cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Going for the Gold: The Economics of the Olympics

In summer 2016, the eyes of the world will turn to Rio de Janeiro as it hosts the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, better known as the Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, the price tag of well over $10 billion for the event is adding to the already considerable strain on government budgets in Brazil. Faced with a nasty recession, cuts in public services, and rising unemployment, throngs of Brazilians have turned out to protest what is seen as wasteful spending and a misallocation of resources on the Olympics. Throw in the growing threat of the Zika virus and Brazil may end up with larger crowds of agitators protesting the government than of sports fans cheering on the athletes. But are these complaints about Olympic spending justified? The quadrennial Summer Olympic Games is one of the world’s premier sporting events, with over 10,000 athletes representing 204 countries, 300 individual events in 28 different sports, over 10 million tickets sold to spectators, and a worldwide television audience in the billions. On a somewhat smaller scale, the most recent Winter Olympic Games held in 2014 in Sochi, Russia, welcomed nearly 3,000 athletes from 88 countries to compete in 98 events in 15 disciplines while generating large revenues and massive television ratings. While most viewers tune in to watch the competition among the athletes, the battle among cities to be selected to host these events can be just as fierce. Although bidding cities have numerous reasons for wanting to host, none seems more prevalent than the desire for an economic windfall. In this paper, we explore the costs and
Aspirin Desensitization and High-Dose Aspirin Therapy in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

The management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps associated with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) has historically been variable, and the symptoms are usually refractory to common therapies. Aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy has been shown to improve asthma and sinus symptoms scores, decrease corticosteroid use, and reduce rates of revision sinus surgery with 70–80 % of patients with AERD reporting benefit. Aspirin desensitization is safely performed in the outpatient setting by specialists trained in asthma and allergic diseases with experience in performing aspirin desensitization and the capability to treat anaphylaxis. Both the procedure of desensitization and the high-dose aspirin therapy have low rates of adverse events and have been shown to be cost-effective. The mechanism by which high-dose aspirin provides clinical benefits remains unknown, and clinicians currently are not able to predict which patients will respond to the therapy. High-dose aspirin therapy is indicated for patients who are refractory to standard medical therapy, require frequent bursts of oral steroids, or have recurrent nasal polyps, an indication which captures the majority of patients with AERD. Thus, as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with AERD, aspirin desensitization is now considered part of the mainstay in management of patients with AERD.
Increased activated platelet-T cell conjugates in patients with HIV infection: relationship between coagulation/inflammation and T cells. (VIR10P.1171)

While antiretroviral therapies can successfully suppress HIV replication, there remains evidence of persistent immune activation, which is correlated with increased risks of all-cause mortality. Patients with elevated biomarkers of coagulation/inflammation such as IL-6, sCD14 and D-dimer (a fibrin bioproduct) are at an increased risk to develop non-AIDS defining illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. The interaction between the coagulation system and the immune system is critical for host defense; however, in HIV infection, the mechanisms underlying the ongoing activation of these pathways remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that interaction between platelets and T cells may play a role. We found that platelets from healthy controls and HIV infected patients bind to CD4 and CD8 T cells, preferentially to those with memory phenotypes. HIV infected patients showed a higher proportion of activated platelet (CD42b + CD62P + )-T cell conjugates and significantly correlated to the D-dimer levels. In vitro thrombin stimulation of PBMCs enhanced formation of platelet-T cell conjugates mediated in part by CD62P released by platelets. These data suggest that platelets can promote trafficking of T cells into injured tissues by upregulation of CD62P leading to enhanced rolling of leukocytes along vascular endothelium. In HIV infected patients, recruitment of T cells by this mechanism may promote a state of inflammation/coagulation and contribute to the pathology of the disease.
Surgical intervention strategies for congenital tracheal stenosis associated with a tracheal bronchus based on the location of stenosis

The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate surgical intervention strategies for congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) associated with a tracheal bronchus based on the location of stenosis. The medical records of 13 pediatric patients with CTS associated with a tracheal bronchus at a single institution between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Type 1: tracheal stenosis above the right upper lobe bronchus (RULB) (n = 1). One patient underwent slide tracheoplasty and was successfully extubated. Type 2: tracheal stenosis below the RULB (n = 7). Tracheal end-to-end anastomosis was performed before 2014, and one patient failed to extubate. Posterior–anterior slide tracheoplasty was performed since 2014, and all three patients were successfully extubated. Type 3: tracheal stenosis above the RULB to the carina (n = 5). One patient underwent posterior–anterior slide tracheoplasty and was successfully extubated. Two patients with left–right slide tracheoplasty and another two patients with tracheal end-to-end anastomosis for the stenosis below the RULB could not be extubated. Tracheal end-to-end anastomosis or slide tracheoplasty can be selected for tracheal stenosis above the RULB according to the length of stenosis. Posterior–anterior slide tracheoplasty appears feasible for tracheal stenosis below the RULB or above the RULB to the carina.
Conservation with Chinese Characteristics

In all of the majesty of the Middle Kingdom, there is no place like Haleakala, the 3,000-plus-meter (10,023-foot) volcano whose Hawaiian name means “House of the Sun.” There are numerous small volcanoes in China, but none that have formed a gaping black and red crater holding the sky, or built a Pacific Ocean island out of their viscous flows.
Haematological cancer: Where are we now with the treatment of multiple myeloma?

The current standard-of-care therapy for patients with multiple myeloma is autologous stem-cell transplantation; however, whether this approach should be enhanced or displaced by triplet combination therapy is the subject of ongoing debate. We discuss the latest trial that has attempted to address this question and the impact of transplantation and triplet therapy assessment and surrogate end points in future trial design.
Utility of 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Cholesterol Guidelines in HIV-Infected Adults With Carotid Atherosclerosis.

Background—Although HIV is associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, it is unknown whether guidelines can identify HIV-infected adults who may benefit from statin...
Treating Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis With Guselkumab: A Review of Phase II and Phase III Trials.

Objective: Guselkumab, an anti-interleukin-23 monoclonal antibody was recently approved for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This article will review the availabl...
O2 Transport in the Horse During Rest and Exercise

We studied mechanisms of O2 transport in 6 adult (2–5 year old) horses at rest and during steady-state exercise on a treadmill (0% slope) at 12 m/s (a submaximal gallop). Oxygen consumption was measured using an open-flow system. Arterial and mixed venous blood samples were simultaneously obtained for measurement of O2 content and hemoglobin concentration. \(\rm\dot{v}\)O2 increased from 1.5±0.2 L/min at rest to 46.2±4.8 L/min during exercise. HR increased from a resting value of 36.9±2.5 bpm to 196.5±10.9 bpm and the arterio-venous O2 content difference (a-\(\rm\bar{V}\) O2) increased from 4.2±0.8 ml O2/100 ml blood to 20.3±1.6 ml O2/100 ml blood.
Movement Disorder Emergencies

A 35-year-old female patient was brought into the emergency department by EMS one weekend morning after being found down by her parents, with a chief complaint of altered mental status, confusion, and somnolence. Upon arrival the patient was drowsy but arousable and able to converse. She admitted to taking a handful of her muscle relaxant medicine (cyclobenzaprine) with some alcohol that prior evening when she had an argument with her boyfriend. Her past medical history included depression, for which she took escitalopram 10 mg daily. The muscle relaxant was given to her recently for an acute muscle spasm of her lower back. She denied any other drugs or medications.
What is the Evidence Behind Recommendations for Infection Control

Effective infection control in healthcare settings can only be accomplished with a program that adopts evidence-based guidelines implemented by an interdisciplinary team responsible for monitoring implementation of these guidelines and for education of the practitioners involved in patient care. An effective infection control program can prevent acquisition and transmission of infectious pathogens among patients, staff and visitors. However, infection control practices can be time consuming, costly or tedious. Is there evidence to support infection control recommendations or are recommendations simply based on anecdotal experience and expert opinion? We present the rationale for grading infection control recommendations and provide relevant examples of graded recommendations for infection control practices relevant for pediatric healthcare settings.
The Idea of a Christian Psychology

In response to Paul Vitz's evaluation of three divisions of psychology as: a) neuroscience and cognitive science; b) tests and measurements; c) psychotherapy and personality theory, I offer four re...
Typhlitis and Related Acute Gastrointestinal Problems

Typhlitis is a necrotizing lesion of the cecum and adjacent colon that occurs in a setting of cancer chemotherapy and neutropenia. It is primarily a complication experienced by acute leukemia patients, but it has also been observed in patients with the more common solid tumors.1 Typhlitis often presents as an acute intraabdominal emergency. It may require surgical intervention, but in many instances it may be successfully managed medically. Typhlitis is a potentially grave complication, and irrespective of management, the outcome is often death. Early recognition of the problem, and guidelines for surgical intervention, may improve the outcome of patients with this complication.
Design and Validation of a Semi-Active Variable Stiffness Foot Prosthesis

This paper presents the design and validation of a novel lower limb prosthesis called the variable stiffness foot (VSF), designed to vary its forefoot stiffness in response to user activity. The VSF is designed as a semi-active device that adjusts its stiffness once per stride during swing phases, in order to minimize size, mass, and power consumption. The forefoot keel is designed as an overhung composite beam, whose stiffness is varied by moving a support fulcrum to change the length of the overhang. Stiffness modulation is programmed in response to the gait characteristics detected through foot trajectory reconstruction based on an embedded inertial sensor. The prototype VSF has a mass of only 649 g including the battery, and a build height of 87 mm. Mechanical testing demonstrated a forefoot stiffness range of 10–32 N/mm for the prototype, a threefold range of stiffness variation. The stiffness range can be altered by changing the keel material or geometry. Actuation testing showed that the VSF can make a full-scale stiffness adjustment within three strides, and tracks moderate speed-driven variations within one swing phase. Human subjects testing demonstrated greater energy storage and return with lower stiffness settings. This capability may be useful for the modulating prosthesis energy return to better mimic human ankle function. Subjective feedback indicated clear perception by the subjects of contrasts among the stiffness settings, including interpretation of scenarios for which different settings may be beneficial. Future applications of the VSF include adapting stiffness to optimize stairs, ramps, turns, and standing.
Phenalenyl based neutral radical as a novel electrochromic material modulating visible to short-wave infrared light

Applications for energy saving smart windows require materials which can switch from transmissive to black states in both the visible and short-wave IR range. We introduce an electrochromic phenalenyl based neutral radical small molecule and design devices capable of modulating light in both of these ranges.
Auroras and Other Glows in the Sea and Sky

In this, our last chapter on astronomical objects, we will look at what glows in the sky and in the sea. Some of the phenomena in this chapter take place high and low in Earth’s atmosphere, while one comes from space and another is in the sea. If the Moon is bright in the sky, some of them will be harder to see, so you will have to keep that in mind when you go hunting for these wonderful visual treats above and below your ship. Good luck and clear, dark skies!
Nanobody-based binding assay for the discovery of potent inhibitors of CFTR inhibitory factor (Cif).

Abstract Lead identification and optimization are essential steps in the development of a new drug. It requires cost-effective, selective and sensitive chemical tools. Here, we report a novel method using nanobodies that allows the efficient screening for potent ligands. The method is illustrated with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitory factor (Cif), a virulence factor secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 18 nanobodies selective to Cif were isolated by bio-panning from nanobody-phage library constructed from immunized llama. 8 out of 18 nanobodies were identified as potent inhibitors of Cif enzymatic activity with IC50s in the range of 0.3–6.4 μM. A nanobody VHH219 showed high affinity (KD = 0.08 nM) to Cif and the highest inhibitory potency, IC50 = 0.3 μM. A displacement sandwich ELISA (dsELISA) with VHH219 was then developed for classification of synthetic small molecule inhibitors according their inhibitory potency. The developed assay allowed identification of new inhibitor with highest potency reported so far (0.16 ± 0.02 μM). The results from dsELISA assay correlates strongly with a conventional fluorogenic assay (R = 0.9998) in predicting the inhibitory potency of the tested compounds. However, the novel dsELISA is an order of magnitude more sensitive and allows the identification and ranking of potent inhibitors missed by the classic fluorogenic assay method. These data were supported with Octet biolayer interferometry measurements. The novel method described herein relies solely on the binding properties of the specific neutralizing nanobody, and thus is applicable to any pharmacological target for which such a nanobody can be found, independent of any requirement for catalytic activity.
Nuancing the Discourse of Underrepresentation: A Feminist Post-Structural Analysis of Gender Inequality in Computer Science Education in the US.

Drawing on feminist post-structural perspectives, this article shows how the dominant discourses of underrepresentation and gender difference that characterize gender inequality in computer science...
Teenage Curiosity: Magnetic Attraction Gone Wrong

A 13-year-old male presented with suprapubic pain, hesitancy, and dysuria beginning seven hours prior to arrival. After initial evasiveness, the patient admitted to inserting small, magnetic ball bearings into his penis. Vital signs and physical exam were unremarkable aside from mild suprapubic tenderness to palpation. Pelvic radiograph demonstrated about 45 radiopaque beads within the urethra and bladder. While urethral foreign body (FB) is an uncommon diagnosis, it is essential to identify quickly as lifelong complications can arise. Magnetic FBs are particularly concerning due to possible ischemia from compression injury and difficulty of removal. Safety concerns led to temporary market removal of neodymium magnetic toys, but sales resumed in 2016.
The Role of Thrombin in Tumor Biology

A large body of work supports the association of thrombosis and malignancy. Accumulating laboratory and clinical data point to the important role of thrombin in tumor biology. Thrombin is able to stimulate tumor adhesion and growth by direct tumor cell activation through membrane protease-activated receptors (PARs) or indirectly through platelet–tumor cell interactions and angiogenesis. Thrombin is able to enhance metastases by increasing tumor cell seeding into the circulation, by platelet-mediated tumor cell sequestration and protection from immune cells, and by stimulating tumor neoangiogenesis. In addition we hypothesize that thrombin may preserve dormant tumor cells in individuals.
Peer Victimization and Depressive Symptoms During Adolescence: Examining the Roles of Social Support and Internalizing Coping:

The purpose of this study was to examine how two coping strategies together moderate the relationship between peer victimization and adjustment among young adolescents. Sixth-grade adolescents from...
A Universal Behavioral Model for COTS ADCs with Predictive Cold Temperature Performance Capability

To further enable exploration of Cold Worlds, this paper seeks to develop a temperature-predictive universal model for CMOS Nyquist-rate commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) analog to digital converters (ADCs). The proposed modeling methodology is designed to enable rapid model construction from readily available data sheet information without incurring extensive and costly overhead associated with data collection in order to produce a behavioral model with predictive cold temperature performance estimation. Thorough temperature characterization of two different popular architecture COTS CMOS ADCs from different manufacturers is used to add predictive temperature performance capability to this universal behavioral model. Parametric trends in the ADC transfer curve, which have been measured and established across temperature, are applied to the initial parameters of an ADC's datasheet transfer curve, allowing the initial transfer curve to evolve across temperature in an analogous fashion to what has been experimentally observed. From this simulated transfer curve, the expected output and performance of the device may be computed. The paper concludes with a comparison of part to part variations for several devices along with simulated results. It may be possible to predict a rough estimate of a part's performance beyond datasheet temperature ranges.
Improving architectures for automating network security using specification-based protocols

The proliferation of the Internet of Things continues to be a critical issue today. The current landscape provides security with minimal oversight and is furthermore inadequate due to unaccounted human behavior in the design flow and management of personal networks. As a result, these inherently insecure devices exponentially increase the attack surface of our critical infrastructure. This research leverages a specification-based protocol called Manufacturer Usage Description or MUD that is designed to automate access control at the "edge" of the network where IoT devices reside. This research approaches improved network security by underlining inherent weaknesses and key research areas to create a resilient architecture that is both sustainable and scalable.
Exploring readiness for implementing best practices: A mixed methods study.

Rationale Evidence-based practice (EBP) can improve health care in underprivileged countries. Bolivia's EBP movement is nascent and the factors contributing to better implementation in nursing are unknown. Aim To explore Bolivian nurses' readiness to engage in EBP while highlighting the facilitators and barriers for pursuing EBP. Method The study used a sequential explanatory mixed methods study. First, general trends were disclosed via a survey of 170 nurses in La Paz, Bolivia, holding at least a baccalaureate regarding their perceived beliefs about EBP. The survey identified facilitators and barriers for implementing EBP in acute and ambulatory settings. Second, qualitative data was gathered via a focus group of nine nurses with the purpose of enhancing the survey results. Results The survey results showed that nurses believe that engaging in EBP can improve their clinical practice. However, the nurses' research behaviors were found to be infrequent. Lack of support from the nurses' clinics and hospitals and from non-nursing professionals were identified as barriers for engaging in EBP. The qualitative results revealed underlying limitations to nurses' clinical practice, including "feeling undervalued". Conclusions There is a dearth of EBP knowledge among Bolivian nurses stemming from a lack of preparation in EBP environments, including EBP training opportunities. This situation affects nurses' professional dimensions of relational work, power, and collaboration. Collaborative research among educators, professional nursing societies, and local and international organizations could provide initiatives for implementing EBP, based on local health profiles.
Lithium-ion mobility in layered oxides Li2Ca1.5Nb3O10, Li2Ca1.5TaNb2O10 and Li2Ca1.5Ta2NbO10, enhanced by supercell formation

Abstract The formation of a supercell and its impact on lithium-ion conductivity have been studied through synthesis of three layered oxides, Li2Ca1.5Nb3O10, Li2Ca1.5TaNb2O10 and Li2Ca1.5Ta2NbO10, related to Ruddlesden-Popper structure-type. Neutron diffraction experiments show that these materials feature a supercell, which is significantly larger (~√2a × ~√2b × ~ 1c) than that of a typical Ruddlesden-Popper oxide. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the formation of the new supercell is associated with enhanced lithium-ion conductivity of these materials as compared with the Sr-analogue, Li2Sr1.5Nb3O10, which lacks the supercell. In addition, a systematic trend is observed in the ionic conductivity: Li2Ca1.5Ta2NbO10
Minority stress and drug use among transgender and gender diverse adults: A daily diary study.

Abstract Background Transgender and gender-diverse people are at higher risk for drug use and drug use disorder than their cisgender peers. Theory and research have suggested that external minority stressors (e.g., discrimination, violence, and rejection) and internal minority stressors (e.g., internalized transphobia) may contribute to this health disparity. However, few studies have examined the proximal (e.g., same-day) association between minority stress and drug use. Methods The present study tested the same-day association of external and internal minority stressors with use of drugs in a sample of 38 transgender and gender-diverse participants residing in two Southeastern cities. Participants reported their previous day’s experiences with minority stress and drug use over the course of 30 days. A total of 836 daily surveys were collected (73.3 % compliance rate). Results Multilevel modeling revealed that external minority stress (i.e., violence, harassment, discrimination, rejection), but not internalized stigma, was associated with increased odds of drug use on a given day, while controlling for time, same-day depressive affect and cognition, same-day gender dysphoria symptoms, demographics, and baseline levels of drug use. Conclusions These findings suggest that external minority stress is associated with drug use on the same day. Future empirical and theoretical work may examine factors that could moderate these associations. Clinicians working with transgender and gender-diverse individuals should assess for minority stress and possible related drug use behavior.
Will the Use of Biomarkers Improve Bladder Cancer Radiotherapy Delivery

Abstract Advances in the field of cancer biology and molecular techniques have led to a better understanding of the molecular underpinnings driving cancer development and outcomes. Simultaneously, advances in imaging have allowed for improved sensitivity in initial staging, radiotherapy planning and follow-up of numerous cancers. These two phenomena have led to the development of biomarkers that can guide therapy in multiple malignancies. In bladder cancer, there is extensive ongoing research into the identification of biomarkers that can help tailor personalised approaches for treatment based on the intrinsic tumour biology. However, the delivery of bladder cancer radiotherapy as part of trimodality therapy currently has a paucity of biomarkers to guide treatment. Here we summarise the existing literature and ongoing investigations into potential predictive and prognostic molecular and imaging biomarkers that may one day guide selection for utilisation of radiotherapy as part of trimodality therapy, guide selection of the radiosensitising agent, guide radiation dose and target, and guide surveillance for recurrence after trimodality therapy.
Solar flares and avalanches in driven dissipative systems

The contention of Lu and Hamilton (1991) that the energy release process in solar flares can be understood as avalanches of many small reconnection events is further developed. The dynamics of the complex magnetized plasma of solar active regions is modeled with a simple driven dissipative system, consisting of a vector field with local instabilities that cause rapid diffusion of the field. It is argued that the avalanches in this model are analogous to solar flares. The distributions of avalanches in this model are compared with the solar flare frequency distributions obtained from ISEE 3/ICE satellite observations. Quantitative agreement is found with the energy, peak luminosity, and duration distributions over four orders of magnitude in flare energy, from the largest flares down to the completeness limit of the observations. It is predicted that the power-law solar flare frequency distributions will be found to continue downward with the same logarithmic slopes to an energy of about 3 x 10 exp 25 ergs and duration of about 0.3 s, with deviations from power-law behavior below these values.
Prevention of Aortic Dissection

The best way to prevent aortic dissection is optimal control of blood pressure, even for people with inherited forms of aortic wall weakness. Beta blockers are the antihypertensive agents of choice in individuals at risk for aortic dissection. Beta blockers lower blood pressure and decrease dp/dt. They have been shown to retard aortic expansion associated with Marfan’s syndrome1 and with chronic abdominal aortic aneurysms2. In a cohort of patients with the Marfan syndrome, Shores et al. demonstrated that the mean slope of the regression line for the aortic-root dimensions, which reflect the rate of dilatation, was significantly lower in the beta-blocker group than in the control group (0.023 vs. 0.084 per year, p < 0.001)1. Current guidelines recommend titration of these agents to achieve a heart rate of ≤60 beats per minute and a blood pressure <135/80 mmHg in usual patients and <130/80 mmHg in those with Marfan’s syndrome3, 4, 5.
Multiple high-spin band structure in 164 Er

$^{164}\mathrm{Er}$ high-spin states were studied via the $^{160}\mathrm{Gd}(^{9}\mathrm{Be},5n)$ reaction at 59-MeV beam energy. We find significant population of three new rotational bands in addition to higher-spin levels of the previously known $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational band. In most cases the spins of the levels were established by angular distribution measurements, and some parities were established by linear polarization measurements on interband transitions. Two odd-parity bands with both even- and odd-spin states begin with the previously reported ${5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ (1664 keV) and ${7}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ (1985 keV) levels and extend to levels of spin 22 (5350 keV) and 13 (3351 keV), respectively. These two bands exhibit markedly different moments of inertia. The third band is of unknown parity and has a likely even-spin sequence extending from a level of spin 8 (2091 keV) to a possible spin-22 level (5678 keV). The even-spin sequence of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ band extends to a spin-14 level (3267 keV) and exhibits a backbend at the ${10}^{+}$ level to a new ${12}^{+}$' level of the previously established even-spin even-parity yrast band. The odd-spin sequence backbends at spin 13, and extends to a possible spin-19 level at 4588 keV, thereby providing evidence for an odd-spin even-parity yrast band some 500 keV higher in energy than its even-spin counterpart.
Stages of the Product Life Cycle

The product life cycle (PLC) is a marketing concept that describes the way the revenues from the sale of a product behave over time. Typically, the PLC is drawn as a bell curve with the life cycle being divided into several stages. The PLC has four stages: (i) introduction – the slow sales growth that follows the introduction of a new product; (ii) growth – the rapid sales growth that accompanies product acceptance; (iii) maturity – the peak of sales growth when the product has been accepted by most potential buyers; and (iv) decline – the decline of sales that results as the product is replaced (by a substitute) or as it discontinues in the market. Keywords: product life cycle; introduction; growth; maturity; decline
Book Review: And You Welcomed me: Migration and Catholic Social Teaching:

The article presents a review of the book "And You Welcomed Me: Migration and Catholic Social Teaching," edited by Donald Kerwin and Jill Marie Gerschutz.
Trachea in cetacea: the inside story (17.8)

Despite great interest in cetacean sound production, little is known about the trachea’s role. Tracheas were examined in 16 odontocete (toothed whale) and 7 mysticete (baleen whale) genera. Results...
Social Capital and the Quality of Government: Evidence from the United States

Social capital - in the form of general trust and strong civil norms that call for cooperation when large-scale collective action is needed - can improve government performance in three ways: 1) It can broaden government accountability, making government responsive to citizens at large, rather than to narrow interests. 2) It can facilitate agreement where political preferences are polarized. 3) It is associated with greater innovation when policymakers face new challenges. Consistent with these arguments, Putnam (1993) has shown that regional governments in the more trusting, more civic-minded northern, and central parts of Italy provide public services more effectively than do those in the less trusting, less civic-minded southern regions. Using cross-country data, La Porta and others (1997), and Knack and Keefer (1997), obtained findings consistent with Putnam's evidence. For samples of about thirty nations (represented in the World Value Surveys), they found that societies with greater trust tended to have governments that performed significantly better. The authors used survey measures of citizen confidence in government as well as subjective indicators of bureaucratic inefficiency. The author further analyzes links between social capital and government performance, using data for the United States. In states with more social capital (as measured by an index of trust, volunteering, and census response), government performance is rated higher, based on ratings constructed by the Government Performance Project. This result is highly robust to including a variety of control variables, considering the possibility of influential outlying values, treating the performance ratings as ordinal, rather than cardinal, and correcting for possible endogeneity.
Usability Engineering Methods for Interactive Intelligent Systems

The field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) offers designers and developers of interactive systems a large repertoire of methods for ensuring that their systems will be both usable and useful. This article offers a brief introduction to these methods, focusing on the ways in which they sometimes need to be adapted and extended to take into account the characteristic properties of systems that include some sort of AI. The discussion is organized around three types of activity: understanding users needs, interaction design, and evaluation.
Characterization of third-harmonic target plane irradiance on the National Ignition Facility Beamlet demonstration project

The Beamlet laser is a single-aperture prototype for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). We have recently installed and activated a 55 m{sup 3} vacuum vessel and associated diagnostic package at the output of the Beamlet that we are using to characterize target plane irradiance at high power. Measurements obtained both with and without a kinoform diffractive optic are reported. Dependences on critical laser parameters including output power, spatial filtering, and wavefront correction are discussed and compared with simulations.
A web-based screening model for climate risk to water supply systems in the northeastern United States

The aim of this study is to describe the development and application of a web-based decision support tool (ViRTUE) for performing climate risk evaluations of water supply systems. The tool is designed for small-scale water utilities in the northeastern United States that may lack the resources for detailed climate change risk investigations. Development of this tool demonstrates a relatively new approach to web application development using the Shiny framework for the R programming language to create an interactive environment for stakeholders and water managers to explore climate vulnerabilities. Using a decision-scaling framework, the tool allows the user to perform a climate stress test to evaluate the performance and vulnerability to water supply shortfalls of local reservoir systems over a wide range of potential climate change scenarios using a generic systems model. Probabilities of future climate conditions derived from climate projections then help inform utility operators of impending risk. We develop a web-based decision support tool for climate risk assessment.The tool allows users to perform a climate stress test on a water supply system.We illustrate a relatively new approach to web application development in R.The tool makes climate risk investigations more accessible to small utilities.
The expression of L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels in retinal photoreceptors is under circadian control

Photoreceptors are non-spiking neurons, and their synapses mediate the continuous release of neurotransmitters under the control of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Photoreceptors express endogenous circadian oscillators that play important roles in regulating photoreceptor physiology and function. Here, we report that the L-type VGCCs in chick cone photoreceptors are under circadian control. The L-type VGCC currents are greater when measured during the subjective night than during the subjective day. Using antibodies against the VGCCα1C and VGCCα1D subunits, we found that the immunofluorescence intensities of both VGCCα1C and VGCCα1D in photoreceptors are higher during the subjective night. However, the mRNA levels of VGCCα1D, but not VGCCα1C, are rhythmic. Nocturnal increases in L-type VGCCs are blocked by manumycin A, PD98059, and KN93, which suggest that the circadian output pathway includes Ras, Erk, and calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II. In summary, four independent lines of evidence show that the L-VGCCs in cone photoreceptors are under circadian control.
GASEOUS ENVIRONMENT AND GROWTH OF MICROAEROPHILIC VIBRIOS

Fletcher, R. D. (University of Connecticut, Storrs), and W. N. Plastridge. Gaseous environment and growth of microaerophilic vibrios. J. Bacteriol. 87:352–355. 1964.—Strains of microaerophilic vibrios from cattle, chickens, man, and sheep were placed in four groups on the basis of catalase and H2S production and glycine tolerance. By these tests group I was + − −, group II was + − +, group III was + + +, and group IV was − + +. On yeast extract-agar, the optimal oxygen level was 2.5% for group I, and 5.0% for the other three groups; the optimal carbon dioxide level was 10% for all four groups; the group I strains from man and sheep and the group II strains differed from the group I strains from cattle, by tolerating higher levels of both oxygen and carbon dioxide. On a chemically defined medium, the optimal oxygen level was 1.0%, and the optimal carbon dioxide level was 10% for groups I and II; the group II strains were more sensitive to high levels of carbon dioxide than were group I strains from cattle.
Enchantment, Charming, and the Notion of the Femme Fatale in Early Chinese Historiography

In a number of well-framed speeches recorded in the Zuozhuan , women, especially beautiful women, are viewed as the femmes fatales , or women who cause calamities. Among these speeches is a rare record of a famous doctor’s diagnosis of a Spring-and-Autumn-period hegemon’s illness. How could illness be connected with the notion of the femme fatale ? In examining the correlations between this Zuozhuan account and related information in some newly excavated manuscripts, I argue that as far as the medical approach is concerned, both the Zuozhuan and the excavated texts share a common cultural basis at least partly retained in the extant texts after a long course of oral and written transmission. Based on the similarities between those transmitted and newly excavated texts, the illness from which the local ruler suffered can be identified as a kind of sexual disease caused in the lord’s bedchamber. This evidence, and the high ratio of sex-related illnesses reflected in the Western Han doctor Chunyu Yi’s biographical account, further suggests that the Spring-and-Autumn-period hegemon’s illness was not a single isolated case, but rather represented a broader common problem of the patriarch’s sexual excess in early Chinese polygamous families. Some of the Zuozhuan accounts of ritual and medical principles are also closely related. This leads me to further suggest that the Zuozhuan historiographers, who knew well both medical knowledge and problems taking place in their contemporaries’ bedchambers, chose to condemn the femmes fatales under an abstract principle, that of ritual propriety, as the solution to sex-related diseases in early Chinese polygamous families.
Cements for permanent luting: a summarizing review

Zinc phosphate, reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol, polycarboxylate cements, and five minor luting systems are evaluated historically, chemically, physically, and functionally. Currently, zinc phosphate, reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol, and polycarboxylate cements are favored for permanent luting of cast restorations. These systems, and five minor luting systems, are reviewed historically, chemically, physically, and functionally. Three cement systems are favored for permanent luting of cast restorations. These include zinc phosphate, reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol, and polycarboxylate cements. Although others have been used in the past and new luting media are anticipated for the future, the status of currently used cements for luting is based mainly on the results of laboratory research and on clinical experience. Zinc phosphate cement, with an impressive 100-year history, currently holds the advantage. Future comprehensive clinical studies, correlated with results of physical and biological testing, may eventually direct the clinician’s preference to another, newer material. It is hoped that properties and strength values that are clinically significant also will be identified, so that laboratory tests can be more predictive of clinical success.
Following aptamer–ricin specific binding by single molecule recognition and force spectroscopy measurements

Single molecule recognition imaging and dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) analysis showed strong binding affinity between an aptamer and ricin, which was comparable with antibody–ricin interaction. Molecular simulation showed a ricin binding conformation with aptamers and gave different ricin conformations immobilizing on substrates that were consistent with AFM images.
Transient increase in locular pressure and occlusion of endocarpic apertures in ripening tomato fruit

Summary Locular pressure was monitored during ripening of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit and the anatomy of the endocarp surface examined using scanning electron microscopy. The manometric pressure of the locule tissue increased from 0 in mature-green fruit to 10 to 50 Pa at the turning or pink stages, and then subsided in ripe fruit. Nonclimacteric fruit containing the ripening inhibitor ( rin ) mutation showed a similar pattern of internal pressure accumulation during senescence. Build-up of locular tissue pressure occurred in fruit ripening, on or off the plant, as well as in fruit with different susceptibility to cuticle cracking. Apertures ranging from 18-31 μm in width and 33-41 μm in length, with densities ranging from 6.7 to 47.9 apertures · mm −2 were observed in the endocarp of mature-green fruit. These apertures were progressively occluded during early ripening and were absent in late ripening fruit. Aperture occlusion might result in reduced gas exchange between the locule and external fruit atmosphere, resulting in modification of the locular gas composition.
Ribosomal replacement and degradation during metamorphosis of the blowfly, Calliphora vicina

Abstract Larvae of the blowfly Calliphora vicina were either raised on a semi-defined diet containing labeled uridine and/or lysine, or injected with these isotopes. Labeled ribosomal RNA was then isolated and its specific activity determined to estimate ribosomal half-lives during development. The larger and smaller ribosomal sub-units turn over with statistically indistinguishable half-lives of about 8.3 days. The CMP component of rRNA turns over significantly more slowly (half-life: 10.4 days) than the corresponding UMP (8.5 days). However, by making some likely assumptions and including the specific activity of the precursor UTP pool in the computation, the probable half-life of the ribosomal pool during metamorphosis is calculated to be about 2.2 days. This value indicates that over 90% of the relatively constant ribosomal pool is newly synthesized by pharate adult cells during metamorphosis, with an equivalent amount being degraded by larval cells (excluding the fat body) during this period. Fat body ribosomes are destroyed in situ prior to pupariation to form a degraded, relatively insoluble material (‘pellet RNA’) which is metabolically inert.
Donald R. Prothero and Robert M. Schoch (eds.): The Evolution of Perissodactyls

(1990). Donald R. Prothero and Robert M. Schoch (eds.): The Evolution of Perissodactyls. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Vol. 10, 50th Anniversary - 1990, pp. 398-399.
Expert system framework for fault detection and fault tolerance in robotics

Abstract Fault tolerance is of increasing importance for modern robots. The ability to detect and tolerate failures enables robots to effectively cope with internal failures and continue performing assigned tasks without the need for immediate human intervention. To monitor fault tolerance actions performed by lower level routines and to provide higher level information about a robot;s recovery capabilities, we present an expert system and critic which together form a novel and intelligent fault tolerance framework integrating fault detection and tolerance routines with dynamic fault tree analysis. A higher level, operating system inspired critic layer provides a buffer between robot fault tolerant operations and the user. The expert system gives the framework the modularity and flexibility to quickly convert between a variety of robot structures and tasks. It also provides a standard interface to the fault detection and tolerance software and a more intelligent means of monitoring the progress of failure and recovery throughout the robot system. The expert system further allows for prioritization of tasks so that recovery can take precedence over less pressing goals. Fault trees are used as a standard database to reveal the components essential to fault detection and tolerance within a system and detail the interconnection between failures in the system. The trees are also used quantitatively to provide a dynamic estimate of the probability of failure of the entire system or various subsystems.
insomniac and Cullin-3 Regulate Sleep and Wakefulness in Drosophila

In a forward genetic screen in Drosophila, we have isolated insomniac, a mutant that severely reduces the duration and consolidation of sleep. Anatomically restricted genetic manipulations indicate that insomniac functions within neurons to regulate sleep. insomniac expression does not oscillate in a circadian manner, and conversely, the circadian clock is intact in insomniac mutants, suggesting that insomniac regulates sleep by pathways distinct from the circadian clock. The protein encoded by insomniac is a member of the BTB/POZ superfamily, which includes many proteins that function as adaptors for the Cullin-3 (Cul3) ubiquitin ligase complex. We show that Insomniac can physically associate with Cul3, and that reduction of Cul3 activity in neurons recapitulates the insomniac phenotype. The extensive evolutionary conservation of insomniac and Cul3 suggests that protein degradation pathways may have a general role in governing the sleep and wakefulness of animals.
The Toda Lattice as a Forced Integrable System

The analytic properties of the Jost functions for the inverse scattering transform associated with the forced Toda lattice are shown to determine the time evolution of this particular boundary value problem. It is suggested that inverse scattering methods may be used generally to analyze forced integrable systems. Thus an extension of the applicability of the inverse scattering transform is indicated.
Inbreeding and social dominance ability in chickens

Abstract A composite sample of moderately inbred chickens from 5 lines was compared with the non-inbred base population for social dominance ability. Initial pair contests for males at 6 ages covering late adolescent and early adult stages of development indicated that lowered social dominance was associated with increased genetic homozygosity. Peck-order status of inbred females in 6 flocks assembled at similar ages was also inversely associated with coefficient of inbreeding. Inbred males showed an upward trend in relative social status with age, but levelling off occurred well below the 50 per cent, level. Such an age associated trend was not not observed in inbred females. Sexual maturity of males as indicated by age at first semen production was not associated with social dominance ability when social competition effects were minimized.