cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 30 – Genetics of Huntington Disease (HD), HD-Like Disorders, and Other Choreiform Disorders

Chorea is the term used for involuntary movements that rapidly flit from region to region in an irregular pattern. In most of the conditions discussed here, the whole body is affected. There are a number of well-characterized genetic disorders that typically cause this sign, and others in which it may occur less often. In general, chorea is caused by neurodegenerative processes affecting the putamen. Prior to the identification of the gene causing Huntington disease (HD), a number of similar, apparently genetic, conditions were termed “HD-like” disorders. These diseases are discussed here, in addition to other paroxysmal choreas, neuroacanthocytosis syndromes, benign hereditary chorea, and other genetic disorders that primarily cause chorea.
Treatment of Symptomatic Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthritis: Is Fusion Necessary? Our Review of Open Cheilectomy

Objective/Hypothesis: Arthritis at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint often results in pain and deformity. Arthrodesis of the DIP joint is commonly performed for symptomatic arthritis that has not responded adequately to nonoperative treatment. Although a variety of techniques have been described for DIP joint arthrodesis, the end result is a motionless joint. DIP fusion also carries the risk of malunion, nonunion, and implant-related complications. We hypothesize that an alternative technique involving an open dorsal cheilectomy and DIP joint debridement would result in adequate pain relief and cosmesis, while preserving joint motion and avoiding the potential complications associated with DIP arthrodesis. We present our experience with 78 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the DIP joint who underwent an open dorsal cheilectomy and debridement of the DIP joint. Materials and Methods: There were 70 women and 8 men with a mean age of 64 years (range, 52-74 years) at the time of the surgery. Th...
Abstract 1480: Hot spot 19F MR imaging of inflammation predicts colitis-associated cancer

Introduction: The causal relationship between inflammation and cancer is well established. In the colon, colitis-associated cancer (CAC) develops through complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn9s disease. CAC development is directly correlated with the severity and longevity of inflammation in IBD patients. We hypothesized that non-invasive serial MRI of inflammatory sites and measuring their severity may enable earlier diagnosis and prediction of cancer development. Methods: To induce CAC, female A/J mice (n = 5) were injected with azoxymethane (10mg/kg) on day 0 and fed with 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution for every 3 weeks until week 7. 200 μl of perfluoro-15-crown-5-ether (PFC) emulsion (Celsense Inc., VS-580H), which labels macrophages, was injected through the tail vein 48 hours before the first MRI scan. In vivo MR imaging was performed every 15 days from day 50 to day 110 using a 11.7T MR scanner and a surface coil tunable to 1H and 19F. Conventional 1H (proton) images were acquired using a fast spin echo sequence (FSE) with RARE, TR/TE = 1200/30 ms, matrix size = 256×256, FOV = 3.2×2.0cm, rare factor = 8, and slice thickness = 2mm. “Hot spot” 19F (fluorine) images were acquired using an FSE with RARE, TR/TE = 1000/14ms, matrix size = 64×32, rare factor = 8, and slice thickness = 2mm. Ex vivo images were acquired with a 750 MHz microimaging system and a 25mm volume coil. Fixed colon tissues were paraffin-cut to evaluate tumor development. Multiple longitudinal colon segments were chosen from areas either with or without 19F signal. HE 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1480. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1480
Path-based dynamic impact analysis

Successful software systems evolve over their lifetimes through the cumulative changes made by software maintainers. As software evolves, the problems resulting from software change worsen, exacerbated by increased system size and complexity, lack of program understanding, amount of effort required to make changes, and number of personnel involved. Experience shows that software changes made without visibility into their effects can lead to poor effort estimates, delays in release schedules, degraded software design, unreliable software products, increased costs, and premature retirement of the software system. Software change impact analysis, impact analysis, is a software maintenance technique meant to address these problems, by assessing the effects of changes made to a software system. While impact analysis is frequently cited as a motivation or a potential application for program analysis and software maintenance research, research specific to the task of impact analysis has languished for more than 10 years. In addition, few researchers have examined the empirical factors underlying common impact analysis techniques or the tradeoffs inherent in known techniques, and none have performed empirical studies comparing impact analysis techniques. In this dissertation we introduce a new impact analysis approach, named PathImpact, that addresses a set of tradeoffs not addressed by any current impact analysis approach. Ours is the first fully-dynamic impact analysis approach. PathImpact uses light-weight instrumentation to record program execution at the level of procedure calls and returns, then efficiently builds a compressed representation that can be directly used to estimate change impact. We next extend PathImpact to accommodate system evolution yielding a technique we call EvolveImpact. EvolveImpact updates the impact representation after a system change, whereas PathImpact requires a complete recompution. In addition, we show how our approaches can be extended to a large class of emerging software architectures, including Java component-based systems and large-scale systems. Finally, we discuss the implementation of our approaches, present the first cost models for impact analysis techniques, and report the results of the first empirical studies that compare impact analysis techniques. We also empirically examine the performance of our approaches and the factors affecting the use of our techniques in practice. We found that our approach has linear time and space complexity (in the size of the dynamic information collected) and achieved a mean compression value of 0.955 on the subjects we used in our experiments. Our investigation of program evolution across multiple versions of three of our subject programs showed that, depending on the level of change activity, EvolveImpact can update the impact representation more efficiently than recomputing it in a majority of cases.
Convection Boundary Losses During Laser Cladding

Abstract A comprehensive methodology for the implementation of thermal convection into the finite element (FE) analysis of laser direct energy deposition (DED) cladding is developed and validated. Improved convection modeling will produce improved thermal simulations, which will in turn yield more accurate results from subsequent models seeking to predict microstructural changes, deformation, or residual stresses. Three common convection implementations, considering no convection, free convection only, or artificially heightened free convection, are compared to three novel forced convection methods: forced convection from heat transfer literature, forced convection from lumped capacitance experiments, and forced convection from hot-film anemometry measurements. During the cladding process, the exposed surface, the surface roughness, and total surface area change due to material deposition. The necessity of accounting for the evolution of the mesh surface in the FE convection model is investigated. Quantified error analysis shows that using any of the three forced convection methodologies improves the accuracy of the numerical simulations. Using surface-dependent hot-film anemometry measured convection yields the most accurate temperature history, with L 2 norm errors of 6.25–22.1 ∘C and time-averaged percent errors of 2.80–12.4%. Using a physically representative convection model applied to a continually evolving mesh surface is shown to be necessary for accuracy in the FE simulation of laser cladding processes.
The Practice of Revision in Composition Studies

This chapter draws parallels between superhero revision and revision within composition theory. After examining Ezra Pound’s infamous revisions of Eliot’s The Waste Land, several key stages in the conceptualization of revision will be explored, from Aristotelian rhetoric’s lasting and influential notion of revision as error, to Donald Murray and other early Expressivists’ sense of revision as an act of creative discovery and its influence on early process writing, to the post-process critique of process writing’s failure to account for the contingent and constructed nature of revision as a social practice. This critique leads to speculations regarding what the practice of textual revision can look like in the wake of the shift away from revision as part of the writing process towards a view of revision as a stance of resisting or negotiating identity positions relative to cultural and institutional authority.
Modern Management of Pancreatic Fluid Collections

The last decade has seen dramatic shift in paradigm in the management of pancreatic fluid collections with the rise of endoscopic therapy over radiologic or surgical management. Endosonographic drainage is now considered the gold standard therapy for pancreatic pseudocyst. Infected pancreatic necroses are being offered endoscopic necrosectomy that has been facilitated by the arrival on the market of large diameter lumen-apposing metal stent. Severe pancreatitis or failure to thrive should receive enteral nutrition while pancreatic ductal disruption or strictures are best treated by pancreatic stenting.
Provenance of Permian Delaware Mountain Group, central and southern Delaware Basin, and implications of sediment dispersal pathway near the southwestern terminus of Pangea

ABSTRACTThe Delaware Basin is located near the southwestern end of the Alleghanian–Ouachita–Marathon orogenic belt. The basin is mostly filled by Permian clastic rocks of the Delaware Mountain Group with ramp- to shelf-carbonate rimming basin edges. The Delaware Mountain Group has been well-documented as a deep-water clastic reservoir unit in the prolific Permian Basin, but its sources and related sediment dispersal pathways remain inconclusive. In this study, a total of 55 samples of the Delaware Mountain Group were collected from whole core and sidewall core from the central and southern Delaware Basin, and sandstone modal analyses and U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology were applied to constrain their potential sources. Sandstone modal analyses show that the majority of samples fall within the transitional continental source field. Age spectra of detrital zircon from five selected samples include a prominent middle Palaeozoic age cluster (~490–275 Ma), a major Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic age clus...
Finite Element Analysis of Solids and Structures

In Chap. 3, the equations governing the single-physics, load-deformation problems are presented. The boundary/initial value problem is formally defined. In the present chapter, the finite element method of solving this boundary/initial value problem is described. The notations used in this chapter are similar to those in Chap. 3. While the finite element method is presented in a way that is suitable for both the linear and nonlinear problems, the specific formulations and the application examples in this chapter are restricted to elastic solids. The theory of elasticity for isotropic and anisotropic solids is presented in Chap. 4. Applications to elastoplastic solids are addressed in Chaps. 8 and 10–13.
The Europeana Linked Open Data Pilot Server

The Linked Data is a set of principles and technologies providing a publishing paradigm for sharing and reusing RDF data on the Web. The Linked Data Cloud is expanding at a very high speed since 2007, when the Linked Data Project was launched. Europeana, the European Digital Library, subscribes to the view of a web of data, and the distribution of cultural heritage data is one of the main objectives established by the Europeana Strategic Plan. The paper illustrates how Europeana publishes Linked Data, with focus on the technological approach adopted.
Analytic Damping and Stiffness Analysis for a 4-DOF Electrodynamic Wheel Maglev Vehicle

This paper analyzes the damping and stiffness terms of a 4-degree of freedom laboratory scale electrodynamic wheel magnetic levitation vehicle. The vehicle creates both suspension and propulsion forces through the simultaneous rotation and translation of the electrodynamic wheels above a conductive non-magnetic plate of finite thickness. The stiffness and damping terms were derived using an analytic 3-D steady-state eddy current model, and are analyzed based on their suitability for a linear state-space model. The implications with respect to static stability are discussed.
Rejection of labrusca-type aromas in wine differs by wine expertise and geographic region

Abstract Methyl anthranilate (MA) and 2-aminoacetophenone (2AAP) are commonly associated with the flavor of wines made from V. labruscana grapes. It is widely assumed that wine experts and consumers find these flavors to be objectionable, at least in wines vinified from V. vinifera grapes. Here, a two-alternative forced-choice task was used to compare preference for unoaked Chardonnay against the same Chardonnay spiked with MA or 2AAP in ascending concentration series. Participants were either wine experts from California, or non-expert wine consumers from California or Pennsylvania. Wines were evaluated in the mouth and participants were instructed to indicate which sample within a pair they preferred. Rejection threshold estimates were determined by regressing 2AFC responses against concentration. Consistent with the expectation that experts view V. labrusca associated odors as a fault, wines with high concentrations of methyl anthranilate were largely rejected by wine experts in California. However, non-expert consumers in California were more tolerant than the wine experts in California, and non-expert consumers in Pennsylvania showed little to no influence of added methyl anthranilate on their preferences. Contrary to expectations however, 2-aminoacetophenone failed to elicit rejection in California wine experts or consumers within the range tested. Our results suggest that while V. vinifera wines may occasionally contain amounts of methyl anthranilate and 2-aminoacetophenone that are detectable in chemical analysis, the presence of these odorants at levels naturally found in V. vinifera wines is insufficient to elicit rejection from wine experts or consumers, regardless of their regional wine culture.
Using Social Media to Estimate the Size and Demographic Characteristics of Hard-to-Reach Sport Communities: The Case of Disc Golf

Some measures suggest that disc golf is a fast-growing sport and recreational activity that provides notable physical and social benefits. However, little is known about those who play. Like many n...
Interaction between maternal and paternal parenting styles with infant temperament in emerging behavior problems.

This study examined the interaction effects of infant temperament (negative affect, orienting/regulatory capacity, surgency) on the relationship between maternal and paternal parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive) and externalizing and internalizing behaviors simultaneously. A diverse sample of mothers (N = 186) and fathers (N = 142) reported on infant temperament of their 6-month-olds and their children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors one year later. Significant interactions revealed: (a) surgency moderated maternal authoritative and paternal permissive parenting style and externalizing behaviors; and (b) surgency moderated maternal authoritarian and paternal authoritative parenting style and internalizing behaviors. No significant interactions were found between maternal and paternal parenting styles and their report of their infants' orienting/regulatory capacity and negative affect. Findings suggest interaction effects may appear beginning in infancy.
Perspectives from nongovernmental organizations on education and training needs for community disaster recovery

Objective: Individuals leading nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) often lack adequate training to best serve their communities’ needs during disaster recovery even as they are often tasked with filling in gaps left by governmental and private resources. Thus, it is essential that education and training initiatives address NGO efforts specifically. This paper identifies training and education needs as proffered by organizational representatives that have themselves been involved in long-term recovery efforts following disasters in the past 10 years across Texas. Design, Setting, and Subjects: Qualitative interviews with nearly 100 local NGO representatives, government officials, and regional and state-level NGO representatives were conducted using purposive and snowball sampling. The participants conducted recovery activities in six different locations in Texas since 2008. Results: Many respondents noted that they had little experience in disaster recovery and a lack of understanding of what recovery involved. Interviewees identified needs for training including how to coordinate recovery tasks among multiple organizations and agencies (eg, who to involve, what skillsets are needed, what group structure should be formed), how to distribute financial and nonfinancial resources (eg, how to prioritize needs, how to distribute funds, who should receive funding), and how to manage media and external organizational attention. Conclusion: This paper provides recommendations for augmenting existing NGO training and educational activities and developing new training schemes offering practical advice from recovery leaders who have been on the frontline of recent disasters.
A History of the Talmud

It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the Talmud in Judaism and beyond. Yet its difficult language and its assumptions, so distant from modern sensibilities, render it inaccessible to most readers. In this volume, David C. Kraemer offers students of Judaism a sophisticated and accessible introduction to one of the religion's most important texts. Here, he brings together his expertise as a scholar of the Talmud and rabbinic Judaism with the lessons of his experience as director of one of the largest collections of rare Judaica in the world. Tracing the Talmud's origins and its often controversial status through history, he bases his work on the most recent historical and literary scholarship while making no assumptions concerning the reader's prior knowledge. Kraemer also examines the continuities and shifts of the Talmud over time and space. His work will provide scholars and students with an unprecedented understanding of one of the world's great classics and the spirit that animates it.
Experimental evidence that symbiotic bacteria produce chemical cues in a songbird.

ABSTRACT Symbiotic microbes that inhabit animal scent glands can produce volatile compounds used as chemical signals by the host animal. Though several studies have demonstrated correlations between scent gland bacterial community structure and host animal odour profiles, none have systematically demonstrated a causal relationship. In birds, volatile compounds in preen oil secreted by the uropygial gland serve as chemical cues and signals. Here, we tested whether manipulating the uropygial gland microbial community affects chemical profiles in the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We found an effect of antibiotic treatment targeting the uropygial gland on both bacterial and volatile profiles. In a second experiment, we cultured bacteria from junco preen oil, and found that all of the cultivars produced at least one volatile compound common in junco preen oil, and that most cultivars produced multiple preen oil volatiles. In both experiments, we identified experimentally generated patterns in specific volatile compounds previously shown to predict junco reproductive success. Together, our data provide experimental support for the hypothesis that symbiotic bacteria produce behaviourally relevant volatile compounds within avian chemical cues and signals.
Near-lean blowoff dynamics in a liquid fueled combustor

Abstract This paper describes an analysis of the near-lean blow off (LBO) dynamics of spray flames, including the influence of fuel composition upon these dynamics. It is motivated by the fact that, while reasonable correlations exist for predicting blowoff conditions, the fundamental reasons for why flames supported by flow recirculation actually blow off are not well understood. Prior work on gaseous systems has shown that the blowoff event is a culmination of several intermediate processes, initiating with local extinction of reactions (“stage 1”), followed by large scale changes in flame and flow dynamics (“stage 2”), finally leading to blowoff. In this study, near-LBO dynamics were characterized for ten liquid fuels with widely varying kinetic and physical properties. Results were compared at two air inlet temperatures, 450 and 300 K, as this influences the relative importance of physical and kinetic properties in controlling LBO. Extinction, re-ignition, and recovery of the flame are evident from these data, and grow in frequency as blowoff is approached. Results show that after a near-blowoff event, the flame can move upstream at velocities much faster than the flow velocity, corresponding to re-ignition. Nonetheless, the majority of the flame recovery events appear to be associated with convection of hot products back upstream, not re-ignition. In contrast, downstream motion of the flame faster than the flow, which would correspond to bulk flame extinction, was never observed. This indicates that “extinction events” actually correspond to convection of the flame downstream by the flow when it loses its stabilization point. The dependence of the equivalence ratio when these events appear, their frequency, and event duration were quantified as a function of fuel composition and air inlet temperature. For example, the data shows a higher percentage of recovery from near-blowoff events through re-ignition for high DCN fuels at the 450 K air temperature condition. These extinction/re-ignition results suggest that high DCN fuels are harder to blow off than low DCN fuels through two mechanisms: (1) by delaying the onset of LBO precursor events, and (2) because they are able to recover from these precursor events through re-ignition more often.
JC Polyomavirus Infection Reveals Delayed Progression of the Infectious Cycle in Normal Human Astrocytes

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) infects 50 to 80% of the population and is the causative agent of a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). JCPyV presents initially as a persistent infection in the kidneys of healthy people, but during immunosuppression, the virus can reactivate and cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Within the CNS, JCPyV predominately targets two cell types, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Until recently, the role of astrocytes has been masked by the pathology in the myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, which are lytically destroyed by the virus. To better understand how astrocytes are impacted during JCPyV infection, the temporal regulation and infectious cycle of JCPyV were analyzed in primary normal human astrocytes (NHAs). Previous research to define the molecular mechanisms underlying JCPyV infection has mostly relied on the use of cell culture models, such as SVG-A cells (SVGAs), an immortalized, mixed population of glial cells transformed with simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen. However, SVGAs present several limitations due to their immortalized characteristics, and NHAs represent an innovative approach to study JCPyV infection in vitro Using infectivity assays, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence assay approaches, we have further characterized JCPyV infectivity in NHAs. The JCPyV infectious cycle is significantly delayed in NHAs, and the expression of SV40 T antigen alters the cellular environment, which impacts viral infection in immortalized cells. This research establishes a foundation for the use of primary NHAs in future studies and will help unravel the role of astrocytes in PML pathogenesis.IMPORTANCE Animal models are crucial in advancing biomedical research and defining the pathogenesis of human disease. Unfortunately, not all diseases can be easily modeled in a nonhuman host or such models are cost prohibitive to generate, including models for the human-specific virus JC polyomavirus (JCPyV). JCPyV infects most of the population but can cause a rare, fatal disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). There have been considerable advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of JCPyV infection, but this has mostly been limited to immortalized cell culture models. In contrast, PML pathogenesis research has been greatly hindered because of the lack of an animal model. We have further characterized JCPyV infection in primary human astrocytes to better define the infectious process in a primary cell type. Albeit a cell culture model, primary astrocytes may better recapitulate human disease, are easier to maintain than other primary cells, and are less expensive than using an animal model.
Long-term demography and matrix modeling reveal mechanisms of chestnut oak (Quercus montana) population persistence through sprouting and decline

Abstract The regeneration class within populations of some canopy tree species can persist within a forest understory for decades, existing as a single dominant stem or replacing dominant stems via sprouting. Trees with the ability to sprout, including oaks, can use multiple strategies to persist in the understory, including long-term persistence and “shrinking” in size as a result of the ability to produce sprouts. This study is the first to examine the long-term effects of sprouting in a population of oaks (Quercus) across all life history stages. We established a 15-year study of the fine-scale demographics in a stand of chestnut oaks (Quercus montana) on the Cumberland Plateau, which enabled us to examine the role of sexual reproduction and sprouting on population persistence. Using a size-class distribution matrix model parameterized from the long-term demography, we project the population 50 years into the future, identifying size classes that represent population bottlenecks. We compare size-class distribution patterns to two other chestnut oak populations in the region. We find that midstory individuals are “shrinking” through stem replacement or dying over time, and it is very rare for an individual to increase in size class. Sprouting (both existence of sprouts and number of sprouts) was associated with the death of a genetic individual. Our matrix model indicated a slow decline of the population over the next 50 years, a pattern reflected in the regional patterns of chestnut oaks. We suggest that the chestnut oaks studied may represent a “remnant population” which slowly declines until either local extinction or the existence of favorable environmental conditions.
Catalysis-Based Fluorometric Method for Trace Palladium Detection with Improved Convenience

There is a need for rapid estimation of the quantities of trace palladium in synthetic samples. To address the need, we previously reported a rapid method based on the palladium-catalyzed conversio...
DO TRACKING STOCKS REDUCE INFORMATION ASYMMETRIES? AN ANALYSIS OF LIQUIDITY AND ADVERSE SELECTION

A firm's announcement that it intends to restructure based on tracking stock is usually associated with a positive stock price reaction, at least in the short run. Typically, this reaction is attributed to expected reductions in a diversification discount, through reduced agency costs or information asymmetries. We reinvestigate this latter hypothesis by focusing on the liquidity provided by market makers before and after a firm issues a tracking stock. Our results suggest that such restructurings are not effective at reducing information asymmetries. Rather, firms that issue tracking stocks exhibit less liquidity and greater adverse selection than comparable control firms.
Frequency and characteristics of advanced cancer patients with COVID + ve status among inpatient supportive care consults during the pandemic: experience from a tertiary cancer center.

PURPOSE: There is limited literature available regards the frequency and characteristics of COVID-19 + ve status among advanced cancer patients referred to an inpatient supportive care consultation(PC) at a tertiary cancer center. Our study aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of COVID-19 + ve cancer patients seen by PC. METHODS: Advanced cancer patients seen as a consult by PC between June 15 and September 25, 2020, at MD Anderson Cancer Center were eligible for the study. We evaluated the patient demographics, clinical characteristics including symptoms(ESAS), delirium(MDAS), COVID + status prior to, and after PC referral(converters), and type of PC delivery(in person or virtual care). RESULTS: Sixty-six out of 1380 (4.8%) PC consults were COVID-19 + ve: 42 prior to PC (79%), and 14 (21%) were COVID-19 + ve after the PC (converters). COVID-19 + PC patients had lower depression (P = .035), spiritual distress (P = .003), and were more seen frequently virtually (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between COVID-19-ve patients and converters. Converters had higher symptom distress (P = 0.007), lower delirium (P = 0.014), and were referred earlier (P = .011) compared to COVID + PC patients diagnosed prior to PC consult. Overall, patients seen virtually compared in-person by PC were younger (P = 0.02) and had lower delirium (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The burden of COVID-19 + status among patients referred to PC was low. COVID-19 + ve patients had more frequent virtual visits, lower depression, and spiritual distress scores. Patient seen virtually were significantly younger and had lower delirium. During a new pandemic, universal virtual care might be emphasized especially at initial encounters after admission and further research is needed on the potential efficacy of this intervention.
THE GROWING CONGESTION IN THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM (NAS) : HOW DO WE MEASURE IT? ARE CURRENT PLANS SUFFICIENT TO CONSTRAIN ITS GROWTH? IF NOT, WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?

Air transportation, involving both passengers and cargo, is well recognized as having a disproportionate impact on the health of the nation’s economy. The anticipated future congestion at airports ...
NGOs: Gaining Policy Influence Through Collaborative Networks

Faith-based organizations have been shown to have varying relevance and saliency in urban politics. Past research typically focuses on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as intermediary organizations. The discussions revolve around the distinctly political, financial or administrative/service providing capacities of NGOs. Less explored are the unintended political consequences of their activities.Like their secular counterparts, faith-based organizations can play an essential role in the delivery of local public goods and services. They can become a linchpin of governance, providing much needed social support structures. Faith-based and other non-governmental organizations can act in concert with or under the devolved authority of the government. They can also fill gaps left by both the government and the market. This paper contends that by being consistent and trustworthy service providers, NGOs may change the landscape of stakeholders involved in urban politics. Indeed, even faith-based and secular NGOs that do not explicitly seek to influence policy may do so through the networks in which they affiliate and the entities with which they collaborate to carry out their primary functions.The paper is based on a nested research design with quantitative and qualitative data from public documents, surveys and interviews from several different types of communities, government entities and service providers. This paper examines the degree and extent to which NGOs work with the government and other entities to provide services and how that positions them to influence policy in Michigan’s two largest urban centers. It demonstrates the importance of collaborative networks for a range of governance functions. The paper also illuminates how service provision allows NGOs, faith-based and secular, to gain entree to local political networks and systems and correspondingly parlay that political access into policy influence.
How to construct multicast cryptosystems provably secure against adaptive chosen ciphertext attack

In this paper we present a general framework for constructing efficient multicast cryptosystems with provable security and show that a line of previous work on multicast encryption are all special cases of this general approach. We provide new methods for building such cryptosystems with various levels of security (e.g., IND-CPA, IND-CCA2). The results we obtained enable the construction of a whole class of new multicast schemes with guaranteed security using a broader range of common primitives such as OAEP. Moreover, we show that multicast cryptosystems with high level of security (e.g. IND-CCA2) can be based upon public key cryptosystems with weaker (e.g. CPA) security as long as the decryption can be securely and efficiently “shared”. Our constructions feature truly constant-size decryption keys whereas the lengths of both the encryption key and ciphertext are independent of group size.
PRACTITIONERS‘ PERCEPTIONS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the perceptions of leaders of interior design practitioner organizations regarding the purpose, need, and importance of graduate education. RESEARCH DESIGN: Two surveys were conducted using a modified DELPHI technique. Responses from the first survey were used to generate questions for the second survey. Targeted respondents included the top two tiers of leadership of the member organizations of the Unified Voice Task Force. ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using cross-tabular presentation with chi-square or the Fisher Exact Test used to determine statistical significance. KEY FINDINGS: Although practitioners recognize that graduate education can develop an area of practice specialization and result in scholarship that expands the body of knowledge, there appears to be confusion regarding the purpose, need, and importance of graduate education to interior design. The practitioners indicated that specialization could be achieved through continuing education, and they appear to view the development of the body of knowledge from an insular position as opposed to broadening the intellectual foundation of the profession. CONCLUSIONS: Increased collaboration among industry, practice, and education is needed to rectify the problems that presently exist with graduate education in the field of interior design.
Eclipse Java security scanner - JSS

JSS is a plug-in that scans Java code for security vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities are statically detectable and come from research in Java security. This research looks at both the structure of the code that leads to the vulnerability and how that structure can be taken advantage of to compromise sensitive information or critical code. Such security problems include improper visibility restraints, use of inner classes, failure to handle exceptions properly, execution of code in the JNI, and failure to finalize methods and classes. Gary McGraw and John Viega's paper "Statically Scanning Java Code: finding security vulnerabilities" is the inspiration for JSS. Using the built in org.eclipse.jdt.core package the plug-in parses the Java code and then generates an AST. Then using the Visitor pattern the tree is traversed and the problem sections of the code are identified. These sections are then highlighted and possible solutions are suggested. The scanner will be implemented as a fully functional, updatable plug-in for the Eclipse JDE.
The Trp repressor, a ligand-activated regulatory protein.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of Trp repressor as a ligand-activated regulatory protein. The Trp repressor (protein) of Escherichia coli is one of the most exhaustively studied DNA-binding regulatory macromolecules. Its physiological role is to reduce or eliminate transcription from certain regulatable promoters through the formation of RNA-polymerase-preemptive non covalent complexes between protein and DNA. The structure–function analyses carried out on the Trp repressor place this system in the top rank in terms of the breadth and detail of the information that is available. The chapter reviews the existing body of knowledge about the Trp repressor with the goal of distinguishing general structure–function principles, as well as specific features that might also apply to other amino-acid-activated proteins able to form complexes with duplex DNA. The Trp repressor engages appropriate operator targets within DNA only if the protein has first undergone a tryptophan-mediated conformational change. The geometry of several complexes involving the Trp repressor is now well understood at the atomic level from X-ray crystallographic comparisons of liganded and unliganded species and from the analysis of a crystalline Trp-holorepressor-operator complex. The crystallographic results have recently been obtained.
Human rights as myth and ceremony? Reevaluating the effectiveness of human rights treaties, 1981-2007.

Much research has shown human rights treaties to be ineffective or even counterproductive, often contributing to greater levels of abuse among countries that ratify them. This article reevaluates the effect of four core human rights treaties on a variety of human rights outcomes. Unlike previous studies, it disaggregates treaty membership to examine the effect of relatively “stronger” and “weaker” commitments. Two-stage regression analyses that control for the endogeneity of treaty membership show that stronger commitments in the form of optional provisions that allow states and individuals to complain about human rights abuses are often associated with improved practices. The article discusses the scholarly and practical implications of these findings.
Predictive Analysis for Social Diffusion: The Role of Network Communities

The diffusion of information and behaviors over social networks is of considerable interest in research fields ranging from sociology to computer science and application domains such as marketing, finance, human health, and national security. Of particular interest is the possibility to develop predictive capabilities for social diffusion, for instance enabling early identification of diffusion processes which are likely to become "viral" and propagate to a significant fraction of the population. Recently we have shown, using theoretical analysis, that the dynamics of social diffusion may depend crucially upon the interactions of social network communities, that is, densely connected groupings of individuals which have only relatively few links between groups. This paper presents an empirical investigation of two related hypotheses which follow from this finding: 1.) inter-community interaction is predictive of the reach of social diffusion and 2.) dispersion of the diffusion phenomenon across network communities is a useful early indicator that the propagation will be "successful". We explore these hypotheses with case studies involving the emergence of the Swedish Social Democratic Party at the turn of the 20th century, the spread of the SARS virus in 2002-2003, and blogging dynamics associated with real world protest activity. These empirical studies demonstrate that network community-based diffusion metrics do indeed possess predictive power, and in fact can be more useful than standard measures.
Corn wet milling: separation chemistry and technology.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the separation chemistry and technology of corn wet milling. The purpose of corn wet milling is to separate the kernel into its constituent chemical components. Wet milling processing begins with steeping whole kernel corn in an aqueous solution of sulfur dioxide and lactic acid (produced by microorganisms) at 50°C for 24–48 hours. The corn is then coarsely ground and the lipid-containing germ and fibrous hull portions are separated. After the remaining components are more finely ground, the starch and protein are separated using hydrocyclones, essentially continuous centrifuges; corn starch is slightly denser than corn protein. Germ is further processed into oil and the protein and fiber components are usually blended and used as animal feeds. The wet starch is either dried, chemically modified to change its functional properties, converted into intermediate-sized glucose polymers, or fully depolymerized into sugars. Starch is also often used as a raw ingredient for adjacent processing facilities that produce ethanol or other alcohols and other industrial chemicals.
Thomas Wilson's arte of Rhetorique

(1929). Thomas Wilson's arte of Rhetorique. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 423-425.
Inverse Electron‐Demand Diels‐Alder Cycloaddition of a Ketene Dithioacetal. Copper Hydride‐Promoted Reduction of a Conjugated Enone. 9‐Dithiolanobicyclo[3.2.2]Non‐6‐En‐2‐One from Tropone

Inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition of a ketene dithioacetal. Copper hydride-promoted reduction of a conjugated enone. 9-dithiolanobicyclo[3.2.2]non-6-en-2-one from tropone intermediate: tropone intermediate: 9-dithiolanobicyclo[3.2.2]nona-3,6-dien-2-one product: 9-Dithiolanobicyclo[3.2.2]non-6-en-2-one Keywords: addition, to CC–CC; addition, to CC–CO and CC–CN; annulation, heterocyclic-[M,N]; cyclization, cycloaddition; Diels-Alder reactions; oxidation, CH2 CO; reduction, CC HC–CH; copper(I) iodide; cycloheptatriene, purification; hexamethylphosphoric triamide (HMPA); triethylamine; dioxane, cancer suspect agent; hexamethylphosphoric triamide (HMPA), toxicity; selenium compounds, toxicity
Measurement of thermal-mechanical noise in MEMS microstructures

We report absolute measurements of thermal-mechanical noise in microelectromechanical systems. The measurements are made possible with a simple, high resolution optical technique that has a displacement resolution on the order of hundreds of femtometers per root Hz at frequencies of tens of kHz. The measured noise spectrum agrees with the calculated noise level to within 25%, a discrepancy most likely due to uncertainty in the effective dynamic mass of the vibrating bridge. These measurements demonstrate that thermal-mechanical noise can be the dominant noise source in actuated microelectromechanical devices. This noise will become even more pronounced as the size of mechanical devices continues to shrink.
Interleukin-17 Regulates the Recruitment of Stromal Progenitor Cells by Increasing Their Responsiveness To Growth Factors under Serum Deprived Growth Conditions

Interleukin-17 Regulates the Recruitment of Stromal Progenitor Cells by Increasing Their Responsiveness To Growth Factors under Serum Deprived Growth Conditions
Diagnostic scalene node biopsy in the preoperative evaluation of the surgical cancer patient: Five-year experience with 108 cases and literature review.

Records were reviewed of 108 consecutive patients with a variety of surgically approachable malignancies undergoing scalene node biopsy as part of a preoperative staging evaluation. Metastases to the scalene nodes were detected in 12 patients (11.1%). In six patients the scalene nodes were clinically suspicious before biopsy, but in six with nonpalpable nodes the scalene metastases were occult clinically. Four of the patients with clinically benign, but pathologically positive, scalene biopsies were found among the group of 62 patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix. It was concluded that routine scalene biopsies are justified in the preoperative evaluation of cancer patients only if the nodes are clinically suspicious, except for in patients with advanced pelvic cancers, in whom the incidence of completely occult scalene metastases is 6% or more.
Unusual hückel molecular orbital degeneracy or some non-alternant, no-kekulé molecules

Abstract Unusual π-orbital degeneracies in tris-cyclopentadienyltrimethylenemethane 3 and the analogous tetramethyleneethane 4 are described.
Earmarking as a deterrent to rent-seeking

Statistical analysis tends to support the view that quid-pro-quo fiscal arrangements reduce rent-seeking opportunities and thereby limit campaign spending in gubernatorial races. This investigation has, however, not examined other possible avenues of rent-seeking, nor has it tested the hypothesis that earmarking forces a global reduction in rent-seeking activity. One possibility, already discussed, is that higher taxes may reduce participation in gubernatorial elections but increase the demand for tax advisers. Nor have we considered rent-seeking at different levels within government — within the legislature or the highway bureaucracy, for example. Finally, we have not examined rent-seeking at those critical quasi-constitutional moments when earmarking rules are being established. Because rent-seeking can occur on many different levels, these issues deserve further investigation. Of some interest is the statistical insignificance of several variables commonly thought to contribute to campaign activity, including the income of citizens, and the candidate's political PARTY and TERM of office. Our findings downplay the importance of those variables once the distinction is made between quid-pro-quo and unilateral government transactions. Buchanan's view that rent-seeking tends to increase in direct proportion to government spending gains support here, after controlling for earmarking and other conditions that influence campaign spending. Accordingly, a 1% increase in non-QPQ spending stimulates a 1% increase in campaign activity. The positive coefficient on GOVernment spending and the negative coefficient on TAXes imply that campaign contributions and SPENDing grow in conjunction with larger public deficits — an ominous sign in an age of contribution-maximizing candidates. More optimistically, our empirical results also suggest that earmarking and other quid-pro-quo fiscal arrangements may be among the institutional reforms most effective at limiting growth of the rent-seeking society.