cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Medians of Lattice Distributions and a Game with Two Dice

Let D1 and D2 be two dice with k and l integer faces, respectively, where k and l are two positive integers. The game Gn consists of tossing each die n times and summing the resulting faces. The die with the higher total wins the game. We examine the question of which die wins game Gn more often, for large values of n. We also give an example of a set of three dice which is non-transitive in game Gn for infinitely many values of n.
Nucleon effective E-mass in neutron-rich matter from the Migdal–Luttinger jump

Abstract The well-known Migdal–Luttinger theorem states that the jump of the single-nucleon momentum distribution at the Fermi surface is equal to the inverse of the nucleon effective E-mass. Recent experiments studying short-range correlations (SRC) in nuclei using electron–nucleus scatterings at the Jefferson National Laboratory (JLAB) together with model calculations constrained significantly the Migdal–Luttinger jump at saturation density of nuclear matter. We show that the corresponding nucleon effective E-mass is consequently constrained to M 0 ⁎ , E / M ≈ 2.22 ± 0.35 in symmetric nuclear matter (SNM) and the E-mass of neutrons is smaller than that of protons in neutron-rich matter. Moreover, the average depletion of the nucleon Fermi sea increases (decreases) approximately linearly with the isospin asymmetry δ according to κ p / n ≈ 0.21 ± 0.06 ± ( 0.19 ± 0.08 ) δ for protons (neutrons). These results will help improve our knowledge about the space–time non-locality of the single-nucleon potential in neutron-rich nucleonic matter useful in both nuclear physics and astrophysics.
Catalyst Design Based on Morphology- and Environment-Dependent Adsorption on Metal Nanoparticles

Understanding metal–adsorbate interactions is key to controlling and improving the functionality of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in energy and biomedical application areas. However, adsorption is dependent on the morphological characteristics of the NPs, such as their size and shape, and in turn, the NP morphology is dependent on the chemical environment (presence of adsorbates). In this work, we introduce a novel and computationally tractable framework that is able to capture adsorption trends as a function of NP size and shape, including the impact of chemical environment on NP morphology. Our methodology is tested in the area of catalysis and specifically on the CO oxidation behavior on gold (Au), a highly structure-sensitive reaction. Our results reveal a strong correlation between the experimentally observed CO oxidation activity and the average CO adsorption (binding) energy on Au NPs enabling catalytic behavior prediction as a function of NP morphology. We demonstrate that the Au NP size plays a pivot...
Impact of the [GAR+] Prion on Fermentation and Bacterial Community Composition with Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCD932

The efficiency and efficacy of alcoholic fermentation by yeast is crucial for the winemaking process. Sluggish or arrested fermentations can negatively affect winery operations and wine quality. Here, we present a novel mechanism by which problem fermentations can arise. Yeast can induce a prion known as [GAR+] that allows the cell to circumvent glucose repression of alternative carbon substrates. We have confirmed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain UCD932 can spontaneously generate the [GAR+] phenotype and that this phenotype exhibits the genetic traits of a prion. Differences were observed in the fermentative behavior of UCD932 wild-type [gar−] versus [GAR+] yeasts in laboratory-scale model juice fermentations. To further understand these differences, fermentations were performed in Chardonnay juice to study the interaction of the [GAR+] prion and presence of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on fermentation kinetics, bacterial community composition, and volatile compound production. Cells harboring the [GAR+] prion displayed reduced fermentation capacity, which was especially evident in the absence of SO2. Presence of SO2 and fermentation time had the most significant effects on the types of bacteria present in the fermentation. However, [GAR+] yeasts without added SO2 were especially sensitive to bacterial competition. This difference was also reflected in the bacterial and volatile profiles of the finished wine. We hypothesize that the bacterial induction of the [GAR+] prion by yeast during fermentation is another possible mechanism by which stuck or sluggish fermentations may become established.
Rehabilitation of reaching poststroke: a randomized pilot investigation of tactile versus auditory feedback for trunk control.

Background and purpose For individuals poststroke, reaching with the paretic limb is often associated with compensatory trunk movement due to limited active arm movement. We conducted a pilot feasibility study to compare the effects of task-related training on reaching with the paretic limb using each of 2 different techniques for providing feedback about trunk position. We hypothesized that the use of an auditory feedback signal in response to pressure (Sensor group) would be more effective than feedback arising from an external device used to restrain the trunk (Stabilizer group). Methods Sixteen individuals with chronic stroke were enrolled. Participants had scores of 20 to 44 on the Upper-Arm subsection of the Fugl-Meyer Scale and demonstrated some trunk movement during the pretest assessment of the Reaching Performance Scale (RPS). Participants were randomly assigned to either the Sensor or the Stabilizer group. Both groups participated in 12 structured rehabilitation sessions with equal time duration, number of repetitions, and task-related training activities. Feedback was systematically and equally faded for all training. Clinical outcome measures were assessed prior to and following training. Results Both forms of feedback were associated with changes in active shoulder motion, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Fugl-Meyer Scale and RPS (near and far) as determined by a 2 x 2 (Group x Time) analysis of variance. An interaction of RPS-near revealed that the Sensor group improved more than the Stabilizer group for this measure. However, sample size may not have been sufficient to identify differences in other measures. Discussion Although both forms of feedback led to improvements in the majority of outcome measures, the auditory feedback signal was associated with greater improvement in RPS-near scores. Conclusion In the rehabilitation of reaching function in individuals with stroke, the use of an auditory signaling device appears to be a feasible alternative to imposed trunk stabilization. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether one approach is superior to the other.
Effect of amino acid imbalance on course of Lansing poliomyelitis in mice.

Summary1. A decreased susceptibility to Lansing poliomyelitis, characterized by prolonged incubation and survival times, has been observed in mice fed excess methionine. To obtain this effect fully, a continuous period of high methionine intake was necessary prior to inoculation. 2. The addition of excess methionine to low tryptophan rations containing 6-methyl tryptophan resulted in a more marked protection against Lansing infection in mice than when the same amounts of methionine or 6-methyl tryptophan were fed alone.
Substance Use and Depression Symptomatology: Measurement Invariance of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) among Non-Users and Frequent-Users of Alcohol, Nicotine and Cannabis

Depression is a highly heterogeneous condition, and identifying how symptoms present in various groups may greatly increase our understanding of its etiology. Importantly, Major Depressive Disorder is strongly linked with Substance Use Disorders, which may ameliorate or exacerbate specific depression symptoms. It is therefore quite plausible that depression may present with different symptom profiles depending on an individual’s substance use status. Given these observations, it is important to examine the underlying construct of depression in groups of substance users compared to non-users. In this study we use a non-clinical sample to examine the measurement structure of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) in non-users and frequent-users of various substances. Specifically, measurement invariance was examined across those who do vs. do not use alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis. Results indicate strict factorial invariance across non-users and frequent-users of alcohol and cannabis, and metric invariance across non-users and frequent-users of nicotine. This implies that the factor structure of the BDI-II is similar across all substance use groups
Serotonin modulates spike probability in the axon initial segment through HCN channels

The axon initial segment (AIS) serves as the site of action potential initiation in most neurons, but difficulties in isolating the effects of voltage-gated ion channels in the AIS from those of the soma and dendrites have hampered understanding how AIS properties influence neural coding. Here we have combined confocal microscopy, patch-clamp recordings and light-sensitive channel blockers ('photoswitches') in binaural auditory gerbil neurons to show that hyperpolarization and cyclic-nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are expressed in the AIS and decrease spike probability, in a manner distinct from that of HCN channels in the soma and dendrites. Furthermore, the control of spike threshold by HCN channels in the AIS can be altered through serotonergic modulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptors, which hyperpolarizes the activation range of HCN channels. As release of serotonin signals changes in motivation and attention states, axonal HCN channels provide a mechanism to translate these signals into changes in the threshold for sensory stimuli.
Results of detection of avian influenza virus nucleic acid in three places of Shiyan city in 2013

Objective To understand the epidemic featured of avian influenza in three place of Shiyan,cityand provide theevidence for prevention and control the avian influenza. Methods Totally160 samples were collected in three differentrepresentiative poultry places monthly in Shiyan city in 2013,The samples were detected by Real-time PCR methods and theresults of statistically analyzed. Results The detection rates of influenza A viruss(Flu A)、H5 subtype 、H9 subtype、H5-H9 subtype and N1 were 29.38%、21.25%、11.88%、6.88% and 4.38%,The positive rates of samples obtained from urban and rurallive poultry markets and poultry slaughtering and processing factory were 45.00% and)48.33%. The positive rate of H5 subtypewas significant higher than that of H9 subtype in(χ2=24.020,P‐0.05.In the poultry slaughtering and processing factory,theN1 nucleic acid was detected in the seven samples from the urban and rural live poultry markets exhibiting significantdifference between H5 and H9 subtype in(χ2=4.091,P=0.043‐0.05). The detection rate of avian influenza virus nucleic acidin external environment was lower in the first half of the year compared to second half of the year and there were peaks in Apriland November. Conclusion There were several kinds of avian influenza viruses including H5N1 subtype in three place ofShiyan and Comprehensive measures be taken to control the prevalene of avian influenza.
SELF-SYNCHRONIZATION ANALYSES OF THE DRILLING CUTTINGS TREATING MACHINERY DROVE BY TWO VIBRATING MOTORS

The characters of vibration of drilling cuttings treating machinery were studied to realize the dynamic properties of self-synchronization. The mechanical model of the treating machinery was established by the dynamic analysis, and the self-synchronization and stability conditions of this machinery were obtained with Hamilton theorem.
Rho GTPase Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Oncogenic Roles for Rho GTPase-activating Proteins in Basal-like Breast Cancers

The basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) subtype accounts for a disproportionately high percentage of overall breast cancer mortality. The current therapeutic options for BLBC need improvement; hence, elucidating signaling pathways that drive BLBC growth may identify novel targets for the development of effective therapies. Rho GTPases have previously been implicated in promoting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. These proteins are inactivated by Rho-selective GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAP), which have generally been presumed to act as tumor suppressors. Surprisingly, RNA-Seq analysis of the Rho GTPase signaling transcriptome revealed high expression of several RhoGAP genes in BLBC tumors, raising the possibility that these genes may be oncogenic. To evaluate this, we examined the roles of two of these RhoGAPs, ArhGAP11A (also known as MP-GAP) and RacGAP1 (also known as MgcRacGAP), in promoting BLBC. Both proteins were highly expressed in human BLBC cell lines, and knockdown of either gene resulted in significant defects in the proliferation of these cells. Knockdown of ArhGAP11A caused CDKN1B/p27-mediated arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, whereas depletion of RacGAP1 inhibited growth through the combined effects of cytokinesis failure, CDKN1A/p21-mediated RB1 inhibition, and the onset of senescence. Random migration was suppressed or enhanced by the knockdown of ArhGAP11A or RacGAP1, respectively. Cell spreading and levels of GTP-bound RhoA were increased upon depletion of either RhoGAP. We have established that, via the suppression of RhoA, ArhGAP11A and RacGAP1 are both critical drivers of BLBC growth, and propose that RhoGAPs can act as oncogenes in cancer. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3826–37. ©2016 AACR.
Faraday Rotation of Rare Earth Alkali Germanate Glasses

The Faraday effect in rare earth alkali germanate glasses has been studied. The variation of the Verdet constant with the concentration of rare earth ions was found to be linear. The compositions that were selected fall in a range that corresponds to a conversion from diamagnetic to paramagnetic character. This result led to the discovery of zero magnetic rotation glasses.
Transpubic Urethroplasty in Children

In 12 children with membranous urethral strictures transpubic urethroplasty has been performed successfully with minimal morbidity and no mortality. Of the 12 patients 8 are completely continent after transpubic urethroplasty, 2 have partial continence and 2 are incontinent. Wedge resection of the pubic symphysis afforded satisfactory exposure to the prostatic urethra, and none of the 12 patients experienced orthopedic instability, abnormal gaits or pelvic girdle pain. In 3 patients there was loss of erectile function after pelvic injury, which reflects the significant risk of impotence after crush injury to the pelvis with rupture of the posterior urethra.
Bronchoscopic Cryotherapy. Clinical Applications of the Cryoprobe, Cryospray, and Cryoadhesion

Cryotherapy is an evolving therapeutic and diagnostic tool used during bronchoscopy. Through rapid freeze-thaw cycles, cryotherapy causes cell death and tissue necrosis or tissue adherence that can be used via the flexible or rigid bronchoscope. This extreme cold can be used through the working channel of the bronchoscope via a specialized cryoprobe or directly with the use of spray cryotherapy. These properties allow for multiple bronchoscopic techniques, each with its own equipment and procedural, safety, and efficacy considerations. Bronchoscopic cryotherapy can be used in a variety of clinical scenarios, including the treatment of malignant and benign central airway obstruction and low-grade airway malignancy, foreign body removal or cryoextraction, endobronchial biopsy, and transbronchial biopsy. The bulk of the experience with bronchoscopic cryotherapy consists of uncontrolled case series of malignant central airway obstruction. There are also controlled data supporting the use of cryoadhesion for endobronchial biopsies, albeit with an increased risk of controllable bleeding. The use of cryoadhesion for transbronchial biopsies is an active area of investigation with limited controlled data. In addition, there are promising future directions using bronchoscopic cryotherapy, including chemosensitizing malignancy with cryotherapy and capitalizing on the synergy between cryotherapy and radiation.
The fine structure of spatial expressions

Recently,new work has appeared or come to my awareness that has made it neces-sary to rethink large parts of the earlier work. I am referring here especiallyto O’Keefe (1996, 2003), Svenonius (2006), and Zwarts (2003, 2005). Thenovelty of the present paper is that it uses in addition to the meaning of anexpression also the aspect, which is an encoding of the space surrounding us.My main interest is in ﬁnding the exact nature of meanings of the vari-ous parts involved in a locative expressions and how they work together toform the overall meaning. Much of what I am going to say is not all thatnew. However, it seems to me that there has been little interaction between—especially—semantic ﬁeld work and linguistic theory, notably formal seman-tics. For example, there are studies on direction in language (see the collec-tions (van der Zee and Slack, 2003), (Senft, 1997), (Bennardo, 2002), (Levin-son and Wilkins, 2006), and the monograph (Levinson, 2003) among others),yet formal semantics seems to be untouched by it. I am trying to rephrasewhat has been said in other work in terms of conventional (= Montague style)formal semantics in order to bridge this gap. In doing so, I also wish to get atighter grip on the conceptual issues raised by expressions for location.2. The structure of Local PPs. The structure of locative PPs is traditionallythought to be as follows (see Jackendoﬀ (1983)):(1) [P
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality and Charges in Sickle Cell Disease: Results from the California Discharge Databases 1998–2005.

Abstract Most studies of survival in sickle cell disease (SCD) include only patients followed at referral centers. We used the public set of the California Patient Discharge Databases (1998–2005) to compare in-hospital mortality and charges by patient characteristics. We included discharges with any diagnostic code for SCD (282.41–2, 282.60–69). We used the Charlson index (adapted for administrative data) to adjust for comorbid conditions. Hospital charges were adjusted to 1998 levels. Statistical methods included ANOVA, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and multivariate linear and logistic regression. We identified 57,887 admissions for SCD and 376 in-hospital deaths (0.65%) from 1998–2005. The mean age of death was 40 years (95% CI 38–42) for sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and 48.3 years (95% CI 44.1–52.5, p Table 1: . Odds Ratio for In-Hospital Death Based on Multivariate Logistic Regression Variable Odds Ratio (95% CI) P-Value Charlson Index=1 3.3 (2.4–4.6) Charlson Index=2 12.9 (9.3–18) Age (per year) 1.04 (1.03–1.05) Private Insurance vs. MediCal 1.6 (1.2–2.2) Medicare vs. MediCal 0.9 (0.7–1.3) NS Other SCD vs. HbSS 0.7 (0.5–0.9) Transfusion 1.6 (1.2–2.0) NS indicates not significant
My Favorite “Walter Story”

Shortly after the announcement in October, 1998, that Walter Kohn had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, our newly appointed Executive Vice Chancellor arrived on the UCSB campus. The Physics Department invited the EVC to visit the Department and to meet our distinguished faculty members. After introducing the EVC to the Physics faculty, the Department Chair asked that we introduce ourselves individually and one at a time in turn around the room, and that we each say few words about our research interests. As Professors will often do, the comments by many of the faculty were a little drawn out. When it came to Walter’s turn, the great physicist said simply the following (with a characteristic smile on his face): “My name is Walter Kohn and I do Chemistry”.
Characteristics of Short-stay Critical Care Admissions From Emergency Departments in Maryland.

Objectives Critical care is an expensive and limited resource, and short-stay critical care admissions may be treated in alternate, less costly settings. This study objective was to determine the proportion of critical care admissions with a short critical care length of stay (LOS) and identify the clinical characteristics and diagnoses associated with high and low rates of short-stay critical care admissions. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of the 2011 Maryland State Inpatient Database. The study included adult emergency department (ED) visits admitted to a critical care unit. We compared clinical data and discharge diagnoses for short- (≤1 day) versus longer- (≥2 days) stay critical care admissions. Results A total of 30,212 critical care admissions were eligible, of which 11,494 (38.0%) were short stay. There were significant differences in age, insurance, and comorbidities between the short-stay and the longer-stay critical care admissions. Of short-stay critical care admissions, 3,404 (29.6%) also had a 1-day overall hospital LOS. The diagnoses with the highest proportion of short-stay critical care admissions were nonspecific chest pain (87.9%), syncope (70.6%), and transient cerebral ischemia (67.6%) and the lowest proportion were respiratory failure (17.9%), sepsis (19.4%), and aspiration pneumonitis (19.8%). Conclusions Over one-third of critical care admissions were short stay. Alternate strategies to manage these patients, including ED-based critical care units or other venues of inpatient care, may be more cost-efficient for selected patients.
Stress, cortisol, and other appetite-related hormones: Prospective prediction of 6-month changes in food cravings and weight.

Objective To examine whether baseline chronic stress, morning cortisol, and other appetite-related hormones (leptin, ghrelin, and insulin) predict future weight gain and food cravings in a naturalistic, longitudinal, 6-month follow-up study. Methods A prospective community cohort of 339 adults (age 29.1 ± 9.0 years; BMI = 26.7 ± 5.4 kg/m2; 56.9% female; 70.2% white) completed assessments at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Fasting blood draws were used to assess cortisol and other appetite-related hormone levels at baseline. At baseline and follow-up, body weight was measured, and the Cumulative Adversity Interview and Food Craving Inventory were administered. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. Results Over the 6-month period, 49.9% of the sample gained weight. Food cravings and chronic stress decreased over 6 months (Ps < 0.05). However, after adjusting for covariates, individuals with higher baseline total ghrelin had significantly higher food cravings at 6 months (P = 0.04). Furthermore, higher cortisol, insulin, and chronic stress were each predictive of greater future weight gain (Ps < 0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that ghrelin plays a role in increased food cravings and reward-driven eating behaviors. Studies are needed that examine the utility of stress reduction methods for normalizing disrupted cortisol responses and preventing future weight gain.
Deformation of a compliant wall in a turbulent channel flow

Interaction of a compliant wall with a turbulent channel flow is investigated experimentally by simultaneously measuring the time-resolved, three-dimensional (3D) flow field and the two-dimensional (2D) surface deformation. The optical set-up integrates tomographic particle image velocimetry to measure the flow with Mach–Zehnder interferometry to map the deformation. The Reynolds number is , and the Young’s modulus of the wall is 0.93 MPa, resulting in a ratio of shear speed to the centreline velocity ( ) of 6.8. The wavenumber–frequency spectra of deformation show the surface motions consist of a non-advected low-frequency component and advected modes, some travelling downstream at approximately and others at . The r.m.s. values of the advected and non-advected modes are and ( ), respectively, much smaller than the wall unit ( ), hence they do not affect the flow. Trends in the wall dynamics are elucidated by correlating the deformation with flow variables, including the 3D pressure distribution calculated by spatially integrating the material acceleration. Predictions by the Chase [J. Acoust. Soc. Am., vol. 89 (6), pp. 2589–2596] linear model are also calculated and compared to the measured trends. The spatial deformation–pressure correlations peak at ( is half channel height), the elevation of Reynolds shear stress maximum in the log-layer. Streamwise lagging of the deformation behind the pressure is caused in part by phase lag of the pressure with decreasing distance from the wall, and in part by material damping. Positive deformations (bumps) caused by negative pressure fluctuations are preferentially associated with ejections involving spanwise vortices located downstream and quasi-streamwise vortices with spanwise offset. Results of conditional correlations are consistent with the presence of hairpin-like structures. The negative deformations (dimples) are preferentially associated with positive pressure fluctuations at the transition between an upstream sweep to a downstream ejection.
Carbon–Nitrogen and Nitrogen–Nitrogen Bond Formation from Nucleophilic Attack at Coordinated Nitrosyls in Fe and Ru Heme Models

The conversion of inorganic NOx species to organo-N compounds is an important component of the global N-cycle. Reaction of a C-based nucleophile, namely the phenyl anion, with the ferric heme nitrosyl [(OEP)Fe(NO)(5-MeIm)]+ generates a mixture of the C-nitroso derivative (OEP)Fe(PhNO)(5-MeIm) and (OEP)Fe(Ph). The related reaction with [(OEP)Ru(NO)(5-MeIm)]+ generates the (OEP)Ru(PhNO)(5-MeIm) product. Reactions with the N-based nucleophile diethylamide results in the formation of free diethylnitrosamine, whereas the reaction with azide results in N2O formation; these products derive from attack of the nucleophiles on the bound NO groups. These results provide the first demonstrations of C–N and N–N bond formation from attack of C-based and N-based nucleophiles on synthetic ferric-NO hemes.
The State of Leadership and Diaspora Engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Global South countries that engage their diasporas in capacity building by providing the necessary infrastructure for their expatriates to invest in their homelands, have made strides toward social development. This chapter aims at investigating the state of leadership and diaspora engagement in the DRC. A few sources including the US Institute for Peace (USIP) report on isolated Congolese workshops, discussing perspectives and recommendations to improve economic and political policies in the DRC. However, dysfunctional leadership and lack of collaboration have hampered efforts to foster investment in the welfare of the homeland. Using a leadership ethics framework dubbed “African Baobab Tree,” this contribution proposes concrete steps for the implementation of a two-way communication between the DRC leadership and its diaspora.
Recent advances in spatiotemporally-modulated (STM) magnetless circulators

We present our recent advances on the design of spatiotemporally modulated (STM) magnetless circulators based on angular-momentum biasing. We show the two main topologies that can be used to design such devices, in particular wye with series LC resonators and delta with parallel LC resonators, and discuss their respective advantages. We show how we can reduce insertion loss by cancelling the additional harmonics resulting from modulation through the use of a differential topology. We also show how we can extend the bandwidth by adding passive matching circuits at the ports of the circulator. Finally, we discuss the implementation of such devices in an integrated circuit.
Portland's independent music scene: The formation of community identities and alternative urban cultural landscapes

Portland has a rich, active, and fluid music culture which is constantly being (re)created and (re)defined by a loose network of local musicians who write, record, produce, promote, distribute, and perform their music locally (and sometimes regionally, nationally, and internationally) and local residents, or audiences, who engage in local musical practices. Independent (“indie”) local music making in Portland, which is embedded in DIY (do it yourself) values, creates alternative cultural places and landscapes in the city and is one medium through which some people represent themselves in the community. These residents not only perform, consume, promote, and distribute local music, they also (re)create places to host musical expressions. They have built alternative and democratic cultural landscapes, or culturescapes, in the city. Involved Portlanders strive to make live music performances accessible and affordable to all people, demonstrating through musical practices that the city is a shared space and represents a diversity of people, thoughts, values, and cultural preferences. Using theoretical tools from critical research about the economic, spatial, and social role of cultures in cities, particularly music, and ethnographic research of the Portland music scene, including participant observations and in-depth interviews with Portland musicians and other involved residents, this research takes a critical approach to examining ways in which manifestations of independent music are democratic cultural experiences that influence the city’s cultural identity and are a medium through which a loosely defined group of Portlanders represent their cultural values i 1 and right to the city. In particular, it focuses on how local musical practices, especially live performances, (re)create alternative spaces within the city for musical expressions and influence the city’s cultural landscapes, as well as differences between DIY independent music in Portland and its commodified forms and musicians and products produced by global music industry.
Mutual diffusion coefficients of aqueous MnCl2 and CdCl2, and osmotic coefficients of aqueous CdCl2 at 25°C

Volume-fixed mutual diffusion coefficients have been measured for aqueous MnCl2 and CdCl2 solutions from 0.004 to 4.93–5.00 mol-dm−3 (M) at 25°C. Diffusion coefficients for MnCl2 decrease to a minimum, rise to a maximum, and then decrease rapidly; such behavior is typical for strong electrolytes. In contrast CdCl2 diffusion coefficients decrease continuously with concentration; similar behavior is known for certain other associated electrolytes. Since thermodynamic diffusion coefficients for both salts are qualitatively similar, diffusion differences may be primarily due to thermodynamic rather than mobility factors. Isopiestic data were measured for CdCl2 from 1.79 to 7.29 mol- (kg H2O)−1, and critically compared to other isopiestic and emf data for CdCl2. Higher quality emf data are completely consistent with isopiestic data. Recommended smoothed values of activity coefficients, osmotic coefficients, water activities, and activity derivatives are given for CdCl2 at 25°C.
Diagnosis and treatment considerations of parapharyngeal space masses – A review with case report

Abstract Background The parapharyngeal space is a complex anatomic area with a wide array of potential pathologies. We present a case report detailing a transoral excision of a parapharyngeal space mass that was found to be a squamous lined cyst and review the anatomic considerations, differential diagnosis, and management of parapharyngeal masses. Case description A 59-year-old female presented with a sore throat and intermittent left otalgia. Flexible endoscopy was notable for external compression and mass effect of the pharynx and imaging revealed a predominantly cystic mass centered in the left parapharyngeal space displacing the internal carotid artery. Given the appearance and location, the patient underwent transoral excision of a six-centimeter mass that was thought most likely a pleomorphic adenoma or cystic mass. Final pathology revealed a squamous lined cyst with chronic inflammation. Conclusions The differential for parapharyngeal space masses is extensive and can be roughly grouped into salivary gland, neurogenic, connective tissue, cystic, lymphoid, and metastatic lesions. This broad differential can be narrowed down with radiologic imaging and anatomic understanding. Management is patient-centered and based on tumor size, suspected diagnosis, involved structures, the potential for malignancy, patient comorbidities, and presenting symptoms.
Analysis of the Zero-Voltage Switching Condition in LLC Series Resonant Converter with Secondary Parasitic Capacitors

The LLC series resonant converter is widely used in many applications due to its high power density and efficiency. However, under applications with relatively small magnetizing current and resonant inductance such as DC transformer (DCX) for telecom power systems and PV optimizers, the resonance between the leakage inductance and the secondary parasitic capacitance during dead-time is unneglectable. It will affect the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) transition and the resonant current during the power delivery period. Therefore, in this paper, two different scenarios of the ZVS condition for an LLC series resonant converter with secondary parasitic capacitance considered will be presented. Moreover, the impact of the resonant to steady state operation under different ZVS timing will be discussed. Experimental results of a 140kHz prototype are provided for verification.
Nanomedicine-driven neuropathic pain relief in a rat model is associated with macrophage polarity and mast cell activation

We explored the immune neuropathology underlying multi-day relief from neuropathic pain in a rat model initiated at the sciatic nerve, by using a nanoemulsion-based nanomedicine as a biological probe. The nanomedicine is theranostic: both therapeutic (containing celecoxib drug) and diagnostic (containing near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye) and is small enough to be phagocytosed by circulating monocytes. We show that pain-like behavior reaches a plateau of maximum hypersensitivity 8 days post-surgery, and is the rationale for intravenous delivery at this time-point. Pain relief is evident within 24 h, lasting approximately 6 days. The ipsilateral sciatic nerve and associated L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissue of both nanomedicine and control (nanoemulsion without drug) treated animals was investigated by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy at the peak of pain relief (day-12 post-surgery), and when pain-like hypersensitivity returns (day-18 post-surgery). At day-12, a significant reduction of infiltrating macrophages, mast cells and mast cell degranulation was observed at the sciatic nerve following treatment. In the DRG, there was no effect of treatment at both day-12 and day-18. Conversely, at the DRG, there is a significant increase in macrophage infiltration and mast cell degranulation at day-18. The treatment effect on immune pathology in the sciatic nerve was investigated further by assessing the expression of macrophage cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)—the drug target—and extracellular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as the proportion of M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophages. At day-12, there is a significant reduction of COX-2 positive macrophages, extracellular PGE2, and a striking reversal of macrophage polarity. At day-18, these measures revert to levels observed in control-treated animals. Here we present a new paradigm of immune neuropathology research, by employing a nanomedicine to target a mechanism of neuropathic pain—resulting in long-lasting pain relief--whilst revealing novel immune pathology at the injured nerve and associated DRG.
Global Neonatal Mortality – Can We Do More?

Background: An estimated 2.9 million newborns are expected to die worldwide within the first 4 weeks of life. In 2000, more than 190 nations committed to reach eight interlinking goals that address hunger, poverty, education, and health by 2015 known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). MDG 4 called for a two-thirds reduction in childhood mortality. During the 25 year time period, the under-five mortality rate dropped 53%. Neonatal mortality, however, has not kept pace. In 2013, approximately 44% of under-five deaths occurred during the neonatal period, up from 37% in 1990. Estimates suggest that up to 75% of these deaths could be prevented through …
The Battle for Homes: How Does Home Sharing Disrupt Local Residential Markets?

As cities debate how to regulate Airbnb and other home-sharing services, we study the impacts of home sharing on local residential real estate markets. By accommodating transient travelers with short-term rental properties, home-sharing platforms have evolved as a major alternative channel that attracts the growing supply of residential properties. However, on the demand side of local residential markets, home-sharing platforms are not a viable option for residents. To demonstrate this dynamic between home sharing and local residential markets, we leverage a unique quasi-experiment on Airbnb—a platform policy that caps the number of properties a host can manage in a city—and find that the policy reduced rents (in the long-term rental markets) and home values (in the for-sale housing markets) by about 3% and did not affect the price-to-rent ratio. Consistent with the conjecture, we continue to find that the policy impacts can be attributed to increased supply in local residential markets due to the policy. Quantitatively, our estimates suggest that if the population density of affected Airbnb properties is 1% higher in a market, the policy may further decrease rents and home values by about 0.03% - 0.06%, which is similar across each policy-affected city. Our empirical findings provide the first reliable evidence of the mechanism behind the disruption of home sharing. Practically speaking, our research is a timely response to the debate on regulating home sharing and has implications for various stakeholders of the residential real estate markets.
10‐Acetyl‐2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H,5H,11H‐1‐benzopyrano[6,7,8‐ij]quinolizin‐11‐one

The title compound, C17H17NO3, crystallizes with four independent mol­ecules (A, B, C and D) in the asymmetric unit. The independent mol­ecules exist as pseudo-inversion-related pairs (A/B and C/D). The A/B set form sheets parallel to the bc plane, and the C/D set stack alternately in sheets, oblique to the ac plane along the b axis. The crystal packing is stabilized by an extensive array of C—H⋯O inter­molecular hydrogen-bonding inter­actions, linking the inversion-related pairs in inversion-related stacks, as well as by π–π stacking inter­actions between the pyrano rings [A/B and C/D; 3.4738 (15) and 3.6424 (16) A] and benzo rings [A/A, B/B, C/C and D/D; 3.6142 (15), 3.6152 (16), 3.6442 (16) and 3.6682 (16) A] and between the pyrano and benzo rings [D/D; 3.9704 (16) A] of the independent mol­ecules. The two six-membered rings within the quinolizine group of the A/B and C/D mol­ecules adopt envelope and half-chair conformations, respectively.
A case of dual-mechanism immune-related anaemia in a patient with metastatic melanoma treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab.

Background The combination of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) ipilimumab and nivolumab is a mainstay of treatment for selected patients with metastatic melanoma. This combination also results in more frequent immune-related adverse events (irAEs) than either ICI alone. These irAEs can be severe and their pathogenesis is poorly understood. Case presentation We report a case of a woman with metastatic melanoma, treated with combined ipilimumab and nivolumab, who developed severe anaemia. While initial workup revealed autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, the anaemia persisted despite corticosteroids and paradoxical reticulocytopenia was observed. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated a CD8+ T cell-mediated destruction of the red cell precursors implying concurrent pure red cell aplasia. Both processes resolved after the addition of cyclosporine A. Conclusions This report describes a rare case of two concurrent mechanisms of haematological irAE in a patient treated with combined ICI therapy. Successful treatment resulted only after the second underlying mechanism of toxicity was uncovered. Prompt recognition of these unusual presentations of rare irAEs is now key to effective irAE management.
Factors associated with mobility apprehension in persons with lower limb amputation

Background:Factors that are related to mobility apprehension were measured in a sample of persons with lower-limb amputation.Objectives:The purpose was to determine whether intensity, interference,...
13.25 – Aldehydes and Cardiovascular Disease☆

Aldehydes are compounds with a terminal carbonyl (HC=O) moiety, and are either unsaturated, that is, containing one or more carbon–carbon double bonds, or saturated. This structural difference has great significance for chemical reactivity as unsaturated aldehydes are two to three orders of magnitude more reactive than saturated aldehydes of similar carbon length. Nonetheless, aldehydes, in general, are ubiquitous components of the environment and their increased abundance is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in humans. However, aldehyde abundance in the environment does not always spell doom because many familiar foods contain a variety of non-toxic aldehydes that in addition to providing flavor to foods (e.g., anisealdehyde, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, citral aldehyde) and beverages (e.g., anisealdehyde) are almost certain to stimulate beneficial actions systemically in humans, such as the anti-inflammatory activity of cinnamaldehyde. Yet these naturally derived aldehydes are to some extent in ‘competition’ with aldehydes generated in foods during the cooking/heating process, and some of which, in addition to their odor/flavor enhancing qualities (e.g., acrolein, formaldehyde), could very well be detrimental to the health of the consumer. Similarly, respirable air is teeming with aldehydes generated during organic combustion – for example, airplane exhaust, automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, forest fire smoke, power plant emissions, and so on – resulting in quantitative enhancement of saturated and unsaturated aldehyde levels in the air, including acrolein, a-ethylacrolein, formaldehyde, crotonaldehyde and many others. Some of these aldehydes are difficult to measure accurately and can change in chemical structure over time due to chemical interactions in the air (e.g., ozone) and through complex photo-dependent processes, and thus, result in new potentially dangerous compounds as well.
Sleep disturbance predicts future health status after stroke.

Study Objectives:We evaluated factors associated with the presence of sleep disturbance in patients with stroke and whether sleep disturbance predicted change in other patient-reported domains of h...
Multisystem proteinopathy: Where myopathy and motor neuron disease converge

Multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is a pleiotropic group of inherited disorders that cause neurodegeneration, myopathy, and bone disease, and share common pathophysiology. Originally referred to as inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD), attributed to mutations in the gene encoding valosin-containing protein (VCP), it has more recently been discovered that there are several other genes responsible for similar clinical and pathological phenotypes with muscle, brain, nerve, and bone involvement, in various combinations. These include heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 and A1 (hnRNPA2B1, hnRNPA1), sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), matrin 3 (MATR3), T-cell restricted intracellular antigen 1 (TIA1), and optineurin (OPTN), all of which share disruption of RNA stress granule function and autophagic degradation. This review will discuss each of the genes implicated in MSP, exploring the molecular pathogenesis, clinical features, current standards of care, and future directions for this diverse yet mechanistically linked spectrum of disorders.
Stout: an adaptive interface to scalable cloud storage

Many of today's applications are delivered as scalable, multi-tier services deployed in large data centers. These services frequently leverage shared, scale-out, key-value storage layers that can deliver low latency under light workloads, but may exhibit significant queuing delay and even dropped requests under high load. Stout is a system that helps these applications adapt to variation in storage-layer performance by treating scalable key-value storage as a shared resource requiring congestion control. Under light workloads, applications using Stout send requests to the store immediately, minimizing delay. Under heavy workloads, Stout automatically batches the application's requests together before sending them to the store, resulting in higher throughput and preventing queuing delay. We show experimentally that Stout's adaptation algorithm converges to an appropriate batch size for workloads that require the batch size to vary by over two orders of magnitude. Compared to a non-adaptive strategy optimized for throughput, Stout delivers over 34× lower latency under light workloads; compared to a non-adaptive strategy optimized for latency, Stout can scale to over 3× as many requests.
Differences in spike train variability in rat vasopressin and oxytocin neurons and their relationship to synaptic activity

The firing pattern of magnocellular neurosecretory neurons is intimately related to hormone release, but the relative contribution of synaptic versus intrinsic factors to the temporal dispersion of spikes is unknown. In the present study, we examined the firing patterns of vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) supraoptic neurons in coronal slices from virgin female rats, with and without blockade of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic currents. Inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were twice as prevalent as their excitatory counterparts (EPSCs), and both were more prevalent in OT compared with VP neurons. Oxytocin neurons fired more slowly and irregularly than VP neurons near threshold. Blockade of Cl− currents (including tonic and synaptic currents) with picrotoxin reduced interspike interval (ISI) variability of continuously firing OT and VP neurons without altering input resistance or firing rate. Blockade of EPSCs did not affect firing pattern. Phasic bursting neurons (putative VP neurons) were inconsistently affected by broad synaptic blockade, suggesting that intrinsic factors may dominate the ISI distribution during this mode in the slice. Specific blockade of synaptic IPSCs with gabazine also reduced ISI variability, but only in OT neurons. In all cases, the effect of inhibitory blockade on firing pattern was independent of any consistent change in input resistance or firing rate. Since the great majority of IPSCs are randomly distributed, miniature events (mIPSCs) in the coronal slice, these findings imply that even mIPSCs can impart irregularity to the firing pattern of OT neurons in particular, and could be important in regulating spike patterning in vivo. For example, the increased firing variability that precedes bursting in OT neurons during lactation could be related to significant changes in synaptic activity.