cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring complexity matching and asynchrony dynamics in synchronized and syncopated task performances

Abstract When two people synchronize their rhythmic behaviors (e.g., finger tapping; walking) they match one another not only at a local scale of beat-to-beat intervals, but also at a global scale of the complex (fractal) patterns of variation in their interval series. This “complexity matching” had been demonstrated in a variety of timing behaviors, but the current study was designed to address two important gaps in previous research. First, very little was known about complexity matching outside of synchronization tasks. This was important because different modes are associated with differences in the strength of coordination and the fractal scaling of the task performance. Second, very little was known about the dynamics of the asynchrony series. This was important because asynchrony is a variable directly quantifying the coordination between the two timing behaviors and the task goal. So, the current study explored complexity matching in both synchronized and syncopated finger tapping tasks, and included analyses of the fractal scaling of the asynchrony series. Participants completed an interpersonal finger tapping task, in both synchronization and syncopation conditions. The magnitude of variation and the exact power law scaling of the tapping intervals were manipulated by having one participant tap in time with a metronome. Complexity matching was most stable when there was sufficient variation in the task behavior and when a persistent scaling dynamic was presented. There were, however, several interesting differences between the two coordination modes, in terms of the heterogeneity of the complexity matching effect and the scaling of the asynchronies. These findings raised a number of important points concerning how to approach and understand the interaction of inherently complex systems.
When Civilians Are Attacked: Gender Equality and Terrorist Targeting:

While scholars demonstrate a consistent negative relationship between gender equality and violence, the effect of women’s rights on the quality of terrorism and the type of victims targeted remains...
Desde la ansiedad y la incertidumbre: relaciones sociales y versiones sobre la colonización en las primeras fotografías de Fernando Poo y sus dependencias (1861–1864)

Tras decadas de abandono, en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX Espana pone en marcha la colonizacion de sus territorios en el Golfo de Guinea, actualmente Guinea Ecuatorial. Se impuso una politica de ...
Premenopausal Purified Exosome Products from Women Protect against Male Dominant Cardiomyopathies Myocarditis and DCM

Introduction An estimated 3.1 cases of myocarditis were diagnosed in 2017 worldwide. Patients with myocarditis are at risk of sudden death from acute heart failure and may progress to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic heart failure, often requiring a heart transplant. Currently, no disease-specific therapies exist to reduce myocarditis or prevent progression to DCM. Hypothesis Exosomes extracellular vesicles released from stem cells or other cells like platelets are thought to be able to confer cardioprotection. Because more men develop myocarditis (3.5:1 men to women) and DCM we hypothesized that purified exosome product (PEP) from premenopausal women (pmPEP) could improve and/or prevent myocarditis and prevent progression to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using a preclinical mouse model of myocarditis/DCM. Methods We administered PEP (from men and women of all ages), pmPEP (premenopausal women) or control ip to male BALB/c mice at day -1, 0 and +1 and injected virus on day 0 and harvested mice at day 10 post infection (pi) during peak myocarditis or day 35pi during DCM. Next we treated male BALB/c mice with PEP, pmPEP, or control ip on day 7, 8 and 9 pi (a clinically relevant timepoint) and harvested on day 10pi during acute myocarditis or day 35pi during DCM. Results pmPEP, but not PEP, significantly decreased acute myocarditis based on histology (ANOVA p=0.0009) and globally decreased immune cells (CD45 p=0.008, F4/80 p=0.009, CD11b p=0.04, etc.) but had no effect on viral replication in the heart. We found that pmPEP reduced myocardial inflammation by increasing complement receptor (CR)1 (p=0.004)- a master regulator of inflammation. Both PEP and pmPEP treatment given during myocarditis- a clinically relevant timepoint- significantly reduced myocardial inflammation compared to control (ANOVA PEP p=0.005, pmPEP p=0.005). Both PEP and pmPEP globally downregulated inflammation during myocarditis (PEP CD45 p=0.03, pmPEP CD45 p=0.04, and other immune markers); however, pmPEP was more effective than PEP at reducing inflammation. Likewise, PEP and pmPEP given during myocarditis also decreased cardiac inflammation and fibrosis at day 35pi during DCM (PEP p=0.02, pmPEP p=0.04). Interestingly, PEP administration during myocarditis decreased dilatation assessed using echocardiography, while pmPEP decreased cardiac remodeling genes during DCM. Conclusion These findings suggest that PEP regenerative medicine therapies could successfully reduce myocardial inflammation associated with acute onset myocarditis and reduce DCM. Premenopausal PEP therapies from women may be more effective at reducing cardiomyopathy in men.
1971 The evolution of heavy metal tolerance

Abstract Human mining activities result in the deposition of large quantities of heavy metals at levels lethal to most plants. Nevertheless, over time resistant plants are found in these areas within very short distances from susceptible individuals. These studies illustrate the ability of plant populations to adapt rapidly to changing environmental conditions. These studies also revealed conditions that might lead to reproductive isolation and an increase in self-fertility.
An Energy Efficient Li-Fi Transmitter with Single Inductor Multiple Output LED Driver

High-Efficiency Light-Fidelity (Li-Fi) transmitter for simultaneous illumination and Visible Light Communications (VLC) using LED lighting is presented in this work. The proposed transmitter is based on Single Inductor Multiple Output (SIMO) buck converter with two independently controllable outputs or channels, namely lighting channel and communications channel for enabling flicker free illumination without affecting high-speed modulation of LEDs. By this approach, power converter switching frequency is decoupled from modulation frequency of LEDs, thereby optimizing SIMO converter switching frequency for efficiency and the VLC modulator frequency for high speed data transfers. GaN devices are used to realize VLC modulator for high speed modulation to further enhance the efficiency. Light output with high Color Rendering Index (CRI) is achieved by controlling white LEDs as primary illumination source at lighting channel and red color LEDs at communication channel. Simulations and experimental results to validate the proposed transmitter are presented.
Effects of chordal disruption on regional left ventricular torsional deformation.

Background Chordal excision during mitral valve replacement (MVR) impairs left ventricular (LV) systolic function, but the mechanisms responsible for this change remain unclear. This study was performed to determine the influence of annular-papillary continuity on regional LV torsional deformation acutely following MVR with and without chordal preservation. Methods and Results Twenty-seven dogs underwent placement of LV subepicardial myocardial markers to measure regional LV systolic torsional deformation throughout the left ventricle. After I week, biplane fluoroscopic marker images were obtained pre-MVR in the baseline state and with inotropic stimulation (calcium, 15 mg/kg). Dogs were then randomized to undergo a sham procedure with cardiopulmonary bypass but no valve replacement (n=6), conventional MVR with chordal excision (n=7), or chordal-sparing MVR with preservation of the posterior leaflet and reattachment of the anterior leaflet chordae to either the anterior annulus (n=7) or posterior annulus (n=7). After chest closure and recovery from anesthesia, post-MVR data were acquired. At the LV apical level, maximal regional LV systolic torsional deformation (θ max ) did not fall from pre-MVR values in the baseline state after the sham procedure or anterior or posterior chordal-sparing MVR procedure (P≥.10). After conventional MVR, baseline θ max fell by 66% to 81% in the anteroseptal, anterior, anterolateral, and lateral regions (P<.05). With calcium, θ max fell in the anteroseptal through lateral regions and the septal wall (P<.05) but did not change in the posterior regions (P≥.10). With calcium, θ max did not fall in any region after either the sham procedure or anterior MVR ; however, after posterior chordal-sparing MVR, θ max fell in the lateral, posterior, and posteroseptal regions (P<.05). Conclusions Sham operation and anterior chordal-sparing MVR did not affect regional LV torsion ; however, loss of normal valvular-ventricular integrity with conventional MVR reduced regional LV systolic torsion in the anterior and lateral LV regions. Posterior chordal-sparing MVR impaired torsion only after calcium administration. The deleterious effects of chordal excision may be due in part to perturbation of regional systolic torsional deformation.
What do we know about the impact of microfinance? The problems of statistical power and precision

Abstract We review all eight randomized control trial studies of microfinance published in peer-reviewed journals. The studies generally show no or minimal impact from providing microloans to clients and have led many researchers and policy makers to conclude that microfinance has been proven to have little or no positive impacts on people’s lives. We review these studies in detail and find four main results. First, we are able to replicate the results using the researcher’s original data. Second, we observe that while the results are generally insignificant at traditional levels, most estimated coefficients are large. Third, every one of the studies is underpowered to detect reasonable effect sizes, often due to low take-up of the financial product offered. Pooling the data from the studies together improves power for most outcomes, but minimum detectable effect sizes are still large. Finally, when we run analysis on a pooled sample, we find a treatment effect on business profits, business revenue and household assets, significant at the 1% level. We argue that existing research on the impact of microfinance is generally underpowered to identify impacts reliably and suggests that we still know very little about the impact of microfinance. We end by discussing ways to improve future research.
Staged Hepatectomies for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: When and How

Two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) was introduced in 2000 and has since then been widely adopted, as it can offer a chance for cure in patients who are deemed otherwise unresectable. Over time, surgical strategy has evolved and in its current form, the future liver remnant (FLR) is first cleared of disease with minor (wedge or anatomical) resections or ablations which is then followed by a major hepatic resection of the contralateral hemiliver. Procedural morbidity and mortality have improved over time and in high-volume centers mortality is comparable to that of one-stage hepatectomies. Controversy still exists regarding the indications, timing, and dosing for interval chemotherapy, yet there is a consensus that interval chemotherapy does not hinder liver regeneration. Estimating regeneration with methods assessing FLR function instead of FLR size may shorten the time interval between the two stages as it seems that liver function precedes liver hypertrophy. Shorter intervals might in turn decrease the risk of the most common reason for drop out, namely disease progression. However, these methods are not widely adopted, and more studies are needed. Despite the heterogeneity in patient selection, interval chemotherapy, and portal vein embolism (PVE) use, there is an impressively consistent dropout rate of around 25%. Identifying predictors of TSH failure and in turn refining patient selection is warranted since survival for those who complete only the first stage is very low. In fact, overall survival (OS) of these patients may be even worse than OS in patients with similar baseline disease treated with chemotherapy only. Several scores that predict failure to complete the procedure have been developed but the lack of external validation limits their applicability in other cohorts. Importantly, in recent series, overall survival for patients who complete TSH is comparable to that reported for one-stage hepatectomies.
Taking a Pause to Consider Arrhythmic Etiologies of Syncope

The case illustrates a more rare, but likely under-recognized cause of bradycardia: sinus node dysfunction due to underlying hereditary hemochromatosis. A significant pause from sinus node dysfunction led to infrequent episodes of syncope. The patient’s past medical and family history allow us to discuss a broad differential diagnosis for syncope, and consider diagnostic testing that may help elucidate the cause.
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING PERINATAL ARTERIAL STROKE IN PRETERM AND FULL-TERM NEWBORNS

Objective: To investigate neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm and full-term infants who suffered perinatal arterial stroke (PAS). Methods: Seventy newborn infants with PAS were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, between 1990 and 2005. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct was divided into main branch, cortical branch or lenticulostriate branch involvement. All infants were assessed in the neonatal period with cranial ultrasound and 55 also with neonatal magnetic resonance imaging. Age range at follow-up was 24–120 months (mean 43.6 months). A Griffiths developmental assessment test was available at 24 months in all 65 survivors. Results: Involvement of the main branch of the MCA was seen in six preterm and six full-term infants and was associated with the most adverse outcome. All developed hemiplegia (100%), six developed epilepsy (50%), with hypsarrythmia in three. Twenty-two had MCA–cortical branch involvement (16 full-term and six preterm), seven developed hemiplegia (32%) and two epilepsy. Lenticulostriate branch involvement was seen in 18 (nine full-term and nine preterm). Five developed hemiplegia (28%), which tended to be mild and only one developed epilepsy. Thirteen had either a PCA or ACA infarction. Only one developed mild hemiplegia and none developed epilepsy. A significantly lower DQ (mean ± SD) was found (82 ± 12) between those with main branch involvement compared with involvement of the other branches or PCA/ACA infarction (101 ± 10). Conclusion: Taking into account which branch of the MCA is involved helps to predict the risk of developing hemiplegia. As expected, main branch involvement was associated with more adverse sequelae.
Phase II trial of escalating doses of neoadjuvant atezolizumab for patients with non-metastatic urothelial carcinoma ineligible for cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

442Background: For patients (pts) with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy (cisplatin), the standard of care option is radical cystectomy (RC) ...
Barriers to the adoption and integration of patient-facing mHealth tools in urology.

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies hold great potential to advance medical care. However, widespread adoption in urology, and medicine in general, has been limited by a host of factors. Recognition of these barriers to adoption may instruct more meaningful tool development and investigation in order to unlock the full potential of these digital health tools in our field.
Synchronous Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Gallbladder With Metachronous Contralateral Recurrence.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) classically metastasizes to the lungs, bones, adrenals, lymph nodes, liver, and brain. RCC metastasis to the gallbladder is rare occurring in less than 1% of metastases. We present a case of a 60-year-old male who at initial diagnosis of his large left renal mass was incidentally found to have a gallbladder mass. He underwent simultaneous open radical nephrectomy and cholecystectomy with pathology confirming solitary metastatic clear cell RCC (ccRCC). The patient chose surveillance and was without evidence of disease for three years. At three years, imaging showed a 2 cm contralateral renal mass which was cryoablated percutaneously. This case demonstrates not only the importance of a thorough review of initial and surveillance imaging but also of maintaining a broad differential for other solid organ masses in the setting of a primary RCC of the kidney.
The theory of planned behaviour and sleep opportunity: An ecological momentary assessment.

Many American adolescents and adults report that they are not meeting sleep duration recommendations. Although insufficient sleep duration can occur due to factors outside an individual's direct control, many individuals choose to restrict their own sleep. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) offers a framework to study this phenomenon. Recent research efforts have used the TPB to study sleep and have demonstrated success predicting sleep-related intentions and behaviour but have failed to consider volitional sleep behaviour or consider between- and within-person differences. The present study used an intensive longitudinal design to test how constructs of the TPB relate to nightly sleep opportunity. Healthy college students (N = 79) participated in a weeklong study in which they completed four ecological momentary assessment signals per day that measured their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions relating to their nocturnal sleep opportunity. Participants wore an actiwatch each night of the study to measure their sleep opportunity. Mixed linear models found that both intentions and perceived behavioural control were significant predictors of subsequent sleep opportunity, and that perceived behaviour control was the strongest within-day predictor of intentions. Results demonstrate that within-person changes in perceived behavioural control and intentions predict subsequent sleep opportunity and provide insight into the potential refinement of sleep promotion efforts.
The IL-4, IL-13 and IL-31 pathways in atopic dermatitis.

Introduction Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease. It has a complex pathophysiology, with a combination of immune dysregulation and intrinsic barrier defects driving cutaneous inflammation and allergic symptomatology. The IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 inflammatory pathways have been identified as hallmark features in the pathogenesis of the disease, contributing uniquely and synergistically to immune and barrier abnormalities as well as the key symptoms, such as pruritis. Novel therapeutics that target these pathways have been under development to find treatments for AD. Areas covered This review discusses the IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 pathways in AD. We will also detail novel targeted therapeutics that have recently been or are currently in clinical trials for AD. A literature search was conducted by querying Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Clinicaltrials.gov up to January 2021 using combinations of the search terms "IL-4" "IL-13" "IL-31" "atopic dermatitis" "immune pathway" "biologics" "novel therapeutics" "JAK/STAT inhibitors." Expert opinion The complex pathophysiology of AD advocates for innovation. Novel minimally invasive sampling modalities such as tape stripping will allow for a broader characterization of the immunomechanisms behind AD pathophysiology. This will allow for the continued development of a personalized medicine approach to treat AD.
Investigation of Tribological Behaviour of Journal Bearings for Different Conditions : A Review

In high speed applications like pumps, turbines, turbocharger journal bearing serviceability is very important one. The journal bearing acting as a support for high rotary speeds as well as acting as a damping element so as to absorb the vibrations at high speeds. In hydrodynamic region if failure of lubrication or starved lubrication is occurred it responsible for tremendous amount of friction between the shaft and bearing with high wear loss causing damage to the surfaces of the component. So it focuses that use of sintered composites for journal bearing applications is suitable for reduced frictional wear. However experimental analysis is required for sintered composites at high speed with starved or dry conditions of lubrication. The combine effect of parameters has to be studied for tribological behaviour of sintered journal bearings. It includes surface quality, alloying material compositions, porosity of sintered bearings, geometrical aspects and external conditions like applied loads, speed transitions, temperature, lubricating conditions etc. With reference to said subject thorough literature review was carried out. It provides very valuable information regarding parametric analysis and its effect on friction and wear of bearings in different situations of temperature, load, speeds etc.
Effectiveness and implementability of state-level naloxone access policies: Expert consensus from an online modified-Delphi process.

Abstract Background Naloxone distribution, a key global strategy to prevent fatal opioid overdose, has been a recent target of legislation in the U.S., but there is insufficient empirical evidence from causal inference methods to identify which components of these policies successfully reduce opioid-related harms. This study aimed to examine expert consensus on the effectiveness and implementability of various state-level naloxone policies. Methods We used the online ExpertLens platform to conduct a three-round modified-Delphi process with a purposive sample of 46 key stakeholders (advocates, healthcare providers, human/social service practitioners, policymakers, and researchers) with naloxone policy expertise. The Effectiveness Panel (n = 24) rated average effects of 15 types of policies on naloxone pharmacy distribution, opioid use disorder (OUD) prevalence, nonfatal opioid-related overdoses, and opioid-related overdose mortality. The Implementation Panel (n = 22) rated the same policies on acceptability, feasibility, affordability, and equitability. We compared ratings across policies using medians and inter-percentile ranges, with consensus measured using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Inter-Percentile Range Adjusted for Symmetry technique. Results Experts reached consensus on all items. Except for liability protections and required provision of education or training, experts perceived all policies to generate moderate-to-large increases in naloxone pharmacy distribution. However, only three policies were expected to yield substantive decreases on fatal overdose: statewide standing/protocol order, over-the-counter supply, and statewide “free naloxone.” Of these, experts rated only statewide standing/protocol orders as highly affordable and equitable, and unlikely to generate meaningful population-level effects on OUD or nonfatal opioid-related overdose. Across all policies, experts rated naloxone prescribing mandates relatively lower in acceptability, feasibility, affordability, and equitability. Conclusion Experts believe statewide standing/protocol orders are an effective, implementable, and equitable policy for addressing opioid-related overdose mortality. While experts believe many other broad policies are effective in reducing opioid-related harms, they also believe these policies face implementation challenges related to cost and reaching vulnerable populations.
Immune escape mutations selected by neutralizing antibodies in natural HIV-1 infection can alter coreceptor usage repertoire of the transmitted/founder virus

The ability of HIV-1 to evade neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in vivo is well demonstrated, but the impact of NAb escape mutations on HIV-1 phenotype other than immune escape itself has rarely been studied. Here, we show that immune escape mutations selected by V3-glycan specific NAbs in vivo can alter the coreceptor usage repertoire of the transmitted/founder (T/F) HIV-1. In a participant developed V3-glycan NAb response, naturally selected mutations at the V3 N301 and N332 glycan sites abrogated CCR8 usage while conferred APJ usage on the cognate T/F strain. Mutations at the N301 glycan also impaired CCR3 usage and partially compromised the efficiency in using CCR5, which could be fully restored by a single escape mutation at the N332 glycan site. Our study demonstrates the link between NAb escape and coreceptor usage alteration in natural HIV-1 infection and indicates that NAb response could drive virus entry tropism evolution in vivo.
Polarization Transfer NMR Spectroscopy for Silicon-29: The INEPT and DEPT Techniques

Publisher Summary Silicon-29 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a highly valuable form of spectroscopy for organosilicon compounds; it is only now becoming a routine technique. Silicon nuclei that are coupled to protons, the NMR spectrum can be greatly improved by the transfer of polarization from 1 H to 29 Si. Polarization transfer techniques have been available for over a decade, they have not been widely used to obtain 29 Si-NMR spectra. J-cross polarization (JCP), which evolved from methods used for enhancing the solid-state spectra of rare spin nuclei, has been applied to 29 Si-NMR spectroscopy. Selective polarization transfer (SPT) is another NMR technique recently used to obtain enhanced 29 Si-NMR spectra. To obtain SPT spectra, a silicon satellite of a proton signal is selectively irradiated prior to a nonselective 29 Si pulse. Two new polarization transfer techniques have recently been reported: insensitive nuclei enhanced by polarization transfer (INEPT) and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT). There are differences between the INEPT and DEPT techniques; the fundamental polarization transfer mechanism is the same. Dodecamethylcyclohexasilane was chosen as a representative member of this important class of compounds upon which to test INEPT and DEPT methods. Siloxanes represent another large class of silicon compounds for which 29 Si-NMR data would be useful. Bendall, Pegg, and Doddrell showed that the results of multipulse sequences, such as INEPT and DEPT, can be analyzed using the Heisenberg vector approach. DEPT theory is best described mathematically. Two different analyses have been employed: the Schrodinger approach and the Heisenberg approach.
Metamorphoses of the Vampire in Literature and Film: Cultural Transformations in Europe, 1732-1933

For the last three hundred years, fictions of the vampire have fed off anxieties about cultural continuity. Though commonly represented as a parasitic aggressor from without, the vampire is in fact a native of Europe, and its "metamorphoses," to quote Baudelaire, a distorted image of social transformation. Because the vampire grows strong whenever and wherever traditions weaken, its representations have multiplied with every political, economic, and technological revolution from the eighteenth century on. Today, in the age of globalization, vampire fictions are more virulent than ever, and the monster enjoys hunting grounds as vast as the international market. Metamorphoses of the Vampire explains why representations of vampirism began in the eighteenth century, flourished in the nineteenth, and came to eclipse nearly all other forms of monstrosity in the early twentieth century. Many of the works by French and German authors discussed here have never been presented to students and scholars in the English-speaking world. While there are many excellent studies that examine Victorian vampires, the undead in cinema, contemporary vampire fictions, and the vampire in folklore, until now no work has attempted to account for the unifying logic that underlies the vampire's many and often apparently contradictory forms. Erik Butler is assistant professor of German Studies at Emory University, where he also teaches comparative literature and film.
POLICY MAKING: PLURALISTIC SIMULATION MODEL

A computer simulation model has been developed to assist the student in undertaking a preliminary analysis of the political component of technical policy decision-making. Experience indicates that students at the graduate and upper-division undergraduate levels are able to utilize the model in a variety of both historic and ongoing policy decision situations. The model is based upon the body of political theory which views politics as a conflict-situation, in which competing interests attempt to influence the decision-making process in order to achieve desired goals or values. The computer model processes information provided by the user and assists the user in becoming more aware of the importance of the political forces that operate in the technical policy arena.
Dyslipidemia regulates thrombospondin-1-induced vascular smooth muscle cell chemotaxis.

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for intimal hyperplasia (IH). Key to IH is vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular protein that stimulates VSMC migration. Hypothesis: HDL will inhibit and LDL will augment TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis. VSMC chemotaxis will be inhibited by the HDL moiety, S1P, through the S1PR1 receptor, and augmented by the LDL component, LPA, through the LPAR1 receptor. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of HDL and LDL and their receptors on TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis. For VSMC chemotaxis to TSP-1 cells received the following pretreatments: low (25 µg/ml) or optimal (75 µg/ml) concentration of HDL, S1P, optimal (75 µg/ml) or high (175 µg/ml) concentration of LDL, or LPA. For the receptor studies, VSMCs were transfected with siRNA to S1PR1, S1PR3, LPAR1, LPAR2, LPAR3, or a S1PR2 receptor antagonist. The TSP-1-induced chemotaxis results were (1) HDL (25 µg/ml) or LDL (75 µg/ml) exhibited no effect on chemotaxis; (2) HDL (75 µg/ml) inhibited chemotaxis by 50.9 ± 8 % and S1P by 43.4 ± 11.6 %; (3) LDL (175 µg/ml) augmented chemotaxis by 30 ± 10.4 % and LPA by 25.6 ± 12.3 %; (4) S1PR1 and S1PR3 knockdown and S1PR2 antagonist-treated cells augmented chemotaxis; and (5) LPAR1 and LPAR2 knockdown inhibited and LPAR3 knockdown had no effect on chemotaxis. In conclusion, HDL/S1P inhibits, while LDL/LPA stimulates TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis. The HDL/S1P effect is mediated by the S1PR1-3 receptors. The LDL/LPA effects are mediated by the LPAR1 and LPAR2 receptors, but not LPAR3. Therefore, lipids have significant effects on TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis.
Visual Verification of Reactive Systems

We describe diagram-based formal methods for verifying temporal properties of finite- and infinite-state reactive systems. These methods, which share a common background and tools, differ in the way they use automatic procedures within an interactive setting based on deduction. They can be used to produce a static proof object, or to perform incremented analysis of systems and specifications.
The Equity Risk Premium for Securitized Real Estate: The Case for U.S. Real Estate Investment Trusts

This paper examines an important topic about the performance of securitized real estate by estimating the expected equity risk premium for U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs). By employing a...
An enigmatic fourth runt domain gene in the fugu genome: ancestral gene loss versus accelerated evolution

The runt domain transcription factors are key regulators of developmental processes in bilaterians, involved both in cell proliferation and differentiation, and their disruption usually leads to disease. Three runt domain genes have been described in each vertebrate genome (the RUNX gene family), but only one in other chordates. Therefore, the common ancestor of vertebrates has been thought to have had a single runt domain gene. Analysis of the genome draft of the fugu pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) reveals the existence of a fourth runt domain gene, FrRUNT, in addition to the orthologs of human RUNX1, RUNX2 and RUNX3. The tiny FrRUNT packs six exons and two putative promoters in just 3 kb of genomic sequence. The first exon is located within an intron of FrSUPT3H, the ortholog of human SUPT3H, and the first exon of FrSUPT3H resides within the first intron of FrRUNT. The two gene structures are therefore "interlocked". In the human genome, SUPT3H is instead interlocked with RUNX2. FrRUNT has no detectable ortholog in the genomes of mammals, birds or amphibians. We consider alternative explanations for an apparent contradiction between the phylogenetic data and the comparison of the genomic neighborhoods of human and fugu runt domain genes. We hypothesize that an ancient RUNT locus was lost in the tetrapod lineage, together with FrFSTL6, a member of a novel family of follistatin-like genes. Our results suggest that the runt domain family may have started expanding in chordates much earlier than previously thought, and exemplify the importance of detailed analysis of whole-genome draft sequence to provide new insights into gene evolution.
Liquid crystal polymers—VI.: Synthesis and properties of main chain thermotropic polyesters with disiloxane spacers

Abstract New thermotropic, liquid crystalline polymers were synthesized, and their thermal properties and the characteristics of their mesophases were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, by use of a hot stage on a polarizing microscope, and by small-angle light scattering. The polymers had an aromatic ester triad mesogenic group and a flexible siloxane spacer in the main chain. Equimolar copolymers containing both siloxane and decamethylene spacers were also prepared and characterized. All the polymers formed nematic phases, and the thermodynamic characteristics of their nematic-to-isotropic phase transitions could be explained on the basis of their structural features.
Transportation Costs of Fresh Flowers: A Comparison across Major Exporting Countries

Exporting fresh flowers is one of very few successful efforts by producers in low-income countries to compete in international markets of high-value agricultural goods. While this success results from producers' ability to take advantage of their geographic location and access to low labor costs, it may not be sustainable in the long run due to unreliable supply chains and high transportation costs. Using a case study approach of Ecuador's supply chain, complemented by an empirical analysis of microdata on exports from major fresh flower exporting countries to the United States, this study confirms producers' claims that time and transportation costs vary widely across countries. This paper was presented at the Latin America/Caribbean and Asia/Pacific Economics and Business Association (LAEBA)'s 4th Annual Meeting held at Lima, Peru on June 17th, 2008.
Deriving macroscopic fundamental diagrams from probe data: Issues and proposed solutions

Abstract Well-defined relationships between flow and density averaged spatially across urban traffic networks, more commonly known as Macroscopic Fundamental Diagrams (MFDs), have been recently verified to exist in reality. Researchers have proposed using MFDs to monitor the status of urban traffic networks and to inform the design of network-wide traffic control strategies. However, it is also well known that empirical MFDs are not easy to estimate in practice due to difficulties in obtaining the requisite data needed to construct them. Recent works have devised ways to estimate a network’s MFD using limited trajectory data that can be obtained from GPS-equipped mobile probe vehicles. These methods assume that the market penetration level of mobile probe vehicles is uniform across the entire set of OD pairs in the network; however, in reality the probe vehicle market penetration rate varies regionally within a network. When this variation is combined with the imbalance of probe trip lengths and travel times, the compound effects will further complicate the estimation of the MFD. To overcome this deficit, we propose a method to estimate a network’s MFD using mobile probe data when the market penetration rates are not necessarily the same across an entire network. This method relies on the determination of appropriate average probe penetration rates, which are weighted harmonic means using individual probe vehicle travel times and distances as the weights. The accuracy of this method is tested using synthetic data generated in the INTEGRATION micro-simulation environment by comparing the estimated MFDs to the ground truth MFD obtained using a 100% market penetration of probe vehicles. The results show that the weighted harmonic mean probe penetration rates outperform simple (arithmetic) average probe penetration rates, as expected. This especially holds true as the imbalance of demand and penetration level increases. Furthermore, as the probe penetration rates are generally not known, an algorithm to estimate the probe penetration rates of regional OD pairs is proposed. This algorithm links count data from sporadic fixed detectors in the network to information from probe vehicles that pass the detectors. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm is very effective. Since the data needed to apply this algorithm are readily available and easy to collect, the proposed algorithm is practically feasible and offers a better approach for the estimation of the MFD using mobile probe data, which are becoming increasingly available in urban environments.
District of Columbia v. Heller and Originalism

On June 26, 2008, the United States Supreme Court handed down its 5-4 decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, striking a District of Columbia statute that prohibits the possession of useable handguns in the home on the ground that it violated the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Justice Scalia's majority opinion drew dissents from Justice Stevens and Justice Breyer. Collectively, the opinions in Heller represent the most important and extensive debate on the role of original meaning in constitutional interpretation among the members of the contemporary Supreme Court. This Article investigates the relationship between originalist constitutional theory and judicial practice in the context of the United States Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. Part I introduces Heller and the role of originalism in the opinions of the Justices. Part II contextualizes Heller by tracing the evolution of contemporary originalist theory. Part III examines the reasoning of the Heller majority and identifies the unarticulated assumptions that would be required to square the result in Heller with a fully articulated originalist theory of constitutional interpretation. Part IV examines the role of intentionalist and teleological reasoning in Justice Steven's dissenting opinion. Part V considers the implications of Heller's originalist theory for the question whether the Second Amendment will be applied to the states via the Due Process Clause or the Privileges or Immunities Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Part VI considers the relationship of the Heller to the distinction between constitutional interpretation and constitutional construction that has emerged from contemporary originalist theory. Finally Part VII draws conclusions about the implications of Heller for the relationship between originalist theory and originalist practice. This version of "District of Columbia v. Heller and Originalism" was created on November 11, 2008, and it replaces all prior versions.
Early hepatic stages of Plasmodium berghei: release of circumsporozoite protein and host cellular inflammatory response.

Abstract After injection of Plasmodium berghei sporozoites into Norway-Brown rats, we were able to localize these sporozoites and the early hepatic trophozoites developing from them in histological sections of the liver stained with a sensitive immunogold-silver procedure. Sporozoites invading hepatocytes released substantial quantities of circumsporozoite protein into the hepatocyte cytoplasm. This intrahepatic cytoplasmic distribution reached a maximal level at about 4 h post-sporozoite injection. As the hepatic parasites continued to differentiate, circumsporozoite protein became undetectable within the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes and became localized around the periphery of each parasite. There was generalized cellular inflammation within the liver of the host, which first became evident at around 4 h post-sporozoite injection and progressed to the formation of well-defined granulomas by 24 h. Such histopathological changes were not seen in rats injected with killed sporozoites, indicating that the cellular inflammation was induced by viable, infective sporozoites. We did not observe cellular infiltration specifically associated with any of the developing hepatic stages that we observed, even up to 28 h post-sporozoite inoculation. These results indicate that viable sporozoites induced rapid and generalized hepatic inflammation in host rats. However, sporozoites that successfully invaded hepatocytes and then proceeded to develop further did not appear to be the target of inflammatory cells until a period beginning at around 40 h post-sporozoite inoculation.
Optimization of Nanostructures for Enhanced Light Trapping in Thin-film Photovoltaics

We report on a novel optimization method of designing nanostructures for light trapping in thin-film photovoltaics. Absorption enhancement via increasing local density of optical states in slot waveguide configuration is demonstrated to exceed ergodic limit.
Length-lex bound consistency for knapsack constraints

This paper considers the length-lex domain for set-variables in constraint programming which includes not only membership but also cardinality and lexicographic information. The paper studies how to enforce bound consistency on a knapsack constraint over a set variable in this domain and proposes a bound-consistency algorithm which runs in O(c log n) time with a one-time preprocessing cost O(cn2) when the constraint is posted.
Partnerships at a Distance: Redesigning a Teacher Education Program to Prepare Educators for Diverse, High-Need Classrooms

Abstract This case study describes a college of education's attempt to move beyond its traditional programs to respond to the changing contexts of education. As a large, land-grant institution located in a small, rural community, this teacher education program faced numerous obstacles in preparing its graduates for the challenges of today's classrooms. The disjuncture between the realities of the university setting and those of urban classrooms serving diverse, high-need student populations served as the impetus for a program restructuring based, in part, on partnerships with school districts as many as 400 miles away. With support from a $9.67 million, five-year Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, partnerships with more than 30 schools have been developed over the past four years. These partnerships have been developed and sustained through both face-to-face and virtual interactions.
A hybrid approach for feature subset selection using neural networks and ant colony optimization

One of the significant research problems in multivariate analysis is the selection of a subset of input variables that can predict the desired output with an acceptable level of accuracy. This goal is attained through the elimination of the variables that produce noise or, are strictly correlated with other already selected variables. Feature subset selection (selection of the input variables) is important in correlation analysis and in the field of classification and modeling. This paper presents a hybrid method based on ant colony optimization and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to address feature selection. The proposed hybrid model is demonstrated using data sets from the domain of medical diagnosis, yielding promising results.
Biomechanics of snowmobile spine injuries

A combined experimental and clinical study relative to the production of spinal in- juries common to the winter sport of snowmobiling indicates that snowmobile spinal injuries are a repeatable phenomenon with seats of the current design. The number of injuries appears to be growing rapidly with the increased popularity of the sport. However, the redesign of snowmobile and snowmobile susoension svstems should allow the elimination of these injuries for most practical conditions. A WITH THE increased popularity of snowmobi- ling an alarming and ever-increasing number of related injuries have occurred. Investiga- tions have compiled accident reports in an effort to document this problem (McLay et uf. 1970: Carlson, 1970). The more serious injuries include: multiple extremity fracture, traumatic amputations, skull fractures, facial and eye injuries. spinal injuries and even decapitation. The accident statistics indicate that compression fractures of the spine make up a particularly significant class of snow- mobile injuries (Withington, 1970; Chism, 1969). This study is presented to draw attention to the high risk of spinal injuries in snow- mobiling. Illustrative cases of spinal fractures from such injuries, treated or reviewed at The University of Michigan Medical Center are shown. Case # 1 CASE REPORTS
Harmonic-compensation based control of a nonlinear differential-mode Ćuk inverter

There are different topologies for realization of the inverter. The differential-mode Cuk inverter, with features such as reduced number of devices, reduced power dissipation, and reduced ripple on the both the ac and the dc sides is a good candidate for renewable-energy applications and micro-inverters. The voltage gain of the differential-mode Cuk inverter is nonlinear for which compensation scheme needs to be appropriately designed. This paper shows that, a proportional-resonant (PR) harmonic compensator can be used to control this nonlinear inverter. Experimental results of the inverter using 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th order harmonic compensators yields voltage total-harmonic distortion (THD) less than 5% in standalone mode of operation with resistive load.
Isotopic composition of boron secondary ions as a function of ion-beam fluence

We have examined the effects of target mass on sputtered material using 100 keV argon and neon to sputter an elemental target comprising the two naturally occurring isotopes of boron. At low beam fluences (≈ 1 × 10^(15)ions/cm^2) a light-isotope secondary enhancement is observed relative to steady-state secondary ion yields collected at higher beam fluences. The enhancement (46.1%o for Ne^+ irradiation and 51.8%o for Ar^+ irradiation) is large compared to the predictions of analytical theories and is independent of variations in surface potential, chemical effects, and surface impurities. This effect is consistent with an explanation based on an energy and momentum asymmetry in the collision cascade.
Seasonal and Site Variation in Costa Rican Euglossine Bees at Chemical Baits in Lowland Deciduous and Evergreen Forests

By attracting male euglossine bees with cineole, eugenol, methyl salicylate, methyl cinnamate, and benzyl acetate in Costa Rican lowland deciduous forest and rain forest, we found no indication of change in the composition and numbers of rain forest attractable bee species during different seasons, but within the deciduous forest both abundance and species richness declined in the dry season. Within each major forest type there were substantial differences in the abundance and species composition of attractable bees among habitats: baits in estuarine swamp forest and open pasture in the rain forest attracted very few bees as compared with nearby forest understory sites. In the deciduous forest, at least 15 species of male euglossine bees were attracted that apparently do not have breeding populations in this forest and that do not visit orchids in this forest; we hypothesized that they normally find females and chemical resources elsewhere in distant habitats or forest types.