cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fundamentalist religious movements : a case study of the Maitatsine movement in Nigeria.

FUNDAMENTALIST RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS: A CASE STUDY OF THE MAITATSINE MOVEMENT IN NIGERIA Katarzyna Z. Skuratowicz Apri120,2004 This study is a historical analysis of reasons and dynamics behind the emergence of fundamentalist religious movements. Its purpose is to develop a new conceptual apparatus to the approach toward religious fundamentalist movements that would analyze both external and internal factors influencing their emergence. It is a case study of an Islamic fundamentalist religious movement called Maitatsine in Nigeria. The theoretical background is based upon the concepts of international division of labor and the role of the state taken from development theories, which explain the external factors influencing the dynamics in West Africa, the region where the analyzed religious movement emerged. Analysis of the factors at the micro level is provided with the social movements theories' concepts of mobilization and framing, which explain the organization of religious movements. Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer's concept of the culture industry, and Antonio Gramsci' s concepts of hegemony and counter hegemony are used to analyze the ideological background of the fundamentalist religious movements. Historical context, with the history of Islam, colonialism, and post-independence period in Nigeria are presented in order to provide a background for the study of the Maitatsine movement. Findings indicate that the world dynamics significantly influence economic and political realities of peripheries with weak states. They provoke the increase of the "disinherited" social groups in the capitalist secular system, which include mainly immigrants, foreigners. Consequently, this inflames rising feelings of grievance toward the dominant western culture that is directed by charismatic religious leaders. Religious ideology becomes a strong mobilizing and framing factor that creates counter hegemony and starts controlling members adhering to the fundamentalist religious movement.
Use of Isoelectric Focusing Electrophoresis to Evaluate Citrus Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Predation by Euseius tularensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Predation of citrus red mite, Panonychus citri McGregor, and citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton), by adult female Euseius tularensis Congdon was studied in laboratory experiments. Hungry predaceous mites readily attacked and fed on both species. Red gut coloration and distension of the gastric cecae persisted for 24—48 h after feeding on a citrus red mite deutonymph, depending on temperature (16.1—29.4°C), and for up to 14 h after feeding on a larva at 22.8°C. Isoelectric focusing electrophoresis (IEF) and staining for phosphogluco-isomeraseenzymes was used to study predation on citrus thrips larvae. Predation on an average size 2nd-instar citrus thrips could be detected for 16—40h after feeding, depending on temperature, and for up to 12 h after feeding on a 1st instar with the predator held at 22.8°C. IEF was used to evaluate levels of citrus thrips predation by E. tularensis in 15 field samples, 5 each taken from San Joaquin Valley, southern interior Califomia, and coastal citrus groves shortly after petal fall. Citrus thrips predation was indicated in only 7 of 556 adult female E. tularensis sampled (1.3%). Contrary to popular belief, we question whether E. tularensis is a major factor in biologicalcontrol of citrus thrips. The IEF technique is also well suited for rapid screening of other potential citrus thrips predators.
Dynamic Fatigue Behavior of Ceramics at Room Temperature

Dynamic fatigue behaviors of structural ceramics were investigated in both air and vacuum (10-5 Torr) at room temperature. Experimental results were summarized as follows:(1) The slow crack growth was observed in oxide ceramics and in non-oxide ceramics with oxide additives. Those ceramics did not show the slow crack growth in vacuum. In reaction bonded ceramics and ceramics with non-oxide additives and small oxygen contents, the slow crack growth was not observed in air.(2) In air, the fatigue parameter of nonoxide ceramics which shows the slow crack growth decreased with increasing oxygen content.(3) The slow crack growth originated from surface flaw predominated in air.It is concluded that (1) the slow crack growth of ceramics at room temperature results from the stress corrosion induced by water vapour in air and it occurs within glassy phase at polycrystalline grain boundaries and (2) the oxygen content affects the fatigue parameter of non-oxide ceramics with oxide additives.
Cerebellar Nuclei Neurons Show Only Small Excitatory Responses to Optogenetic Olivary Stimulation in Transgenic Mice: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies.

To study the olivary input to the cerebellar nuclei (CN) we used optogenetic stimulation in transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in olivary neurons. We obtained in vivo extracellular Purkinje cell (PC) and CN recordings in anesthetized mice while stimulating the contralateral inferior olive (IO) with a blue laser (single pulse, 10 - 50 ms duration). Peri-stimulus histograms were constructed to show the spike rate changes after optical stimulation. Among 29 CN neurons recorded, 15 showed a decrease in spike rate of variable strength and duration, and only 1 showed a transient spiking response. These results suggest that direct olivary input to CN neurons is usually overridden by stronger Purkinje cell inhibition triggered by climbing fiber responses. To further investigate the direct input from the climbing fiber collaterals we also conducted whole cell recordings in brain slices, where we used local stimulation with blue light. Due to the expression of ChR2 in Purkinje cell axons as well as the IO in our transgenic line, strong inhibitory responses could be readily triggered with optical stimulation (13 of 15 neurons). After blocking this inhibition with GABAzine, only in 5 of 13 CN neurons weak excitatory responses were revealed. Therefore our in vitro results support the in vivo findings that the excitatory input to CN neurons from climbing fiber collaterals in adult mice is masked by the inhibition under normal conditions.
The Growth of the Broadband Internet Access Market in California: Deployment, Competition, Adoption, and Challenges for Policy (Research Brief)

Broadband access to the Internet is important for much of modern life. As the information society continues to pervade all aspects of our lives as consumers, students, citizens, and producers, broadband becomes ever more a necessity. Ever more of daily life is moving online, from keeping up with the news to doing homework for school to applying for jobs. As everything from entertainment to civic engagement migrates to the Internet, demand for broadband Internet access has grown apace. The result: broadband Internet access is one of the most rapidly adopted consumer technologies in history. Aiding speedy consumer adoption has been the robust competition among broadband providers.This report examines the great progress made in availability and adoption in the broadband market over the past few decades and shows how Californian residents and businesses have come to use broadband widely. The policy issues involved with continuing the tremendous strides already made will be discussed, along with recommendations for policy-makers.This report is a brief version of a longer study of the California broadband market, Pepperdine University School of Public Policy Working Paper #63.
Improved approach and simulation of shipboard transfer alignment

In order to improve the performances of ship inertial navigation system transfer alignment on moving base,according to the application characteristics of shipboard,a filtering algorithm is designed by using Kalman filter to filter and estimate the error of "velocity plus angular rate" between main and sub-inertial navigation system.A Kalman filter smoothing algorithms are used to improve the transfer alignment accuracy.Since the Kalman filter smoothing algorithm can delay the respond time,a Kalman filter reduced-order algorithm is used to improve the respond time of the alignment which decrease only a small part of accuracy.Matlab software is used to simulate the Kalman filter estimation algorithm,Kalman filter smoothing algorithm and the Kalman filter smoothing plus reduced-order algorithm.The velocity error and attitude error are simulated respectively.Simulation results show that the improved "velocity plus angular rate" matching transfer alignment algorithm provides higher precision and shorter respond time.This method could provide references for engineering application.
Analysis of Syringin Content in New Resource Acanthopanax.sessiliflorus (Rupr.et Maxim.) Seem and Other Seven Species of Acanthopanax Miq. by RP-HPLC

The objective of this study was to determine the contents of syringin in 8 species of Acanthopanax Miq. such as A. sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem, A. leucorrhizus (Oliv.) Harms var. fulvescens Harms et Rehd., Acanthopanax giraldii Harms, A. senticosus (Rupr. et Maxin) Harms, A. divaricatus var. albeofructus Yook, A. koreanum Nakai, A. gracilistylus W.W. Smith, and A.trifoliatus (L.) Merr by RP-HPLC. The column, mobile phase, flow rate, detection RP-HPLC were ODS C18 as An orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize the extraction conditions of syringin. The method displayed good linearity within the concentration range of 0.0148 to 0.074 mg/ml (r = 0.9999) and a regression equation of Y = 15234560 X- 7 881.767 (R2 = 0.9999) was obtained. The average spike recovery was 98.24%. Acanthopanax leucorrhizus var.fulvescens Harms et Rehd. Had the highest content of syringin among the 8 species of Acanthopanax Miq., followed by A.sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem. The optimum extraction process of syringin was adding material to 15 times volume water and then boiling the water for 3.5 h. Our results suggested the simplicity and high reliability of this method to analyze syringin.
Exploration on Sustainable Development Strategy for UNESCO Lushan Global Geopark Tourism

Lushan Mountain is famous all over the world for its long-standing historical culture,unique geological value,and beautiful ecological environment.Successfully,it was awarded the laurel "World Cultural Sight",which is exclusive in China,and was involved into the first group of "Global Geoparks",and "UN outstanding eco-tourism areas".It is known as a famous cultural mountain,a famous ecological mountain,and a famous scientific mountain.To scientifically and effectively protect and manage the important natural resources and ecological environment of Lushan Mountain is greatly and realistically meaningful for further creating the eco-tourism brand of Lushan Mountain,extending the international awareness of Lushan Mountain,and especially promoting the sustainable development of tourism economy of Lushan Mountain.
Prenylated protein methyltransferases do not distinguish between farnesylated and geranylgeranylated substrates

Proteins that are post-translationally modified by prenylation can be either farnesylated (C-15) or geranylgeranylated (C-20) by separate prenyltransferase enzymes. Prenylated proteins are also methylated at their C-terminal residue by S-adenosylmethionine-linked methylation. In this paper we show that the methylation of farnesylated and geranyl-geranylated substrates can be accounted for by the presence of a single enzyme. It is demonstrated that the Km and Vmax. values for the retinal rod outer segment methyltransferase, measured with small molecule farnesylated and geranylgeranylated substrates, are identical. These substrates mutually inhibit each other's methylation, with KI values being equal to their Km values. The Km for S-adenosylmethionine was measured to be the same with either farnesylated or geranylgeranylated substrates. Competitive inhibitors of the methyltransferase containing either a geranylgeranyl or a farnesyl group equally block the methylation of synthetic geranylgeranylated and farnesylated substrates of the enzyme. Importantly, these inhibitors are also equipotent at inhibiting the methylation of the physiological substrates of the rod outer segment methyltransferase. These substrates are both farnesylated and geranylgeranylated. One of these substrates had previously been identified as the farnesylated gamma subunit of transducin. Therefore it appears that the same enzymic activity can methylate both farnesylated and geranylgeranylated substrates.
Conceptualizing a Community Well-Being and Theory Construct

This chapter focuses on a comprehensive understanding of the concept of community well-being and develops a construct based on several common characteristics. Building on theoretical approaches, this construct helps explain aspects of community well-being. The basic premise of this paper is that community well-being is a comprehensive concept covering other related life and community aspects. The term community well-being encompasses comprehensive and integrated concepts developed by synthesizing research constructs related to residents’ perceptions of the community, residents’ needs fulfillment, observable community conditions, and the social and cultural context of the community. Related terms such as well-being, happiness, and quality of life take on crucial roles in constructing community well-being. The construct presented is inspired by well-established theoretical analysis such as systems theory, bottom-up spillover theory, social capital and needs theory. Community well-being is a relatively new idea in social science, in this modern rendition of its applications. It still lacks the theoretical structure to explain or predict, and the exploration of related theoretical basis is important for fostering understanding of its application and structure. This chapter strives to help develop a construct for promoting further understanding.
Successful Management of Refractory Type 1 Renal Tubular Acidosis with Amiloride.

A 28-year-old female with history of hypothyroidism, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) presented with complaints of severe generalized weakness, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Physical examination was unremarkable. Laboratory test showed hypokalemia at 1.6 mmol/l, nonanion metabolic acidosis with HCO3 of 11 mmol/l, random urine pH of 7.0, and urine anion gap of 8 mmol/l. CT scan of the abdomen revealed bilateral nephrocalcinosis. A diagnosis of type 1 RTA likely secondary to Sjogren’s Syndrome was made. She was started on citric acid potassium citrate with escalating dosages to a maximum dose of 60 mEq daily and potassium chloride over 5 years without significant improvement in serum K+ and HCO3 levels. She had multiple emergency room visits for persistent muscle pain, generalized weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias. Citric acid potassium citrate was then replaced with sodium bicarbonate at 15.5 mEq every 6 hours which was continued for 2 years without significant improvement in her symptoms and electrolytes. Amiloride 5 mg daily was added to her regimen as a potassium sparing treatment with dramatic improvement in her symptoms and electrolyte levels (as shown in the figures). Amiloride was increased to 10 mg daily and potassium supplementation was discontinued without affecting her electrolytes. Her sodium bicarbonate was weaned to 7.7 mEq daily.
Employee Voice and Mutual Gains

This paper addresses the question, ‘Do mutual gains to employer and employee result from non-union employees’ exercise of voice?’ Based upon the findings reported herein, the basic answer to this question is “yes.” In particular, about two-thirds of a large sample of U.S-based nonunion companies that responded to a 2007 survey indicated that they had one or another type of ADR system in place; the annual employee usage—grievance filing—rate under these systems over a five year period was 13.5 percent; top executives in four of these nonunion businesses indicated through intensive interviews that the benefits derived from their respective ADR systems substantially exceeded their associate costs; and a large sample of employees in these same four businesses indicated through survey responses that the benefits derived from their businesses’ respective ADR systems substantially exceeded their costs. Theoretically and methodologically, these findings imply that mutual gains from workplace dispute resolution mechanisms and processes need not rely solely on a collective context (i.e., collective voice exercised by employees in negotiations with management); the individual rather than (or in addition to) the group is a suitable, indeed necessary, unit of analysis in identifying and determining mutual gains resulting from employee exercise of voice; and employee voice may be exercised by management as well as non-management employees, in particular under non-union ADR systems that feature broad employee coverage and usage eligibility.
Time-lapsed integrated Raman and angular scattering microscopy of single cells

Integrated Raman- and Angular-scatteringMicroscopy (IRAM) combines two light scattering techniques to make chemical and morphological measurements of intact, single cells without the use of external labeling. IRAM has previously demonstrated its ability to differentiate between activated and non-activated CD8+ T cells based on both chemical and morphological differences. Activated cells showed an increase in protein and lipid content as well as an increase in the size and number of 0.5-1.0 μm diameter scatterers (likely lysosomes). Recent improvements to the IRAM system enable studies over an extended period of time. The applications of IRAM to chemical and structural changes of single cells during biological processes and treatments will be discussed.
Using Computer Output As A Vehicle For Self-Directed Study Of Financial Theory: The Art Of Teaching Backwards

This paper presents an example of an approach to teaching financial theory at the college and post-graduate levels that I call “teaching backwards”. In the more traditional approach, instructors begin by explaining financial theory, then proceed to give examples of the way this theory can be applied to a business problem, structuring data around the predetermined theory. When teaching backwards we reverse the process, suggesting various ways to organize and report data related to a business problem and then inviting students to analyze these data to identify relationships between the variables that enable them to see potential applications of financial theory, or even to discover the theory itself. The example presented employs computer modeling and computer simulation as essential enabling tools for self-directed learning.
Impact of feedback on adenoma detection rates: Outcomes of quality improvement program.

Background and Aims Feedback has been shown to improve performance in colonoscopy including adenoma detection rate (ADR). The frequency at which feedback should be given is unknown. As part of a quality improvement program we sought to measure the outcome of providing quarterly and monthly feedback on colonoscopy quality measures. Methods All screening colonoscopies performed at endoscopy unit at Mayo Clinic Arizona by gastroenterologists between October 2010 and December 2012 were reviewed. Quality indicators, including ADR were extracted for each individual endoscopist and feedback was provided. The study period was divided into 4 distinct groups: Pre-intervention which served as baseline; Quarterly feedback, Monthly feedback and Post-intervention. Based on ADR, endoscopists were grouped into “Low Detectors” ( 35%). Results A total of 3420 screening colonoscopies were performed during the study period (555 patients during pre-intervention, 1209 patients during quarterly feedback, 599 during monthly feedback, and 1057 during the post-intervention period) by 16 gastroenterologists. The overall ADR for the group improved from 30.5% to 37.7% (p = 0.003). Compared to the pre-interventional period, all quality indicators measured significantly improved during the monthly feedback and post intervention periods but not in the quarterly feedback period. Conclusions In our quality improvement program monthly feedback significantly improved colonoscopy quality measures, including ADR, while quarterly feedback did not. The impact of the intervention was most prominent in the “Low Detectors” group. Results were durable up to 6 months following the intervention.
Improving mechanical thrombectomy time metrics in the angiography suite: Stroke cart, parallel workflows, and conscious sedation.

PurposeEarlier reperfusion of large-vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke improves functional outcomes. We hypothesize that use of a stroke cart in the angiography suite, containing all commonly used proce...
Time Motion Analysis: Impact of Scribes on Provider Time Management.

Abstract Background Scribes are unlicensed professionals trained in medical data entry. Limited data exist on the impact of scribes on provider time management in the emergency department (ED). Time-motion analysis is a tool utilized in business to capture detailed movements and durations to task completion. It offers a means to categorize how providers allocate their time during a clinical shift. Objective Evaluate the impact of scribes on how ED providers spend their time. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted to assess scribe impact on provider time utilization. Four research assistants (RAs) observed attending providers on 24 8-h control shifts (without a scribe), and 24 scribed shifts. RAs observed and categorized provider activity. Providers self-reported after-hours documentation times. Two-sample t-tests were used for normally distributed data, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for skewed data. All tests were two-sided, and p-values Results Scribes decreased total documentation time both on shift (mean 55.3 vs. 36.4 min, p Conclusion The presence of scribes decreased provider documentation time but did not change the amount of time spent at the bedside or communicating with other team members. Scribes may be a potential strategy to decrease the clerical burden.
4 – Gender-Specific Aspects of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Publisher Summary While normal developmental changes in fetal and postnatal hematopoiesis are identical in males and females, gender-related differences in red blood cell production are noted in adolescence and persist throughout adult life. Iron deficiency anemia is particularly common in adolescent girls. Although white blood cell and platelet counts do not differ between males and females, and coagulation factor levels are normally identical, certain disorders of neutrophil function and clotting such as chronic granulomatous disease and hemophilia are X-linked and therefore occur overwhelmingly in males. Sickle cell anemia affects males and females equally but morbidity appears to be increased in males. Childhood cancer is more common in males than females, particularly hematological cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Gender differences in survival and patterns of late effects are reported for certain diagnoses. An appreciation of gender-specific aspects of hematologic and oncologic disorders of childhood has resulted in the application of risk-adapted therapeutic strategies, and raises questions about gender differences in disease susceptibility and treatment response. More research is required to understand the molecular and pharmacogenetic basis for these differences.
Corruption Networks and Implications For Ethical Corruption Reform

The problem this article focuses on is not the isolated individual act of corruption, but the systematic, pervasive sub-system of corruption that can and has existed across historical periods, geographic areas, and political-economic systems. It is important to first understand how corrupt and unethical subsystems operate, particularly their network nature, in order to reform and change them while not becoming what we are trying to change. Twelve key system elements are considered that include case examples from Asia, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and North America. A key operating feature of corruption sub-systems is that they are relatively stable networks rather than exceptional, independent, individual events. Drawing on social network, social movement, and action-learning theories, six theory building propositions concerning ethical corruption reform are developed.
Identifying stealth malware using CPU power consumption and learning algorithms

This is a post-print version of this article to see the final version go to the following citation Patrick Luckett, J. Todd McDonald, William B. Glisson, Ryan Benton, Joel Dawson, Blair A. Doyle, "Identifying stealth malware using CPU power consumption and learning algorithms". Journal of Computer Security 26(2018) 589-613. DOI 10.3233/JCS-171060
Software Error Compensation Research

The technology of manufacturing accuracy has deep roots in American economic history. In the mid-19th century, British observers commented on a uniquely American approach to manufacturing, an approach referred to as the “American System of Manufacturing” (Rosenberg, 1972). The essence of the “American System” was the standardization and interchangeability of manufactured items. This approach to manufacturing was fundamentally different from the British approach, which stressed labor-intensive customization by highly-skilled craftsmen.
Patient-reported experience combining complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional oncology treatment (COT).

9625 Background: CAM encompasses a diverse group of interventions not generally considered to be part of COT. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics, factors and patient rep...
A comparative study of predicting individual thermal sensation and satisfaction using wrist-worn temperature sensor, thermal camera and ambient temperature sensor

Abstract Recent advancements in Internet of Things and Machine Learning have opened the possibility of deploying sensors at a large scale to monitor the environment and to model and predict thermal comfort at an individual level. There has been a growing interest to use physiological information obtained from wearable devices or thermal imaging to improve individual thermal comfort prediction. In this study, we compared the accuracies of using environmental sensing with an air temperature sensor, physiological sensing with a wrist-worn device to monitor wrist skin temperature or thermal camera to monitor facial skin temperatures for predicting individual thermal sensation and satisfaction. The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment without any radiant heat sources or local comfort devices; solely the air temperature was changed. For the conditions studied, our results indicate that using data from an environmental sensor for predicting thermal comfort results in a higher accuracy compared to using physiological sensors (either wearable device or thermal camera) alone. Combining data from both environmental and physiological sensors leads to about 3%–4% higher accuracy than using environmental sensors only. Slight improvement in accuracy from the physiological sensors might not be sufficient to justify the privacy concerns and additional costs of using physiological sensors at a large scale for predicting thermal comfort in environments without radiant heat sources or local comfort devices. Future studies under different environmental conditions with a larger population are needed to better understand the tradeoffs between different sensing methods for predicting thermal comfort at an individual level.
Election Costs: A Study of North Carolina

Scholars, policymakers, and public interest groups interested in elections have much to learn about how much it costs to run elections. In terms of cost, there have been a number of important case studies and research about particular types of election inputs. However, there have been very few large-scale systematic attempts to learn about how much is spent on elections. In this chapter, we discuss the challenges inherent in collecting data concerning costs of election administration as well as efforts that different groups have made to collect these data more widely, and focus in particular on research on the 100 North Carolina counties. We find, for example, the more that is spent (per voter) on North Carolina election director salaries and spent on elections more generally, the higher the turnout. Counties that spend more on elections in North Carolina also have lower levels of residual votes. Despite recent data collection efforts and recent scholarship, it appears that there is still much to learn when it comes to the cost of elections, especially in the United States.
Combined effects of radiation and endostatin gene therapy on leukocyte, erythrocyte, and thrombocyte populations in a lung carcinoma model

3354 The dose of radiation that can be safely administered to cancers residing in sensitive areas such as the lungs is limited by normal tissue tolerance. However, gene therapies have potential to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy, as well as other forms of cancer treatment. We have constructed a unique plasmid, pXLG-mEndo, containing the mouse version of the endostatin gene. Anti-tumor efficacy of pXLG-mEndo in combination with radiation was tested in the syngeneic Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) - C57BL/6 mouse model. In one series of experiments, intratumoral injections of plasmid at 100 micrograms followed by 10 gray (Gy) irradiation 16 hr later were each delivered twice over an 8-day period. As previously reported, pXLG-mEndo significantly enhanced radiation-mediated control of LLC growth; reductions up to 50% in tumor volume were obtained. Here we present results from analyses that were performed on a subset of these animals one day after the last treatment (n = 56 mice). The goals were to assess immunological changes and identify toxicities that may occur due to combination therapy. Highly significant leukocytosis occurred in untreated groups with tumor (P
Emergency Preparedness Aspects of DCR for Civilian Mass Casualty Scenarios

Damage control resuscitation (DCR) and remote damage control resuscitation (RDCR) are key components of effective modern trauma resuscitation. Traumatic Mass Casualty Incidents (T-MCI) create unique operational and clinical challenges for effective implementation of the core tenants of DCR principles. Proper readiness and response requires a whole of community approach to the challenges based on tiered application of the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) guidelines in the prehospital, first receiver facility, and trauma center environments. Mitigation, preparedness, and planning activities are critical to ensuring robust blood product availability, comprehensive patient distribution protocols, and continuity of operations plans.
Cis interactions make immune checkpoint blockade more trans-parent.

PD-L1:CD80 cis-heterodimer formation preferentially blocks CTLA-4 trans-signaling while allowing CD28-mediated effector T cell activation.
When patient-reported experience does not match change in clinical outcomes: A perplexing view from the inside of a diabetes distress intervention.

Abstract Aims To assess between-group differences in participant experiences in a two-arm diabetes distress (DD) reduction RCT and to determine their relationship to clinical outcomes (reductions in DD and HbA1C). Methods For high DD adults with Type 1 diabetes and HbA1c ≥7.5% participating in T1-REDEEM, we evaluated post intervention 5-point ratings of overall program “helpfulness” and program component “helpfulness,” along with open-ended feedback statements using 10 qualitative codes. We compared responses of those in OnTrack, a distressed-focused intervention, with KnowIt, an education/management intervention. Results Those in OnTrack reported significantly higher levels of overall program helpfulness and greater helpfulness of each component of the program, greater group support, far fewer negative experiences, and more active and meaningful group engagement than those who participated in KnowIt. Ratings of helpfulness were unrelated to reductions in DD and HbA1C in both study arms. As previously reported, these findings occurred despite significant reductions in both DD and HbA1C in both arms with no between-group differences. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of addressing the personal experience of diabetes interventions in clinical care as separate, distinct outcomes. Personal experience may not always be related to changes in traditional clinical indicators.
Survey of Humor Research

This chapter contains a brief and rather selective survey of the literature dealing with humor in its various aspects. While a special attention is paid to the available theories of humor, it will soon become obvious to the reader that no prior research is available on the linguistics of humor and no formal theory of humor has ever been proposed. It will become equally clear that, in spite of that, the reviewed literature provides the kind of informal knowledge of, and feel for, humor which is indispensable for the present study. The links between it and the bulk of the book will be apparent in a number of places which are usually marked accordingly.
DEVELOPING AND USING AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR PLANNING THE PRODUCTION OF STRUCTURAL PIECE-PARTS

Abstract : This paper presents an example of how expert systems can be developed and used for planning structural piece-part production. First, expert systems are briefly and generically described. Then the production processes within a shipyard-like structural piece-part production facility are defined within an expert system "shell"; i.e., the "objects", "attributes", and "rules" describing the production process are established and explained. Then various structural piece-parts are described to the system and the system identifies the required production processes for each described part. The inference process underlying the identification of these processes is described for each of these parts. Finally, potential applications of expert systems to other areas of shipbuilding operations are discussed.
Structured Illumination with Optical Phased Arrays (OPAs): First Demonstration of Multi-OPA Imaging

We demonstrate image acquisition and reconstruction using a fringe-projection technique with a non-redundant set of optical phased arrays in the first demonstration of multi-OPA imaging.
Frequency-based Power Efficiency Improvement of CNNs on Heterogeneous IoT Computing Systems

Recent advancements in machine learning domain have enabled the deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to be the key component of various Internet of Things (IoT) applications with promising results. Traditionally, IoT devices are considered to be computationally weak and power constrained. Thus, the deployed CNNs were usually small in order to satisfy the power constraints. However, heterogeneous computing IoT devices have emerged as a promising alternative for efficient CNN inference, since the CNNs can take advantage of the hardware heterogeneity (e.g., embedded GPUs) offering performance benefits with small power overhead. In this work, we target a heterogeneous IoT computing system for power efficient implementation of CNNs. We exploit the available hardware resources and we propose a framework that decides the optimal configuration of the device in terms of the CPU, GPU, and main memory frequency. The proposed framework achieves an average of 33.4% and up to 66.3% performance improvement comparing to the default operation mode of the system, while it reduces the power consumption an average of 42.8% and up to 61.5%.
Active Modulation of Valley Excitons in a Monolayer WSe2 via Chiral Metamaterials

Active modulation of handedness-selective valley dynamics in a monolayer WSe2 is achieved using plasmonic moire chiral metamaterials (MCMs) with strong and dynamically tunable optical chirality.
TRIMming Type I Interferon-Mediated Innate Immune Response in Antiviral and Antitumor Defense

The tripartite motif (TRIM) family comprises at least 80 members in humans, with most having ubiquitin or SUMO E3 ligase activity conferred by their N-terminal RING domain. TRIMs regulate a wide range of processes in ubiquitination- or sumoylation-dependent manners in most cases, and fewer as adaptors. Their roles in the regulation of viral infections, autophagy, cell cycle progression, DNA damage and other stress responses, and carcinogenesis are being increasingly appreciated, and their E3 ligase activities are attractive targets for developing specific immunotherapeutic strategies for immune diseases and cancers. Given their importance in antiviral immune response, viruses have evolved sophisticated immune escape strategies to subvert TRIM-mediated mechanisms. In this review, we focus on their regulation of IFN-I-mediated innate immune response, which plays key roles in antiviral and antitumor defense.
Degradation of AHR by PROTACS : A novel approach for cancer chemoprevention

321 Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) leads to many adverse biological effects including tumor promotion, epithelial hyperplasia, endocrine disruption and immunodeficiency. Emerging evidence also links activation of the AHR to the development of type II diabetes. The AHR is thought to mediate its biological effects via its upregulation of a number of target genes. Agonists of the AHR includes dioxin (2, 3, 7, 8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) and polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons found in cigarette smoke and other air pollutants. Our hypothesis is that blocking the actions of the AHR via appropriate AHR antagonists is a valid approach to be used for treatment of a number of human disease states. In the current project we have focused on the development of an AHR antagonist using the PROTACS (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeric moleculeS) approach. PROTACS is a novel approach of tagging small recognition sequences of a specific E3 ubiquitin ligase complex on to a known ligand for the receptor of interest (AHR) for targeting its degradation via the 26S proteosomal pathway. PROTACS contain a ligand for the AHR, a recognition sequence for the pVHL E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and a linker moiety. The initial, parent compound that serves as the AHR ligand in these studies is apigenin. Here, we demonstrate the design, efficacy and specificity of apigenin bound PROTAC molecules. The design of the apigenin-Protacs was initiated by synthesizing apigenin derivatives that retained binding to the AHR and antagonistic activity. The Apigenin-PROTACS proved to be capable of degrading the AHR in both HepG2 (human hepatoma) and NHK (Primary human keratinocytes) cells in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. These initial experiments demonstrate that the PROTAC approach can be effective in inhibiting the actions of the AHR blocking AHR-mediated effects.
Correlation between the Management of Necessary Learning Skills in the 21st Century and the Learning Skills of the Secondary School Students in Thailand

The study of Correlation between the Management of Necessary Learning Skills in the 21st Century and the Learning Skills of the Secondary School Students in Thailand, has the purpose of studying the management of necessary learning skills in the 21st century of the secondary schools. To study the levels of learning skills of the secondary school students in the 21st century and to study the correlation between the levels of managing the necessary learning skills in the 21st century and the levels of learning skills of the Thailand’s secondary school students in the 21st century. The sample group consisted of 384 secondary school students in Bangkok and the vicinity. Tools used are questionnaires, statistic is by mean, pearson’s simple correlation moment. From the study it is found that overall, the level of managing the necessary learning skills in the 21st century of the secondary schools, is at the moderate level. In each category with a good level of learning skills, is the development of skills in 1) Reading, 2) Writing, 3) Collaboration, Teamwork, and Leadership. The supports system of learning is 1) Standard system of learning 2) Measuring and assessing system 3) Curriculum and instruction methodology The level of learning in the 21st century of the secondary school students, overall, is at a moderate level. In each category, the level of learning by integration of knowledge for the 21st century which is the basic of living, is at a good level. The level of the correlation between the management of the necessary learning skills in the 21st century and the learning in the 21st century of the secondary school students, overall, is at a high correlation level, with significant statistic at .01, correlation coefficient .747.
Intermarriage, Selection and the Economic Assimilation of Native Americans: Evidence from Historical Panel Data

While intermarriage with non-indigenous people has been identified as a significant predictor of the economic assimilation of Native people, the explanation for this effect is less understood. In this paper, I examine whether the economic assimilation from marrying a Native person with white ancestry is driven by productivity advantages or by selection into intermarriage. The data come from panel data on farm households on the Eastern Cherokee Reservation from 1894 to 1906 linked to information on the racial ancestry of each household head contained in the Eastern Cherokee applications to the U.S. Court of Claims. I estimate an endogenous switching model and find evidence of positive selection into marriages with males with white ancestry. After accounting for selection, I find no evidence of an intermarriage premium. These findings are additionally supported by the results from sibling-fixed effects models.
A Positivist, Baseball-Centric Critique of Originalism

Some scholars have argued that respect for the Constitution compels judges to adopt originalism. This paper evaluates the claim of “compelled originalism” by comparing the language of the baseball rulebook to that of the U.S. and other constitutions. First, I describe how different rules of our national pastime align with originalism, while others invite umpires to use a living Constitution approach. I then leverage H.LA. Hart’s philosophy of legal positivism to evaluate baseball and constitutional rules. Hart claims public officials must accept the most fundamental rules of their legal system, which would include any guidance about how to interpret the Constitution. Because compelled originalism is rooted in respect for the Constitution’s legitimacy and supremacy, one would assume the text would instruct judges to be originalists. Of course, the Constitution says no such thing. By contrast, the baseball rulebook sometimes provides specific instructions to umpires about how to adjudicate certain rule violations. I conclude by demonstrating how originalists have managed to turn the debate over constitutional legitimacy on its head. If the goal of originalism is to prevent judges from reading provisions into the Constitution, originalists must take seriously that no requirement to use original public meaning exists in the constitutional text.
Evaluating Metabolic Pathways and Biofilm Formation in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has recently arisen as a prominent nosocomial pathogen because of its high antimicrobial resistance and ability to cause chronic respiratory infections. Often the infections are worsened by biofilm formation which enhances antibiotic tolerance. We have previously found that mutation of the gpmA gene, encoding the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase, impacts the formation of this biofilm on biotic and abiotic surfaces at early timepoints. This finding, indicating an association between carbon source and biofilm formation, led us to hypothesize that metabolism would influence S. maltophilia biofilm formation and planktonic growth. In the present study, we tested the impact of various growth substrates on biofilm levels and growth kinetics to determine metabolic requirements for these processes. We found that S. maltophilia wildtype preferred amino acids versus glucose for planktonic and biofilm growth and that gpmA deletion inhibited growth in amino acids. Furthermore, supplementation of the ΔgpmA strain by glucose or ribose phenotypically complemented growth defects. These results suggest that S. maltophilia shuttles amino acid carbon through gluconeogenesis to an undefined metabolic pathway supporting planktonic and biofilm growth. Further evaluation of these metabolic pathways might reveal novel metabolic activities of this pathogen. ImportanceStenotrophomonas maltophilia is a prominent opportunistic pathogen that often forms biofilms during infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of virulence and biofilm formation are poorly understood. The glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase appears to play a role in biofilm formation, and we used a mutant in its gene (gpmA) to probe the metabolic circuitry potentially involved in biofilm development. The results of our study indicate that S. maltophilia displays unique metabolic activities, which could be exploited for inhibiting growth and biofilm formation of this pathogen.
Comparative study on pressure swing adsorption system for industrial hydrogen and fuel cell hydrogen

Abstract In order to improve the design of PSA system for fuel cell hydrogen production, a non-isothermal model of eight-bed PSA hydrogen process with five-component (H2/N2/CH4/CO/CO2=74.59/0.01/4.2/2.5/18.7 % (vol)) four-stage pressure equalization was developed in this article. The model adopts a composite adsorption bed of activated carbon and zeolite 5A. In this article, pressure variation, temperature field and separation performance are stimulated, and also effect of providing purge (PP) differential pressure and the ratio of activated carbon to zeolite 5A on separation performance in the process of producing industrial hydrogen (CO content in hydrogen is 10 µml·ml-1) and fuel cell hydrogen (CO content is 0.2 µml·ml-1) are compared. The results show that Run 3, when the CO content in hydrogen is 10 µml·ml-1, the hydrogen recovery is 89.8%, and the average flow rate of feed gas is 0.529 mol·s-1; When the CO content in hydrogen is 0.2 µml·ml-1, the hydrogen recovery is 85.2%, and the average flow rate of feed gas is 0.43 mol·s-1. With the increase of PP differential pressure, hydrogen recovery first increases and then decreases, reaching the maximum when PP differential pressure is 0.263 MPa; With the decrease of the ratio of activated carbon to zeolite 5A, the hydrogen recovery increases gradually. When the CO content in hydrogen is 0.2 µml·ml-1 the hydrogen recovery increases more obviously, from 83.96% to 86.37%, until the ratio of activated carbon to zeolite 5A decreases to 1. At the end of PP step, no large amount of CO2 in gas or solid phase enters the zeolite 5A adsorption bed, while when the CO content in hydrogen is 10 µml·ml-1, and the ratio of carbon to zeolite 5A is less than 1.4, more CO2 will enter the zeolite 5A bed.
Analysis of vertical rolling using double parabolic model and stream function velocity field

Vertical rolling has been widely used in the roughing stand of hot strip rolling to improve the precision of slab width which influences the finished product quality significantly in actual production. Double parabolic dog-bone function model and corresponding velocity and strain rate fields are firstly proposed based on the incompressibility condition and stream function. They are successfully applied to three-dimensional vertical rolling. Using the first variation principle of rigid-plastic material, an analytical solution of slab total power functional in vertical rolling is obtained. Then, the shape parameters and the rolling force are received by minimizing the power functional. The error of shape and power parameters is within 4 % compared with finite element method (FEM) simulation’s result and less than 9.5 % compared with other models’ result.