cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Language-independent constrained cepstral features for speaker recognition

Constrained cepstral systems, which select frames to match various linguistic “constraints” in enrollment and test, have shown significant improvements for speaker verification performance. Past work, however, relied on word recognition, making the approach language dependent (LD). We develop language-independent (LI) versions of constraints and compare results to parallel LD versions for English data on the NIST 2008 interview task. Results indicate that (1) LI versions show surprisingly little degradation from associated LD versions, (2) some LI constraints outperform their LD counterparts, (3) useful constraint types include phonetic, syllable position, prosodic, and speaking-rate regions, (4) benefits generally hold for different train/test lengths, and (5) constraints provide particular benefit in reducing false alarms. Overall, we conclude that constrained cepstral modeling can benefit speaker recognition without the need for language-dependent automatic speech recognition.
Women and Globalization: A Study of 180 Countries, 1975-2000

How do rising levels of international interconnectedness affect social, economic, and political conditions for women? Research on gender and international relations frequently offers clear propositions but seldom submits them to broad, quan- titative testing. This article begins to fill that gap. We advance the hypothesis that, on balance and over time, increasing cross-national exchange and communication lead to improvements in women's status and equality. Economic aspects of global- ization can bring new opportunities and resources to women. But equally important, globalization promotes the diffusion of ideas and norms of equality for women. In an analysis of 180 countries from 1975 to 2000, employing cross-sectional-time- series regression techniques, we examine the impact of several measures of global- ization on women's levels of life expectancy, literacy, and participation in the economy and parliamentary office. International trade, foreign direct investment, membership in the United Nations (UN) and World Bank, and ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), are asso- ciated with improved conditions for women. How do rising levels of international interconnectedness affect the social, eco- nomic, and political conditions for women? Competing hypotheses are easy to identify. Indeed, research on gender and international relations sometimes offers clear propositions but seldom submits them to broad, quantitative testing. This article begins to fill that gap. We expect to find a considerably mixed picture: some women will benefit from globalization and some will be hurt; the status of women will improve in some respects but not others. Nevertheless, we advance the hypothesis that, on balance and over time, increasing cross-national exchange
Big data for a rare disease: Examining heart transplantation for left ventricular noncompaction in the United Network of Organ Sharing registry.

In this issue of the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, Al-Kindi et al report outcomes for patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) who have undergone cardiac transplantation. Drawing on the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database, they present a relatively large pediatric and adult cohort (n 1⁄4 113) and conclude that outcomes were generally favorable compared with generic non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, with the exception of a significant 2-fold increased risk of infection-related complications. The authors were careful to raise several caveats that limit the generalizability of their findings but are to be commended for presenting this description of post-transplant outcomes in patients with this rare disorder. The UNOS registry does not currently include LVNC as a pre-defined diagnosis when pre-transplant patient characteristics are entered, thus requiring that this diagnosis be provided as a “free text” entry and potentially limiting the appropriate identification of patients with this diagnosis. Ascertainment bias and associated implications for sample size and statistical power are recognized as inherent to post hoc registry research. However, the evolving diagnostic criteria for LVNC may actually be the biggest limitation of the Al-Kindi findings. Reporting the natural history of a particular disease pre-supposes that the diagnosis is correct. Traditionally, LVNC is defined as a primary cardiomyopathy characterized by markedly increased ventricular trabeculation as a result of abnormal/incomplete myocardial development in utero. It may present as a manifestation of a multisystem syndrome (e.g., Barth syndrome), with associated congenital cardiac lesions (e.g., septal defects), or as an isolated disorder. Although the genetics of LVNC are
A kinematically focused concave-grating spectrometer

A description is given of a twenty-one foot concave-grating spectrometer which achieves the compactness of the Eagle arrangement and the convenience of being able to scan with automatic focusing. The principal feature consists of turntables which translate at appropriately different speeds and the connecting lever arms which rotate them in proper relation to the Rowland circle to maintain the focusing conditions. Photographic, photomultiplier, and photoconductor recording systems can be quickly interchanged.
On the Stability of Temporal Data Reference Profiles

Abstract: Growing computer system complexity has made program optimization based solely on static analyses increasingly difficult. Consequently, many code optimizations incorporate information from program execution profiles. Most memory system optimizations go further and rely primarily on profiles. This reliance on profiles makes off-line optimization effectiveness dependent on profile stability across multiple program runs. While code profiles such as basic block, edge, and branch profiles, have been shown to satisfy this requirement, the stability of data reference profiles, especially temporal data reference profiles that are necessary for cache-level optimizations, has neither been studied nor established. This paper shows that temporal data reference profiles expressed in terms of hot data streams, which are data reference sequences that frequently repeat, are quite stable; an encouraging result for memory optimization research. Most hot data streams belong to one of two categories-those that appear in multiple runs with their data elements referenced in the same order, and those with the same set of elements referenced in a different order-and this category membership is extremely stable. In addition, the fraction of hot data streams that belong to the first category is quite large.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENSORY EVALUATIONS AND NONDESTRUCTIVE OPTICAL MEASUREMENTS OF APPLE QUALITY

A nondestmctive optical method was studied for estimating the sensory quality of Golden Delicious and York Imperial apples. 7he coeficients of determination were signifcant for estimating sweetness of York Imperial, acidity of Golden Delicious and York Imperial, and crispness, hardness, toughness, and juiciness of Gohien Delicious apples using optical measurements. The coeficients of determination were weakest with optical data at a single wavelength, intermediate with optical data compensated for fruit size and drip of instrument current, and strongest with multiple wavelength data. nese analyses indicate that 30 to 50% of the variation in sensory attributes can be accounted for by factors affecting optical density of the fruit at specijc wavelengths.
An improved, two-step synthesis of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine.

Abstract The important tridentate ligand 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine has been synthesized in two steps in an overall yield of 47%. The reaction can be scaled up to provide multigram quantitites of the ligand.
Electrical energy absorption in the human head from a cellular telephone

The antenna of a cellular telephone in close proximity to the human head for a variety of time periods raises questions. This research uses the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to calculate the power deposition from a cellular telephone on a high-resolution model of a human head as measured by the specific absorption rates (SAR) in W/kg. Visualization has been used to verify the modeling for simulation, assisted in analyzing the data and understanding the physical aspects controlling the power absorption.
Topological influences on the carcinogenicity of aromatic hydrocarbons. I. The bay region geometry

Graph theory provides a means for obtaining mathematical measures of molecular topological features. A graph theoretical atomic index is described which expresses the relative connectivity of an atom to the remainder of a molecular structure. This index allows an alternative and complementary interpretation of concepts described earlier by J. P. Lowe and B. D. Silverman [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1981, 103, 2852-2855 (1981)] regarding the ease of formation and stability of “bay region” triol carbonium ions. Bay region carbonium ions are more stable because they form at positions more strongly connected to aromatic structures than alternative sites.
A New Hybrid Wireless Sensor Network Localization System

Wireless sensor networks are used to monitor the environment and to report the occurrence of events. The geographical location of the sensed event is usually important to the application. Hence, dynamically determining the physical location of every sensor node in space is crucial. In this paper, we present a new hybrid localization system (ALS) developed based on three existing localization algorithms: ad-hoc positioning system (APS), multidimensional scaling (MDS), and semidefinite programming (SDP). We consider five network properties that affect localization performance and use machine learning to obtain parameter values of ALS. Simulation shows that the new method achieves more accurate position estimation than the individual algorithms across broad network conditions
Biomechanical behavior of the temporomandibular joint disc

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a poorly understood tissue that is commonly subjected to pathologies that can lead to a locked jaw and severe pain, making daily activities such as talking, laughing and eating almost unbearable. Tissue engineering is a potential treatment for various pathologies of the TMJ disc. Unfortunately, there are few basic characterization studies describing the disc at the biochemical, biomechanical and cellular level. This study aims to provide a description of the biomechanical behavior of the TMJ disc to serve as a 'gold standard' for tissue engineering studies. The disc was tested to failure under uniaxial tension in two directions, mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP), and in 3 locations per direction. In the ML direction, the posterior band was stiffer and stronger than the anterior band, which was in turn stiffer and stronger than the intermediate zone. The posterior band was the toughest region and the intermediate zone had a significantly higher failure strain. In the AP direction, both the central region and medial region were stiffer and stronger than the lateral region, although similar to each other. However, there was no significant difference between these three regions for energy and strain to failure. Comparison to our previous compression study of the TMJ disc revealed the disc is dramatically stiffer under tension than compression.
A comparison of optimal and suboptimal processors for classification of buried metal objects

Classification of metal objects is important for landmine and unexploded ordnance applications. Previously, we have in investigated optimal classification of landmine-like metal objects using wideband frequency-domain electromagnetic induction data. Here, a suboptimal processor, which is computationally less burdensome than the optimal processor, is discussed. The data is first normalized, exploiting the fact that the level of the response changes significantly while the structure of the magnitude of the response changes only slightly as the target/sensor orientation changes for the class of objects considered. Results indicate that the suboptimal processor performance approaches that of the optimal classifier on normalized data. Thus, normalization mitigates the uncertainty resulting from the target/sensor orientation.
A hemispherical imaging camera

Most of the existing panoramic cameras have cylindrical field of view (FOV) which has a 360^o width in azimuth, but a limited height in elevation. However, a hemispherical (or near spherical) FOV is highly desirable in many applications such as robot navigation and surveillance. This paper presents a planar-mirror-based panoramic camera (HEM) which is capable of acquiring nearly hemispherical FOV panoramic images at high and substantially uniform resolution, from a single viewpoint, at video rates. The camera consists of multiple imaging sensors and a hexagonal prism made of planar mirror faces. The sensors are positioned in such a way that they image different parts of the scene from the same virtual viewpoint, either directly or after reflections off the prism. A panoramic image is constructed by concatenating the images taken by different sensors. The proposed system is designed such that the resolution across entire FOV has the same level of uniformity as delivered by a conventional, non-panoramic camera over a small FOV, and the sensor area utilization is maximized. We also present a novel camera placement technique that helps co-locate the optic points of all seven sensors at a single viewpoint, and a method to compensate for artifacts near mirror boundaries caused by finite size of lens aperture. An implementation of the proposed system as well as resulting hemispherical panoramic images are included.
Heparin and Bone Marrow–Derived Cell Therapy Friend or Foe?

Cell therapy has been shown to be useful in treating some patients with acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and ischemic limbs.1–7 In harvesting, storing, or injecting the bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells (BMCs), an anticoagulant, such as heparin, is often added to prevent cell clumping. In this issue of Circulation Research , Drs Stephanie Dimmeler, Andreas Zeiher, and their colleagues (Seeger et al8) show in detailed studies that heparin may impair the functional capacities of BMCs. This discovery has significant implications for the processing of BMCs before administration of cell therapy and potentially in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes, chronic ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies, and peripheral vascular disease. Article, see p 854 In their report, the authors show that heparin impairs migration and …
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Ten-Year Follow-up

Studies within the last 20 years have shown that the incidence of asthma is increased in children who have been hospitalized with bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus. To evaluate such respiratory consequences in an ambulatory population, a follow-up study was done of 37 children who had respiratory syncytial virus infection documented at a community pediatric clinic in 1968 when they were younger than 4 years. This study, done ten years later by chart review and parental interview, showed that asthma had subsequently been diagnosed in three (8%). Thus, an increased risk for the development of asthma after respiratory syncytial virus infection was not found. Comparison of these data with those from previous reviews questions a causative role for respiratory syncytial virus in childhood asthma.
Reducing the burden of hepatitis C in the US: Analyzing the role of opioid treatment programs

treatment programs (OTPs) in the United States offer it. This analysis of a nationally-representative sample of 339 OTPs surveyed in 2005 and 2011 uses generalized estimating equations to identify program and market characteristics associated with any adoption of buprenorphine, adoption of buprenorphine for detoxification and adoption of buprenorphine formaintenance. Rates of adoption increased significantly across all outcomes from 2005 to 2011. In multivariate models, proportion of recovering staff was associated with higher odds of overall adoption and adoption for detoxification only. Moreover, the proportion of clients who injected drugs and the proportion of county substance abuse programs offering methadone were associated with lower odds of adoption across all outcomes. Treatment philosophy of recovery staff and availability of methadone in the local treatment market may present barriers to adoption of buprenorphine.
Introduction: On the Horizon special issue

This special issue of On the Horizon focuses on strategies for applying games, simulations and interactive experiences in learning contexts. A facet of this issue is the interactive and collaborative method in which it was created. Instead of separated individual articles, the authors and editors have orchestrated the articles together, reading and writing as a whole so that the concepts across the articles resonate with each other. It is the intention that this special issue will serve as the basis of many more discussions across conference panels, online forums and interactive media that in turn will engender more special collaborative issues.
HC-Sim: a fast and exact l1 cache simulator with scratchpad memory co-simulation support

The configuration of L1 caches has a significant impact on the performance and energy consumption of an embedded system. Normally, an embedded system is designed for a specific application or a domain of applications. Performing simulations on the application(s) is the most popular way to find the optimal L1 cache configuration. However, the simulation-based approach suffers from long simulation time due to the need to exhaustively simulate all configurations, which are characterized by three parameters: the number of cache sets, associativity, and the cache line size. In previous work, the most time-consuming part was to determine the hit or miss status of a cache access under each configuration by performing a linear search on a long linked-list based on the inclusion property. In this work, we propose a novel simulator, HC-Sim, which adopts elaborate data structures, a centralized hash table, and a novel miss counter structure, to effectively reduce the search time. On average, we can achieve 2.56X speedup compared to the existing fastest approach (SuSeSim). In addition, we implement HC-Sim by using the dynamic binary instrumentation tool, Pin. This provides scalability for simulating larger applications by eliminating the overhead of generating and storing a huge trace file. Furthermore, HC-Sim provides the capacity to simulate an L1 cache and a scratchpad memory (SPM) simultaneously. It helps designers to explore the design space considering both L1 cache configurations and the SPM sizes.
How Peculiar is Evaluative Morphology

Many languages possess morphological rules which serve to express diminution or augmentation, endearment or contempt; examples are the Breton rule relating potr ‘boy’ to potrig ‘little boy’, the Shona rule relating chibikiso ‘cooking tool’ to zichibikiso ‘huge cooking tool’ and the Italian rule relating poeta ‘poet’ to poetastro ‘bad poet’. Because of the possibility of interpreting diminution and augmentation in affective rather than purely objective terms (Wierzbicka, 1980: 53ff.; Szymanek, 1988: 106ff.), morphological expressions of diminution or augmentation are not always discrete from those of endearment or contempt; that is, diminutives and augmentatives are frequently used as expressions of endearment (such as Italian sorella ‘sister’ → sorellina ‘dear little sister’, donna ‘woman’ → donnotta ‘fine, stout woman’) or disdain (Italian uomo ‘man’ → uomicciuolo ‘contemptible little man’, donna → donnona ‘overgrown girl’).
Soluble CD40 Ligand Levels Indicate Lipid Accumulation in Carotid Atheroma: An In Vivo Study With High-Resolution MRI

Objective— The CD40/CD40 ligand pathway mediates inflammatory processes important in atherogenesis and the formation of the intraplaque lipid pool. We tested the hypothesis that plasma levels of soluble CD40 ligand are elevated in patients with evidence of a lipid pool on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of carotid stenoses. Methods and Results— We recruited 49 patients with evidence of carotid atherosclerosis on ultrasonography; 3 patients could not undergo carotid MRI because of claustrophobia. The remaining 46 patients underwent high-resolution MRI of the carotid arteries. Two radiologists blinded to all other data determined the presence or absence of an intraplaque lipid pool based on the loss of signal between the 20-ms echo time (TE20) and the fat-suppressed TE55 fast spin-echo images. Plasma levels of soluble CD40 ligand were determined by ELISA. Baseline levels of soluble CD40 ligand were higher among patients with evidence of intraplaque lipid (n=14) than among those without it (n=32; median, 2.54 ng/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 1.85 to 3.52 vs median, 1.58 ng/mL; IQR, 1.21 to 2.39; P =0.02). In contrast, soluble CD40 ligand levels were not correlated with percent diameter stenosis ( r =−0.19; P =0.21). The relative risk for intraplaque lipid associated with soluble CD40 ligand levels above the median was 6.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 31.23; P =0.03). The magnitude of this predictive effect did not substantially change after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (relative risk, 5.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 33.73; P =0.09). Conclusions— Plasma levels of soluble CD40 ligand may predict patients with features of high-risk atherosclerotic lesions. These data provide novel insight into the mechanism through which elevated levels of soluble CD40 ligand may reflect cardiovascular risk in humans and illustrate the potential value of interfacing high-resolution MRI with studies of vascular inflammation.
Controller design issues and solutions for buck converters with phase shedding and AVP functions

For buck converters with high output current, multi-phase interleaving is popular. To improve light load efficiency, some phases can be shut down at light load. This is called phase shedding. Adaptive Voltage Positioning (AVP) is normally another requirement for high output current buck. Previous papers provided AVP design guidelines for buck converters without phase shedding. With phase shedding, are these design guidelines still valid? How to design the controller so that the output transient response doesn't get worse? This paper points out the controller design issues for buck converters with phase shedding and AVP. It is shown that the output will have worse transient response if the controller is designed in the same way as without phase shedding. New design guidelines are developed in this paper to solve the problem, which are verified by simulation and experimental results.
Electron Drift in Gaseous He: Density, Temperature, and Field Dependences

The theory of Eggarter and Cohen for the mobility edge of electrons in dense helium gas is used to perform calculations. The experimental low-field mobility is reproduced over its five-order-of-magnitude range as a function of gas density. The recently measured temperature dependence (4-20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) is also obtained. The low-field Hall mobility is calculated. Finally, modifications are introduced to yield the electric field dependence of the drift velocity, which is also found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
Transport and survival of bacterial and viral tracers through submerged-flow constructed wetland and sand-filter system.

Abstract Untreated or improperly treated wastewater has often been cited as the primary contamination source of groundwater. The use of decentralized wastewater treatment systems has applicability around the world since it obviates the need for extensive infrastructure development and expenditures. The use of a submerged flow constructed wetland (CW) and a sand filter to remove bacterial and viral pathogens from wastewater streams was evaluated in this study Salmonella sp. and a bacteriophages tracer were used in conjunction with the conservative bromide tracer to understand the fate and transport of these organisms in these treatment systems. Viral breakthrough numbers in the sand filter and CW were similar with a Spearman Rank correlation of 0.8 (P
Defining Nonmedical Use of Prescription Opioids Within Health Care Claims: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACTBackground: Health insurance claims data may play an important role for health care systems and payers in monitoring the nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMPO) among patients. However, these systems require valid methods for identifying NMPO if they are to target individuals for intervention. Limited efforts have been made to define NMPO using administrative data available to health systems and payers. We conducted a systematic review of publications that defined and measured NMPO within health insurance claims databases in order to describe definitions of NMPO and identify areas for improvement. Methods: We searched 8 electronic databases for articles that included terms related to NMPO and health insurance claims. A total of 2613 articles were identified in our search. Titles, abstracts, and article full texts were assessed according to predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Following article selection, we extracted general information, conceptual and operational definitions of NMPO,...
XXV.—On “Melanoteuthis beebei” Robson and the Vampyromorpha of the M.Y. ‘Rosaura’ collections

(1939). XXV.—On “Melanoteuthis beebei” Robson and the Vampyromorpha of the M.Y. ‘Rosaura’ collections. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 4, No. 21, pp. 338-348.
Direct and indirect negative ties and individual performance

Abstract We argue and find that negative ties are not always liabilities to workplace performance. Instead, negative ties can be beneficial depending on how socially distant they are from the person (i.e., whether they are direct or indirect negative ties), and how those ties are embedded with other ties. Results from a field study at a large life sciences company show that an employee's number of direct negative ties is related to poorer performance, as rated by that individual's supervisor. However, indirect negative ties can either be beneficial or liabilities to performance, depending on whether they are embedded in “open” or “closed” triadic structures.
Maintaining Identity after Acquisition: What's Next for Lek Pharmaceuticals?

Sometimes, friendly acquisitions feel more like friendly fire. After all, a job lost is a job lost. Such was Lek Pharmaceuticals concern over its recent sale to a larger interest. Based in Slovenia, the home-grown industry feared losses of employment, identity, and creative freedom. Lek employed people in 20 countries, so even the slightest change would have loud repercussions. But Leks strategic planning director was charged with just that: change. How was he to conduct this transition? And wasnt there a pill for this?
Towards the supersymmetric completion of the R 4 term in M theory

We examine the question of finding the supersymmetric completion of the ${R}^{4}$ term in M-theory. Using superfield methods, we present an eight-derivative action in eight dimensions that has 32 preserved supersymmetries. We show also that this action has a hidden 11-dimensional Lorentz invariance. It can thus be uplifted to give the complete set of bosonic terms in the M-theory eight-derivative action.
Participation in Early Childhood Educational Environments for Young Children with and Without Developmental Disabilities and Delays: A Mixed Methods Study

Aims: This mixed methods study examined: 1) how young children with and without developmental disabilities and delays participate in daycare or preschool activities; 2) similarities and differences...
The Yanomamö of the Mississippi Valley? Some Reflections on Larson (1972), Gibson (1974), and Mississippian Period Warfare in the Southeastern United States

Larson's (1972) hypothesis that warfare during the Mississippian period in the Southeast was primarily a struggle over the fertile silt and sandy loam bottomland soils is summarized. This is then contrasted with Gibson's (1974) thesis that, at least in the Lower Mississippi Valley, warfare was caused by the "asymmetrical" nature of the kinship systems found there. Such systems led to status decline over several generations and forced individuals to attempt to offset the decline by achieving success in warfare. The Larson-Gibson dispute is essentially an ontological argument which pits the materialist's view of reality against that of the idealist. This dispute is compared to a similar one between Harris (1971, 1974, 1977, 1979) and Lizot (1977) concerning the explanation of Yamomamo warfare in South America. Following this, the basic material conditions of Mississippian warfare are suggested. The importance of mechanisms such as Gibson has proposed for understanding Mississippian warfare at the "tactical" level is recognized. Finally, primacy is given to Larson"s materialism at the "strategic" level.
Communication and Knowledge: Rejoinder to Byrne and Thau

Before I address Byrne and Thau's comments on "The Sense of Communication", let me make a remark about terminology. I make use of two notions of cognitive value: First, that of the cognitive value of a sentence for a speaker, which is the content of the belief she would form were she to accept that sentence as true; Secondly, that of the cognitive value of a sentence as such, which is "what is, or ought to be, common to the beliefs different speakers who understand it would form were they to accept it as true" (Heck 1995, p. 87). This terminology is unfortunate,1 so I shall here switch terminology (and silently adapt Byrne and Thau's comments), speaking not of the cognitive value of a sentence for a speaker, but of its epistemic value for her; and not of the cognitive value of the sentence, but of its linguistic value. Byrne and Thau interpret my argument as having three premises (Byrne and Thau 1996, p. 143):
Response Tactics for the First 100 Minutes After the Outdoor Detonation of an Explosive Radiological Dispersal Device

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate sponsored a project to operationalize the science-based guidance for dealing with the consequences of a radiological dispersal device, as published in the scientific literature and adopted by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. The project will morph this scientific guidance into actionable tools for the first-responder agencies that are designed to assist them in developing a simple, concise, and practical radiological- response plan. This effort also will involve a partnership with four cities to pilot and improve these preparedness materials. The principal goal of this project is to leverage scientific guidance to increase the capability of local agencies to respond to a complex radiological event, and assure an effective, coordinated response in the first 100 minutes after the incident.
Ethics and Climate Change Policy

Climate change is changing not only our physical world, but also our intellectual, social, and moral worlds. We are realizing that our situation is profoundly unsafe, interdependent, and uncertain. What, then, does climate change demand of economists, as human beings and as professionals? A discipline of economics based on Enlightenment notions of mechanism and disembodied rationality is not suited to present problems. This essay suggests three major requirements: first, that we take action; second, that we work together; and third, that we focus on avoiding the worst, rather than obtaining the optimal. The essay concludes with suggestions of specific steps that economists should take as researchers, teachers, and in our other roles.
Characterization of P 1 argF Derivatives from Escherichia coli K 12 Transduction: II. Role of P 1 in Specialized Traneduction of argF

Abstract A model for the formation of the specialized transducing bacteriophage P1 arg F has been described in which two pairwise recombinations occur between the 151 element of P1 and the IS 1 elements of the ISI- argF -ISI transposon, Tn2901. We have developed a selective system for specialized transduction of argF by P1 in which generalized recombination cannot occur. With this system argF transduction frequencies were as high as those expected for generalized transduction. Phage P?, having no known IS1 element, rarely transduced argF , while PICm0 with two I S1 elements mediated the highest frequency of argF transduction. Genetic analysis indicated that the union of P1 and argF was stimulated during the phage lytic cycle in the donor for tranaduction. Lysogeny of the donor was not required, but events in the donor were recA dependent. In the recipient, acquisition of the argF phenotype was stimulated by lysogeny or multiple infection and by a transient induction of the prophage lytic cycle. A P1 mutant was selected with an argF transduction frequency 10 times higher than its P1 ancestor. During nonselective passage, lysogens with P1 argF prophage lost argF with low frequency but P1 argF propagated as a virus lost argF with high frequency. These observations suggest that enhanced I SI 1 X IS 1 recombination is associated with P1 phage lytic cycle events.
Groundwater methane in relation to oil and gas development and shallow coal seams in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado.

Unconventional oil and gas development has generated intense public concerns about potential impacts to groundwater quality. Specific pathways of contamination have been identified; however, overall rates of contamination remain ambiguous. We used an archive of geochemical data collected from 1988 to 2014 to determine the sources and occurrence of groundwater methane in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of northeastern Colorado. This 60,000-km2 region has a 60-y-long history of hydraulic fracturing, with horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing beginning in 2010. Of 924 sampled water wells in the basin, dissolved methane was detected in 593 wells at depths of 20–190 m. Based on carbon and hydrogen stable isotopes and gas molecular ratios, most of this methane was microbially generated, likely within shallow coal seams. A total of 42 water wells contained thermogenic stray gas originating from underlying oil and gas producing formations. Inadequate surface casing and leaks in production casing and wellhead seals in older, vertical oil and gas wells were identified as stray gas migration pathways. The rate of oil and gas wellbore failure was estimated as 0.06% of the 54,000 oil and gas wells in the basin (lower estimate) to 0.15% of the 20,700 wells in the area where stray gas contamination occurred (upper estimate) and has remained steady at about two cases per year since 2001. These results show that wellbore barrier failure, not high-volume hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells, is the main cause of thermogenic stray gas migration in this oil- and gas-producing basin.
Levitation Force Between a Point Magnetic Dipole and Superconducting Sphere

The magnetic interaction between a point dipole and a superconducting sphere in the Meissner state is investigated in detail. It is demonstrated that the special case of perfect flux exclusion can be solved by the method of images when the dipole is vertically magnetized. The incorporation of a nonzero penetration depth is then made by developing the solution within London theory. The analytic solution, given in terms of an infinite series representation, is refined by exactly summing the perfectly diamagnetic response. Throughout, special cases of physical interest are discussed and applications to magnetic force microscopy and levitation are described.
Poetry and Philosophy

In the poems discussed in chapter 12, the poets’ primary attention was to the failings of society. Richard Wright and Mari Evans dealt with the unhappy history of blacks in America; Kenneth Rexroth with the oppression of the poor; D. H. Lawrence with the moral and emotional failures of the bourgeois male. In each instance, as we saw, a set of positive values suggested the need for social reform. These values, in turn, rest upon fundamental notions about the world that belong to the realm of philosophy. Kenneth Rexroth, for example, conveys his anger at the poverty and stunted lives he has witnessed and vows to fight exploitation. The philosophical notion that underlies his protest is that of the worth, dignity, and equality of individual human beings.
Soviet Military Doctrine: Strategic and Tactical Implications for Missile Defence

The effectiveness of any nation’s military tactics depends, to some degree, on the strategies of that nation’s adversaries. Tactics are often formulated as responses to an opponent’s perceived force structure and doctrine. The nuclear age has not changed this; strategies for nuclear war depend for some degree of their success on an evaluation of an enemy’s intentions.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment: Theoretical Approaches

This chapter provides the theoretical frameworks for the analysis of Brazilian inward and outward foreign direct investment (FDI). First, we will present an overview of classical theories of FDI, and the different contributions of recent approaches. We suggest that the introduction of institutional theory and the literature on outward FDI from developing countries represent important contributions that challenge the main assumptions and perspectives in the general theory of FDI. The new perspectives open up fresh opportunities for understanding how the interaction between economic and institutional factors shapes inward and outward FDI strategies from developing countries.
Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams

In order to facilitate a detailed study of the perturbations of various fault models on the normal functioning of a given circuit, it is helpful to have the capacity to find all the tests for each fault in a fault set. One procedure to gather this information would be to inject each fault in the fault set, one at a time, and simulate all possible input patterns, noting when departures from the good machine outputs occur for each fault. An exhaustive method similar to the one just described was proposed in [BEH82]. Obviously, the time required for exhaustive approaches can become prohibitive quickly as circuit sizes grow.
Interleukin-6 increases matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) levels via down-regulation of p53 to drive cancer progression

// Jillian M. Cathcart 1, 2 , Anna Banach 1 , Alice Liu 1 , Jun Chen 3 , Michael Goligorsky 3 , Jian Cao 1 1 Division of Cancer Prevention, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA 2 Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA 3 Department of Medicine, Renal Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA Correspondence to: Jian Cao, email: Jian.Cao@stonybrookmedicine.edu Keywords: MMP-14, IL-6, metastasis, p53 Received: June 11, 2016 Accepted: July 20, 2016 Published: August 12, 2016 ABSTRACT Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play critical roles in cancer invasion and metastasis by digesting basement membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM). Much attention has focused on the enzymatic activities of MMPs; however, the regulatory mechanism of MMP expression remains elusive. By employing bioinformatics analysis, we identified a potential p53 response element within the MMP-14 promoter. Experimentally, we found that p53 can repress MMP-14 promoter activity, whereas deletion of this p53 response element abrogated this effect. Furthermore, we found that p53 expression decreases MMP-14 mRNA and protein levels and attenuates MMP-14-mediated cellular functions. Additional promoter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies identified a mechanism of regulation of MMP-14 expression by which p53 and transcription factor Sp1 competitively bind to the promoter. As the correlation between inflammation and cancer aggressiveness is well described, we next sought to evaluate if inflammatory cytokines could differentially affect p53 and MMP-14 levels. We demonstrate that interleukin-6 (IL-6) down-regulates p53 protein levels and thus results in a concomitant increase in MMP-14 expression, leading to enhanced cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Our data collectively indicate a novel mechanism of regulation of MMP-14 by a cascade of IL-6 and p53, demonstrating that the tumor microenvironment directly stimulates molecular changes in cancer cells to drive an invasive phenotype.
Female Reproductive Endocrinology

Progesterone and estrogens, such as estradiol, are an integral part of female reproductive endocrinology in primates. In coordination with pituitary hormones (follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), they regulate ovarian cycles and other physiological processes that are necessary for successful reproduction through the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Many social and ecological factors can impact the HPG axis primarily because they activate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which inhibits the production of hormones along the HPG axis. In addition to impairing reproduction in response to social and ecological stressors, the HPA axis regulates ovarian function in seasonally breeding primates. While anthropoid primates do not have an estrus period to which they confine their mating behaviors, there is evidence that variation in hormone concentrations throughout the cycle impacts female sexual behaviors. Variation in the concentration of female reproductive hormones can be measured non-invasively in urine and feces, providing a useful tool for studying reproductive health and physiology in wild primates. Keywords: hormones; mating; primate
Clinical and MRI outcomes after stopping or switching disease-modifying therapy in stable MS patients: a case series report.

Abstract Objective To evaluate clinical and MRI outcomes after stopping or switching disease-modifying therapy in patients with stable MS. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of stable MS patients who discontinued or switched their DMT from 2011 to 2015. Clinical and MRI outcomes were obtained at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Results For the DMT discontinuation group, 15 patients were included, with 67% female, 53% Caucasian, mean age of 45.3 ± 12.2 years, disease duration of 9.1 ± 4.3 years, MS type (80% RRMS, 20% SPMS), and EDSS of 3.7 ± 1.6. The average duration of stable MS course was 5.5 ± 3.7 years. Within a mean of 6.4 ± 2.2 months after DMT discontinuation, all 15 patients experienced worsening of MS disease. After re-evaluation of MS treatment options, all 15 patients were restarted on DMT, of which, 6 (40%) restarted on their prior DMT, 4 (26.7%) switched to another DMT due to adverse events on prior DMT, and 5 (33.3%) switched to a more potent DMT due to worsening of MS activity. One year follow-up showed 2 patients (13.3%) who were restarted on their prior DMT experienced a relapse and the remaining 13 patients (86.7%) had no clinical or MRI activities. For the DMT switch group, 23 patients were included, with 65% female, 61% Caucasian, a mean age of 46.9 ± 11.6 years, disease duration of 11.7 ± 5.1 years, MS Type (83% RRMS, 17% SPMS), and EDSS of 3.5 ± 0.9. After switching DMT, 9 (39.1%) patients experienced worsening of clinical or MRI outcomes at the 1-year follow-up. Of the 9 switch failures, the majority (N = 6) were due to switching to dimethyl fumarate. Conclusion DMT discontinuation in stable MS patients resulted in worsening of MS disease course for all patients, which improved upon DMT restart or switch. In contrast, 39% of MS stable patients experienced worsening of MS disease course when switched to another DMT, with DMT selection potentially impacting switch outcomes.
The P2X7 Receptor Primes IL-1β and the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Astrocytes Exposed to Mechanical Strain.

Inflammatory responses play a key role in many neural pathologies, with localized signaling from the non-immune cells making critical contributions. The NLRP3 inflammasome is an important component of innate immune signaling and can link neural insult to chronic inflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome requires two stages to contribute: priming and activation. The priming stage involves upregulation of inflammasome components while the activation stage results in the assembly and activation of the inflammasome complex. The priming step can be rate limiting and can connect insult to chronic inflammation, but our knowledge of the signals that regulate NLRP3 inflammasome priming in sterile inflammation is limited. This study examined the link between mechanical strain and inflammasome priming in neural systems. Transient non-ischemic elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) increased mRNA for inflammasome components IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC and CASP1 in rat and mouse retinas. The elevation was greater one day after the insult, with the rise in IL-1β most pronounced. The P2X7 receptor was implicated in the mechanosensitive priming of IL-1β mRNA in vivo, as the antagonist Brilliant Blue G (BBG) blocked the increased expression, the agonist BzATP mimicked the pressure-dependent rise in IL-1β, and the rise was absent in P2X7 knockout mice. In vitro measurements from optic nerve head astrocytes demonstrated an increased expression of IL-1β following stretch or swelling. This increase in IL-1β was eliminated by degradation of extracellular ATP with apyrase, or by the block of pannexin hemichannels with carbenoxolone, probenecid or 10panx1 peptide. The rise in IL-1β expression was also blocked by P2X7 receptor antagonists BBG, A839977 or A740003. The rise in IL-1β was prevented by blocking transcription factor NFκB with Bay 11-7082, while the swelling-dependent fall in NFκB inhibitor IκB-α was reduced by A839977 and in P2X7 knockout mice. In summary, mechanical trauma to the retina primed NLRP3 inflammasome components, but only if there was ATP release through pannexin hemichannels, and autostimulation of the P2X7 receptor. As the P2X7 receptor can also trigger stage two of inflammasome assembly and activation, the P2X7 receptor may have a central role in linking mechanical strain to neuroinflammation.
Moral Distress Research Agenda

In this chapter, we offer a framework based in socioecological theory to suggest a research agenda for moral distress. This perspective broadens the study of moral distress to understand not only the strategies that address moral distress but also ways that systems, teams, and individuals can intervene at earlier time points to prevent and/or mitigate moral distress. In so doing, we discuss sample studies and strategies within the context of moral obligations, agency, integrity, engagement, and support as well as the development of conditions that increase the risk for moral distress. We urge clinicians to study interventions that promote moral spaces for proactive, routine ethics consideration and dialogue among healthcare teams including patients and families. Investigating elements of strong moral communities is essential to a moral distress research agenda. We also examine individual and team-based risk reduction and treatment strategies including ideas for healing from moral distress. Finally, we recognize understudied topics such as the moral distress of patients, families, and surrogates. Research and quality improvement strategies to prevent, mitigate, and treat moral distress are critical to providing safe, effective health care and retaining clinicians who find meaning and satisfaction in their important work.
The Mating Behavior of Rhamphomyia pectinata (Empididae: Diptera) with Notes on Other Members of the Genus Found at the Same Locale in Northern Virginia

The previously unstudied empidid fly Rhamphomyia pectinata is, like many other members of the genus, a sex-role-reversed species with highly ornamented females that gather in swarms to await the arrival of prey-bearing males. Receptive males transfer their nuptial gifts to females before mating with them in the air. Rhamphomyia pectinata is diurnal, with swarming and copulations occurring in the afternoon. Other members of the genus occur at the study site but are crepuscular.