cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TIMING AND CLINICAL PREDICTORS OF EARLY VERSUS LATE READMISSION AMONG PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR ACUTE HEART FAILURE: INSIGHTS FROM ASCEND-HF

Background: Patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) are at high risk for early readmission. Reducing readmissions requires understanding of timing and risk factors for readmission. Methods: We examined the timing and cause of readmission in ASCEND-HF. We defined 0-7 days as early and 8-30 as
Low-intensity vibration increases cartilage thickness in obese mice.

Obesity is associated with an elevated risk of osteoarthritis (OA). We examined here whether high fat diet administered in young mice, compromised the attainment of articular cartilage thickness. Further, we sought to determine if low intensity vibration (LIV) could protect the retention of articular cartilage in a mouse model of diet induced obesity. Five-week-old, male, C57BL/6 mice were separated into 3 groups (n = 10): Regular diet (RD), High fat diet (HF), and HF + LIV (HFv; 90Hz, 0.2g, 30 min/d, 5 d/w) administered for 6 weeks. Additionally, an extended HF diet study was run for 6 months (LIV at 15m/d). Articular cartilage and subchondral bone morphology, and sulfated GAG content were quantified using contrast agent enhanced µCT and histology. Gene expression within femoral condyles was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Contrary to our hypothesis, HF cartilage thickness was not statistically different from RD. However, LIV increased cartilage thickness compared to HF, and the elevated thickness was maintained when diet and LIV were extended into adulthood. RT-PCR analysis showed a reduction of aggrecan expression with high fat diet, while application of LIV reduced the expression of degradative MMP-13. Further, long term HF diet resulted in subchondral bone thickening, compared to RD, providing early evidence of OA pathology—LIV suppressed the thickening, such that levels were not significantly different from RD. These data suggest that dynamic loading, via LIV, protected the retention of cartilage thickness, potentially resulting in joint surfaces better suited to endure the risks of elevated loading that parallel obesity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Physician-Assisted Death for Psychiatric Patients — Misguided Public Policy

Physician-Assisted Death for Psychiatric Patients Physicians in the Netherlands and Belgium have helped a small but growing number of patients with mental illness but no terminal condition to end t...
Abstract 12609: Impaired Mitochondrial Respiration Precedes Clinical Heart Failure in Right Ventricular Pressure Overload

Introduction: Congenital heart disease patients with right-sided obstruction have increased stress on the right ventricle (RV) leading to right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and failure (RVF). The critical role of mitochondrial energetics in the development of RVH and RVF is not known. We hypothesize that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the chronic energy deficit and mechanical dysfunction in heart failure. Methods: Adult, male FVB mice underwent pulmonary artery banding (PAB) to induce RVH (n=9) and RVF (n=4) and were compared to sham-operated controls (n=9). We used a high-resolution Oxygraph2K respirometer to measure oxygen consumption in tissue and in isolated mitochondria from the RV free wall. We evaluated leak respiration during substrate utilization by complex 1-NADH dehydrogenase and complex 2-succinate dehydrogenase and during maximal ATP generation by complex 5-ATP synthase. Groups were compared using ANOVA. Data is presented as mean ± SEM (*p Results: All mice had a PAB gradient of 30-40 mmHg by echocardiography. RVH mice had preserved systolic function while RVF mice had heart failure (ascites, tachypnea, hepatomegaly) and decreased function (Table). RVH showed preserved complex 1 mediated respiration but lower complex 2 and 5 respiration and lower respiratory control ratios (RCR) while in RVF, all complexes showed impaired respiration (Table). However, isolated mitochondria from RVF demonstrated preserved respiratory capacity when supplied with exogenous substrates and no change in complex levels. Conclusion: Mitochondrial respiration is impaired even in stable RVH and progressively worsens in RVF in vivo. Interestingly, isolated mitochondria show normal respiration in RVF when supplied with substrates ex vivo suggesting a defect with substrate delivery rather than intrinsic mitochondrial function. Strategies to enhance substrate delivery may improve ATP generation and thereby preserve function in heart failure.
Stepwise Aggregation of Cholate and Deoxycholate Dictates the Formation and Loss of Surface-Available Chirally Selective Binding Sites

Bile salts are facially amphiphilic, naturally occurring chemicals that aggregate to perform numerous biochemical processes. Because of their unique intermolecular properties, bile salts have also been employed as functional materials in medicine and separation science (e.g., drug delivery, chiral solubilization, purification of single-walled carbon nanotubes). Bile micelle formation is structurally complex, and it remains a topic of considerable study. Here, the exposed functionalities on the surface of cholate and deoxycholate micelles are shown to vary from one another and with the micelle aggregation state. Collectively, data from NMR and capillary electrophoresis reveal preliminary, primary, and secondary stepwise aggregation of the salts of cholic (CA) and deoxycholic (DC) acid in basic conditions (pH 12, 298 K), and address how the surface availability of chirally selective binding sites is dependent on these sequential stages of aggregation. Prior work has demonstrated sequential CA aggregation (p...
Prenatal Exposure to Cocaine

Publisher Summary Cocaine has been the focus of considerable scientific attention in recent years due to its increased use in North America. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 30 million people have tried cocaine, and up to 8 million use it regularly. The amount of exposure that a fetus may receive when the mother uses cocaine is critical in assessing whether there may be significant risks. Many of the lifestyle and socio-economic factors that are correlated with the use of cocaine may produce gestational effects on their own, or interact with cocaine's effects on gestation. A considerable number of epidemiological studies are conducted that attempt to ascertain more directly the role of cocaine exposure during pregnancy. Long-term learning deficits and changes in unlearned behaviors following utero exposure to multiple daily doses of cocaine during different exposure periods and maternal plasma cocaine concentrations have been elucidated in this chapter. An advantage of using nonhuman subjects is that the Central Nervous System (CNS) structure and function can be observed more directly through various invasive techniques.
The Formation of N-Glucuronides Catalyzed by Purified Hepatic 17β-Hydroxysteroid and 3α-Hydroxysteroid UDP-Glucuronyltransferases

Conjugation of many endogenous and exogenous chemicals with glucuronic acid, catalyzed by UDP-glucuronyltransferases (EC 2.4.1.17), is an important step in their detoxification and elimination from the body. We have previously reported on the purification of three different UDP-glucuronyltransferases (UDPGTs) from hepatic microsomes of female Sprague-Dawley rats1. A 17β-hydroxysteroid UDPGT catalyzes the glucuronidation of the 17β-hydroxy position of steroids, such as testosterone and 17β-estradiol, and xenobiotics such as p-nitrophenol and 1-naphthol. A 3α-hydroxysteroid UDPGT has been purified which is specific for the glucuronidation of the 3α-position of steroids and bile acids2,3. A 3-methylcholanthreneinducible form of p-nitrophenol UDPGT catalyzes the conjugation of various xenobiotic substrates, such as p-nitrophenol, 4-methylumbelliferone and 1-naphthol, with glucuronic acid1.
Recasting Reasonable Doubt: Decision Theory and the Virtues of Variability

According to the traditional understanding, proof beyond a reasonable doubt requires a high level of certainty before a jury convicts someone of a crime. This view is often framed in explicitly utilitarian terms: that a high standard of proof is justified because the costs of erroneously convicting an innocent person are so much higher than the costs of erroneously acquitting a guilty person. Empirical evidence, though, suggests that the standard reasonable doubt jury instruction does not actually require as much certainty as we generally assume. The common response to this observation is to propose improvements to the instruction to ensure that juries will require a high level of certainty. This Article contends that this solution is misguided because it wrongly presumes that the instruction needs to be fixed. Instead, what needs to change is our understanding of reasonable doubt. Using the expected utility model of decision theory, as well as insights from behavioral economics and the social norms literature, this Article suggests that the reasonable doubt standard of proof is inevitably flexible in nature: in some cases juries will require more proof than in other cases. The Article goes on to suggest that this result is in fact preferable to a standard of proof that requires a high level of certainty in all criminal cases.
Peripheral Circadian Oscillators

Daily rhythms are a ubiquitous feature of living systems. Generally, these rhythms are not just passive consequences of cyclic fluctuations in the environment, but instead originate within the organism. In mammals, including humans, the master pacemaker controlling 24 h rhythms is localized in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. This pacemaker, or circadian clock, has been shown to be responsible for the temporal organization of a wide variety of functions, ranging from sleep and food intake, to physiological measures such as body temperature, heart rate, and hormone release.
Differential requirements of novel A1PiZ degradation deficient (ADD) genes in ER-associated protein degradation

In the eukaryotic cell, a protein quality control process termed endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) rids the ER of aberrant proteins and unassembled components of protein complexes that fail to reach a transport-competent state. To identify novel genes required for ERAD, we devised a rapid immunoassay to screen yeast lacking uncharacterized open reading frames that were known targets of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular response that is induced when aberrant proteins accumulate in the ER. Six genes required for the efficient degradation of the Z variant of theα 1-proteinase inhibitor (A1PiZ), a known substrate for ERAD, were identified, and analysis of other ERAD substrates in the six A1PiZ-degradation-deficient ( add ) mutants suggested diverse requirements for the Add proteins in ERAD. Finally, we report on bioinformatic analyses of the new Add proteins, which will lead to testable models to elucidate their activities.
Living or Dying in the Mashup of American Financial Services: Literate Does Not Mean Competent

Clients are aging, passive investing is gaining favor, and client objectives are growing in detail and diversity. At the same time, advisors themselves are reaching retirement age with no clear succession plan in place. Technology disruption waves are transforming accounting, insurance, and estate planning, but it is the investment advisor who needs to adapt now or face extinction. We examine the risks facing the entire industry by focusing on the small independent advisory firm’s role and place in the ecosystem. We suggest that technology will accelerate the growth of the financial advising industry at the same time that the wealth accumulated by older generations migrates slowly to younger generations. We underscore the natural advantage of the small independent investment advisor as the trusted partner to a client’s life-cycle decision-making. We suggest that the small independent advisor can only survive and thrive through reinvention. The preferred trust relationship will remain between human client and human advisor but will be heavily machine augmented with analytics and big data, delivered via the cloud.
Efficacy of equine-assisted psychotherapy in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and debilitating disorder among war veterans. Although complementary and alternative therapies are gaining acceptance in the treatment of PTSD, the efficacy of animal-based therapies in this disorder is unknown. The goal of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is to improve the social, emotional, and/or cognitive functions of individuals with PTSD. Objective This study aims to explore the effects of EAP on PTSD symptoms. We hypothesized that veterans with PTSD who participate in a standardized EAP program for 1 h per week for 6 weeks would experience decreased PTSD symptoms and would demonstrate increased resilience as compared with individuals who do not receive EAP intervention. Design, setting, participants and interventions We conducted a sequentially assigned, two-arm parallel group trial comparing 6 weeks of EAP with standard, previously established, ongoing PTSD therapy. Therapy was conducted at a community EAP facility in conjunction with an academic University Hospital. Twenty adult veterans with symptomatic PTSD completed the study. Ten adult veterans with previously diagnosed PTSD were assigned to EAP and received directed interaction with trained horses for one hour a week in groups of 3 or 4 individuals, while also continuing their previously established therapies. A certified therapist supervised the sessions, and a professional horse handler was also present. Results were compared with those from 10 adult veterans who only received their standard previously established PTSD care as prescribed by their provider. Main outcome measures Changes in salivary cortisol, scores for the PTSD Check List-Military Version (PCL-M) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) after 6 weeks of study were measured. Results Of the 20 enrolled patients, 10 served in Afghanistan, 5 served in Iraq, and 3 served in Vietnam. Subjects were (47 ± 14) years old, were predominantly male, and had a body mass index of (29 ± 7) kg/m2. They had (9.2 ± 6.1) years of military service and carried 66% ± 37% service-connected disability. PCL-M scores declined significantly in both groups and CD-RISC scores increased significantly in the EAP group. There was no difference between the groups with respect to the magnitude of change. Conclusion As compared to the control group, a 6-week EAP program did not produce a statistically significant difference with respect to PCL-M and CD-RISC scores, or salivary cortisol. However, our results suggest that EAP may work as well as standard therapy with respect to these parameters. This study supports further inquiry into EAP as a potentially efficacious alternative for veterans suffering from PTSD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT #03039361.
Nuclear Hydrogen Production

Abstract Hydrogen has been touted as the best energy carrier and integrates very well with the current and future energy conversion methods. It is a flexible, clean fuel and can be produced by a variety of methods, stored, and transported. Its use ranges from refining crude oil, forming fertilizer, direct electricity generation, and other host of industries. Nuclear energy has enable large-scale production of hydrogen without any greenhouse gas emission or pollution. A key future challenge for hydrogen as a clean energy carrier is a sustainable, low-cost method of producing it in large capacities. Most of the world's hydrogen, about 97%, is currently derived from fossil fuels through some type of reforming process such as steam-methane reforming. Nuclear hydrogen production is an emerging and promising alternative to steam-methane reforming for carbon-free hydrogen production in the future. Here, first, the need for hydrogen production and key characteristics of hydrogen and nuclear energy are introduced. The methods of hydrogen production with nuclear energy are then described along with advances in each technology. The nuclear reactor systems including advanced reactor that is used for production of hydrogen are then discussed. The integration of hydrogen production plant with nuclear reactor, safety, operation, and economics is discussed. The research and development activities on nuclear hydrogen production worldwide are summarized at the end of the chapter.
Comparison of breast cancer risk in women with and without systemic lupus erythematosus in a Medicare population.

1576 Background: Studies have suggested a decreased breast cancer risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, these studies enrolled primarily younger patients at lower risk ...
The Mathematical Aspects of a Lunar Shuttle Landing.

aahs as they tried to comprehend what they were seeing. The spell was broken by the pilot's announcement that they would be landing in a few minutes and that passen gers should fasten their seat belts for safety. Just as the computer readout showed "ALT. 500 ft, SPEED 50 fps, REMAIN ING FUEL 100 units," the automatic land ing system failed. The pilot disengaged the disabled system and took manual control. The amount of fuel to be burned each sec ond must now be entered manually in or der to bring the shuttle in for a safe land ing. A maximum of ten units may be burned each second, and three units per second are needed to offset acceleration due to the lunar gravity. If units per sec ond are burned, there is a decrease in ve locity of ? 3 feet per second (fps). There is also a loss of v-(x-3)
Inhibition of 2-Hydroxyglutrate Elicits Metabolic-reprograming and Mutant IDH1 Glioma Immunity

Abstract Mutant isocitrate-dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1-R132H; mIDH1) is a hallmark of adult gliomas. Lower grade mIDH1 gliomas are classified into two molecular subgroups: (i) 1p/19q co-deletion/TERT-promoter mutations or (ii) inactivating mutations in α-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) and TP53. This work, relates to the gliomas’ subtype harboring mIDH1, TP53 and ATRX inactivation. IDH1-R132H is a gain-of-function mutation that converts α-ketoglutarate into 2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG). The role of D-2HG within the tumor microenvironment of mIDH1/mATRX/mTP53 gliomas remains unexplored. Inhibition of 2HG, when used as monotherapy or in combination with radiation and temozolomide (IR/TMZ), led to increased median survival (MS) of mIDH1 glioma bearing mice. Also, 2HG inhibition elicited anti-mIDH1 glioma immunological memory. In response to 2HG inhibition, PD-L1 expression levels on mIDH1-glioma cells increased to similar levels as observed in wild-type-IDH1 gliomas. Thus, we combined 2HG inhibition/IR/TMZ with anti-PDL1 immune checkpoint-blockade and observed complete tumor regression in 60% of mIDH1 glioma bearing mice. This combination strategy reduced T-cell exhaustion and favored the generation of memory CD8+T-cells. Our findings demonstrate that metabolic reprogramming elicits anti-mIDH1 glioma immunity, leading to increased MS and immunological memory. Our preclinical data supports the testing of IDH-R132H inhibitors in combination with IR/TMZ and anti-PDL1 as targeted therapy for mIDH1/mATRX/mTP53 glioma patients. Brief Summary Inhibition of 2-Hydroxyglutrate in mutant-IDH1 glioma in the genetic context of ATRX and TP53 inactivation elicits metabolic-reprograming and anti-glioma immunity.
Workplace Safety: A Strategy for Enterprise Risk Management:

Background: Injury and illness incidence rates continue to be higher in healthcare facilities than in the manufacturing environment despite improvement efforts implemented by various organizations. The prevention of workplace injury and illness is a challenge for facilities due to reasons including exposure to body fluids, infectious diseases, and patient handling activities. The purpose of this project was to reduce workplace safety-related incidents and prevent employee injuries through leadership involvement in employment of preventive, directive, and corrective controls. Methods: A tertiary medical center in California experienced 114 accepted injury claims in 1 year. As a response to the problem, the medical center developed a safety management system consisting of a process for engagement between leadership and staff members/employees to increase accountability and reduce injury risks. Findings: The medical center achieved a 59% reduction from 114 to 67 injury claims over a period of 2 years and a two-point increase in engagement scores from both leaders and staff members. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The development of a safety culture starts with leadership behavior, establishment of clear safety processes, and hazard mitigation activities. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility between frontline staff managers and leadership within an organization. Senior leaders must serve as role models to promote a speak-up culture to support safe work practices.
A Simple Proof of the Siebeck–Marden Theorem

We give a simple proof of the Siebeck–Marden theorem. We use only basic facts of geometry and complex numbers.
The unilateral cleft lip repair.

Abstract Objective To determine if there is a benefit of 2-stage cleft lip repair in regard to improving facial symmetry and facilitating definitive lip, nose, and palate repair. Study design Retrospective chart review of patients born with complete, unilateral cleft lip deformity that underwent a two-stage repair described as a stage 1 straight line repair and a stage 2 modified Millard repair, for which a complete set of records, and peri-operative and post-operative photos were available. All cases were performed by a single surgeon. Setting Tertiary care center craniofacial team. Methods Measurements were taken from intraoperative, perioperative, and postoperative images of patients before and after each stage. Ratios were then created comparing the affected size to the unaffected side, and these were averaged between observers. Results A 19% increase in the width of area of the presumptive C flap was obtained between the unrepaired and the post-stage I images. The nostril width of the cleft side was 1.2× the width of the unaffected side, demonstrating a 140% decrease in nostril width at the completion of stage II. The cleft side nostril width was maintained slightly larger than the noncleft side as desired. Symmetry of the upper lip length was achieved, as the length of the cleft side lateral lip after stage II was 92% of the unaffected side. Conclusion We believe this study provides evidence for our observations that a two-stage repair can be performed with functionally and aesthetically pleasing outcomes as an alternative to presurgical nasoalveolar molding.
Co-polarized Retrodirective Array with Active Enhancement

Four-arm spirals are proposed for use in an active Van Atta array configuration with co-polarized simultaneous transmit and receive in mind. Retrodirective behavior is observed out to 60° at the analysis frequency with active circuit gain possible up to a limit, related to the transmit-receive coupling. Additionally, retrodirection generally increases at a faster rate than specular reflection as circuit gain is increased.
Coping With COVID-19: The Benefits of Anticipating Future Positive Events and Maintaining Optimism

In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a large portion of the world into quarantine, leading to an extensive period of stress making it necessary to explore regulatory techniques that are effective at stimulating long-lasting positive emotion. Previous research has demonstrated that anticipating positive events produces increases in positive emotion during discrete stressors. We hypothesized that state and trait positive anticipation during the COVID-19 pandemic would be associated with increased positive emotions. We assessed how often participants thought about a future positive/negative/neutral event, activity, or goal through a daily reconstruction method that represented a "day in the life" of people in the United States during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of multi-level modeling and mediational analyses demonstrated that higher optimism, one form of trait positive anticipation, was related to higher state positive anticipation, which was in turn related to higher positive emotions during the current episode, which persisted to the next episode. In addition, both optimism and state positive anticipation were related to adaptive responses to the pandemic. These findings suggest that anticipation of future emotional experiences and hopefulness for the future can be a powerful predictor of positive emotions during global pandemics and perhaps other similar chronic stressors.
Determinants of bond tender premiums and the percentage tendered.

Abstract We analyze a large sample of US corporate bond tender offers to understand what affects tender premiums as well as the percentage of bonds tendered. For the average (median) tender offer, the tender price is 5.55% (3.24%) greater than the pre-tender market price while the percentage of bonds tendered is 82.3% (94.6%). Premiums offered by firms are greater when the firm is simultaneously soliciting consents to amend restrictive covenants and when the bond has a greater number of restrictive covenants. Premiums are also greater when long-term risk-free yields are low and the yield curve is flatter – conditions where a firm might want to lock in favorable long-term rates by issuing new debt and retiring old debt. Bondholders respond to higher tender premiums by tendering a greater percentage of their bonds – a 1% increase in tender premium increases the tendering rate by approximately 9%. Bondholders also tender a greater percentage of bonds possessing less desirable characteristics such as a short remaining maturity or bonds that are simultaneously undergoing consent solicitations. Finally, we find that tender offers are easier to complete when bond ownership concentration is greater.
Cost-effectiveness of telehealth with remote patient monitoring for postpartum hypertension

Evaluate cost-effectiveness of telehealth with remote monitoring for postpartum hypertensive disorders from the hospital’s perspective.A decision tree was developed using results from a non-randomi...
Subideals and Normality of Near-Ring Modules

In this note we will introduce the property of normality of near-ring modules and we will see how a number of results from group theory, especially those dealing with subnormal subgroups, extend to normal modules of d. g. near-rings.
Effect of Third-Party Cloud Computing Usage on Intra-Organizational Coordination

Previous studies have established the impact of information technology on interdepartmental cooperation. However, the move from distributed computing to centralize computing as a result of cloud adoption is having an impact on the current type and level of coordination in workplaces. This study attempts to identify factors influencing the type of coordination strategy and the moderating effect of cloud computing usage. Specifically the study contends that cloud computing usage strengthens the effect of goal alignment and task interdependence on the cooperative intensity between the IT department and business line. Hopefully, data from an online survey of managers and their subordinates will be used to test hypothesis advanced in this study.
Personalized medicine and ethics

An entire series could be dedicated to the topic of ethics in personalized medicine. Due to the advancements in NGS and genetic testing, personalized medicine is no longer something that will occur in the future, the reality is upon us now. Sequencing an individual's genome can have a substantial impact on the patient's treatment and overall quality of life. However, this can open "Pandora's box" especially if an individual does not want to know the information obtained. In addition, will insurance companies require genetic testing in order to pay for a targeted treatment? If the patient refuses to have the genetic testing, will they have to pay for their treatment out of pocket? In the human interest story presented, the researcher and his team discovered over activity of the FTL3 protein through RNA sequencing which resulted in rapid proliferation of his leukemic cells. He identified a drug marketed for advanced kidney cancer which was a FTL3 inhibitor. However, his insurance company refused to pay for the drug because it was not a known treatment for his condition of ALL. He incurred numerous out of pocket expenses in order to go into remission. Was it unethical for the insurance company to not pay for a treatment that ultimately worked but was not marketed or FDA cleared for his type of leukemia? There are so many questions and concerns when personalized medicine is implemented. Only time will tell the effects next generation sequencing and its role in personalized medicine will have in the future.
Spatial information technologies in geographic education

This paper describes a project focusing on the need to enhance communication and understanding between higher education and the K-12 system through the use of spatial information technologies, specifically geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), remotely sensed data (RS) and the Internet. The project has developed materials and identified data through an interactive exchange between Colorado State University graduate students studying information technology for resource management and K-12 teachers. The outcome of the project is twofold: 1) to help K-12 students meet content standards of geography: “how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools and technology to acquire, process and report information from a spatial perspective” (National Geography Standard, 1994, p. 106); and 2) to bridge the gap between higher education and K-12 by providing CSU graduate students with an opportunity to apply spatial information technology skills. Content of exercises developed by CSU graduate students focuses on specific natural resource management issues. 1 Laituri: Spatial information technologies in education Published by DigitalCommons@USU, 1998
The "mad" vs. the "bad" revisited: managing predatory behavior.

Ever since the Enlightenment, western democracies have maintained separate institutions for the “mad” and for the “bad.” For the mad they provided protection and treatment, and for the bad, deterrence and punishment. During the past decade, however, increasing social conservatism and the apparent failure of the criminal justice system have resulted in a series of changes in social policy. In order to protect the public adequately from repeatedly violent predators, legislation has been introduced in several states that remands those predators to mental institutions on completion of their prison terms. Challenges to this legislation, based on ex post facto, double jeopardy, and civil rights considerations were effectively dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Kansas v Hendricks in June, 1997. An effect, however unintended, of upholding these laws and of policy changes leading up to them, is that they have effectively blurred the separation between mad and bad. This paper details the following: 1) the events that have led to these changes in policy and law; 2) the preparations being made in New York State's mental health system to prepare for managing such predators when and if such laws are enacted; 3) the dangers and drawbacks these changes have brought in states where they have already been legislatively mandated; and 4) suggestions for alternatives that would reaffirm the separation between mad and bad.
Ground-Based Observations of Mars and Venus Water Vapor during 1972 and 1973

The Venus water vapor line at 8197.71 A has been monitored at several positions on the disk of Venus and at phase angles between 22° and 91°. Variations in the abundance have been found with both position and time. The total two-way transmission has varied from less than 5 to 77 μ of water vapor. Comparisons will be made between the water vapor abundances, presence of UV features, and the CO2 abundances determined from near simultaneous observations of CO2 bands at the same positions on the disk of Venus.
An efficient silent data corruption detection method with error-feedback control and even sampling for HPC applications

The silent data corruption (SDC) problem is attracting more and more attentions because it is expected to have a great impact on exascale HPC applications. SDC faults are hazardous in that they pass unnoticed by hardware and can lead to wrong computation results. In this work, we formulate SDC detection as a runtime one-step-ahead prediction method, leveraging multiple linear prediction methods in order to improve the detection results. The contributions are twofold: (1) we propose an error feedback control model that can reduce the prediction errors for different linear prediction methods, and (2) we propose a spatial-data-based even-sampling method to minimize the detection overheads (including memory and computation cost). We implement our algorithms in the fault tolerance interface, a fault tolerance library with multiple checkpoint levels, such that users can conveniently protect their HPC applications against both SDC errors and fail-stop errors. We evaluate our approach by using large-scale traces from well-known, large-scale HPC applications, as well as by running those HPC applications on a real cluster environment. Experiments show that our error feedback control model can improve detection sensitivity by 34 -- 189% for bit-flip memory errors injected with the bit positions in the range [20,30], without any degradation on detection accuracy. Furthermore, memory size can be reduced by 33% with our spatial-data even-sampling method, with only a slight and graceful degradation in the detection sensitivity.
Polycomb/Trithorax group proteins collaborate with Heterochromatin protein 1 to regulate Drosophila sex determination.

Background A combination of histone modifications, a ‘histone epigenetic code’, is created and altered by specific enzymes, and recognized by proteins that bind to these modifications through specific domains [1]. These proteins modify the chromatin environment for precise transcriptional regulation. Some of these well studied chromatin remodeling complexes include the Polycomb and the Trithorax Group Proteins (PcG and Trx-G). The two groups are primarily antagonistic and control patterning of the body during embryogenesis, through the regulation of gene expression. The Polycomb Repressive Complexes mediate the initiation of gene repression and its maintenance. The Trx-G proteins are involved in maintaining the activation of gene expression [1]. In Drosophila, one of the earliest developmental decisions made in the embryo is that of determining its sex. This process involves regulating the expression of the X chromosome sensing promoter of Sex-lethal (Sxl) at its establishment promoter, Sxlpe [2]. Using this sensitive system which differentiates one versus two X chromosomes, our lab has shown that heterochromatin proteins are required for proper Sxlpe regulation. We found that Heterochromatin Protein 1 a (HP1a) plays both a repressive and activating role in regulating Sxlpe [3].
Proceedings of the 2nd ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on GeoStreaming

Real-time stream data acquisition through sensors and imagery devices has been widely used in many applications. In addition to the temporal nature of stream data, various sources provide stream data that has geographical locations and/or spatial extents such as point coordinates, lines, or polygons. Thanks to advances in geosensing technologies, researchers in the geospatial community have been able to acquire huge amounts of streamed sensor data. The growing volume of streamed data sources has contributed to advancing the state of the art in geographic information systems. However, the ability to process, mine, and analyze these massive collections of data in a timely manner has posed significant challenges to researchers attempting to make full use of the streamed data. The geostreaming term refers to the ongoing effort in academia and industry to process, mine and analyze stream data with geographic and spatial information. This workshop addresses the research communities in both stream processing and geographic information systems. It brings together experts in the field from academia, industry, and research labs to discuss the lessons they have learned over the years, to demonstrate what they have achieved so far, and to plan for the future of geostreaming.
Differences in chewing behaviors between healthy fully dentate young and older adults assessed by electromyographic recordings.

AbstractTo characterize changes in chewing behaviors associated with healthy aging, 10 young and 10 older fully dentate healthy participants were enrolled in this study. They chewed carrot samples that differed in hardness until their normal swallowing threshold. Their chewing behaviors were assessed using an electromyographic recording device. Adjusting for gender and body mass index, older adults had a higher number of chewing cycles (p = 0.020), a longer chewing duration (p < 0.001), a slower chewing rate (p = 0.002), a greater maximal electromyographic voltage (p = 0.003) and a greater muscle activity (p = 0.002) before they could comfortably swallow the food bolus. A statistically significant main effect of food hardness on the number of chewing cycles, chewing duration, chewing rate and muscle activity was also observed (p < 0.001 for all). These results suggest that reduced mastication efficiency is associated with healthy aging in fully dentate adults. This ingestive behavior may contribute to agi...
A Quantitative Analysis of Super-Stoichiometric H+ Ejection and Ca2+ Uptake in Respiring Rat Liver Mitochondria

Abstract Experiments described in this paper provide an explanation for super-stoichiometry of respiration-dependent uptake of Ca2+ and ejection of H+ by mitochondria, i.e. Ca2+/2e- ratios greatly exceeding 2.0 per site and correspondingly increased H+/2e- ratios when the medium is devoid of phosphate. In rat liver mitochondria super-stoichiometry is evoked by Ca2+ concentrations in excess of 60 to 80 ng-ions per mg of protein, in an otherwise normal reaction medium of 120 mm KCl, pH 7.2. Super-stoichiometric H+ ejection and Ca2+ uptake is caused by a distinctly different process than the stimulation of oxygen consumption. Kinetic analysis shows that respiration-dependent Ca2+-stimulated H+ ejection under conditions yielding super-stoichiometry is biphasic. It consists of (1) a large early burst of H+ release, exceeding 1400 ng-ions of H+ per mg per min, in which the H+/2e- ratio may be infinitely high; and (2) a slow phase stoichiometric with electron transport. Simultaneously, there is a large early burst of respiration-dependent Ca2+ binding, which may exceed 1000 ng-ions per mg per min, again with a very high Ca2+/2e- ratio, and a slow phase of Ca2+ uptake stoichiometric with respiration. Super-stoichiometric Ca2+/2e- and H+/2e- ratios are thus due to a rapid and large energy-dependent Ca2+ binding and H+ ejection superimposed on the slower, normal uptake of Ca2+ and ejection of H+ that is stoichiometric with electron transport. The extra Ca2+ uptake and H+ ejection in the early burst require a finite preceding period of State 4 electron transport, presumably for energization. Some 40 to 50 ng-ions of Ca2+ may be bound and up to 60 ng-ions of H+ may be ejected per mg of protein in the early burst under optimal conditions. Similar results are observed with Sr2+ uptake, but Mn2+ yields only the slow stoichiometric phase. Since the superstoichiometry occurs in the absence of permeant anions and with mersalyl present to prevent cycling of mitochondrial phosphate, it is concluded that the fast extra Ca2+ binding and H+ ejection involve specific membrane-binding sites. It is postulated that State 4 energization of the membrane causes changes in the affinity of these binding sites, leading to decreased affinity for H+ and increased affinity for Ca2+
The fourth phase of water : beyond solid, liquid, and vapor

Of particular significance is the observation that this fourth phase is charged; and, the water just beyond is oppositely charged, creating a battery that can produce current. We found that light charges this battery. Thus, water can receive and process electromagnetic energy drawn from the environment in much the same way as can plants. Absorbed electromagnetic (light) energy can then be exploited for performing work, including electrical and mechanical work. Recent experiments confirm the reality of such energy conversion.
Early treatment of coronal synostosis with endoscopy-assisted craniectomy and postoperative cranial orthosis therapy: 16-year experience

Object The objective of this study was to present the authors' 16-year experience treating coronal craniosynostosis in infants using endoscopy-assisted techniques and postoperative cranial orthoses. Methods A total of 128 synostosed coronal sutures in 115 patients were treated between 1996 and 2012 by endoscopically resecting a strip of bone containing the stenosed suture via a 2–3 cm incision made at the ipsilateral stephanion. Data were obtained from a prospective database. Following surgery, patients were fitted with custom cranial orthoses to help correct preoperative craniofacial deformities. All patients were followed closely with cranial anthropometric measurements and photographs. Results The estimated mean blood loss was 20 ml (range 5–120 ml) and the estimated mean strip size was 0.6 cm × 10.7 cm. The mean surgical duration was 55 minutes (range 22–150 minutes). One patient underwent an intraoperative blood transfusion and 1 had a postoperative blood transfusion, for a total transfusion rate of ...
On providing support for protocol adaptation in mobile wireless networks

The availability of variety of communication devices offers a choice among networks with vastly different characteristics. No single protocol or application can be expected to perform well over all these networks. A mobile host is likely to encounter these different networks and needs to adapt accordingly. The problem of adapting to a changing network environment is further complicated, because changes in network conditions are usually transparent to higher layers of the protocol stack. In order to allow automatic adaptation of applications and protocols, awareness of link conditions and network environment is necessary. In this paper, we present a uniform mechanism based on ICMP messages for providing information about the environment to the protocol stack. We also show how protocols can adapt to changes in the environment, and in particular, demonstrate dynamic fine tuning of some of the well known protocols such as UDP and TCP. Performance measurements demonstrate that our framework imposes little overheads and improves protocol performance under changing network conditions.
Antigenic Topology of Chlamydial PorB Protein and Identification of Targets for Immune Neutralization of Infectivity

The outer membrane protein PorB is a conserved chlamydial protein that functions as a porin and is capable of eliciting neutralizing Abs. A topological antigenic map was developed using overlapping synthetic peptides representing the Chlamydia trachomatis PorB sequence and polyclonal immune sera. To identify which antigenic determinants were surface accessible, monospecific antisera were raised to the PorB peptides and were used in dot-blot and ELISA-based absorption studies with viable chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs). The ability of the surface-accessible antigenic determinants to direct neutralizing Ab responses was investigated using standardized in vitro neutralization assays. Four major antigenic clusters corresponding to Phe34-Leu59 (B1-2 and B1-3), Asp112 -Glu145 (B2-3 and B2-4), Gly179-Ala225 (B3-2 to B3-4), and Val261-Asn305 (B4-4 to B5-2) were identified. Collectively, the EB absorption and dot-blot assays established that the immunoreactive PorB Ags were exposed on the surface of chlamydial EBs. Peptide-specific antisera raised to the surface-accessible Ags neutralized chlamydial infectivity and demonstrated cross-reactivity to synthetic peptides representing analogous C. pneumoniae PorB sequences. Furthermore, neutralization of chlamydial infectivity by C. trachomatis PorB antisera was inhibited by synthetic peptides representing the surface-exposed PorB antigenic determinants. These findings demonstrate that PorB Ags may be useful for development of chlamydial vaccines.
A Rejoinder to Hales’s Article

This then is an item-by-item reality check on the mathematical content of their objections to my article [2], on which they have based their assessment on the status of the Kepler conjecture. It should now be clear from the responses that their objections are without any mathematical foundations.
Specific insulin and proinsulin concentrations in nondiabetic South Indians.

Abstract The study was performed to determine plasma levels of proinsulin (PI) and specific insulin (SI) in normoglycemic (NGT) Asian Indians and to assess the effect of obesity and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) on these concentrations. Blood samples from 151 adult nondiabetic South Indian subjects were collected during an epidemiological survey of diabetes. Plasma SI and PI levels were measured in fasting and 30-minute and 120-minute samples of a glucose tolerance test (World Health Organization criteria) using monospecific antibodies. The total insulin (TI) level was also measured by the nonspecific assay. The molar ratio of PI to SI ( PI SI ) was calculated. Correlations of the peptides with anthropometry, serum lipids, and blood pressure (BP) were studied by univariate and multivariate analyses. Comparisons were also made in NGT versus IGT groups. As expected, TI values were higher than SI values, but the patterns of response were similar for both. SI and PI responses in NGT were similar to the values found in Mexican-Americans who had a higher body mass index (BMI). Asian Indians were thus found to have a high SI response despite a low BMI. Obesity and IGT produced an increased response of both PI and SI, with normal PI SI ratios thus showing an absence of hyperproinsulinemia in either condition. Fasting PI showed a strong association with serum triglycerides, and proinsulin at 120 minutes was associated with cholesterol. None of the peptides showed a correlation with BP. Using specific assays for insulin and PI, it is shown that Asian Indians with NGT have a hyperinsulinemic response despite a low BMI. Obesity and mild hyperglycemia in IGT produce a simultaneous increase in PI and SI with no alteration in the PI SI ratio.