cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When Foreign is Criminal

United States law criminalizes providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations, assaulting foreign officials, accepting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, bribing foreign officials, and transmitting trade secrets to foreign governments, foreign instrumentalities, or foreign agents. These are but a few examples of how foreignness has permeated into a variety of criminal offenses in force today.There is extensive literature on the trend towards expanding the geographic reach of U.S. criminal laws to include extraterritorial conduct. What criminal law literature has failed to discuss in detail is the decision to single out foreignness as a focus of the criminal law somehow separate and distinct from concerns confined to the American homeland. This Article examines how foreignness is reflected in contemporary U.S. criminal law and encourages caution when including a foreign nexus as a substantive element of crimes. It questions when a foreign link increases the threat of harm or the actor’s blameworthiness such that it makes sense to include foreignness within the definition of an offense. Even if building a foreign/domestic distinction into a criminal statute is justifiable as central to the very nature of the offense, this Article exposes the challenges of even discerning what is “foreign.”In closing, this Article takes a step back and asks whether creating a polarity between what is domestically American and the rest of the world is a valuable distinction in the criminal law or, in contrast, undermines other values. What do we gain by blatantly specifying “foreign” as an element in defining criminal offenses? And, when we do single out the otherness of “foreign” in criminal statutes, what do we lose?
Fostering Culture Change In An Undergraduate Business Program: Nudging Students Towards Greater Involvement In Extra-Curricular Activities

A report on a successfully implemented program to increase student participation in extra-curricular activities in an undergraduate business program with a high percentage of first-generation college students. A market-research study offered insight as to why students were not participating before the program was launched. Greater participation in extra-curricular activities was used as a means to provide valuable career preparation and to develop professional habits. Participation was encouraged with very small rewards tied to existing courses, consistent with the nudging mechanism of behavioral economics.
An Artificial Diet for the Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Based on the Analysis of Amino Acids in Cotton Squares

Diets suitable for larvae and adults of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, were formulated from cotton flower bud protein and free amino acids in combination with other standard nutrients. Analyses of anthers of young flower buds determined the quantities of protein and free amino acids to be included. Preliminary results indicated that the diet could be used to study the lipid requirements of the weevil. Naturally occurring lipids were effectively removed from the finely divided flower bud protein by Soxhlet extraction for 12 days. Pure fats and sterols were then added back to the diet to replace those removed. A uniform dispersal of lipids in the diet was accomplished by adding an ethyl ether solution of lipids to the dried protein. The ether was allowed to evaporate, and the lipid-coated protein was then mixed with the other diet ingredients. Larvae reared from this diet were larger than those reared from other less refined diets. Adults laid almost as many eggs in artificial diet as they did in fresh cotton flower buds.
Voltage-independent changes in L-type Ca2+ current uncoupled from SR Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes

To determine the effect of voltage-independent alterations of L-type Ca2+ current (I Ca) on the sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes, we measured I Ca and cytosolic Ca2+ tra...
Network interneurons underlying ciliary locomotion in Hermissenda

In the nudibranch mollusk Hermissenda, ciliary locomotion contributes to the generation of two tactic behaviors. Light elicits a positive phototaxis, and graviceptive stimulation evokes a negative ...
The Anatomy and Taxonomy of the Beet Leaf Miner of Egypt and Cyprus, Pegomya mixta (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

Pegomya mixta Villeneuve, 1922, is shown to be the proper name of the beet leaf miner of Egypt and Cyprus. The species, long thought to be identical with closely related species found north of the Mediterranean, P. hyoscyami (Panzer) and P. betae (Curtis), is redescribed in adult, 3rd larval, and puparial stages, and the characters compared with available data concerning those related species. The need for more detailed information about the morphology of both adult and immature stages of the species of this complex is pointed out.
Application Research of Tracking and Differing Algorithm to Half-strapdown Stability Platform

The importance of quick and correct acquisition of seeker's angular velocity was analyzed with the background of half-strapdown platform stability technology.The theory of tracking differentiator algorithm was introduced.By mathematic stimulation and comparing with the signal generated by gyroscope,it is proved that tracking differentiator is feasible and capable of differing,and of high anti-jamming performance.
Exemplary Studies for Site Impact Traffic Evaluation

From different angles, this paper presents three analytical examples of traffic impact evaluations for site development projects. Example A, a traffic impact study of a residential plus retail development, demonstrates in a systematic manner the basic steps for conducting site traffic impact studies, including setting up scenarios, analyzing existing traffic conditions, predicting site-generated trips and their impacts, and developing mitigation measures as well as allocating responsibilities. Example B, a supermarket development project proposed within a metropolitan shopping plaza, focuses on introducing the procedures of applying a traffic-count based correlation-coefficient method to site-generated trip distributions. And, Example C is a brief illustration of using transportation planning models to evaluate traffic impacts of a large-sized regional commercial zone that will be developed in the future. The paper concludes with remarks in regards of several technical issues that are fundamental to traffic impact studies.
Preparation and clinical observation of hepatis No.1 mixture for children

Objective: To develope the preparation procedure of hepatitis No.1 mixture for children, and observe its clinical effect in jaundice hepatitis. Methods: the preparation procedure and quality control standard of hepatitis No.1 mixture for children was established, and its clinical effect in treating 121 children patients with jaundice observed. Results: The preparation method was stable, and quality control was reliable; and the overall effective rate was 96.7%. Conclusion: This prescription is reasonable, and the product has good clinical effect without obvious adverse reactions.
Office rent premiums with respect to light rail transit stations: Case study of Dallas, Texas, with implications for planning of transit-oriented development

It seems an article of faith that because ridership catchment receives the largest share of riders within the first 0.5 mi (0.80 km), the design of transit-oriented development should be limited to 0.5 mi (0.80 km). But design of transit-oriented development requires another consideration: how the commercial real estate market responds. Unfortunately, much of the research into the commercial real estate value or rent premiums associated with transit station proximity is designed to reinforce the 0.5-mi (0.80 km) presumption. This paper reviews the literature and implications of ridership studies and research into commercial value and rent premiums with respect to distance from a transit station. The paper then reports research into transit station–related office rent premiums in the Dallas, Texas, metropolitan area. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the largest of its type undertaken on this question. Among the findings are that the premium extends 1.85 mi (2.98 km) from transit stations, with 25% ...
The Myth of Clergy Burnout

Research studies by Selye, Sarason and Machlowitz indicate that the "burnout syndrome" is neither as novel nor as prevalent as popular journalistic writers suggest. This mailed questionnaire survey was made at the request of the American Bishops who are concerned about the health and welfare of the overburdened clergy. The data from the national sample of 4,660 Catholic priests (both diocesan and religious) reveal that a minority of 6.2% may be termed 'candidates" for burnout. They fit this category because they report being regularly overworked and also experiencing a great deal of emotional stress. The men most likely to fit this definition are diocesan parish priests in their mid-fifties who exhibit a high incidence of tension, worry and anxiety, have more physical ailments than other priests, are overweight and do not get enough physical exercise or restful sleep. The comparative statistics of this study clearly demonstrate, however, that the great majority of American Catholic priests are in good health of mind and body. Dr. Hans Selye (1978:60-69), the father of stress research, once wrote "We hear a great deal these days about the dangers of overwork and excessive striving, and of being the so-called Type A personality. But I think in many ways this is exaggerated and arouses unnecessary anxiety." Even though much of the propaganda about clergy burnout can be dismissed for lack of evidence or for conceptual confusion, we should deal seriously with it for two reasons. The first is that Bishops and religious superiors are disturbed by this phenomenon and think it is a cause for alarm. We owe them some reassurance. The second reason is the need to deflate the pop-psychologists and human relations experts who spread worrisome rumors. Every fad has to run its course, but we may be able to dampen some of this overheated enthusiasm.
The online target advertising design model: a conceptual model to provide theoretical guidelines, insights, and understanding in online target marketplaces and the development of websites and apps

This study presents generations of digital marketing business strategy, guidelines and insights to online social media companies for how to design online target advertisements in digital market places, application development, and methods for improving click-through rates. Prior research has focused mainly on the input and process components of designing online target advertisements. Hence, there has been limited research that addresses the influence of visual display principles VDP on the output component of online target advertisement design. Motivated by this limited research, we have developed the online target advertising design OTAD model that incorporates the VDP; the theoretical background for the VDP is the visual perception theory. The OTAD model provides guidelines, insights, and IT strategies for how to effectively design online banner ads, apps, and websites for digital target advertising. Also, the OTAD model encourages designers to pay equal attention to all the components that are involved in target advertising/marketing.
Biopsychosocial Determinants of the Health of Boys and Men Across the Lifespan

Over the past two decades, there has been a substantial increase in attention toward boy's and men's health globally.1–3 Thus heightened awareness, in part, is attributed to the emergence of report...
Validation of semantic illusions independent of anomaly detection: evidence from eye movements.

ABSTRACTSeveral theorists have argued that readers fail to detect semantic anomalies during reading, and that these effects are indicative of “shallow processing” behaviours. Previous studies of semantic anomalies such as the Moses illusion have focused primarily on explicit detection tasks. In the present study, we examined participants’ eye movements as they read true/false statements that were non-anomalous, or contained a semantic anomaly that was either high- or low-related to the correct information. Analyses of reading behaviours revealed that only low-related detected anomalies resulted in initial processing difficulty, but both detected and undetected anomalies, regardless of whether they were high- or low-related, resulted in delayed processing difficulty. The results extend previous findings on semantic anomalies and are discussed in terms of the RI-Val model of text processing.
Organizational Identity and Resistance to Environmental Pressures

A key problem faced by organizational decision makers is uncertainty regarding the relative value of alternative courses of organizational action. Two largely isolated streams of research in organi...
Abstract 21127: Evaluation of Pulmonary Regurgitation and Aspiration During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (cpr): A Crossover Pilot Human Cadaver Study-Preliminary Data

Introduction: Chest compression and ventilation during CPR may increase risk of regurgitation and aspiration. Pulmonary aspiration is a clinically relevant endpoint as it is associated with signifi...
Retropharyngeal tendinitis: Hydroxyapatite deposition driven headache and nuchal rigidity resolves with prednisone

We present a case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with sudden onset severe headache, neck pain, and nuchal rigidity associated with dysphagia. The initial differential in this patient included meningitis or retropharyngeal abscess, and an extracranial neck CT showed an ill-defined hypo-attenuated lesion within the retropharyngeal space. However, the neck pain and dysphagia were unresponsive to empirical antibiotic treatment and pain management. Further CT with contrast identified acute calcific tendonitis of the longus colli tendon, also known as retropharyngeal tendonitis (RCT). Although RCT is already known as a rare, self-limiting inflammatory condition, we present a new case of RCT, with the uncommon features of headache and nuchal rigidity in an aseptic patient, while providing a diagnostic flow chart to guide the clinical work-up of similar presentations to also include RCT.
Hamiltonian Round-Off

In this final chapter, we shift our attention to a variation on the theme of a resonantly kicked one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, namely a model of an invertible, area-preserving round-off map (Vivaldi, 1994; Lowenstein et al., 1997; Lowenstein and Vivaldi, 1998, 2000; Lowenstein and Liu, 2003; Akiyama et al., 2008). Here the oscillator is represented stroboscopically by application of the generalized rotation $$ \psi \left( x \right) = C \cdot x, $$ where $$ C = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} \lambda & { - 1} \\ 1 & 0 \\ \end{array} } \right), $$ and λ = 2cos(2πρ) is a quadratic irrational and the rotation number ρ is assumed to be rational.
Enzymatic Hydration of (4R)-(+)-Limonene to (4R)-(+)-α-Terpineol

SUMMARY The enzyme-catalyzed hydration of the citrus by-product, limonene, to the important flavor and aroma chemical, α-terpineol, was investigated. Particulate-associated α-terpineol dehydratase was recovered from Pseudomonas gladioli , solubilized, and partially purified using detergent extraction and gel filtration. Activity of α-terpineol dehydratase was low in non-aqueous solvents. α-Terpineol dehydratase was characterized in buffers containing 0.1% (w/v) Triton X-100. In 10 mM MES, 10 mM BIS-TRIS PROPANE buffer, the pH optimum was 5.5 and the stability optimum was pH 8.0. The temperature optimum at pH 7.0 was 25° in 10 mM HEPES buffer. Using temperature-activity data for 10-25°, E a and Q 10 of α-terpineol dehydratase were determined to be 21.6 ± 2.9 kJ. mol -1 and 1.37 ± 0.07, respectively. Activity was inhibited by Triton X-100. The effects were an increase in apparent K m and decrease in apparent V max . Average apparent K m of α-terpineol dehydratase was 2.18 ± 0.19 mM in 10 mM HEPES buffer, pH 7.0 containing 0.1% (w/v) Triton X-100. α-Terpineol dehydratase stereospecifically catalyzed the hydration of (4R)-(+)-limonene to (4R)-(+)-α-terpineol or (4S)-(-)-limonene to (4S)-(-)-α-terpineol. The enzyme was also stereoselective, since the rate of hydration of (4R)-(+)-limonene was approximately ten times faster than the rate of hydration of (4S)-(-)-limonene.
The Use of Reaggregating Cell Cultures And Immortalized Central Nervous System Cells to Study Cholinergic Trophic Mechanisms

A salient feature of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases is the selective vulnerability of particular neural pathways. Since the development and maintenance of neural connections is supported by neural trophic factors, trophic dysfunction represents one possible pathogenetic mechanism for such neurological and age-associated diseases. This laboratory has utilized primary reaggregating cell cultures and developed immortalized central nervous system cell lines to study the trophic interactions that establish and maintain the septohippocampal pathway, which plays an essential role in cognitive function and is prominently affected in Alzheimer’s Disease. The results of the primary cell culture studies have demonstrated the importance of trophic signals elaborated by the hippocampus in mediating the development of septal cholinergic neurons. Nerve growth factor plays an important trophic role in this pathway, but it cannot account for all of the effects of authentic hippocampal target cells. The development of clonal cell lines of septal and hippocampal lineage offers the prospect of investigating both the response to and elaboration of neural trophic signals at a more precise level of resolution than can be achieved with primary cultures. In addition, one of the hippocampal-derived cell lines, HN10, expresses what appears to be a novel cholinergic trophic activity. These cell lines represent a potential source for isolation of such factors, and also a potential “delivery system” via neural grafting techniques. The technology and information that are generated from these investigations will serve as a strategy to study trophic interactions in other brain circuits in future years, and to investigate possible changes or dysfunctions that occur both in the aging brain and in age-associated brain diseases.
Cryoprotective mechanism of using Ficoll for cell cryopreservation at non-cryogenic temperatures: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to investigate the cryoprotective mechanism of using Ficoll, a highly compact spherical polysucrose, as a non-permeating cryoprotectant for practices of cell cryopreservation at temperatures higher than −80 °C. Three types of simulation boxes were prepared for Ficoll-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-water, sucrose-DMSO-water, and DMSO-water systems, respectively, and depicted with the Optimized Potentials for Liquid Simulations (OPLS-all) as potential function for molecular systems. The entire molecular system for each scenario was firstly fully equilibrated into a state with known concentration, density and temperature, in agreement with the corresponding existing or newly measured phase-diagrams. Thereafter, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to characterize the behavior of liquid water molecules surrounding a pre-sited ice nucleus that was placed at the center of each molecular system by calculating the radial density distribution (RDF) and root-mean-square distance (RMSD) of atomic positions. The results showed that the system with Ficoll molecules present behaved significantly different from the other two systems at various non-cryogenic temperatures (−10 °C, −20.3 °C, −33.9 °C, and −80 °C). The Ficoll molecules obviously prevent the water molecules from approaching the ice nuclei, and simultaneously lower the activities of the water molecules. These results agree well with previous thermal studies that demonstrate the effect of using Ficoll to minimize recrystallization of such solutions, and also provide a qualitative explanation on a molecular level for why Ficoll facilitates long-term storage of cells at non-cryogenic temperatures.
Abstract 132: Utility of Prophylactic Antiepileptic Drug Administration on Seizure Prevention and Disability Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Study

Background & Purpose: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the highest morbidity and mortality rate of any stroke subtype and clinicians often administer prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) as a...
Recent progress in the studies of electrochemical interfaces by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and microscopy

Abstract Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a label-free spectroscopic technique that is highly sensitive to various surface reactions. Incorporating SPR into electrochemical measurements has emerged as a powerful method to study both faradaic and non-faradaic processes. SPR microscopy (SPRM) integrates an optical microscope into SPR detection, which further offers high throughput detection and spatially resolved information at an electrode surface and thus, has attracted attention especially in single entity electrochemical studies. In this review, the progress in the studies of electrochemical interfaces by SPR and SPRM during the past two years will be discussed.
Respiratory Effects of Gonadal Hormones

Most knowledge of respiratory changes due to hormones has been gained from studies which were made years ago. Even that knowledge is limited and incomplete. In fact, modem models of the control of respiration do not include or consider the role of hormones (1, 2).
Surgical outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty safety-basket suture for management of difficult cases.

Abstract Objective To report outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) safety-basket suture technique in complex eyes in which an air bubble could not be maintained in the anterior chamber. Study design Retrospective chart review. Participants Patient's undergoing DSAEK with use of the safety-basket suture technique in patients with corneal edema secondary to endothelial dysfunction with up to 3 years of follow-up between 2013 and 2016. Methods Outcome measures were corrected distance visual acuity, average endothelial cell count loss, graft decentration, graft detachment, rebubble rate, infection rate, graft rejection, and graft failure were analyzed. Results The technique was used successfully for 36 high-risk cases with no incidence of graft decentration, postoperative infection, or graft rejection. Both the graft detachment and rebubble rate was found to be 11.1%. The graft failure rate was found to be 22.2% with an average of 3.3 months, with 37.5% of these being primary failure and 62.5% of these being secondary failure. Conclusions Endothelial keratoplasty safety-basket suture is a technique that can be beneficial in difficult DSAEK cases with a lower graft detachment rate compared with the current literature as well as a fairly low complication rate and graft failure while maintaining good visual outcomes. The safety-basket suture is the technique of choice for cases of aphakia and may allow for DSAEK in cases previously that may have only been considered for full-thickness keratoplasty.
Miller Fisher syndrome with bilateral vocal cord paralysis: a case report

Miller Fisher syndrome is a variant of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy classically characterized by ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and areflexia. Miller Fisher syndrome can present with uncommon symptoms such as bulbar, facial, and somatic muscle palsies and micturition disturbance. We describe the case of a 76-year-old white man with new-onset ataxia, stridor, areflexia, and upper and lower extremity weakness who required intubation at presentation. An initial work-up including imaging studies and serum tests was inconclusive. Eventually, neurophysiological testing and cerebrospinal fluid analysis suggested a diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome. Our patient responded to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and supportive therapy. The occurrence of acute or subacute descending paralysis with involvement of bulbar muscles and respiratory failure can often divert clinicians to a diagnosis of neuromuscular junction disorders (such as botulism or myasthenia gravis), vascular causes like stroke, or electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities. Early identification of Miller Fisher syndrome with appropriate testing is essential to prompt treatment and prevention of further, potentially fatal, deterioration.
Metabolite profiling of experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions demonstrates significant perturbations in tissue phospholipids

Abstract Each year 700,000 to 1.2 million new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are reported and yet CL remains one of thirteen diseases classified as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Leishmania major is one of several different species of that same genus that can cause CL. Current CL treatments are limited by adverse effects and rising resistance. Studying disease metabolism at the site of infection can lead to new drug targets. In this study, samples were collected from mice infected in the ear and footpad with L. major and analyzed by untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Significant differences in overall metabolite profiles were noted in the ear at the site of the lesion. Interestingly, lesion-adjacent, macroscopically healthy sites also showed alterations in specific metabolites, including select phosphocholines (PCs). Host-derived PCs in the lower m/z range (m/z 200-799) showed an increase with infection in the ear at the lesion site, while those in the higher m/z range (m/z 800-899) were decreased with infection at the lesion site. Overall, our results expanded our understanding of the mechanisms of CL pathogenesis through the host metabolism and may lead to new curative measures against infection with Leishmania. Author summary Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of thirteen neglected tropical diseases in the world today. It is an infectious disease with a wide distribution spanning five continents, with increasing distribution expected due to climate change. CL manifests as skin lesions and ulcers that are disabling and stigmatized. With the current treatment options being limited, studying host-pathogen metabolism can uncover mechanisms of disease pathogenesis that may lead to new curative measures against infection. In this paper we used untargeted metabolomics to address molecular-level changes occurring in vivo in experimental skin lesions of Leishmania major. Distinct global metabolic profiles were observed. Total phosphocholines (PCs) and those in the lower m/z ranges were significantly higher at the site of the skin lesion in the ear. In addition, specific PCs as well as PCs of varied m/z ranges were also affected at healthy-appearing lesion-adjacent sites, indicating that infection-induced metabolic perturbations are not restricted to the lesion site. Ultimately, these results provide essential clues to the metabolic pathways affected by CL.
Effects of Aging on the Subcortical Encoding of Stop Consonants.

Purpose The main purpose of this study was to evaluate aging effects on the predominantly subcortical (brainstem) encoding of the second-formant frequency transition, an essential acoustic cue for ...
Altered structure and functional connectivity of the hippocampus are associated with social and mathematical difficulties in nonverbal learning disability.

The hippocampus is known to play a critical role in a variety of complex abilities, including visual-spatial reasoning, social functioning, and math. Nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in visual-spatial reasoning that are accompanied by impairment in social function or mathematics, as well as motor or executive function skills. Despite the overlap between behaviors supported by the hippocampus and impairments in NVLD, the structure and function of the hippocampus in NVLD has not been studied. To address this gap in the literature, we first compared hippocampal volume and resting-state functional connectivity in children with NVLD (n = 24) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 20). We then explored associations between hippocampal structure, connectivity, and performance on measures of spatial, social, and mathematical ability. Relative to TD children, those with NVLD showed significant reductions in left hippocampal volume and greater hippocampal-cerebellar connectivity. In children with NVLD, reduced hippocampal volume associated with worse mathematical problem solving. Although children with NVLD exhibited more social problems (social responsiveness scale [SRS]) and higher hippocampal-cerebellar connectivity relative to TD children, greater connectivity was associated with fewer social problems among children with NVLD but not TD children. Such an effect may suggest a compensatory mechanism. These structural and functional alterations of the hippocampus may disrupt its putative role in organizing conceptual frameworks through cognitive mapping, thus contributing to the cross-domain difficulties that characterize NVLD.
Blackness as Riot Control: Managing Civic Unrest Through Black Appeal Programming and Black Celebrity:

During the uprising that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, black hip-hop artist Killer Mike appeared on television to ask that people remain nonviolent and in their homes. Simila...
Molecular regulation of brain metabolism underlying circadian epilepsy

Extensive study has demonstrated that epilepsy occurs with greater frequency at certain times in the 24-h cycle. Although these findings implicate an overlap between the circadian rhythm and epilepsy, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this circadian regulation are poorly understood. Because the 24-h rhythm is generated by the circadian molecular system, it is not surprising that this system comprised of many circadian genes is implicated in epilepsy. We summarized evidence in the literature implicating various circadian genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per1, Rev-erb⍺, and Ror⍺ in epilepsy. In various animal models of epilepsy, the circadian oscillation and the steady-state level of these genes are disrupted. The downstream pathway of these genes involves a large number of metabolic pathways associated with epilepsy. These pathways include pyridoxal metabolism, the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, and the regulation of redox state. We propose that disruption of these metabolic pathways could mediate the circadian regulation of epilepsy. A greater understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanism of circadian regulation of epilepsy would enable us to precisely target the circadian disruption in epilepsy for a novel therapeutic approach.
Stock Returns and the U.S. Dollar: The Importance of Monetary Policy

The relation between the dollar’s value and stock prices is controversial. Our analysis shows that returns were 2.6 times higher when the dollar was trending up versus down. Our key insight is that dollar trends should be evaluated in light of monetary policy. While stocks returns have been relatively high when the dollar was appreciating, the difference in returns under tight and loose monetary policies was 9%. When the dollar was in a downtrend, the difference in stocks returns under different monetary policies was 17%.
Assessment and comparison of ordered & non-ordered supported metal oxide catalysts for upgrading propane to propylene

Abstract Propylene is an important chemical feedstock that is largely produced via cracking of oil-derived naphtha. Direct conversion of propane into propylene may be a more attractive alternative. Specifically, propane dehydrogenation (DH) and oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) are promising for this transformation, albeit only DH has been industrially implemented. However, even the best DH catalysts (Pt-based) still suffer from deactivation. VOx- and BOx-based ODH catalysts result in significant over-oxidation and lack a mechanistic understanding. A common challenge in developing these catalysts is the broad distribution of surface species caused by the use of non-ordered catalyst supports. This hampers clear structure-performance correlations. Recent progress in the preparation of well-defined active sites on ordered supports has brought about improved catalysts, as well as fundamental insight into the working mechanism. This review will highlight recent advancements in the development of these catalysts and provide direction on the use of ordered supports for propane upgrading.
Vasectomy reversal

Although vasectomy remains a popular method of contraception, the number of men requesting reversal has risen dramatically. The microsurgical Techniques described in this article have yielded excellent results.
Polityka karna, kultura polityczna a zasady konstytucyjne

Rapid increases in imprisonment rates and the adoption of severe penal policies in some countries have, in recent years, prompted a burgeoning scholarly literature on the determinants of penal policy. However, much of this literature may be asking the wrong question. The authors typically focussed on the causes of harsher penal policies and offered explanations. However, it seems more reasonable to ask what recent changes in penal policy tell us about the country itself. The paper shows that crossnational differences in penal policy tell us important things about differences in penal culture, and that decisive changes in penal culture may both indicate and portend major, and sometimes regrettable, changes in larger political cultures. The paper has been divided into three sections, each addressing a separate question. The first considers the reasons for penal policies in Britain, Australia, the U.S., and elsewhere becoming harsher over the final three decades of the twentieth century. The short answer is that the question is based on a false premise. Only in some places did penal policies become harsher and in importantly different ways. The assumption that penal policies everywhere tightened over that period is wrong. The second addresses the questions of why penal policies in particular countries did and did not become more severe. A wide range of explanations are available. They range from national differences in constitutional arrangements, the organisation of criminal justice systems, the nature of the mass media, and the nature of national politics to fortuities of personality and event. The key points, however, are that, at day's end, policies are chosen and choices have consequences. The third question is why policy choices matter. One answer, of course, is that they matter because they affect what happens to individual human beings. Another important reason why they matter is that policies adopted and implemented sometimes change the world and sometimes change the ways people think. Repressive policies, rationalised and justified, and in due course followed, desensitise us to the reasons why at the outset they appeared to be repressive and make it easier, when new controversial issues about crime control policies arise, to adopt even more repressive policies. America, over the past 30 years, England for the past 15 years, and other countries for different periods, have through their changes in penal policies changed their penal cultures in ways that portend ill for the future.
Extracellular Vesicles Protect the Neonatal Lung from Hyperoxic Injury Through the Epigenetic and Transcriptomic Reprogramming of Myeloid Cells.

Rationale: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-small extracellular vesicle (MEx) treatment has shown promise in models of neonatal lung injury. The molecular mechanisms by which MEx afford benefici...
Architecture of a Knowledge Machine

In this chapter, we extend the architecture of any modern electronic switching system with its three software controlled hardware modules (communication, switching, and administrative) to process information unlike either the call processing of switching systems or the data processing of conventional computer systems. Instead, we add an additional module (a “knowledge module”) for performing knowledge-oriented functions. The functions of the other three modules are also altered to satisfy the true needs of processing knowledge in the sense that the human mind processes knowledge. Specialized functions, such as those of the service control points, service management systems, intelligent peripherals, and service creation environments within the intelligent networks (INs), are incorporated for storing the knowledge profile, maintaining and updating knowledge bases, using specialized compilers to ask a cascaded series of questions, and creating new knowledge induction for the knowledge machine (KM).
An Introduction to the Theory of Cutting-Planes

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an introduction to cutting-plane theory. Two principles for obtaining cutting-planes are discussed, one for S=S1= {x ≥ 0 | Ax ≥ b} and one for S=S2= {x ≥ 0 | x integer and Ax=b}. The principle for S1 is a restatement of the duality theorem of Linear Programming. The chapter presents two metaprinciples for combining cuts obtained by the two principles, under various special circumstances. By using the principle for S=S1 together with one of the metaprinciples, the basic principle of disjunctive constraints, which has an interesting converse, is obtained. Several examples of how to use the principles and metaprinciples for producing cutting-planes for a wide variety of situations are presented. The chapter also presents several additional results of cutting-plane theory, which give a general idea of what kinds of theorems are proved by developing the basic principles further.
A Comparative study of ethanol oxidation with ozone on supported molybdenum and manganese oxide catalysts

Abstract Ethanol oxidation using ozone was investigated over alumina and silica supported molybdenum and manganese oxide catalysts at temperatures from 300 to 550 K by in situ Raman spectroscopy coupled with reactivity tests. On all catalysts ethanol was found to react with ozone at lower temperatures than with oxygen, and also with lower activation energy. However, over the supported molybdenum oxide catalysts the selectivity was predominantly to acetaldehyde, while for the supported manganese oxide catalysts the selectivity was mainly to carbon oxides. In situ Raman spectroscopic studies at various temperatures showed that the difference in the selectivities could be related to the formation of surface carbonate species which was observed only on the supported molybdenum catalysts under reaction conditions.
Real-time dense 3D face alignment from 2D video with automatic facial action unit coding

Face alignment is the problem of automatically locating detailed facial landmarks across different subjects, illuminations, and viewpoints. Previous methods can be divided into two broad categories. 2D-based methods locate a relatively small number of 2D fiducial points in real time while 3D-based methods fit a high-resolution 3D model offline at a much higher computational cost.
Flo family (chimpanzee)

Observations of female chimpanzee Flo and her family in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, provided the first information on chimpanzee sexuality across the lifespan in the wild. Like other female chimpanzees, Flo continued to breed into old age and was immensely popular with males during her sexual swellings. All the young and adult males except her sons mated with her repeatedly, while infant daughter Fifi, like other infants, “interfered” by hurling herself at the mating male and pushing him. Flo's daughter and granddaughters avoided inbreeding with their maternal brothers, and one avoided the mating attempts of her father. Young males start mating attempts by their third year, but stop mating with their mothers before adolescence. Flo family members formed enduring family bonds, supporting each other against non-family members. Most of the males attained alpha status. The females exhibited high dominance rank, short inter-birth intervals, and exceptional reproductive success. Keywords: chimpanzees; inbreeding avoidance; primate sexuality
A novel technique for transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in extremely preterm infants using commercially available technology

Objectives To describe a new technique for transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in extremely preterm infants using commercially available technology. Background PDA in premature neonates continues to be a significant clinical problem contributing importantly to both morbidity and mortality. Surgical ligation and medical therapy both have their drawbacks. Material and Methods Hospital records and catheterization reports of all premature neonates (< 32 weeks gestation) who underwent transcatheter PDA closure between March 2013 and February 2014 were reviewed. Particular attention was paid to procedural details, complications, and short and mid-term outcomes. Results Six premature infants born at gestational ages ranging between 26 and 31 weeks (median, 26 weeks) underwent attempted transcatheter PDA closure using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP II). Median age and weight was 21.5 days (16–80 days) and 1,180 g (870–2,240 g), respectively. Fluoroscopy and echocardiography were used to guide device. Contrast angiography was not used in any patient. Complete closure was achieved in all patients with no major procedural complications. Median fluoroscopy and procedural times were 9.4 (0–19.5) and 51.5 (33–87) min, respectively. All patients were alive at the time of this report. There were no instances of device migration, left pulmonary artery (LPA), or aortic coarctation. Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrates that transcatheter PDA closure can be successfully performed in extremely preterm neonates using currently available technology with a high success rate and a low incidence of complications. This report also describes a novel transvenous approach using a combination of echocardiography and judicious use of fluoroscopy to avoid arterial access in this fragile patient population. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactions between a Bacillus subtilis anti-sigma factor (RsbW) and its antagonist (RsbV).

Abstract The activity of sigma B, a secondary sigma factor of Bacillus subtilis, is primarily controlled by an anti-sigma factor protein (RsbW) that binds to sigma B and blocks its ability to form an RNA polymerase holoenzyme (E-sigma B). Inhibition of sigma B by RsbW is counteracted by RsbV, a protein that is essential for the activation of sigma B-dependent transcription. When crude B. subtilis extracts were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography or electrophoresis through nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels, a complex composed of RsbW and RsbV that is distinct from the previously observed RsbW-sigma B complex was detected. In analogous experiments, RsbX, an additional regulator of sigma B-dependent transcription that is thought to act independently of RsbV-RsbW, was not found to associate with any of the other sigB operon products. Two forms of RsbV were visualized when crude cell extracts of B. subtilis were subjected to isoelectric focusing (IEF), with the more negatively charged RsbV species absent from extracts prepared from RsbW- strains. In vitro, RsbV became phosphorylated when incubated with ATP and RsbW but not with ATP alone. The phosphorylated RsbV species comigrated during IEF with the RsbW-dependent form of RsbV found in crude cell extracts. These results suggest that the modified RsbV, present in crude cell extracts, is phosphorylated. When gel filtration fractions containing RsbV-RsbW complexes or RsbV alone were subjected to IEF, only the unmodified form of RsbV was found associated with RsbW. The presumed phosphorylated variant of RsbV was present only in fractions that did not contain RsbW. The data support a model whereby RsbV binds directly to RsbW and blocks its ability to form the RsbW-sigma B complex. This activity of RsbV appears to be inhibited by RsbW-dependent phosphorylation.
H2 Spectroscopy of Protoplanetary Nebulae

Observations of planetary and protoplanetary nebulae in the spectral line of molecular hydrogen at 2.1218 μm are providing new insights into the processes of formation and evolution of post-AGB stars. In this paper, we present three significant results from the study of H2 toward planetary and protoplanetary nebulae. First, the presence of H2 emission is sufficient to determine that the source is bipolar; second, the formation of bipolar structure in protoplanetary nebulae precedes the event(s) that produces H2 emission; and third, along the polar axes of PPNe, the velocity of molecular gas H2 emission decreases with distance from the central star.
B Cell Maturation Antigen Deficiency Exacerbates Lymphoproliferation and Autoimmunity in Murine Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus and its preclinical lupus-prone mouse models are autoimmune disorders involving the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. Genetic predisposition to systemic lupus erythematosus results in B cell hyperactivity, survival of self-reactive B cells, and differentiation to autoantibody-secreting plasma cells (PCs). These corrupt B cell responses are, in part, controlled by excess levels of the cytokine BAFF that normally maintains B cell homeostasis and self-tolerance through limited production. B cell maturation Ag (BCMA) is a receptor for BAFF that, under nonautoimmune conditions, is important for sustaining enduring Ab protection by mediating survival of long-lived PCs but is not required for B cell maturation and homeostasis. Through analysis of two different lupus-prone mouse models deficient in BCMA, we identify BCMA as an important factor in regulating peripheral B cell expansion, differentiation, and survival. We demonstrate that a BCMA deficiency combined with the lpr mutation or the murine lupus susceptibility locus Nba2 causes dramatic B cell and PC lymphoproliferation, accelerated autoantibody production, and early lethality. This study unexpectedly reveals that BCMA works to control B cell homeostasis and self-tolerance in systemic autoimmunity.
A methodology for risk assessment of functional specification of software systems using colored Petri nets

The paper presents a methodology for risk assessment in complex real time software systems at the early stages of development, namely the analysis/design phase. A heuristic risk assessment technique is described based on colored Petri net (CPN) models. The technique uses complexity metrics and severity measures in developing a heuristic risk factor from software functional specifications. The objective of risk assessment is to classify the software components according to their relative importance in terms of such factors as severity and complexity. Both traditional static and dynamic complexity measures are supported. Concurrency complexity is presented as a new dynamic complexity metric. This metric measures the added dynamic complexity due to concurrency in the system. Severity analysis is conducted using failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA). The methodology presented here is applied to a large scale software system as presented in a companion paper (H. Ammar et al., 1997).
Effects of chronic gamma irradiation on the soil algal community of an oak- pine forest

Populations of soil algae were sampled along the radiation gradient in the Brookhaven Irradiated Forest in the sixth year of irradiation. Seventeen taxa were identified from over 300 individual isolations. Changes in the soil algal populations were limited to the Devastated Zone from which most higher plants had been eliminated. Principal changes occurred at exposures in excess of 1000 R/day. Coefficient of community and percentage similarity dropped to 50 per cent of control at about 2250 R/day. Although diversity remained approximately constant or increased slightly at the highest exposures, there was a tendency toward replacement of eucaryotic forms by procaryotic forms at exposures in excess of 1000–2000 R/day. The soil algal community appears to be more resistant than communities of higher plants and to have about the same sensitivity as the lichen community of the oak-pine forest.