cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Praise Helix! Christian Narrative in Twitch Plays: Pokémon

In this paper, we examine the influence of Christianity on the religious narrative of Twitch Plays: Pokemon. Twitch Plays: Pokemon was a new take on a well-known game by allowing over 100,000 players to control the same character simultaneously, which resulted in the character’s chaotic movements and gameplay decisions. In order to derive meaning from the chaos, the Twitch Plays: Pokemon community banded together and developed a sophisticated narrative surrounding the game. This narrative was highly religious in nature. We argue that this sophisticated narrative heavily referred to major religious figures, texts, imagery, and structure in Christianity in order to create shared meaning and experiences of the game among Twitch Plays: Pokemon community members. Having this shared meaning and experiences allowed the Twitch Plays: Pokemon religion to proliferate.
Isotope selection for permanent prostate implants ? An evaluation of 103Pd versus 125I based on radiobiological effectiveness and dosimetry

Transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy (TIPPB) has become an increasingly popular treatment for early-stage/favorable-risk adenocarcinoma of prostate. Within TIPPB, permanent implants often use either (103)Pd (T(1/2) = 17 days) or (125)I (T(1/2) = 60 days). This review compares the radiobiological and treatment planning effectiveness of (103)Pd and (125)I implants by using the linear-quadratic model with recently published data regarding: prostate tumor cell doubling times, T(pot), alpha and alpha/beta, ratio. The tumor potential doubling times (T(pot)) were determined based on recently published proliferation constants (K(p)). The initial slope of the cell radiation dose survival curve, alpha, the terminal slope beta and the alpha/beta ratio were taken from recent published clinical and cellular results. The total dose delivered from each isotope was the dose used clinically, that is, 120 Gy for (103)Pd and 145 Gy for (125)I. Dale's modified linear-quadratic equation was used to estimate the biological effective dose, the cell-surviving fraction, the effective treatment time, and the wasted radiation dose for different values of T(pot). Treatment plans for peripherally loaded implants were compared. The T(pot) reported for organ-confined prostate carcinomas varied from 16 to 67 days. At short T(pot) both isotopes were less effective, but (103)Pd had much less dependence on T(pot) than (125)I. However, at long T(pot) both isotopes produced similar effects. The minimum surviving fraction for exposure to (103)Pd decreased from 1.40 x 10(-4) to 1.31 x 10(-5) as the T(pot) increased from 16 to 67 days. By contrast for exposure to (125)I, the minimum surviving fraction decreased from 3.98 x 10(-3) to 1.98 x 10(-5) over the same range of T(pot). A comparison of treatment plans revealed that (103)Pd plans required more needles and seeds; however, this was a function of seed strength. Both isotopes had similar dose-volume histograms for prostate, urethra, and rectum. The theoretical prediction of effectiveness using the linear quadratic equation for the common clinically prescribed total radiation doses indicated that (103)Pd should be more effective than (125)I because it had less dependence on T(pot). The greatest benefit of (103)Pd was shown to be with tumors with a short T(pot). Although the regrowth delay would be longer with (125)I, the benefit was inconsequential compared with the very slow doubling times of localized prostate cancer. Treatment planning with either isotope revealed no significant differences. These findings may explain why clinically there seemed to be no clear difference in treatment outcome with either isotope. Based on these predictions, we recommend a clinical trial to compare the efficacy of the two isotopes.
Recurrent networks for wind speed forecasting

In recent years, wind power has prompted as a renewable energy source. However, integrating wind power into the electric grid is a major challenge due to the wind speed variations. Then, wind speed forecasting is an alternative for the pre-dispatch of power system. This paper proposes the forecast wind speed from 1 to 24 hours ahead using a multivariate series with several meteorological attributes. We use two recurrent networks models, which are virtually omitted in such problems: Long Short-Term Memory and Echo State Networks. To validate the experiments, we use one time series from northern Chile, a region that needs renewable energy sources to relieve mining sector. The results show that recurrent networks outperform a feedforward network forecasting several steps ahead in terms of two robust measures such as MdSE and MdAPE.
Production of premium fuels from coal refuse pond material

Because of increasing production of fine coal during mining over the past century and because of inefficient fine-coal recovery technologies, a vast reserve of high-quality coal now exists in refuse ponds. A novel fine-coal circuit, consisting of a hindered-bed classifier, an enhanced gravity concentrator and a flotation column, was evaluated for the recovery of fine coal from refuse ponds. The treatment of a pond derived from Pittsburgh No. 8 seam coal resulted in the production of a premium fuel containing less than 5% ash and a calorific value of about 30,170 kJ/kg with 60% mass yield. Results from the treatment of two refuse pond materials are presented in this paper.
Rats' lever pressing for 1% sucrose and food-pellet reinforcement: In search of negative behavioral contrast

The present study was undertaken to determine whether rats’ rates of lever pressing for 1 % liquid-sucrose reinforcement in the first component of a multiple schedule would display negative behavioral contrast (i.e., decreased responding) if food-pellet reinforcement replaced 1 % sucrose reinforcement in the second component. Previous research had demonstrated that instead of contrast, upcoming food-pellet reinforcement has produced positive induction (i.e., increased responding) in responding for 1% sucrose. However, the procedures which demonstrated induction deviated substantially from those known to favor the appearance of behavioral contrast. The present study manipulated procedural details toward those that favor contrast. Eight experiments were conducted, across which factors such as component discrimination, component duration, component alternation, baseline rate of reinforcement, and baseline rate of responding were altered. These alterations did not lead to the observance of negative contrast. In fact, they did litlle to alter the observance of positive induction. Across all experiments, positive induction was observed in 38 of 47 possible instances. The present results pose difficulties for many, if not all, of the existing theories of behavioral contrast. They also indicate that, under certain conditions, induction and not contrast is the reliable outcome.
Comparison of extracellular Escherichia coli AppA phytases expressed in Streptomyces lividans and Pichia pastoris.

A phytase gene (appA) from Escherichia coli was cloned into Streptomyces lividans and expressed as an extracellular protein which was then compared with the same enzyme expressed in Pichia pastoris. The phytase expressed in S. lividans was not glycosylated and had a molecular mass of 45 kDa. Compared with the glycosylated phytase expressed in P. pastoris, this non-glycosylated phytase was 25–50% less active (p<0.05) at pH 2 to 3.5 or at 45 and 55 °C, but 50% more active (p<0.05) at 75 °C. The thermo-tolerance of the non-glycosylated phytase was 26 and 48% higher (p<0.05) than that of the glycosylated phytase at 45 and 55 °C, but was 80 and 94% lower (p<0.05) at 65 ° and 75 °C, respectively.
Behavioral Risk Profiles of Homeschooled Adolescents in the United States: A Nationally Representative Examination of Substance Use Related Outcomes

Background: The homeschool population continues to grow in size and now accounts for 3.4% of all students in the United States. Objective: Given the heterogeneous nature of the population, this stu...
Coils, slabs, and molds: examining community affiliation between Late Archaic shell ring communities using radiographic imagery of pottery

Radiographic imaging is used to determine the techniques used to form vessels from two contemporaneous Late Archaic shell rings in coastal Georgia. These data, in concert with decorative and techno...
Sciatic neuropathy due to popliteal fossa nerve block

Introduction Sciatic neuropathy after popliteal nerve block (PNB) for regional anesthesia is considered uncommon but has been increasingly recognized in the literature. We identified a case of sciatic neuropathy that occurred after bunionectomy during which a PNB had been performed. Methods To understand the frequency of PNB-related sciatic neuropathy, we performed a retrospective review of sciatic neuropathies at our center over a 5-year period. Results Forty-five cases of sciatic neuropathy were reviewed. Similar to earlier reports, common etiologies of sciatic neuropathy, including compression, trauma, fractures, and hip arthroplasty, were noted in the majority of our cases (60%, n = 27). Unexpectedly, PNB was the third most common etiology (16%, n = 7). Conclusions Our results suggest PNB is a relatively common etiology of sciatic neuropathy and is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis. These findings should urge electromyographers to assess history of PNB in sciatic neuropathies, particularly with onset after surgery. Muscle Nerve 56: 822-824, 2017.
Should Cancer Centers start their own specialty pharmacy? Quality and economic data from the oral chemotherapy program at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale New Haven Health System.

108Background: Recent focus has shown that oral chemotherapy is high risk for medical error. Our QOPI certification process identified that oral oncologic processes were marked by: lack of documentation in the EMR, patients receiving refills from third party pharmacies after prescription discontinuation, incorrect self-administration of medications due to lack of education, delivery delays, high copays, and underuse of available patient assistance programs. Methods: A multidisciplinary task force developed a program to expedite drug access, standardize consent, and ensure clinical support including education, adherence and toxicity monitoring. We expanded an existing health-system pharmacy to provide specialty services. Treatment protocols were created for every oral oncologic drug, which are routed to a clinical oncology pharmacist and the specialty pharmacy. Nursing and pharmacist verify all orders. Medication Assistance Program for copay support. Day 1, 5 and 21 pharmacist to patient calls. Multidiscip...
Gadfly of Continental Philosophy: On Robert Bernasconi’s Critique of Philosophical Eurocentrism

ABSTRACTThis article examines the critique of philosophical Eurocentrism developed over the past two-and-a-half decades by Robert Bernasconi. The restriction of the moniker “philosophy” to the Western tradition, and the exclusion of non-Western traditions from the field, became the standard view only after the late eighteenth century. Bernasconi critically analyzes this restriction and exclusion and makes a compelling case for its philosophical illegitimacy. After showing how Bernasconi convincingly repudiates the identification of philosophy with Europe – asserted most explicitly by Continental philosophers such as Hegel, Husserl, Levinas, and most recently Rodolphe Gasche – the present article critically reflects on both the significance and the limits of Bernasconi’s own predominantly “immanent critique” of philosophical Eurocentrism, and ends by calling on philosophers to engage more thoroughly in studies of and dialogues with non-Western traditions of philosophy.
Making and Breaking Party Leaders? An Informational Theory of Temporary and Lasting Impacts of Prime Minister Debates in Spain

Objective In this project, we develop an informational theory that identifies which prime minister debates are the most meaningful in terms of shifting Spanish public opinion . We argue that debates immediately following the installation of new leaders (because they shine light on leadership traits) and debates occurring in times of crisis (because voters can judge both the leader's ability to remedy the problems and their policy proposals) will have the largest short- and long-term effects. Methods We use seemingly unrelated regression to explore the impacts of 15 Spanish State of the Nation debates from 1998 to 2016 on vote intention for Partido Popular (PP) and the Partido Socialista Obrero Espanol (PSOE). Result Debates following the installation of new party leaders often produce sizable improvements in vote intention, but the most meaningful debates occur during economic crises. Conclusion Parliamentary debates are valuable opportunities for party leaders to shift public opinion in their favor, a fact that is not lost to them considering the time and energy devoted to crafting strategies, and the media's fascination with providing extensive coverage of the debates. This study has important implications for the study of dynamic processes (such as vote intention), and the link between parties' strategic communications and voting behavior.
Bank networks and suspensions in the 1893 panic: evidence from the state banks and their correspondents in Kansas

Using individual balance sheet data from the state banks in one state that was deeply impacted by the 1893 crisis, this article presents evidence that correspondent networks played an important role in transmitting the crisis. In particular, the unexpected closure of a single large national bank in Kansas City considerably increased the probability of suspension among the state banks that were connected to it through the correspondent networks. This episode thus illustrates how contagion can spread through interbank networks and sheds new light on the nature of the 1893 crisis.
Distinguished vector fields over smooth manifolds with applications to ensemble control

Motivated by the controllability problem of steering an ensemble of driftless bilinear control systems, we introduce the notion of a distinguished set of vector fields over a smooth manifold. Roughly speaking, a distinguished set of vector fields is such that it spans the tangent space of the manifold at every point, and moreover, is invariant under Lie brackets (up to scaling by real numbers). By providing an example about an ensemble of driftless bilinear control systems, we demonstrate that ensemble controllability follows when the underlying control vector fields form a distinguished set. With the example at hand, we then propose the following question: Given a smooth manifold, does there exist a distinguished set of vector fields? One of the contributions of the paper is to provide a partial solution to the question by exhibiting a few classes of smooth manifolds that admit distinguished sets of vector fields. More specifically, we show that all semi-simple Lie groups admit distinguished sets of vector fields. Furthermore, homogeneous spaces whose Lie transformation groups are semisimple admit distinguished sets of vector fields. A few examples are also given along the presentation of the paper.
Changes in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function on serial echocardiography after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Aim Reversible myocardial dysfunction is common after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The aim of this study was to determine if changes on serial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can predict long-term mortality in OHCA subjects. Methods This is a single-center historical cohort study of OHCA subjects undergoing targeted temperature management who received >1 TTE during hospitalization. Two-dimensional and Doppler parameters of systolic and diastolic function were compared between paired TTE. Univariate analysis was used to determine associations between TTE parameters and all-cause mortality. Results Fifty-nine patients were included; mean age was 59.4 ± 11.2 years (75% male). Initial rhythm was shockable in 90%. Initial TTE was done a median of 10.4 h after admission and repeat TTE was done 5.7 ± 4.1 days later. Between TTE studies, there were significant increases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, from 32% to 43%), cardiac output, stroke volume, and other Doppler-derived hemodynamic parameters, while systemic vascular resistance decreased (all p Conclusions Significant changes in systolic function and hemodynamic parameters occur on serial Doppler TTE after OHCA, consistent with reversible post-arrest myocardial dysfunction. The magnitude of those changes is greater in long-term survivors, emphasizing that the degree of recovery from post-arrest myocardial dysfunction may be more important than its initial severity.
Synchronous Hyperedge Replacement Graph Grammars

Discovering the underlying structures present in large real world graphs is a fundamental scientific problem. Recent work at the intersection of formal language theory and graph theory has found that a Probabilistic Hyperedge Replacement Grammar (PHRG) can be extracted from a tree decomposition of any graph. However, because the extracted PHRG is directly dependent on the shape and contents of the tree decomposition, rather than from the dynamics of the graph, it is unlikely that informative graph-processes are actually being captured with the PHRG extraction algorithm. To address this problem, the current work adapts a related formalism called Probabilistic Synchronous HRG (PSHRG) that learns synchronous graph production rules from temporal graphs. We introduce the PSHRG model and describe a method to extract growth rules from the graph. We find that SHRG rules capture growth patterns found in temporal graphs and can be used to predict the future evolution of a temporal graph. We perform a brief evaluation on small synthetic networks that demonstrate the prediction accuracy of PSHRG versus baseline and state of the art models. Ultimately, we find that PSHRGs seem to be very good at modelling dynamics of a temporal graph; however, our prediction algorithm, which is based on string parsing and generation algorithms, does not scale to practically useful graph sizes.
Adaptive Sparse Grid Construction in a Context of Local Anisotropy and Multiple Hierarchical Parents

We consider general strategy for hierarchical multidimensional interpolation based on sparse grids, where the interpolation nodes and locally supported basis functions are constructed from tensors of a one dimensional hierarchical rule. We consider four different hierarchies that are tailored towards general functions, high or low order polynomial approximation, or functions that satisfy homogeneous boundary conditions. The main advantage of the locally supported basis is the ability to choose a set of functions based on the observed behavior of the target function. We present an alternative to the classical surplus refinement techniques, where we exploit local anisotropy and refine using functions with not strictly decreasing support. The more flexible refinement strategy improves stability and reduces the total number of expensive simulations, resulting in significant computational saving. We demonstrate the advantages of the different hierarchies and refinement techniques by application to series of simple functions as well as a system of ordinary differential equations given by the Kermack-McKendrick SIR model.
HIV Gene Therapy Using Hairpin Ribozymes in Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells

Ribozymes are a class of small metalloenzymes composed entirely of RNA which cleave specific RNA sequences (Christoffersen and Marr, 1995; Kiehntopf et al., 1995; Pyle, 1993). Different natural ribozymal structures have been isolated from such diverse sources as tetrahymena, tobacco ringspot virus, plant viroids, virusoids, and satellite viruses; and hepatitis delta virus (Michel et al., 1989; Pyle, 1993). According to their molecular structures, the natural ribozymes are classified into at least six different groups: Group I introns (Cech, 1987), Group II introns (Michel et al., 1989), the Ml RNA subunit of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme RNase P (Guerrier-Takada, et al., 1983), hammerhead (Uhlenbeck, 1987), hairpin (Hampel and Tritz, 1989), and hepatitis δ RNA (Sharmeen et al., 1988; Wu et al., 1989). Members of the first three classes are typically larger (>200 nucleotides) and cleave RNA to produce a 3′ hydroxyl group (Cech, 1992; Michel et al., 1989). The latter three classes are typically smaller (30–80 nucleotides), cleave RNA by transesterification, and produce a 2′-, 3′-cyclic phosphate and a 5′ hydroxyl terminus (Cech, 1992). Definitive triplet RNA sequences are required to bind and cleave hammerhead and hairpin ribozymes. The hammerhead ribozyme recognizes an NUX-triplet, where N is any nucleotide and X represents A, C, or U, and cleaves at 3′ to the N residue (Ruffner et al., 1990). The hairpin ribozyme recognizes a GNZ-triplet, where Z is either U or C, and cleaves 5′ to the G residue (Chowrira el al., 1991). A GUC triplet is required for efficient trans cleavage of the hairpin ribozyme (Ojwang et al., 1992). Because of their relatively small sizes and minimal substrate sequence requirements, both hairpin and hammerhead ribozymes can be engineered to bind to specific RNA molecules by attaching sequences complementary to the nucleotides near the cleavage site of the target.
Microscale study of mechanisms of heat transfer during flow boiling in a microchannel

Abstract This study examines the microscale physics of heat transfer events in flow boiling of FC-72 in a microchannel. Experimental results presented here provide new physical insight on the nature of heat transfer processes during bubbles growth and flow through the microchannel. The study is enabled through development of a device with a composite heated wall that consists of a high thermal conductivity substrate coated by a thin layer of a low thermal conductivity material with embedded temperature sensors. This novel arrangement enables calculation of the local heat flux with a spatial resolution of 40–65 μm and a temporal resolution of 50 μs. The device generates isolated bubbles from a 300 nm in diameter artificial cavity fabricated at the center of a pulsed function micro-heater. Analysis of the temperature and heat flux data along with synchronized images of bubbles show that four mechanisms of heat transfer are active as a bubble grows and flows through the channel. These mechanisms of heat transfer are (1) microlayer evaporation, (2) interline evaporation, (3) transient conduction, and (4) micro-convection. Details of these mechanisms including their time period of activation and corresponding surface heat flux and heat transfer coefficient are extensively discussed.
Combining Wave Function Methods with Density Functional Theory for Excited States

We review state-of-the-art electronic structure methods based both on wave function theory (WFT) and density functional theory (DFT). Strengths and limitations of both the wave function and density functional based approaches are discussed, and modern attempts to combine these two methods are presented. The challenges in modeling excited-state chemistry using both single-reference and multireference methods are described. Topics covered include background, combining density functional theory with single-configuration wave function theory, generalized Kohn–Sham (KS) theory, global hybrids, range-separated hybrids, local hybrids, using KS orbitals in many-body theory (including calculations of the self-energy and the GW approximation), Bethe–Salpeter equation, algorithms to accelerate GW calculations, combining DFT with multiconfigurational WFT, orbital-dependent correlation functionals based on multiconfigurational WFT, building multiconfigurational wave functions from KS configurations, adding correlation...
Structured care to improve outcomes in primary single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction.

Abstract Purpose To examine single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SSLTR) care to reduce complication and failure rate. Methods Forty-five patients that underwent primary SSLTR were examined retrospectively. All had pre-operative direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy with biopsy and MRSA screening. Pre-operative subglottic stenosis (SGS) grade and associated comorbidities were recorded. Intraoperative graft location and type was documented. Hospital course and results were evaluated and compared to cited literature. Results The median age at reconstruction was 2 years (0–15 years). 42.2% were male. 66.7% had gastroesophageal disease and 24.4% a MRSA history. Grade 2 SGS was noted pre-operatively in 37.8% and grade 3 or 4 in 57.7% of patients. Post-surgical hospital course was examined. 77.8% of patients were extubated on planned date. 95.6% of patients had operation specific successful decannulation. Graft type and variations of graft placement as well as MRSA and GERD status didn't affect procedure success rate. Active GERD was related to failure of extubation on planned day (p = 0.02). An abnormal pre-operative swallowing examination was associated with higher complication rates (p = 0.03). Conclusion Utilizing a more structured approach to SSLTR work-up and addressing potential SSLTR pitfalls may result in higher operation specific decannulation rates. Pre-operative GERD and swallowing dysfunction were associated with higher rates of adverse events.
Grammatical Evolution with Coevolutionary Algorithms in Cyber Security

We apply Grammatical Evolution (GE), and multi population competitive coevolutionary algorithms to the domain of cybersecurity. Our interest (and concern) is the evolution of network denial of service attacks. In these cases, when attackers are deterred by a specific defense, they evolve their strategies until variations find success. Defenders are then forced to counter the new variations and an arms race ensues. We use GE and grammars to conveniently express and explore the behavior of network defenses and denial of service attacks under different mission and network scenarios. We use coevolution to model competition between attacks and defenses and the larger scale arms race. This allows us to study the dynamics and the solutions of the competing adversaries.
Helping Students and Teachers CONNECT: An Intervention Model for School Counselors

Research has demonstrated that the quality of the student-teacher relationship affects students’ social/emotional development, academic achievement, and classroom functioning. Positive student-teac...
Inadequacy of typical physiological experimental protocols for investigating consequences of stochastic weather events emerging from global warming

Increasingly variable, extreme, and nonpredictable weather events are predicted to accompany climate change, and such weather events will especially affect temperate, terrestrial environments. Yet,...
Shared and unique genomic structural variants of different histological components within testicular germ cell tumours identified with mate pair sequencing

Post-pubertal testicular germ-cell tumours (TGCTs) can present with a variety of distinct histologies which are nevertheless lineage related and often co-occurring. The exact lineage relationships and developmental pathways leading to the different histologies is debated. In order to investigate the relationship of histologic populations, mate-pair sequencing (MPseq) and exome sequencing (ExomeSeq) were conducted on different histological populations within the same tumour. Ten TGCTs with 1–3 histologic types/tumour were sequenced. Junctions of somatic chromosomal rearrangements were identified on a per genome basis, with germ cell neoplasia in situ possessing the least (median 1, range 0–4) and embryonal carcinoma the most (median 8.5, range 6–12). Copy number variation revealed gains and losses, including isoform 12p (i12p) (10/10 samples), and chromosomes 7, 8, and 21 gains (7/10 samples). Mapping of shared junctions within a tumour revealed lineage relationships, but only i12p was shared between patients. ExomeSeq from two cases demonstrated a high level of copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity. Parallel assessment of separate histologies within a single TGCT demonstrated cumulative and divergent changes, suggesting the importance of parallel sequencing for detection of relevant biomarkers.
Correlation of multiple patient-reported outcome measures across follow-up in patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty

Background Multiple validated outcome scores are used to assess patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between 3 commonly used patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in this population: Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Assessment Form, and Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Methods We performed a retrospective review of a shoulder arthroplasty database that routinely collects SPADI, ASES, and SST scores at each visit prospectively. Patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty were identified. Assessments of correlation coefficients (Pearson correlation coefficient for ASES and SPADI scores and Spearman correlation coefficient for SST score) between each combination of PROs were performed overall and at each time point (preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively) to determine the level of association between PROs. Results In total, 848 shoulder arthroplasty procedures were performed in 754 patients with 2796 unique clinical encounters. Preoperative correlations among PROs were moderate to strong (range, 0.66-0.77) but had the lowest correlation among all comparisons. Postoperative correlations were strong for all PRO comparisons (range, 0.73-0.94). Postoperative PRO correlations continued to strengthen over longer follow-up, with all values exceeding 0.78 at 2 years postoperatively. Conversion equations between PROs were calculated based on these highly correlated data. Conclusion After primary shoulder arthroplasty, there exists a high degree of correlation among all 3 studied PROs. Correlations were stronger postoperatively and improved with longer follow-up. Surgeons may use this information to minimize the number of questionnaires patients answer at each follow-up time point, and the conversion equations can be used for study comparison in meta-analyses.
The relationship between violent crime and urban high school enrollment in the US

I use a city-level fixed effects model with city-specific linear trends that exploits different trends in violent crime rates among 229 major cities in the US from 1986 to 2010. Findings suggest th...
Urban Warfare: Stabilisation of Cities

Comolli discusses the challenges that are specific to stabilisation efforts in cities. She relies on international lessons from past conflict and post-conflict situations which are of relevance for the Middle East. Building on an overview of demographic and urbanisation trends and on a discussion of urban warfare, the author argues that given the multifaceted challenges presented by urban conflict and post-conflict scenarios military or security interventions on their own are insufficient. Instead, conflict cities would benefit from ‘area-based’ approaches. The latter involve targeting aid and other interventions to promote the recovery of specific areas such as building public services in a given neighbourhood. Crucially, this approach rests on greater participation by local communities in defining priorities and strategies.
A Cross-Shaped 2-D Periodic Leaky-Wave Antenna

A 2-D periodic leaky-wave antenna (LWA) is a planar structure that radiates from high-order space harmonics (Floquet waves) of a leaky mode that propagates radially outward on a structure. The structure chosen here consists of a 2-D periodic cross-shaped distribution of metal patches on top of a grounded dielectric substrate and is designed to produce a highly directive elliptical beam at broadside. The beam at broadside is produced by two high-order space harmonics of a leaky TM0 surface-wave mode that propagates radially outward from a dipole source. It is shown here that the structure can be truncated to the shape of a cross, maintaining similar radiation characteristics as the full structure, while reducing undesirable grating beams. The results from theoretical analysis, full-wave simulations, and measurements for a fabricated 2-D periodic cross LWA are presented here and are found to be in good agreement.
Connexin 50-R205G Mutation Perturbs Lens Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Differentiation.

Purpose To investigate the underlying mechanisms for how the mouse Cx50-R205G point mutation, a homologue of the human Cx50-R198W mutation that is linked to cataract-microcornea syndrome, affects proper lens growth and fiber cell differentiation to lead to severe lens phenotypes. Methods EdU labeling, immunostaining, confocal imaging analysis, and primary lens epithelial cell culture were performed to characterize the lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation and fiber cell differentiation in wild-type and Cx50-R205G mutant lenses in vivo and in vitro. Results The Cx50-R205G mutation severely disrupts the lens size and transparency. Heterozygous and homozygous Cx50-R205G mutant and Cx50 knockout lenses all show decreased central epithelium proliferation while only the homozygous Cx50-R205G mutant lenses display obviously decreased proliferating LECs in the germinative zone of neonatal lenses. Cultured Cx50-R205G lens epithelial cells reveal predominantly reduced Cx50 gap junction staining but no change of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker BiP. The heterozygous Cx50-R205G lens fibers show moderately disrupted Cx50 and Cx46 gap junctions while the homozygous Cx50-R205G lens fibers have drastically reduced Cx50 and Cx46 gap junctions with severely altered fiber cell shape in vivo. Conclusions The Cx50-R205G mutation inhibits both central and equatorial lens epithelial cell proliferation to cause small lenses. This mutation also disrupts the assembly and functions of both Cx50 and Cx46 gap junctions in lens fibers to alter fiber cell differentiation and shape to lead to severe lens phenotypes.
Why So Secretive? Unpacking Public Attitudes Towards Secrecy and Success in U.S. Foreign Policy

To what extent does transparency in foreign policymaking matter to democratic publics? Scholars and policymakers posit a normative commitment to transparency in the conduct of foreign affairs, an assumption baked into many existing models of international politics. This paper tests the existence of a “transparency norm” in international security using three original survey experiments about covert action. I recover attitudes towards covert operations by holding the circumstances and outcomes of conflicts constant and manipulating whether or not foreign involvement was kept secret from the American public. Then, I unpack an “ends” and “means” trade-off by exploring whether there are conditions under which secrecy in national security is unacceptable to the public, regardless of policy outcomes. The findings demonstrate that democratic publics have only a weak preference for transparency: they care substantially more about the outcomes of U.S. foreign policy rather than the process by which the policy was created.
A Tiebout theory of public vs private provision of collective goods

Abstract We study whether `coercive' public provision or voluntary private provision of public goods can survive when individuals who `vote with their feet' can choose between communities that differ in the way that public goods are provided. We obtain the following findings: (i) an equilibrium always exists in which all individuals migrate to the community which uses voluntary provision; (ii) under very robust conditions on preferences and income distribution, an equilibrium exists in which all individuals migrate to the community which uses coercive provision; (iii) `interior' equilibria in which collections of individuals move to both communities exist when income distribution is sufficiently polarized. Such equilibria are shown to be stratified-richer individuals migrate to the community with voluntary provision while poorer individuals reside in the public provision community. In the case where there are two types of wealth endowments, existence of stratified equilibria seems to require a negative trade-off between the wealth ratio of the rich to the poor and the numerical ratio of rich to poor in society.
Alliance/CALGB 80802: Impact of hepatitis C (HCV) on doxorubicin (DO) + sorafenib (S) versus S in patients (pts) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC).

325Background: Alliance/CALGB 80802 randomized phase III trial evaluated DO+S vs. S in pts with aHCC, and showed no improvement in median OS. Multi-drug resistant pathway mitigation by the Ras/Raf/...
Descriptive assessment of conversational skills: Towards benchmarks for young adults with social deficits

Descriptive assessments are necessary to identify social norms and establish a foundation for experimental analysis. Much of the social skills intervention literature involves goals that have been selected through interviews and direct observation of behavior without a reference to desired outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to extend research on descriptive assessments of conversations by including additional measures and examining conversational behavior across contexts. We conducted a descriptive assessment of social skills exhibited by 16 neurotypical young adults. Participants had 10-min conversations in groups and 1-on-1 with friends and novel individuals. We then assessed variability within and across participants on a wide array of relevant measures. Throughout the conversations, participants shared the conversation time equally, spent most of the conversation time making on-topic comments, and gazed at their conversation partner more frequently while listening than while speaking. These descriptive data extend current research, inform future experimental analyses, and may guide clinical decisions.
Smooth aggregation of Bayesian experts

Abstract I study the ex-ante aggregation of preferences of Bayesian agents in a purely subjective framework. I relax the assumption of a Bayesian social preference while keeping the Pareto condition. Under a simple axiom that relates society's preference to those of the agents, I obtain an additively separable representation of society's preference. Adding an ambiguity aversion axiom I obtain a representation that resembles the Smooth Ambiguity Criterion of Klibanoff et al. (2005) . I then briefly consider applications of this framework to inequality and treatment choice under ambiguity.
Tribune of the People: Henry Reuss and the Quest for the American Ombudsman

Henry Reuss served as a member of the United States House of Representatives (D-WI) for 28 years. During his time in the House, Reuss chaired various banking and finance committees. While in the House, Reuss also sponsored numerous bills which proposed a US Congressional Ombudsman. While none of these bills made it out of committee, they helped to shape national discourse regarding American ombudsmen during the decade of the 1960’s and led scholars and policymakers to consider the relationship between the individual and government. Ultimately national ombudsmen have evolved globally, while the ombudsman idea has taken a different trajectory in the United States. This article will focus on Reuss’ ombudsman proposals, his motivations for proposing congressional ombudsman schemes, as well as the impacts these proposals have had on governmental grievance and conflict resolution mechanisms.
A Device for Evaluating Spot Bowling Ability

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of consistency in release point and point of aim accuracy evidenced by bowlers over several trials and over two days, the degree of objectivity of observations of this performance, and the validity of the observations. Subjects for the study were college women enrolled in bowling classes who had been taught to spot bowl using the Brunswick Range Finder. Subjects were given the task of delivering the ball at all 10 pins using spot bowling procedures, and five trials were recorded on each of two days. The actual position of the ball at release and with respect to point of aim was recorded as well as observations of these two positions by two independent observers. The results indicated that subjects were consistent in point of release but less consistent in point of aim. Observer agreement was high, indicating that only one observer is needed to record the position of the ball with respect to point of aim and point of release. The observation re...
ToxR proteins with substitutions in residues conserved with OmpR fail to activate transcription from the cholera toxin promoter.

Abstract The ToxR protein of Vibrio cholerae is an integral membrane protein that coordinately regulates the expression of virulence genes required for successful infection. ToxR has been shown to bind directly to and activate transcription of the cholera toxin (ctx) promoter. Within the amino-terminal cytoplasmic region of ToxR, several amino acids are strictly conserved among ToxR, OmpR, and the other members of a family of bacterial regulatory proteins. To better understand the function of this region, two approaches were taken: conserved residues were changed by site-directed mutagenesis, and random mutations that eliminated ToxR-mediated transcriptional activation were isolated. Several classes of mutations were identified: those that abolish promoter DNA binding and transcriptional activation (toxR R96K, toxR R68K, and toxR R68L), those that abolish transcriptional activation but retain the ability to bind promoter DNA (toxR R96L), and those that have an intermediate phenotype (toxR R77L, toxR E51K, and toxR E51D). The toxR E51K allele had reduced activity in both Escherichia coli and V. cholerae but also exerted a dominant-negative effect over wild-type ToxR when assayed in V. cholerae. This result provides additional evidence that ToxR acts as an oligomer in the transcriptional activation process. From this mutational analysis of conserved amino acid residues within the OmpR-homologous region of ToxR, we conclude that this region is essential for transcriptional activation at the level of DNA binding and other steps that lead to activation of the ctx promoter.
Complications related to transhepatic venous access in the catheterization laboratory--a single center 12-year experience of 124 procedures.

Objectives To identify complications and measures that can be undertaken to prevent complications from transhepatic central venous access. Background Utility and safety data from a large experience of patients undergoing transhepatic venous access are lacking. Methods The records of patients who underwent transhepatic venous access between June 2000 and October 2012 at The Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease at The Cleveland Clinic were reviewed. Results One hundred twenty-four transhepatic procedures were performed in 81 patients. The median weight of the patients was 6.3 (2.2–94) kg at a median age of 7 months (2 weeks to 35 years). Diagnostic catheterizations were performed in 75, interventions in 39, and central venous line placement in 91 procedures. The median maximum sheath size inserted was 8 (4–14) French. There were 10 (8%) major adverse events in 8 procedures—bleeding related (n = 6 with 1 death as a result) or complete heart block with instability or requiring intervention (n = 4). Heart block persisted after the catheterization in three patients (2 days, 2 weeks, 1 month). Minor adverse events (transient heart block) occurred in 5 (4 %) procedures. Weight, age, and French size of sheath (P = 0.46, 0.84, and 0.18) were not associated with complications. In addition, time to gain access was not different between non-complicated and complicated cases (median 19.5 versus 15.1 min, P = 0.72). Diagnostic and interventional procedures were not associated with more complications compared with procedures involving central venous line placement alone (P = 0.5). Conclusions Transhepatic access is an extremely useful modality of access to the heart and vascular structures in some patients with complex heart disease. Prevention of complications should focus on minimizing bleeding risks and heart block. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chapter 4 Economics of nature preservation

Publisher Summary This chapter develops some of the economic theory relevant to decisions about nature preservation. The theory is motivated by a discussion of current issues: the disposition of wilderness lands and the protection of endangered species. It discusses two key concepts: uncertainty and irreversibility. Uncertainty is pervasive economic life, of course. But more than the usual degree of uncertainty surrounds the potential future benefits from conserving ecosystems. Irreversibility is clearly central to thinking about endangered species or ecosystems because extinction or loss of wildlands is indeed irreversible. The chapter develops a model of decision-making under uncertainty and irreversibility. The model proves that the optimal use of a natural environment is more likely to be continued preservation where the passage of time brings information about potential future benefits of preservation than where it does not. A related result is that the fraction of the area optimally preserved is larger. Finally, it presents applications of the concepts and models developed for terrestrial ecosystems. It has relevance to hydrospheric and atmospheric environments as well.
Purification and Partial Characterization of the Protein Component of Squid Rhodopsin

Abstract Preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has been used to purify digitonin extracts of rod outer segments of squid retinas. Besides rhodopsin the extracts contained small amounts of seven or eight contaminating proteins plus a light-stable pink-purple pigment identified as ommin. Reproducible amino acid analyses were obtained from separate purified preparations of opsin, the protein component of the rhodopsin molecule. One NH2-terminal glycine per mole of retinaldehyde chromophores was detected. Relative mobility of the opsin on analytical sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels indicated a single peptide unit with a molecular weight of approximately 49,000.
Brain activation during dual-task processing is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and performance in older adults

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better cognitive performance and enhanced brain activation. Yet, the extent to which cardiorespiratory fitness-related brain activation is associated with better cognitive performance is not well understood. In this cross-sectional study, we examined whether the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function was mediated by greater prefrontal cortex activation in healthy older adults. Brain activation was measured during dual-task performance with functional magnetic resonance imaging in a sample of 128 healthy older adults (59-80 years). Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with greater activation during dual-task processing in several brain areas including the anterior cingulate and supplementary motor cortex (ACC/SMA), thalamus and basal ganglia, right motor/somatosensory cortex and middle frontal gyrus, and left somatosensory cortex, controlling for age, sex, education, and gray matter volume. Of these regions, greater ACC/SMA activation mediated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and dual-task performance. We provide novel evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness may support cognitive performance by facilitating brain activation in a core region critical for executive function.