cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intralocus Sexual Conflict

Intralocus sexual conflict arises when there are sex-specific optima for a trait that is expressed in both sexes and when the constraint of a shared gene pool prevents males and females from reaching their optima independently. This situation may result in a negative intersexual correlation for fitness. Here I first discuss key differences between intra- and interlocus conflict, the type of sexual conflict that arises in mating interactions between males and females. I then review the experimental evidence for the existence of genomewide sexually antagonistic variation and discuss how intralocus conflict can be resolved. Substantial genomewide sexually antagonistic variation exists in Drosophila melanogaster lab populations. Yet, in the same species, sex-specific gene regulation appears to evolve rapidly, suggesting that the obstacles to the resolution of intralocus conflict are minor. The fact that negative intersexual correlations for fitness are observed even if sexual dimorphism can evolve rapidly suggests that intralocus conflict is highly dynamic. The final part of this review examines the evolutionary consequences of intralocus sexual conflict for the evolution of the sex chromosomes, sexual selection, and sex determination. Intralocus conflict helps to explain many of the peculiar features of the sex chromosomes and has shaped the functional bias and expression biases of sex-linked genes. The genomic distribution of sexually selected genes, in particular, affects sexual selection in various ways. The presence of sexually antagonistic variation can strongly interfere with the good genes' process of sexual selection and erode the genetic benefits of mate choice. Regarding sex determination, this review concentrates on evolutionary transitions between different sex determination mechanisms. Such transitions have occurred frequently in several taxa. Theory and empirical data suggest an important role for intralocus conflict in triggering switches between sex determination systems.
Looking beyond the last 50 years: The future of materials science and engineering

57 Author’s Note: On this special occasion of TMS’s 50th Anniversary, I have been given the onerous task of commenting on the future of materials as we head into the 21st century. Predicting future innovations and discoveries in the materials world is virtually impossible; however, one can observe trends and societal needs, which will motivate engineers and scientists to respond, innovate, give birth to products, and enhance the quality of life on this planet.
Exploiting deep neural networks for detection-based speech recognition

In recent years deep neural networks (DNNs) - multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) with many hidden layers - have been successfully applied to several speech tasks, i.e., phoneme recognition, out of vocabulary word detection, confidence measure, etc. In this paper, we show that DNNs can be used to boost the classification accuracy of basic speech units, such as phonetic attributes (phonological features) and phonemes. This boosting leads to higher flexibility and has the potential to integrate both top-down and bottom-up knowledge into the Automatic Speech Attribute Transcription (ASAT) framework. ASAT is a new family of lattice-based speech recognition systems grounded on accurate detection of speech attributes. In this paper we compare DNNs and shallow MLPs within the ASAT framework to classify phonetic attributes and phonemes. Several DNN architectures ranging from five to seven hidden layers and up to 2048 hidden units per hidden layer will be presented and evaluated. Experimental evidence on the speaker-independent Wall Street Journal corpus clearly demonstrates that DNNs can achieve significant improvements over the shallow MLPs with a single hidden layer, producing greater than 90% frame-level attribute estimation accuracies for all 21 phonetic features tested. Similar improvement is also observed on the phoneme classification task with excellent frame-level accuracy of 86.6% by using DNNs. This improved phoneme prediction accuracy, when integrated into a standard large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) system through a word lattice rescoring framework, results in improved word recognition accuracy, which is better than previously reported word lattice rescoring results.
Mucosal Administration of Flagellin Induces Innate Immunity in the Mouse Lung

Nonsurgical intratracheal instillation of 1 μg of purified, recombinant flagellin in several strains of mice stimulated a transient innate immune response in the lung characterized by the infiltration of neutrophils and the rapid production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and the chemokines keratinocyte-derived chemokine, MIP1α, and MIP-2.
Adaptive multiuser detection for mobile-centric fast handoffs in pseudocellular wireless networks

We optimize jointly the physical and medium access control layers for enabling rapid, contention-based reservations in wireless networks. Users contend by randomly choosing reservation slots for transmitting, randomly choosing the "phase" of a common periodic training sequence known to the access point, and randomly choosing short spreading sequences not known to the access point. Adaptive multiuser detection based on the differential minimum mean squared error criterion is employed, thus permitting reliable demodulation of multiple contending users in a reservation slot despite multiuser interference (and possibly a near-far problem), fading, lack of carrier synchronization, and lack of knowledge of the users' spreading sequences. We show that multiple reservations are successful in a reservation frame with high probability, thus drastically reducing the delay compared to reservations based on classical slotted ALOHA. These techniques are applied to achieve rapid, mobile-centric handoffs in pseudocellular networks with small, wireless LAN sized cells supporting real-time applications under vehicular mobility.
Identification and characterization of a divalent metal ion-dependent cleavage site in the hammerhead ribozyme.

We describe a new RNA cleavage motif, found in the hammerhead ribozyme. Cleavage occurs between nucleotides G8 and A9, yielding a free 5'-hydroxyl group and a 2',3'-cyclic phosphate. This cleavage is dependent upon divalent metal ions and is the first evidence for a metalloribozyme known to show preference for Zn 2+ . Cleavage is also observed in the presence of Ni 2+ ,C o 2+ ,M n 2+ ,C d 2+ , and Pb 2+ , while negligible cleavage was detected in the presence of the alkaline-earth metal ions Mg 2+ ,C a 2+ , Sr 2+ , and Ba 2+ . A linear relationship between the logarithm of the rate and pH was observed for the Zn 2+ -dependent cleavage, which is indicative of proton loss in the cleavage mechanism, either prior to or in the rate-determining step. We postulate that a zinc hydroxide complex, bound to the known A9/G10.1 metal ion binding site, abstracts the proton from the 2'-hydroxyl group of G8, which attacks the A9 phosphate and initiates cleavage. This hypothesis is supported by a previously reported crystal structure (Murray, J. B., Terwey, D. P., Maloney, L., Karpeisky, A., Usman, N., Beigelman, L., and Scott, W. G. (1998) Cell 92, 665-673), which shows the conformation required for RNA cleavage and proximity of the 2'-hydroxyl group to the metal ion complex.
Deep-structured hidden conditional random fields for phonetic recognition.

We extend our earlier work on deep-structured conditional random field (DCRF) and develop deep-structured hidden conditional random field (DHCRF). We investigate the use of this new sequential deep-learning model for phonetic recognition. DHCRF is a hierarchical model in which the final layer is a hidden conditional random field (HCRF) and the intermediate layers are zero-th-order conditional random fields (CRFs). Parameter estimation and sequence inference in the DHCRF are developed in this work. They are carried out layer by layer so that the time complexity is linear to the number of layers. In the DHCRF, the training label is available only at the final layer and the state boundary is unknown. This difficulty is addressed by using unsupervised learning for the intermediate layers and lattice-based supervised learning for the final layer. Experiments on the standard TIMIT phone recognition task show small performance improvement of a three-layer DHCRF over a two-layer DHCRF; both are significantly better than the single-layer DHCRF and are superior to the discriminatively trained tri-phone hidden Markov model (HMM) using identical input features.
Jellyfish blooms: are populations increasing globally in response to changing ocean conditions?

By the pulsed nature of their life cycles, gelatinous zooplankton come and go seasonally, giving rise in even the most undisturbed circumstances to summer blooms. Even holoplanktonic species like ctenophores increase in number in the spring or summer when planktonic food is available in greater abundance. Beyond that basic life cycle-driven seasonal change in numbers, several other kinds of events appear to be increasing the numbers of jellies present in some ecosystems. Over recent decades, man’s expanding influence on the oceans has begun to cause real change and there is reason to think that in some regions, new blooms of jellyfish are occurring in response to some of the cumulative effects of these impacts. The issue is not simple and in most cases there are few data to support our perceptions. Some blooms appear to be long-term increases in native jellyfish populations. A different phenomenon is demonstrated by jellyfish whose populations regularly fluctuate, apparently with climate, causing periodic blooms. Perhaps the most damaging type of jellyfish increase in recent decades has been caused by populations of new, nonindigenous species gradually building-up to ‘bloom’ levels in some regions. Lest one conclude that the next millennium will feature only increases in jellyfish numbers worldwide, examples are also given in which populations are decreasing in heavily impacted coastal areas. Some jellyfish will undoubtedly fall subject to the ongoing species elimination processes that already portend a vast global loss of biodiversity. Knowledge about the ecology of both the medusa and the polyp phases of each life cycle is necessary if we are to understand the true causes of these increases and decreases, but in most cases where changes in medusa populations have been recognized, we know nothing about the field ecology of the polyps.
Object-oriented paradigm and software engineering

Summary form only given. Discusses the applicability of the object-oriented paradigm to the stage of problem specification. The authors define some criteria that can be used to assess this applicability and show how the object-oriented approach measures up based on these criteria. >
Large Metal Heads and Vitamin E Polyethylene Increase Frictional Torque in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Purpose Trunnionosis has reemerged in modern total hip arthroplasty for reasons that remain unclear. Bearing frictional torque transmits forces to the modular head-neck interface, which may contribute to taper corrosion. The purpose of this study is to compare frictional torque of modern bearing couples in total hip arthroplasty. Methods Mechanical testing based on in vivo loading conditions was used to measure frictional torque. All bearing couples were lubricated and tested at 1 Hz for more than 2000 cycles. The bearing couples tested included conventional, highly crosslinked (XLPE) and vitamin E polyethylene, CoCr, and ceramic femoral heads and dual-mobility bearings. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test for single-variable and analysis of variance for multivariant analysis. P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. Results Large CoCr metal heads (≥36 mm) substantially increased frictional torque against XLPE liners ( P = .01), a finding not observed in ceramic heads. Vitamin E polyethylene substantially increased frictional torque compared with XLPE in CoCr and ceramic heads ( P = .001), whereas a difference between conventional and XLPE was not observed ( P = .69) with the numbers available. Dual-mobility bearing with ceramic inner head demonstrated the lowest mean frictional torque of all bearing couples. Conclusion In this simulated in vivo model, large-diameter CoCr femoral heads and vitamin E polyethylene liners are associated with increased frictional torque compared with smaller metal heads and XLPE, respectively. The increased frictional torque of vitamin E polyethylene and larger-diameter femoral heads should be considered and further studied, along with reported benefits of these modern bearing couples.
A Demonstration of Individualized Positive Behavior Support Interventions by Head Start Staff to Address Children's Challenging Behavior:

Following the implementation of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies in six Head Start (HS) classrooms, three children in two classrooms were identified who had significant behavioral challenges and met the criteria for the use of individualized PBS. The purpose of this demonstration was to evaluate whether the effects of individualized PBS intervention implemented by HS classroom staff would have a generalized effect on inappropriate and appropriate behaviors, defined both individually for each child in a support plan and globally across three children. Following intervention with all three target children, both individually and globally defined inappropriate behavior showed decreases over baseline levels, whereas individually and globally defined appropriate behavior showed increases over baseline levels. Overall fidelity was high for implementation of prevention strategies but varied by child and classroom. Social validity ratings indicated that intervention strategies were feas...
A Framework for Understanding Community Colleges' Organizational Capacity for Data Use: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study.

This convergent parallel design mixed methods case study of four community colleges explores the relationship between organizational capacity and implementation of data-driven decision making (DDDM). The article also illustrates purposive sampling using replication logic for cross-case analysis and the strengths and weaknesses of quantitizing qualitative data in a mixed methods design. The findings suggest that community colleges’ organizational capacity for data-driven decision making is a function of human and social capital, but not physical capital. Methodologically, the data analyses suggest that researchers considering quantitizing qualitative data should consider an exploratory sequential design to better understand the phenomenon under study before reducing qualitative data to numbers.
Experimental Determination of the High-Temperature Rate Constant for the Reaction of OH with sec-Butanol

The overall rate constant for the reaction of OH with sec-butanol [CH(3)CH(OH)CH(2)CH(3)] was determined from measurements of the near-first-order OH decay in shock-heated mixtures of tert-butylhydroperoxide (as a fast source of OH) with sec-butanol in excess. Three kinetic mechanisms from the literature describing sec-butanol combustion were used to examine the sensitivity of the rate constant determination to secondary kinetics. The overall rate constant determined can be described by the Arrhenius expression 6.97 × 10(-11) exp(-1550/T[K]) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), valid over the temperature range of 888-1178 K. Uncertainty bounds of ±30% were found to adequately account for the uncertainty in secondary kinetics. To our knowledge, the current data represent the first efforts toward an experimentally determined rate constant for the overall reaction of OH with sec-butanol at combustion-relevant temperatures. A rate constant predicted using a structure-activity relationship from the literature was compared to the current data and previous rate constant measurements for the title reaction at atmospheric-relevant temperatures. The structure-activity relationship was found to be unable to correctly predict the measured rate constant at all temperatures where experimental data exist. We found that the three-parameter fit of 4.95 × 10(-20)T(2.66) exp(+1123/T[K]) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) better describes the overall rate constant for the reaction of OH with sec-butanol from 263 to 1178 K.
Female Sex Pheromone of the Yellowheaded Fireworm, Acleris minuta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The female yellowheaded fireworm produces a pheromone to attract males. GC analysis of washes of ovipositors of single virgin females revealed eight compounds that were identified by microchemical techniques and comparison with authentic materials. ( E )-11, 13-Tetradecadienal, ( Z )-11-tetradecen-1-ol acetate, ( E )-11-tetradecen-1-ol acetate, 1-tetradecanol acetate, 2-pentadecanone, 2-heptadecanone, ( E )-11, 13-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate, and hexadecanal. Field tests indicate that only ( E )-11, 13-tetradecadienal is required to capture males, and thus this compound represents a female sex pheromone of the species.
Validity and reliability of two protocols for measuring Reachable Workspace Volume in able-bodied and stroke subjects.

BACKGROUND: Researchers are measuring Reachable Workspace Volume (RWV) to assess the effects of various interventions on impaired upper extremity function. These measurement protocols have not been validated. OBJECTIVE: Assess the validity and reliability of two RWV protocols. METHODS: Fifteen able-bodied subjects and eight stroke subjects participated. Two RWV protocols (POLES and PLANES) were completed and compared with hemi-spheric volume estimations using the average reach in the Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT). RWV, based on the movement of a single hand marker, was calculated using a 3D motion analysis system (Vicon, Centennial, CO, USA). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) represented reliability, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient (r) between RWVs and MFRT represented validity, and p< 0.05 represented significant differences between the volumes. RESULTS: For the able-bodied subjects, the POLES protocol had excellent validity and excellent reliability, the PLANES protocol had good validity and excellent reliability, and both RWVs were significantly larger than estimated MFRT volume. In the stroke subjects, both protocols had good validity, excellent reliability, and RWVs which were significantly smaller than the estimated MFRT volume. CONCLUSIONS: Both measurement protocols provided valid and reliable measures of RWV. MFRT may underestimate RWV in able-bodied subjects, and overestimate RWV in stroke subjects.
Common path ball lens probe for optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

Background: Common path probes are highly desirable for optical coherence tomography (OCT) as they reduce system complexity and cost. In this work we report an all-fiber common path side viewing monolithic probe for coronary artery imaging. Methods: Our common path probe was designed for spectrometer based Fourier domain OCT at 1310 nm wavelength. Light from the fiber expands in the coreless fiber region and then focussed by the ball lens. Reflection from ball lens-air interface served as reference signal. The monolithic ball lens probe was assembled within a 560 µmouter diameter drive shaft which was attached to a rotary junction. The drive shaft was placed inside an outer, transparent sheath of 800 µm diameter. Results: With a source input power of 25 mW, we could achieve sensitivity of 100.5 dB. The axial resolution of the system was found to be 15.6 µm in air and the lateral resolution (full width half maximum) was approximately 49 µm. As proof of principal, images of skin acquired using this probe demonstrated clear visualization of the stratum corneum, epidermis, and papillary dermis, along with sweat ducts. Conclusion: In this work we have demonstrated a monolithic, ball lens common, path probe for OCT imaging. The designed ball lens probe is easy to fabricate using a laser splicer. Based on the features and capability of common path probes to provide a simpler solution for OCT, we believe that this development will be an important enhancement for certain types of catheters.
Integrated pest management in food industry(4)——Regulatory control of pest in food industry

The pest control operation and management has its own management basis and regulations.PCO industry should be understanding and compliance.This paper summarizes the regulations and the content of PCO of China and relevant state.
The National Practitioner Data Bank. What surgeons should know.

The National Practitioner Data Bank began operation on September 1, 1990, nearly a year after the final regulations for it were published in the October 17, 1989, Federal Register. One of two major provisions of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA) of 1986 (P.L. 99-660), the data bank is expected to have widespread implications for all surgeons and Fellows of the College. This article summarizes the effects it is anticipated the data bank will have on Fellowship and provides a general outline of the regulations that will affect surgeons.
MASS WASTING IN THE SWAUK WATERSHED, WASHINGTON

Mass wasting evidence is common along the margins of the Columbia River Basalts. I identified, mapped, dated, and assessed the environment of nearly 160 discrete slope failures (excluding rockfall) along the margins of the Columbia River Basalts in the Swauk watershed of central Washington. Rotational slides, translational slides, flows, and complex slide-flows were identified via topographic map, airphoto, and field analysis. Geographic information systems analysis revealed that these features cover 38% of the watershed. Translational slides are the most numerous of the slope failures, whereas complex slide-flows cover the most area. I placed each slope failure into a relative age category (active, inactive-young, inactive mature, and inactive-old) based on the characteristics of the main scarp, lateral flanks, internal morphology, vegetation cover, and toe relationships. Most Swauk watershed slope failures are inactive-mature. Organic sediments from an inactive-mature sag pond formed ∼6880 14C yr BP, wh...
Analysis of the dynamics of transitions in Leptomonas collosoma spliced leader RNA and a possible role of gaps upon splicing

In [1], the existence of two competing secondary structures at the 5'-end of Leptomonas collosoma spliced leader RNA was shown. On going from one steady-state secondary structure to the other, and vice versa, RNA passes through several states in which the chain gets tied up into nodes. If the transitions are reversible, the nodes are figurative both in the forth and back directions although the secondary structures that arise in this process are quite different, and the forth and back routs do not coincide. It is assumed that under certain conditions, the chain can get tied into the next node of series 5(2), which most likely will not get untied. This node is tightened around GG nucleotides. In this case, the migration of the gap is possible, as a result of which the chain can break. Independent experiments indicate that the RNA chain breaks just at this site upon splicing. Based on these results, a possible role of nodes in the enzymatic activity is discussed.
Factors associated with fetal shunt dislodgement in lower urinary tract obstruction.

Objective To identify factors associated with fetal shunt dislodgement in lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 42 consecutive fetuses with a diagnosis of LUTO in a tertiary fetal center between April 2013 and November 2015. Possible factors associated with prenatal shunt dislodgment were evaluated in fetuses who underwent shunt placement, including gestational age at diagnosis, gestational age at procedure, presence of ‘keyhole sign’, initial fetal bladder volume and wall thickness, prenatal ultrasonographic renal characteristics, amniotic fluid volume, presence of ascites prior to shunting, and type of fetal shunt. Results Nineteen (46.3%) fetuses underwent shunt placement at a median gestational age of 19 (range: 16.3–31.1) weeks. Shunt dislodgement occurred in 10 (52.6%) patients. A total of 35 procedures were performed; among which 16 (45.7%) were repeat procedures. The only prenatal factor associated with shunt dislodgement was the type of the shunt; Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the Rocket was associated with increased likelihood of remaining orthotopic (p = 0.04). Conclusion Fetal shunt dislodgement occurs in approximately half of the patients and appears to be associated with the type of the shunt. Future research is necessary to develop better shunt systems and to investigate different fetal therapeutic approaches. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHAPTER 267 – Semaphorins and their Receptors in Vertebrates and Invertebrates

The best-documented function of semaphorins is their role in central nervous system (CNS) development. Semaphorins act as both repellents and attractants for growing axons. The first identified vertebrate semaphorin, Sema3 A, causes retraction of axons and the collapse of the growth cone, a specialization at the tip of growing axons. While repellents for certain neurons, Sema3C and 3F also serve as attractants for cortical and olfactory neurons, respectively. Within the large semaphorin family, certain semaphorins can exert antagonistic activity by competitively blocking the activity of other family members at certain receptors. Semaphorins may guide growing dendrites as well as axons. Semaphorin signaling is not restricted to the CNS as evidenced by widespread expression throughout the embryo and adult tissue. Migrating non-neuronal cells are responsive to semaphorins, and cardiovascular abnormalities are observed when semaphorin signaling is disrupted. In the immune system, expression of Sema4D (CD 100) is regulated upon B- and T-lymphocyte activation and migrating monocytes are responsive to Sema3A and Sema4D. Malignant lung cells show reduced levels and a cytoplasmic localization of semaphorins. Taken together, it can be concluded that semaphorins act as guidance cues for many types of migrating cells in developmental, adult, and pathological tissue.
Law and the Courts

Most people appreciate that scientific knowledge is special, but they do not understand how science works through the formulation of hypotheses, nor do they understand the institutional mechanisms developed by science for sharing and evaluating scientific results. Legal and public decisions based on scientific knowledge present a persistent problem; this is apparent in the courtrooms, where scientific evidence is becoming increasingly important and controversial. The legal profession mostly agrees on the need for special measures to ensure the reliability of scientific evidence. Agreement breaks down, however, over how vigorously courts should screen this evidence and what tests for admissibility judges should apply. Courts can and must do better, but improvement depends on judges and lawyers learning how scientists themselves evaluate scientific claims.
A pragmatist view of the metaphysics of entanglement

Quantum entanglement is widely believed to be a feature of physical reality with undoubted (though debated) metaphysical implications. But Schrodinger introduced entanglement as a theoretical relation between representatives of the quantum states of two systems. Entanglement represents a physical relation only if quantum states are elements of physical reality. So arguments for metaphysical holism or nonseparability from entanglement rest on a questionable view of quantum theory. Assignment of entangled quantum states predicts experimentally confirmed violation of Bell inequalities. Can one use these experimental results to argue directly for metaphysical conclusions? No. Quantum theory itself gives us our best explanation of violations of Bell inequalities, with no superluminal causal influences and no metaphysical holism or nonseparability—but only if quantum states are understood as objective and relational, though prescriptive rather than ontic. Correct quantum state assignments are backed by true physical magnitude claims: but backing is not grounding. Quantum theory supports no general metaphysical holism or nonseparability; though a claim about a compound physical system may be significant and true while similar claims about its components are neither. Entanglement may well have have few, if any, first-order metaphysical implications. But the quantum theory of entanglement has much to teach the metaphysician about the roles of chance, causation, modality and explanation in the epistemic and practical concerns of a physically situated agent.
Regional cardiac resuscitation systems of care

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) is a common public health problem, with large and important regional variations in outcomes. Survival rates vary widely among patients treated with OOHCA by emergency medical services (EMS), or among patients transported to the hospital after return of spontaneous circulation. Most regions lack a well-coordinated approach to post–cardiac arrest care. Effective hospital-based interventions for OOHCA exist but are used infrequently. Increased volume of patients or procedures of individual providers and hospitals is associated with better outcomes for several other clinical disorders. Regional systems of cardiac resuscitation include a process for identification of patients with OOHCA, standard field and hospital care protocols for patients with OOHCA, monitoring of care processes and outcome, and periodic review and feedback of these quality improvement data to identify problems and implement solutions. Similar systems have improved provider experience and patient outcomes for those with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and life-threatening traumatic injury. Many more people could survive OOHCA if regional systems of cardiac resuscitation were implemented and maintained. The time has come to do so wherever feasible.
Addressing female sex trade human trafficking in Japan through NGO advocacy networks

Even though Japan has become notorious for trafficking women from other countries, advocacy networks among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are forming. Such networks can potentially bring about changes in policy, further advance responses to victims, and stem the flow of exploited people to Japan. This study examines how advocacy networks are forming in Japan to address human trafficking both within Japan and between Japan and other nations. Findings show the unique conditions influencing the emergence of such networks, as well as mounting challenges NGOs face as network members, especially in working with NGOs outside of Japan.
Congress Holds a Civil Copyright Reform Hearing

Congress is dipping a first cautious toe into what might be an ocean of legislative debate to comprehensively update and reform U.S. copyright law. During a May 2013 hearing of the House Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, legislators and witnesses identified the need to broadly investigate the fundamental principles underlying copyright law in light of the dramatic technological and economic changes that have occurred since the last major reform of Copyright law. The focus of the hearing was less on specific proposals and more on the process of getting to copyright reform and the broad issues that will need to be addressed.
Christian sacred art as а determinant of spiritual consonant of a believer

It is grounded that the meaning of the Christian sacred art, as the determinant of spiritual consonant of a believer, encourages him to permanent experience of this state and, consequently, creates the need for Christian religious faith. There are covered the conditions for developing spiritual consonance with a believer due to the influence of a sacred image of perception. In accordance with a personality oriented approach, it is proved that a believer should be considered as the subject of religious self-impact. It is specified that these elements form a dynamic system « a believer as the subject of religious self-impact – a work of the Christian sacred » art as a means; and spiritual consonance determines the nature of interaction in the mentioned above system. Key words: Christian sacred art , consonant , spiritual consonant , sacred image , system . Обґрунтовано значення християнського сакрального мистецтва як детермінанти духовного консонансу віруючої людини, яка спонукає її до необхідності постійного переживання зазначеного стану та, відповідно, формує необхідність у звернені до християнського віровчення. Висвітлено умови формування духовного консонансу вірянина завдяки впливу християнського сакрального мистецтва, зокрема сакрального образу сприйняття. Згідно з особистісно-орієнтованим підходом, доведено, що віруюча людина має розглядатися як суб’єкт релігійного самовпливу, а твори християнського сакрального мистецтва – засобом цього самовпливу. Визначено, що ці компоненти складають динамічну систему «людина як суб’єкт релігійного самовпливу – твір християнського сакрального мистецтва» як засіб, а духовний консонанс визначає характер взаємодії у зазначеній системі. Ключові слова: християнське сакральне мистецтво,консонанс, духовний консонанс, сакральний образ, система.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Cardiac Troponin I Assays in Patients Admitted With Symptoms Suggestive of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Context.—Increasing numbers of patients are presenting to emergency departments with symptoms suggestive of an acute myocardial infarction. Objective.—To demonstrate the comparative performance of the Ortho Vitros Troponin I and Beckman Access AccuTnI assays used to detect myocardial infarction and to develop risk stratification schemes for all-cause death in patients who presented with myocardial ischemia symptoms that were suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Design.—The prospective enrollment of patients with ACS and the measurement of serial plasma samples by 2 commercial cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays. Setting.—A metropolitan medical center that admitted patients with ACS during a 2-month period. Patients.—The study population consisted of 200 consecutively admitted patients who presented with symptoms that were suggestive of ACS. Results.—Correlation scatterplots showed no significant bias between cTnI assays based on 659 specimens across the dynamic range of each assay. Only mino...
The Influence of Phosphor and Binder Chemistry on the Aging Characteristics of Remote Phosphor Products

The influence of phosphor and binder layer chemistries on the lumen maintenance and color stability of remote phosphor disks was examined using wet high-temperature operational lifetime testing (WHTOL). As part of the experimental matrix, two different correlated color temperature (CCT) values, 2,700 K and 5,000 K, were studied and each had a different binder chemistry. The 2,700 K samples used a urethane binder, whereas the 5,000 K samples used an acrylic binder. Experimental conditions were chosen to enable study of the binder and phosphor chemistries and to minimize photooxidation of the polycarbonate substrate. Under the more severe WHTOL conditions of 85 °C and 85% relative humidity (RH), absorption in the binder layer significantly reduced luminous flux and produced a blue color shift. The milder WHTOL conditions of 75 °C and 75% RH resulted in chemical changes in the binder layer that may alter its index of refraction. As a result, lumen maintenance remained high, but a slight yellow shift was found. The aging of remote phosphor products provides insights into the impact of materials on the performance of phosphors in an LED lighting system.
The Ascendance of Official Islams

This article examines how and why four Arab states, Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia, and Egypt, have increased official Islam (OI) to counter the new challenges in the regional environment following the A...
Analysis of current-driven oscillatory dynamics of single-layer homoepitaxial islands on crystalline conducting substrates

Abstract We report results of a systematic study on the complex oscillatory current-driven dynamics of single-layer homoepitaxial islands on crystalline substrate surfaces and the dependence of this driven dynamical behavior on important physical parameters, including island size, substrate surface orientation, and direction of externally applied electric field. The analysis is based on a nonlinear model of driven island edge morphological evolution that accounts for curvature-driven edge diffusion, edge electromigration, and edge diffusional anisotropy. Using a linear theory of island edge morphological stability, we calculate a critical island size at which the island’s equilibrium edge shape becomes unstable, which sets a lower bound for the onset of time-periodic oscillatory dynamical response. Using direct dynamical simulations, we study the edge morphological dynamics of current-driven single-layer islands at larger-than-critical size, and determine the actual island size at which the migrating islands undergo a transition from steady to time-periodic asymptotic states through a subcritical Hopf bifurcation. At the highest symmetry of diffusional anisotropy examined, on {111} surfaces of face-centered cubic crystalline substrates, we find that more complex stable oscillatory states can be reached through period-doubling bifurcation at island sizes larger than those at the Hopf points. We characterize in detail the island morphology and dynamical response at the stable time-periodic asymptotic states, determine the range of stability of these oscillatory states terminated by island breakup, and explain the morphological features of the stable oscillating islands on the basis of linear stability theory.
Role of STAT3 in Pancreatic Cancer: A target for therapy

STAT3 is a member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of proteins. Activation of the STAT3 signaling cascade results in the transcription of several pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic proteins. STAT3 is also a potent modulator of the immune system, and its activation results in the suppression of the immune response. Dysregulation of STAT3 is implicated in the development and progression of a number of malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Because of its involvement in tumorigenesis and the evasion of the immune response, STAT3 is emerging as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, with several therapies currently under development.
Chapter 22 – Ovulation

Ovulation is a unique biological process that is essential for the continuation of every species. It is exquisitely controlled and artfully executed, and in mammals, occurs only in a restricted number of follicles. How the ovulating follicles are selected is as important as how the ovulation process itself is staged. That ovulation is a sequentially and precisely timed event ensures that oocyte maturation is coordinated with ovulatory events and that oocytes are optimally ready for fertilization. We have learned much about specific genes and signaling pathways that are essential for ovulation and oocyte maturation in the last decade. However, there is still much more to discover and more actors to be identified. Translation of information obtained in animal models needs to be transferred to clinical applications to improve fertility.
AB0948 Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and their impact on diabetes mellitus among patients with psoriatic arthritis

Background Tumour necrosis factor is a key inflammatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and diabetes mellitus (DM). 1,2 Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have been shown to be associated with a decreased incidence of DM, but it is unknown whether treatment of PsA with TNFi has off-target therapy benefits for patients with DM. 3 Objectives To determine whether initiation of a TNFi, compared to initiation of methotrexate (MTX) or metformin, results in a decrease in Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with PsA, DM, and elevated HbA1c. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in OptumInsight, a de-identified administrative claims database that includes laboratory values for approximately 10% of patients. Data from 2000–2014 was included. We identified patients with PsA and DM (defined by ICD-9CM codes), with an HbA1c≥7 and examined change in HbA1c among new initiators of a TNFi (etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab, or golimumab), MTX, and metformin (positive control). A baseline period of 12 months prior to the index date was required to capture potential confounders. All patients were required to have one HbA1c in the six months prior to and one HbA1c in the 6 months after drug initiation. We evaluated median HbA1c change in each group and then assessed statistical differences using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test (unadjusted). We then used linear regression models to determine the relative differences in HbA1c change using MTX as the reference and adjusted for age, sex, baseline A1c, DM medications, and comorbidities in the baseline period, with clustering to account for multiple new drug initiations per patient. Results Among 914 drug initiations in 756 patients with PsA and available HbA1c values, HbA1c was ≥7 before 125 (44%) of TNFi initiations, 90 (43%) of MTX initiations, and 233 (55%) of metformin initiations. The average time between baseline and follow-up HbA1c values was 231 days. Median HbA1c change was −0.50 (IQR −1.30, 0.30) after TNFi initiation, −0.40 (IQR −1.50, 0.10) after MTX initiation, and −0.90 (IQR −1.80, 0) after metformin initiation (figure 1). In adjusted analyses, TNFi initiators had a similar decrease in HbA1c compared to MTX initiators, β 0.02 (95%CI: −0.29, 0.33). Metformin initiators had a significantly greater change in HbA1c than MTX patients, β −0.43 (95%CI: −0.72, −0.13). Conclusions TNFi and MTX initiation lead to a decline in HbA1c by half as much as metformin. Changes in HbA1c were not different among patients initiating TNFi versus MTX. References [1] Coates LC, et al. Semin Arthritis Rheum201612;46(3):291–304. [2] Solomon SS, et al. Horm Metab Res2010;42:115–121. [3] Solomon D, et al. JAMA2011;305(24):2525–2531. Disclosure of Interest S. Mantravadi: None declared, M. George Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb, A. Ogdie Grant/research support from: Pfizer and Novartis, Consultant for: Abbvie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lilly, Pfizer, Novartis, and Takeda
Lectures on q-Orthogonal Polynomials

These notes form a brief introduction to the theory of Askey-Wilson polynomials and related topics. We have used a novel approach to the development of those parts needed from the theory of basic hypergeometric functions. One important difference between our approach to basic hypergeometric functions and other approaches, for example those of Andrews, Askey, and Roy [7], of Gasper and Rahman [18] or of Bailey [12] is our frequent use of the Askey-Wilson divided difference operators, the q-difference operator, and the identity theorem for analytic functions.
Delirium, Dementia, Alcohol Intoxication, and Withdrawal Syndromes

A 72-year-old man with a long-standing diagnosis of schizophrenia living in a board and care home was brought to the hospital by the police because of altered mental state and agitation. The patient was combative both in the ambulance and in the emergency department (ED). He was prescribed lorazepam 1 mg IM in the ED, but the agitation did not subside. The patient was noted to be disoriented to time and place. He attempted to hit the nursing staff, and thus was placed in leather restraints. The patient continued screaming obscenities. He then received 2 mg of haloperidol IM and an additional 2 mg of lorazepam, which made him somnolent. Laboratory findings indicated the presence of a urinary tract infection. On the inpatient service, the patient was still agitated but was a little more cooperative with the psychiatric consultant, who was able to ascertain that the patient felt he was in jail, unjustifiably because he did not commit any crime. The psychiatric consultant reassured the patient that he was in the hospital, not jail, and that he was being treated for a urinary tract infection. Though somewhat reassured, the patient continued to feel paranoid about his surroundings and showed fluctuating levels of awareness, with agitation and somnolence. The psychiatric consultant also noted that the patient showed some rigidity and mild 7
Antecedent events for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

During the past decade there has been a proliferation of knowledge concerning non-insulin dependent diabetes. International acceptance of a classification of diabetes has contributed to this development in that non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) was clearly separated from insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), and the term impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was introduced to describe a category of subjects who had glucose tolerance which was above the limits seen in normal healthy young adults, but which fell below the levels considered diagnostic of NIDDM (1). The diagnostic criteria for NIDDM were also reconsidered, first by the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) and later by the World Health Organization (WHO). This resulted in internationally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes.
The Chinese Notional Passive Construction under the View of Cognitive Construction Grammar

The notional passive construction (NPC, henceforth) is claimed to be the most common form of passive and the earliest mode of passive expression in Chinese. However, under the view of cognitive construction grammar, NPC remains a mystery with its form not clearly defined and its function not particularly discussed. Taking a character-based historical approach, this paper studies the form designated by NPC, the ‘theme + verbal’ structure in corpus data. Results show that the ‘theme + verbal’ structure is extremely stable in the history of the Chinese language, denoting change of state. In conjunction with some cross-linguistic findings, a change-of-state construction can thereby be proposed for the form ‘theme + verbal’. Accordingly, the idea of the so-called “notional passive construction” is challenged in the way that it essentially refers to a special situation of the change-of-state construction when the event expressed by the verbal is not likely to occur spontaneously- it is not a construction itself, yet plausibly passive.