cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of high $p_T$ isolated prompt photons in lead-lead collisions at $\sqrt{s_NN}$=2.76 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC

Abstract Prompt photons are a powerful tool to study heavy ion collisions. Their production rates provide access to the initial state parton distribution functions and also provide a means to calibrate the expected energy of the recoil jet. The ATLAS detector measures photons with its hermetic, longitudinally segmented calorimeter, which gives excellent spatial and energy resolutions, and detailed information about the shower shape of each measured photon. This provides significant rejection against the expected background from the decays of neutral pions in jets. Rejection against jet fragmentation products is further enhanced by requiring candidate photons to be isolated. First results on the spectra of isolated prompt photons from a dataset with an integrated luminosity of approximately 0.13 nb − 1 of lead–lead collisions at s NN = 2.76 TeV are shown as a function of transverse momentum and centrality. The measured spectra are compared to expectations from perturbative QCD calculations.
Oxidative burst and NO generation as initial response to ischemia in flow-adapted endothelial cells.

Shear stress modulates endothelial physiology, yet the effect(s) of flow cessation is poorly understood. The initial metabolic responses of flow-adapted bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells to...
Why Did You Do that?: The Methodology of Motive Attribution

The idea of a motive behind an action is an important part of the debate around the idea of social causation or of causation in political science. In practice most explanations of behavior in political science rely, whether implicitly or explicitly, on some attribution of motive to actors. However, motive and the attribution of motive to individuals and especially corporate actors, like the state, is rarely theorized in empirical studies, either in terms of what it means conceptually, or in terms of how attribution of motive is dealt with methodologically. This paper explores some of these issues and apply them to the practice of political science, with particular reference to examples in International Relations. In particular, this paper articulates the fundamental problem of motive attribution, that we cannot introspect the motives of other actors, and lays out its implications. There are three possible methodological responses to this fundamental problem; 1) assume or deduce a possible motive and explain behavior in terms of that motive; 2) use empirical evidence to adjudicate between possible motives; and 3) avoid the direct attribution of motive to individuals and locate explanatory leverage at an analytical level beyond the individual actor. I argue that how scholars react to the fundamental problem has constraining effects on the sort of knowledge claims that they can consistently make. This has implications for some prominent disciplinary practices. For example, if a rational-choice analysis generates a plausible, novel reason for an action or set of actions, this is in and of itself a useful piece of research. If we are to empirically assess whether a motive is the actual motive for an action, then we must deal with the issues involved in appealing to explicit justifications and other actions as evidence of motive. Inference to the Best Explanation is defended as a principle for using evidence in motive attribution. Finally, non-intentional explanation, while intuitively unsatisfying, is not subject to some of the major problems involved in direct motive attribution.
Beyond Belts and Suspenders: Promoting Private Risk Management in Offshore Drilling

This paper critically examines existing policies for regulating offshore drilling. I argue that historical regulations based on requiring significant redundancy in safety systems — “belts and suspenders” — is ineffective because the risks of safety system failures are not independent. New regulations require detailed safety and environmental planning and can be broadly classified as management-based regulations (MBR). The paper evaluates the theory of management-based regulations as it applies to offshore drilling and presents the existing evidence on MBR effectiveness. The results indicate that MBR is theoretically well suited to regulate offshore drilling, but there is limited empirical evidence of the effectiveness of MBR in regulating low-probability, high-consequence events. The paper ends with a proposal for an alternative regulation called a deposit-discount-refund system that is designed to better promote private risk management by creating incentives for both the creation of and the implementation of risk management plans.
Modeling threat assessments of water supply systems using markov latent effects methodology.

Recent amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act emphasize efforts toward safeguarding our nation's water supplies against attack and contamination. Specifically, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 established requirements for each community water system serving more than 3300 people to conduct an assessment of the vulnerability of its system to a terrorist attack or other intentional acts. Integral to evaluating system vulnerability is the threat assessment, which is the process by which the credibility of a threat is quantified. Unfortunately, full probabilistic assessment is generally not feasible, as there is insufficient experience and/or data to quantify the associated probabilities. For this reason, an alternative approach is proposed based on Markov Latent Effects (MLE) modeling, which provides a framework for quantifying imprecise subjective metrics through possibilistic or fuzzy mathematics. Here, an MLE model for water systems is developed and demonstrated to determine threat assessments for different scenarios identified by the assailant, asset, and means. Scenario assailants include terrorists, insiders, and vandals. Assets include a water treatment plant, water storage tank, node, pipeline, well, and a pump station. Means used in attacks include contamination (onsite chemicals, biological and chemical), explosives and vandalism. Results demonstrated highest threats are vandalism events and least likely events are those performed by a terrorist.
Parts-per-billion Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass measurement accuracy with a "walking" calibration equation.

Ion cyclotron resonance frequency, f, is conventionally converted to ion mass-to-charge ratio, m/z (mass “calibration”) by fitting experimental data spanning the entire detected m/z range to the relation, m/z = A/f + B/f2, to yield rms mass error as low as ∼200 ppb for ∼10 000 resolved components of a petroleum crude oil. Analysis of residual error versus m/z and peak abundance reveals that systematic errors limit mass accuracy and thus the confidence in elemental composition assignments. Here, we present a calibration procedure in which the spectrum is divided into dozens of adjoining segments, and a separate calibration is applied to each, thereby eliminating systematic error with respect to m/z. Further, incorporation of a third term in the calibration equation that is proportional to the magnitude of each detected peak minimizes systematic error with respect to ion abundance. Finally, absorption-mode data analysis increases mass measurement accuracy only after minimization of systematic errors. We are...
A Friend in Need (of Nutrients) Is a

Endophytic fungi are found within the roots of healthy plants, but their function is poorly understood. In this issue, Hiruma et al. demonstrate that, under phosphate-limiting conditions, the endophytic fungus, Colletotrichum tofieldiae, provides growth-promoting and fitness benefits to Arabidopsis, but the plant must restrict fungal growth or risk pathogenesis.
Recent Progress in the Chemistry of Derris

The insecticidal principle of the root of Derris elliptica is "Rotenone," a white crystalline material, C23H22O6, melting point 163, solublein ether, acetone,and oils, but insoluble in water. It contains two methoxyl groups, and a ketone group, but its constitution is as yet unknown. It was called rotenone, from the Japanese name of the plant "Roh-ten," by Nagai, who first isolated it in 1902. Dried Derris root contains from 0.5 to 6 per cent rotenone. Rotenone is stable in the dried root or in solution in oil, but decomposes on contact with water or alkalies. For this reason soap emulsions containing rotenone should be prepared only shortly before using. According to Japanese experimenters, rotenone decomposes within 2 days after application to foliage, and hence, vegetables sprayed with it may be subsequently eaten with impunity. In connection with a study of the constitution of rotenone, the Insecticide Division of the Bureau of Chemistry and Soils has prepared from the Derris literature about 250 abstracts, many of which are from sources not readily available. Entomologists who desire to make tests with rotenone or who are interested in the literature of Derris are invited to communicate with the Insecticide Division of the Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
Effects of water stress on rice growth and yield at different growth stages

A pot experiment was carried in isolation chamber to study the effects of water stresses on rice growth and yield at different growth stages. The results showed that water stresses ouccuring during any periods of rice growth affected Zhongyou 6 in yield and growth and the biggest yield decrease appeared in the heading and flowering periods during which they reduced the yield of Zhongyou 6 by 49.4% and (30.7%,) respectively. The water stresses occurring in the tillering stage affect the panicle number most and the water stresses in the panicle-differentiating period affected the total seed number and the fruiting rate most, and the water stress occurring in the flowering period affected the kernel weight most; the fruiting rate had positive correlation with the heading rates with a correlative coefficient of 0.9211. Severe water stresses occurring in the panicle-differentiating and flowering periods could result in remarkable decline of the heading rate. Under water stresses, the decrease in photosynthetic rate mainly took place in the afternoon. In addition, the effects of water stresses on rice growth and yield were discussed.
Defining the MO's of RGK proteins

Members of the RGK (Rad-Rem-Rem2-Gem/Kir) family of small GTP binding proteins profoundly inhibit high voltage-activated CaV1.X and CaV2.X Ca2+ channels. The ability of RGK proteins to interact wit...
Ischemic optic neuropathy.

Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) occurs in the over-age-50 group and presents with decreased visual acuity, altitudinal field defect, and a swollen optic nervehead. Systemic hypertension, diabetes, and giant cell arteritis are etiologies to be considered in the differential diagnosis. This disease has a significant chance of affecting the other eye, and there is no recognized treatment. Younger persons may develop ION secondary to juvenile diabetes, migraines, acute blood loss, vasculitis from collagen vascular disorders, or clotting problems.
Additional Topics in Regression: Variable Selection and Collinearity

Suppose we have a set of variables y, x 1, ..., x s and observations on these variables y i , x i1, x i2, ..., x is , i = 1, ..., n. We want to identify which of the independent variables, x j , are important for a regression on y. There are several methods available for doing this.
Elena Ferrante’s Visual Poetics: Ekphrasis in Troubling Love , My Brilliant Friend , and The Story of a New Name

Prominent instances of ekphrasis—the literary description of an artwork—play a crucial role in Ferrante’s narratives. This chapter examines Ferrante’s strategic employment of visual images and articulates the role of ekphrasis as a narrative, thematic, and figurative device in Troubling Love, My Brilliant Friend, and The Story of a New Name. . Milkova’s contention is that the ekphrasis of paintings and photographs in Ferrante’s novels operates as a visual metaphor for the patriarchal mechanisms of oppression, violence, and objectification of women. She argues that ekphrasis also allows an exit out of patriarchy and posits woman as an autonomous artist figure who wields creative, constructive power and who can thus resist the dominant order. Ekphrasis constructs and reinforces the patriarchal paradigm but ultimately resists and inverts it from within.
Does Covert Retrieval Benefit Learning of Key-Term Definitions?

Even though retrieval practice typically has a robust, positive influence on memory, response format (overt vs. covert retrieval) may moderate its effect when students learn complex material. Overt retrieval is likely to promote exhaustive retrieval, whereas covert retrieval may not be exhaustive for familiar key terms. In two experiments, students were instructed to study key-term definitions and were asked to practice retrieval overtly, to practice retrieval covertly, or to restudy the definitions. Students also made metacognitive judgments. A final criterion test was administered two days later. Students’ final recall was greater after overt retrieval practice than after covert retrieval practice or restudy, with a continuously cumulating meta-analysis establishing the effect as moderate in size (pooled d = 0.43). Thus, response format does matter for learning definitions of key terms, supporting the recommendation that students use overt retrieval when using retrieval practice as a strategy to learn complex materials.
Sudden Natural Death: Cardiovascular

Sudden cardiovascular death includes sudden arrhythmic death, and other cardiovascular events that result in abrupt circulatory compromise. Typical substrates predisposing to arrhythmias include epicardial coronary thrombosis, coronary atherosclerosis in the absence of thrombosis, non-atherosclerotic coronary disease, cardiomyopathies, secondary causes of cardiac enlargement, cardiac scarring, inflammatory conditions, valve disease, and cardiac tumors. Because most cardiac arrhythmias arise in the setting of chronic underlying heart disease, exclusion of other natural and nonnatural conditions is essential in forensic evaluation of unexpected deaths.
Dispersion curve extraction of Lamb waves in metallic plates by matrix pencil method

Lamb wave dispersion curves for isotropic plates are extracted from measured sensor data by matrix pencil (MP) method. A piezoelectric wafer emits a linear chirp signal as broadband excitation to generate Lamb waves in isotropic plates. The propagating waves are measured at discrete locations along a wave ray direction with a sensor 1-D laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). The out-of-plane velocities are first Fourier transformed into either space-frequency x-ω domain or wavenumber-time k-t domain. The matrix pencil method is then employed to extract the dispersion curves for various wave modes simultaneously. In addition, the phase and group velocity dispersion curves are deduced by the relation between wavenumber and frequency. In this research, the inspections for dispersion relations on isotropic plates are demonstrated and compared by two-dimensional Fourier transform (2D-FFT) and MP method. The results are confirmed by theoretical curves computed numerically. It has demonstrated that the MP method is robust in recognining/differentiating different wave modes, including higher order ones.
Dawn of the Gods

Media corporations compete to provide television, telephone and Internet service at high quality and low cost to keep their users happy. Intelligent computers will evolve to provide similar services, operated by competing businesses, probably including some current media providers. The intelligent machine services will be so seductive that people will not be able to resist their growing dependency on them. And the organizations operating them will compete vigorously. Those organizations in which the human CEO effectively abdicates decision making authority to the machine itself will be most successful, not only because the machine will be smarter than the human CEO but also because the machine will intimately understand the customers and their motivations. Current corporations and political parties employ polls to statistically characterize the minds of customers and voters. The machine will be far more sophisticated at this task, because it will intimately know every individual customer.
Motor Impairments in Transient Ischemic Attack Increase the Odds of a Subsequent Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) increases the risk for a subsequent stroke. Typical symptoms include motor weakness, gait disturbance, and loss of coordination. The association between the presence of motor impairments during a TIA and the chances of a subsequent stroke has not been examined. In the current meta-analysis, we examine whether the odds of a stroke are greater in TIA individuals who experience motor impairments as compared with those who do not experience motor impairments. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases as well as manual searches of the reference lists of retrieved articles. The meta-analysis included studies that reported an odds ratio relating motor impairments to a subsequent stroke, or the number of individuals with or without motor impairments who experienced a subsequent stroke. We examined these studies using rigorous meta-analysis techniques including random effects model, forest and funnel plots, I2, publication bias, and fail-safe analysis. Results: Twenty-four studies with 15,129 participants from North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe qualified for inclusion. An odds ratio of 2.11 (95% CI, 1.67 – 2.65, p = 0.000) suggested that the chances of a subsequent stroke are increased by two-folds in individuals who experience motor impairments during a TIA compared with those individuals who have no motor impairments. Conclusions: The presence of motor impairments during TIA is a significantly high-risk clinical characteristic for a subsequent stroke. The current evidence for motor impairments following TIA relies exclusively on the clinical reports of unilateral motor weakness. A comprehensive examination of motor impairments in TIA will enhance TIA prognosis and restoration of residual motor impairments.
Imaging of earthquake faults using small UAVs as a pathfinder for air and space observations

Large earthquakes cause billions of dollars in damage and extensive loss of life and property. Geodetic and topographic imaging provide measurements of transient and long-term crustal deformation needed to monitor fault zones and understand earthquakes. Earthquake-induced strain and rupture characteristics are expressed in topographic features imprinted on the landscapes of fault zones. Small UAVs provide an efficient and flexible means to collect multi-angle imagery to reconstruct fine scale fault zone topography and provide surrogate data to determine requirements for and to simulate future platforms for air- and space-based multi-angle imaging.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Chemical Cartography of a Cardiac Parasitic Infection

Trypanosoma cruzi parasites are the causative agents of Chagas disease, a leading infectious form of heart failure whose pathogenesis is still not fully characterized. In this work, we applied untargeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to heart sections from T. cruzi-infected and uninfected mice. We combined molecular networking and three-dimensional modeling to generate chemical cartographical heart models. This approach revealed for the first time preferential parasite localization to the base of the heart and regiospecific distributions of nucleoside derivatives and eicosanoids, which we correlated to tissue-damaging immune responses. We further detected novel cardiac chemical signatures related to the severity and ultimate outcome of the infection. These signatures included differential representation of higher- vs lower-molecular-weight carnitine and phosphatidylcholine family members in specific cardiac regions of mice infected with lethal or nonlethal T. cruzi strains and doses. Over...
Mechanisms of chromosome segregation in metazoan cells

Despite over 100 years of research, the mechanisms that cells use to ensure the proper segregation of chromosomes during mitosis are still surprisingly obscure. However, recent high resolution video light microscopic studies of dividing cells are telling us new and important information about chromosome behavior. Molecular genetics is enabling us to build a more complete list of the components involved in chromosome segregation. And in vitro assays for chromosome segregation are providing information about the signals that control the equipartitioning of sister chromatids during cell division.
Standby for Cardiology when Chronic Pacemaker or Defibrillator Lead Removal Is Undertaken

This represents the best arrangement to protect the patient from dying when a procedure attempted to remove chronic pacer or defibrillator leads using intravenous techniques causes rupture of the veins or the cardiac chambers followed by shock and not rarely death.
Effects of predictive mechanisms on head stability during forward trunk perturbation

While much is known about reflex and mechanical contributions to the control of head stability, little is known about predictive control. The goal of this experiment was to determine the contribution of predictive mechanisms to head stability in space, in the pitch plane, during forward trunk perturbations. Eleven standing healthy subjects had their trunk pulled forward by a load-pulley apparatus. The perturbation was either self-triggered or imposed (triggered by the experimenter). Subjects were exposed to two loads: 2% and 4% of their body weight. The contributions of torques acting on the head-neck system were inferred from head and trunk kinematics, neck muscle EMG, and the torques acting on the head, which were computed using inverse dynamics. The results showed that both the head and trunk moved less during the self-triggered than imposed condition during both loads for most of the participants. There was no evidence of predictive neck countertorque or increased neck muscle co-contraction during the self-triggered condition. These findings suggest that most of the subjects improved head stability in the self-triggered condition by reducing trunk motion and the associated interactive torque that perturbed the head.
Egg Parasitoids in Biological Control and Integrated Pest Management

As classical biological control agents, egg parasitoids exhibit a greater rate of establishment than other parasitoid guilds, but have not been as effective in suppressing the abundance of the target pest. Mymarid introductions have provided the most spectacular results, particular in the control of invasive cicadellids and curculionids, whereas Trichogramma introductions have very seldom been effective. The success of augmentative biological control with egg parasitoids has been mixed, which highlights the need to know enough about their ecology and behavior to be able to select effective indigenous species, to mass produce them as a quality product at a competitive price, and to formulate and apply them effectively. Programs that combine egg parasitoid augmentation with behavior-modifying infochemicals or compatible insecticides are likely to facilitate successful adoption by end users.
Liquid hydrocarbon production via ethylene oligomerization over Ni-Hβ

Abstract We carried out oligomerization of ethylene using nickel supported on an acidic zeolite β (Ni-Hβ) catalyst in a laboratory-scale packed bed reactor for the synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons in milliliter quantities. We evaluated the effect of several process variables (temperature, pressure, weight hourly space velocity (WHSV), and nickel loading) on the ethylene conversion, liquid hydrocarbon/coke yield, and oligomeric product selectivity. Increases in pressure resulted in higher ethylene conversion, leading to a liquid yield of 13.0 wt%, with 10.0 wt% coke at 65 bar. As the pressure increased to 65 bar, the selectivity towards octenes reached 10%, along with a decrease in C4 to 34%, which suggested that higher pressures promoted butene dimerization. Under the conditions studied, a minimum temperature of 120 °C was required to produce liquid hydrocarbons. The liquid yield increased with temperature, with a maximum of 17.0 wt% at 190 °C. Higher temperatures led to the formation of odd-numbered oligomers primarily due to acid-catalyzed cracking reactions. In the range of WHSV tested, a moderate 2.0 h −1 resulted in a local maximum of 10.6 wt% of liquid hydrocarbon yield. A moderate nickel loading of 3.4 wt% also resulted in the highest liquid yield (10.6 wt%) out of the three loadings tested. The results strongly suggest that the ionic form of nickel is much more active catalytically than the NiO form. The variation in nickel loading revealed the importance of having a synergistic balance of nickel and acid sites on the catalyst to maximize ethylene conversion and maintain high liquid hydrocarbon yield. The results from this work formed the basis for pilot scale runs carried out at the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) for the Advanced Hardwood Biofuels (AHB) project. The pilot runs highlighted the need for efficient removal of ethanol from the ethylene feed after the dehydration process.
Using Appreciative Inquiry to Manage Generation Y

Organizations and their managers constantly look for various approaches to improve, energize, and engage employees, including Generation Y. As a management approach, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) can improve leadership development within an organization and the level of engagement from all levels of personnel. AI focuses on positive change within an organization or business. Through the use of AI, managers gain another tool to encourage employees’ active participation within the organization. AI’s focus on engagement and active participation utilizing the strengths of the intergenerational workforce stand as examples of AI’s utility when managing members of Generation Y. Organizations utilizing AI have experienced positive and effective change with their Generation Y employees.
Zn2+-binding in the glutamate-rich region of the intrinsically disordered protein prothymosin-alpha

Prothymosin-α is a small, multifunctional intrinsically disordered protein associated with cell survival and proliferation which binds multiple Zn2+ ions and undergoes partial folding. The interaction between prothymosin-α and at least two of its protein targets is significantly enhanced in the presence of Zn2+ ions, suggesting that Zn2+ binding plays a role in the protein's function. The primary sequence of prothymosin-α is highly acidic, with almost 50% comprised of Asp and Glu, and is unusual for a Zn2+-binding protein as it lacks Cys and His residues. To gain a better understanding of the nature of the Zn2+-prothymosin-α interactions and the protein's ability to discriminate Zn2+ over other divalent cations (e.g., Ca2+, Co2+, Mg2+) we synthesized a set of three model peptides and characterized the effect of metal binding using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. ESI MS data reveal that the native peptide model of the glutamic acid rich region binds 4 Zn2+ ions with apparent, stepwise Kd values that are, at highest, in the tens of micromolar range. A peptide model with the same amino acid composition as the native sequence, but with the residues arranged randomly, showed no evidence of structural change by CD upon introduction of Zn2+. These results suggest that the high net negative charge of the glutamic acid-rich region of prothymosin-α is not a sufficient criterion for Zn2+ to induce a structural change; rather, Zn2+ binding to prothymosin-α is sequence specific, providing important insight into the behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins.
Nerve Sheath and Related Tumors

This chapter reviews the wide spectrum of cutaneous nerve sheath tumors. The vast majority are benign tumors, including neurofibromas, schwannomas, perineuriomas, granular cell tumors, and various neuroma subtypes. Malignant granular cell tumor, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and Ewing sarcoma, a malignant neuroectodermal tumor, are also rarely encountered in the skin. Diagnostic criteria and practical considerations are emphasized.
Anal Intraepitheial Neoplasia

The ultimate goals of treating patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) are preventing morbidity associated with the treatment of anal cancer and mortality from anal cancer itself without causing disturbances of anal function, i.e., continence of stools and flatus. Fortunately, there are low cost, outpatient tools to treat HSIL, and evidence to support their effectiveness in preventing Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). Although there is an ongoing trial looking at surveillance rather than treatment for HSIL, at this time, treatment should be endorsed especially given its ease to perform. Ultimately, prevention, screening, and treatment of anal HSIL should be as widespread as that for cervical dysplasia. But to achieve this goal, clinicians need to be educated and dedicated to the eradication of this disease; that includes learning high resolution anoscopy (HRA) and willingness to follow patients longitudinally. Hopefully, in the future, rates of ASCC will be minimized with the use of Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and screening for HSIL.
Infectivity of murine papillomavirus in the surgical byproducts of treated tail warts.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly stable DNA virus that causes disease in human organ systems, including the larynx and oropharynx. The treatment of HPV-associated diseases with scalpels, lasers, and other surgical instruments has the potential to release infectious particles, placing healthcare workers at risk. The objectives of this study were to create a reproducible in vivo animal model of papillomavirus infectivity and to compare the infectivity of byproducts of surgically treated mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) warts. STUDY DESIGN Animal study. METHODS Nude laboratory mice (Mus musculus) with established MmuPV1 tail warts were treated with scalpel excision, potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser ablation, and coblator treatment. Uninfected nude mice were challenged with surgical byproducts, including ablated and heated tissue, and surgical smoke products. The incidence and time course of the appearance of warts was recorded. RESULTS There was rapid transmission of virus in mice challenged with scalpel-treated warts, with 50% penetrance of infection at day 13 and 100% at day 32. For KTP-treated warts, there was the slower development of infection (50% by day 35) but 100% penetrance by day 52. Coblator-treated tissue reached 50% penetrance at day 59 and a maximum of 73% penetrance. Smoke plume captured during treatment with the KTP laser and coblator was highly infectious, as was the material captured in a laser filter. CONCLUSIONS MmuPV1 remains infectious in all modes of surgically treated tissue, and the smoke plume is capable of transmitting infection. Healthcare workers should use appropriate precautions to lower their risk of infection when treating papillomavirus-associated diseases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 130:712-717, 2020.
Physical drivers of phytoplankton bloom initiation in the Southern Ocean's Scotia Sea

Author(s): Prend, Channing J; Gille, Sarah T; Talley, Lynne D; Mitchell, B Greg; Rosso, Isabella; Mazloff, Matthew R
Kernel density estimation on symmetric spaces of non-compact type

Abstract We construct a kernel density estimator on symmetric spaces of non-compact type and establish an upper bound for its convergence rate, analogous to the minimax rate for classical kernel density estimators on Euclidean space. Symmetric spaces of non-compact type include hyperboloids of constant curvature − 1 and spaces of symmetric positive definite matrices. This paper obtains a simplified formula in the special case when the symmetric space is the space of normal distributions, a 2-dimensional hyperboloid.
Observer-Based Controller Synthesis for Decentralized Networked Systems

An observer-based control synthesis for Decentralized Networked Control System (DNCS) is proposed, where the control loop is closed by a communication network. In the proposed approach, a designer first constructs a centralized static controller that accomplishes the design objective. Then, this centralized controller is implemented as a dynamic decentralized controller. The proposed decentralized controller is designed using Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The presence of the communication network modeled as a pure time-delay is analyzed. A sufficient condition on the duration of the network time-delay guaranteeing the stability of the DNCS is given. The obtained results are applied to the design of a decentralized system consisting of two remotely controlled mobile robots and simulation results are presented.
Polycarbonate-based ultra-pH sensitive nanoparticles improve therapeutic window.

Stimuli-sensitive nanomaterials with cooperative response are capable of converting subtle and gradual biological variations into robust outputs to improve the precision of diagnostic or therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we report the design, synthesis and characterization of a series of degradable ultra-pH sensitive (dUPS) polymers that amplify small acidic pH changes to efficacious therapeutic outputs. A hydrolytically active polycarbonate backbone is used to construct the polymer with pH-dependent degradation kinetics. One dUPS polymer, PSC7A, can achieve activation of the stimulator of interferon genes and antigen delivery upon endosomal pH activation, leading to T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. While a non-degradable UPS polymer induces granulomatous inflammation that persists over months at the injection site, degradable PSC7A primes a transient acute inflammatory response followed by polymer degradation and complete tissue healing. The improved therapeutic window of the dUPS polymers opens up opportunities in pH-targeted drug and protein therapy. Stimuli-responsive nanomaterials offer the opportunity to exploit nanoscale cooperativity to improve the precision of diagnostic or therapeutic outcomes. Here, the authors report the design, synthesis and characterization of a series of degradable ultra-pH sensitive polymers that amplify small acidic pH changes to efficacious therapeutic outputs.
Effectiveness of HIV Self-testing on Regular HIV Testing Among Ever-Tested Men Who Have Sex Men in China: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of HIV self-testing (HIVST) on promoting regular HIV testing, which defined as having uptake HIV testing every three to 6 months, among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China. 491 ever-tested MSM were recruited from a community-based HIV clinic and randomly assigned into either intervention arm that provided text message plus HIVST service (n = 250) or standard of care arm (n = 241) being a text message promoting HIV testing every 3 months. Overall, 73.7% (330/448) of the participants had uptake HIV testing, and 27.7% (124/448) of them reported ever used of an HIV self-test during study period. HIVST significantly increased regularly HIV testing among participants in the intervention arm compared with standard of care arm (77.4% vs 69.5%). HIVST as a supplement to the existing facility-based testing services is promising in promoting regular HIV testing among MSM in China. Trial registration number: ChiCTR1800016811.
A Decentralized Review System for Data Marketplaces

Data Marketplaces allow a wide range of public and private data providers on the one hand, and data-consuming applications on the other, to interact. They can be used to exchange valuable data relevant to a community, such as data relevant to traffic, road conditions, parking, air quality and other urban internet of things (IoT) applications, in a scalable manner. Traditionally, online marketplaces use ratings by buyers to help potential consumers identify good quality products; however such rating systems are often easy for sellers to game by paying for flattering ratings and reviews. These problems are even more challenging in data marketplaces due to the possibility of sellers launching Sybil attacks (taking on multiple fake identities) to rate their own products. We propose a novel decentralized crypto-economic system to ensure the credibility of reviews. The key idea of our proposed system, which can be implemented using decentralized smart contracts, is to have sellers apply for their products to be reviewed, followed by an allocation of products to a select subset of reviewers with credibility. The reviewer allocation process is randomized and double-blinded to minimize the possibility of collusion with the seller. The reviewers are incentivized through a mechanism that not only provides a reward for reviewing products posted by sellers but also an additional reward for reviewing test products posted by the marketplace. We analyze the incentive mechanism through game theoretical modeling and show conditions under which the Nash equilibrium policy is for all reviewers to perform the work needed for the review (without guessing at the answer). We also show how the staking mechanism in conjunction with high quality reviews incentivizes sellers to post higher-quality products. A marketplace with higher-quality products, in turn, is likely to have a stronger reputation and attract more customers, helping the entire ecosystem.
Mycorrhizal roots slow the decay of belowground litters in a temperate hardwood forest.

There is increasing evidence that plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, whether living or dead, play a central role in soil carbon (C) cycling. Root–mycorrhizal–microbial interactions can both suppress and enhance litter decay, with the net result dependent upon belowground nutrient acquisition strategies and soil nutrient availability. We measured the net effect of living roots and mycorrhizal fungi on the decay of dead roots and fungal hyphae in a hardwood forest dominated by either sugar maple (Acer saccharum) or white oak (Quercus alba) trees. Root and fungal litter were allowed to decompose within root-ingrowth bags and root-exclusion cores. In conjunction with root effects on decay, we assessed foraging responses and root induced changes in soil moisture, nitrogen (N) availability and enzyme activity. After 1 year, maple root production increased, and mycorrhizal fungal colonization decreased in the presence of decaying litter. In addition, we found that actively foraging roots suppressed the decay of root litter (− 14%) more than fungal litter (− 3%), and suppression of root decay was stronger for oak (− 20%) than maple roots (− 8%). Suppressive effects of oak roots on decay were greatest when roots also reduced soil N availability, which corresponded with reductions in hydrolytic enzyme activity and enhanced oxidative enzyme activities. These findings further our understanding of context‐dependent drivers of root–mycorrhizal–microbial interactions and demonstrate that such interactions can play an underappreciated role in soil organic matter accumulation and turnover in temperate forests.
Data-driven chance constrained stochastic program

In this paper, we study data-driven chance constrained stochastic programs, or more specifically, stochastic programs with distributionally robust chance constraints (DCCs) in a data-driven setting to provide robust solutions for the classical chance constrained stochastic program facing ambiguous probability distributions of random parameters. We consider a family of density-based confidence sets based on a general $$\phi $$ź-divergence measure, and formulate DCC from the perspective of robust feasibility by allowing the ambiguous distribution to run adversely within its confidence set. We derive an equivalent reformulation for DCC and show that it is equivalent to a classical chance constraint with a perturbed risk level. We also show how to evaluate the perturbed risk level by using a bisection line search algorithm for general $$\phi $$ź-divergence measures. In several special cases, our results can be strengthened such that we can derive closed-form expressions for the perturbed risk levels. In addition, we show that the conservatism of DCC vanishes as the size of historical data goes to infinity. Furthermore, we analyze the relationship between the conservatism of DCC and the size of historical data, which can help indicate the value of data. Finally, we conduct extensive computational experiments to test the performance of the proposed DCC model and compare various $$\phi $$ź-divergence measures based on a capacitated lot-sizing problem with a quality-of-service requirement.
Geographical Analysis of the Distribution and Spread of Exotic Plant Species in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The effects of introduced exotic species in natural environments are becoming important issues in conservation biology and natural resource management and recent scientific literature reveals increasing concern regarding the spread of invasive exotic plant species (Allen, 1996; Vitousek et al. 1996; Walker and Smith, 1997). Ecological consequences of these species include increased competition for space, water, and nutrients with native plants (which could result in a decrease in biodiversity), decreased forage quality for native ungulates, and changes in the microenvironments where the establishments took place (Woods, 1997). Sheley et al (1998) list several ecologically and economically detrimental impacts of exotic species. The National Park Service recognizes the need to protect ecosystems from exotic species (National Park Service, 1997) through management based on the ability to predict species distributions and spread, and monitoring in areas that are most susceptible to invasion. Recommended strategies for preventing the spread of exotic species include developing an early warning system to identify and eradicate new infestations of exotic plants in National Parks, and continued inventory and monitoring of exotic plants (National Park Service, 1997). These strategies will be based on assessment of the distribution and spread of exotic plants (National Park Service, 1997) using remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies for mapping and monitoring exotic plants, and models to predict the invasiveness and spread of exotic plants. In Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), exotic species are a great concern for park managers (National Park Service, 1997). Of the 1000 species of flowering plants within GTNP, there are also four (possibly five) rare plants that may be threatened as a result of competition with exotics (Wyoming Rare Plant Technical Committee, 1994): Draba borealis (Boreal draba), Epipactis gigantea (Giant helleborine), Lesquerella carinata var. carinata (Keeled bladderpod), Lesquerella paysonni (Payson's bladderpod), and possibly Draba densifolia var. apiculata (Rockcress draba). The continued survival of these sensitive plants in GTNP increases the need for management of exotic plants. GTNP has implemented a classification system for exotic plant species that consists of three priority levels (GTNP, 1997a). Priority 1 species are designated as "noxious" since they are capable of invading natural ecosystems and disrupting or displacing native vegetation. Currently, there are thirteen exotic plant species with a Priority 1 status within GTNP (Table 1 ).
Farm crisis or agricultural system crisis? Defining national problems in a global economy.

The popular press, farm groups, and the Federal Government characterized the 1980s as a period of severe farm crisis. But the decline in farm numbers in the 1980s was not as steep as it had been in the 1950s, 1960s, or even the 1970s. Sociologists recognize that social problems are not the result of the sudden awareness of objective and identifiable conditions, but become defined through a collective process that assigns social significance to a set of conditions. What remains open to examination is how social systems and changes in those systems tend to structure the collective problem-definition process in such a way that one set of actors is able to promote its definitions over others. Using congressional hearings leading up to the passage of the 1985 Food Security Act and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data on agricultural conditions in the 1980s, I argue that policy makers defined those conditions as an agricultural system crisis, not as a farm crisis. This choice of definitions reflected the ability of emerging transnational agribusinesses to convince policy makers that the pressures of an international economy required a restructuring of the national farm policies. I will then discuss how these findings improve our understanding of how the state negotiates its national responsibilities in a global economy.
Forb diversity and community similarity of kopjes in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The forb communities of kopjes (rock outcrops) in the Simba, Maasai and Loliondo areas of the Serengeti National Park were examined to determine differences in species composition from surrounding grassland communities, and among sites within kopje and grassland communities. Species diversity measures and multivariate ordination techniques were used to examine the community similarity and species turnover between sites. All measures of forb species diversity were higher on the kopje sites with the exception of one grassland site, and the community composition significantly differed between these two habitat types, with more species and families exclusive to the kopje habitat. Species turnover was very high in grassland habitats, with two of the three areas (Simba and Loliondo) exhibiting a complete change in species composition. Kopjes, on the other hand, had remarkably similar forb communities, suggesting that the populations of the species present on these rock outcrops form patch structures. The distinct flora and higher diversity of kopje forbs raise interesting questions regarding distribution, dispersal and patch dynamics. Resume Les communautes de forbs (plantes herbacees dicotyledones) sur les kopjes (des affleurements rocheux) dans les regions de Simba, Maasai et Loliondo du Parc National du Serengeti furent examinees afin de determiner les differences dans la composition d'especes par rapport aux communautes de prairie environnantes, et a l'interieur de sites dans les communautes kopje et prairie. Nous avons arpente la diversite d'espece et employe les techniques d'ordination multivariee afin d'examiner les similarites entre les communautes et la rotation d'especes entre les sites. Toutes les mesures de la diversite d'especes de forbs furent plus elevees sur les sites kopje a l'exclusion d'un seul site de prairie, et la composition de la communaute varierent de maniere significative entre les deux genres d'habitat, avec un plus grand nombre d'especes et familles etant exclusif aux sites kopje. La rotation d'especes fut tres elevee dans les habitats de prairie, avec un changement complet dans la composition d'especes dans deux des trois sites (Simba and Loliondo). Les sites kopje au contraire possederent les communautes forbs tres semblables, ce qui suggere que les populations des especes presentes sur ces affleurements rocheux forment des structures de placeau. La flore distincte et la plus grande diversite de forbs chez les kopjes soulevent des questions interessantes concernant la distribution, la dispersion, et les dynamiques des placeaux.