cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distortion discriminant analysis for audio fingerprinting

Mapping audio data to feature vectors for the classification, retrieval or identification tasks presents four principal challenges. The dimensionality of the input must be significantly reduced; the resulting features must be robust to likely distortions of the input; the features must be informative for the task at hand; and the feature extraction operation must be computationally efficient. We propose distortion discriminant analysis (DDA), which fulfills all four of these requirements. DDA constructs a linear, convolutional neural network out of layers, each of which performs an oriented PCA dimensional reduction. We demonstrate the effectiveness of DDA on two audio fingerprinting tasks: searching for 500 audio clips in 36 h of audio test data; and playing over 10 days of audio against a database with approximately 240 000 fingerprints. We show that the system is robust to kinds of noise that are not present in the training procedure. In the large test, the system gives a false positive rate of 1.5 /spl times/ 10/sup -8/ per audio clip, per fingerprint, at a false negative rate of 0.2% per clip.
Contradictions de la philanthropie libérale face aux mouvements sociaux

L’article presente une analyse historique des tensions et contradictions apparentes du rapport historique entre les fondations americaines et les mouvements sociaux, tout en proposant un cadre permettant de comprendre les differents roles endosses par les fondations pour promouvoir les objectifs de ces mouvements. L’analyse, qui cherche a definir un cadre conceptuel et historique plutot qu’a mesurer l’incidence du soutien des fondations, retrace les virages operes dans la repartition globale de leur financement – et dans le rapport entre les mouvements et la philanthropie organisee – en trois points de jonction decisifs de la strategie des mouvements sociaux. Le deuxieme de ces points de jonction, celui des annees 1960, a marque un tournant majeur en incitant les fondations a donner un soutien plus important et plus visible aux objectifs des mouvements sociaux. En adoptant une perspective historique globale, le texte propose un examen en profondeur de ces grands virages et de la culture politique dans laquelle ils s’inserent, face aux demandes des organisations de droits civiques, feministes et syndicales, de meme qu’aux mesures gouvernementales de promotion sociale et d’egalite economique.
Post-3/11 Japan and the Radical Recontextualization of Value: Music, Social Media, and End-Around Strategies for Cultural Action

The disasters of 3/11 provoked a global outpouring of emotion towards the suffering in Japan. In many ways, this singular event seemed to refigure the meanings of community and technology by drawing attention to the fragility of human control in times of disaster. Although the long-term consequences remain uncertain, this radical recontextualization of value points to a way of thinking about broader processes of change, a contrast to cultural analysis that proceeds by directly critiquing structures of power on their own terms. If we look to processes whereby a new context can be the impetus that undermines seemingly entrenched interests, we might find inspiration for alternative forms of critique and action. Music provides a model for cultural movements that do not attack power directly, but rather operate through this kind of slippery, insidious, “end-around” strategy of change that gains its force from recontextualizing social logics. These features of music foreshadow some of the contemporary developments in social media, and may point to untapped potentials for subverting, and possibly transforming, enduring structures of power and inequality.
Democratization, Instability, and War: Israel's 2006 Conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah

In 2006 Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip and conducted a war in Lebanon following attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah, respectively. Due to the elections that had recently taken place in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, these events seem to support the argument that democratizing nations are particularly war-prone. Yet the dynamics this perspective identifies as dangerous were largely absent. To address this puzzle, this paper offers three arguments. First, democratization enhanced the power of groups openly hostile to Israel, increasing Israel's perception of threat. Second, democratization was threatening because it occurred within highly divided societies governed by weak state institutions that allowed radical groups to attain political power. Finally, Israel's response to the increased threat posed by these groups was ultimately counterproductive because it further eroded the capacity of the Palestinian and Lebanese governments, heightened polarization within both societies, an...
Addressing the Creationist Challenge

I describe a method of contrasting “scientific creationism” and evolution, or pseudo-science and science. In a seminar format fostering analytical thinking, research, and writing skills, students learn for themselves the basic differences between scientific creationism and evolution. SCIENTIFIC CREATIONISM, EVOLUTION, PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Capacity of ad-hoc networks with node cooperation

This paper examines communication between a cluster of closely-packed nodes with another cluster of closely-packed nodes. The nodes within each cluster are separated by small distances, relative to the distance between the two clusters. The effect on capacity of cooperation between nodes in the transmitting cluster and cooperation between nodes in the receiving cluster is investigated.
Applying relevant set correlation clustering to multi-criteria recommender systems

This thesis investigates application of clustering to multi-criteria ratings as a method of improving the precision of top-N recommendations. With the advent of ecommerce sites that allow multi-criteria rating of items, there is an opportunity for recommender systems to use the additional information to gain a better understanding of user preference. This thesis proposes the use of the relevant set correlation model for a clustering-based collaborative filtering system. It is anticipated this novel system will handle large numbers of users and items without sacrificing the relevance of recommended items.
Endocardial Fibroelastosis of Large Mammals

Normal hearts of a mouse, rat, man, sea lion, hippopotamus, elephant, and blue whale were shown to have different numbers of myocardial fibers, 107 to 1013, based on calculations involving their myocardial fiber diameters and nuclear density counts. These two parameters did not vary greatly in the different species. However, their heart weights ranged from 10-1 to 105 g. The larger mammals have endocardial fibroelastosis of their hearts and very thick aortas. These anatomic findings were explained by employing principles of hydrostatics and proposing that elastic tissue is required to help withstand the high mural tension resulting from the long radii and the hydrostatic pressures in the heart chambers and aortic lumen.
Effectiveness of Simulation Training on Transfer of Statistical Concepts.

The effectiveness of simulations for teaching statistical concepts was compared to the effectiveness of a textbook. The variable Medium (simulation versus textbook) and Question specificity (Specif...
Detergent-extracted small-diameter vascular prostheses

The exact mechanism that leads to thrombosis of small-diameter vascular prostheses (less than 4 mm X greater than 6 cm) is unknown. This report presents preliminary patency and healing data on a sequential detergent-extraction technique for the preparation of autogenous small-diameter microvascular grafts. Fifteen carotid interpositional allografts (3 to 4 mm X 4 to 6 cm) were implanted in 15 mixed species adult greyhounds. Ninety days after implantation grafts were perfusion-fixed in situ, harvested, and evaluated by light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Two categories of acellular vascular matrix grafts were evaluated: non-cross-linked and cross-linked (1% carbodiimide). By objective morphologic analysis with blind random view, histologic sections were rated from 0 to 4 in five categories believed to be important for graft healing and patency. Overall graft patency was 80% (12 of 15), and there was no significant difference between cross-linked and non-cross-linked grafts. Non-cross-linked grafts were superior to cross-linked grafts in all areas of histologic evaluation except immunogenicity (p less than 0.01). Most important, non-cross-linked grafts demonstrated complete endothelial coverage (p less than 0.001). There was no significant difference (that is, normal) between control autografts and non-cross-linked grafts; however, there was a significant difference between control autografts and cross-linked grafts in all parameters except immunogenic reaction (p less than 0.01).
Human Mitochondrial Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase Corrects Mitochondrial Dysfunctions Due to the tRNALeu(UUR) A3243G Mutation, Associated with Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Symptoms and Diabetes

Mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes are associated with a wide spectrum of human diseases. In particular, the tRNA(Leu(UUR)) A3243G mutation causes mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like symptoms (MELAS) and 2% of cases of type 2 diabetes. The primary defect in this mutation was an inefficient aminoacylation of the tRNA(Leu(UUR)). In the present study, we have investigated the molecular mechanism of the A3243G mutation and whether the overexpression of human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS2) in the cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cells carrying the A3243G mutation corrects the mitochondrial dysfunctions. Human LARS2 localizes exclusively to mitochondria, and LARS2 is expressed ubiquitously but most abundantly in tissues with high metabolic rates. We showed that the alteration of aminoacylation tRNA(Leu(UUR)) caused by the A3243G mutation led to mitochondrial translational defects and thereby reduced the aminoacylated efficiencies of tRNA(Leu(UUR)) as well as tRNA(Ala) and tRNA(Met). We demonstrated that the transfer of human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase into the cybrid cells carrying the A3243G mutation improved the efficiency of aminoacylation and stability of mitochondrial tRNAs and then increased the rates of mitochondrial translation and respiration, consequently correcting the mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of maternally inherited diseases and a step toward therapeutic interventions for these disorders.
Importance of Dietary γ-Linolenic Acid in Human Health and Nutrition

Considerable debate remains regarding the distinct biological activities of individual polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). One of the most interesting yet controversial dietary approaches has been the possible prophylactic role of dietary gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in treating various chronic disease states. This strategy is based on the ability of diet to modify cellular lipid composition and eicosanoid (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase) biosynthesis. Recent studies demonstrate that dietary GLA increases the content of its elongase product, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), within cell membranes without concomitant changes in arachidonic acid (AA). Subsequently, upon stimulation, DGLA can be converted by inflammatory cells to 15-(S)-hydroxy-8,11,13-eicosatrienoic acid and prostaglandin E1. This is noteworthy because these compounds possess both anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. Although an optimal feeding regimen to maximize the potential benefits of dietary GLA has not yet been determined, it is the purpose of this review to summarize the most recent research that has focused on objectively and reproducibly determining the mechanism(s) by which GLA may ameliorate health problems.
Cloning of a polymorphic canine genetic marker which maps to human chromosome 9.

Summary We describe the cloning of a novel canine polymorphic genetic marker which maps to human chromosome 9. The sequence is 2092 bp, 59% GC rich, and contains three GC boxes. Chemilumin-escent probing of zooblots showed evolutionary conservation. Dogs have three Bam HI alleles: 2.3 kb, 2.1 kb and 1.7 kb. Allele frequencies in 17 unrelated dogs representing 13 breeds are presented. Polymorphism for the 1.7-kb allele in beagles is common. The 2.1-kb allele is probably the ancestral allele since it is the most common and is also noted in the Cape hunting dog. Interestingly, in more than 50 dogs tested to date, the 2.3-kb allele has been found only in miniature and giant schnauzers. This points to a common origin for these two breeds.
Fundamental limits of reconstruction-based superresolution algorithms under local translation

Superresolution is a technique that can produce images of a higher resolution than that of the originally captured ones. Nevertheless, improvement in resolution using such a technique is very limited in practice. This makes it significant to study the problem: "Do fundamental limits exist for Superresolution?" In this paper, we focus on a major class of superresolution algorithms, called the reconstruction-based algorithms, which compute high-resolution images by simulating the image formation process. Assuming local translation among low-resolution images, this paper is the first attempt to determine the explicit limits of reconstruction-based algorithms, under both real and synthetic conditions. Based on the perturbation theory of linear systems, we obtain the superresolution limits from the conditioning analysis of the coefficient matrix. Moreover, we determine the number of low-resolution images that are sufficient to achieve the limit. Both real and synthetic experiments are carried out to verify our analysis.
Hypotensive epidural anaesthesia in patients with preoperative renal dysfunction undergoing total hip replacement

Background Hypotensive anaesthesia does not impair renal function after surgery in normal patients but there are no reports of hypotensive anaesthesia in patients with chronic renal dysfunction (CRD). Methods From a database of 1893 consecutive patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) under hypotensive epidural anaesthesia (HEA) from 1999 to 2004, 54 patients were identified with CRD (preoperative serum creatinine ≥124 μmol litre−1). Fifty matched pairs were identified for patients with normal renal function who have hypertension (n=50) or no hypertension (n=50). Changes in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were recorded daily for 3 days. Acute renal failure was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 44 μmol litre−1. Results The mean duration of hypotension (MAP 44 μmol litre−1 at 48 and 72 h after surgery in the setting of volume depletion (acute blood loss in two patients and early ileus in one). Renal function subsequently improved. Conclusion HEA, per se, when carefully managed does not appear to predispose patients with CRD to acute renal failure after THR.
Making the Case for Affordable Housing: Connecting Housing with Health and Education Outcomes

As advocates push for inclusion of affordable housing beyond the central city, siting battles have become increasingly common. Opponents often claim that affordable housing brings no net benefits to the community, and that it threatens neighborhood property values. This review considers existing evidence regarding the relationship between provision of quality affordable housing and benefits to the larger community. Evidence is considered in the areas of health and education. Given the high level of public concern with these two issues, evidence of benefits could be especially potent in public discussions of affordable housing. Future research is proposed in each area.
Left ventricular hypertrophy and excess cardiovascular mortality is late gadolinium enhancement the imaging link

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is well established as a predictor of excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Initial studies demonstrated an association between electrocardiographic LVH and likelihood of adverse events, but at acceptable levels of specificity, the sensitivity of the
gp60 is an albumin-binding glycoprotein expressed by continuous endothelium involved in albumin transcytosis

Albumin reduces capillary permeability and acts as a carrier for various small molecules. Recently, we identified a 60-kDa sialoglycoprotein (gp60) on the surface of cultured rat microvascular endothelial cells (MEC) that binds albumin and antiglycophorin serum (alpha-gp). We verified that alpha-gp recognizes the albumin-binding gp60 by affinity, purifying proteins from MEC extracts using immobilized albumin. gp60 was immunoblotted with alpha-gp only when the MEC extract was reacted with albumin and not in controls. We immunoprecipitated gp60 from biosynthetically radiolabeled MEC lysates and from extracts containing endothelial surface proteins of isolated rat hearts that were radioiodinated in situ. gp60 was immunoblotted selectively in rat tissue microvascular beds lined with continuous endothelium (heart, lung, diaphragm, fat, skeletal muscle, mesentery, and duodenal muscularis but not cortical brain) and not those exclusively lined with fenestrated or sinusoidal endothelium (adrenal, pancreas, liver, and small intestinal mucosa). MEC isolated from rat heart, lung, and epididymal fat pad expressed gp60 and bound albumin, whereas various nonendothelial cells and brain-derived MEC did not. gp60 is an albumin-binding glycoprotein expressed specifically on the surface of continuous endothelium that binds albumin apparently not only to initiate its transcytosis via plasmalemmal vesicles but also to increase capillary permselectivity.
Inequities compounded: explaining variations in the transition to adulthood for teen mothers' offspring.

Teen mothers as a cohort are disproportionately disadvantaged before pregnancy and are assumed to be further disadvantaged by an early pregnancy. A growing number of studies report that teen mother...
On the Use of Induced End Effector Force Analysis for Determining Muscle Roles During Movement

It is often of interest in studies of human movement to quantify the function of a muscle force or muscular joint torque. Such information is useful for the identification of the causes of movement disorders and for predicting the effects of interventions including surgical procedures, targeted muscle strengthening, focal treatments for spasticity, and functional electrical stimulation. One useful way to characterize the actions of muscle forces or muscular joint torques is to create linked-segment models of the body and analyze these linkages to determine the joint angular accelerations or end effector forces that result solely from the application of the muscle force or torque in question. Such induced acceleration (IA) analyses or induced end effector force (IEF) analyses have been applied most often to quantify muscle function during normal and pathological walking [1,2].© 2007 ASME
Using Stimulus Equivalence-Based Instruction to Teach Graduate Students in Applied Behavior Analysis to Interpret Operant Functions of Behavior

Stimulus equivalence-based instruction (EBI) was used to teach four, 4-member classes representing functions of behavior to ten graduate students. The classes represented behavior maintained by attention (Class 1), escape (Class 2), access to tangibles (Class 3), and automatic reinforcement (Class 4). Stimuli within each class consisted of a single textual label, and multiple exemplars of textual descriptions, graphical representations, and clinical vignettes. EBI was conducted using custom computer software in a match-to-sample (MTS) format. A pretest-train-posttest design conducted during a single session evaluated performances on computer MTS, written multiple-choice, and oral tests. Scores improved from pretests to posttests on all three tests for all students following EBI. In addition, class-consistent performances maintained 2 weeks after posttests were conducted. These results demonstrated that EBI can be used to effectively teach the functions of behavior and that a MTS teaching protocol administered on a computer can promote the emergence of class-consistent responding to selection-based (i.e., multiple-choice) and topography-based (i.e., oral) tests.
Effect observation of cefixime on bacterial diarrhea in 66 children

Objective:To investigate the effect and safety of cefixime in treatment of children's bacterial diarrhea.Methods:132 children with bacterial diarrhea were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group.The control group was given orally SMZ-TMP,and the treatment group was given orally cefixime.Results:The duration of fever,the time of dehydration correction and the time of diarrhea disappearance in treatment group were significantly shorter than those in control group,P 0.01.The improving rate of treatment group was 77.3% significantly higher than that of control group 53.0%,P0.01.The total effectiveness rate of treatment group was 95.5% significantly higher than that of control group 78.8%,P0.01,and had few side effects occurred.Conclusion:Cefixime is effect in treating children's bacterial diarrhea,and it has few side effects.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeted mutagenesis of the fast growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973

As autotrophic prokaryotes, cyanobacteria are ideal chassis organisms for sustainable production of various useful compounds. The newly characterized cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 is a promising candidate for serving as a microbial cell factory because of its unusually rapid growth rate. Here, we seek to develop a genetic toolkit that enables extensive genomic engineering of Synechococcus 2973 by implementing a CRISPR/Cas9 editing system. We targeted the nblA gene because of its important role in biological response to nitrogen deprivation conditions. First, we determined that the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 enzyme is toxic in cyanobacteria, and conjugational transfer of stable, replicating constructs containing the cas9 gene resulted in lethality. However, after switching to a vector that permitted transient expression of the cas9 gene, we achieved markerless editing in 100 % of cyanobacterial exconjugants after the first patch. Moreover, we could readily cure the organisms of antibiotic resistance, resulting in a markerless deletion strain. High expression levels of the Cas9 protein in Synechococcus 2973 appear to be toxic and result in cell death. However, introduction of a CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system on a plasmid backbone that leads to transient cas9 expression allowed for efficient markerless genome editing in a wild type genetic background.
High Resolution Finite Element Simulations of Magnetic Fields Resulting from Myocardial Infarction

Data from simulations of the magnetic fields of a normal heart, and a heart with anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) and inferior myocardial infarction (EMI) are presented. Simulated fields and magentocardiograms (MCGs) show noticeable differences between the normal and infarcted heart. There are also differences in the fields of the two types of infarcts modeled here suggest that magnetic field profiles have a potential to detect and localize the infarcts in a heart.
Policing and Violence in the United States: A Comparative Analysis of Protest Against Police Violence in Ferguson, Missouri, Baltimore, Maryland, and Cleveland, Ohio (2012-2015)

Policing and violence are two central forces that shape our understanding of government from a national security paradox. Yet, they emerge as two contentious issues in our pursuit of effective policing and ending violence across our communities. Increase violent policing that caused the deaths of unarmed citizens of mainly African American background has left us with so many unanswered questions. On August 9, 2014, Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot and killed in Ferguson Missouri by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. On 22 November, 2014, Tamir Rice was shot in the abdomen by rookie patrolman Timothy Loehmann, Cleveland, Ohio. The boy was holding an airsoft gun. And on April 19, 2015, 25-year-old Freddie Gray died shortly after taking into police custody. These deadly policing activities against predominantly African Americans sparked riots in Ferguson, Cleveland and Baltimore. The paper argues that protest against the police in Ferguson, Cleveland and Baltimore are entrenched in grievances for targeting mainly African Americans and the available opportunities to protest police action. Using a clearly defined comparative framework, the paper looks at the grievances and opportunities, examines the strategy (violent and non-violent nature) of the protests across the three major cities, and examines how policing can be more effective.
The Layers of a Clown: Career Development in Cultural Production Industries

Drawing from a roughly 5-year participant-observation study of stand-up comedians in Los Angeles, CA, this article investigates the career development of artists within cultural production industri...
Development of Novel Methods to Define Deficits in Appendicular Lean Mass Relative to Fat Mass

Background Recent studies suggest that adjustment of measures of lean mass for adiposity improves associations with physical function. Our objective was to develop and test a method to adjust appendicular lean mass for adiposity. Methods Whole-body DXA data in 14,850 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to generate sex-, and race-specific standard deviation scores (Z-Scores relative to age and T-scores relative to 25 year-olds) for appendicular lean mass index (ALMI, kg/m2) and fat mass index (FMI, kg/m2). Correlations between ALMI and FMI Z- and T-Scores were assessed within demographic categories. Fat-adjusted ALMI (ALMIFMI) scores were determined using residual methods. Sarcopenia was defined as a T-Score <-2.0 and low lean for age as a Z-Score <-1.0. Correlations with physical function were assessed in an at-risk population. Results Positive associations between ALMI and FMI Z- and T-Scores were significant (R >0.50; p<0.001) within all demographic categories. The impact of a unit greater FMI Z-score on ALMI Z-score was less in the elderly, men, white subjects, and among individuals with lower FMI (all tests for interaction p<0.001). There was fair agreement between ALMI and ALMIFMI estimates of sarcopenia and low lean for age [Kappa: 0.46, 0.52, respectively (p<0.0001)]. Elderly subjects were likely to be re-classified as sarcopenic while young subjects were likely to be re-classified as normal using ALMIFMI. ALMIFMI T-scores resulted in approximately twice the number of subjects defined as sarcopenic, compared with ALMI T-Scores. (1299 v. 534). Among rheumatoid arthritis patients, ALMIFMI Z-scores correlated with physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire: rho = -0.22, p = 0.04; Short Physical Performance Battery: rho = 0.27, p = 0.01); however, the ALMI Z-Score did not. Conclusions Adjustment of ALMI for the confounding association with FMI impacts the definition of lean mass deficits. These methods provide a practical tool for investigators and clinicians based on population-based reference data.
A New Distributed Routing Protocol for Forwarding Networks Using Linear Number of Packets

In this paper, we propose a new efficient distributed routing protocol for any general purpose destination-based forwarding networks (like Internet) which forward packets solely based on the destination address. Our approach is to minimize the number of messages and the time needed to recompute the relevant forwarding tables due to topology change by introducing a concept of senator nodes (a small subset of the nodes in the network) who are responsible for maintaining the system wide tables; all other nodes communicate with their respective senators. We deploy a self-stabilizing algorithm to create a k-hop dominating set as senator nodes, where k is a constant, 1â¤kâ¤ d/2, D is the diameter of the network. The cost of route updates is measured in round, a time-slot such that each packet identified by the packet ID can be forwarded at least once. We show that, in response to topology change caused by link or node failures, the recomputation of forwarding tables is guaranteed to converge within 5k + 2 rounds (a constant) with O(n) messages, where n is the number of nodes in the network.
Engaging an Urban African American Community to Deliver Cognitive Health Education to Breast Cancer Survivors

Little is known about cognitive changes among African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCS). Here, we report our experience with engagement of leaders of urban AA churches in Birmingham, Alabama to deliver and evaluate Think Well: Healthy Living to Improve Cognitive Function, an educational cognitive health program for BCS. The Think Well team engaged leaders of urban AA churches using a 7-step process: 1) identify leaders, 2) develop connection with leaders, 3) assess AA community preferences, 4) tailor for cultural relevance, 5) plan seminars, 6) deliver seminars, and 7) evaluate cultural relevance and overall program quality. Program evaluation was via a 22-item survey and sociodemographic questionnaire. Data from AA participants were analyzed using SPSS. The engagement process resulted in sustained partnerships with three urban AA churches and delivery of three Think Well seminars to 172 participants. Of the 172 participants, 138 (80%) AA participants (40 BCS, 98 co-survivors) returned the program survey. Respondents reported Think Well to be culturally relevant (90%) and of high quality (94%). Think Well was developed and evaluated with the collaboration of urban AA church leaders. Engaging church leaders facilitated reach of AA BCS. Partnership facilitated a culturally relevant, high quality program for AA BCS and co-survivors.
Understanding Predatory Organised Crime through Network Governance Theory

The objective of this article is twofold: first, to examine the meaning of predatory organised crime (POC), which is defined according to the network governance theory, and, second, to identify the...
Bioresorbable Scaffolds for Coronary Artery Disease

The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the recent evidence regarding the use of bioresorbable scaffolds in percutaneous coronary intervention. Bioresorbable scaffolds represent a potentially unique engineering solution to the problems associated with metallic stents. The Absorb everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffold has been the most extensively tested of this class and is currently Food and Drug Administration-approved for use in the USA. While early studies suggested that it has comparable overall efficacy as compared to drug-eluting metallic stents, they also demonstrated a significantly increased risk of stent thrombosis. Bioresorbable scaffolds may be comparable to drug-eluting stents, though associated with an increased risk of stent thrombosis. They are a nascent technology with several competitive product designs in development and continued iterative technological improvements are expected over the next several years.
SURG-05MOLECULAR CORRELATES OF TUMOR SIZE AND MRI CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT IN A COHORT OF LOWER-GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS

Lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) are classified by recurrent mutations in the IDH1/2 and TP53/ATRX genes, the TERT promoter, and chromosome 1p/19q loss. These alterations cluster tumors into three molecular groups with distinct prognoses: the "molecular astrocytic" (group A) defined by co-presence of IDH1/2 and TP53-and/or-ATRX mutation, "molecular oligodendroglial" (group O) defined by presence of IDH1/2 mutation and absence of TP53/ATRX mutations, and "molecular glioblastoma-like"(group G) defined by absence of IDH1/2 mutation. Here, we examined the traditional clinical heuristic of tumor size, assessed by T2/FLAIR and T1 post-gadolinium MRI contrast enhancement (both measured by the product of two orthogonal dimensions on the axial MRI image with the greatest tumor area), within the three molecular groups from cases in the TGCA LGG cohort with available image data in TCIA (n = 172). Upon examination of preoperative MRIs, median tumor measurement by T2/FLAIR was 31.96 cm2 in group A, 19.14 cm2 in group O, and 17.45 cm2 in group G. Notwithstanding this larger size, only 19/85 group A tumors had enhancing area > 10% of the overall tumor size, while 11/47 group O and 24/40 group G gliomas showed similar extent-of-enhancement. Thus, group G gliomas were more frequently enhancing (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0009 for the comparisons between group A and O respectively, Fisher's exact test). The prognostic impact of contrast enhancement may therefore reflect, in part, this differing distribution between molecular groups. Indeed, WHO grade was also partially linked to enhancement, with 10 of 83 grade II tumors displaying enhancing areas >10% of the overall tumor size, while 44 of 89 grade III tumors were similarly enhancing. Given the inability to identify molecular categories of low-risk tumors from clinical and radiographic factors alone, we conclude that surgical resection or biopsy is indicated in all suspected LGGs, to facilitate molecular group assignment and guide further therapy.
Decoding Network Structure in On-Chip Integrated Flow Cells with Synchronization of Electrochemical Oscillators

The analysis of network interactions among dynamical units and the impact of the coupling on self-organized structures is a challenging task with implications in many biological and engineered systems. We explore the coupling topology that arises through the potential drops in a flow channel in a lab-on-chip device that accommodates chemical reactions on electrode arrays. The networks are revealed by analysis of the synchronization patterns with the use of an oscillatory chemical reaction (nickel electrodissolution) and are further confirmed by direct decoding using phase model analysis. In dual electrode configuration, a variety coupling schemes, (uni- or bidirectional positive or negative) were identified depending on the relative placement of the reference and counter electrodes (e.g., placed at the same or the opposite ends of the flow channel). With three electrodes, the network consists of a superposition of a localized (upstream) and global (all-to-all) coupling. With six electrodes, the unique, position dependent coupling topology resulted spatially organized partial synchronization such that there was a synchrony gradient along the quasi-one-dimensional spatial coordinate. The networked, electrode potential (current) spike generating electrochemical reactions hold potential for construction of an in-situ information processing unit to be used in electrochemical devices in sensors and batteries.
Inclusive workplaces: A review and model

Organizations continue to be challenged and enriched by the diversity of their workforces. Scholars are increasingly focusing on inclusion to enhance work environments by offering support for a diverse workforce. This article reviews and synthesizes the inclusion literature and provides a model of inclusion that integrates existing literature to offer greater clarity, as well as suggestions for moving the literature forward. We review the inclusion literature consisting of the various foci (work group, organization, leader, organizational practices, and climate) and associated definitions and how it has developed. We then describe themes in the inclusion literature and propose a model of inclusion. Finally, we end by discussing theoretical and practical implications.
Prostate cancer: A new standard-of-care for advanced-stage disease

First-line, potent androgen blockade for patients with newly diagnosed, advanced-stage, castration-sensitive prostate cancer is confirmed as an effective strategy by data from the STAMPEDE and LATITUDE trials. Herein, we highlight the benefits, discuss caveats and consider the clinical care implications of these findings.
Simultaneous determination of rates of purine and pyrimidine synthesis in cultured human lymphoblasts and fibroblasts.

Measurement of rates of incorporation of radiolabeled precursors into pathway intermediates and end products has commonly been employed in the study of rates of specific biosynthetic processes in intact cells. We report here the development and validation of an isotopic method which exploits the shared requirement of the pathways of both purine and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis de novo for one molecule of CO2 per base moiety to provide simultaneous estimates of rates of these pathways in cultured human lymphoblasts and fibroblasts.
Blinatumomab Pharmacodynamics and Exposure–Response Relationships in Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

We evaluated blinatumomab pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (CD3+ T-cell, CD19+ B-cell, and cytokine levels), and their associations with efficacy or safety in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blinatumomab pharmacokinetics (continuous intravenous infusion) from a phase 2 study (n = 189; NCT01466179) were assessed noncompartmentally. Associations between steady-state concentration (Css ) and efficacy (complete remission [CR] or CR with partial hematologic recovery [CRh]) or safety (cytokine release syndrome [CRS] and neurologic events [NEs]) were evaluated with statistical models. Blinatumomab mean ± SD Css was 621 ± 502 pg/mL (28 μg/day dose). Cytokines were transiently elevated in >50% of patients; B-cell levels decreased in most patients. Lower B-cell and bone marrow (BM) blast percentages and higher T-cell percentages were associated with higher CR/CRh (P < .001) in univariate analysis. Higher Css (OR, 1.90; 95%CI, 1.12-3.21), higher peak IL-10 level (1.59; 1.13-2.22), and lower BM blast percentage (0.78; 0.69-0.89) were associated with higher CR/CRh in multivariate analysis. Higher Css (HR, 1.40; 1.01-1.94) and lower B-cell level (0.90; 0.84-0.97) were associated with shorter time to NEs. Cytokine peaks were not associated with NEs or CRS. In conclusion, blinatumomab led to T cell-mediated depletion of target B cells in blood and blasts in the bone marrow. Immune system effectiveness was important for treatment responses.
Real-time user modeling and prediction: examples from youtube

Real-time analysis and modeling of users for improving engagement, and interaction is a burgeoning area of interest with applications to web sites, social networks and mobile applications. Apart from scalability issues, this domain poses a number of modeling and algorithmic challenges. In this talk, as an illustrative example, we present DAL, a system that leverages real-time user activity/signals for dynamic ad loads, and designed to improve the overall user experience on YouTube. This system uses machine learning to optimize for user activity during a visit and helps decide on real-time advertising policies dynamically for the user. We conclude the talk with challenges and opportunities in this important area of real-time user analysis and social modeling.
Tumor microenvironment mediated by suppression of autophagic flux drives liver malignancy.

Abstract The physiological role of autophagy in the catabolic process of the body involves protein synthesis and degradation in homeostasis under normal and stressed conditions. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) has been concerned as the main issue in fighting against this deadly malignancy. During the last decade, the crosstalk between tumor cells and their TME in HCC extensively accumulated. However, a deeper knowledge for the actual function of autophagy in this interconnection which involved in supporting tumor development, progression and chemoresistance in HCC is needed but still largely unknown. Recent studies have shown that coagulants tissue factor (TF) and factor VII (FVII) has a pathological role in promoting tumor growth by activating protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). Autophagy-associated LC3A/B-II formation was selectively suppressed by FVII/PAR2 signaling which mediated by mTOR activation through Atg7 but not Atg5/Atg12 axis. The coagulant-derived autophagic suppression seemed potentiate a vicious circle of malignancy in producing more FVII and PAR2 which facilitate in vivo and in vitro tumor progression of HCC and the investigations are consistent with the clinical observations. In this review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of autophagy and discuss recent evidence for its role in HCC malignancy.
Strange Tempest: Agency, Poststructuralism, and the Shape of Feminist Politics to Come

This essay explores Judith Butler's influence on feminist and gender studies at two levels. First, the essay examines Butler's specific theoretical contributions with special attention to the performativity of gender and the conception of agency connected with it. It highlights the contributions and limitations of Butler's account of agency and the ongoing feminist conversation that it has incited. Second, this essay explores how Butler's account of agency has unsettled feminist conceptions of established political practice and sketches how specific responses to Butler's work provide clues to key contested issues. The essay closes with a brief look at feminist scholarship that draws together Butler-informed political visions with traditional accounts of feminist political practice in a manner that foreshadows a dynamic feminist politics yet to come.
The Unintended Consequences of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on Small Business

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, with the purpose of improving corporate disclosure integrity and restoring investor confidence, seems to have generated unintended consequences on small entrepreneurial business. A theoretical analysis of both the benefits and costs of SOX implies that while SOX certainly plays a positive role in reducing the agency problem and information asymmetry for entrepreneurial firms, it has also imposed disproportionately higher direct compliance cost on those firms, and incurred tremendous opportunity costs. This is explored using data on the “going public” tendencies and venture capital patterns of these firms. The author finds that SOX has affected not only the tendency of firms to go private but also observes that these firms are smaller as a result of SOX possibly the result of increased compliance costs. Policy recommendations are made accordingly.
Some questions of policy

Despite widespread agreement that mined geologic repositories are the best solution to the problem of waste disposal, some in both the technical community and among the general public remain skeptical. We noted some of the grounds for skepticism in earlier discussions. Because the skepticism raises important questions of general policy, it deserves fuller examination in this final chapter. Most of the questions straddle the border between technology and socio-political considerations; as with many other problems in the modern world, the public and its elected representatives are asked to make decisions about matters of emotional import where there is some uncertainty in technical knowledge and some disagreement among the technical experts themselves. The problem of nuclear waste disposal has the added difficulty that it involves predictions about times in the far distant future.
Site-specific perspective on interactions in polyelectrolyte complexes: Toward quantitative understanding.

The composition and properties of hydrated polyelectrolyte complexes, PECs, depend strongly on the salt concentration of solutions in which they are immersed. This fascinating and polyelectrolyte-specific behavior is often treated with extensions of theory developed for single-component polyelectrolyte solutions. As an alternative, the response of PECs to salt (i.e., small ions) may be treated as a competition between the pairing of positive, Pol+, and negative, Pol-, repeat units and their salt counterions. Simple equilibrium expressions provide the degree of reversible Pol+Pol- pair breaking as more salt is added. This work summarizes the site-specific ion pairing view of PECs.
Critical Education, Critical Theory, and the Critical Scholar/Activist.

In education, the areas of critical policy studies, critical cultural studies, and critical curriculum studies all owe a good deal to a number of people. Among them are Paulo Freire, Raymond Willia...
Determinants of Corporate Philanthropy: The Role of Network Status and Reputation

What determines corporate philanthropy? In this study, I combine two perspectives to examine the current phenomenon that firms sometimes reluctantly but somewhat voluntarily engage in philanthropy....
Toward a new transcendental aesthetic: Merleau-Ponty’s appraisal of Kant’s philosophical method

ABSTRACTIn light of the central role scientific research plays in Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, the question has arisen whether his phenomenology involves some sort of commitment to naturalism or whether it is better understood along transcendental lines. In order to make headway on this issue, I focus specifically on Merleau-Ponty’s method and its relationship to Kant’s transcendental method. On the one hand, I argue that Merleau-Ponty rejects Kant’s method, the ‘method-without-which’, which seeks the a priori conditions of the possibility of experience. On the other hand, I show that this does not amount to a methodological rejection of the transcendental altogether. To the contrary, I claim that Merleau-Ponty offers a new account of the transcendental and a priori that he takes to be the proper subject matter of his phenomenological method, the method of ‘radical reflection’. And I submit that this method has important affinities with aesthetic themes in Kant’s philosophy.
Silibinin inhibits ultraviolet B radiation-induced mast cells recruitment and bone morphogenetic protein 2 expression in the skin at early stages in Ptch(+/-) mouse model of basal cell carcinoma.

Around 80% of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), still studies evaluating the efficacy of chemopreventive agents during early stage/s of BCC development are lacking. Accordingly, utilizing the well-established patched (Ptch)+/- mouse model of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced BCC formation, we excised skin samples from UVB exposed Ptch+/- and Ptch+/+ mice before tumor formation to study the promotion/progression of BCC and to determine the efficacy and target/s of silibinin, a well-known skin cancer chemopreventive agent. UVB exposure for 1 month increased the number of mast cells in Ptch+/- mice by ~48% (P < 0.05), which was completely inhibited by silibinin. Polymerase chain reaction profiler array analysis of skin samples showed strong molecular differences between Ptch+/+ and Ptch+/- mice which were either unexposed or UVB irradiated+/- silibinin treatment. Most notably, silibinin treatment significant decreased the expression of BMP-2, Bbc3, PUMA, and Ccnd1 in Ptch+/- mice irradiated with silibinin + UVB. Additional studies showed that silibinin targets UVB-induced expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in Ptch+/- mouse skin. Last, our studies found that silibinin strongly attenuates UVB-induced BMP-2 expression and DNA damage in Ptch+/- mouse skin ex vivo only after single UVB exposure. Together, our results suggest a possible role of mast cell recruitment and BMP-2 activation in the early stages of BCC development; these are strongly inhibited by silibinin suggesting its possible chemopreventive efficacy against BCC formation in long-term UVB exposure regimen.