cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local secretion of a soluble TGF-β receptor reverses glioma-mediated inhibition of NK cells in the rat 9L glioma model

cele (MMC) support a ‘two-hit‘ hypothesis for postnatal neurologic deficits, with a primary developmental abnormality followed by a secondary insult. The exact mechanism by which this secondary injury occurs remains poorly elucidated. Possible etiologies include chemical injury secondary to amniotic fluid exposure, direct intrauterine trauma to the spinal cord, and mechanical cord stretching by hydrodymanic pressure in the subarachnoid space. With careful histologic evaluation of pathologic specimens, the impact of the in utero environment on neural development and the response to secondary injury may be better assessed.
Extracting components containing maximal information for EEG based-brain computer interface

Always, one of the issues in the brain-computer interface (BCI) is to extract components from raw EEG data that have more information in order to separate task-related potentials from other neural and artifactual EEG sources. In this paper, a new method is proposed for extracting components from raw EEG data such that these components have maximal information for separating task-related potentials from other potentials. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by using the classification of EEG signals. The tasks to be discriminated are the imaginative hand movement and the resting state. The results demonstrate that the proposed mutual information-based component extraction (MIEC) algorithm performed well in several experiments on different subjects and can improve the classification accuracy in the BCI systems. The results show that the classification accuracy obtained by MIEC is higher than that achieved by independent component analysis (ICA) and original EEG signals.
Application of radar technology to aerial LIDAR systems

Presents details of the merging of the lightwave and microwave technologies for improvements in sensitivity and resolution of aerial light detecting and ranging (LIDAR) measurements. Steps leading to experimentation of this technology in a laboratory environment are listed and results that verify theoretical analyses are presented. >
PD-L1/B7-H1 Regulates the Survival but Not the Function of CD8+ T Cells in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latently Infected Trigeminal Ganglia

HSV type 1 (HSV-1)-specific CD8(+) T cells provide immunosurveillance of trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons that harbor latent HSV-1. In C57BL/6 mice, the TG-resident CD8(+) T cells are HSV specific and maintain a 1:1 ratio of cells recognizing an immunodominant epitope on viral glycoprotein B (gB498-505-Tet(+)) and cells reactive to subdominant epitopes (gB-Tet(-)). The gB-Tet(-) CD8(+) T cells maintain their frequency in TG by balancing a higher rate of proliferation with a correspondingly higher rate of apoptosis. The increased apoptosis is associated with higher expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) on gB-Tet(-) CD8(+) T cells and the interaction with PD-1 ligand (PD-L1/B7-H1). IFN-γ regulated expression of the PD-1 ligand (PD-L1/B7-H1) on neurons bearing higher copies of latent viral genome. In latently infected TG of B7-H1(-/-) mice, the number and frequency of PD-1(+) gB-Tet(-) CD8(+) T cells increases dramatically, but gB-Tet(-) CD8(+) T cells remain largely nonfunctional and do not provide increased protection from HSV-1 reactivation in ex vivo cultures of latently infected TG. Unlike observations in some chronic infection models, B7-H1 blockade did not increase the function of exhausted gB-Tet(-) CD8 T cells in latently infected TG.
Parkinson's prevalence estimated by a state registry

A solid understanding of the descriptive epidemiology of a disease is essential in etiologic investigations; this includes prevalence and incidence, as well as groups within the larger community who may have noticeably lower or higher rates. We ascertained the usefulness of a non-traditional registry in describing Parkinson's disease (PD) patterns in a community. A passive surveillance PD registry in Nebraska began data collection on 1 January 1997. All physicians were required to report PD diagnosis, pharmacists reported new prescriptions of anti-PD drugs (PD cases were confirmed later with the prescribing physician), and there was a patient self-report mechanism. The overlap of reporting by the sources allowed estimation of the number not reported by any source, using the statistical technique “capture–recapture.” As of January 2000, the Nebraska PD Registry had reports of 5,062 PD patients. The number not reported by any Registry reporting source was calculated to be 117, leading to an estimated total of 5,179 cases and a prevalence of 329.3 per 100,000 population. Tabulations of age- and gender-specific prevalence rates, as well as county-level estimates, allow examination of areas of elevated or lowered prevalence. The combination of a passive surveillance system and capture–recapture technique presents a useful method for epidemiologic description, and more traditional survey methods could benefit by including capture–recapture capability. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
The market value for product attribute improvements under price personalization

Personalization of the marketing mix is a topic of much interest to marketing academics and practitioners. Using discrete choice demand theory, we investigate the aggregate market value for product attribute improvements when firms are engaged in personalized pricing. Our results provide a theoretically grounded rule for how to aggregate consumer valuations to assess the overall profitability of attribute improvements under price personalization. Under common pricing, each consumer contributes the same margin. Profitability of an attribute improvement is thus driven by inducing more consumers to buy. Consumers with high choice probabilities are given less weight in the market valuation under common pricing as they are less responsive to attribute improvements. Under personalized pricing, profitability of an attribute improvement is driven by extraction of consumer surplus from high valuation consumers. Consumers with higher valuations, and consequently higher choice probabilities, are given more weight in the market valuation under personalized pricing. Since individual consumers play a more central role in the market valuation under personalized pricing, estimation of consumer-level valuations is of increased importance. Under common pricing, the market valuation for an attribute improvement is robust to extreme estimates of the consumer-level valuations. Through our theoretical and empirical analyses, we demonstrate that this robustness does not hold under personalized pricing.
Characterizing the surface composition of Mercury

The MESSENGER spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mercury since March 2011, has been revealing new information about the surface chemistry and geological history of the innermost planet in the solar system. Weider et al. recently analyzed 205 measurements of the surface composition from MESSENGER's X-ray spectrometer, focusing on the large expanse of smooth volcanic plains at high northern latitudes and surrounding areas that are higher in crater density and therefore older than the northern plains. In general, the measurements show that Mercury's surface composition is very different from that of other planets in the solar system. It is dominated by minerals high in magnesium and enriched in sulfur. This composition is similar to that expected from partial melts of enstatite chondrites, a rare type of meteorite that formed at high temperatures in highly reducing (low oxygen) conditions in the inner solar system.
Should We Protect Commercial Airplanes Against Surface-to-Air Missile Attacks by Terrorists?

This paper describes a decision tree analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) countermeasures. These countermeasures are electronic devices that can be installed on commercial airplanes to detect and deflect surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) fired by terrorists. The model considers a terrorist attempt to shoot down a commercial airplane with a heat-seeking SAM, and it evaluates the decision to install countermeasures, taking into account alternative modes of attack, probabilities of success, and consequences to the economy. All model variables were fully parameterized, using reasonable ranges based on open-source literature. Not surprisingly, the probability of an attack, the consequences of an attack to the economy, and the cost of countermeasures are the most important parameters. Surprisingly, some of the hotly disputed parameters, such as the probability of an airplane surviving a successful hit or the probability of a false alarm, have very little impact on the results. The analysis suggests that MANPADS countermeasures installed on planes can be cost-effective if the probability of such an attack is large (greater than about 0.40 in ten years), the economic losses are large (greater than about $75 billion), and the countermeasures are relatively inexpensive (smaller than about $15 billion). An economic analysis conducted as part of this analysis showed that the economic impacts can be as large as $250 billion, thus making countermeasures a possibly cost-effective option. More research is needed to determine the real costs of MANPADS countermeasures and how terrorists may shift their tactics, once countermeasures are installed.
Overexpression and simple purification of the Thermotoga maritima 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli and its application for NADPH regeneration

Background: Thermostable enzymes from thermophilic microorganisms are playing more and more important roles in molecular biology R&D and industrial applications. However, overproduction of recombinant soluble proteins from thermophilic microorganisms in mesophilic hosts (e.g. E. coli) remains challenging sometimes. Results: An open reading frame TM0438 from a hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima putatively encoding 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The purified protein was confirmed to have 6PGDH activity with a molecular mass of 53 kDa. The kcat of this enzyme was 325 s -1 and the Km values for 6-phosphogluconate, NADP+, and NAD+ were 11, 10 and 380 μM, respectively, at 80°C. This enzyme had half-life times of 48 and 140 h at 90 and 80°C, respectively. Through numerous approaches including expression vectors, hosts, cultivation conditions, inducers, and codon-optimization of the 6pgdh gene, the soluble 6PGDH expression levels were enhanced to ~250 mg per liter of culture by more than 500fold. The recombinant 6PGDH accounted for >30% of total E. coli cellular proteins when lactose was used as a low-cost inducer. In addition, this enzyme coupled with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase for the first time was demonstrated to generate two moles of NADPH per mole of glucose-6-phosphate. Conclusion: We have achieved a more than 500-fold improvement in the expression of soluble T. maritima 6PGDH in E. coli, characterized its basic biochemical properties, and demonstrated its applicability for NADPH regeneration by a new enzyme cocktail. The methodology for overexpression and simple purification of this thermostable protein would be useful for the production of other thermostable proteins in E. coli.
An Overview of the Mechanisms of Action of Herbicide Safeners

Herbicide safeners are chemicals used for manipulating the tolerance of large-seeded grass crops to selected soil-applied herbicides. The physiological interactions of herbicides and their respective safeners are characterized by the following facts: a) safeners are most effective when applied prior to or simultaneously with the herbicides whose injury they prevent; b) safeners exhibit a high degree of botanical and chemical specificity protecting only certain grasses against injury caused from specific classes of herbicides; and c) protected grass crops are moderately tolerant to the antagonized herbicides. At the biochemical level, safeners may act either as “bioregulators” regulating the amount of a given herbicide that reaches its target site in an active form or as “antagonists” of herbicidal effects at a similar site of action. A safener-induced enhancement of herbicide detoxication in protected plants is currently viewed as the most apparent mechanism for the action of the currently available safeners. Safeners enhance the conjugation of carbamothioate and chloroacetanilide herbicides with glutathione either by elevating the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) or by inducing the activity of specific glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). A safener-induced enhancement of the activity of other degradative enzymes such as the cytochrome P450-dependent mixed function oxidases or UDP-glucosyl transferases seems to be important for the protective action of safeners against injury from aryloxyphenoxypropionate, imidazolinone, and sulfonylurea herbicides. Metabolic processes related to acetyl-CoA metabolism have been implicated as likely target sites for a competitive antagonism between safeners and chloroacetanilide or carbamothioate herbicides. At the molecular level, the “gene activation” and “gene amplification” theories offer a likely explanation for the action of safeners.
Challenges of Spatial Thinking

As it becomes easier to conduct spatial analysis and more spatially referenced data sets become available, it becomes more important to be careful in our spatial thinking. This essay identifies and seeks to clarify several of the key concepts that distinguish spatial social science. What they have in common is a concern with where things are or where they happen, and especially about where they are in relation to others. Much spatial analysis involves some notion of distance. But distance is multidimensional; it refers to a variety of phenomena such as proximity, connection, exposure, access, or even time. Other phenomena, such as spatial dependence, can easily be observed and measured, but their interpretation depends heavily on theory.
The Practice of Institutionalizing Ideas: Institutionalizing 'Popular Power' in Venezuela

This paper makes a contribution to the research agenda on institutionalizing ideas, a subject related to but different than establishing an idea’s causal power. It treats idea institutionalization as the dependent variable and argues that the practices actors use to determine an idea’s meaning constitute a key element of the institutionalization puzzle. Conceiving of practices as mediums of translation and mechanisms of appropriation, the paper suggests that we need to know more about how the process of embedding an idea affects institutionalization and in turn how an idea’s meaning changes as it gets practiced. The case of “popular power” in Venezuela shows how the practices that actors used to implement an idea involuntarily changed its meaning while institutionalizing it. From this comes a lesson: analytic models of institutionalization need to be able to account for the contingencies that emerge from the process of implementing an idea in an already complicated institutional environment.
Multi-modality imagery database for plant phenotyping

Among many applications of machine vision, plant image analysis has recently began to gain more attention due to its potential impact on plant visual phenotyping, particularly in understanding plant growth, assessing the quality/performance of crop plants, and improving crop yield. Despite its importance, the lack of publicly available research databases containing plant imagery has substantially hindered the advancement of plant image analysis. To alleviate this issue, this paper presents a new multi-modality plant imagery database named "MSU-PID," with two distinct properties. First, MSU-PID is captured using four types of imaging sensors, fluorescence, infrared, RGB color, and depth. Second, the imaging setup and the variety of manual labels allow MSU-PID to be suitable for a diverse set of plant image analysis applications, such as leaf segmentation, leaf counting, leaf alignment, and leaf tracking. We provide detailed information on the plants, imaging sensors, calibration, labeling, and baseline performances of this new database.
Anopheles Culicifacies (Diptera: Culicidae): Horizontal and Vertical Estimates of Immature Development and Survivorship in Rural Punjab Province, Pakistan

The effect of temperature on the development and survivorship of immature Anopheles culicifacies was observed under constant and cycling laboratory conditions. Temperatures between 28 and 30 °C were optimal for rapid, synchronous development and for relatively high survival from 1st instar through emergence. Suboptimal temperatures lengthened the duration of the 1st instar. Stage-specific vertical life tables were constructed for immatures collected from 2 irrigation systems in rural Punjab Province, Pakistan, from April 1979 to May 1980. Mortality rates were greatest among 3rd- and 4th-instar larvae and pupae. Disproportionately fewer 1st-instar larvae and pupae were collected during periods of drying and intensive irrigation, respectively. Age distribution patterns were related to differential dispersion patterns, predation and parasitism, and cannibalism.
My Memories of the University of Cambridge, Department of Chemistry

This article describes my memories of studying in the University of Cambridge, Department of Chemistry. I was participated in a project of total synthesis of spongistatin 1 led by Professor Steven V. Ley CBE*1, FRS*2. This article reviews the success of the project, as well as a current relationship between the University of Cambridge and European industries, which may draw attentions of Japanese academic and industrial researchers. *1. Commander of the British Empire. *2. Fellow of the Royal Society.
VARIOUS METHODS OF MEASURING SHELL QUALITY IN RELATION TO PERCENTAGE OF CRACKED EGGS

Abstract An experiment was conducted to study the relationships among percentage of cracked eggs and percentage shell, shell weight per unit surface area (SWUSA), specific gravity, egg weight, or shell weight. A total of 2,325 eggs were collected from four different flocks of Hy-Line® W36 hens. Eggs were weighed, and specific gravity was measured by flotation method using increments of .001. The eggs were passed across a small grading machine three times to apply stress to the shells. Then the eggs were candled, broken out, and shell with membranes weighed. Correlation coefficients and simple and multiple regression equations were calculated. Highly negative correlations were found between percentage of cracked eggs and percentage of shell, SWUSA, specific gravity, and shell weight. However, a positive correlation was found between percentage of cracked eggs and egg weight. Because of the errors involved in specific gravity determination, percentage shell or SWUSA is more accurate.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Burn Patients: A Comparison of the Berlin and American-european Definitions

The purpose of this study was to compare the Berlin definition to the American-European Consensus Conference (AECC) definition in determining the prevalence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and associated mortality in the critically ill burn population. Consecutive patients admitted to our institution with burn injury that required mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours were included for analysis. Included patients (N = 891) were classified by both definitions. The median age, % TBSA burn, and injury severity score (interquartile ranges) were 35 (24-51), 25 (11-45), and 18 (9-26), respectively. Inhalation injury was present in 35.5%. The prevalence of ARDS was 34% using the Berlin definition and 30.5% using the AECC definition (combined acute lung injury and ARDS), with associated mortality rates of 40.9 and 42.9%, respectively. Under the Berlin definition, mortality rose with increased ARDS severity (14.6% no ARDS; 16.7% mild; 44% moderate; and 59.7% severe, P < 0.001). By contrast, under the AECC definition increased mortality was seen only for ARDS category (14.7% no ARDS; 15.1% acute lung injury; and 46.0% ARDS, P < 0.001). The mortality of the 22 subjects meeting the AECC, but not the Berlin definition was not different from patients without ARDS (P = .91). The Berlin definition better stratifies ARDS in terms of severity and correctly excludes those with minimal disease previously captured by the AECC.
Effects of Chewable Tablets of Royal Jelly on Strengthing Immunity Functions of Mice

In order to study effects of chewable tablets of royal jelly on immunity functions of mice,the mice were administered with the chewable tablets at the doses of 0.167,0333 and 0.999 g/kg bw for 30 days by intragastric infusion,respectively. The results showed that the dose of 0.333 g/kg bw and 0.999 g/kg bw can strengthen the delayed type hypersensitivity of mice,and increased the quantity of antibody forming cells of mice. The dose of 0.999 g/kg bw can strengthen mononuclear macrophage carbon clearance and NK cells activity of mice,and has no significant effects on body weight increase,ratio of spleen weight to body weight,ratio of thymus weight to body weight,HC50,tlymphocyte transformation ability of mice induced by ConA and ability of chicken-red cells phagocytosis. So it is concluded that the chewable tablets of royal jelly can strengthen immunity functions of mice.
Temporal and Spatial Variability of Waterfowls Community Structure in Tianjin Coast

A monthly investigation of waterfowls was carried out in Tianjin coast with point count method during 2007.Total of 71 species belonging to 11 families,6 orders were recorded.Among the waterfowls,there are 40 Palearctic species,1 Oriental species,and 30 cosmopolitan species.There are 52 species(83.11%) of travelers,16 species(22.54%) of summer residents,4 species(5.63%) of winter residents,and 2 species(2.82%) of residents,respectively.The results of temporal variability of waterfowls showed that number of species,abundance,and diversity in spring and autumn are higher than summer and winter.The highest of number of species and H' were founded in Qintuozi,the highest abundance was founded in North Dagang,the highest of E in Tangjia estuary,and the lowest of the four parameter were founded in Binhai road and Duliujian river.
Antigone, Irony, and the Nation State: The Case of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) and the Role of Militant Feminism in Pakistan

This paper seeks to elucidate how certain grass roots women’s movements in Third World countries are forced to make alternative alliances. The author discusses the issue of the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) incidence in Pakistan to illustrate, how Muslim militant feminists have re-aligned themselves with the nation, state, and religion to justify their feminist identities. Through the case study of the Red Mosque in Pakistan and the militarization of the Jamia Hafsa feminists, Dr Rasheed discusses the problematic of engaging in a “radical Islamist” discourse when interpreting scenarios such as the Lal Masjid.
SU-C-202-07: Protocol and Hardware for Improved Flood Field Calibration of TrueBeam FFF Cine Imaging

Purpose: Flattening filter free photon energies are commonly used for high dose treatments such as SBRT, where localization accuracy is essential. Often, MV cine imaging may be employed to verify correct localization. TrueBeam Electronic Portal Imaging Devices (EPIDs) equipped with the 40×30cm2 Image Detection Unit (IDU) are prone to image saturation at the image center especially for higher dose rates. While saturation often does not occur for cine imaging during treatment because the beam is attenuated by the patient, the flood field calibration is affected when the standard calibration procedure is followed. Here we describe the hardware and protocol to achieve improved image quality for this model of TrueBeam EPID. Methods: A stainless steel filter of uniform thickness was designed to have sufficient attenuation to avoid panel saturation for both 6XFFF and 10XFFF at the maximum dose rates (1400 MU/min & 2400 MU/min, respectively). The cine imaging flood field calibration was then acquired with the filter in place for the FFF energies under the standard calibration geometry (SDD=150cm). Image quality during MV cine was assessed with & without the modified flood field calibration using a low contrast resolution phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom. Results: When the flood field is acquired using the standard procedure (no filter in place), a pixel gain artifact is clearly present in the image center (r=3cm for 10XFFF at 2400 MU/min) which appears similar to and may be mis-attributed to panel saturation in the subject image. The artifact obscured all low contrast inserts at the image center and was also visible on the anthropomorphic phantom. Using the filter for flood field calibration eliminated the artifact. Conclusion: Use of a modified flood field calibration procedure improves image quality for cine MV imaging with TrueBeams equipped with the 40×30cm2 IDU.
Academic Health Center-Community Justice Program Partnerships: Linking Men in the Justice System to Health Care

BACKGROUND: Linkage to community health and social services after incarceration is often inadequate. This is troubling, because risk taking and poor health are common immediately after release, and access to health providers and insurance helps individuals to transition home. OBJECTIVES: This article describes how faculty and clinicians at a large academic health center in New York City, established partnerships with justice programs to jointly develop services that aimed to increase health care access for men in the justice system. METHODS: We describe how faculty and students from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health (MSPH), clinicians from New York-Presbyterian Hospital's (NYPH) Young Men's Clinic (YMC) and project STAY, and staff from justice programs collaborated to increase access to care. RESULTS: We highlight the characteristics of successful partnerships drawn from the literature on community-based participatory research. CONCLUSION: We conclude with a discussion of some challenges we encountered and lessons we learned about establishing and sustaining partnerships with court, probation, parole, reentry, and diversion programs while educating the next generation of public health leaders. Language: en
Thromboembolic disease in the patient undergoing urologic surgery.

SUMMARY There is no question that a substantial risk of venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and lethal pulmonary embolism exists among patients undergoing urologic surgery. Available prophylactic strategies should sharply reduce this risk. Acceptable treatment options exist for patients who develop thromboembolism despite, or in the absence of, prophylaxis. Accurate diagnosis, however, is essential in order to select the most appropriate option. Finally, it should be noted that in making judgments, the comments provided can offer only general guidelines for patients undergoing urologic surgery. Individual patients may have a particular constellation of circumstances that dictates a rational deviation in decision-making from these general guidelines. However, one pivotal decision from which there should be no deviation without extraordinarily special justification is that some form of prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis should be offered to all patients undergoing major urologic surgical procedures.
Zika Virus Is Not Uniquely Stable at Physiological Temperatures Compared to Other Flaviviruses.

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus that has emerged as a global health threat due in part to its association with congenital abnormalities. Other globally relevant flaviviruses include dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV). High-resolution structures of ZIKV reveal many similarities to DENV and suggest some differences, including an extended glycan loop (D. Sirohi, Z. Chen, L. Sun, T. Klose, T. C. Pierson, et al., 352:467–470, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf5316) and unique interactions among envelope (E) protein residues that were proposed to confer increased virion stability and contribute mechanistically to the distinctive pathobiology of ZIKV (V. A. Kostyuchenko, E. X. Lim, S. Zhang, G. Fibriansah, T. S. Ng, et al., Nature 533:425–428, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature17994). However, in the latter study, virus stability was inferred by measuring the loss of infectivity following a short incubation period. Here, we rigorously assessed the relative stability of ZIKV, DENV, and WNV by measuring changes in infectivity following prolonged incubation at physiological temperatures. At 37°C, the half-life of ZIKV was approximately twice as long as the half-life of DENV (11.8 and 5.2 h, respectively) but shorter than that of WNV (17.7 h). Incubation at 40°C accelerated the loss of ZIKV infectivity. Increasing virion maturation efficiency modestly increased ZIKV stability, as observed previously with WNV and DENV. Finally, mutations at E residues predicted to confer increased stability to ZIKV did not affect virion half-life. Our results demonstrate that ZIKV is not uniquely stable relative to other flaviviruses, suggesting that its unique pathobiology is explained by an alternative mechanism. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus, which includes other clinically relevant mosquito-borne pathogens such as dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Historically, ZIKV infection was characterized by a self-limiting, mild disease, but recent outbreaks have been associated with severe clinical complications, including Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly, which are atypical of other flavivirus infections. Moreover, ZIKV has been detected in saliva, urine, and semen, and it may be sexually transmitted. Analysis of a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopic reconstruction of ZIKV hypothesized that the unusual stability of this virus contributes to its distinctive pathobiology. Here, we directly compared the stability of ZIKV to that of other flaviviruses following prolonged incubation in solution at physiological temperatures. We found that the stability of multiple ZIKV strains, including those from recent outbreaks, is intermediate between that of DENV and WNV, suggesting an alternative explanation for the unique clinical manifestations of ZIKV infection.
A full-body motion calibration and retargeting for intuitive object manipulation in immersive virtual environments

In this paper a system is proposed to combine small finger movements with the large-scale body movements captured from a motion capture system. The strength of the proposed work over previous research is in the real-time performance of integrating small-scale finger and hand animation with the full-body skeletal animation. This provides a higher degree of immersion and interactivity when compared to more traditional virtual reality systems which use traditional user interfaces. A number of experiments are conducted with humanoid skeletons that are both similar to an actual humane. g. a SWAT officer, and those that are dissimilar - e.g. a Gremlin, to showcase the performance of the proposed approach.
Analyzing Confabulations in Schizophrenia and Healthy Participants

Objectives Confabulations occur in schizophrenia and certain severe neuropsychiatric conditions, and to a lesser degree in healthy individuals. The present study used a forced confabulation paradigm to assess differences in confabulation between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Methods Schizophrenia patients (n=60) and healthy control participants (n=19) were shown a video with missing segments, asked to fill in the gaps with speculations, and tested on their memory for the story. Cognitive functions and severity of symptoms were also evaluated. Results Schizophrenia patients generated significantly more confabulations than healthy control participants and had a greater tendency to generate confabulations that were related to each other. Schizophrenic confabulations were positively associated with temporal context confusions and formal thought disorder, and negatively with delusions. Conclusions Our findings show that the schizophrenia patients generate more confabulations than healthy controls and schizophrenic confabulations are associated with positive symptoms. (JINS, 2016, 22, 911-919).
Xi’an Incident: Secret Meeting Between Zhou Enlai and Chiang Kai-shek

This chapter reconstructs the actual development of the Xi’an Incident through the eyewitness accounts of the incident by Zhang Xueliang’s Northeastern Army officers, who had captured Chiang Kai-shek, and presents a most accurate account in English of the role Zhou played in the incident, including his secret meeting with Chiang, through the memoirs of those who were directly involved in the incident, including Zhang Xueliang, Chiang Kai-shek, and Chiang’s wife, Song Meiling.
Intermediate Dose Intravenous Methotrexate (MTX) Dramatically Reduces the Risk of Secondary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma.

Secondary CNS lymphoma (SCNSL) is a rare complication of diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma (DLBCL) which is almost universally fatal. Several groups have analyzed risk factors for the development of SCNSL and published risk estimates for both individual anatomic sites of DLBCL as well as combinations of clinical risk factors. Although the rates of SCNSL for all DLBCL patients range from 2.5% to 5% subgroups can be identified with risks as high as 33%. High risk scenarios where CNS prophylaxis is most commonly offered include either a combination of an elevated LDH and more than one extranodal site of disease, or disease involving the bone marrow, testicle, sinus, orbit, or a para-spinal location. The type of prophylaxis used varies widely from intrathecal to high-dose intravenous methotrexate as well as intrathecal use of cytarabine. Despite the advances made in the systemic therapy of DLBCL there is very limited data on the efficacy of these chemopreventive regimens in SCNSL. We undertook a retrospective review at our institution of all patients with DLBCL treated with inpatient intermediate dose methotrexate (3.5 grams per meter squared) followed by leucovorin rescue between 2002 and 2006 for CNS prophylaxis. We found 37 patients. Of 15 patients initially evaluated with diagnostic lumbar punctures (LP), no patient had a positive CSF cytology. The median age of the patients was 59 (26–79). The average IPI was 3. All patients were tested for HIV and 3 were found to be positive. The indications for CNS prophylaxis were primarily an elevated LDH and more than 1 extranodal site of disease (20) but also included patients with bone marrow (9), testicular (3), orbital (5), para-spinal (2) and sinus (6) involvement, with 6 patients having more than one site of involvement. All patients received an anthracycline containing chemotherapy regimen with curative intent. Thirty-six patients received rituximab. Patients received a median of 6 cycles of systemic chemotherapy and 3 courses of MTX given on day 15 of alternating cycles (usually 2, 4 and 6). In addition 2 patients received a single dose of 12 mg of intrathecal methotrexate at the time of their initial LP and 5 patients received intrathecal liposomal cytarabine. We calculated the expected number of cases of SCNSL using the estimates from van Besien et al. Blood ‘98, Hollender et al. Ann Onc ‘02, and Boehme et al. Ann Onc ‘06 as appropriate depending on the sites of disease for each patient. For this population the expected number of cases of SCNSL was 7.98 and the observed number of cases was 1 (p=.002 two-sided binomial probability). In this population of 37 patients with an elevated risk of SCNSL, the use of intravenous intermediate dose methotrexate substantially reduced their risk of this fatal complication.
Decentralization and Pollution Spillovers: Evidence from the Re-drawing of County Borders in Brazil

Decentralization can improve service delivery, but it can also generate externalities across jurisdictional boundaries. We examine the nature and size of water pollution externalities as rivers flow across jurisdictions. Panel data on water pollution in Brazilian rivers coupled with county splits that change the locations of borders allow us to identify the spatial patterns of pollution as rivers approach and cross borders, controlling for fixed effects and trends specific to each location. The theory of externalities predicts that pollution should increase at an increasing rate as the river approaches the downstream exit border, that there should be a structural break in the slope of the pollution function at the border, and that a larger number of managing jurisdictions should exacerbate pollution externalities. We find support for all four predictions in the data. Satellite data on growth in night-time lights along rivers show that local authorities allow more settlements to develop close to rivers in the downstream portions of counties, which is the likely underlying mechanism. The border effects on pollution are not as pronounced when the cost of inter-jurisdictional coordination is lower.
Decentralized information and the Walrasian outcome: a pairwise meetings market with private values

Abstract I study a one-time entry market for a single indivisible good, where buyers and sellers, privately informed regarding their valuation for the good, are randomly matched, bargain, and in the event of agreement, trade and exit the market. Each agent’s search procedure is modeled as a sequence of discrete double auctions. For each value of the discount factor, the equilibrium behavior of traders satisfies a certain property of monotonicity within each side of the market—the lower a trader’s potential surplus the tougher his market position. As discounting is removed, equilibria with Walrasian and non-Walrasian features persist, although sufficient conditions are identified to single out the Walrasian outcome.
Chromatographic investigations into the interaction between proteins and polymer matrices

To study the adsorption behaviour of serum proteins on different chemical moieties as present on the surface of polymers, a chromatographic method was developed: the relative adsorptivity of the proteins on substituted Sepharose 4B gels [1] was determined by measurng their elution volumes under standnardised conditions. The reseults show that the interaction between the proteins and gels is dependent on both and difers markedly in strength.
Measurement of new observables from the pi+pi - electroproduction off the proton

A key objective of the N* program is to measure the resonance transition form factors that contain information needed to explore the distance-dependence description of the interaction of a probe with the nucleon resulting in its excitation to one of its various resonance states. These resonance transition form factors are sensitive to the underlying degrees of freedom of the nucleon and their dynamics while being confined within the nucleon, and therefore serve to understand the emergent complexity of the Universe at the most fundamental level. Experimental observables from single- and double-charged electroproduction channels serve as dominant sources for the extraction of these form factors in the two dimensional landscape spanned by the variables $$Q^{2}$$ and W, which map out the space-time scale of the degrees of freedom and their dynamics during the interaction as well as the range of possible excitations of the nucleon, respectively. For the first time, observables in the double-charged channel that are sensitive to the polarization of the virtual photon are measured using the $$\pi ^{+}\pi ^{-}p$$ reaction channel. This article presents preliminary measurements for these new observables for $$2\;\mathrm{GeV^{2}}\;<\;Q^{2}\;<\;5\;\mathrm{GeV^{2}}$$ and $$1.400\;\mathrm{GeV}<\;W\;<\;2.125\;\mathrm{GeV}$$ using data collected at the experimental facility of Jefferson Laboratory, preceded by an introduction to these observables.
Performance of high lignin content cellulose nanocrystals in poly(lactic acid)

Abstract High lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (HLCNCs) were successfully isolated from hydrothermally treated aspen fibers and freeze-dried and compounded with poly (lactic acid) (PLA) by extrusion and injection molding. As a comparison, PLA composites containing commercial lignin-coated CNCs (BLCNCs) were also produced. HLCNCs showed higher crystallinity, larger surface area, lower degree of agglomeration, and more hydrophobic surfaces compared to BLCNCs, as characterized by electron microscopy, surface area measurements, thermal analysis, spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. The effect of lignin and CNC morphology on the mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties and CNCs/polymer interfacial adhesion of nanocomposites was investigated with tensile test, DSC and DMA. Compared to neat PLA, the Young's modulus, elongation to break, and toughness of PLA/2%HLCNCs were improved by 14, 77, and 30%, respectively. HLCNCs and BLCNCs act as nucleating fillers, increasing the degree of crystallinity (χc) of PLA in nanocomposites. The presence of lignin nanoparticles in the HLCNC increased the compatibility/adhesion between CNCs and polymer matrix which increased the storage modulus.
Dynamic federalism and the Clean Water Act: completing the task

The Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA) has produced substantial progress in precisely the areas where Congress expanded the federal government’s role in 1972. In the view of Congress, many states had failed to adopt, implement, and enforce adequate standards despite years of federal financial and technical assistance. As a result, the CWA empowered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take a more direct hand in regulating water pollution from industrial and municipal point sources. Although EPA is the senior partner in this new regulatory design, the states retain a significant role in its implementation, subject to EPA oversight. It is this dynamic form of federalism which has proven effective. Unfortunately, Congress failed to apply this new model to two significant sources of water pollution – nonpoint source pollution (diffuse runoff from, for instance, agricultural fields and logging operations) and hydrologic modifications (flow altering activities such as water withdrawals, diversions, and impoundments). Both areas were left primarily in state hands, and most states have failed to deal adequately with either problem. As a result, nonpoint source water pollution is now responsible for over 75 percent of the rivers and streams that are water quality impaired. Meanwhile, natural stream flows have been altered on 86 percent of our rivers and streams, wreaking extensive ecological damage. The paper concludes with a number of proposals to increase federal authority over these areas in order to help fill the voids that remain at the heart of the CWA.
Constructive Mathematics without Choice

What becomes of constructive mathematics without the axiom of (countable) choice? Using illustrations from a variety of areas, it is argued that it becomes better.
Incidence of and risk factors for major complications or death in dogs undergoing cytoreductive surgery for treatment of suspected primary intracranial masses

OBJECTIVE To determine incidence of and risk factors for major complications occurring in dogs within 30 days after cytoreductive surgery performed by a single pair of surgeons for treatment of suspected primary intracranial masses. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 160 client-owned dogs that underwent cytoreductive surgery for treatment of suspected primary intracranial masses between January 2009 and December 2015 at a veterinary teaching hospital. PROCEDURES Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for complications occurring within 30 days after surgery. Data (eg, signalment, clinical signs, previous treatments, preoperative neurologic examination findings, neuroanatomical location, time from onset of clinical signs to surgery, surgical approach, and histopathologic diagnosis) were analyzed for associations with death and with development of major complications other than death. RESULTS 21 (13.1%) dogs died (11 during hospitalization and 10 after discharge) and 30 (18.8%) developed major...
Open Versus Fenestrated Endovascular Repair of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes of fenestrated (FEVAR) and open repairs of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAA). BACKGROUND FEVAR has emerged as an alternative to open surgery for treating cAAA, but direct comparisons are limited. METHODS We studied all repairs of intact or symptomatic cAAA in the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2012 and 2018, excluding chimney/snorkels and any devices implanted under Investigational Device Exemption studies. We compared open repairs, commercially available FEVAR devices and physician-modified endografts (PMEG) using inverse probability weighting. As a secondary analysis, we compared PMEG separately. RESULTS We identified 3253 cAAA repairs: 2125 open (65%), 877 FEVAR (27%), and 251 PMEG (8%). Patients undergoing FEVAR were older, with larger aneurysms, and more comorbidities. Propensity-weighted perioperative mortality was similar between open repair and FEVAR (4.7% vs 3.3%, respectively, P = 0.17), but open repair was associated with higher rates of myocardial infarction (5.0% vs 3.0%, P = 0.03), acute kidney injury (25% vs 16%, P < 0.001), and new dialysis (4.3% vs 2.1%, P = 0.003). However, propensity-weighted long-term mortality was higher following FEVAR [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.7 (1.1-2.6), P = 0.02]. Although outcomes of commercially available FEVAR and PMEG were similar, there was a trend toward higher long-term mortality with PMEG compared to FEVAR [HR 1.7 (0.9-3.1), P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS In patients undergoing cAAA repair, open surgery was associated with higher overall survival than FEVAR and similar perioperative mortality, but longer lengths of stay, and higher rates of postoperative renal dysfunction and MI. PMEG were associated with similar perioperative results as commercially available FEVAR, but further study is needed to establish their long-term durability.
The Creation and Dissolution of Gran Colombia: An Evolutionary Model of Constitutional Cooperation

The author compares and contrasts the successful drafting and ratification of the US Constitution (1787-1788) with the dissolution and unraveling of the nascent Greater Columbia Constitution in South America (1821-1830), presents an evolutionary model of the constitutional "ratification game," and identifies and discusses two important insights generated by the model and applies these insights to the real-world ratification games that are the subject of this paper: the creation of the US Constitution and the dissolution of the Greater Colombia constitution.
THE SAVINGS AND LOAN DEBACLE: THE CULMINATION OF THREE DECADES OF CONFLICTING REGULATION, DEREGULATION, AND RE-REGULATION

The role of the public accounting profession in the savings and loan debacle of the 1980s has recently been the subject of Congressional inquiry and extensive litigation by government agencies, and by angry stockholders and bondholders. These efforts suggest a broad misunderstanding by the public of the causes of the disaster. this paper illustrates that the difficulties which precipitated the crisis were a result of the historical development of the regulatory environment of the savings and loan industry. Examining this regulatory environment helps in understanding the current problems and crises of savings and loans as well as the situation in which the accounting profession now finds itself. The paper illustrates that the manner in which the industry was regulated, including piecemeal and often conflicting legislation, locked the industry into long-term mortgage commitments and then urged diversification from these commitments. The paper illustrates that, over the years, industry responses to this legi...