cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social Disorganization and Gang Homicides in Chicago: A Neighborhood Level Comparison of Disaggregated Homicides

This study examines gang-motivated homicides in Chicago neighborhoods between 1985 and 1995. Qualitative studies have illustrated that gang-motivated homicides may have different characteristics than other types of homicides. Particularly at the neighborhood level, gang homicides have not yet been fully studied, and thus little is known about the interaction between gang violence and the neighborhoods they operate in. By examining the effects of social disorganization on both gang-related homicides and other types of homicides—such as intimate killings and homicides committed during street robberies—this study explores the relative uniqueness of gang homicides. Results indicate that social disorganization theory helps explain various types of homicides, including gang homicides. Nonetheless, gang homicides are also different from other types of homicides, justifying more research that looks at these homicides as a unique type of violence.
Dual output acoustic wave sensors for molecular identification

It is pointed out that online chemical monitoring systems can help ensure safe, environmentally sound operation of industrial processes using hazardous chemicals. Using polymer-coated surface acoustic wave sensors, the authors have demonstrated monitors that are capable of detecting dilute concentrations of volatile organic species. Using changes in both wave velocity and wave attenuation, the identity and concentration of an isolated chemical species can be determined. A polysiloxane coating has been found to provide unique properties for monitoring chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) such as trichloroethylene: good discrimination of CHCs from most organic species, rapid and reversible sensor response, and low detection limits. Using this technology, a portable acoustic wave sensor (PAWS) system has been constructed. >
Kinetic characterization of the first step of the ribozyme‐catalyzed trans excision‐splicing reaction

Group I introns catalyze the self-splicing reaction, and their derived ribozymes are frequently used as model systems for the study of RNA folding and catalysis, as well as for the development of non-native catalytic reactions. Utilizing a group I intron-derived ribozyme from Pneumocystis carinii, we previously reported a non-native reaction termed trans excision-splicing (TES). In this reaction, an internal segment of RNA is excised from an RNA substrate, resulting in the covalent reattachment of the flanking regions. TES proceeds through two consecutive phosphotransesterification reactions, which are similar to the reaction steps of self-splicing. One key difference is that TES utilizes the 3'-terminal guanosine of the ribozyme as the first-step nucleophile, whereas self-splicing utilizes an exogenous guanosine. To further aid in our understanding of ribozyme reactions, a kinetic framework for the first reaction step (substrate cleavage) was established. The results demonstrate that the substrate binds to the ribozyme at a rate expected for simple helix formation. In addition, the rate constant for the first step of the TES reaction is more than one order of magnitude lower than the analogous step in self-splicing. Results also suggest that a conformational change, likely similar to that in self-splicing, exists between the two reaction steps of TES. Finally, multiple turnover is curtailed because dissociation of the cleavage product is slower than the rate of chemistry.
Intracellular redox regulation by a cystine derivative suppresses UV-induced NF-κB activation

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathways are influenced by the intracellular reduction–oxidation (redox) balance. While NF-κB is activated through inhibitor (I)-κB degradation by oxidative stress, its DNA binding is accelerated in the reduced state. We found that N,N′-diacetyl-L-cystine dimethylester (DACDM) suppressed the UVB-induced NF-κB binding activity at a much lower concentration (50–100 μM) than N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, 10–30 mM). While NAC suppressed the I-κB degradation but not the DNA binding, DACDM prevented the activated NF-κB from binding DNA, without influencing the I-κB degradation. These properties of DACDM make it possible to effectively regulate the intracellular redox balance.
Molecular Pathways: Current Role and Future Directions of the Retinoic Acid Pathway in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Retinoids and their naturally metabolized and synthetic products (e.g. all-trans retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid, bexarotene) induce differentiation in various cell types. Retinoids exert their actions mainly through binding to the nuclear retinoic acid receptors (α, β, γ), which are transcriptional and homeostatic regulators whose functions are often compromised early in neoplastic transformation. The retinoids have been investigated extensively for their utility in cancer prevention and treatment. Success has been achieved with their use in the treatment of subtypes of leukemia harboring chromosomal translocations. Promising results have been observed in the breast cancer prevention setting, where fenretinide prevention trials have provided a strong rationale for further investigation in young women at high-risk for breast cancer. Ongoing phase 3 randomized trials investigating retinoids in combination with chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer aim to definitively characterize the role of retinoids in this tumor type. The limited treatment success observed to date in the prevention and treatment of solid tumors may relate to the frequent epigenetic silencing of RARβ. Robust evaluation of RARβ and downstream genes may permit optimized use of retinoids in the solid tumor arena.
Application of casein-lipid edible film emulsions to reduce white blush on minimally processed carrots

White blush on the surface of peeled carrots is a major cosmetic disadvantage in marketing this lightly processed, ready-to-eat product. The loss of quality is exacerbated by surface dehydration. To maintain good appearance, edible coatings consisting of emulsions incorporating caseinates with beeswax, stearic acid or acetylated monoglyceride were tested. All except the latter increased water vapor resistance. Sodium caseinate-stearic acid was particularly effective in ameliorating the disorder.
Next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of hereditary pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes.

Purpose of review About 40% of the neuroendocrine tumors pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are caused by an inherited mutation. Diagnostic genetic screening is recommended for patients and their families. However, the number of susceptibility genes involved is high and continues to grow, making conventional sequencing costly and burdensome. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables accurate, thorough, and cost-effective identification of inherited mutations. Here we review recent successes, limitations, and the future of NGS for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma syndromes. Recent findings NGS-based screen of genetic disorders in the clinical setting shows improved diagnostic rates over conventional tests. Both broad, whole-exome sequencing, and targeted NGS approaches have been tested for screening of PPGLs, with accurate mutation detection, higher speed, and reduced costs compared with current assays. Flexibility to expand the targeted gene set is immediate in whole-exome sequencing, and adjustable in targeted NGS, but both methods have limitations. Summary The high degree of genetic heterogeneity and heritability of PPGLs make NGS an ideal medium for their diagnostic screening. However, improved detection of large genomic defects and underrepresented gene areas are needed before NGS can fully realize its potential as the premier option for routine genetic testing of these syndromes.
Semantics-Empowered Social Computing

In this article, we discuss some of the challenges in marking-up or annotating UGC, a first step toward the realization of the social semantic Web. Using examples from real-world UGC, we show how domain knowledge can effectively complement statistical natural language processing techniques for metadata creation.
Blue Jacket: Warrior of the Shawnees

Blue Jacket (ca. 1743-ca. 1808), or Waweyapiersenwaw, was the most influential Native American leader of his time. He was the galvanising force behind an intertribal confederacy of unparalleled scope that fought a long and bloody war against white encroachments into their homeland in the Ohio River valley. Blue Jacket was an astute strategist and diplomat who, though courted by American and British leaders, remained a staunch defender of the Shawnees' independence and territory. He fielded large forces (his warriors inflicted greater losses upon the American army than those of Cochise, Geronimo, Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull combined), won unprecedented military and diplomatic victories, and during his later years inspired and mentored the legendary Tecumseh. In this arresting and controversial account, John Sugden, the acclaimed biographer of Tecumseh, restores Blue Jacket to his rightful place of prominence in American history. John Sugden is an independent scholar and a former associate editor of Oxford University Press's American National Biography project. His books include "Tecumseh: A Life", winner of the Society for Military History Distinguished Book Award.
Regulated production of interferon-inducible T-cell chemoattractants by human intestinal epithelial cells.

Abstract Background & Aims: Human intestinal epithelial cells inducibly express neutrophil and monocyte chemoattractants, yet little is known about the regulated production of T-cell chemoattractants by the intestinal epithelium. IP-10, Mig, and I-TAC are 3 CXC chemokines that are known to act as CD4 + T-cell chemoattractants. Methods: We studied constitutive chemokine expression in human colon, and defined the regulated expression of these chemokines by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistology using cultured human intestinal epithelial cell lines and a novel adaptation of an in vivo human intestinal xenograft model. Results: IP-10 and Mig were constitutively expressed by normal human colon epithelium, and their cognate receptor, CXCR3, was expressed by mucosal mononuclear cells. Interferon (IFN)-γ stimulation increased mRNA expression and the polarized basolateral secretion of these chemokines by human colon epithelial cell lines; infection with enteroinvasive bacteria, or stimulation with the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1α, strongly potentiated IFN-γ–induced epithelial cell IP-10, Mig, and I-TAC production. Epithelial cell mRNA and protein expression of IP-10, Mig, and I-TAC were rapidly up-regulated in human intestinal xenografts in response to stimulation with IFN-γ alone or in combination with IL-1. Conclusions: The constitutive and regulated production of the IFN-γ–inducible chemokines IP-10, Mig, and I-TAC by human intestinal epithelium, and the expression of their cognate receptor, CXCR3, by mucosal mononuclear cells, suggest that the intestinal epithelium can play a role in modulating physiologic and pathologic T cell–mediated mucosal inflammation. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;120:49-59
Psychological Symptomatology in Siblings of Children With ADHD

OBJECTIVE: Studies utilizing parent-report measures have identified above average levels of internalizing and externalizing problems in siblings of children diagnosed with ADHD. Scant research has examined siblings' self-report on standardized measures of emotional functioning. The current study examined parent-reported and child self-reported symptoms of siblings of children with ADHD compared with a control group. METHOD: Measures completed included the Children's Depression Inventory, the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale. RESULTS: Parent-report measures indicated that siblings of children with ADHD had higher levels of internalizing, hyperactivity, and inattention problems compared with control siblings. Significant differences between groups were not revealed on child self-report measures. CONCLUSIONS: Although parent-report measures continue to demonstrate higher levels of symptoms for siblings of children diagnosed with ADHD compared with control siblings, there are no indications that self-reported internalizing symptoms are different. Language: en
Radiation absorbed dose estimates for positron emission tomography (PET): K-38, Rb-81, Rb-82, and Cs-130

Radiation absorbed dose estimates were made for K-38, Rb-81, Rb-82, and Cs-130, potential radionuclides for myocardial and brain studies with positron emission tomography (PET). Biodistribution data for K-42, Rb-86, and Cs-137 in rats were used, together with the most recent radiation absorbed dose computational techniques and data. Renal radiation absorbed doses for K-38, Rb-81, Rb-82, and Cs-130 were estimated to be 56, 120, 19, and 150 mrad, respectively, per mCi administered. Corresponding radiation absorbed doses in the heart were 42, 54, 13, and 68 mrad/mCi. Radiation absorbed doses in the brain of 1.3, 3.5, 0.25, and 3.7 mrad/mCi were estimated for these four radionuclides.
A differentiation primitive for extended λ-calculus

A symbolic differentiation functional that handles expressions containing free and bound variables in an extended λ-calculus programming language is described. The differentiation primitive is implemented by augmenting the set of graph-reduction rules that define the evaluation of expressions. A formalization of partial derivatives of functions wrt position of parameters is presented. A comparison is made to other methods of automatic differentiation.
Processing and evaluation of the AGS booster ultra-high vacuum system

The Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS) Booster is a synchrotron for the acceleration of both protons and heavy ions. To minimize the beam loss due to charge exchange of the partially stripped, low beta , very heavy ions with the residual gas molecules, a pressure of low 10/sup -11/ Torr is required for the 200 m booster ring. To achieve this, ultra-high-vacuum, chemical cleaning, vacuum furnace degassing, and in situ bake were employed for all chamber and beam components. Using these procedures, vacuums of low 10/sup -11/ Torr have been routinely achieved during the testing of individual half cells and beam components, and during the commissioning of the vacuum sectors. The design and layout of chambers, flanges, and bakeout hardware are briefly described here. The vacuum processing of different components and the results of bakeout and evaluation are summarized. The experience gained during the construction and commissioning of this ultra-high vacuum system is also described. >
Economic costs and environmental impacts of alternative fuel vehicle fleets in local government: An interim assessment of a voluntary ten-year fleet conversion plan

Vehicle fleets are widely viewed by policy makers as attractive first markets for introduction of alternative fuel technologies. Although, it is essential to understand the environmental benefits and economic challenges involved in fleet conversion, the literature provides little understanding of the implementation issues associated with alternative fuel vehicles. This paper examines the cost effectiveness and environmental impact of the conversion of a 180 plus vehicle fleet to alternative fuel vehicle technologies by a public organization at the mid-point of the project implementation. Using multi-year micro data on fuel usage, operational and capital expenditures, mileage and emissions, the paper examines conversion costs and infrastructure investments required, extent of user adoption, and emissions reductions achieved. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for managerial practice in local government fleet agencies and for future research.
On the Stability of the Finite-Difference Time-Domain Modeling of Lorentz Media

The stability analysis is presented for the finite-difference time-domain modeling of a Lorentz dielectric. In particular this study is focused on the Young scheme that employs the polarizability and the polarization current for the representation of the Lorentz permittivity, and collocates temporally the magnetic field with the polarization current. The Routh criterion is employed for the stability limit determination. The necessary conditions that ensure stability are thoroughly derived for the general as well as for limiting cases.
Public Health and Nonpasteurized Fruit Juices

AbstractWell publicized outbreaks of foodborne illness have occurred in recent years due to consumption of commercial, nonpasteurized (“fresh” or “unpasteurized”) fruit juices. Nonpasteurized and heat treated juices have been associated with at least 15 foodborne illness outbreaks since the early 1900s. Disease syndromes have included salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cyrptosporidiosis, Escherichiu coli-related diarrhea, and hemolytic uremia. Mortality has occasionally occurred during these outbreaks. An increase in the number of reported outbreaks in recent years possibly reflects greater consumption of fresh juices and closer scrutiny of these products by medical and public health authorities. This article reviews the fruit juice borne outbreaks in the 1900s, methods to control pathogens, and regulatory issues related to production of nonpasteurized fruit juices in the U.S.
Organic solar cells with a blend of two solution processable electron acceptors, C 60 (CN) 2 and PCBM

Organic solar cells based on bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure fabricated by blending conjugated polymers with fullerenes have resulted in great improvements in the energy conversion efficiencies in recent years. PCBM ([6,6]-phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester), a fullerene derivative, has been extensively investigated as a solution processable electron acceptor for BHJ photovoltaic devices blended with conjugate polymers like P3HT [poly(3-hexylthiophene)]. We investigated a novel solution processable organic semiconductor, C 60 (CN) 2 as an electron acceptor and blends with PCBM for BJH photovoltaic applications . The effect of ratios of PCBM and C 60 (CN) 2 on the optical absorption spectra, open circuit voltage, short circuit current, fill factor, efficiency and morphology is investigated. Thermal annealing has shown a significant improvement in the device performance.
Genetic Dissociation of Ethanol Sensitivity and Memory Formation in Drosophila melanogaster

The ad hoc genetic correlation between ethanol sensitivity and learning mechanisms in Drosophila could overemphasize a common process supporting both behaviors. To challenge directly the hypothesis that these mechanisms are singular, we examined the learning phenotypes of 10 new strains. Five of these have increased ethanol sensitivity, and the other 5 do not. We tested place and olfactory memory in each of these lines and found two new learning mutations. In one case, altering the tribbles gene, flies have a significantly reduced place memory, elevated olfactory memory, and normal ethanol response. In the second case, mutation of a gene we name ethanol sensitive with low memory (elm), place memory was not altered, olfactory memory was sharply reduced, and sensitivity to ethanol was increased. In sum, however, we found no overall correlation between ethanol sensitivity and place memory in the 10 lines tested. Furthermore, there was a weak but nonsignificant correlation between ethanol sensitivity and olfactory learning. Thus, mutations that alter learning and sensitivity to ethanol can occur independently of each other and this implies that the set of genes important for both ethanol sensitivity and learning is likely a subset of the genes important for either process.
A plug for generic phenomenology

I briefly sketch a notion of generic phenomenology, and what I call the wave-collapse illusion – a less radical cousin of the refrigerator light illusion – to the effect that transitions from generic to detailed phenomenology are not noticed as phenomenal changes. Change blindness and inattentional blindness can be analyzed as cases where certain things are phenomenally present, but generically so.
Some factors in the design of inspection systems

The variation of inspection error detection with a variation in some design parameters was examined. Incoming product quality, as measured in terms of the number of defects in a product, the time available for inspection and the geometric regularity of the product to be inspected were tested in a three level experimental design. The inspection process was simulated on a visual display terminal. Analysis of the defect detection percentages showed both viewing time and the incoming product quality to effect the inspectors performance. For symmetric geometric shapes performance was much better. Such a technique is useful in both inspector training and task evaluation.
Vorticity Modelling of Blade Wakes Behind Isolated Annular Blade-Rows: Induced Disturbances in Swirling Flows

A general analysis is proposed for studying the fluid-mechanical behavior of blade wakes from an annular blade-row in highly swirling flow. The coupling between the centrifugal force and the vorticity, which is inherent to highly swirling flows, can significantly modify the wake behavior from that in a two-dimensional situation. In steady flow, theoretical considerations show that a blade wake consists primarily of two distinct types of vorticity: a) trailing vorticity shed from the blade due to a span wise variation in blade circulation, and b) vorticity associated with defects in stagnation pressure (or rotary stagnation in relative coordinate system). Three types of disturbances can be identified in the resulting three-dimensional disturbance field: a) the exponentially decaying type (potential, irrotational), b) the purely convected type (rotational), and c) the non-convected type (both rotational and irrotational parts).Copyright © 1980 by ASME
Taxonomy of Complications of Pelvic Floor Surgery

The etymology of the word “taxonomy” is from the Greek taxis, meaning orderly arrangement, and nomos, meaning law. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary defines “taxonomy” as the systemic classification of living things or organisms; however, more recently, the term has come to mean any specialized method of classifying objects or events. In the scientific community, taxonomies provide efficient structural organization of vast and variable content. Ideally, taxonomic classification of surgical complications permits comparison of adverse outcomes between providers and institutions and assists in risk stratification. Well-designed, specialty-specific classification systems are less likely to be impractical; however, they may not be widely adopted if too cumbersome or not easily understood by nonsubspecialty providers. In this chapter, we explore the details behind taxonomic classification of complications in the surgical and urologic literature applicable to pelvic reconstruction procedures and highlight barriers to widespread adoption.
Initiation of Heroin and Prescription Opioid Pain Relievers by Birth Cohort

We examined initiation patterns among different birth cohorts of people who used prescription opioids and heroin because of historical differences in drug use availability. We examined data from a community-based study of persons who inject drugs (n = 483) in California and a general population survey from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 1264) and found that individuals born after 1980 were more likely than were individuals born before 1980 to initiate opioids through nonmedical use of prescription opioids than heroin.
A Survey of the Section 336(e) Regulations

Under § 336(e), if one corporation owns an affiliated interest in the stock of a second corporation and sells, exchanges, or distributes all of that stock, Congress has authorized a regulatory election to treat the transfer of the second corporation’s stock as a disposition of its assets, thereby avoiding recognized gain or loss on the sale, exchange, or distribution of that stock. Congress added § 336(e) to the Code in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, intending that it be implemented using "principles similar to those of section 338(h)(10)." Thus, § 336(e) has a purpose similar to § 338(h)(10), offering taxpayers relief from a potential multiple taxation at the corporate level of the same economic gain, which may result when a transfer of appreciated corporate stock is taxed without providing a corresponding step-up in basis of the assets of the corporation.Final regulations, published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2013, apply § 336(e) by employing a structure and principles like those under the § 338(h)(10) regulations, using those regulations as a template. Despite many similarities, the two regulatory regimes differ in several important respects, including the following: First, although both require the transfer of an affiliated interest in target stock by a corporation, § 338(h)(10) looks to the purchase of that stock interest, while § 336(e) focuses on its disposition. Thus, the § 338(h)(10) regulations (as do the § 338 regulations generally) consider what is purchased, while the § 336(e) regulations measure what is sold, exchanged, or distributed. Second, for § 338(h)(10) to apply to a non-S corporation target, on the date that the affiliated interest in the target is first acquired by purchase (the "acquisition" date), the target must be a member of the consolidated group or affiliated with a selling domestic corporation. In contrast, under the § 336(e) regulations, a § 336(e) election may be made for the target even if it is not affiliated with the selling corporation or a member of the selling consolidated group on the corresponding date (the "disposition" date). Finally, if a § 338(h)(10) election is made, a gain recognition election is required, while a gain recognition election for a purchaser may not be required following a § 336(e) election.Those differences raise numerous technical difficulties, which the article describes. It also illustrates those difficulties through examples, focusing on S corporations and consolidated groups. Finally, the article suggests ways to amend the regulations to address those difficulties.
Understanding Deep Networks with Gradients

Existing methods for understanding the inner workings of convolutional neural networks have relied on visualizations, which do not describe the connections between the layers and units of the network. We introduce the prediction gradient as a measure of a neuron's relevance to prediction. Using this quantity, we study a relatively small convolutional neural network and make three observations. First, there exists a small number of high prediction-gradient units, which upon removal, severely impact the ability of the network to classify correctly. Second, this performance loss generalizes spans multiple classes, and is not mirrored by removing low-gradient units. Third, the distributed representation of the neural network prevents performance from being impacted until a critical number of units are destroyed, the number depending highly on the prediction gradient of the units removed. These three observations validate the utility of the prediction gradient in identifying important units in a neural network. We finally use the prediction gradient in order to generate and study adversarial examples.
Agenda setting in the twenty-first century:

The revelation of the surveillance practices of the US National Security Agency (NSA) and the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) serves as a compelling case study of the new agenda-setting capacities in the 21st century. We use a stream of 14 million messages on Twitter to note how its reach equals that of television. Next, we demonstrate the interactive communication characteristics of social media in the use of hashtags, retweets, and shared URLs. Finally, we draw upon data from Lexis-Nexis on newspaper stories and broadcast transcripts to emphasize the different ways social and mainstream media constructed the story about surveillance and interacted with each other. We conclude agenda setting can no longer be understood as a monopoly of the mainstream media, indexed to the actions of political elites. Social media, through its reach, interaction, and broadening of ideas brought into the discussion, emerge as a distinctive mode of large-scale communication. Giving voice to the people intro...
Progestin secretion by gonadotropin-induced corpora lutea in ovaries of androgen-sterilized rats.

SummaryThe present studies were on the concentrations of progesterone and 20-α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20-α-OHP) in ovarian vein blood of androgen-sterilized rats prior to and following ovulation induced by exogenous HCG or LH. Neither steroid was present prior to ovulation and following HCG treatment the dominant steroid secreted was 20-α-OHP. Reserpine or prolactin (i.v. and s.c.) administration resulted in secretion of progesterone in high concentrations whereas the hydroxy steroid was essentially undetectable.
Surgical management of chronic pulmonary thromboemblic hypertension

Aim: To summarize 7 patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy( PTE) in Peking Union hospital and Chaoyang hospital. Methods: 7 cases diagnosed as chronic pulmonary embolism with pulmonary hypertension (NYHA heart function:Class Ⅳ 4 cases; Class Ⅲ 2 cases;Class Ⅱ 1 case) were performed PTE from Mar. 1999 to Nov. 2002; 6 patients underwent PTE with a median sternotomy incision under cardiopulmonary bypass ( CPB) and 1 case received PTE procedure through left posterior lateral thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. The operation procedures included:a)insecting right and left pulmonary arteries toward their crotch intrapericardially after exposing completely super cava vena;b) removing organized thrombi and endoarterectomy. Results: 1 patient died of pulmonary re-embolism postoper-atively. In 6 survivors there was a marked increasement of paO2 and aO2 ( P 0. 05 ) ; sytolic pulmonary pressure( SPAP) decreased notably (P0.05) ;Mid-term follow-up showed that the cardiac function of the patients came to NYHA class I (n =4) and Ⅱ (n =2) ,with significant improvement in quality of life. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is effective for chronic pulmonary embolism with pulmonary hypertension.
Expression and significance of IL-17 and IL-22 in rat liver transplant rejection and tolerance

To investigate the expression and significance of IL-17 and IL-22 in rat orthotopic liver transplant rejection and tolerance,we established the rejection and tolerance models in rats(n = 15).The concentrations of IL-17 in plasma were measured by ELISA.And immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) were used to detect the IL-17 and IL-22 expression of cell level,protein level and mRNA level in liver.On 1,3,5,and 7 days post-transplantation,the concentrations of IL-17 in plasma of rejection group were higher than that of tolerance group.In rejection group,the expression levels of IL-17 and IL-22,including the frequencies of positive lymphocytes,protein level,and mRNA level,were significantly increased,as compared to tolerance group.Similarly,the expression of STAT3 mRNA in liver of rejection group was higher than that of tolerance group.The results suggested that IL-17 and IL-22 are participated in the development of graft rejection after liver transplantation,and worked via STAT3 activation.
Recursive best-first AND/OR search for optimization in graphical models

The paper presents and evaluates the power of limited memory best-first search over AND/OR spaces for optimization tasks in graphical models. We propose Recursive Best-First AND/OR Search with Overestimation (RBFAOO), a new algorithm that explores the search space in a best-first manner while operating with restricted memory. We enhance RBFAOO with a simple overestimation technique aimed at minimizing the overhead associated with re-expanding internal nodes and prove correctness and completeness of RBFAOO. Our experiments show that RBFAOO is often superior to the current state-of-the-art approaches based on AND/OR search, especially on very hard problem instances.
CacheFlow: Dependency-Aware Rule-Caching for Software-Defined Networks

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) allows control applications to install fine-grained forwarding policies in the underlying switches. While Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) enables fast lookups in hardware switches with flexible wildcard rule patterns, the cost and power requirements limit the number of rules the switches can support. To make matters worse, these hardware switches cannot sustain a high rate of updates to the rule table. In this paper, we show how to give applications the illusion of high-speed forwarding, large rule tables, and fast updates by combining the best of hardware and software processing. Our CacheFlow system "caches" the most popular rules in the small TCAM, while relying on software to handle the small amount of "cache miss" traffic. However, we cannot blindly apply existing cache-replacement algorithms, because of dependencies between rules with overlapping patterns. Rather than cache large chains of dependent rules, we "splice" long dependency chains to cache smaller groups of rules while preserving the semantics of the policy. Experiments with our CacheFlow prototype---on both real and synthetic workloads and policies---demonstrate that rule splicing makes effective use of limited TCAM space, while adapting quickly to changes in the policy and the traffic demands.
Exact confidence limits for the response rate in two-stage designs with over- or under-enrollment in the second stage:

Simon's two-stage design has been widely used in early phase clinical trials to assess the activity of a new investigated treatment. In practice, the actual sample sizes do not always follow the study design precisely, especially in the second stage. When over- or under-enrollment occurs in a study, the original critical values for the study design are no longer valid for making proper statistical inference in a clinical trial. The hypothesis for such studies is always one-sided, and the null hypothesis is rejected when only a few responses are observed. Therefore, a one-sided lower interval is suitable to test the hypothesis. The commonly used approaches for confidence interval construction are based on asymptotic approaches. These approaches generally do not guarantee the coverage probability. For this reason, Clopper-Pearson approach can be used to compute exact confidence intervals. This approach has to be used in conjunction with a method to order the sample space. The frequently used method is based on point estimates for the response rate, but this ordering has too many ties which lead to conservativeness of the exact intervals. We propose developing exact one-sided intervals based on the p-value to order the sample space. The proposed approach outperforms the existing asymptotic and exact approaches. Therefore, it is recommended for use in practice.
Conclusion: A Case for Human Inclusiveness

The purpose of this final chapter is to offer a summary of the case I make in this book for the argument I offer in the book's introduction: The unborn entity, from the moment of conception, is a full-fledged member of the human community. It is prima facie morally wrong to kill any member of that community. Every successful abortion kills an unborn entity, a full-fledged member of the human community. Therefore, every successful abortion is prima facie morally wrong. This argument is deductively valid. That is, if the premises are true, the conclusion follows. And if the premises of a valid argument are true, then the argument is sound. And if the above argument is sound, then the pro-life position is morally correct. But are the premises of the above argument true? I believe that the case I made in this book shows that they are true. Let me briefly summarize that case. First, we saw that the unborn is biologically an individual member of the species, Homo sapiens, from the moment of conception (Chapter 4). Furthermore, we concluded that attempts to exclude the unborn from protection during some or all of its gestation are unsuccessful. Because none of the attempts to isolate the preborn from the community of intrinsically valuable human beings succeeds, and because the substance view of persons provides the best accounting of human beings and their intrinsic value from the moment they come into being (Chapter 6), it follows that the unborn entity, from the moment of conception, is fully human , a person entitled to the human community's protection.
Steroid Hormones and the Physiological Regulation of Tissue-Resident Stem Cells: Lessons from the Drosophila Ovary.

Stem cells respond to local paracrine signals; more recently, however, systemic hormones have also emerged as key regulators of stem cells. This review explores the role of steroid hormones in stem cells, using the Drosophila germline stem cell as a centerpiece for discussion. Stem cells sense and respond directly and indirectly to steroid hormones, which regulate diverse sets of target genes via interactions with nuclear hormone receptors. Hormone-regulated networks likely integrate the actions of multiple systemic signals to adjust the activity of stem cell lineages in response to changes in physiological status. Hormones are inextricably linked to animal physiology and can control stem cells and their local niches. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of hormone signaling in stem cells is essential for our understanding of the fundamental underpinnings of stem cell biology and for informing new therapeutic interventions against cancers or for regenerative medicine.
CHAPTER 39 – Puberty in the Sheep

This chapter discusses an integrated model for puberty in the lamb by focusing on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurosecretory system and what type of information is integrated to increase the frequency of GnRH pulses that drives the transition into adulthood. This model accounts for both the sex difference in when this transition occurs and the different signals that time it in males and females. The core pattern of GnRH secretion in the sheep, like in other long-lived species, is an increase in activity beginning before birth and then a decline of varying durations followed by the pubertal rise. The response to the early increase in GnRH secretion occurring before birth programs the type of information that is used to produce the sex-specific pattern of GnRH secretion after birth. If no testes are present in utero, the multiple neuroendocrine feedback controls remain operative, and the (female) lamb becomes photoperiodic with respect to the timing of puberty using heightened sensitivity to steroid negative feedback. Sexual maturity is masked, the ovary remains quiescent, and she immediately enters seasonal anestrus. Once she has experienced the requisite photoperiod, the long days of summer followed by the short days of autumn, the neuroendocrine sensitivity to steroid negative feedback decreases and high frequency GnRH pulses are expressed. The other feedback controls remain operative, and ovulatory cycles are initiated to begin the breeding season. This strategy allows young females to synchronize the beginning of reproductive activity with those of mature seasonally breeding females. However, the male lamb tracks photoperiod in utero much like the female lamb but does not use photoperiod to time the expression of high frequency GnRH pulses.
Keen's Point for External Ventricular Drainage in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: An Uncommon Indication for An Old Technique

Background In cases of severe traumatic brain injury, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion though an external ventricular drain (EVD) is a proven method to assist in the control of elevated intracranial pressure. Under normal circumstances, the EVD is placed in a frontal location. However, in cases of multifocal intracranial injury and swelling, collapse of the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles leads to frequent failure of frontal CSF drainage. In this series we describe the utility of the Keen's point EVD as a safe alternative to maintain continuous CSF diversion for patients in whom frontal drainage is not feasible. Case Descriptions Three patients (ages 30–46 years) with diffuse intracranial injury following severe trauma were admitted to our neurointensive care unit. One of these patients had decompressive craniectomy before transfer, while the other 2 patients did not undergo any surgical procedures. Each of these patients had severe refractory elevation of intracranial pressure and significant frontal swelling, ultimately necessitating bedside placement of a Keen's point EVD. Conclusions In all cases, we were able to reliably maintain continuous CSF diversion for an extended period of time. There was 1 mortality due to the severity of initial injuries. In the remaining 2 patients, intracranial pressure was able to be normalized following placement of the Keen point EVD. The Keen point EVD is a viable option to maintain continuous CSF drainage in patients with diffuse intracranial injury and should be considered in patients whom a frontal EVD cannot reliably maintain continuous drainage of CSF.
Influence of processing temperature and precursor composition on phase region of solution processed methylammonium lead iodide perovskite

Solution processed organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite and its derivatives are promising in the development of efficient thin film photovoltaic devices. In the context of increasing the efficiency and sustainability of perovskite solar cells (PSC) devices, we have attempted to experimentally develop phase diagram for solution processed methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3)) perovskite. The phase diagram emphasized the role of processing parameters (precursor composition and crystallization temperature) on the crystallographic functionality and optical band gap of perovskite. The phase dynamics of low dimensional perovskite, which has emerged as a potential candidate for absorber layer in perovskite solar cells (PSC) with higher stability in ambient conditions is also discussed. We observed that crystallization via non-equilibrium annealing introduced lattice strain in perovskite which affected the crystallographic properties of perovskite. A highly crystalline perovskite, with large grain size was obtained by optimizing the crystallization parameters and precursor composition together with nucleation of perovskite crystal and its growth dynamics.
Dream Hoarders: How the American Upper Middle Class Is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust, Why That Is a Problem, and What to Do About It, by Richard V. Reeves: (2017). Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press. 240 pages. $24.00 (paperback).

In Dream Hoarders: How the American Upper Middle Class Is Leaving Everyone Else in the Dust, Why That Is a Problem, and What to Do About It Richard V. Reeves targets the patently unfair advantages ...
Sensitization of pancreatic cancer cells to ApoG2 induced killing by curcumin

13152 Background: In pancreatic cancer, several important survival molecules such as NF-kappa B and Bcl-2 or Bcl-XL are highly activated. Thus agents that inhibit NF-KappaB activation, together wit...
Perspective on CTRON

Unlike other TRON software components, CTRON is designed to run on various CPU architectures, including existing, large-scale computers as well as microprocessors. It is expected that various implementations of CTRON should provide common support for suitable applications in spite of differences in software and hardware architecture. Thus CTRON may be viewed as a standard for an interface between operating systems and applications, and between operating systems and CPU architectures.
Prognostic significance of Chromogranin A in small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Background The incidence of nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors ≤2cm is rising. The biologic behavior of these tumors is variable; thus, their management remains controversial. Chromogranin A upregulation is a useful diagnostic biomarker of neuroendocrine tumors; however, the prognostic significance of Chromogranin A is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether Chromogranin A levels have prognostic value in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients and may help guide management. Methods We evaluated the National Cancer Database over a 10-year period (2004–2013). Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors measuring ≤2cm, without distant metastases, were identified and categorized as Chromogranin A high (>420ng/mL) or Chromogranin A low (≤420ng/mL), and those lacking data on Chromogranin A levels were excluded from the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards model. Cut-point determination was performed using the Contal and O'Quigley method. Results Of the 445 eligible patients, 352 (79%) were Chromogranin A low and 93 (21%) were Chromogranin A high. Median Chromogranin A level was 71ng/mL (interquartile range, 24–294ng/mL). Chromogranin levels were associated with clinical nodal status and grade. Furthermore, on multivariate analysis, Chromogranin A levels (Chromogranin A high versus Chromogranin A low) independently predicted overall survival after controlling for tumor size, grade, clinical nodal status, and academic status of the facility (hazard ratio: 7.90, 95%CI: 2.34–26.69, P = .001). The greatest benefit of surgical resection was noted in patients in the Chromogranin A high subgroup (log-rank P Conclusion Serum Chromogranin A levels can be incorporated in surgical decision-making for patients with small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Patients in the Chromogranin A low group can be considered for observation, whereas patients in the Chromogranin A high group should be strongly considered for resection.
Fine aggregate substitution with acidified granular activated carbon influences fresh-state and mechanical properties of ordinary Portland cement mortars

Abstract The compressive strength and selected fresh-state responses to incorporating acid-modified granular activated carbon (GAC) in cement mortars, were compared to physical cement behaviors associated with the incorporation of otherwise unmodified GAC and a commercial polycarboxylate superplasticizer. Specific surface area of unmodified and acidified GAC, porosity, pH at charge neutrality (pHPZC), and surface-associated functional groups were compared. Fresh- and hardened-state responses were observed, including slump, setting time, zeta potential, and compressive strength. Results suggest that substituting 1% of the fine aggregate mass with GAC particles that had been pre-treated in nitric acid, can improve compressive strength and workability of cement mortar.
Item Bias: Predictors of Accuracy on Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test--Fourth Edition Items for Spanish-English-Speaking Children.

Purpose This study examines the response patterns of 278 Spanish–English dual language learners (DLLs) on a standardized test of receptive English vocabulary. Method Investigators analyzed responses to 131 items on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Fourth Edition (Dunn & Dunn, 2007) focusing on differential accuracy on items influenced by (a) cross-linguistic overlap in phonology, (b) part of speech, and (c) word frequency. Results The differential response patterns showed cross-linguistic overlap, part of speech, and word frequency were significant predictors of the likelihood of obtaining a correct response above and beyond the expected difficulty level of the item. Conclusions All 3 factors predicted DLLs' response patterns beyond expected difficulty. Items with the highest likelihood of error included words with few or no shared features between Spanish and English translation equivalents, verbs or modifiers, and words with low frequency of occurrence. Implications Researchers should consider a cros...