanins, is linked to developmental, proliferative, and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review current knowledge on the mammalian family of katanins, including an overview of evolutionary conservation, functional domain organization, and the mechanisms that regulate katanin activity. We assess the function of katanins in dividing and non-dividing cells and how their dysregulation promotes impaired ciliary signaling and defects in developmental programs (corticogenesis, gametogenesis, and neurodevelopment) and contributes to neurodegeneration and cancer. We conclude with perspectives on future katanin research that will advance our understanding of this exciting and dynamic class of disease-associated enzymes.
How Do Parents Evaluate and Select Schools? Evidence From a Survey Experiment:

As parents are increasingly given flexibility to enroll their children in a school of their choice, understanding parents’ preferences for school qualities is essential. Using a randomized survey e...
Spatial-Temporal Graph Neural Network For Interaction-Aware Vehicle Trajectory Prediction

In this paper, a Spatial Temporal Graph Neural Network (STGNN) model is developed, including a temporal block and Graph Neural Network (GNN) block, to solve the problem of vehicle trajectory prediction in unstructured scenes. Specifically, a temporal block combines a recurrent neural network and non-local operation to extract the features from past trajectories, and a GNN block models the subtle interactions between vehicles. The proposed model is evaluated on two datasets: Unstructured Scene Dataset and Argoverse Dataset. Experiment results show that the STGNN model achieves a better performance in the unstructured scenes and can be applied to common scenes where rules of the road dominate.
The extracellular vesicle generation paradox: a bacterial point of view

All bacteria produce secreted vesicles that carry out a variety of important biological functions. These extracellular vesicles can improve adaptation and survival by relieving bacterial stress and eliminating toxic compounds, as well as by facilitating membrane remodeling and ameliorating inhospitable environments. However, vesicle production comes with a price. It is energetically costly and, in the case of colonizing pathogens, it elicits host immune responses, which reduce bacterial viability. This raises an interesting paradox regarding why bacteria produce vesicles and begs the question as to whether the benefits of producing vesicles outweigh their costs. In this review, we discuss the various advantages and disadvantages associated with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial vesicle production and offer perspective on the ultimate score. We also highlight questions needed to advance the field in determining the role for vesicles in bacterial survival, interkingdom communication, and virulence.
Foundation and Applications of Lattice Transforms in Image Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the background and history of the mathematical structures pertinent to lattice transforms—namely, mathematical morphology, the minimax algebra, and the image algebra. It introduces the theoretical foundation for lattice transformations in image processing and presents detailed discussions on the three algebras and the relationship among them. The four major applications of the theory to specific problems are also discussed in the chapter. First is the mapping of minimax algebra properties to image algebra to describe the way a series of minimax algebra results can be readily formulated in an image processing environment, thus, providing new tools for solving a certain class of image processing problems. Second is a general skeletonizing technique, which can be viewed as a division algorithm. Third is an application to image complexity measures. . The dual transportation problem in context of lattice transforms is stated in the chapter.
4‐Nitro‐2,2,4‐Trimethylpentane

4-Nitro-2,2,4-trimethylpentane reactant: 25.8 g. (0.20 mole) of 4-amino-2,2,4-trimethylpentane (tert-octylamine) product: 4-nitro-2,2,4-trimethylpentane product: 2-Nitro-2-methylpropane product: 2-Nitro-2,3-dimethylbutane product: 2-Nitro-2,4-dimethylpentane product: 1-Nitro-1-methylcyclopentane product: 1-Nitro-1-methylcyclohexane product: 1-Nitro-1,4-dimethylcyclohexane product: 1,8-Dinitro-p-methane Keywords: oxidation, NH2 NO2
Modulation of Dehydration Tolerance in Soybean Seedlings (Dehydrin Mat1 Is Induced by Dehydration but Not by Abscisic Acid)

Germinated soybean (Glycine max L. cv Williams 82) seedlings subjected to rapid dehydration begin to lose the ability to recover when the relative water content of the plant decreases below 60%. The expanded cells of the hypocotyl appear more susceptible to dehydration-induced damage than do cells in the hypocotyl zone of cell growth. Pretreatment of seedlings prior to rapid dehydration with nonlethal water deficit or exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) shifts this viability threshold to progressively lower relative water contents, indicating the acquisition of increased dehydration tolerance. Increased tolerance is associated with osmotic adjustment in the hypocotyl zone of cell growth and with increases in soybean dehydrin Mat1 mRNA levels. The accumulation of Mat1 mRNA is dehydration dependent but insensitive to ABA. Induction of Mat1 mRNA accumulation by dehydration but not by ABA makes it an unusual member of the dehydrin family.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among College-Aged Females Regarding Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy

Objective: To examine the nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of women of childbearing age and factors which might affect future pregnancies. Participants: University of Northern Colorado undergraduate, non-pregnant females between the ages of 18-24 (n=138). Methods: A valid and reliable survey was administered in March 2012 to assess participant’s demographics, knowledge concerning prenatal and pregnancy nutrition, and behaviors and attitudes towards body image, weight, and diet. Results: Half of participants were currently sexually active, yet only 73% were currently using or had used a form of birth control; 35% responded correctly regarding adequate food sources of folate/folic acid; thirty to fifty percent of participants did not meet recommended daily intakes of vegetables, fruits, grains and fish. Conclusion: College females may need more education on preconception and prenatal nutrition. Information gathered will be used to implement intervention programs and develop an appropriate nutrition education toolkit to be used on college campuses.
Image quality evaluation of flat panel detector binning in x-ray fluoroscopy

Pixel-binning is used in flat-panel (FP) x-ray detectors for fluoroscopy to increase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower digital data rates. In this study, we quantitatively assessed image quality of image sequences acquired with and without binning using a clinically relevant task of detecting the tip of a guidewire. Detection was evaluated at two exposures and at two different orientations with respect to the guidewire, without binning and for three binning methods. We evaluated conventional data line (D) and gate line (G) binning and a third novel method in which alternate frames in an image sequence used D and G-binning. While the best conventional binning method depended on orientation and exposure, alternate binning was not significantly (p>0.1) different from the corresponding best conventional method. The results indicate that orientation independent alternate binning can be a desirable replacement for conventional binning methods.
Variability of Photodynamic Killing in Escherichia coli and Avoidance of Variability with Agar

Photodynamic killing of Escherichia coli in acridine orange is influenced by the composition of the containing vessel, and after high kill the variance between replicate suspensions is greater than attributable solely to sampling and plating. Addition of agar minimizes both phenomena, but a higher illumination dose is required to produce the same degree of killing.
Corrupción burocrática y crecimiento económico endógeno.

There is an ostensible diversity of corruption incidence rate across countries, stages of economic development and political and economic regimes. However, the theoretical or empirical literature on the relation between corruption, government and growth is scarce. We try to fill this gap using endogenous-growth models of equilibrium, in which the agents are allowed to be either homogeneous or members of the bureacratic and working class. The "balanced growth" is derived as a permanent substitution between the accrual of human capital, which generate growth; and in political capital, which mainly ensures bureaucratic power. We focus on the interaction between these two types of capital and their implications for the stages of develoment and long-term growth under different degrees of gubernmental intervention in the economy and alternative political regimes. We find consistency of specific propositions with the empirical evidence based on a panel of 152 countries between 1960-1992.
When do anomalies begin

An anomaly in science is an observed fact that is difficult to explain in terms of the existing conceptual framework. Anomalies often point to the inadequacy of the current theory and herald a new one. It is argued here that certain scientific anomalies are recognized as anomalies only after they are given compelling explanations within a new conceptual framework. Before this recognition, the peculiar facts are taken as givens or are ignored in the old framework. Such a "retrorecognition" phenomenon reveals not only a significant feature of the process of scientific discovery but also an important aspect of human psychology.
The “Got Art?” paradox: Questioning the value of art in collective action

Abstract New scholarship on movements focuses on the role of art in mobilization and, relatedly, documents a shift toward a model of politics in which culture is central and constitutive. Nevertheless, researchers seldom combine the study of the changing politics of mobilization with the study of contemporary uses of art in movements. We bridge this gap by examining an attempt by performing arts service organizations to mobilize their stakeholders over the course of a four-day deliberative democratic process. Based on a multi-method study of this effort, we analyze lay actors’ disagreements about the value of art and cultural change and the resultant effect of these emerging tensions on collective action efforts. We conclude that lay perceptions of the value of art in collective action may not reflect the more expansive conceptions held by contemporary activists, even when those laypersons are engaged in non-traditional forms of mobilization and are passionately devoted to the arts. As a case in which beliefs about art inhibited action, these findings reveal obstacles to the contemporary uses of art in movements. For scholars of culture and contention, our findings underscore how ideas about the power of symbolic expression may themselves produce quiescence.
Understanding the mechanism of conductivity at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3(001) interface

Abstract The observation of conductivity at (001)-oriented interfaces of the 2 band insulators LaAlO 3 and SrTiO 3 is both fascinating and potentially useful for next-generation electronics. The paradigm commonly used to explain this phenomenon is an electronic reconstruction resulting from the instability created by forming an interface of polar and nonpolar perovskites, leading to the formation of a two-dimensional electron gas. This explanation has typically been conceptualized within the framework of an atomically abrupt interface. However, a significant and growing body of data now exists which reveals that the interface is not abrupt, and that all four cations diffuse across the interface. Yet, the potential roles of the resulting defects and dopants in alleviating the polar catastrophe and promoting conductivity are rarely considered. The purpose of this prospective is to take an overview of the field from outside the reigning paradigm and consider ways in which dopants and defects might affect the electronic structure.
Comparative analysis of excreta and fat body from various cockroach species

Abstract 1. 1. Five additional cockroach species were shown to void uric acid to the exterior bringing the total to nine out of 49 species examined. All nine belong to the subfamily Blattellinae. 2. 2. Uric acid content in whole excreta from six species of Parcoblatta varied from 5.7 to 11.2%, while that in the white, formed-pellets varied from 25.4 to 36.1%. 3. 3. Young Parcoblattait nymphs void little uric acid during the first month of life, but subsequently expel it at adult rates. 4. 4. Fat body from 35 species of cockroaches has a consistent general cytological pattern involving three cell types. 5. 5. Fat body from all species examined contains uric acid within urate cells. 6. 6. Several possible strategies for urate utilization by cockroaches are discussed.
Current management of Wilms' tumor

Most children with Wilms' tumor can now expect remarkably good survival. Current protocols have placed greater emphasis on reducing the morbidity of treatment for low-risk patients reserving intensive treatment for selected high-risk patients. This review addresses recent advances and current recommendations for the treatment of nephroblastoma. Controversial issues regarding the surgical management of these children are also discussed.
EFFECT OF AORTIC STENOSIS ON CORONARY FLOW DYNAMICS: STUDIES IN AN IN-VITRO PULSE DUPLICATING SYSTEM.

The dynamics of retrograde coronary flow in aortic valvular stenosis was investigated in an in-vitro pulse duplicating system which had the capability of simulating coronary flow. The ventricular chamber of the pulse duplicator consisted of an opaque elastic sac molded from rubber in the shape of a left ventricle. The aortic test section consisted of an acrylic mold of the root of the aorta of a calf, which included the sinuses of Valsalva and the entrance region of both the left and right coronary arteries. Flow in the left coronary artery was modeled to deliver both a systolic and a diastolic component of flow. Studies were performed with normal porcine valves in the aortic and mitral positions and were repeated with a human stenotic valve in the aortic position. Pressures were measured in the aorta, left ventricle, and at the ostium of the left coronary artery with catheter-tip micromanometers. In the presence of a normal aortic valve, total coronary flow was adjusted to 120 ml/min of which 21 percent of the flow occurred during systole. The phasic pattern of coronary flow was similar to that shown in vivo. In the presence of a stenotic aortic valve, a small amount of retrograde coronary flow (less than 1 percent of total coronary flow) was observed; and this occurred during the initial phase of systole. Retrograde coronary flow during systole appears to have resulted from compression of the collapsible segment of the simulated coronary artery. This was caused by the elevated simulated intramural pressure.
Dietary fatty acids alter left ventricular myocardial gene expression in Wistar rats

Obesity increases the risk for cardiomyopathy in the absence of comorbidities. Myocardial structure is modified by dietary fatty acids. Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with Western (WES) diet consumption, whereas intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with antihypertrophic effects. We previously observed no attenuation of left ventricular thickening after 3 months of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation of a WES diet, compared with WES diet intake alone, in rats that had similar weight, adiposity, and insulin sensitivity to control animals. The objective of this study was to define left ventricular gene expression in these animals to determine whether diet alone was associated with a physiologic or pathologic hypertrophic response. We hypothesized that WES diet consumption would favor a pathologic or maladaptive myocardial gene expression pattern and that DHA supplementation would favor a physiologic or adaptive response. Microarray analysis identified 64 transcripts that were differentially expressed (P ≤ .001) within one or more treatment comparisons. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, 29 genes with fold change at least 1.74 were successfully validated; all but 3 had similar directionality to that observed using microarray, and 2 genes, connective tissue growth factor and cathepsin M, were differentially expressed according to diet. WES blot analysis was performed on 4 proteins relevant to myocardial hypertrophy and metabolism. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 1, B-cell translocation gene 2, and carbonic anhydrase III showed directional change consistent with gene expression. Retinol saturase (all-trans-retinol 13,14-reductase), although not consistent with gene expression, was different according to diet, with increased concentrations in WES-fed rats compared with control and DHA-supplemented animals. Diet did not distinguish a transcriptome reflecting physiologic or pathologic myocardial hypertrophy; furthermore, the modest changes observed suggest that obesity and associated comorbidities may play a larger role than mere dietary fatty acid composition in development of cardiomyopathy.