cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective load sharing in distributed real-time systems

In a distributed real-time system, temporary uneven task arrivals among the nodes may cause some tasks to miss their deadlines even if the overall system has the capacity to meet the deadlines of all tasks. In this paper, an effective load sharing (LS) scheme is proposed as a solution to this problem. Upon arrival of a task at a node, the node determines whether or not it can complete the task in time under the minimum-laxity-first-served policy. If the task cannot be guaranteed or if guarantees of some other tasks are to be violated due to the insertion of this task into the existing schedule, the node looks up the list of loss-minimizing decisions, and determines the best node among a set of nodes in its physical proximity, called its buddy set, to which the task(s) may be transferred. This list of decisions is periodically updated using Bayesian decision analysis and prior/posterior state distributions. These probability distributions are derived from the information collected via time-stamped state-region change broadcasts within each buddy set. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated via simulation along with five other schemes. The proposed scheme is shown to outperform all but perfect LS scheme in (i) meeting task deadlines and (ii) tolerating the delays in state-information collection and task transfer. >
Distribution and excretion of 3H‐venoms of Crotalus adamanteus, Crotalus atrox, and Agkistrodon piscivorus and 3H‐serum of Lampropeltis getulus in rats

3H-Labeled king snake serum and three pit viper venoms were administered intraperitoneally to rats to study the tissue distribution and rate of excretion. The peak blood level of king snake serum corresponded to that of the three venoms. The liver played a major role in metabolizing the venoms and king snake serum. Fecal excretion was the major route of elimination of these substances.
Mothering as a Life Course Transition: Do Women Go Straight for Their Children?

In this study, qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with 100 formerly incarcerated mothers to explore the relationship between attachment to children and desistance from criminal behavior. Exploratory data analysis revealed that mothers do believe that children play important roles in their desistance, consistent with the tenets of life course theory. However, children were also described as sources of great stress, which may in turn promote criminal behavior. Women also related desistance to reliance on self and a higher power, and to a desire to avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system. The article concludes with a call for more research on women's desistance, and increased consideration of parent–child relationships in corrections policy decision making.
EXPRESSION OF EMBRYONIC HEMOGLOBIN GENES IN α‐THALASSEMIC AND IN ß‐DUPLICATION MICE *

The results of a study of the expression of embryonic hemoglobin genes in mice which show an imbalance of alpha and non-alpha chain synthesis are reported. (ACR)
Primary liver cancer death and occupation in Texas

A death certificate case-control study of primary liver cancer and occupation was conducted to determine if the high risk of liver cancer in Mexican-Americans can be explained by farmworker exposures to pesticides. The association of liver cancer with the petroleum and chemical industry and with other potentially high-risk occupations was also examined. For the years 1969 to 1980, 1,742 deaths from primary liver cancer were identified for Texas males. Controls were randomly selected from other causes of deaths among males excluding all neoplasms, liver and gallbladder diseases, infectious hepatitis, and alcoholism, and were frequency matched to cases by age, race, ethnicity, and year of death. Risk for farmworkers based on age, race, and ethnicity-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) was not excessive (OR = 1.4, 95% confidence limits [C.L.] 0.8-2.2) but was larger than the risk for farmers (OR = 1.0, 95% C.L. 0.8-1.2). Excess risk in the petroleum and chemical manufacturing industries was confined to oil refinery workers (OR = 2.0, 95% C.L. 1.1-3.5). Other occupations with twofold risk or greater were plumbers and pipefitters (OR = 2.0, 95% C.L. 1.0-3.8), butchers and meat cutters (OR = 2.6, 95% C.L. 1.1-6.6), textile workers (OR = 3.1, 95% C.L. 1.2-7.8), cooks (OR = 2.2, 95% C.L. 1.1-4.5), and longshoremen (OR = 2.2, 95% C.L. 0.6-7.4).
Foreign reserve management during the global financial crisis

This paper examines how countries managed their foreign currency reserves during the global financial crisis. Evidence based on changes in reserve stocks suggests that many governments, even those with high levels of pre-crisis reserves, were reluctant to use them during the crisis. As a consequence, a number of recent studies of cross-country experiences during the crisis find little evidence of a positive role for reserves in macroeconomic crisis-management. This paper examines whether this assessment of the non-role of reserves during the crisis is justified. While the reserve stock data indicates stable reserve levels for many countries during the crisis, distinguishing between reserve changes that occurred due to interest income and valuation changes on existing assets and asset purchases and sales, indicates that many emerging economies actively depleted reserves. Further, the data indicate that countries whose pre-crisis reserve levels were in excess of what can be explained by standard models of reserve accumulation were the most likely to sell reserve assets during the crisis.
THE CONTRACTILE BASIS OF AMOEBOID MOVEMENT : I. The Chemical Control of Motility in Isolated Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm has been isolated from single amoeba (Chaos carolinensis) in physiological solutions similar to rigor, contraction, and relaxation solutions designed to control the contractile state of vertebrate striated muscle. Contractions of the isolated cytoplasm are elicited by free calcium ion concentrations above ca. 7.0 x 10-7 M. Amoeba cytoplasmic contractility has been cycled repeatedly through stabilized (rigor), contracted, and relaxed states by manipulating the exogenous free calcium and ATP concentrations. The transition from stabilized state to relaxed state was characterized by a loss of viscoelasticity which was monitored as changes in the capacity of the cytoplasm to exhibit strain birefringence when stretched. When the stabilized cytoplasm was stretched, birefringent fibrils were observed. Thin sections of those fibrils showed thick (150–250 A) and thin (70 A) filaments aligned parallel to the long axis of fibrils visible with the light microscope. Negatively stained cytoplasm treated with relaxation solution showed dissociated thick and thin filaments morphologically identical with myosin aggregates and purified actin, respectively, from vertebrate striated muscle. In the presence of threshold buffered free calcium, ATP, and magnesium ions, controlled localized contractions caused membrane-less pseudopodia to extend into the solution from the cytoplasmic mass. These experiments shed new light on the contractile basis of cytoplasmic streaming and pseudopod extension, the chemical control of contractility in the amoeba cytoplasm, the site of application of the motive force for amoeboid movement, and the nature of the rheological transformations associated with the circulation of cytoplasm in intact amoeba.
Optical localization of passive UHF RFID tags with integrated LEDs

The ability to accurately localize passive UHF RFID tags in uncontrolled and unstructured environments is limited by multipath propagation. Therefore, in order to increase the spatial resolution of RF based localization methods we propose to combine them with additional sensing capabilities. In this work we enhance passive UHF RFID tags with LEDs, using the Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform (WISP). This allows both humans and computer systems (with cameras) to optically locate tagged items with millimeter accuracy. In order to show the effectiveness of this approach, a PR2 robot is equipped with an EPC Gen2 RFID reader and camera. Using the RFID reader alone, the PR2 is able to identify and coarsely locate tagged items in an unstructured environment. Once the robot has navigated to the vicinity of the LED-enhanced passive RFID tags, it uses the optical location method to precisely locate and autonomously grasp tagged items from a table.
Associations of salivary cortisol levels with inflammatory markers: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Summary Socioeconomic and psychosocial factors have been found to be associated with systemic inflammation. Although stress is often proposed as a contributor to these associations, no population studies have investigated the links between inflammation and biomarkers of stress. The current study examines associations between daily cortisol profiles and inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) in a population-based sample of 869 adults with repeat measures of cortisol over multiple days. Persons with higher levels of IL-6 had a less pronounced cortisol awakening response, a less steep daily decline, and higher cortisol area under the curve for the day with associations persisting after controls for risk factors and other cytokines. Persons with higher levels of TNF-a had lower cortisol levels upon waking, and flatter daily decline, although associations with decline were attenuated when controlling for inflammatory risk factors. Higher levels of IL-10 were associated with marginally flatter daily cortisol decline ( p
Analysis of weight loss outcomes using VLCD in black and white overweight and obese women with and without metabolic syndrome

To evaluate the efficacy of very low calorie diet (VLCD) in black and white obese women. Changes in weight, metabolic profile, and body composition are assessed. Patients are enrolled in a self-paid, university-based, outpatient weight loss program. All are prescribed VLCD (500–800 Cal/day), an exercise regimen, and group behavioral counseling. Black and white patients are matched for age, weight, body mass index, and by metabolic syndrome (MS) status. A total of 304 black and white women (152 in each group) were included the analysis. Approximately 40% of patients had MS (white women: 39.5%; black women: 41.2%). Mean baseline weights were similar. After 12 weeks, weight reduction of 9.97% was seen in white women and 9.02% drop was seen in black women (both P<0.0001). However, the degree of weight change was not different between the groups (P=0.244). Marked improvements in fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, and blood pressures (BP) were observed (all P<0.01); however, no difference between cohorts were seen. Patients with MS had higher baseline weight, BP, glucose and triglyceride levels when compared to patients without MS (all P<0.01). Significant reductions in % body fat were seen in white and black patients, independent of MS status. Obese patients, independent of race, were able to achieve significant weight loss when enrolled in a structured outpatient program. Weight loss significantly correlated with all aspects of MS. Our results suggest that differences seen in past studies may be influenced by socioeconomic and behavioral factors rather than differences in physiological response to dieting.
Sex differences in immune responses and viral shedding following Seoul virus infection in Norway rats.

In the field, male rodents are more frequently infected with hantaviruses than females. This study examined whether patterns of immune responses against hantavirus differed between the sexes. Male and female Long Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus) were inoculated with Seoul virus, and antibody and cytokine responses, as well as virus shedding were assessed. Males were more likely to shed virus in saliva, to shed virus through multiple routes (saliva, urine, and feces), and to have viral RNA in the spleen than females. Anti-Seoul virus IgG responses were higher in males than females. In both sexes, splenic IFNgamma and IL-4 production increased following infection. After infection, males had higher Th1 immune responses (i.e., IgG2a, IFNgamma, and IL-2) than females; in contrast, Th2 immune responses (i.e., IgG1, IL-4, and IL-10) were similar between the sexes. These data suggest that immune responses to Seoul virus differ between the sexes.
Disturbances, Their Interactions, and Cumulative Effects on Carbon and Charcoal Stocks in a Forested Ecosystem

Disturbances have a strong role in the carbon balance of many ecosystems, and the cycle of vegetation growth, disturbance, and recovery is very important in determining the net carbon balance of terrestrial biomes. Compound disturbances are phenomena of growing concern which can impact ecosystems in novel ways, altering disturbance intensity, severity, and recovery trajectories. This research focuses on carbon stocks in a compound disturbance environment, with special attention on black carbon (charcoal), a potential source of long-term carbon sequestration. We report on a well-studied compound disturbance event (wind, logging, and severe fire) in a Colorado, USA subalpine forest that was extensively surveyed for impacts on carbon, black carbon, and regeneration. All major pools were considered, including organic and mineral soil (10 cm depth), and contrasted with neighboring undisturbed forests as a reference. The disturbances had an additive effect on carbon loss, with increasing numbers of disturbances resulting in progressively decreasing carbon/black carbon stocks. This resulted from lower substrate availability and higher fire intensity. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference between reference and burned plots in terms of total black carbon. It appears that high-intensity fires do not significantly increase net black carbon in these forests (over the entire fire-return interval), with additional disturbances potentially resulting in a net loss. Disturbances, and their interactions, will have long-lasting legacies for carbon and black carbon.
Axonal injuries and consequences to neuronal computation

Axonal injury and swelling is a common outcome of brain trauma and/or concussion. Recent experimentally observed axonal deformations induce irregularities in the axonal morphology and geometry [1,2]. Such irregularities, combined with nonlinear gating properties of ion channels, can significantly alter firing rate patterns between the initiation and arrival of spikes at pre-synaptic sites. As a consequence, information encoded in spike trains propagating in the axon can be jeopardized due to injury. We develop a computational framework to evaluate and distinguish between axonal injuries that lead to geometrical enlargements responsible for producing minor changes in propagation from those that result in critical phenomenon such as reflection or blockage of the original traveling spike train. We use a few geometrical parameters to model a prototypical axon enlargement and explore numerically the parameter space characterizing all possible propagation regimes and dynamics in an unmylienated action potential model. Figure ​Figure11 demonstrates an observed axon swelling [Figure ​[Figure1A]1A] a prototypical model [Figure ​[Figure1B]1B] along with its impact on a typical spike train [Figure ​[Figure1C].1C]. The geometry changes induced by the swelling can lead to significant change in the spike train dynamics and timing, thus jeopardizing faithful conductance of information. Figure 1 (A) Axonal swelling due to injury. (B) Model of enlargement. (C) Axonal geometry reshaping spike trains. Contrary to earlier notions that large diameter increases mostly lead to blocking, we demonstrate transmission is stable provided the geometrical changes occur in a slow (adiabatic) manner. As a consequence, swellings of lesser volumes but with abrupt increase in diameter can be more dangerous than those of larger volumes with adiabatic changes in geometry. Our method also identifies a narrow range of parameters leading to a reflection regime. The distinction between these three regimes can be evaluated by a simple analytical function of the geometrical parameters inferred through numerical simulations. Additionally, the effect on information encoding can be evaluated in such injured axons by performing a spike metric analysis [3]. Given that the statistics of both swelling size and frequency are known from recent experiments [1, 2, and references therein], our method allows or a prediction of the loss of neural computation due to traumatic brain injury and/or concussion.
In the Staphylococcus aureus two-component system sae, the response regulator SaeR binds to a direct repeat sequence and DNA binding requires phosphorylation by the sensor kinase SaeS

Staphylococcus aureus uses the SaeRS two-component system to control the expression of many virulence factors such as alpha-hemolysin and coagulase; however, the molecular mechanism of this signaling has not yet been elucidated. Here, using the P1 promoter of the sae operon as a model target DNA, we demonstrated that the unphosphorylated response regulator SaeR does not bind to the P1 promoter DNA, while its C-terminal DNA binding domain alone does. The DNA binding activity of full-length SaeR could be restored by sensor kinase SaeS-induced phosphorylation. Phosphorylated SaeR is more resistant to digestion by trypsin, suggesting conformational changes. DNase I footprinting assays revealed that the SaeR protection region in the P1 promoter contains a direct repeat sequence (GTTAAN6GTTAA [where N is any nucleotide]). This sequence is critical to the binding of phosphorylated SaeR. Mutational changes in the repeat sequence greatly reduced both the in vitro binding of SaeR and the in vivo function of the P1 promoter. From these results, we concluded that SaeR recognizes the direct repeat sequence as a binding site and that binding requires phosphorylation by SaeS.
Phase-vanishing methodology for efficient bromination, alkylation, epoxidation, and oxidation reactions of organic substrates.

In cases where both reactants in a phase-vanishing reaction are less dense than the fluorous phase, an alternative to the U-tube method is to employ a solvent with greater density than the fluorous phase, such as 1,2-dibromoethane. This modification has been successfully applied to the methylation of a phenol derivative with dimethyl sulfate and to the m-CPBA-induced epoxidation of alkenes, N-oxide formation from nitrogen-containing compounds, and S-oxide or sulfone formation from organic sulfides.
Intentional cultural change

As a process of blind variation and selective retention, evolution lacks intentionality. Nevertheless, intentional processes can be a product of evolution and can double back to effect evolution. This article briefly describes how intentional processes evolve, how they figure in human cultural evolution, and how future cultural evolution needs to become more intentional.
Singlet Pairing Amongst Degenerate Electronic States: “Softening Bipolarons”

Holes in boron carbides pair to form singlet bipolarons on twelve-atom icosahedral structures. Transport occurs by carriers hopping between icosahedra. However, the optical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficients differ qualitatively from expectations for small bipolarons. These novel features are attributed to the singlets being formed amongst four-fold degenerate icosahedral orbitals. In particular, carriers in highly degenerate states can form a novel type of bipolaron, a “softening bipolaron.” Distinctive features of softening bipolarons result from singlets’ softening the symmetry-breaking vibrational modes to which they are coupled.
Letter to the editor: “Systems biology versus reductionism in cell physiology”

to the editor: The following is a response to the editorial comment of Prihandoko and Tobin (15) about our recent paper in American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology (2), which addresses a key question in modeling of signaling networks: How to assign the protein kinases (from the entire 521-member kinome list) that are responsible for each measurable phosphorylation event in a given cell type. In our study, we used vasopressin-stimulated phosphorylation of the water channel protein, aquaporin-2, at serine-256 as an example because of its importance to the physiology of collecting duct principal cells. We thank Prihandoko and Tobin for their thorough and well thought out summary of our paper. We write now to provide additional clarification regarding the epistemological approach, which was based on a systems biological framework rather than on reductionist principles. Understanding the two ways of doing experiments is aided by a bit of history.
Multi-Objective Optimization of a Simplified Car Body Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Today’s strict fuel economy requirement produces the need for the cars to have really optimized shapes among other characteristics as optimized cooling packages, reduced weight, to name a few. With the advances in automotive technology, tight global oil resources, lightweight automotive design process becomes a problem deserving important consideration. It is not however always clear how to modify the shape of the exterior of a car in order to minimize its aerodynamic resistance. Air motion is complex and operates differently at different weather conditions. This gap can be covered by the use of adjoint solvers which predict the sensibility of the aerodynamic forces to changes of the geometry. Alternatively, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solvers can be partnered with optimization software which guide model design changes and evaluate the corresponding results. Design changes can be executed by modifying a parameterized geometry or using mesh morphing techniques. With the advances in computational fluid dynamics, design optimization methods in the aerodynamic design are more important than ever. In the present paper, ANSYS Fluent will be used in conjunction with the optimization software ANSYS DesignXplorer to study ways of reducing drag and lift for a simplified car body. ANSYS simulation software allows one to predict, with confidence, the impact of fluid flows on the product throughout design and manufacturing as well as during end use. CFD is a complex technology involving strongly coupled non-linear partial differential equations which attempt to computationally simulate theoretical and experimental models in a discrete domain of complex geometric shape. A detailed assessment of errors and uncertainties has to concern itself with the three roots of CFD: theory, experiment, and computation. Further, the application of CFD is rapidly expanding with the growth in computational resources. The body in question in this study is the Ahmed body [1] which has been used numerous times for CFD code validation. This geometry represents a road legal car which is used to study the effect of different forces like, aerodynamic drag force, lift force, and some other major forces which affect a car’s motion significantly. Despite being a simple body, accurate prediction of its aerodynamic performance often requires very accurate and computationally expensive calculations. We would like to investigate if meaningful optimizations can be achieved by using reduced resources, by analyzing how air at different velocity affect the body and what changes might be necessary for a further optimized performance.The purpose here is not to predict the absolute values of drag for this body, but to demonstrate that optimization can be performed with limited resources relying on information about drag deltas rather than absolute values. Keeping limiting resources in mind, a grid independence study wasn’t done.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Signature of mobile hydrogen bonding of lysine side chains from long-range 15N-13C scalar J-couplings and computation.

Amino acid side chains involved in hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions are crucial for protein function. However, detailed investigations of such side chains in solution are rare. Here, through the combination of long-range 15N–13C scalar J-coupling measurements and an atomic-detail molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, direct insight into the structural dynamic behavior of lysine side chains in human ubiquitin has been gained. On the basis of 1H/13C/15N heteronuclear correlation experiments selective for lysine NH3+ groups, we analyzed two different types of long-range 15N–13C J-coupling constants: one between intraresidue 15Nζ and 13Cγ nuclei (3JNζCγ) and the other between 15Nζ and carbonyl 13C′ nuclei across a hydrogen bond (h3JNζC′). The experimental 3JNζCγ data confirm the highly mobile nature of the χ4 torsion angles of lysine side chains seen in the MD simulation. The NH3+ groups of Lys29 and Lys33 exhibit measurable h3JNζC′ couplings arising from hydrogen bonds with backbone carbonyl group...
A non-computer expert's experience with the computer.

The uses of the computer in dermatology are vast and continue to expand. Knowledge of computers and computer literacy are no longer prerequisites for their successful operation. This article outlines how the computer can assist the physician who is not a computer expert. The benefits span clinical practice to research efforts.
Recent developments in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Technical refinements in the fiberoptic viewing systems that use a cold light source have greatly expanded the endoscopist's diagnostic capabilities and the clinical use of peritoneal and gastrointestinal endoscopy. The capabilities and limitations of the procedures have been clarified. Professional societies, hospital staffs, and physicians are now wrestling with the relevant and important issue of what professional qualifications individuals must have to perform endoscopy. Widespread use of these instruments by inadequately trained individuals will predictably result in an inappropriate rate of complications.—AR
An Empirical Examination of Variations in Conjoint Solutions

The article discusses some basic methodological issues pertaining to alternative approaches of collecting conjoint data. An attempt is made to empirically examine and statistically evaluate conjoint measurement solutions. The findings indicate significant differences and are in sharp contrast to earlier findings.
Behind the Lens: First-Hand Images and Videos Collected by Communities That Document the Impact of Climate Change in Milne Bay, PNG

A major challenge for ecosystem-based climate change adaptation and sustainable resource management in the Pacific is reaching the thousands of coastal communities. If we continue to work island by island, community by community, with intensively facilitated management processes, we will run out of time to achieve the necessary changes for a sustainable future. An element of the solution to addressing climate change impacts is encompassed in the communities themselves through the sharing of intergenerational stories both within and among communities. Recording and documenting community members’ stories and local perspectives through the production of participatory videos creates a tangible, visual product that facilitates self-awareness and further exchange. This paper looks at the uptake of this idea of a group of small island communities in Milne Bay, PNG. This concept is currently being facilitated in Milne Bay, PNG under the USAID-funded Pacific-American Climate Fund. Essential project equipment, which included waterproof digital cameras, a laptop and a solar panel, were distributed to a community school on three island communities. Conservation International (CI) staff are supporting communities in video taking and production of people’s stories, a process that is leading towards community empowerment behind the lens. The uptake of becoming ‘videographers’ did not occur spontaneously however and considerable facilitation has been required. Initial findings indicate that, although community members were previously aware of environmental changes, the experience of recording and presenting their own views on video reinforced the prevalence and importance of these changes.
Weather and Prey Availability Affect the Timing of Fall Migration of Eared Grebes (Podiceps Nigricollis) From Great Salt Lake

ABSTRACT Great Salt Lake (GSL) is a critical migratory stopover location for Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis), but the factors influencing the timing of their fall migration have not previously been investigated. We used archived Doppler radar data to visualize the nocturnal departures of Eared Grebes from GSL over 16 years, from 1999–2015. We used generalized linear models (GLMs) to examine interannual variability in the timing of migration of Eared Grebes in relation to prey availability and lake temperature, as well as variation in the nightly departure likelihoods of Eared Grebes in relation to weather. On average, Eared Grebes departed from GSL over a period of 31 days each year, with departures occurring on 17 of those days. We did not find any trend toward earlier departures over the years of the study. Departures typically began earlier in the year when densities of brine shrimp adults (Artemia franciscana) were higher than average, densities of brine shrimp cysts were lower than average, and l...
Combination of Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Carrier Statistics Into an Atomistic Quantum Transport Model for Tunneling Heterojunctions

Tunneling heterojunctions (THJs) have confined states close to the tunneling region, which significantly affect their transport properties. Accurate numerical modeling of THJs requires combining the nonequilibrium coherent quantum transport through the tunneling region as well as the quasi-equilibrium statistics arising from the strong scattering in the confined states. In this paper, a novel atomistic model is proposed to include both the effects: the strong scattering in the regions around THJ and the coherent tunneling. The new model matches reasonably well with experimental measurements of Nitride THJ and provides an efficient engineering tool for performance prediction and design of THJ-based devices.
“He Gave Me the Words”: An Interview with Raoul Peck

I Am Not Your Negro (2016) takes its direction from the notes for a book entitled “Remember this House” that James Baldwin left unfinished, a book about his three friends—Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.— their murders, and their intertwining legacies. The film examines the prophetic shadow Baldwin’s work casts on twentieth- and twenty-first-century American politics and culture. Peck compiles archival material from Baldwin’s interviews on The Dick Cavett Show , his 1965 Cambridge lecture, and a series of banal images indexing the American dream. Juxtaposed against this mythology is footage of Dorothy Counts walking to school, the assassination of black leaders and activists, KKK rallies, and the different formations of the contemporary carceral state. Our conversation examines Peck’s role as a filmmaker and his relationship with the Baldwin estate. Additionally, we discussed a series of aesthetic choices he fought to include in the film’s final cut, directing Samuel L. Jackson as the voice for the film, the similarities and shifts he wanted to document in American culture since the 1960s, and some of the criticism he has received for not emphasizing more Baldwin’s sexuality.
Italian children's speech recognition for advanced interactive literacy tutors.

This work was conducted with the specific goals of developing improved recognition of children’s speech in Italian and the integration of the children’s speech recognition models into the Italian version of the Colorado Literacy Tutor platform. Specifically, children’s speech recognition research for Italian was conducted using the ITC-irst Children’s Speech Corpus. Using the University of Colorado SONIC LVSR system, we demonstrate a phonetic recognition error rate of 16.0% for a system which incorporates Vocal Tract Length Normalization (VTLN), Speaker-Adaptive Trained phonetic models, as well as unsupervised Structural MAP Linear Regression (SMAPLR). These new acoustic models have been incorporated within an Italian version of SONIC the ASR system of the Italian Literacy Tutor program.
Substrate cleavage and duration of action of botulinum neurotoxin type FA ("H, HA").

Abstract Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) type FA is the only known naturally occurring chimeric BoNT of domains of BoNT/A and BoNT/F. BoNT/FA consists of an F5-like light chain (LC), a unique heavy chain (HC) translocation domain, and a HC receptor binding domain similar to BoNT/A1. Previous analyses of purified BoNT/FA have indicated a 5–10-fold greater potency in cultured human or rat neurons as compared to BoNT/A1 and a 400–500-fold greater potency compared to BoNT/B1. However, in vivo potency in mice was about 5-fold lower than BoNT/A1 or/B1. In this report, species specificity was examined by cell-based assays using primary neurons from mice and examining VAMP1 and 2 cleavage. The data indicated similar potency of BoNT/FA in primary mouse spinal cord neurons as previously observed in primary rat and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived neuronal cell models, and equal enzymatic cleavage of mouse VAMP1 and 2 isoforms. Since the duration of action of BoNTs is due to continuous enzymatic activity of the LC in the neuronal cytosol, BoNT/FA was expected to have a short duration of action due to its F-type LC. In this report the duration of action of BoNT/FA was compared to that of BoNT/F1,/F5, and/B1 in both hiPSC derived neurons and in the in vivo mouse model. The data indicate a duration of action of BoNT/FA similar to BoNT/B1, while BoNT/F5 had a short duration of action similar to BoNT/F1.
Far-UVC light applications: sterilization of MRSA on a surface and inactivation of aerosolized influenza virus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and influenza A virus are two of the major targets for new antimicrobial technologies. In contrast to conventional germicidal lamps emitting primarily at 254 nm, which are both carcinogenic and cataractogenic, recent work has shown the potential of far-UVC technology, mainly between 207 and 222 nm, to be an effective means of sterilization of pathogens without apparent harm to mammalian cells. This is because, due to its strong absorbance in biological materials, far-UVC light cannot penetrate even the outer (non living) layers of human skin or eye; however, because bacteria and viruses are of micrometer or smaller dimensions, far-UVC can penetrate and inactivate them. With this report, we present progress on in vitro tests to inactivate MRSA on a surface using far-UVC light from a laser delivered using an optical diffuser. Qualitative and quantitative results show that this means of far-UVC exposure is adequate to inactivate MRSA with a dose comparable to that which would be required using a conventional germicidal lamp. Also included is a report on progress on inactivation of aerosolized influenza A virus. A custom benchtop aerosol exposure chamber was constructed and used to determine the effectiveness of far- UVC. Results indicate that far-UVC efficiently inactivates airborne aerosolized viruses, with a very low dose of 2 mJ/cm 2 of 222-nm light inactivating >95p of aerosolized H1N1 influenza virus. Together these studies help to further establish far-UVC technology as a promising, safe and inexpensive tool for sterilization in many environments.
Dealing with delirium. A common problem in hospitalized elderly patients.

PreviewA hospital stay can be a disorienting and frightening experience for many older patients, particularly the frail elderly. The result may be delirium in addition to an underlying medical illness. Dr O'Brien discusses the causes and differential diagnosis of delirium and suggests practical strategies for management and prevention.
Information-Centric Systems for Underpinning Sustainable Watershed Resource Development

The scientific and decision making water resources communities have made steady progress in developing new frameworks for addressing water issues with integrative and comprehensive watershed systems approach. Nevertheless, there are signs of difficulties in transferring the progress into practice. Among the perceived obstacles are the identification and implementation of the technologies enabling handling of the data- and information-rich environments required by these approaches. This chapter describes contemporary advancements in cyberinfrastructure leading to a new science and management paradigm whereby interdisciplinary teams collaborate in the understanding and managing complex water problems with a vision for long-term sustainability of the watersheds.
Does Suburban Horticulture Influence Plant Invasions in a Remnant Natural Area

The horticultural trade is a well-known source of nonnative invasive plant species, yet urban and suburban developments are routinely planted with these species, creating high invasion pressure on adjacent natural areas. Understanding the spread of nonnative species and predicting invasions is critical for the management of natural habitats. Here, we examine the similarities in nonnative plant community composition between a remnant natural habitat at Fire Island National Seashore and the surrounding residential communities to assess the impact of nonnative invasive horticultural species on the natural area. In the natural area, we identified 16 locally listed invasive plant species. In residential areas we identified 21 locally listed invasive species. Of 162 properties surveyed, 144 appeared to be occupied and maintained by residents; 18 appeared unmaintained or abandoned. Unmaintained properties had significantly more invasive species than maintained properties. Nonnative species composition between the natural and residential areas was not significantly different. In the natural area, distance from suburban edge, native species richness, and soil moisture were important drivers of invasion. We show that in this particular natural area, invasive plants have not invaded farther than 25 m into the forest, indicating the strong role of edge effects in invasions. Additionally, we show that unmaintained properties in the residential areas may be the primary source of invasives to natural area. Homeowner education on the impacts of invasive species and active management of the nonnative invasive species in the unmaintained properties may be important for preventing further invasions to the forest.
Punitiveness and Perceptions of Criminality: An Examination of Attitudes Toward Immigrant Offenders

This study examines the effect of the residency status (undocumented immigrant, refugee, or U.S. citizen) and the country of origin-ethnicity of an offender on perceptions of criminality and on the...
Revenue Farming Reconsidered: Tenurial Rights and Tenurial Duties in Early Modern India, ca. 1556-1818

The meaning of land revenue farming in Indian history has eluded consensus. Some view it as an administrative aberration indicating weak state control, while others see it as a strategy for consolidating authority. This essay traces the historical development of iqṭāʻ and ijārah , two Perso-Arabic terms frequently translated from the sources as ‘revenue farming estate’. I then suggest that existing perspectives do not capture the broader structure and significance of various entitlements to land revenue. Instead, I suggest that entitlements be schematized according to how regularized the right was, whether it was permanent, and how duty-bound the right holder was. In this formulation, revenue farm refers to a complex of rights and duties secured by contract in which a sovereign transferred the temporary exploitation of a holding for rent in advance. It was one of four tenurial complexes under which entitlements fell, the others being estates from bureaucratic assignment, hereditary occupation or possession by grant/gift, and tributary or chieftaincy.
Assessing the State of Comprehensive Medication Management in a Sample of Primary Care Clinics.

OverviewComprehensive medication management (CMM) is an important tool to address medication-related morbidity and mortality and reduce health care costs. Medication therapy problems (MTPs) are a significant and costly barrier to improving patient outcomes1 and with more than half of all Americans taking at least one prescription drug,2 the need to manage and optimize patients’ medications is greater than ever. This report examines select practice and practitioner characteristics of the primary care clinics that participated in the research project, Enhancing Performance in Primary Care Medical Practice through Implementation of Comprehensive Medication Management. To be eligible to participate, sites had to have: established relationships with care team providers, a way of electronically identifying patients most in need of CMM, reporting processes in place for CMM data, read/write access in the electronic medical record, and an established CMM practice or a commitment to providing CMM. Because of these inclusion criteria, most participating clinics had CMM services in place for several years and were mature in their design and delivery of services. Site characteristics around the following areas were assessed: pharmacist and clinic demographics, delivery of pharmacy services, collaboration, billing and payment for CMM, and measuring CMM outcomes. The results of this report shed light on how CMM is being delivered in a sample of established CMM practices and therefore may provide benefit to those practitioners interested in building their own CMM practice. Article Type: Original Research
RSDC'99: tag recommendation using keywords and association rules

While a webpage usually contains hundreds of words, there are only two to three tags that would typically be assigned to this page. Most tags could be found in related aspects of the page, such as the page own content, the anchor texts around the page, and the user's own opinion about the page. Thus it is not an easy job to extract the most appropriate two to three tags to recommend for a target user. In addition, the recommendations should be unique for every user, since everyone's perspective for the page is different. In this paper, we treat the task of recommending tags as to find the most likely tags that would be chosen by the user. We first applied the TF-IDF algorithm on the limited description of the page content, in order to extract the keywords for the page. Based on these top keywords, association rules from history records are utilized to find the most probable tags to recommend. In addition, if the page has been tagged before by other users or the user has tagged other resources before, that history information is also exploited to find the most appropriate recommendations.
Molecular Basis of Muscle Disease

Skeletal muscle is responsible for body movement, ranging from maintaining posture to dancing to running a marathon race. The heterogeneity in size, shape, and arrangement of fibers coupled with a variety of metabolic, contractile, and endurance properties gives skeletal muscle the ability to perform a wide range of functions. Over the years, our understanding of the molecular basis of muscle formation, growth, adaptability, and disease has dramatically expanded. Much of our understanding stems from studies of the pathology of skeletal muscle. To date, 840 neuromuscular disorders have been identified and attributable to mutations in 465 different genes. More genes are expected to be discovered with the advances in molecular diagnostics and next-generation sequencing. Here we focus on congenital myopathy and muscular dystrophy to highlight our understanding of the molecular basis of skeletal muscle disease. Elucidating the molecular basis of skeletal muscle disease offers the ability to use gene therapy approaches to correct genetic mutations and ameliorate skeletal muscle disease.
Phase II Trials in Drug Development and Adaptive Trial Design.

Summary Phase II clinical studies represent a critical point in determining drug costs, and phase II is a poor predictor of drug success: >30% of drugs entering phase II studies fail to progress, and >58% of drugs go on to fail in phase III. Adaptive clinical trial design has been proposed as a way to reduce the costs of phase II testing by providing earlier determination of futility and prediction of phase III success, reducing overall phase II and III trial sizes, and shortening overall drug development time. This review examines issues in phase II testing and adaptive trial design.
Tuning a timing device that regulates lateral root development in rice

Peptidyl Prolyl Isomerases (PPIases) accelerate cis-trans isomerization of prolyl peptide bonds. In rice, the PPIase LRT2 is essential for lateral root initiation. LRT2 displays in vitro isomerization of a highly conserved W-P peptide bond (104W-P105) in the natural substrate OsIAA11. OsIAA11 is a transcription repressor that, in response to the plant hormone auxin, is targeted to ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation via specific recognition of the cis isomer of its 104W-P105 peptide bond. OsIAA11 controls transcription of specific genes, including its own, that are required for lateral root development. This auxin-responsive negative feedback circuit governs patterning and development of lateral roots along the primary root. The ability to tune LRT2 activity via mutagenesis is crucial for understanding and modeling the role of this bimodal switch in the auxin circuit and lateral root development. We present characterization of the thermal stability and isomerization rates of several LRT2 mutants acting on the OsIAA11 substrate. The thermally stable mutants display activities lower than that of wild-type (WT) LRT2. These include binding diminished but catalytically active P125K, binding incompetent W128A, and binding capable but catalytically incompetent H133Q mutations. Additionally, LRT2 homologs hCypA from human, TaCypA from Triticum aestivum (wheat) and PPIB from E. coli were shown to have 110, 50 and 60% of WT LRT2 activity on the OsIAA11 substrate. These studies identify several thermally stable LRT2 mutants with altered activities that will be useful for establishing relationships between cis-trans isomerization, auxin circuit dynamics, and lateral root development in rice.
Barriers to mammography screening among racial and ethnic minority women.

Abstract Rationale Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Disparities in breast cancer mortality rates adversely affect racial/ethnic minority women. Mammography screening is the most effective early detection method and means of reducing mortality rates. Yet, barriers prevent racial/ethnic minority women from participating in regular screening. Objective This review aimed to summarize self-reported barriers to mammography screening in racial/ethnic minority women in studies using open-ended assessments and closed-ended assessments. Method Literature searches were conducted in two databases, PsycINFO and PubMed. Barriers were detailed in full by barrier type (psychological/knowledge-related, logistical, cultural/immigration-related, and social/interpersonal) and summarized briefly by race/ethnicity (African American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, American Indian/Native American, and Middle Eastern). Results Twenty-two open-ended and six closed-ended studies were identified as eligible for this review. Overall, racial/ethnic minority women identified common logistical and psychological/knowledge-related barriers. Additionally, women reported cultural/immigration-related and social/interpersonal barriers that were closely tied to their racial/ethnic identities. Conclusions It was concluded that cultural/immigration-related barriers may be the only barrier type that is unique to racial/ethnic minority women. Thus, designing studies of barriers around race and ethnicity is not always appropriate, and other demographic factors are sometimes a more important focus. The variability in ‘barrier’ definitions, how data were collected and reported, and the appropriateness of closed-ended measures were also examined. This literature may benefit from detailed and strategically designed studies that allow more clear-cut conclusions and better comparison across studies as well as improving closed-ended measures by incorporating insights from investigations using open-ended inquiry.