cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Labour Market Impacts of School Expenditure and Class Size: Evidence from China

This study is a first attempt to estimate the impact of school resources on students’ subsequent labour market earnings in China. Combining unprecedented school data from the early 1950s to the 199...
Categorization, Identity Construction, and the Survival of Entrepreneurial Ventures

This research explores the cognitive underpinning of the identity construction of entrepreneurial ventures pursuing a novel organizational form. Emphasizing the importance of news media as market i...
PNPLA3 Association with Alcoholic Liver Disease in a Cohort of Heavy Drinkers.

Aims Prior studies have established variation at the PNPLA3 gene to be associated with a risk of developing alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We attempt to replicate this finding and other potential genetic variations previously associated with ALD utilizing a case-control design in a cohort of subjects with alcohol use disorders. Short summary This case-control study performed in a US clinical sample of heavy drinkers, replicates the previously reported association between ALD and rs738409 polymorphism in the PNPLA3 gene in heavy drinkers. This association persisted after accounting for the subject's diabetes status. Methods Patients of European ancestry with a history of ALD were identified (n = 169). Controls consisted of patients without ALD who were from the same cohorts and were ≥ 30 years of age, had lifetime total years drinking ≥20 and lifetime maximum drinks per day ≥12 (n = 259). Patients were genotyped for 40 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected for the purpose of testing their association with ALD. The association of each SNP with ALD was tested using a logistic regression model, assuming log-additive allele effects. Bonferroni correction was applied and multivariable logistic regression models were used to account for relevant covariates. Results Age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) distributions were similar between cases and controls. Diabetes was more prevalent in the ALD cases. Three SNPs were associated with ALD at the nominal significance level (rs738409 in PNPLA3, P = 0.00029; rs3741559 in AQP2, P = 0.0185; rs4290029 in NVL, P = 0.0192); only PNPLA3 rs738409 SNP was significant at the Bonferroni-corrected P-value threshold of 0.00125. Association results remained significant after adjustment for diabetes status. Conclusion Our case-control study confirmed that PNPLA3 rs738409 SNP is associated with ALD. This is an important replication in a US clinical sample with control subjects who had long histories of alcohol consumption.
Factors Affecting Seniors' Perceptions of Voice-enabled User Interfaces

This paper explores how seniors perceive Voice Enabled User Interfaces (VUIs) and the factors that shape those perceptions. An experiment was administered to 15 seniors (over age of 65), in which the participants searched for information using a traditional keyboard/mouse interface and an experimental voice/touch interface. An analysis of the data collected showed that seniors perceive meaningful differences between the two interfaces in terms of learnability, usability, ease of understanding and helpfulness.
Changes in Synthetic Opioid Involvement in Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 2010-2016.

This study uses National Vital Statistics System data to describe trends in synthetic opioid involvement in drug overdose deaths in the United States from 2010 to 2016.
Electrical resistivities and phase transformations of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium

The electrical resistivities of high purity lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium were investigated as a function of temperature over the range from room temperature to near the melting points of the metals. Transformation temperatures were observed in these metals which were confirmed by supplementary X-ray diffraction studies.
Principles of Pacemaker Therapy

The first implantable devices used to treat cardiac arrhythmias were permanent pacemakers. Initially implanted in the late 1950s, they were originally used to treat patients with syncope due to complete AV block. Pacemaker treatment has now significantly expanded to include patients with symptomatic sinoatrial node dysfunction and lesser degrees of AV block, including high degree AV block or Mobitz type II second degree AV block. In addition, permanent pacing is now indicated for selected patients with hyper-trophic and dilated cardiomyopathies, even though they have no symptomatic bradycardia, as well as some patients with the long QT syndrome and torsade de pointes. Even today, there may be rare patients with symptomatic supraventricular tachycardias not amenable to ablation therapy that may be effectively and reliably treated with overdrive atrial pacing delivered from an implanted pacemaker. Finally, there is preliminary evidence that some patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may be more likely to main tain sinus rhythm with multiple-site atrial pacing.
Critical role of a common transcription factor, IRF-1, in the regulation of IFN-beta and IFN-inducible genes.

Interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) is a protein that binds to cis-elements within the promoter of interferon (IFN)-beta and some IFN-inducible genes. We used a human fibroblast line, GM-637, to generate stable transfectants constitutively expressing IRF-1 mRNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. Upon induction with poly-(I).poly(C) or Newcastle disease virus, cells expressing sense IRF-1 mRNA produced significantly higher levels of IFN-beta mRNA and protein than control cells, whereas cells expressing antisense IRF-1 mRNA produced little or no IFN-beta mRNA and protein. Furthermore, clear differences were seen among the transfectants in the level of expression of two IFN-induced genes (2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase and class I HLA). Our data show that IRF-1 is essential for the induced expression of the IFN-beta gene. The results also indicate an important role of IRF-1 in the expression of IFN-inducible genes and suggest a role for IRF-1 in many other cytokine actions.
Cell Communication and Growth

The possibility that gap junctions play an important role in the control of cell proliferation (Furshpan and Potter, 1968; Loewenstein, 1968) has probably stimulated more interest and generated more controversy than any of their other suggested functions. Much of the attention given this idea has in fact been elicited by the corollary notion that defects in the junctions may contribute to the aberrant control of cell division in cancer (Loewenstein, 1968). Numerous comprehensive reviews, appearing in the last several years, have summarized the rather checkered history of these two related ideas (e.g., Loewenstein, 1979, 1981; Trosko et al., 1983; Sheridan and Atkinson, 1985; Vitkauskas and Canellakis, 1985). Rather than take a similar, and arguably redundant, approach, this chapter will focus on underlying concepts, using several more recent and selected research findings from various laboratories as illustrative examples.
Japan: Working to Shape the Regional Order

This chapter analyzes Japan’s ongoing efforts to shape the regional order in the Asia-Pacific as competition accelerates between the regionally integrative forces of economics and the fragmenting forces of hard security. The election of Donald Trump has increased regional as well as Japanese uncertainties. In response, Prime Minister Abe has sought to develop a closer personal relationship with Trump to ensure America’s security commitment while advancing a revised Trans-Pacific Partnership, absent the US, as a way to stabilize the liberal regional trade order.
Seed yield and subsequent emergence pattern of subterranean clover cultivars in response to summer rain

At Lincoln University, Canterbury, seven subterranean cultivars rated in Australia as having different levels of ‘hardseedeness’ were established. Monocultures were sown in autumn and allowed to grow and set seed. Seed yields ranged from 340 to 1050 kg/ha. Heavy rain in early January 2016 resulted in a “false strike” of ≤ 4.0% of seeds during the subsequent dry February. A second emergence event in March also resulted in a “false strike” with a further 7 to 15% of total seeds lost. However, cultivars established >1000 seedlings/m2 after early winter rain, which is considered adequate for future persistence. Emergence was consistent with Australian hardseededness rankings. Cultivars with hardseed ranks <4 may be more suitable for dryland systems in New Zealand due to their early emergence and the ability to exploit the late summer and autumn rains.
Software tools for thermodynamic calculation of mechanically unstable phases from first-principles data

Abstract This paper introduces the P 4 software package, a set of software tools that automate the process of vibrational free energy calculation for mechanically unstable phases. The Piecewise Polynomial Potential Partitioning ( P 4) method is a recently developed method that tackles the issue of phonon instabilities in solid solutions and compounds. The method efficiently explores the system’s ab-initio energy surface by discrete sampling of local minima, which is combined with a continuous sampling of the vicinity of these local minima via a constrained harmonic lattice dynamic approach. The free energy values obtained by this toolkit can be used in thermodynamic assessments and phase diagram calculations. As a unique advantage, it provides the tool to calculate the vibrational free energy in a wide composition range in alloys. This feature is not practically achievable by relying only on brute-force molecular dynamics or random sampling techniques. Program summary Program Title: P4 (Piecewise Polynomial Potential Partitioning) Program Files doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/sgfyhyrmjb.1 Licensing provisions: CC by 4.0 Programming language: C++ and Bash Nature of problem: A number of technologically relevant materials become thermodynamically stable at high enough temperatures in spite of existing phonon instabilities. This makes the standard lattice dynamics approaches insufficient to describe stabilizing entropy effects in these materials. Solution method: We implement the Piecewise Polynomial Potential Partitioning method [1] which facilitates thermodynamic calculations in mechanically unstable materials that are stabilized at finite temperatures due to anharmonic entropy effect. The current version of our model interfaces with density functional theory code VASP [2]. Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: The P4 code needs to be built into the ATAT toolkit [3]. The instruction on how to install P4 into the ATAT toolkit is given in the documentation. Additional links for program files: http://go.uic.edu/p4 , https://doi.org/10.26300/zs0n-2c84 . References: [1] Sara Kadkhodaei, Qi-Jun Hong, and Axel van de Walle, Free energy calculation of mechanically unstable but dynamically stabilized bcc titanium. Phys. Rev. B, 95 (2017) 064101 [2] G. Kresse and J. Furthmuller, Efficient iterative schemes for ab initio total-energy calculations using a plane-wave basis set. Phys. Rev. B 54 (1996) 11169 [3] A. van de Walle and M. Asta and G. Ceder, The alloy theoretic automated toolkit: A user guide. Calphad 26 (2002) 539–553
HCD-Induced GIDL Increase and Circuit Implications

In this paper we review the physics of gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) increase due to hot carrier degradation (HCD) and the proposed modelling for reliability simulations. A case study of an analog circuit where this phenomenon leads to an overall increase of static power consumption over time is shown. This is attributed to the GIDL current being the major component of the leakage current of the circuit in off-mode. Finally, we propose some mitigation techniques by using alternative devices including high-K metal gate (HKMG) devices, where the GIDL current does not show uniform behavior post HCD.
Moore religious icons on state property? Alabamians pass bill to allow overlap of church and state

After 18 years of debate, sparked by Former Chief Justice Roy Moore, a final decision has been made by the residents of Alabama allowing the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state and public pro...
Two new Painlevé-integrable (2+1) and (3+1)-dimensional KdV equations with constant and time-dependent coefficients

Abstract In this work we develop two new (2+1) and (3+1)-dimensional KdV equations with constant and time-dependent coefficients. The integrability of each established equation is investigated via using the Painleve test. We also examine the compatibility conditions to ensure the integrability for each model. The Hirota's method is used to derive multiple-soliton solutions for these equations. We establish the dispersion relation and the phase shifts for each case.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Post Liver Transplant Patient

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may occur as a de novo or recurrent disease among recipients of liver transplant (LT). We seek to review the currently available information on the diagnosis, implications, and management of NAFLD in the post LT population with a focus on the practical medical management of this disease. Recent studies emphasize that NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, mediated largely by insulin resistance, with liver recipient factors being the primary determinants of the development of graft steatosis. Post-transplant nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may progress to the development of graft fibrosis and cirrhosis. Risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and excess weight gain should be addressed proactively in the post-transplant period. Interventions to prevent or treat NAFLD in the patient who has undergone LT must take into account the specialized needs of the post-transplant care setting, including the management of immunosuppression, and the potential presence of high catabolic needs after surgery. Future research is needed to tailor NAFLD interventions to the post-transplant population.
OCTAD: an open workspace for virtually screening therapeutics targeting precise cancer patient groups using gene expression features.

As the field of precision medicine progresses, treatments for patients with cancer are starting to be tailored to their molecular as well as their clinical features. The emerging cancer subtypes defined by these molecular features require that dedicated resources be used to assist the discovery of drug candidates for preclinical evaluation. Voluminous gene expression profiles of patients with cancer have been accumulated in public databases, enabling the creation of cancer-specific expression signatures. Meanwhile, large-scale gene expression profiles of cellular responses to chemical compounds have also recently became available. By matching the cancer-specific expression signature to compound-induced gene expression profiles from large drug libraries, researchers can prioritize small molecules that present high potency to reverse expression of signature genes for further experimental testing of their efficacy. This approach has proven to be an efficient and cost-effective way to identify efficacious drug candidates. However, the success of this approach requires multiscale procedures, imposing considerable challenges to many labs. To address this, we developed Open Cancer TherApeutic Discovery (OCTAD; http://octad.org ): an open workspace for virtually screening compounds targeting precise groups of patients with cancer using gene expression features. Its database includes 19,127 patient tissue samples covering more than 50 cancer types and expression profiles for 12,442 distinct compounds. The program is used to perform deep-learning-based reference tissue selection, disease gene expression signature creation, drug reversal potency scoring and in silico validation. OCTAD is available as a web portal and a standalone R package to allow experimental and computational scientists to easily navigate the tool. OCTAD is a software pipeline for finding drugs that alter gene expression in such a way that they are likely to reverse the expression pattern of the disease. This protocol describes how to use both the web portal and the desktop version of OCTAD.
Evidence for decreased parasympathetic response to a novel peer interaction in older children with autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience elevated stress during social interactions and may have difficulty forming and maintaining peer relationships. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) directs physiological changes in the body in response to a number of environmental stimuli, including social encounters. Evidence suggests the flexibility of the ANS response is an important driving factor in shaping social behavior. For youth with ASD, increased stress response and/or atypical ANS regulation to benign social encounters may therefore influence social behaviors, and, along with developmental and experiential factors, shape psychological outcomes. The current study measured ANS response to a peer-based social interaction paradigm in 50 typically developing (TD) children and 50 children with ASD (ages 10–13). Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a cardiac measure of parasympathetic influence on the heart, and pre-ejection period (PEP), a sympathetic indicator, were collected. Participants engaged in a friendly, face-to-face conversation with a novel, same-aged peer, and physiological data were collected continuously before and during the interaction. Participants also reported on state anxiety following the interaction, while parents reported on the child’s social functioning and number of social difficulties. Linear mixed models revealed that, while there were no diagnostic effects for RSA or PEP, older youth with ASD appeared to demonstrate a blunted parasympathetic (RSA) response. Further, increased severity of parent-reported social symptoms was associated with lower RSA. Youth with ASD reported more anxiety following the interaction; however, symptoms were not related to RSA or PEP response based on linear mixed modeling. Physiological regulation, age, and social functioning likely influence stress responses to peer interactions for youth with ASD. Parasympathetic functioning, as opposed to sympathetic arousal, may be especially important in behavioral regulation, as older youth with ASD demonstrated atypical regulation and response to the social interaction paradigm. Future studies should help to further elucidate the developmental factors contributing to stress responses in ASD, the impact of physiological response on observable social behavior, and potential long-term consequences of chronic social stress in youth with ASD.
IT Outsourcing: Current Trends, Benefits, and Risks

Initially, the search for cost-effective methods to acquire goods and services provided the impetus for outsourcing. However, the dimensions of outsourcing and the related benefits have since grown dramatically. This article presents the results of a survey of more than 1,200 firms. It offers insight into the reasons that managers outsource various functions to achieve both tactical and strategic benefits.
‘Trans’ cending Barriers

SUMMARY Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 national transgender activists as well as analyses of movement publications and events, this article examines the use of the Internet in the development and growth of the transgender movement. The Internet, which functions both as a tool for activists and as a space within which activism can happen, reduces challenges and obstacles to mobilization and maximizes available tools and strategies for organizing. While the Internet is not a panacea, it clearly facilitates organizing, allows organizations and activists to be more productive and effective, and provides new tactics and arenas for activism.
Assessing Beliefs about and Needs of Senior Citizens Using the Focus Group Interview: A Qualitative Approach

(1987). Assessing Beliefs about and Needs of Senior Citizens Using the Focus Group Interview: A Qualitative Approach. Health Education: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 44-49.
The antithrombin titer in cystic fibrosis of the pancreas

Summary The plasma antithrombin titer was determined in 102 control patients, and in thirteen patients having proved cystic fibrosis of the pancreas. In none of the patients comprising the control groups was the plasma antithrombin elevated or diminished. In a 3-week-old infant dying of cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, however, the plasma antithrombin titer was exceedingly low. In three infants, less than 1 year old, having cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, the antithrombin titers were strikingly high. In each of the remaining nine patients comprising the older age group of cystic fibrosis patients (2 to 7 years) no marked elevation or depression in plasma antithrombrin titer was noted. A critical analysis of these data suggests that the natural course of cystic fibrosis of the pancreas is separable into three periods or stages: a first stage of pancreatic duct atresia and/or obstruction varying from complete to incomplete, with or without extensive parenchymal damage. This stage occupies the first days or weeks of life. In survivors, a-second stage develops within weeks or months, characterized by interstitial pancreatitis secondary to the extravasation of obstructed pancreatic enzymes. A third stage, the stage of pancreatic contraction and scarring, follows and is characterized by extensive parenchymal replacement fibrosis, areas of hyaline degeneration, the appearance of corpora amylacea, the development of large cysts, and other histologic phenomena associated with cystic pancreatic fibrosis in its end stage. Characteristic levels of plasma antithrombin titers are correlated with each of these three stages. Antithrombin titers of diagnostic range are obtainable during the first and second stages of congenital pancreatic deficiency. In Stage III the antithrombin titer is normal. In two of three patients in Stage III, however, elevated antithrombin titers followed Urecholine stimulation.
Using machine learning techniques and data mining tools for web document classification

Topic directories such as the Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) and About.com rival search engines as some of the most popular websites. The ultimate goal is to organize the entire web hierarchically by topic. Such a structure allows for more focused searching. The process of classifying web documents and associating them with topics is called 'tagging'. In this paper, we explore how machine learning techniques and data mining tools can be used for automatic tagging. Automatic tagging helps not only in document classification but also in expanding directories such as dmoz.
Behavioral Operations: Applications in Supply Chain Management

Behavioral operations is a field within operations management that studies human behavior in the context of operations. The discipline uses a variety of research methodologies including behavioral modeling, controlled experiments, and field studies to identify and understand relevant aspects of human behavior in operational contexts. This article gives a brief overview of behavioral operations and its recent applications in the subfield of supply chain management. Keywords: behavioral operations; supply chain management; experimental research; behavioral theory
Antibody-labeled liposomes for CT imaging of atherosclerotic plaques: in vitro investigation of an anti-ICAM antibody-labeled liposome containing iohexol for molecular imaging of atherosclerotic plaques via computed tomography.

We evaluated the specific binding of anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) conjugated liposomes (immunoliposomes, or ILs) to activated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) with the purpose of designing a computed tomographic imaging agent for early detection of atherosclerotic plaques. Covalent attachment of anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibodies to pre-formed liposomes stabilized with polyethylene glycol yielded ILs, with a coupling efficiency of the ICAM-1 to the liposomes of 10% to 24%. The anti-ICAM-1–labeled ILs had an average diameter of 136 nm as determined by dynamic light-scattering and cryogenic electron microscopy. The ILs' encapsulation of 5-[N-acetyl-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-amino)-N, N′-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-benzene-1,3-dicarboxamide (iohexol) was determined to be 18% to 19% by a dialysis technique coupled with ultraviolet detection of free iohexol. This encapsulation corresponded to 30 to 38 mg iodine per mL IL solution, and the ILs exhibited 91% to 98.5% iohexol retention at room temperature and under physiologic conditions. The specific binding of the ILs to cultured, activated HCAEC was measured using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and fluorescence microscopy. The immunosorbent assays demonstrated the specificity of binding of anti-ICAM-1 to ICAM-1 compared with control studies using nonspecific immunoglobulin G-labeled ILs. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy experiments demonstrated the expression of ICAM-1 on the surface of activated HCAEC. Therefore, our iohexol-filled ILs demonstrated potential for implementation in computed tomographic angiography to noninvasively detect atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture.
Roles of Krüppel-like Factors in Lymphocytes

Several family members of Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are found in lymphocytes, and their expression is tightly regulated during development and differentiation. The related factors KLF2 and KLF4 have been suggested to promote lymphocyte “quiescence” by inducing withdrawal of cells from the cell cycle. Although the physiological role of KLF2 in cell cycle control in lymphocytes is currently unclear, it is potentially due to redundancy between related KLFs. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that individual KLFs regulate migration of lymphocytes (and other cells) during normal homeostasis of the immune system and in inflammatory situations. In addition to KLF2 and KLF4, the roles of KLF10 and KL13 in lymphocytes are briefly discussed.
The Growing Canvas of Biological Development: Multiscale Pattern Generation on an Expanding Lattice of Gene Regulatory Nets

The spontaneous generation of an entire organism from a single cell is the epitome of a self-organizing, decentralized complex system. How do nonspatial gene interactions extend in 3-D space? In this work, I present a simple model that simulates some biological developmental principles using an expanding lattice of cells. Each cell contains a gene regulatory network (GRN), modeled as a feedforward hierarchy of switches that can settle in various on/off expression states. Local morphogen gradients provide positional information in input, which is integrated by each GRN to produce differential expression of identity genes in output. Similarly to striping in the Drosophila embryo, the lattice becomes segmented into spatial regions of homogeneous genetic expression that resemble stained-glass motifs. Meanwhile, it also expands by cell proliferation, creating new local gradients of positional information within former single-identity regions. Analogous to a “growing canvas” painting itself, the alternation of growth and patterning results in the creation of a form. This preliminary study attempts to reproduce pattern formation through a multiscale, recursive and modular process. It explores the elusive relationship between nonspatial GRN weights (genotype) and spatial patterns (phenotype). Abstracting from biology in the same spirit as neural networks or swarm optimization, I hope to be contributing to a novel engineering paradigm of system construction that could complement or replace omniscient architects with decentralized collectivities of agents.
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 promotes microglial activation, proliferation, and matrix metalloproteinase-9-mediated neuron death.

Activated microglia contribute to cell death in ischemic and neurodegenerative disorders of the CNS. Microglial activation is regulated in part by NF-κB, and the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) enhances NF-κB binding to DNA. In this study, the role of PARP-1 in microglia-mediated neurotoxicity was assessed using microglia from wild-type (wt) and PARP-1−/− mice. Cultured microglia were incubated with TNF-α, a cytokine that is up-regulated in many neurological disorders. When stimulated with TNF-α, wt microglia proliferated, underwent morphological changes characteristic of activation, and killed neurons placed in coculture. The effects of TNF-α were markedly attenuated both in PARP-1−/− microglia and in wt microglia treated with the PARP enzymatic inhibitor 3,4-dihydro-5-[4-(1-piperidinyl)butoxy]-1(2h)-isoquinolinone. These effects were also blocked by (E)-3-(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)-2-propenenenitrile, which inhibits translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. TNF-α also up-regulated microglial release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an enzyme with potential neurotoxic properties that is transcriptionally regulated by NF-κB. This up-regulation was blocked in PARP-1−/− microglia and in wt microglia by the PARP inhibitor 3,4-dihydro-5-[4-(1-piperidinyl)butoxy]-1(2h)-isoquinolinone. Microglia from MMP-9−/− mice were used to evaluate the contribution of MMP-9 to microglial neurotoxicity. MMP-9−/− microglia treated with TNF-α showed substantially reduced neurotoxicity relative to the wt microglia. TNF-α-stimulated wt microglia treated with the MMP inhibitor ilomastat also showed reduced neurotoxicity. These findings suggest that PARP-1 activation is required for both TNF-α-induced microglial activation and the neurotoxicity resulting from TNF-α-induced MMP-9 release.
Prospective results of a standardized algorithm based on hemodynamic status for managing pediatric solid organ injury.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Controversy surrounds the need for ICU admission, prolonged bed rest, and the duration of activity restrictions for children sustaining blunt trauma. Adult literature supports management based on hemodynamic status, not CT grade. STUDY DESIGN: A 3-year prospective study of a standardized management algorithm for hemodynamically normal pediatric patients with blunt liver or spleen injury was performed. Patient selection was based on vital signs, irrespective of injury grade on CT. Patients requiring ICU admission for nonliver or nonspleen injury were excluded. Patients were admitted to a surgical ward with serial hematocrit levels. Discharge occurred 48 hours postinjury if patients had no abdominal tenderness, tolerated a regular diet, and had a stable hematocrit. Patients were allowed noncontact activity, including school, after discharge. Patients were followed up at 1 month with ultrasonographic imaging. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients sustained blunt liver or spleen injury. Forty-five patients were excluded for other injuries (Glasgow Coma Scale CONCLUSIONS: Management of pediatric solid organ injury should be guided by hemodynamic status and not injury grade on CT. Hemodynamically normal children can be safely managed without intensive care monitoring, do not need prolonged hospitalization, and can resume school on discharge.
Refined multivalent display of bacterial spore-binding peptides

A multiple antigen peptide display scaffold was used to create multivalent versions of a heptapeptide selected previously by phage display to bind to Bacillus subtilis spores. A simple flow cytometric assay was developed in which a biotinylated form of the peptide was first bound to fluorescent streptavidin, then the fluorescent streptavidin-peptide complex was bound to spores before introduction into the cytometer. This assay clearly demonstrated that the tetravalent scaffold enhanced the affinity for B. subtilis spores by greater than 1 and 2 orders of magnitude when compared to divalent and monovalent analogues, respectively. However, variations in the number and flexibility of spacer residues within the scaffold did not significantly affect the binding affinity of the tetravalent peptides. Similar to prior reports, these multivalent scaffolds are effective most likely because they mimic the multivalent display of the original peptide library on the phage coat. Moreover, the tetravalent peptides can be readily integrated into a variety of heterogeneous and homogeneous spore-detection assay formats.
Stromal tumours of the ovary: an update

Abstract Stromal tumours of the ovary are reviewed emphasizing recently described entities and new or uncommon aspects of well known neoplasms. The first, the luteinized thecoma with sclerosing peritonitis, a rare lesion, is controversial with regard to whether it is neoplastic or non-neoplastic an unsettled issue. It often occurs in the young and has distinctive pathologic features. The second, the microcystic stromal tumour has as a main histologic feature the presence of microcysts that may only be focal. Hyaline plaques are common but in contrast to most stromal tumours they are inhibin and calretinin negative but show β-catenin alterations. Sclerosing stromal tumour although having relatively uniform typical morphology, can pose some diagnostic difficulty, especially when seen in pregnant patients. Thecoma and fibroma are the most common stromal tumours but thecoma, in particular, may cause diagnostic difficulty particularly with granulosa cell tumour. Finally, two rare tumours, the signet-ring stromal tumour and myxoma are briefly considered.
Multiple antibodies to titin immunoreact with AHNAK and localize to the mitotic spindle machinery.

Recently, the large filamentous striated-muscle protein titin has been observed in non-muscle cells, and, in one instance, has been proposed to have a nuclear function as a chromosomal component contributing to structure and elasticity. In this study, we sought to further characterize the presumptive nuclear isoform of titin. Immunofluorescence microscopy with multiple titin-specific monoclonal antibodies shows localization to the nucleus in interphase cells and to the spindle machinery in mitotic cells in all cell types examined; localization to condensed chromosomes is not observed. An abundant 700-kDa phosphoprotein is the predominant species immunoprecipitated with these antibodies. Sequencing of peptide fragments of the immunopurified protein reveals identity to AHNAK, a nuclear phosphoprotein, an identification that was confirmed by Western blot analysis with antibodies to AHNAK and peptide fragmentation patterns. Sequence comparison suggests similarities between the repetitive heptad ϕ±ϕP±ϕ± motif in AHNAK and the PEVK region of titin, potentially explaining the cross-reactivity observed between AHNAK antibodies and titin antibodies. Interestingly, although some AHNAK antibodies stain interphase nuclei, no evidence of mitotic spindle localization is seen, suggesting that the identity of the protein at the latter location is more closely related to titin than AHNAK. This concept is further supported by observations that cell lines not expressing AHNAK have similar antititin antibody localization to the mitotic spindle. We conclude that (1) multiple titin antibodies, particularly those recognizing the PEVK region, cross-react with AHNAK, and (2) the mitotic spindle staining observed with antititin antibodies is most likely due to the association of titin or a titin-like molecule with this structure. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 50:101–113, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Changing Policy for the Surgical Treatment of Tetralogy of Fallot: Early and Late Results in 235 Consecutive Patients

Between February, 1969, and March, 1980, 235 consecutive patients underwent repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Of these, 94 patients were less that 4 years of age, including 40 less than 2 years of age. Previous palliative procedures had been performed in 46 patients. Conservative technique to relieve the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction was employed in 194 patients; transannular approach was performed in the remaining 41. There were 18 hospital deaths (7.6%) and 3 late deaths. The early and late results were significantly related to the ratio of the right ventricular to left ventricular systolic peak pressure after repair. Until 1976, the age of patients of operation constituted an operative risk factor. Since 1977, none of the 17 infants who underwent operation died after the repair. In the overall series, the transannular approach to relieve the RVOT obstruction affected the early mortality and the late results. During the last 3 years, only 1 of the 12 patients who received an aortic homograft monocusp transannular gusset died in the hospital, and the 11 survivors were completely symptom free at follow-up.
Influence of planting dates on the efficacy of soil insecticides applied to control larvae of the western and northern corn rootworm.

In a 3-year study from 1974–76, planting dates significantly ( P <0.05) influenced the control provided by soil insecticides applied at planting time to control larvae of the western corn root worm, Diabrotica virgifera LeConte, and the northern corn root worm, D. longicornis (Say). With the exception of the June plantings (damage was extremely reduced in all treatments), most of the insecticide treatments provided slightly more root protection when applied to later plantings of corn. When the June plantings were omitted from the analysis, there was still a significant planting date effect in the 1974 and 1975 studies but not in the 1976 test. There was a significant planting date X insecticide interaction each year. Applications of carbofuran and fonofos provided the least variable control and phorate and fensulfothion resulted in the most variable control over the planting dates of the insecticides included in the study.
Population ecology of carabid cave beetles

The population ecology of three species of obligate cave dwelling (i.e., troglobitic) carabid beetles, Neaphaenops tellkampfi, Pseudanophthalmus menetriesi and P. pubescens, was studied in five cave habitats in west central Kentucky. Population size, timing of teneral occurrence, sex ratio, proportion of ovigerous females and clutch size were monitored in 12 populations. The data indicate that cave carabid beetles undergo density fluctuations at the local population (subpopulation) level which are intermediate in severity to those observed in surface dwelling carabid species. However, composite populations of N. tellkampfi show overall density fluctuations which are not statistically different in severity from those of more stable surface carabid species. It appears that spatial heterogeneity has a damping effect on density fluctuations in N. tellkampfi over the geographic area studied. A similar explanation has been offered for the more stable surface carabid species.The predictable nature of the cave environment and the reduced number of selection pressures in cave habitats has permitted us to consider evolutionary patterns in these cave carabid species as they relate to differences in ecology. Two major adaptive pathways can be inferred from the population data of this study. Pseudanophthalmus menetriesi and P. pubescens appear to have undergone divergent evolution for habitat specialization in mesic and riparian habitats respectively. Significant life history differences between these two species appear to be related to the characteristics of mesic vs. riparian habitats. Neaphaenops tellkampfi is specialized to prey on cave cricket (Hadenoecus subterraneus) eggs and nymphs, resources which are highly seasonal and become rare in the fall. As a result N. tellkampfi has retained some generalist traits in feeding and in habitat utilization. Its life history characteristics are more variable than those of the Pseudanophthalmus spp. and appear to allow N. tellkampfi to exploit two distinct subniches in the depauperate cave environment.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors Based on the 3-Mercaptopyrrolidine Core

New series of pyrrolidine mercaptosulfide, 2-mercaptocyclopentane arylsulfonamide, and 3-mercapto-4-arylsulfonamidopyrrolidine matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Exhibiting unique properties over other MMPIs (e.g., hydroxamates), these newly reported compounds are capable of modulating activities of several MMPs in the low nanomolar range, including MMP-2 (∼2 to 50 nM), MMP-13 (∼2 to 50 nM), and MMP-14 (∼4 to 60 nM). Additionally these compounds are selective to intermediate- and deep-pocket MMPs but not shallow-pocketed MMPs (e.g., MMP-1, ∼850 to >50 000 nM; MMP-7, ∼4000 to >25 000 nM). Our previous work with the mercaptosulfide functionality attached to both cyclopentane and pyrrolidine frameworks demonstrated that the cis-(3S,4R)-stereochemistry was optimal for all of the MMPs tested. However, in our newest compounds an interesting shift of preference to the trans form of the mercaptosulfonamides was observed with increased oxidative stability and bio...
Navigating constraints: the design work of professional software developers

This paper reports on initial results from a study of software developers doing their authentic work in their place of work. We apply the ethnographic and interaction-analytic methods that the CHI community has used to study people carrying out their work in non-software domains. Our preliminary results show professional software developers spending the majority of their time navigating a myriad of largely invisible constraints arising from multiple, concrete, real-world sources. They use frequent hypothesis-probe-interpret to cycles navigate the contextual, complex systems that they inhabit and construct. These constraints are qualitatively different from those reported in the literature based on early conceptual design.
A microcontroller based control and monitoring system on an SPI interface for a DC-HVDC power supply module

India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) collaboration is planning to build a massive 50,000 ton Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector. Particle detectors called Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) - about 30,000 in number, will be used as active detector elements. RPCs require a high voltage of about 10KV to be applied across its parallel glass electrodes for producing the required uniform field needed for their operation. A differential voltage (±5KV) solution using two low-ripple DC-HVDC units is proposed. This solution is superior from the points of view of cost besides ease of integration, which is a crucial for ICAL detector. Aim of this work is to design and build a microcontroller based control and monitoring system on an SPI interface for the twin DC-HVDC controllers based power supply module. Main functions of the control and monitoring system are setting the required voltage at the specified ramp up or ramp down rate and monitoring the voltage and load current of the module.
An evolving power saving model for monitoring sensor networks using cellular automata

In this paper, we present a method which uses a genetic algorithm to identify the best cellular automata to govern the time a given node is on/off, ultimately minimizing the power consumption, or any other quantifiable metric, of the device.
An Introduction to Landscape Design and Economics

AbstractThis paper offers an introductory overview over the points of contact between landscape architecture and economics, and shows that economics has been fundamental to landscape practice throughout the centuries. It points towards the neglect of histories of labour and materials in landscape studies and the disconnect between landscape history and urban political ecology, two fields of scholarship which have much to offer each other.
Short term wind speed prediction by finite and infinite impulse response filters: A state space model representation using discrete markov process

The importance of Integrating wind power generation into electric power grids has rapidly progressed over the past decade. But the intermittency of wind power presents a special challenge for utility system operations as well as the market structure mechanisms. The problem arises from the uncertainty and variability in wind resources that causes fluctuations in the output of wind power generators. This paper presents a short-term wind speed prediction using linrealized time series model. Wind data are first collected from a weather station in ten minute resolution for a period of one year followed by a fitted two Weibull distribution parameters model being estimated from regression analysis on the logarithms of wind speed data. Transformation from Weibull into normal distribution is then held and linear predictive coefficients calculated using finite impulse response filter (FIR) and infinite impulse response filter (IRR) are evaluated for the normalized wind speed random process. Results of 10 minute ahead, one hour ahead, 12 hours ahead and 24 hours ahead wind speed predictions are presented and model accuracy in each of these time-ahead prediction scale are discussed. Also a remarkable observation of the independencies between future and historical wind speed data allows a state space representation model using discrete Markov Process to best represent the stochastic behavior of wind speed signal. In doing so, optimum quantization parameters are first done for both Weibull and normal wind speed distributions and a transition probability matrices are evaluated in each case showing smooth state transition levels in wind data.
An autoethnography of hunting

To better understand why we do harm by killing and eating nonhuman animals, we engaged in autoethnography. We used reflections on our harmful behavior to understand harmful behavior more generally. Our method first and foremost was to be as honest as we know how to be. The process of reflecting on our behavior had us moving through a series of questions that organize the essay. We also referred to scholarly literature on violence and on hunting to challenge our thoughts. In this way we arrived at insights on aspects of doing harm, including the role of positioning the target in a certain way; not thinking about the harm and the institutional supports for not thinking; the particular lure of power through killing; and the problematic indictment of hunting by meat-eaters.
An automatic one- to eight-sample applicator for fast qualitative and quantitative microelectrophoresis of plasma proteins, hemoglobins, isoenzymes, and cross-over electrophoresis

Abstract An electrophoresis sample application system was developed which provides for fast, reliable, and economical microanalyses to measure both quality and quantity of many blood proteins. The system consists of a flexible eight-sample applicator with a well integrated complimentary 32-sample holder and cell cover. The system permits simultaneous pickup and transfer of one to eight samples and the concurrent electrophoresis of up to 24 specimens on a single cellulose acetate membrane or an agarose gel supporting medium. Examples and illustrations of the quality of analytical results for the fractionation of plasma proteins, hemoglobins, lactic acid dehydrogenase isoenzymes, lipoproteins, and cross-over electrophoresis are described. The resolution of constituents is adequate for comparative analyses in the forensic science laboratory and for quantification in most medical clinical analyses.
Nitrogen Source for a Detritivore: Detritus Substrate Versus Associated Microbes

Detritivores have been thought to derive nutrition from microbes associated with detrital particles and not from the nonliving plant substrate. The polychaete Capitella capitata, however, was found to derive a major portion of its nitrogen from the plant substrate when it feeds on detritus derived from seaweed. Microbes play a role as a nitrogen source for this detritivore when it feeds on detritus derived from marsh grass.
Characterization of linear and harmonizable fractional stable motions

Abstract We characterize the linear and harmonizable fractional stable motions as the self-similar stable processes with stationary increments whose left-equivalent (or right-equivalent) stationary processes are moving averages and harmonizable respectively.