cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Common Law Court in an Uncommon Environment: The DIFC Judiciary and Global Commercial Dispute Resolution

This article analyzes a fascinating development – the emergence of English-speaking, American and British-style common law courts within the Islamic monarchy of Dubai. The ‘Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts’ were officially opened in 2006. By 2011, these courts saw their jurisdiction expanded to cover any commercial matter (domestic or foreign) with consent from the parties. The monarchy’s establishment of this parallel judiciary reflected a dual intent: to promote Dubai’s status among Western investors as the premier place to conduct business, and to confirm that a familiar, reliable, and efficient legal system operates in a just manner. Relying on ethnographic work, interview data, and primary sources, this article evaluates the DIFC Courts and the diverse perspectives surrounding them. As the analysis reveals, the story of this common law court is one of nuance – highlighting how in this era of globalization a Western judicial system can indeed exist within an Islamic, Arab-Gulf monarchy.
Size, organization, and dynamics of soluble SQSTM1 and LC3-SQSTM1 complexes in living cells

Selective macroautophagy/autophagy-with the help of molecular receptors-captures cargo for lysosomal degradation. Among the best-studied molecular receptors is SQSTM1/p62, a homo-oligomeric ubiquitin binding protein, which binds to both cargo and MAP1LC3B/LC3, a protein important for autophagosome biogenesis. Although the mechanisms underlying interaction of LC3 and SQSTM1 have been extensively studied, very little is known about the size or organization of soluble complexes formed between SQSTM1 and LC3 prior to phagophore (the autophagosome precursor) binding in live cells at the molecular level. To address this question, in the current study we use a combination of 2 microscopy-based approaches, FRET microscopy and confocal FRAP, to study the nanoscale properties of soluble SQSTM1 complexes and SQSTM1-LC3 complexes in living HeLa cells. We find that, independent of puncta, SQSTM1 oligomerizes to form very slowly diffusing complexes that contain multiple copies of SQSTM1 within FRET proximity of one another. Furthermore, we show that the interactions of soluble pools of LC3 and SQSTM1 can be readily detected by both FRAP and FRET. Finally, we uncover unexpected roles of SQSTM1's PB1 domain, a region of the protein involved in homo-oligomer formation, in complex formation. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the nature of nanometer-sized protein complexes in the autophagy pathway.
Millimeter Wave Dielectric Permittivity Measurements of Common Materials

Millimeter-wave transmittance measurements of common household powdered materials over the frequency range spanning from 35 GHz to 120 GHz. Frequency dependences of real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity have been calculated from the transmittance spectra. This wide band spectroscopy makes use of a backward wave oscillator as a high power tunable source of radiation which is preferable for the measurement of high absorbing materials due to the higher level of radiation transmission through the sample.
Characterization of the Syk-Dependent T Cell Signaling Response to an Altered Peptide.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by T cell dysregulation. We have shown that an altered peptide ligand (A9) activates T cells to use an alternate signaling pathway that is dependent on FcRγ and spleen tyrosine kinase, resulting in downregulation of inflammation. In the experiments described in this study, we have attempted to determine the molecular basis of this paradox. Three major Src family kinases found in T cells (Lck, Fyn, and Lyn) were tested for activation following stimulation by A9/I-A q . Unexpectedly we found they are not required for T cell functions induced by A9/I-A q , nor are they required for APL stimulation of cytokines. On the other hand, the induction of the second messenger inositol trisphosphate and the mobilization of calcium are clearly triggered by the APL A9/I-A q stimulation and are required for cytokine production, albeit the cytokines induced are different from those produced after activation of the canonical pathway. DBA/1 mice doubly deficient in IL-4 and IL-10 were used to confirm that these two cytokines are important for the APL-induced attenuation of arthritis. These studies provide a basis for exploring the effectiveness of analog peptides and the inhibitory T cells they induce as therapeutic tools for autoimmune arthritis.
Adaptive Learning for Controlled Lagrangian Particle Tracking

Controlled Lagrangian particle tracking (CLPT) is a feedback control methodology for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in dynamic ocean environments that can reveal information about ocean flow and model error through the operation of AUVs. From CLPT, we evaluate the navigational performance of AUVs with controlled Lagrangian prediction error (CLPE), which represents the difference between the predicted and true trajectories of AUVs. In this paper, using CLPE, we develop an adaptive learning algorithm that allows AUVs to learn their true motion in ocean flow fields in real time. While previous work shows that CLPE increases over time in simulated and field experiments, the proposed algorithm forces CLPE to converge to zero so that the vehicle motion model is unique and flow fields can be identified. For the robustness of the proposed algorithm, we prove that CLPE is ultimately bounded under disturbances. The proposed algorithm is verified by simulation results.
Towards Deadline Guaranteed Cloud Storage Services

More and more organizations move their data and workload to commercial cloud storage systems. However, the multiplexing and sharing of the resources in a cloud storage system present unpredictable data access latency to tenants, which may make online data-intensive applications unable to satisfy their deadline requirements. Thus, it is important for cloud storage systems to provide deadline guaranteed services. In this paper, to meet a current form of service level objective (SLO) that constrains the percentage of each tenant's data access requests failing to meet its required deadline below a given threshold, we build a mathematical model to derive the upper bound of acceptable request arrival rate on each server. We then propose a Deadline Guaranteed storage service (called DGCloud) that incorporates three algorithms. Its deadline-aware load balancing scheme redirects requests and creates replicas to release the excess load of each server beyond the derived upper bound. Its workload consolidation algorithm tries to maximally reduce servers while still satisfying the SLO to maximize the resource utilization. Its data placement optimization algorithm re-schedules the data placement to minimize the transmission cost of data replication. Our trace-driven experiments in simulation and Amazon EC2 show the higher performance of DGCloud compared with previous methods in terms of deadline guarantees and system resource utilization, and the effectiveness of its individual algorithms.
Title VII - Competing Approaches to Establishing a Prima Facie Case for Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Under Title VII

Title VII attempts to eliminate discrimination at the workplace on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Generally the definitions of race, color, religion and national origin are well settled, the same cannot be said for the definition of “sex”. This ambiguity has left the question of whether discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation comes within this definition. This Note argues that procedurally, federal courts generally take three approaches to claims alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation. Under the board approach, when a plaintiff alleges discrimination based on sexual orientation, the court will understand the claim as “inherently” because of sex and allow the claim to proceed. Under the narrow approach, when a plaintiff alleges discrimination based on sexual orientation, the court will grant 12(b)(6) motions and dismisses all claims brought on the basis of sexual orientation with prejudice, because sexual orientation is not “inherently” because of sex. Under the intermediate approach, the court grants 12(b)(6) without prejudice and allows plaintiff leave to amend to remove any mention of sexual orientation and properly plead gender stereotyping. Additionally, this Note argues that the broad approach is better than both the narrow and the intermediate approach.
Whole-ganglion imaging of voltage in the medicinal leech using a double-sided microscope

Studies of neuronal network emergence during sensory processing and motor control are greatly promoted by technologies that allow us to simultaneously record the membrane potential dynamics of a large population of neurons in single cell resolution. To achieve whole-brain recording with the ability to detect both small synaptic potentials and action potentials, we developed a voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging technique based on a double-sided microscope that can image two sides of a nervous system simultaneously. We applied this system to the segmental ganglia of the medicinal leech Hirudo verbana . Double-sided VSD imaging enabled simultaneous recording of membrane potential events from almost all of the identifiable neurons. Using data obtained from double-sided VSD imaging we analyzed neuronal dynamics in both sensory processing and generation of behavior and constructed functional maps for identification of neurons contributing to these processes.
The Expanding Role of Software in the Control of Metal Rolling Mills

Abstract This paper describes the extent of both continuous and discrete control of rolling mills and the application of software control to each. Process computers have demonstrated high reliability and contributed significantly to improved control over the rolling process. Programmable logic controllers are extending the application of software control to the discrete drives of the material handling and auxiliary support systems.
Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion Is Effective for Prolonged Circulatory Arrest in Arch Aneurysm Repair

Background The optimal brain protection strategy for prolonged periods of circulatory arrest is still controversial. This study evaluated whether retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) provides adequate brain protection for prolonged periods of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Methods From January 1997 to December 2014, 1,043 patients underwent aortic arch operations using RCP and DHCA at 18°C. The DHCA time for 993 patients was 49 minutes or less and the DHCA time for the remaining 50 patients was 50 minutes or more. Propensity matching between the two groups was performed, taking into account the main preoperative and surgical variables and all the preoperative and intraoperative neurologic risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of operative death and postoperative cerebral complications. Results In the unmatched population, mortality in the 50 minutes or more vs the 49 minutes or less group was 8% vs 3.8% ( p = 0.143), and the stroke rate was 2% vs 1.2% ( p = 0.623). Propensity matching resulted in 48 pairs. Operative death and incidence of transient and permanent neurologic deficit were similar and not statistically significant in the matched groups for all comparisons. No difference in the incidence of other major postoperative complications was found between the two groups. Midterm survival was similar. Regression analysis showed DHCA duration was not independently associated with operative death or postoperative neurologic deficits. Conclusions RCP is an effective adjunctive cerebral protection strategy for complex aortic arch aneurysm repair with prolonged DHCA and is not associated with increased death or neurologic complications.
Monarch butterflies do not place all of their eggs in one basket: oviposition on nine Midwestern milkweed species

USDA (1009926, 69-3A75-16-006); Prairie Biotics Inc.; Iowa Native Plant Society; Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium
Masses of 36K, 80,82Rb from Thresholds for (p,n) Reactions and Coulomb Energy Systematics Near A=36

There is now a large amount of data on (p,n) thresholds, many of which have been determined by observing the yield of positron activity as a function of bombarding energy.(1) However none of the three (p,n) thresholds reported here had been previously measured. The 36Ar(p,n)36K threshold would allow a gap in Coulomb-displacement energy systematics to be filled and the 80,82Kr(p,n)80,82Rb thresholds would permit, in conjunction with other information, the prediction of disintegration energies for 78Rb and 82Y which are far off the stability line.
Internationalizing the Social Psychology Curriculum in the USA

This chapter begins by exploring the historical context of contemporary social psychology. We argue that an internationalized social psychology would include theoretical and methodological orientations that depart from mainstream US social psychology. Specifically, the notion that social behavior is causally determined needs to be exposed as a cultural assumption. Discursive and cultural psychologies hold promise for an internationalized social psychology in the twenty-first century, as these movements conceive of persons as culturally located causal agents. We conclude by recommending specific texts and web sites as resources for internationalizing the social psychology curriculum.
Actions of a nicotinic agonist, DMPP, on intestinal ion transport in vitro.

Abstract High-dose carbachol (10−3 M) has previously been shown to cause NaCl absorption in short-circuited rabbit ileum. The mechanism of this effect may be norepinephrine release induced by carbachol activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors on adrenergic neurons. Norepinephrine then interacts with postsynaptic α-adrenergic receptors on intestinal mucosal cells to stimulate neutral NaCl absorption and inhibit electrogenic bicarbonate secretion. The present paper examines the in vitro intestinal ion transport effects of DMPP an agent which is more specific than carbachol on nicotinic cholinergic receptors. DMPP (10−5 M) caused a transient increase followed by prolonged depression of the short-circuit current, increased NaCl absorption and increased tissue conductance. This effect was antagonized by hexamethonium and phentolamine. It is concluded that nicotinic cholinergic agents stimulate norepinephrine release from adrenergic nerves and effect intestinal ion transport just as norepinephrine does.
Autonomic regulation of preterm infants is enhanced by Family Nurture Intervention

Preterm infants have maturational delays in several neurobehavioral systems. This study assesses the impact of the Family Nurture Intervention (FNI) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on the maturation of autonomic regulation of preterm infants. Preterm infants born at 26-34 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) were assigned to groups receiving either standard care (SC) or SC plus FNI, using a randomized controlled trial design. At two collection time points, approximately 35 weeks and 41 weeks PMA, electrocardiograms (ECG) were monitored for approximately 1 hour during sleep. Heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were quantified from the ECG. Across the two time points, the FNI group exhibited greater increases in RSA (Cohen's d = 0.35) and slope between RSA and heart rate, as a measure of vagal efficiency (Cohen's d = 0.62). These results document that FNI resulted in enhanced autonomic regulation consistent with greater maturation of cardiac function. These and previous findings strongly suggest that facilitating early nurturing interactions and emotional connection between preterm infants and their mothers is a practicable and effective means of optimizing postnatal development in preterm infants. Interpretation of these autonomic function results also enriches our understanding of the potential long-term beneficial outcomes of FNI by drawing upon polyvagal theory, which explains how autonomic state provides a neurophysiological platform for optimal co-regulation between infant and caregiver, and by drawing upon calming cycle theory, which provides a model for understanding how repeated mother/infant calming interactions positively condition autonomic state and reinforce approach, prosocial behaviors.
“Are You Into Beer Pong?” Exploring Question-Answer Sequences in an L2 Oral Performance Assessment

ABSTRACTDespite the frequent occurrence of yes/no questions in naturalistic talk-in-interaction, there is widespread concern that yes/no questions only allow predetermined answers and limit L2 learners’ performance in language assessment contexts. Drawing upon audio-recordings of role-play conversations between an L1 American English speaker and 104 L2 English learners, we use conversation analysis to examine how L2 learners respond to yes/no questions in an oral performance assessment. The analysis was guided by the following research questions: (a) How do L2 English learners respond to a yes/no interrogative in a role-play assessment context? (b) How do L2 English learners’ different responses lead to distinct sequences of conversational turns? In our analysis we show that yes/no interrogatives elicit a range of responses (e.g., repair initiation, type-conforming responses, non-type-conforming responses) that result in negotiation of meaning between participants. While turn design and sequence organizat...
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase: Regulation, Structure, and Inhibition

A considerable number of human diseases have an inflammatory component, and a key mediator of immune activation and inflammation is inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which produces nitric oxide (NO) from l-arginine. Overexpressed or dysregulated iNOS has been implicated in numerous pathologies including sepsis, cancer, neurodegeneration, and various types of pain. Extensive knowledge has been accumulated about the roles iNOS plays in different tissues and organs. Additionally, X-ray crystal and cryogenic electron microscopy structures have shed new insights on the structure and regulation of this enzyme. Many potent iNOS inhibitors with high selectivity over related NOS isoforms, neuronal NOS, and endothelial NOS, have been discovered, and these drugs have shown promise in animal models of endotoxemia, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, arthritis, and other disorders. A major issue in iNOS inhibitor development is that promising results in animal studies have not translated to humans; there are no iNOS inhibitors approved for human use. In addition to assay limitations, both the dual modalities of iNOS and NO in disease states (ie, protective vs harmful effects) and the different roles and localizations of NOS isoforms create challenges for therapeutic intervention. This review summarizes the structure, function, and regulation of iNOS, with focus on the development of iNOS inhibitors (historical and recent). A better understanding of iNOS' complex functions is necessary before specific drug candidates can be identified for classical indications such as sepsis, heart failure, and pain; however, newer promising indications for iNOS inhibition, such as depression, neurodegenerative disorders, and epilepsy, have been discovered.
Association of Delayed Time to Treatment Initiation With Overall Survival and Recurrence Among Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an Underserved Urban Population

Importance Delay in time to treatment initiation (TTI) can alter survival and oncologic outcomes. There is a need to characterize these consequences and identify risk factors and reasons for treatment delay, particularly in underserved urban populations. Objectives To investigate the association of delayed treatment initiation with outcomes of overall survival and recurrence among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), to analyze factors that are predictive of delayed treatment initiation, and to identify specific reasons for delayed treatment initiation. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study at an urban community-based academic center. Participants were 956 patients with primary HNSCC treated between February 8, 2005, and July 17, 2017, identified through the Montefiore Medical Center Cancer Registry. Exposures The primary exposure was TTI, defined as the duration between histopathological diagnosis and initial treatment. The threshold for delayed treatment initiation was determined by recursive partitioning analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall survival, recurrence, and reasons for treatment delay. Results Among 956 patients with HNSCC (mean [SD] age, 60.8 [18.2] years; 72.6% male), the median TTI was 40 days (interquartile range, 28-56 days). The optimal TTI threshold to differentiate overall survival was greater than 60 days (20.8% [199 of 956] of patients in our cohort). Independent of other relevant factors, patients with HNSCC with TTI exceeding 60 days had poorer survival (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.32-2.18). Similarly, TTI exceeding 60 days was associated with greater risk of recurrence (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.07-2.93). Predictors of delayed TTI included African American race/ethnicity, Medicaid insurance, body mass index less than 18.5, and initial diagnosis at a different institution. Commonly identified individual reasons for treatment delay were missed appointments (21.2% [14 of 66]), extensive pretreatment evaluation (21.2% [14 of 66]), and treatment refusal (13.6% [9 of 66]). Conclusions and Relevance Delaying TTI beyond 60 days was associated with decreased overall survival and increased HNSCC recurrence. Identification of predictive factors and reasons for treatment delay will help target at-risk patients and facilitate intervention in hospitals with underserved urban populations.
Game Pay Offs and the Regulation of Cross Border Profits and Losses: Possible Roles for Forensic Accounting in the Mitigation of Tax Losses

In his paper, “The Use of Cross Border Corporate Profits and Losses and “Global Corporate Tax Information”: A Game Theory Approach”, Garbarino (2014) highlights three concerns about cross border consolidation: - The inclusion of losses of foreign affiliated companies or permanent establishments (PEs) in the residence country, which triggers the erosion of the national tax base; - Losses of foreign affiliated company or PE, which may be used in the country where the affiliated company or PE is located (through carry forward, carry back, local techniques of consolidation); as well as where the controlling company is located (losses used to offset profits/reduce tax obligations more than once – where affiliated company or PE is located AND also where controlling company is located); - Losses of foreign affiliated companies or PEs used creatively for purposes of offsetting domestic profits – but which may not be audited directly by those tax authorities of those countries. As well as considering the possible additional scenarios whereby the “game theory model” used in his article, are able to operate, this volume also highlights, through other models, why certain multinational firms are able to exploit information gaps in executing and designing sophisticated tax planning procedures that reduces their overall tax burdens and obligations. Further, information asymmetries in respect of the disadvantaged country (owing to lack of sufficient information base), as well as knowledge base available to the country which commands dual capacities as residence and source country, and is not only able to serve in both capacities, but also afforded immense and valuable knowledge/information base, by virtue of such positions, may leave such a highly advantageous party in a privileged position whereby tax planning practices are effectively designed in such a way that they cannot be really categorized as “ aggressive tax planning policies” which warrant or attract regulatory penalties or sanctions. From the perspective, the volume also aims to highlight and recommend possible roles for forensic accountants. Further, this paper (outline of the volume) briefly highlights a consideration of the afore mentioned points and conditions under which the suggested and proposed additional scenarios are able to operate.
Cumulative Social Risk and Cardiovascular Disease Among Adults in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Nationally Representative Sample.

INTRODUCTION The Framingham risk score (FRS) is widely used to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD), but it neglects to account for social risk factors. Our study examined whether use of a cumulative social risk score in addition to the FRS improves prediction of CVD among South Korean adults. METHODS We used nationally representative data on 19,147 adults aged 19 or older from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016. We computed a cumulative social risk score (range, 0-3) based on 3 social risk factors: low household income, low level of education, and single-living status. CVD outcomes were stroke, myocardial infarction, and angina. Weighted logistic regression examined the associations between cumulative social risk, FRS, and CVD. McFadden pseudo-R2 and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) assessed model performance. We conducted mediation analyses to quantify the association between cumulative social risk score and CVD outcomes that is not mediated by the FRS. RESULTS A unit increase in social risk was associated with 89.4% higher risk of stroke diagnosis, controlling for the FRS (P < .001). The FRS explained 8.0% of stroke diagnosis (R2) with fair discrimination (AUC = 0.728), and adding the cumulative social risk score enhanced R2 and AUC by 2.4% and 0.039. In the association between cumulative social risk and stroke, the proportion not mediated by the FRS was 65% (P < .001). We observed similar trends in myocardial infarction and angina, such that an increase in social risk was associated with increased relative risk of disease and improved disease diagnosis, and a large proportion of the association was not mediated by the FRS. CONCLUSION Controlling for the FRS, cumulative social risks predicted stroke, myocardial infarction, and angina among adults in South Korea. Future research is needed to examine non-FRS mediators between cumulative social risk and CVD.
Air- and Water-Tolerant (PNP)Ir Precatalyst for theDehydrogenative Borylation of Terminal Alkynes

This work discloses the facile synthesis and efficacy of (PNP)IrH(OAc), a precatalyst for the dehydrogenative borylation of terminal alkynes (DHBTA). Unlike the previously reported precatalysts in ...
Dual Professional Career Relationships

Whether you are married to a physician or another professional, a successful relationship requires partnership. A universally shared destiny for dual professional couples is their pursuit of careers. I volunteered to write this chapter because I feel my husband, an academic cancer surgeon, and myself, a department chair, have had a relatively successful partnership in terms of our professions. If one’s partner is not supportive, attainment of professional success will be much more difficult and the journey much less enjoyable. Also, in my opinion, deep respect for each partner’s career is an absolute must for a successful partnership. At times, furthering one’s career requires physical separation. This may seem untenable and overly disruptive, but when the proper groundwork is laid, both individuals can prosper professionally and emotionally. Rarely is the partnership 50/50. Both partners must learn to compromise. Partners should not expect equal “quid pro quos”; however, ideally the 50/50 balance will be roughly achieved over the long haul. Dual professional couples rarely remain in the same job throughout their careers. Change and evolution in one’s career is expected and desired, such as returning to school, retirement, accepting a new position, and increasing or decreasing work effort. Be prepared that these changes may require a re-contracting of the partnership, requiring editing of the important roles each plays in the partnership.
In vivo quantification of placental hemodynamics with diffuse optical spectroscopy

Currently, no bedside tool measures placental hemoglobin properties. Thus, we developed a hybrid optical/ultrasound (US) system to measure and study placental oxygen dynamics noninvasively. The system combines a Frequency-Domain Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy (FD-DOS) instrument that is capable of probing tissue as deep as 5 cm below the surface, with a commercial US device to provide synchronized tissue morphological information. Multi-layer models of photon diffusion are then utilized to reconstruct placental hemoglobin properties from FD-DOS data with morphological constraints from US. Phantom experiments, simulations, and studies in human subjects demonstrate that this instrument quantifies in vivo placental hemodynamics non-invasively.
Ultrasonic flow meter using mode coupling transducers.

Abstract This paper describes the development of an ultrasonic flow meter using a new type of transducer called the mode coupling transducer (MCT). The mode coupling transducer consists of a thin plate of a suitable piezoelectric material on which an interdigital transducer (IDT) is deposited for the generation and detection of plate acoustic waves. The flow meter consists of two such transducers mounted on opposite walls of a pipe through which the fluid is flowing. The transducers used in this work were fabricated on 0.5 mm thick plates of lithium niobate and had a center frequency of 1 MHz. The prototype device developed here can measure flow rates over a range from less than 0.2 lpm (liters per minute) to greater than 100 lpm.
ABCMETAapp: R Shiny Application for Simulation-based Estimation of Mean and Standard Deviation for Meta-analysis via Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC)

In meta-analysis based on continuous outcome, estimated means and corresponding standard deviations from the selected studies are key inputs to obtain a pooled estimate of the mean and its confidence interval. We often encounter the situation that these quantities are not directly reported in the literatures. Instead, other summary statistics are reported such as median, minimum, maximum, quartiles, and study sample size. Based on available summary statistics, we need to estimate estimates of mean and standard deviation for meta-analysis. We developed an R Shiny code based on approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), ABCMETA, to deal with this situation. In this article, we present an interactive and user-friendly R Shiny application for implementing the proposed method (named ABCMETAapp). In ABCMETAapp, users can choose an underlying outcome distribution other than the normal distribution when the distribution of the outcome variable is skewed or heavy tailed. We show how to run ABCMETAapp with examples. ABCMETAapp provides an R Shiny implementation. This method is more flexible than the existing analytical methods since estimation can be based on five different distributions (Normal, Lognormal, Exponential, Weibull, and Beta) for the outcome variable.
Energy Balance, IGF-1, and Cancer: Causal Lessons from Genetically Engineered Mice

This chapter summarizes key findings, particularly from genetically engineered mouse models with alterations in serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 on the biological mechanisms underlying many of the anticancer effects of calorie restriction (CR), with a particular focus on the role of IGF-1, its related downstream signaling pathways, and its interactions with other energy balance-related hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. It also describes some of the epidemiological and experimental evidence linking IGF-1, energy balance, and cancer and the emerging opportunities for investigation that will facilitate the translation of preclinical research on energy balance and cancer into effective strategies to prevent and control human cancer.
Joselyn M. Almeida, Reimagining the Transatlantic, 1780–1890

Review by Omar F. Miranda (New York University) of Joselyn M. Almeida, Reimagining the Transatlantic, 1780–1890 . Farnham: Ashgate, 2011. Pp. 294. £66.00. ISBN 9780754669678.
Building a Database of Data Sets for Health Services Research.

Abstract The Database of Data Sets (DB/DS) for Health Services Research will be an online searchable directory of data sets which are available, often with restrictions and confidentiality safeguards, for use by health care researchers. The DB/DS project is aimed at a wide audience, and intends to include a very broad range of health care data sets, ranging from state hospital discharge data bases, to national registries and health survey data sets, to institutional clinical databases. The intended users are the same community of researchers, policy-makers, administrators and practitioners who are served by the National Library of Medicine's current bibliographic databases. This paper describes a pilot phase of the DB/DS project in which the issues involved in creating such a database were explored with an initial set of 20 representative data sets.
Studies on the electron transport system. XVI. Enzymic oxidoreduction reactions of coenzyme Q.

Abstract Oxidoreduction reactions of coenzyme Q as catalyzed by beef heart mitochondria and derivative particles have been studied. Coenzyme Q is rapidly reduced by substrates, such as pyruvate plus malate, β-hydroxybutyrate, DPNH and succinate. It is also oxidized rapidly by molecular oxygen in the presence of mitochondrial enzymes. The reduction of coenzyme Q by the pyridinoprotein substrates is inhibited by Amytal as well as by antimycin A. The latter compound also inhibits the reduction of coenzyme Q by succinate. The oxidation of reduced coenzyme Q catalyzed by mitochondrial particles is inhibited by cyanide. The possible position of coenzyme Q relative to other members of the electron transport system of beef heart mitochondria is discussed.
A distributed message passing algorithm for sensor localization

We propose a fully distributed message passing algorithm based on expectation propagation for the purpose of sensor localization. Sensors perform noisy measurements of their mutual distances and their relative angles. These measurements form the basis for an iterative, local (i.e. distributed) algorithm to compute the sensor's locations including uncertainties for these estimates. This approach offers a distributed, computationally efficient and flexible framework for information fusion in sensor networks.
Colombia al final del siglo: entre la guerra y la paz

RESUMEN: El autor trata de explicar la persistencia en el caso colombiano de una situacion cuasi-permanente de deficit de gobernabilidad, que se entiende por la adaptacion de elementos modernos en el seno de practicas tradicionales como el caudillismo, el gamonalismo, el personalismo, el clientelismo. Tambien identifica los diferentes problemas estructurales de la sociedad colombiana a mediados de los anos 90: una estructura de exclusion, un conflicto armado interno persistente, una tendencia a modernizar sin democratizar, la impunidad y la crisis de la justicia, el narcotrafico; para adelantar una nueva vision de la solucion al conflicto armado que conlleve la participacion de la sociedad civil mientras se van dando las condiciones para profundizar las reformas para ampliar la gobernabilidad. ABSTRACT: The author tries to explain the persistence in the colombian case of a quasi-permanent context of governance deficit, which is explained by the adaptation of modern elements in the functioning of traditional practices as the caudillism, "gamonalismo", personalism, clientelism. Therefore, he identifies the different structural problems of colombian society in the middle of the nineties such as the structure of exclusion, an internal armed conflict, a tendency to modernize without democratization, the impunity and the crisis of justice, the drug business, etc. Finally, Vargas sets the necessity to enlarge the negotiation to civil society in order to deep the reforms to establish governance.
Yeast ASF1 Protein Is Required for Cell Cycle Regulation of Histone Gene Transcription

Transcription of the four yeast histone gene pairs (HTA1-HTB1, HTA2-HTB2, HHT1-HHF1, and HHT2-HHF2) is repressed during G1, G2, and M. For all except HTA2-HTB2, this repression requires several trans-acting factors, including the products of the HIR genes, HIR1, HIR2, and HIR3. ASF1 is a highly conserved protein that has been implicated in transcriptional silencing and chromatin assembly. In this analysis, we show that HIR1 interacts with ASF1 in a two-hybrid analysis. Further, asf1 mutants, like hir mutants, are defective in repression of histone gene transcription during the cell cycle and in cells arrested in early S phase in response to hydroxyurea. asf1 and hir1 mutations also show very similar synergistic interactions with mutations in cac2, a subunit of the yeast chromatin assembly factor CAF-I. The results suggest that ASF1 and HIR1 function in the same pathway to create a repressive chromatin structure in the histone genes during the cell cycle.
The changing structure of teacher compensation, 1970–1994

Abstract This paper considers how the structures of teacher salaries in public school districts have changed over the last quarter century and whether salary increases have been allocated so as to achieve the greatest gain in educational quality. Using New York state data for the 1970–1994 period, we find that even though some districts appear to behave in ways consistent with the often expressed goal of recruiting and retaining the most able college graduates, most districts do not. The vast majority of districts have inefficiently allocated a disproportionately large share of resources to veteran teachers for whom job tenure is only marginally affected. This finding has important implications for the policy debate regarding whether increased spending on education will, or could, improve educational performance as well as the design of alternative compensation schemes.
Electronic House Arrest and Boot Camp in North Carolina: Comparing Recidivism

Using official data records, this study examined differences in recidi vism - defined as fingerprinted rearrest - among participants in two wide ly used intermediate sanctions, electronic house arr...
Antigen density on differentiating erythroid cells.

THERE is a conflict of evidence about the development of erythrocyte antigens in the course of cell differentiation and maturation. Some reports suggest that antigens characteristic of mature erythrocytes can be demonstrated even on immature precursor cells1,2, but others3,4 suggest that red cell development is accompanied by significant changes of antigenic reactivity. We have sought to reduce this conflict by the use of immuno-electron microscopy in which antibodies labelled with ferritin5–9 are used to make surface cell antigens directly visible.
Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumour as a Potentially Treatable Cause of Intractable Epilepsy in Children

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour (DNT) represents a morphologically unique and surgically treatable benign lesion typically associated with complex partial seizures (CPS). Although the radiological features are not pathognomonic the histology is quite distinct. They may account for a significant minority of children with intractable CPS. We present four histologically proven cases to demonstrate and discuss the range of radiological features. Recent recognition that CPS may be caused by a number of conditions including DNT emphasizes that all children with partial seizures should have radiological investigations early in their course.
Geochemistry of the Taitao ophiolite and near-trench intrusions from the Chile Margin Triple Junction

Abstract The Taitao ophiolite of southern Chile lies 10 km from the buried extension of the Peru-Chile trench, and less than 50 km from the present position of the Nazca/South America/Antarctica triple junction. Plio-Pleistocene radiometric and paleontologic ages indicate its formation during ridge subduction, and an ultramafic rock, gabbro, sheeted dike, volcanic and sedimentary rock psuedostratigraphy suggests formation by typical accretionary processes for oceanic lithosphere. Yet major and trace element data show that mafic dikes and volcanic units are transitional from MORB to IAT, and there are abundant silicic volcanic units of calc-alkaline character that have high LIL element and light REE concentrations relative to oceanic plagiogranites. Sr and Nd isotopic data are consistent with that of modern oceanic suites, even though having a greater internal variability. Silicic volcanic units show the more enriched Sr and depleted Nd isotopic ratios relative to dike and gabbro samples. In addition to chemical distinctions, paleobathymetric data support a shallow water origin for some of the upper volcanic units and, assuming local compensation, suggest crustal thicknesses of continental proportion. In the vicinity of the Taitao ophiolite, and extending some 40 km landward of the plate margin, are a series of silicic stocks, sills, and plutons that were intruded into the forearc at the time of ridge collision and ophiolite generation. These calc-alkaline I-type granitoids are light REE enriched and have Sr and Nd isotopic compositions similar to those of the main volcanic chain 200 km landward. Chemically, some of the silicic intrusions are indistinguishable from volcanic units of the ophiolite. In general, major, trace, REE, and isotopic variations of both the ophiolite and the distributed intrusions are atypical of simple fractionation trends for basaltic liquids. Intermediate to silicic units lie along mixing hyperbolae between Taitao gabbro and either forearc sediment or metamorphic basement on a NdSr correlation diagram, and these two crustal components support, respectively, either a 10–25% or 5–10% assimilation. Shutdown of magmatism, and therefore probably partial melting as well, appears to occur within 40 km of the trench, roughly spanning the depth interval for the disappearance of the plagioclase-lherzolite stability field as the zone of mantle upwelling is overridden by an increasing thickness of continental lithosphere. A deeper and more landward absence of partial melt related to the subducted ridge is supported by the correlation of the shutoff and re-initiation of arc volcanism over the northern and southern trailing edges of the postulated subcontinental asthenospheric window. Here, as well as elsewhere in the circum-Pacific, the general restriction of magmatism related to ridge subduction to near-trench settings supports a shallow (0 to 15 km) shutoff mechanism for adiabatic decompressive melting and a rather abrupt return to single-phase (solid) convective rise of mantle into an evolving asthenospheric window.
Effect of fibrinogen degradation products on production of hepatocyte stimulating factor by a macrophage cell line (P388D1).

Abstract Hepatocyte Stimulating Factor (HSF) is a monocyte/macrophage-derived regulatory protein which stimulates the hepatic synthesis of several plasma proteins. Plasminolytic peptides of fibrinogen or fibrin were tested for their ability to stimulate the secretion of HSF in an established macrophage cell line (P388D 1 ). One of the peptides, fragment D, induced the production of HSF in the cells in a dose-dependent manner, while intact fibrinogen did not. A hierarchy of potency was established for the major plasminolytic fragments which is as follows: D ≥ DD > X ≥ E. Fragment D had no effect on production of interleukin-1, a potent monokine released by P388D 1 cells. Taken together these results demonstrate that fragment D is a specific and potent inducer of HSF in P388D 1 cells.
Atomic level populations in the hollow cathode discharge

Abstract The relative populations of Fe(I) levels in an Fe+Ar hollow cathode discharge have been measured. The population of a level is found to increase with the radiative lifetime τ of the level until τ exceeds the mean interval between quenching collisions. The population of levels of equal lifetime in the same term decreases with increasing excitation energy, as if the populations were in statistical equilibrium. These contradictory observations suggest that different processes are dominant in different regions of the discharge.
Reaction of acrolein with cytosine and adenine derivatives

Abstract The products of reaction of acrolein with the following cytosine and adenine derivatives have been characterized: 1-methylcytosine, cytidine, deoxycytidine, 9-methyladenine, adenosine, and deoxyadenosine. The products contain new six-membered rings, formed by Michael addition of the amino group of cytosine or adenine to the carbon-carbon double bond of acrolein and addition of ring nitrogen 3 of cytosine or 1 of adenine across the acrolein carbonyl group. The orientation of addition was established by oxidation of the adduct of 1-methylcytosine and acrolein to N4-(2-carboxyethyl)-1-methylcytosine and that of 9-methyladenine and acrolein to N6-(2-carboxyethyl)-9-methyladenine. Cyclic adducts of this type, if formed in DNA in vivo, may contribute to the genetic effects of acrolein.
Determination of the phase diagram of the binary system C(CH2OH)4–(NH2)(CH3)C(CH2OH)2 by high resolution Guinier diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry

Thermal energy storage materials are becoming increasingly important as a renewable energy source. Several types of phase change material (PCM) have been evaluated for thermal energy storage application [1-6]. The solid-liquid PCM including paraffin and salt hydrates [7-10] have been extensively studied and solid-gas PCM in the form of metal hydrides have also been investigated [11, 12]. The solid-solid PCM (SSPCM) are the most promising ones as they undergo changes in crystal structure (well below their melting points) releasing or absorbing a large amount of maintaining almost constant temperature during heat absorption and release cycles. The SSPCM store the latent heat of transformation in addition to the sensible heat, thus making the overall storage capacity per unit mass far greater than for materials such as concrete storing sensible heats only [13].
Shallow, small area, TiSi 2 contacts to n + and p + silicon

Shallown + andp + doped source/drain contacts to silicon as small as 300 × 200 nm have been fabricated using an optimized silicided (TiSi2) contact technology. Well behaved structural and electrical characteristics were found. The electrical series resistance through two of such contacts from metal to metal through the semiconductor contacts increases rapidly for contact sizes below the transfer length of the contact (about 0.5 μm). This resistance increase is critically dependent on the contact resistivity and three-dimensional current flow patterns.