cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amino acid ester prodrugs of acyclovir

Summary Eighteen amino acid esters of the antiherpetic drug, acyclovir, were synthesized as potential prodrugs for oral administration. The esters were examined for in vitro antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1). They were found to have less potency than the parent compound. Their efficiencies as pro­ drugs were evaluated in rats by measuring the urinary recovery of acyclovir. Ten prodrugs produced greater amounts of the parent drug in the urine. The L-amino acid esters were better prodrugsthan the correspond­ ing D- or D,L-isomers, suggesting the involvement of a stereoselectivetransporter. The L-valyl ester, 256U87, was the best prodrug. Sixty three per cent of its administered dose was excreted as acyclovir in the urine, a considerable improvement over acyclovir itself, for which this value was 19%. Since 256U87 was stable in aqueoussolutions, its conversion to acyclovir in vivo was probably enzyme catalyzed. This L-valyl ester prodrug of acyclovir is now undergoing clinical evaluation.
Study of the electronic structure of molecules. X

All electrons SCF-LCAO-MO computations for adenine, cytosine, guanine and thyamine are reported. In addition, to compute the total energies and wave functions we have computed the relative gross charges and the dipole moment. Analysis of the orbital energy for the inner shell indicates that there are three effects which govern the orbital energies splitting for inner shell a) the gross charge, or ionicity degree, of the atom in consideration, b) its valency state, c) the neighbor atoms ionicities. The first two effects are sufficient for determining the relative location of the inner shell as well as for estimating the extrema of the splitting of the inner shell electrons of a given type of atoms.
A Survey of Beet Leafhopper Egg Parasites in the Imperial Valley, California

Egg parasites of the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Baker), were found to be present in large numbers in the Imperial Valley, suggesting that they could be an important factor in reducing the beet leafhopper population. Eight species of parasites were found. Anagrus giraulti (Crawford) was the commonest species on sugar beets. Egg parasites were found throughout the year on the principal beet leafhopper host plants and also on host plants of other leafhoppers.
Photoenhancement of Gas-Solid Reactions by Surface Excitation

Ultraviolet irradiation of the surface of graphite leads to the enhancement of the reaction of graphite with hydrogen to form methane under conditions where photo-induced thermal effects are negligible. Wavelength dependence of the photoenhancement correlates with excitation of the π-valence to ∼-conduction transition of graphite centered at 260 nm. Subsequent formation of some reactive excited state species leads to enhanced reaction rates. Likely candidates for such reactive species have been identified by comparative kinetic studies of the thermal and the photoenhanced reactions. For example, at low temperatures (< 500 K), the rate-limiting step of the thermal reaction is addition of H to surface CH3 groups, and the observed photoenhancement can be explained by activation of these CH3 groups.
Educating for Ecological Literacy

Abstract Based on the life experiences of six prominent environmental voices — Fritjof Capra, David Quammen, Brian McLaren, Douglas Wood, Sylvia Earle, and Louise Chawla — I recommend changes in curriculum content for general science courses, specifically biology courses, to increase the ecological identity of our next generation. Experiences that allowed these individuals to develop an emotional connection to the natural world were an important component of their ecological identity. Coupling outdoor experiences with the development of systemic and ecological thinking skills was also crucial. Changing the science curriculum to reflect more holistic and systemic thinking by integrating with humanities and reflective practices is a necessary step to create a population with a highly developed ecological identity.
Correlation of acute tubular injury in reperfusion biopsy with renal transplant outcomes.

Acute tubular injury (ATI) is common at reperfusion, but its relationship to graft outcomes is unclear. Prior studies lack standardization of morphological assessments and included elements of acute and chronic tubular injury. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ATI on graft outcomes. Reperfusion biopsies from 2004 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. ATI was assessed by a new standardized scoring system. We also assessed chronic injury (CI) by the Banff criteria. Outcomes evaluated included glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at 1 and 5 years and delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection (AR), graft and patient survival. ATI did not correlate with DGF, AR, graft or overall survival. Mild-moderate ATI was not predictive of GFR post-transplant. Moderate-severe CI was associated with lower GFR at 5 years with a mean difference of -7.14 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P=.04) and overall survival (HR 2.44, P=.01). Other predictors of graft function included donor age, DGF, and AR. Histologic criteria of ATI at implantation in the absence of donor demographics or clinical information do not provide sufficient predictability in outcomes after transplantation. On the other hand, histologic assessment of CI correlates with GFR and overall survival.
Assessing the Effects of Local Crime Hotspots on Parole Recidivism

This study tests hypotheses based on crime pattern theory: (a) There are associations between parolee recidivism and property, drug, and violent crime hotspots within 1,200 feet of their residences; (b) these effects are uneven, with smaller associations found closer to the parolee residence. Survival analysis was conducted on arrests for 1,632 parolees released from New Jersey prisons, between July 2007 and June 2009, and who spent time in Newark. The research provides some qualified support for an association between local crime hotspots and parolee recidivism, though significant associations were sparse. Associations close to home were entirely absent.
Relationship between gene mutations and clinical presentations in neonatal G-6-PD deficency

Objective To explore the relationship of gene mutations and clinical manifestations through 36 cases of G 6 PD deficiency in neonates. Methods Three gene mutations (G1388A,G1376T,A95G) were analyzed in thirty six G 6 PD deficient neonates with specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Results Of the thirty six cases with G 6 PD deficiency, 23(64%) with G1388A, 13(36%) with G1376T were found and no A95G were discovered. There were no significant differences between the clinical manifestations caused by the former two gene mutations, which both caused acute hemolytic anemia and jaundice. Conclusions The most common gene mutations of G 6 PD deficiency in neonates are G1388A(64%) and G1376T mutations. It is suggested that G6PD deficiency screening should be taken in high risk neonates with jaundice in qualified hospital as soon as possible.
Training in subspecialty internal medicine. On the chessboard of health care reform

Many reform-minded observers of the U.S. health care system have asked recently whether we are training too many subspecialists in internal medicine. Of course, the answer to this question may not be the same for all subspecialties or all manners of professional career, but any proposed answer has extended consequences for the entire health care system and the patients it serves. Some have even begun to advocate a firm ceiling on the numbers of subspecialty training positions in the future. Who, in fact, should be deciding such matters? These decisions are complex and not easily made by government, consumers, or insurance companies on their own, nor should they. These decisions are best made by a profession willing to examine and regulate itself where necessary
Thrombin-Releasable Protein Z-Dependent Protease Inhibitor Identified in Platelets and Is Likely Due to Uptake from Plasma.

Abstract Protein Z (PZ) is a vitamin K-dependent protein, whereas PZ-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) is a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily. ZPI rapidly inhibits factor Xa in the presence of PZ, calcium, and phospholipids and inhibits factor XIa in a PZ-independent fashion (Blood 2000; 96:3049–3055). PZ circulates as a complex with ZPI in plasma and deletion of either the PZ or the ZPI gene is associated with the prothrombotic phenotype in mice. In addition, W303X or R67X nonsense mutations in the ZPI gene are reportedly associated with deep venous thrombosis in certain human populations. Western blot analysis of platelets stimulated with thrombin (0–200 mU/mL) showed they contained and released ZPI (approximately 200 ng/109 platelets) with the same molecular weight as plasma ZPI (72 kDa). The majority of the ZPI was released within 1 min. by 25 mU/mL thrombin. PZ was not detected in platelets by western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal anti-ZPI antibody demonstrated a cytoplasmic fine granular staining pattern in maturing megakaryocytes in bone marrow aspirates and in circulating platelets, suggesting that ZPI may be stored in alpha granules. ZPI mRNA, however, was not detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in platelets or bone marrow aspirates, but was detected in human liver cDNA. RT-PCR for platelet factor 4 and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA showed amplified products with expected sizes. In conclusion, thrombin-releasable ZPI, but not PZ, is present in platelets and is most likely derived from the uptake of ZPI from plasma. ZPI released from activated platelets may play a role in the regulation of local coagulation at a site of injury.
A Kinetic Analysis of the Trot in Cats

The biomechanics of locomotion in cats was investigated in 1938 by Manter. The present study was designed to supplement Manter’s results, thereby obtaining further kinetic information useful in the construction of models of locomotion.
Macrophages from disease resistant B2 haplotype chickens activate T lymphocytes more effectively than macrophages from disease susceptible B19 birds.

Resistance to respiratory pathogens, including coronavirus-induced infection and clinical illness in chickens has been correlated with the B (MHC) complex and differential ex vivo macrophage responses. In the current study, in vitro T lymphocyte activation measured by IFNγ release was significantly higher in B2 versus B19 haplotypes. AIV infection of macrophages was required to activate T lymphocytes and prior in vivo exposure of chickens to NP AIV plasmid enhanced responses to infected macrophages. This study suggests that the demonstrated T lymphocyte activation is in part due to antigen presentation by the macrophages as well as cytokine release by the infected macrophages, with B2 haplotypes showing stronger activation. These responses were present both in CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. In contrast, T lymphocytes stimulated by ConA showed greater IFNγ release of B19 haplotype cells, further indicating the greater responses in B2 haplotypes to infection is due to macrophages, but not T cells. In summary, resistance of B2 haplotype chickens appears to be directly linked to a more vigorous innate immune response and the role macrophages play in activating adaptive immunity.
Mobile Neutron Radiography System for Aircraft Inspection

A Mobile Neutron Radiography System (MNRS) has been designed and fabricated for the inspection of naval aircraft for hidden corrosion in aluminum structures. The MNRS is comprised of an accelerator-based thermal neutron source, near real-time neutron imaging system, robotic positioner and manipulator for the source/imager, control trailer housing system control electronics and digital image processing system, mobile dark room for film processing, a self contained electrical power source and a radiation safety system. For insitu aircraft inspection, the Robotic Scanner is programmed (in a teach-learn mode) to scan a region of the components, using a control pendant.
Proactive modeling of water quality impacts of extreme precipitation events in a drinking water reservoir

Extreme precipitation events are of concern to managers of drinking water sources because these occurrences can affect both water supply quantity and quality. However, little is known about how these low probability events impact organic matter and nutrient loads to surface water sources and how these loads may impact raw water quality. This study describes a method for evaluating the sensitivity of a water body of interest from watershed input simulations under extreme precipitation events. An example application of the method is illustrated using the Wachusett Reservoir, an oligo-mesotrophic surface water reservoir in central Massachusetts and a major drinking water supply to metropolitan Boston. Extreme precipitation event simulations during the spring and summer resulted in total organic carbon, UV-254 (a surrogate measurement for reactive organic matter), and total algae concentrations at the drinking water intake that exceeded recorded maximums. Nutrient concentrations after storm events were less likely to exceed recorded historical maximums. For this particular reservoir, increasing inter-reservoir transfers of water with lower organic matter content after a large precipitation event has been shown in practice and in model simulations to decrease organic matter levels at the drinking water intake, therefore decreasing treatment associated oxidant demand, energy for UV disinfection, and the potential for formation of disinfection byproducts.
Nutrition Interventions in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST)

The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) was initially developed in 2003 to estimate the impact of increasing coverage of efficacious interventions on under-5 mortality. Over time, the model has been expanded to include more outcomes (neonatal mortality, maternal mortality, stillbirths) and interventions. The model has also added risk factors, such as stunting and wasting, and over time has attempted to capture a full range of nutrition and nutrition-related interventions (e.g., antenatal supplementation, breastfeeding promotion, child supplemental feeding, acute malnutrition treatment), practices (e.g., age-appropriate breastfeeding), and outcomes (e.g., stunting, wasting, birth outcomes, maternal anemia). This article reviews the overall nutrition-related structure, assumptions, and outputs that are currently available in LiST. This review focuses on the new assumptions and structure that have been added to the model as part of the current effort to expand and improve the nutrition modeling capability of LiST. It presents the full set of linkages in the model that relate to nutrition outcomes, as well as the research literature used to support those linkages.
Traditional Internalism and Foundational Justification

Several arguments attempt to show that if traditional, acquaintance-based epistemic internalism is true, we cannot have foundational justification for believing falsehoods. I examine some of those arguments and find them wanting. Nevertheless, an infallibilist position about foundational justification is highly plausible: prima facie, much more plausible than moderate foundationalism. I conclude with some remarks about the dialectical position we infallibilists find ourselves in with respect to arguing for our preferred view and some considerations regarding how infallibilists should develop their account of infallible foundational justification. In particular, I provide an account of how propositions that moderate foundationalists claim are foundationally justified derive their epistemic support from infallibly known propositions. This is possible when a foundational proposition is coarsely-grained enough to correspond to determinable properties exemplified in experience or determinate properties that a subject insufficiently attends to; one may have inferential justification derived from such a basis when a more finely-grained proposition includes in its content one of the ways that the foundational proposition could be true.
Ethics and the role of the medical librarian: health care information and the new consumer.

Abstract Because medical libraries increasingly serve nonprofessionals, medical librarians may need to reconsider their role. In addition, as clients alter their expectations about librarians and begin to think of them as participants in health care delivery, librarians face new ethical challenges. This paper compares the values and goals of the library and medical professions in the provision of health care information. In examining the factors that health care professionals consider when deciding what information to share with patients, the author challenges medical librarians to reconsider their duties toward their nonprofessional clients, whether patients, patients' families, or other laypersons, and to clarify the goals of the health science library profession regarding the provision of information.
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition negatively affects muscle stem cell behavior

Skeletal muscle is a large and complex system that is crucial for structural support, movement and function. When injured, the repair of skeletal muscle undergoes three phases: inflammation and degeneration, regeneration and fibrosis formation in severe injuries. During fibrosis formation, muscle healing is impaired because of the accumulation of excess collagen. A group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that have been found to aid in the repair of skeletal muscle are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are able to assist in tissue remodeling through the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, as well as contributing to cell migration, proliferation, differentiation and angiogenesis. In the present study, the effect of GM6001, a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, on muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) is investigated. We find that MMP inhibition negatively impacts skeletal muscle healing by impairing MDSCs in migratory and multiple differentiation abilities. These results indicate that MMP signaling plays an essential role in the wound healing of muscle tissue because their inhibition is detrimental to stem cells residing in skeletal muscle.
Fundamental study of the ultrasonic induced degradation of the popular antihistamine, diphenhydramine (DPH).

Abstract Diphenhydramine (DPH) the active ingredient in Benadryl, has been detected in streams, rivers and other surface water sources. As a bioactive compound, DPH impacts human health even at low concentrations. Ultrasonic irradiation at 640 kHz leads to the rapid degradation of DPH in aqueous solution. Radical scavenging experiments and detailed product studies indicate the DPH degradation involves direct pyrolysis and degradation reactions mediated by the hydroxyl radicals produced during cavitation. The degradation can be modeled by pseudo-first order kinetics yielding rate constants k of 0.210, 0.130, 0.082, 0.050, 0.035, 0.023 min−1 at the initial concentrations of 2.8, 5.2, 13.9, 27.0, 61.0, 160.0 μmol L−1, respectively. The degradation process follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (heterogeneous) model with a partition coefficient, KL-H = 0.06 μmol·L−1and reactivity constant kr = 1.96 μmol min−1·L−1. A competition kinetic study conducted employing the hydroxyl radical trap, coumarin, illustrates that DPH was degraded primarily by hydroxyl radical mediated processes. Computational studies employing Gaussian 09 basis set provide fundamental insight into the partitioning of the reaction pathways and the degradation mechanisms. The study demonstrates the ultrasonic degradation of DPH is rapid, follows simple kinetic expressions and is accurately modeled using computational methods.
Process Mining Algorithms for Clinical Workflow Analysis

Process Mining focuses on the extraction of knowledge from data generated and stored by information systems. Log level data contains the signatures of executed processes. Many case studies have used process mining to discover the processes for compliance or identifying anomalies in business workflow. In this paper, we apply workflow analysis for a possible clinical setting by leveraging an open source data mining tool named ProM. We apply four available mining algorithms (Alpha, Heuristic, Inductive and Fuzzy miners) and evaluate the outputs that describe a workflow. The work provides a genesis for clinical practitioners on the advantages and disadvantages of applying various algorithms towards a dataset based on event logs.
Credit Markets Around the World, 1910-2014

How have credit markets evolved in the long-run around the world? I present evidence based on a novel sectorally disaggregated dataset on credit to the private sector for 120 countries for 1940-2014, as well as new series on total credit going back to 1910. Over the last 50 years, household credit has risen dramatically not only in advanced but also emerging economies. Mortgage lending only accounts for part of the story: particularly in developing countries, consumer credit accounts for much of this growth. I show that corporate lending has essentially stalled relative to GDP since around 1980, which is not explained by the development of global bond markets, cross-border lending, or trade credit. While the main drivers are country-specific, the rise of household credit correlates with financial deregulation, information sharing institutions, demographic shifts, inequality, and legal frameworks.
On the spatial variation of the microstructure and microhardness properties of nickel-based superalloy René 142 fabricated via scanning laser epitaxy (SLE)

This article seeks to investigate and characterize the spatial variation of the microstructure and microhardness properties of Rene 142, a high-γ′ nickel-based superalloy, fabricated through single-pass depositions using scanning laser epitaxy (SLE), a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)–based additive manufacturing (AM) process. Various advanced material characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Vickers microhardness measurements are employed to thoroughly characterize the SLE-fabricated Rene 142 specimens. Whereas optical microscopy analyses reveal that the primary dendritic arm spacing (PDAS) remains relatively constant, scanning electron microscopy investigations demonstrate that the size of the γ′ precipitates increase as the scan progresses. Microhardness measurements indicate that the hardness values remain unaffected along the scan direction. Through this study, it is demonstrated that the microstructure and the microhardness properties of the AM-fabricated Rene 142 deposits are strong functions of the spatial location.
Comparison of risk-reducing surgery in women with BRCA and non-BRCA ovarian cancer susceptibility genes.

1547Background: Risk reducing gynecologic surgery (RRSO) is standard of care for women with BRCA mutations. The optimal management for women with non-BRCA ovarian cancer susceptibility mutations re...
V-ONSET (Vertical Octagonal Noncorrosive Stirred Energetic Turbulence): A vertical water tunnel with a large energy dissipation rate to study bubble/droplet deformation and breakup in strong turbulence

A vertical water tunnel facility has been constructed to study the dynamics of turbulent multiphase flow. The new system features several unique designs that allow us to study bubble deformation and breakup in strong turbulence: (i) The mean flow can be adjusted to balance the rising velocity of buoyant bubbles/droplets so that they can stay in the view area for an extended period of time. (ii) Turbulence is generated and controlled using a 3D-printed jet array that can fire 88 random high-speed momentum jets with the individual jet velocity of up to 12 m/s. This component allows us to attain turbulence with a high energy dissipation rate (≥0.1 m2/s3), which is orders-of-magnitude higher than most of the existing turbulent multiphase flow facilities. (iii) Turbulence generated in the test section is nearly homogeneous and isotropic, and the turbulent fluctuations are also decoupled from the mean flow. The resulting turbulence intensity can be varied between 20% and 80% with the speed of the mean flow at around 0.2 m/s. (iv) This system has an octagonal test section that allows six cameras to image and reconstruct the 3D shape of deforming bubbles/droplets in turbulence. The same set of cameras was also used for tracking tracers in the surrounding turbulent flow. Both the reconstruction and particle tracking were completed using our in-house codes that were parallelized to run on high-performance computing clusters efficiently.
Beyond the effectiveness factor: Multi-step reactions with intraparticle diffusion limitations

Abstract Though common in many industrial chemical processes, multi-step reactions occurring within porous catalyst particles provide significant challenges to previously established modeling frameworks. In this work, a system of reaction-diffusion equations is solved analytically via eigenanalysis. The intraparticle concentration profiles are integrated over the particle volume to obtain effectiveness factors for each reacting species, referred to herein as a multi-step effectiveness vector (MEV). The MEV solution is tested for the case of uniform flow past a stationary catalyst particle with a state-of-the-art, multi-step reaction scheme for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). Outputs from particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (DNS) are compared to outputs from ordinary differentials with effective reaction closures coming from the MEV solution, the classic single-step effectiveness factor (SEF) (R. Aris, “The mathematical theory of diffusion and reaction in permeable catalysts: The theory of the steady state,” Oxford University Press, 1975), and utilizing the intrinsic rates as-is. When compared to DNS, the MEV solution shows excellent agreement for the formation of all species and quantitatively captures the intraparticle concentration profiles. By contrast, the intrinsic treatment shows an over-prediction for product formation and the SEF treatment shows mixed levels of accuracy that depend upon the reaction coupling. Specifically, the SEF treatment accurately characterizes product formation if the kinetic scheme is weakly coupled but shows significant departure if stronger coupling is present. The computational cost associated with the MEV solution is associated with eigendecomposition of the Thiele matrix, an N × N matrix where N is the number of reacting components. Overall, the method is shown to be relatively easy to implement and may significantly enhance the fidelity of chemical reactor simulations that employ multi-step reaction schemes.
How is balance during quiet stance affected by PD

Abstract Flexed postural alignment in people with Parkinson disease (PD), such as stooped posture, camptocormia, and Pisa syndrome, impairs balance. Limits of stability are reduced in PD, especially in the forward direction. Axial tone is higher than normal in PD, and excessive neck tone is related to reduced functional mobility. Postural sway is impaired, even in untreated PD. People with PD may have difficulty quickly integrating proprioception for standing balance. Although levodopa improves limits of stability, it does not improve flexed alignment or axial tone, and worsens postural sway later in the disease. DBS in GPi, but not STN, seems to improve postural sway. Rehabilitation has been found beneficial for postural alignment, limits of stability, axial tone, and postural sway, although the best type of rehabilitation is not clear.
The Business Case for Evidence-Based Design in Radiology Departments

Large sums of money are being spent on new construction and remodeling of radiology workspaces, with often disappointing results. Poorly designed radiology environments can contribute to medical error, safety risks to patients and staff, costly inefficiency, and avoidable stress to families and health care workers. Evidence-based design seeks to apply hypothesis-driven, literature-based methodology to the process of creating medical environments that make it easier, not harder, to provide safe and high-quality care to patients. Radiology environments are particularly challenging because of the intimidating size of imaging equipment, the complexity of imaging procedures, and the multiple medical disciplines that often need to work together in shared spaces to provide that care. Evidence-based design projects are currently relatively sparse in the literature. This article provides radiologists and radiology administrators with an introduction to the principles and practice of evidence-based design and a review of the evidence-based design literature specific to radiology workspaces and practice.
Transcervical Thymectomy is the Most Cost-Effective Surgical Approach in Myasthenia Gravis

Background Extended thymectomy has been proven to improve the course of myasthenia gravis. Retrospective studies demonstrate that several techniques for thymectomy achieve overlapping remission rates. We therefore compared perioperative outcomes and costs among 3 approaches to thymectomy: sternotomy, video and/or robot assisted, and transcervical. Methods To ensure similar study groups, we excluded patients with >4 cm or invasive tumors and those who underwent less than an extended thymectomy or concurrent procedures. Hospital costs were collected and analyzed by blinded finance personnel. Results The final study group consisted of 25 transcervical, 23 video/robot-assisted, and 14 sternotomy subjects. There was a higher incidence of myasthenia gravis in the transcervical and sternotomy groups (P Conclusions Transcervical thymectomy, which provides overlapping myasthenia gravis remission rates versus more invasive approaches, is equally safe and far less costly than sternotomy and video/robot-assisted approaches.
Floquet engineering of interlayer couplings: Tuning the magic angle of twisted bilayer graphene at the exit of a waveguide

We introduce an approach that allows one complete control over the modulation of the effective twist angle change in few-layer van der Waals heterostructures by irradiating them with longitudinal waves of light at the end of a waveguide. As a specific application, we consider twisted bilayer graphene and show that one can tune the magic angles to be either larger or smaller, allowing in situ experimental control of the phase diagram of this and other related materials. A waveguide allows one to circumvent the free-space constraints on the absence of longitudinal electric field components of light. We propose to place twisted bilayer graphene at a specific location at the exit of a waveguide, such that it is subjected to purely longitudinal components of a transverse magnetic mode wave.
Modernidad y literatura fantástica: José Félix Fuenmayor y Una triste aventura de 14 sabios

Este ensayo examina los origenes de la narrativa fantastica colombiana, a partir de una relectura de la novela Una triste aventura de 14 sabios, del escritor Jose Felix Fuenmayor. Aqui expongo como la emergencia y consolidacion de lo fantastico responde a una experiencia paradojica con la modernidad. De esta forma, muestro como el trabajo literario fantastico de Fuenmayor fue impactado no solo por una condicion historica conflictiva, sino tambien por la incorporacion de diversos artefactos culturales a su estetica literaria.
Solar drying simulation of different products: Lebanese case

Abstract The world is acting towards the reduction of use of fossil fuels. Therefore, a big number of innovations are utilized that adopt sources of renewable energy such as wind, solar, tidal etc. Solar radiation is used for different applications, one of them is drying different products from thousands of years. Thus, solar energy was the only used energy until the discovery of fossil fuel sources, especially utilized for solar dryers. These dryers are not very commercialized, and their designs are based on empirical and semi-empirical systems. Therefore, theoretical studies will be of high importance in this field. The majority designs of solar dryer available in the market, are used mainly for drying of various crops either for family use or for small-scale industrial production. In this article a simulation of the Lebanese ambient temperature and the relative humidity will be conducted then compared to the meteorological experimental data. After that, a modeling of a direct solar dryer system is developed based on the heat transfers phenomena inside and outside the dryer. This model is simulated using five different products that helps us to determine the instant temperatures of the product, of the internal air of the dryer and of its cover, in addition to the instant water content of the product dried. Finally, a linear relation between the thermal capacity of the product dried with a range going from 1100 to 2300 J/kg.K and a defined drying characteristic time will be concluded from this work.
Preservice teacher professional commitment: A conceptual model and literature review

Abstract Prior research on preservice teacher commitment focuses on the relation between commitment and various relevant factors. Its nature and how it originates, develops, and impacts preservice teachers' learning to teach and career choice have yet to be described clearly. Using Locke's Model of Work Motivation, this paper presents a conceptual model to explain the nature of preservice teacher commitment, illustrates its genesis and development, and analyzes how commitment impacts preservice teachers' learning to teach and career choice. Further, we conduct a literature review of empirical research on preservice teacher commitment to explicate the constructs and relationships embedded in the conceptual model and corroborate its viability. Finally, we discuss the implications of our new model from multiple perspectives.
Unsupervised Phenotype-Based Clustering of Clinicopathologic Features in Cutaneous Melanoma

Pathogenic phenotypes in cutaneous melanoma have been vastly cataloged, although these classifications lack concordance and are confined to either morphological or molecular contexts. In this study, we perform unsupervised k-medoids clustering as a machine learning technique of 2,978 primary cutaneous melanomas at Mass General Brigham and apply this information to elucidate computer-defined subsets within the clinicopathologic domain. We identified five optimally separated clusters of melanoma that occupied two distinct clinicopathologic subspaces: a lower-grade partition associated with common or dysplastic nevi (i.e., nevus-associated melanomas) and a higher-grade partition lacking precursor lesions (i.e., de novo melanomas). Our model found de novo melanomas to be more mitogenic, more ulcerative, and thicker than nevus-associated melanomas, in addition to harboring previously unreported differences in radial and vertical growth phase status. The utilization of mixed clinicopathologic variables, reflective of actual clinical data contained in surgical pathology reports, has the potential to increase the biological relevance of existing melanoma classification schemes and facilitate the discovery of new genomic subtypes.
Reforesting the earth

Background issues concerning reforestation worldwide include recent trends in tree cover fuelwood and industrial wood supplies role of trees in stabilizing soil and water the significance of forests in global warming and of the warming on forests and how organizations are mobilizing for reforestation. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 11.3 million hectares of tropical forest were cleared annually in the early 1980s yet satellite data suggest clearing in Brazil and India is even greater. European and North American forests have already been cleared to the point where reforestation has resumed in Europe and management of industrial forests is viable financially in America. Fuelwood supplies are not yet seen as limited in many areas since women gather the cooking fuel. Agroforestry management of forests and better design of cookstoves are some ways of improving fuel supplies. Industrial wood production and processing has not yet taken hold in most developing countries but will be a viable market eventually. Now mature hardwoods are "mined" as though they were an unrenewable resource. Agroforestry methods have achieved notable success in wind-degraded deforested areas of Nepal and Niger. Some estimates are available on the tonnage of CO2 released by deforestation but it is unknown what effect global warming will have on remaining forests. Possibly higher temperatures will increase respiration and kill off remaining vegetation or possibly higher CO2 levels will encourage photosynthesis and carbon fixation. The best successes in reforestation have been those of nongovernmental organizations such as CARE Oxfam USAID the Greenbelt Movement of the National Council of Women of Kenya. Some government initiatives such as tree ownership in India and China are effective. Reforestation of 130 million hectares by 2000 with 18.4 billion trees will only require each person in the tropics to plant and care for 5 seedlings a year.
Structure and Mechanism of Action of the Cytotoxic Ribonuclease α-Sarcin

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on structure and mechanism of action of the cytotoxic ribonuclease α-sarcin. When ribosomes are the substrate, the cleavage of RNA by α-sarcin is remarkably specific. Not only are 5S, 5.8S, and 18S rRNAs spared, but only one phosphodiester bond in 28S rRNA is hydrolyzed. The specificity cannot be attributed to the unavailability of other phosphodiester bonds because, if ribosomes are treated with other ribonucleases, all species of rRNA are progressively digested and no specific oligoribonucleotides are formed. The α fragment can be generated from 60S ribosomal subunits as well as from 80S ribosomes but not from 40S particles. Ribosomes are extremely sensitive to the toxin. This chapter discusses about discovery of α-sarcin and determination of the basis of its cytotoxicity. It explains concepts related to substrate specificity of α-sarcin. It also describes effect of mutations of the analog of G4319 in 28S rRNA on recognition of oligoribonucleotides by α-sarcin. An overview of structure of α-sarcin and of related Aspergillus toxins is presented in the chapter. The chapter concludes with a discussion on three-dimensional structure of restrictocin, a homolog of α-sarcin.
Post-Buckling Analysis of Guyed Towers

The post-buckling behavior of short towers, supported by a single set of guy wires is investigated. Using the principle of stationary potential energy, a set of non-linear algebraic equations are obtained for both fixed and hinged-base towers. The equations are solved numerically for several actual systems. The results of the investigation include the shape of the post-buckling curves for towers subjected to vertical loads, the effect of cable pretension on the post-buckling behavior and the effect of horizontal forces on the capacity of the towers to supprot vertical loads.
Wintertime Convection and Ventilation of the Upper Pycnocline in the Northernmost Arabian Sea

Mined regional observations from the northernmost Arabian Sea show winter convection probably annually forming a well-ventilated salinity maximum with σ t of ∼25 kg m ―3 . This "North Arabian Sea High Salinity Water" (NASHSW) replaces the Arabian Sea High Salinity Water (ASHSW) of the central and eastern Arabian Sea (σ t ∼24 kg m ―3 ). It is subducted similarly to high-salinity waters at the subtropical convergences elsewhere and interleaves below the ASHSW. Poleward of 21°―22°N, the core is usually centered between 22° and 23°C. In data from March to April 1990, the medians of depth, temperature, density, and O 2 of the NASHSW and ASHSW differ at p < 0.01. North of 21°―23°N during at least the first trimester, the NASHSW ventilates the pycnocline down to the 25.5 kg m ―3 isopycnal (∼200 m) or somewhat deeper. Between 21° and 22°C and 24°―25°C, NASHSW's O 2 content tends to be 1―2 mL L ―1 higher than in the ASHSW adjoining to the south. It persistently excludes denitrification. Its O 2 may degrade settling organic matter at shallow depths. In the pycnocline top above the NASHSW, a thin (decameters) salinity minimum is frequent, which in one third of the data is less aerated than the first depth of the NASHSW. This layer may be deep, high-nutrient water isolated by interleaving NASHSW. It is impacted first by wintertime convection. In 30 years with data between 1960 and 1999, NASHSW occurred almost annually at and poleward of 21°―22°N. In more than one half of the cases, it extended to 20°N and in one third, to 18°N.
How (Some) Criminals Are Made

Some kids have bad luck. Kids who are abused, for example, tend to become abusers themselves. This is a brute sociological fact. Abused children are the unfortunate victims of poor antecedent and constitutive conditions that conduce to bad moral luck. In this paper, I hope to explain why this is the case, at least for some children, and (perhaps) especially for those who enter the world with low levels of monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA), a brain enzyme responsible for inhibiting neurotransmitters associated with aggression. I will also argue that individuals of this type (genetic predisposition (G)) coupled with abusive and/or neglectful early environments (E), have suffered from poor constitutive, antecedent, and circumstantial conditions that generate bad moral luck and, therefore, they are (a) less blameworthy than those who have not endured the combination of such conditions and (b) are, therefore, candidates for restorative justice: treatment and restorative justice for those who we know or prima facie should know suffer neurobiological deficits.
King James VI and I and the Reunion of Christendom: The Synod of Dort

The Synod of Dort, which met in the United Provinces of the Netherlands from November 1618 to May 1619 to settle theological issues threatening to plunge that country into civil war, was convened with the encouragement of King James and attended by representatives of the Church of England. These representatives played an active part in the synod and helped to formulate its decrees. On their return home, they received approbation and tangible rewards from the king, who expressed considerable satisfaction with their work. As spokesmen for a theological tradition which had developed for over a half century at the two English universities and in the Church of England, they had reason to feel that theirs was the faith of a broad section of English Protestants. Yet within a few years the synod had become the focus of a bitter controversy that threatened to split the English Church while it coincided with a political and constitutional crisis of ominous proportions. Despite the attention given in recent years to the synod and its consequences in England and the Netherlands, it is still not entirely clear why King James sent British representatives to Dort and what he hoped to achieve by doing so. Compelling evidence in contemporary documents suggests that these actions were a significant part of his larger plan for religious and political pacification.
A model of performance improvement induced by TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation may paradoxically improve performance by adding noise to a neural system. This paper presents a connectionist model of this effect.
Electrochemical detection in paper-based analytical devices using microwire electrodes

Microwire electrodes are presented as an alternative to screen-printed electrodes for detection in electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs). Compared to carbon ink electrodes, microwire electrodes offer lower resistance and a significant increase in current density relative to carbon ink electrodes. Various microwire compositions and diameters, including 30 μm Pt, 25 μm Au, 18 μm Pt with 8% W, and 15 μm Pt with 20% Ir, were tested and compared to theoretically predicted behavior. The measured current in static solution was below predicted levels for cylindrical microelectrodes but greater than levels predicted for hemi-cylindrical electrodes most likely as a result of the proximity of the electrode to the paper surface. Furthermore, the current response was indicative of semi-thin layer behavior, likely due to the confined solution volume in the paper. After electrode characterization, a device was developed for the non-enzymatic detection of glucose, fructose, and sucrose using a Cu electrode in alkaline solution. The limits of detection for glucose, fructose, and sucrose were 270 nM, 340 nM, and 430 nM, respectively, which are significantly below sugar concentrations found in sweetened beverages or glucose levels in serum.
Is It Always Optimal to “Sell the Firm” to a Risk-Neutral Agent?

The paper shows that the answer is no. Holmstrom (1979) and Shavell (1979) show that the sell the firm contract does not achieve the first best when the principal and the agent have different preferences over risk. This paper shows that the sell the firm contract does not achieve the first best when the principal and the agent have different preferences over time. In a dynamic decision making problem under uncertainty, if the agent's discount factor is less than the principal's, the agent will choose actions with relatively higher current payoffs and relatively lower continuation payoffs than the principal would prefer, even when the agent is sold the firm. When current and future payoffs are correlated, the principal can do better by offering the agent a contract that is even higher powered than the "sell the firm" contract. The paper shows that the principal can align the agent's incentives over time by offering the agent stock options. At their exercise date stock options are a liquid asset that pay the agent in the current period for the future value of his actions.
What's Under Your Bed? A Fundraising Fiasco

Student clubs and sports often struggle to raise funds. With limited revenue streams, coaches or advisors and parents routinely find themselves managing candy sales, car washes, raffles, and ticketed fundraisers to support programming. In this case of a swim team fundraiser, school leaders see the range of problems that can occur when a routine practice—extracurricular fundraising—goes awry. With Cressey’s fraud triangle as a backdrop, readers learn to deter and prevent financial mismanagement and fraud through the development of internal operating procedures and oversight.