cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Property regimes and the commodification of geographic information: An examination of Google Street View

The body of information on the Internet is becoming increasingly geographical. This is both due to the expansion of established categories of geographic information (e.g., digital maps and geospatial databases) and to the simultaneous enrichment of other types of information through geographic identifiers (e.g., geotags, check-ins, and global positioning system coordinates). As this repository of geographic information expands, it is also a key site for multiple processes of commodification transforming informational resources into market goods. Understanding the dynamics driving the integration of geographic information into the digital economy requires a comprehensive political economic analysis. A key component of this analysis is to explain the logics of creation and allocation of economic value from geographic information on the Internet. Addressing this need, in the present article I deploy the property regimes schema developed by Schlager and Ostrom and expand it to elucidate the differentiated commodification processes of geographic information on the Internet. Property regimes are arrangements that define rules, distribute rights, and delineate roles with respect to particular goods. These arrangements are enabled by elements such as legal frameworks, jurisdictions, type of information, and technologies of access. In this article, I explore how the legal frameworks regulating traditional categories of geographic information (such as maps) have been destabilized in the process of technological innovation, leading to the creation of new informational goods along with their respective property regimes, and rearticulating legal, economic, and sociotechnical relations. To illustrate this, I analyze the case of Google Street View images through their property regimes in various jurisdictions.
Recent approaches in designing bioadhesive materials inspired by mussel adhesive protein

Marine mussels secret protein-based adhesives, which enable them to anchor to various surfaces in a saline, intertidal zone. Mussel foot proteins (Mfps) contain a large abundance of a unique, catecholic amino acid, Dopa, in their protein sequences. Catechol offers robust and durable adhesion to various substrate surfaces and contributes to the curing of the adhesive plaques. In this article, we review the unique features and the key functionalities of Mfps, catechol chemistry, and strategies for preparing catechol-functionalized polymers. Specifically, we reviewed recent findings on the contributions of various features of Mfps on interfacial binding, which include coacervate formation, surface drying properties, control of the oxidation state of catechol, among other features. We also summarized recent developments in designing advanced biomimetic materials including coacervate-forming adhesives, mechanically improved nano- and micro-composite adhesive hydrogels, as well as smart and self-healing materials. Finally, we review the applications of catechol-functionalized materials for the use as biomedical adhesives, therapeutic applications, and antifouling coatings. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 9-33.
Fight over light

Robert P Crease explains the fascination with Goethe's flawed book Theory of Colours, which savagely attacked Newton's book Opticks.
LUDUS, LEISURE TIME, AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE

ABSTRACT The quality of life is a function of work and play. With the growth of more leisure time provided by technology and cybernetics, ludic participation in life will be more necessary and evident.
Convergence behavior of the random phase approximation renormalized correlation energy

Based on the random phase approximation (RPA), RPA renormalization [J. E. Bates and F. Furche, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 171103 (2013)] is a robust many-body perturbation theory that works for molecules and materials because it does not diverge as the Kohn-Sham gap approaches zero. Additionally, RPA renormalization enables the simultaneous calculation of RPA and beyond-RPA correlation energies since the total correlation energy is the sum of a series of independent contributions. The first-order approximation (RPAr1) yields the dominant beyond-RPA contribution to the correlation energy for a given exchange-correlation kernel, but systematically underestimates the total beyond-RPA correction. For both the homogeneous electron gas model and real systems, we demonstrate numerically that RPA renormalization beyond first order converges monotonically to the infinite-order beyond-RPA correlation energy for several model exchange-correlation kernels and that the rate of convergence is principally determined by the choice of the kernel and spin polarization of the ground state. The monotonic convergence is rationalized from an analysis of the RPA renormalized correlation energy corrections, assuming the exchange-correlation kernel and response functions satisfy some reasonable conditions. For spin-unpolarized atoms, molecules, and bulk solids, we find that RPA renormalization is typically converged to 1 meV error or less by fourth order regardless of the band gap or dimensionality. Most spin-polarized systems converge at a slightly slower rate, with errors on the order of 10 meV at fourth order and typically requiring up to sixth order to reach 1 meV error or less. Slowest to converge, however, open-shell atoms present the most challenging case and require many higher orders to converge.
3D analysis of thermal and electrical performance of wide bandgap VDMOSFETs

Power electronics is based on the conversion and conditioning of electric power in its different forms. The need for higher operating voltages, temperatures and switching speeds have necessitated for the use of semiconductor materials more superior to Silicon for power electronics purposes. Wide bandgap (WBG) materials like SiC, GaN and Diamond have been known to demonstrate better material properties as compared to Silicon, like higher operating temperatures, higher breakdown voltages and reduced thermal and electrical resistances which make them ideal for high power electronic devices. This paper analyzes the thermal and electrical performance of WBG power MOSFETs, in particular the Vertical Double-diffused MOSFET (VDMOSFET) structure, modeled in the commercial simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics. VDMOSFETs are ideal for high power electronic applications owing to their higher voltage blocking capabilities as compared to the conventional lateral MOSFET structure. COMSOL uses Finite Element/Volume Analysis methods to approximate solutions to differential equations involved with complex geometries and physics. The 3D model investigated in COMSOL for this paper solved for thermal and electrical variables for VDMOSFETs using SiC and GaN as their semiconductor material. Only a quarter of the 3D VDMOSFET structure was modeled for faster computational speed as the structure itself is symmetric about two vertical planes. The temperature profiles and current densities of each WBG material VDMOSFET were analyzed for different operating voltages. These profiles were compared with a Si VDMOSFET model to determine relative similarities and differences between each material.
The effect of crowder charge in a model polymer-colloid system for macromolecular crowding: Polymer structure and dynamics.

We have examined the effect of crowder particle charge on macromolecular structure, studied via small-angle neutron scattering, and translational dynamics, studied via pulsed-field gradient NMR, in...
Surface modification of biomaterials and biomedical devices using additive manufacturing.

Abstract The demand for synthetic biomaterials in medical devices, pharmaceutical products and, tissue replacement applications are growing steadily due to aging population worldwide. The use for patient matched devices is also increasing due to availability and integration of new technologies. Applications of additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing (3DP) in biomaterials have also increased significantly over the past decade towards traditional as well as innovative next generation Class I, II and III devices. In this review, we have focused our attention towards the use of AM in surface modified biomaterials to enhance their in vitro and in vivo performances. Specifically, we have discussed the use of AM to deliberately modify the surfaces of different classes of biomaterials with spatial specificity in a single manufacturing process as well as commented on the future outlook towards surface modification using AM. Statement of Significance It is widely understood that the success of implanted medical devices depends largely on favorable material-tissue interactions. Additive manufacturing has gained traction as a viable and unique approach to engineered biomaterials, for both bulk and surface properties that improve implant outcomes. This review explores how additive manufacturing techniques have been and can be used to augment the surfaces of biomedical devices for direct clinical applications.
ASSESSING THE VALUE OF EXPLORATION FOR UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE CAVERNS

One of the most important contributing factors to accurate estimates of construction costs for underground caverns is a good knowledge of subsurface geologic conditions obtained through exploration. Although the value of exploration is generally recognized qualitatively, there exist no objective ways of assessing the type, intensity, and location of exploration for any specific project. One method of approach to overcome this problem is through preposterior analysis. The value of additional information (at various locations using a range of exploration methods) can be assessed before the exploration is performed, and compared to the costs of obtaining that information. One can then select the most favorable location and method of exploration. A case study example illustrates the application of preposterior analysis to several proposed borings for an underground cavern project. The examples include tradeoffs among different cavern configurations and exploration options, leading to a decision on whether to conduct the exploration, and if so, where. La connaisance des conditions geologiques constititue l'un des facteurs les plus important pour predire le cout de construction de cavites souterraines. Bien que la valeur qualitative d'un programme d'exploration soit generalement reconnue, il n'existe aucun moyen objectif pour calculer le genre, l'intensite et l'emplacement des sondages pour un projet donne. Pour resoudre ce probleme, on presente dans cet article une analyse a preposteriori. La valeur ajoutee par des information additionelles (obtenues par des sondages) peut-etre evaluee avant que les sondages ne soient entrepris et comparee au cout supplementaire pour les realiser. L'exemple d'une cavite souterraine destinee au stockage de gaz presente l'application de cet analyse. Cet exemple comprend differentes alternatives pour les dimentions de la cavite ainsi que pour les methodes d'exploration. Le resultat consiste en la decision de realiser le programme d'exploration on non, et si oui a quel enchroit. Bei der Berechnung der Baukosten im Projektstadium spielt vor allem die Information uber die Geologie eine grosse Rolle. Die Berwertung dieser durch Erkundungen gewonnenen Information und damit die Planung der Erkundungen wird bis anhin kaum quantitativ vorgenommem. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird nun mit einer Analyse a preposteriori die Erkundungsplanung quantitativ durchgefuhrt. Dabei wird der Wert zusatzlicher (durch Erkundung gewonnener) Information abgeschatzt und mit den Kosten der Erkundung verglichen, bevor die Erkundung durchgefuhrt wird. Es is dann moglich die beste Methode und besten Erkundungsort auszuwahlen. Diese Analyse a preposteriori wird hier in einem Beispiel einer unterirdischen Gas-Lagerkaverne angewendet. Verschiedene Kavernendimensionen und-tiefen sowie verschiedene Erkundungsmethoden werden betrachtet und dann die Art and der Ort der optimalen Erkundung bestimmt.
A New Tool in IS Management: Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a relatively new field that is introduced into the IS/IT/MIS environment. This paper defines and places GIS in the academic context of the business school curriculum. Examples illustrate the usefulness and importance of the technol- ogy. Although applicable to virtually any business discipline, the emphasis is on the place- ment in the IS part, but with linkages to finance, strategy, marketing, etc. A case is made for its inclusion into the IS curriculum, albeit it in an elective capacity.
Abstract 4293: Glycogen synthase kinase 3 b maintains mitotic arrest by regulating mitotic checkpoint complex levels

The cell cycle is regulated by checkpoints that ensure genomic integrity and proper cell division. We are investigating the role of a multifunctional ser/thr kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), in the regulation of the mitotic checkpoint. Our data show that spindle toxin-induced mitotic arrest is relieved in multiple cancer cell lines by the GSK3 inhibitors, SB 415286 (SB), RO-81220 (RO) and lithium chloride. Additionally, the mitotic index is reduced in CRISPR-generated GSK3β knockout human cells and GSK3β knockout mouse embryo fibroblasts compared to wild type cells in the presence of taxol. Mitotic arrest is dependent on the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), composed of Mad2, BubR1, Cdc20 and Bub1. GSK3 appears to target the MCC to regulate mitotic arrest. For example, Mad2, BubR1 and Bub1 localization at kinetochores and MCC assembly were both reduced by co-treatment of GSK3 inhibitors and spindle toxin compared to spindle toxin alone. These data imply that GSK3β plays a role in maintaining the mitotic checkpoint. The strength of the checkpoint was determined to act like a rheostat rather than a toggle-switch, as cells undergo mitotic slippage after prolonged arrest in spindle toxins. Our data indicates that GSK3 regulates the strength of the checkpoint, as illustrated by time lapse-imaging. GSK3-inhibition induced exit was observed to be dependent on how long the cells were arrested in mitosis prior to GSK3-inhibitor addition. GSK3 inhibition in taxol also decreases the amount of KnL1, part of the KMN network forming the kinetochore, at the centromeres. This indicates a regulatory role of GSK3 in kinetochore assembly and function. The Wnt-signaling pathway and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway are known upstream regulators of GSK3β, negatively regulating GSK3β activity. Our data shows that inhibiting Wnt-signaling and PI3K/Akt-signaling in the presence of taxol, induces a longer mitotic arrest compared to taxol alone. This suggests that GSK3β is regulated upstream by the Wnt- and the PI3K/Akt signaling archs to control mitosis. Finally, our data implicated that de-acetylase sirtuin2 is a downstream target of GSK3 in its mitotic regulatory role. Our observations indicate a novel regulator of the checkpoint and novel insight in connecting growth-signaling pathways with mitosis. Citation Format: Maisha S. Rashid, William R. Taylor. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 b maintains mitotic arrest by regulating mitotic checkpoint complex levels [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4293.
A 20-year comparison of definitive chemoradiation with 5-FU versus capecitabine in anal cancer patients treated at a single institution.

e15573Background: Capecitabine is an established treatment alternative to intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for chemoradiation in rectal cancer. Few studies have compared the two agents in anal can...
A note on the nonexistence of the constant block-sum balanced incomplete block designs

Due to important practical applications and considerations in biomedical clinical trials, fixed block-sum designs are of interest. We show that in general, the constant block-sum balanced incomplet...
First-Principle versus NRW Retrieval of Metamaterial-Insert Constitutive Parameters Using Measured Scattering Matrix

In this paper, we compare the first principle homogenization theory (FPHT) with the Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) approach for determining the complex permittivity and permeability of periodic metamaterials from the measurement of S-parameters. We show that the FPHT overcomes the anti-resonant behavior associated with the wrong sign for the imaginary part and negative slope for the real part versus frequency, for permittivity or permeability in the NRW method. A homogenous slab and a slab embedded with metamaterial inserts formed by U-spiral-pair resonators are then used as examples to prove the accuracy and robustness of the FPHT.
Treament of multi-drug-resistant pancreatic cancer cells using combination of high-intensity focused ultrasound and low-dose gemcitabine.

e15297 Background: In this study, we seek to evaluate a new strategy in which the combination of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and low-dose Gemcitabine (Gem) is utilized to attack MDR pa...
Brouwer’s Theorem

Probably the most famous fixed-point theorem states that a continuous function from a closed n-cell to itself leaves at least one point fixed. The Dutch mathematician L. E. J. Brouwer proved this result in 1912 [5] using degree theory. An equivalent theorem in the case of differentiable functions was proved earlier by Bohl [4], who used Green’s theorem. Our concern is more with the computation of fixed points than their existence; we will follow a later approach based on the purely combinatorial lemma of Sperner [62]. This approach is closest to the algorithms we shall develop, and the machinery will be of value later. However, to avoid some of the cumbersome details, we will give only an intuitive idea of the notions of simplex and triangulation. A rigorous treatment appears in Chapter III.
Childhood gastroparesis is a unique entity in need of further investigation

Background Despite increasing knowledge regarding gastroparesis (GP) in adults, little is known regarding the incidence, prevalence, and natural history of childhood GP. Exacerbating the knowledge gap in pediatric GP is both the lack of normative data for gastric emptying scintigraphy in children and lack of GP-specific pediatric reported outcome measures. Purpose The aim of this article was to review the available literature on pediatric GP and identify similarities and differences with studies in adults. We performed a comprehensive search in MEDLINE and Google Scholar from inception to April 2019 for articles published in English using the following combination of keywords: gastroparesis, pediatric gastroparesis, outcomes, metoclopramide, erythromycin, domperidone, cisapride, and gastric neurostimulator. The limited available pediatric data, often retrospective, suggest marked differences between adult and pediatric GP in several aspects including etiology, concomitant co-morbidities (eg, psychiatric disorders), clinical symptom presentation, diagnostic evaluation, response to therapies, and clinical outcome. Further research in pediatric GP is needed and holds the promise to further elucidate the mechanisms of this disorder in children and lead to pediatric-focused therapies.
Duration of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its effect on survival.

Abstract Objective This study aims to determine the correlation between the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in an in-hospital cardiac arrest cohort. Methods All patients (age ≥ 17 years) who underwent CPR at our institution from 2015 to 2017 were included. The primary endpoint was ROSC or death. A total of 88 patients were included in the study. The Pearson correlation of CPR duration with the establishment of ROSC was calculated using the IBM SPSS, version 25. Results In all, 88 patients who received CPR, 55% (n = 48) experienced ROSC and survived. The remaining 45% (n = 40) of the total and 56% (n = 27) of those with ROSC died during the same hospitalization (Fig. 1). Among the 48 patients with ROSC, the documented duration of their CPR was about 10 min on average in comparison with 27.5 min CPR for patients who did not achieve ROSC (Fig. 2). Among all the patients, there was a negative correlation between the duration of the CPR and the establishment of ROSC. This is shown in Fig. 3. Conclusion Our study shows that CPR duration is inversely associated with the establishment rates of ROSC. Most of the benefits of CPR can be achieved in the first 15 min, and a further increase in the duration of CPR provides a minimal gain. Still, survival was achievable till 38 min in some cases, and the ideal duration of resuscitation should remain a bedside decision taking into consideration the whole clinical picture.
Statistical analysis of mineral evolution and mineral ecology: The current state and a vision for the future

Abstract Mineral evolution, the study of the diversity and temporal distribution of Earth’s crystalline phases, posits that mineral species have diversified over the past 4.5 billion years as a result of varied physical, chemical, and biological processes. The complementary field of mineral ecology is the study of the diversity and spatial distribution of mineral species on Earth and other terrestrial planets. Research in mineral evolution and mineral ecology contributes to questions related to life’s origins and evolution, with the premise that the emergence of life required a sequence of chemical reactions. Is the origin of life deterministic or rather an improbable event? How did Earth form? Are we and Earth unique? And to what extent is the distribution of mineral species in Earth’s near-surface environment a consequence of both deterministic factors (common to any Earth-like planet) and chance events (frozen accidents)? Previous research has showed that the distribution of Earth’s mineral species conforms to a Large Number of Rare Events (LNRE) distribution: most of Earth’s mineral species are rare, known from only a few localities. In this paper, we describe recent computational aspects in mineral evolution and mineral ecology that attempt to shed light on some of the questions provided above. In particular, we focus on the statistical analysis of deep time events (billions of years ago) that relate to the co-evolution of the geosphere and biosphere. A new approach to mineralogy is to represent the distribution of minerals in rocks and ore deposits by mineral network diagrams. New ideas for the statistical analysis of mineral network data, will be given.
Pathomechanisms in schwannoma development and progression.

Schwannomas are tumors of the peripheral nervous system, consisting of different cell types. These include tumorigenic Schwann cells, axons, macrophages, T cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, and an extracellular matrix. All cell types involved constitute an intricate “tumor microenvironment” and play relevant roles in the development and progression of schwannomas. Although Nf2 tumor suppressor gene-deficient Schwann cells are the primary tumorigenic element and principle focus of current research efforts, evidence is accumulating regarding the contributory roles of other cell types in schwannoma pathology. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of intra- and intercellular mechanisms contributing to schwannoma formation. “Genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger.” -George A. Bray
Effect of Convalescent Plasma on Mortality among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: Initial Three-Month Experience

Abstract Importance Passive antibody transfer is a longstanding treatment strategy for infectious diseases that involve the respiratory system. In this context, human convalescent plasma has been used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the efficacy remains uncertain. Objective To explore potential signals of efficacy of COVID-19 convalescent plasma. Design Open-label, Expanded Access Program (EAP) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with human convalescent plasma. Setting Multicenter, including 2,807 acute care facilities in the US and territories. Participants Adult participants enrolled and transfused under the purview of the US Convalescent Plasma EAP program between April 4 and July 4, 2020 who were hospitalized with (or at risk of) severe or life threatening acute COVID-19 respiratory syndrome. Intervention Transfusion of at least one unit of human COVID-19 convalescent plasma using standard transfusion guidelines at any time during hospitalization. Convalescent plasma was donated by recently-recovered COVID-19 survivors, and the antibody levels in the units collected were unknown at the time of transfusion. Main Outcomes and Measures Seven and thirty-day mortality. Results The 35,322 transfused patients had heterogeneous demographic and clinical characteristics. This cohort included a high proportion of critically-ill patients, with 52.3% in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 27.5% receiving mechanical ventilation at the time of plasma transfusion. The seven-day mortality rate was 8.7% [95% CI 8.3%-9.2%] in patients transfused within 3 days of COVID-19 diagnosis but 11.9% [11.4%-12.2%] in patients transfused 4 or more days after diagnosis (p 18.45 S/Co), seven-day mortality was 8.9% (6.8%, 11.7%); for recipients of medium IgG plasma (4.62 to 18.45 S/Co) mortality was 11.6% (10.3%, 13.1%); and for recipients of low IgG plasma ( Conclusions and Relevance The relationships between reduced mortality and both earlier time to transfusion and higher antibody levels provide signatures of efficacy for convalescent plasma in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This information may be informative for the treatment of COVID-19 and design of randomized clinical trials involving convalescent plasma. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04338360 Key Points Question Does transfusion of human convalescent plasma reduce mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients? Findings Transfusion of convalescent plasma with higher antibody levels to hospitalized COVID-19 patients significantly reduced mortality compared to transfusions with low antibody levels. Transfusions within three days of COVID-19 diagnosis yielded greater reductions in mortality. Meaning Embedded in an Expanded Access Program providing access to COVID-19 convalescent plasma and designed to assess its safety, several signals consistent with efficacy of convalescent plasma in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients emerged.
Data Driven Q-Learning for Commercial HVAC Control

Commercial HVAC systems play a key role in the consumption of commercial buildings. Therefore, there is a need for a safe and cost-effective HVAC control algorithm. An algorithm that can learn from the previous experience and reduce the associated energy cost is highly required. In this paper, a data driven-based reinforcement learning for the optimal control of HVAC system of a commercial building is proposed. Random forests technique is utilized to provide a data driven model for the HVAC system. A Q-learning algorithm is used as a type of reinforcement learning to minimize the building energy consumption cost while maintaining the comfort level. The results showed that the proposed algorithm is able to maintain the required building temperature and provide a lower energy cost compared to the base case schedule.
ZEB2 regulates endocrine therapy sensitivity and metastasis in luminal a breast cancer cells through a non-canonical mechanism.

The transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2 mediate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic progression in numerous malignancies including breast cancer. ZEB1 and ZEB2 drive EMT through transcriptional repression of cell–cell junction proteins and members of the tumor suppressive miR200 family. However, in estrogen receptor positive (ER +) breast cancer, the role of ZEB2 as an independent driver of metastasis has not been fully investigated. In the current study, we induced exogenous expression of ZEB2 in ER + MCF-7 and ZR-75–1 breast cancer cell lines and examined EMT gene expression and metastasis using dose–response qRT-PCR, transwell migration assays, proliferation assays with immunofluorescence of Ki-67 staining. We used RNA sequencing to identify pathways and genes affected by ZEB2 overexpression. Finally, we treated ZEB2-overexpressing cells with 17β-estradiol (E2) or ICI 182,780 to evaluate how ZEB2 affects estrogen response. Contrary to expectation, we found that ZEB2 did not increase canonical epithelial nor decrease mesenchymal gene expressions. Furthermore, ZEB2 overexpression did not promote a mesenchymal cell morphology. However, ZEB1 and ZEB2 protein expression induced significant migration of MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells in vitro and MCF-7 xenograft metastasis in vivo. Transcriptomic (RNA sequencing) pathway analysis revealed alterations in estrogen signaling regulators and pathways, suggesting a role for ZEB2 in endocrine sensitivity in luminal A breast cancer. Expression of ZEB2 was negatively correlated with estrogen receptor complex genes in luminal A patient tumors. Furthermore, treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) or the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 had no effect on growth of ZEB2-overexpressing cells. ZEB2 is a multi-functional regulator of drug sensitivity, cell migration, and metastasis in ER + breast cancer and functions through non-canonical mechanisms.
Impact of Z score system on the management of coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease.

Background Coronary artery aneurysms are well-described in Kawasaki disease and the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and are graded using Z scores. Three Z score systems (Boston, Montreal, and DC) are widely used in North America. The recent Pediatric Heart Network Z score system is derived from the largest diverse sample to-date. The impact of Z score system on the rate of coronary dilation and management was assessed in a large real-world dataset. Methods Using a combined dataset of patients with acute Kawasaki disease from the Children's Hospital at Montefiore and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Kawasaki Disease Study, coronary Z scores and the rate of coronary lesions (Z ≥ 2.0) and aneurysms (Z ≥ 2.5) were determined using four Z score systems. Agreement among Z scores and the effect on Kawasaki management were assessed. Results Of 333 patients analysed, 136 were from Montefiore and 197 from the Kawasaki Disease Study. Age, sex, body surface area, and rate of coronary lesions did not differ between the samples. Among the four Z score systems, the rate of acute coronary lesions varied from 24 to 55%. The mean left anterior descending Z scores from Pediatric Heart Network and Boston had a large uniform discrepancy of 1.3. Differences in Z scores among the four systems may change anticoagulation management in up to 22% of a Kawasaki population. Conclusions Choice of Z score system alone may impact Kawasaki disease diagnosis and management. Further research is necessary to determine the ideal coronary Z score system.
Striking by Telegram, Avatar, and Geotag: Changing ICT Landscapes of Virtual Protest in India

Protest is often very much about place, even when it is virtual. This is apparent when examining virtual strikes via India over the past century: a telegraph strike in 1908, a Second Life strike in 2007, and a strike on FireChat, Instagram, and other platforms in 2019–20. This historical view reveals how Indian protestors who challenge the hegemonies of technology—from signalers, to software engineers, to data rights and antiracism activists—have been engaged in virtual strikes for over a century. In common, they have been linking physical, network, and digital landscapes as a key part of their strategy. Through this, they do the critical work of coproducing place in virtual strikes.
Methodological disclosure issues and opinion data

This paper provides a review of the benefits and challenges of full methodological disclosure from various vantage points, and a detailed assessment of efforts to codify disclosure requirements and recommendations from four leading professional organizations in opinion research. By examining major sources of opinion data, focusing on the unique role of data archives and their historical interest in documenting and preserving research data, we propose a proactive extension of the archives’ role to support several on-going efforts to provide clear and consistent disclosure of survey methods.
ABC Transporter Required for Intercellular Transfer of Developmental Signals in a Heterocystous Cyanobacterium

In the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena, patS and hetN encode peptide-derived signals with many of the properties of morphogens. These signals regulate the formation of a periodic pattern of heterocysts by lateral inhibition of differentiation. Here we show that intercellular transfer of the patS- and hetN-dependent developmental signals from heterocysts to vegetative cells requires HetC, a predicted ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC transporter). Relative to the wild type, in a hetC mutant differentiation resulted in a reduced number of heterocysts that were incapable of nitrogen fixation, but deletion of patS or hetN restored heterocyst number and function in a hetC background. These epistasis results suggest that HetC is necessary for conferring self-immunity to the inhibitors on differentiating cells. Nine hours after induction of differentiation, HetC was required for neither induction of transcription of patS nor intercellular transfer of the patS-encoded signal to neighboring cells. Conversely, in strains lacking HetC, the patS- and hetN-encoded signals were not transferred from heterocyst cells to adjacent vegetative cells. The results support a model in which the patS-dependent signal is initially transferred between vegetative cells in a HetC-independent fashion, but some time before morphological differentiation of heterocysts is complete, transfer of both signals transitions to a HetC-dependent process. IMPORTANCE How chemical cues that regulate pattern formation in multicellular organisms move from one cell to another is a central question in developmental biology. In this study, we show that an ABC transporter, HetC, is necessary for transport of two developmental signals between different types of cells in a filamentous cyanobacterium. ABC transporters are found in organisms as diverse as bacteria and humans and, as the name implies, are often involved in the transport of molecules across a cellular membrane. The activity of HetC was shown to be required for signaling between heterocysts, which supply fixed nitrogen to the organism, and other cells, as well as for conferring immunity to self-signaling on developing heterocysts.
Using Many-Sorted Logic in the Object-Oriented Data Model for Fast Robot Task Planning

Search space explosion is a critical problem in robot task planning. This problem limits current robot task planners to solve only simple block world problems and task planning in a real robot working environment to be impractical. This problem is mainly due to the lack of utilization of domain information in task planning. In this paper, we describe a fast task planner for indoor robot applications that effectively uses domain information to speed up the planning process. In this planner, domain information is explicitly represented in an object-oriented data model (OODM) that uses many-sorted logic (MSL) representation. The OODM is convenient for the management of complex data and many-sorted logic is effective for pruning in the rule search process. An inference engine is designed to take advantage of the salient features of these two techniques for fast task planning. A simulation example and complexity analysis are given to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed task planner.
Quantum-conformal Field Theory

A theoretical study is made of conformal factors in certain types of physical theories based on classical differential geometry. Analysis of quantum versions of Weyl’s theory suggest that similar field equations should be available in four, five and more dimensions. Various conformal factors are associated with the wave functions of source and test particles. This allows for certain quantum field equations to be developed. The curvature tensors are calculated and separated into gravitational, electromagnetic and quantum components. Both four and five dimensional covariant theories are studied. Nullity of the invariant five scalar of curvature leads to the Klein-Gordon equation. The mass is associated with an eigenvalue of the differential operator of the fifth dimension. Different concepts of interaction are possible and may apply in a quantum gravitational theory. MS: , PACS 03, 04.50
DRIVER HEAD MOVEMENTS IN LEFT OUTSIDE MIRROR VIEWING

Two field studies were conducted on public roads to measure driver head movements while using the left outside passenger car mirror. The first study measured the effects of mirror width in the presence or absence of overtaking traffic. The second study was conducted in no overtaking traffic with one mirror width and used an improved photographic technique.
Growth hormone response to clonidine in the nervous pointer dog model of anxiety.

Blunted growth hormone responses to clonidine have been reported in most studies of humans with panic disorder but have been an inconsistent finding in the study of other anxiety syndromes. The growth hormone response to oral clonidine (100 μg/kg) was investigated in the adult nervous pointer dog, a genetic animal model of anxiety. Compared with placebo, clonidine produced significant increases in plasma levels of growth hormone; however, there were no differences in the growth hormone (GH) responses to clonidine in the nervous compared with the normal pointer dogs. Findings in this animal model are discussed within the context of noradrenergic-hypothalamic-GH dysfunction reported in some but not all types of anxiety disorders in humans. Anxiety 1:45–49(1994). © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of FDI Flows on Institutional Development: Does It Matter Where the Investors are from?

Global FDI flows to and from developing countries have increased significantly since the 1990s. While developing countries saw this as a positive development, many economists and policy makers in developed countries have raised concerns regarding the institutional effects of developing country investments in other developing countries. In this paper we explore the effects of bilateral FDI flows on institutional development gaps between countries and whether such effects are conditional on the direction of flows including South–South, South–North, North–South, and North–North directions. The empirical results using bilateral flows between 134 countries and a variety of institutional development measures during 1990–2009 suggest that the institutional development effects of FDI flows in any direction including the North–South or South–South directions are not significant. In any case we do not find any significant convergence or divergence effect of FDI flows on the institutional distance between host and home countries. We also fail to find any significant effect of aggregate North–South FDI flows on host country institutions. In contrast, we find that aggregate South–South FDI flows have a significantly negative effect on host country institutions. Furthermore, we find some evidence that South–South FDI flows may be harmful to institutional development in natural resource-rich countries while the opposite is true for North–South flows. Overall, the results suggest that there is no strong evidence of any benevolent or malevolent effects of bilateral FDI flows from developed or developing countries to developing countries.
βB2-crystallin undergoes extensive truncation during aging in human lenses

Based on the present literature, it is unclear whether βB2-crystallin undergoes age-related truncation in human lenses. To answer this question, the purpose of this study was to determine in vivo truncation of βB2-crystallin in human lenses during aging by examining its fragments in the βH-crystallin fraction. The WS-protein fraction was isolated from lenses of desired ages and separated by a size-exclusion Agarose A 1.5 m column to recover α-, βH-, βL-, and γ-crystallin fractions. The βH-crystallin fractions, isolated from lenses of 24- and 70-year-old donors, were utilized for two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis (isoelectric focusing in the first dimension followed by SDS–PAGE in the second dimension). The partial N-terminal sequences of the desired fragments (Molecular weights [Mr]<18–19 kDa) from a 2D-gel of WS-proteins from lenses of a 70-year-old donor were determined. More than 37 crystallin fragments with Mr between 4 and 19 kDa were observed on a 2D-gel. Nine fragments in βH-crystallin fraction were from βB2-crystallin but additional single fragments of αA-, γs-, βA4, and of either γB-, γC- or γD-crystallins were also observed. Seven cleavage sites in the βB2-crystallin were identified, which included two sites at Q7–A8 and A8–G9 bonds in the N-terminal extension, two sites at E46–K47 and G49–S50 bonds in the motif 1, one site at S94 –S95 in the motif 2, and two sites at N115–F116 and Q135–Y136 in motif 3. No fragments with cleavage in the motif 4 and C-terminal extension of βB2-crystallin were seen. Apparently, three βB2-crystallin fragments with only N-terminal cleavage and five with both N- and C-terminal cleavages were observed. Additional fragments with cleavage sites at Q54–Y55 in αA-crystallin, at E112–N113 in βA4-crystallin, at G4–T5 in γs-crystallin, at M69–G70 in either γB-, γC- or γD-crystallins (three have identical sequences at the cleaved bond), and at G1–K2 in γB or γC (both have identical sequences at the cleavage site) were observed. Conclusions. The results showed that βB2-crystallin undergoes age-related truncation producing fragments with Mr between 4 and 19 kDa that existed in the βH-crystallin oligomer. The βH-crystallin fraction also contained single fragments of α-, βA4-, γs-, and other γ-crystallins.
Titanium and copper in Si: Barriers for diffusion and interactions with hydrogen.

We present the results of a theoretical study of the diffusion barriers of titanium and copper in crystalline silicon, and of the interactions between titanium and hydrogen, and between copper and hydrogen. The calculations were performed using various molecular clusters and the Hartree-Fock method. The method of partial retention of diatomic differential overlap (PRDDO) predicts diffusion barriers of 3.29 eV for ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{+}$, 2.25 eV for ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{0}$, and 0.24 eV for ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{+}$. PRDDO also predicts that substitutional ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{0}$ is a deep trap for interstitial H, with a gain in energy of 1.84 eV relative to atomic H far outside the cluster. AB initio Hartree-Fock calculations show that a ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{+}$ ion at a tetrahedral interstitial site also forms a bond with interstitial H, with a dissociation energy of 2.31 eV. On the other hand, interstitial ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{+}$ does not form a bond with H. Several issues relevant to H passivation of interstitial 3d transition-metal impurities in Si are discussed.
Prenatal education outcomes for pregnant adolescents and their infants using trained volunteers

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of lessons taught by trained nonprofessional volunteers in community prenatal clinics. Project participants ( n = 210) and comparison subjects ( n = 189) were pregnant women, aged 18 years or younger. Participants were divided according to those who attended eight or more lessons (high treatment, n = 94) and those who attended fewer lessons ( n = 116). A system of rewards for attendance was used. The number of prenatal visits was significantly different between the three groups ( p p p p p p p
The igneous rocks of the Highwood Mountains of central Montana

The study of the Highwood Mountains was undertaken by a group of men from Harvard University under a grant from the Shaler Memorial Fund of the Department of Geology. The work was under the general direction of Larsen, who, with the assistance of Norman A. Haskell, mapped most of the volcanic rocks. Hurlbut and Griggs worked mostly on the laccoliths, Burgess on the stocks, and Buie on the dikes. The party spent two summers in the field. The laboratory work is far from complete. We cooperated closely in all the work.
In situ experiments on predatory regulation of a bivalve mollusc (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers

1.In situ exclosure experiments in the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers determined the importance of fish predation in regulating zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), an increasingly important constituent of the benthic invertebrate assemblages in both rivers. 2. We evaluated the effects of predatory fish on the density, biomass and size distribution of zebra mussels in a floodplain reach of the upper Mississippi River and in a naturally constrained reach of the Ohio River. Fifty, six-sided, predator-exclusion cages and fifty ‘partial’ cages (mesh at the upstream end only) were deployed, with half the cages containing willow snags and half clay tiles suspended 12–16 cm above the bottom. A single snag or tile sample unit was removed from each cage at approximately monthly intervals from July to October 1994. Types and relative abundances of molluscivorous fish were evaluated by electrofishing near the cages in both rivers. Actual and potential recruitment of young zebra mussels on to the substrata were measured using benthic samples in both rivers and estimated (Ohio River only) from counts of planktonic veligers. 3. Zebra mussels were consumed by at least three fish species in the upper Mississippi River (mostly carp, Cyprinus carpio, and redhorse suckers, Moxostoma sp.) and five species in the Ohio River (primarily smallmouth buffalo, Ictiobus bubalus, and channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus), but potential recruitment seemed adequate to replace consumed mussels, at least in the Ohio River. The number of juvenile benthic mussels showed no apparent link with the density of veligers soon after initiation of reproduction. Recruitment of juveniles on snags and tiles was not affected by cage type (thus eliminating a potentially confounding ‘cage effect’). 4. Fish significantly influenced mussel populations, but the impact was often greatest among low density populations in the upper Mississippi. Density and biomass differed in both rivers for cage type (higher inside cages), substratum (greater on tiles), and date (increased over time). Presumed size-selective predation was present in the Mississippi (greater on larger size classes) but was not evident in the Ohio. We hypothesize that fish in the Mississippi can more easily select larger prey from the low density populations; whereas size-selective predation on tightly packed zebra mussels in the Ohio would be difficult. 5. Although fish can reduce numbers of Dreissena polymorpha in the two rivers, current levels of fish predation seem insufficient to regulate zebra mussel densities because of its great reproductive capacity. The recent invasion of zebra mussels, however, could lead to larger fish populations while promoting greater carbon retention and overall ecosystem secondary production.