cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Properties of a growth factor activity present in crude extracts of rat uterus.

We have shown previously (D. A. Sirbasku, 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 75:3786-3790) that an estrogen-inducible growth factor activity for rat mammary and rat pituitary tumor cells can be identified in extracts of rat uteri, although at the time of that report only a limited biochemical characterization of the activity was presented. In this report, we have evaluated the growth factor activity for lipid, steroid hormone or protein-like properties. Uterine growth factor activity was assayed by measure of the increased cell number of the MTW9/PL rat mammary tumor cell line established by this laboratory and described previously (D. A. Sirbasku, 1978, Cancer Res. 38:1154-1165). Studies showed the following characteristics of growth factor activity: destroyed by trypsin treatment; labile when heated at 80 degrees C; partially denatured by 6 M guanidine or 8 M urea treatment or 50% aqueous solutions of organic solvents; inactivated by extremes of pH or overnight treatment with mild acid; not dialyzable at neutral pH; of apparent molecular weight of 70,000 daltons by G-100 Sephadex chromatography; possessing an isoelectric point of 4.8 to 5.2; not chloroform/methanol extractable; and not in any way identified as either a lipid or a steroid hormone. The data available suggest that the uterine growth factor activity is a protein or polypeptide of apparent high molecular weight, and that the activity does not directly correspond to other known growth factors.
Islam and informed consent: notes from Doha.

Informed consent is a perennial topic in bioethics. It has given the field a place in clinical practice and the law and is often the starting point for introductory instruction in medical ethics. One would think that nearly everything has been said and done on this well-worn topic.
A robust light invariant vision system for aircraft refueling

The application of robotic technologies to aircraft servicing is addressed, specifically the concept of semi-autonomous ground-based robotic refueling. Recognition of the refueling port in realistic lighting conditions was mandatory. A brightness invariant port recognition system (BIPRS) which relies on edge detection, line merging, loop formation, and knowledge-driven recognition was developed and experimentally validated. The BIPRS identified the simulated refueling port in different lighting conditions and was invariant to port orientation and size. BIPRS development is discussed, and highlights of experimental validation are presented. The pattern recognition portion of the refueling task is clearly feasible with current technology. >
A new hash-and-sign approach and structure-preserving signatures from DLIN

Suppose we have a signature scheme for signing elements of message space $\mathcal{M}_1$, but we need to sign messages from $\mathcal{M}_2$. The traditional approach of applying a collision resistant hash function from $\mathcal{M}_1$ to $\mathcal{M}_2$ can be inconvenient when the signature scheme is used within more complex protocols, for example if we want to prove knowledge of a signature. Here, we present an alternative approach in which we can combine a signature for $\mathcal{M}_1$, a pairwise independent hash function with key space $\mathcal{M}_1$ and message space $\mathcal{M}_2$, and a non-interactive zero knowledge proof system to obtain a signature scheme for message space $\mathcal{M}_2$. This transform also removes any dependence on state in the signature for $\mathcal{M}_1$. As a result of our transformation we obtain a new signature scheme for signing a vector of group elements that is based only on the decisional linear assumption (DLIN). Moreover, the public keys and signatures of our scheme consist of group elements only, and a signature is verified by evaluating a set of pairing-product equations, so the result is a structure-preserving signature. In combination with the Groth-Sahai proof system, such a signature scheme is an ideal building block for many privacy-enhancing protocols.
Determination and modeling of the optical constants of direct band gap BexZn1-xTe grown by molecular beam epitaxy

The optical constants e(E) of direct band gap Be x Zn 1 - x Te have been measured at 300 K using spectral ellipsometry (0.73-6.45 eV). The e(E) spectra displayed distinct structures associated with critical points at E 0 , E 0 +Δ 0 , E 1 , E 1 +Δ 1 , e 1 +Δ 1 and E 2 . The experimental data over the entire measured spectral range has been fit using the Holden-Munoz model dielectric function, which is based on the electronic energy-band structure near critical points plus excitonic and band-to-band Coulomb-enhancement effects at E 0 , E 0 +Δ 0 and the E 1 , E 1 +Δ 1 , doublet. In addition to evaluate the energies of these various band-to-band critical points, information about the binding energy (R 1 ) of the two-dimensional exciton related to the E 1 , E 1 +Δ 1 critical points was obtained. The value of R 1 was in good agreement with effective mass theory. The ability to evaluate R, has important ramifications for first-principles band-structure calculations that include exciton effects at E 0 , E 1 , and E 2 .
Silicon-on-sapphire CMOS and opportunities in niche markets: Old wine in a new bottle

Silicon-on-sapphire CMOS has always been an intriguing technology with prospects for applications in niche markets. In this paper, we summarize our work with SOS CMOS technology over the last two decades and identify opportunities where the unique physical properties of the sapphire substrate offer advantages in systems integration and packaging. We focus our discussion on two largely unexplored major application areas, microsystems for the life sciences and biotechnology and on high performance optoelectronic readouts for MEMS.
A CMOS Thermal Sensor and Its Applications in Temperature Adaptive Design

With transistor feature size scaling and higher integration density, power density has become a major problem. High power density results in elevated on chip temperature, which has significant impacts on power consumption and circuit reliability. In this work, we have presented a temperature adaptive design technique using a novel low overhead CMOS temperature sensor. We have shown that, by online monitoring of temperature, circuit power consumption can be adjusted adaptively so as to stabilize the chip temperature and achieve a robust design.
Viruses and the Evolution of Life

Viral Studies conducted in the 1950s contributed tremendously to the scientific understanding of molecular mechanisms present in living organisms. Viruses and the Evolution of Life is an intriguing presentation of the virus-host relationship, as revealed through an examination of host evolution. This new volume avails the informed reader of a new perspective on the evolution of life while targeting the expert reader with discussion of specific scientific literature. While it is generally accepted among evolutionary biologists that viruses are not self-sustaining and therefore cannot be alive, their impact on life is dramatic. Starting with prebiotic precursors of life, the book features an engaging discussion of various life forms and how each group has been affected by viruses. The author develops the concept of and distinction between acute and persisting viruses, an area of study that has heretofore largely been ignored. The relationship between the familiar disease-causing viruses and those viruses from which they emerge is also clarified. Electronic Only, 395 pages, illustrations, index.
A linearly implicit trapezoidal method for integrating stiff multibody dynamics with contact, joints, and friction

SUMMARY We present a hard constraint, linear complementarity based, method for the simulation of stiff multibody dynamics with contact, joints and friction. The approach uses a linearization of the modified trapezoidal method, incorporates a Poisson restitution model at collision, and solves only one linear complementarity problem per time step when no collisions are encountered. We prove that, under certain assumptions, the method has order two, a fact that is also demonstrated by our numerical simulations. For the unconstrained (ODE) case, the method achieves second-order convergence and absolute stability while solving only one linear system per step. When we use a special approximation of the Jacobian matrix for the case where the stiff forces originate in springs and dampers attached to two points in the system, the linear complementarity problem can be solved for any value of the time step and numerical simulation demonstrate that the method is stiffly stable. The method was implemented in UMBRA, an industrial-grade virtual prototyping software. Subject Index: 65K10, 90C33. Copyright c 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Selective Media for Enumeration and Recovery of Fluorescent Pseudomonads from Various Habitats

New media (S1 and S2) were formulated that provide a high degree of selectivity and detection of fluorescent pseudomonads on initial plating. The selectivity of the S-type media was based on a detergent, sodium lauroyl sarcosine, and an antibiotic, trimethoprim. A total of five soils from different geographical locations and one sewage sludge sample were examined. On S1 medium, isolates from two soils with low fluorescent pseudomonad populations exhibited a high frequency of arginine dihydrolase (78%) and oxidase-positive (95%) phenotypes, but no fermentative isolates were recovered. Medium S2 was more defined and selective than S1, but lower numbers of fluorescent pseudomonads were recovered on S2. In soils in which fluorescent pseudomonads represent a small proportion of the total population, S1 medium consistently recovered high percentages of fluorescent phenotypes (82.5%). Images
Current Status of the Texas A&M Magnet R&D Program

The current status of the Texas A&M superconducting magnet R&D program is reported. The program is implementing a design philosophy in which Lorentz stress is managed within the coils of a block-coil geometry, isostatic preload is delivered using an arrangement of pressurized Wood's metal filled bladders, insulation utilizes fine-filament Silane-sized S-glass, and low-field multipoles are constrained by a flux plate integrated with the coil package. Construction progress on TAMU3 is reported and plans for a full-aperture dipole TAMU5 are discussed.
Digital Data Acquisition and Processing from a Remote Magnetic Observatory

High quality magnetic field measurements in the auroral zone are particularly important in present studies of magnetospheric physics. The standard analog magnetometers are inappropriate because of limited dynamic range, sensitivity, and time resolution and inconveniences in the manipulation of the data. Remote observatories using satellite type magnetometers and digital data acquisition systems are therefore a desirable improvement. To complement the UCLA magnetometer on ATS-1, we have established a magnetic observatory near the ATS-1 conjugate point at Tungsten, N.W.T., Canada. The maintenance of this station and computer processing of the data have involved a number of unexpected problems which could delay similar efforts elsewhere. Therefore, the instrumentation and data processing for this observatory are described, with particular emphasis on outstanding problems. Alternatives to the use of digital incremental tape recorders as in the present system, e.g., data transmission via satellite link, are also discussed.
Anchor-Last Deployment Simulation by Lumped Masses

Often the anchor is deployed as the final action in the mooring of buoys in the water. It has not been economical to calculate the transient conditions in the mooring line until a predictor-corrector technique was developed, which calculates the positions of the anchor and mooring line, the accompanying velocities, and the tensions throughout the line, all as a function of time. This study is based on a numerical lumped mass model representation of a single continuous nylon line 5,000 ft (1,525 m) long.
Coronary artery spasm: Multiple causes and multiple roles in heart disease

Myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death may be initiated by a sudden intense localized contraction of coronary artery smooth muscle. When this event occurs around a vulnerable eccentric lipid-filled plaque, rupture and extrusion of plaque contents and exposure of collagen occur. This may sometimes be a silent and self-limiting event; other times it leads to thrombus formation. A second wave of spasm due to accumulated platelet and inflammatory mediators may compound the contractile consequences of the initiating event. Spasm involves intrinsic smooth muscle cell electrical mechanisms, hyper-responsive cells, and multiple agonists that synergize their actions, and the involvement of each mechanism varies at different times in the sequence of vascular occlusion. Study of spasm requires vascular systems that adequately model coronary artery responses of the ageing human heart. As previously emphasized, tissues obtained postmortem, and when possible from recipients during heart transplants, must be integral to theory building, alongside animal models, despite the experimental limitations such tissues impose. A multidisciplinary approach, at all levels of vascular physiology and pharmacology, will be necessary to understand coronary motor activity and human heart disease.
The Effect of Length of Stay of a Honeybee Colony in a Crownvetch Field on its Foraging Behaviour

SummaryAnalysis of the daily pollen collections from honeybee colonies showed that: (1) the percentage of pollen from crownvetch (Coronilla varia) decreased with increasing length of stay in the field; (2) colonies recently moved into a field of crownvetch in full bloom collected a higher percentage of crownvetch pollen than those which had been placed in the field 8 days earlier or had been there prior to bloom; (3) percentage of bloom was not a factor in honeybee fixation to crownvetch; (4) competition from other crops available in the vicinity of the crownvetch field might be one of the most important factors in decreasing the percentage of crownvetch pollen in the daily pollen collections; (5) moving colonies to the crownvetch field when the plants start to bloom, and at intervals during the blooming period, might help in providing maximum pollination.
Production of π ∘ Mesons in Hydrogen and Deuterium by High Energy γ -Rays

The angular distribution of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$'s and the dependence of the cross sections on the energy of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays have been studied for the reactions ${\ensuremath{\gamma}+P,\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}+P,}{\ensuremath{\gamma}+P,\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}+D(P,N).}$ For the first reaction, the angular distribution in the center-of-mass system has the form $a+b{sin}^{2}\overline{\ensuremath{\theta}}$, with $\frac{a}{b}\ensuremath{\simeq}1$, and the cross section is proportional to approximately the square of the excess energy of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays above the threshold; $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{D}}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{H}}}\ensuremath{\simeq}2$ at all energies and angles.
High-coherence QWS gratings for optoelectronic devices: why spatial-phase-locked e-beam lithography is necessary

A new technology called spatial-phase-locked electron-beam lithography (SPLEBL) has been developed to permit the fabrication of an integrated resonant channel-dropping filter1 (RCDF) (see Fig. 1) and other diffraction-based integrated-optical components. SPLEBL2 combines the fidelity of a holographically produced grating with the flexibility and resolution of e-beam lithography (EBL) for writing high-fidelity grating-based patterns with both short- and long-range spatial coherence.
Estimating the Link between Quantitative Easing 3 and Business Investment

How effective was Quantitative Easing 3 (QE3) in stimulating business investment? Although the link between the financial market and the business sector is often discussed, the precise numerical relationship between financial and business investment is not well understood. In this paper, the “Investment Realization Ratio” is devised for the purpose of elucidating this relationship by quantifying the percentage of funds entering into the financial market that actually translates into business investment. We estimate that the amount of business investment stimulated by QE3 is only a fraction of the amount of bonds purchased by the Fed; this fraction is called the “Investment Realization Ratio.” 4 The BRC Academy Journal of Business Vol. 5, No. 1
Clarification of the Description of the Digestive System of Heliothis zea

The digestive tract, salivary glands, and malpighian tubules of the larva, 1-day-old pupa, mature pupa, and adult of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), were examined. In the larva the oesophagus was found to enter the ventriculus directly, there being no diverticulum present. The salivary ducts emptied into the spinneret of the larva and into the salivarium of the pupa and adult. There were 6 malpighian tubules, 3 on each side arising from a single duct attached at the pyloric region. A pyloric valve was found in the larval stage.
David in the Muslim Tradition: The Bathsheba Affair

Khaleel Mohammed's David in the Muslim Tradition traces the development of Islamic exegesis of a single qur'anic pericope, Q 38.21–25, a passage of particular interest in the history of both Qur'an...
Viremia and immune response with sequential phlebovirus infections.

Abstract Four groups of hamsters were infected sequentially with various combinations of Arumowot, Chagres, and Gabek Forest viruses. Following each infection, the survival, level of viremia, and immune response of the animals were monitored. All of the agents produced viremia in the hamsters, regardless of the order of their administration. The antibody response, as measured by plaque reduction neutralization test, was monotypic even after two consecutive phlebovirus infections. Arumowot and Chagres viruses produced nonfatal infections in adult hamsters, which were characterized by viremia of several days duration and subsequent antibody formation. In contrast, Gabek Forest virus produced a fulminating and rapidly fatal disease in phlebovirus nonimmune animals. In hamsters previously infected with Chagres and/or Arumowot viruses, Gabek Forest infection was less severe, indicating some degree of cross-protection. The degree of cross-protection was in part related to the sequence of previous phlebovirus infections. No evidence of immune enhancement or other immunopathologic events were observed in the animals.
SU-F-P-21: Study of Dosimetry Accuracy of Small Passively Scattered Proton Beam Fields

Purpose: To study the accuracy of the dose distribution of very small irregular fields of passively scattered proton beams calculated by the analytical pencil beam model of the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). Methods: An irregular field with a narrow region (width < 1 cm) that was used for the treatment of a small volume adjacent to a previously treated area were chosen for this investigation. Point doses at different locations inside the field were measured with a small volume ion chamber (A26, Standard Imaging). 2-D dose distributions were measured using a 2-D ion chamber array (MatriXX, IBA). All the measurements were done in plastic water phantom. The measured dose distributions were compared with the verification plan dose calculated in a water like phantom for the patient treatment field without the use of the compensator. Results: Point doses measured with the ion chamber in the narrowest section of the field were found to differ as much as 10% from the Eclipse calculated dose at some of the points. The 2-D dose distribution measured with the MatriXX which was validated by comparison with limited film measurement, at the proximal 95%, center of the spread out Bragg Peak and distal 90% depths agreed reasonably well with the TPS calculated dose distribution with more than 92% of the pixels passing the 2% / 2 mm dose distance agreement. Conclusion: The dose calculated by the pencil beam model of the Eclipse TPS for narrow irregular fields may not be accurate within 5% at some locations of the field, especially at the points close to the field edge due to the limitation of the dose calculation model. Overall accuracy of the calculated 2-D dose distribution was found to be acceptable for the 2%/2 mm dose/distance agreement with the measurement.
Music Training Plus Spatial-Temporal Training Equals Improved Math

This chapter predicts that the enhanced spatial-temporal reasoning from training could lead to enhanced learning of specific math concepts, in particular proportional math, which is notoriously difficult to teach using the usual language-analytic methods. The second grade children who took piano keyboard lessons and spatial temporal training (S.T.A.R.) lessons are able to learn proportional math concepts. The findings are of great importance because proportional math is usually introduced during the sixth grade and has proven enormously difficult to teach most children using the usual language-analytic methods. Not only is proportional math crucial for all college-level science, but it is a first academic hurdle that requires the children to grasp the underlying concepts before they can master the material. Spatial-temporal, or ST, methods play a hands-on role in early childhood learning of math concepts using, for example, blocks. Computer software programs are also useful for introducing ST methods.
Cp* versus Bis-carbonyl Iridium Precursors as CH Oxidation Precatalysts

We previously reported a dimeric IrIV-oxo species as the active water oxidation catalyst formed from a Cp*Ir(pyalc)Cl {pyalc = 2-(2′-pyridyl)-2-propanoate} precursor, where the Cp* is lost to oxidative degradation during catalyst activation; this system can also oxidize unactivated CH bonds. We now show that the same Cp*Ir(pyalc)Cl precursor leads to two distinct active catalysts for CH oxidation. In the presence of external CH substrate, the Cp* remains ligated to the Ir center during catalysis; the active species—likely a high-valent Cp*Ir(pyalc) species—will oxidize the substrate instead of its own Cp*. If there is no external CH substrate in the reaction mixture, the Cp* will be oxidized and lost, and the active species is then an iridium-μ-oxo dimer. Additionally, the recently reported Ir(CO)2(pyalc) water oxidation precatalyst is now found to be an efficient, stereoretentive CH oxidation precursor. We compare the reactivity of Ir(CO)2(pyalc) and Cp*Ir(pyalc)Cl precursors and show that both can lose ...
The Ecology of Touch: Are Prosimians Special?

The size of the infraorbital foramen (IOF), through which the infraorbital nerve (ION) passes, has been used to infer the number of vibrissae (whiskers) an animal has, which in turn has informed phylogenetic and ecological interpretations of extinct primates. The functional significance of IOF area, however, has not been tested. I present a comparison of relative IOF area among extant mammals. My results show that (1) relative IOF area is a good indicator of ION size and thus of touch sensitivity of the rostrum; (2) primates and other euarchontans have low IOF areas relative to most other mammals; (3) IOF area and vibrissal count correlate, but not strongly; and (4) among primates IOF area covaries with diet, such that frugivores have relatively larger IOFs than do folivores or insectivores. This dietary signal holds for prosimians and anthropoids, and prosimians do not have enlarged IOFs compared with anthropoids.
Advancing LGBT Rights in Turkey: Tolerance or Protection?

Tolerance is treated as a virtue and a key principle in liberal theories of the state and human rights. Critics of liberalism have already addressed limitations of tolerance, and the United Nations (UN) introduced broader and more inclusive human rights and non-discrimination norms. Yet, tolerance is still invoked in human rights advocacy, and the UN promotes teaching tolerance as a means to protect human rights. However, there is an asymmetrical relationship between the “tolerant” and the “tolerated,” which must be questioned for its human rights implications. The paper contends that tolerance does not ensure non-discrimination, freedom from persecution, or ending violence. Instead, it can be complicit in violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. As an illustrative case, it examines Turkey—a country that has pursued the liberal policy of tolerance by not criminalizing homosexuality—during a reform period that involved further liberalization of law but not the protection of LGBT rights.
Computer Extraction of Data from Autopsy and Toxicology Reports

PurposeForensic autopsies contain a wealth of information ranging from toxicology results to organ masses. Extracting data by hand from years of reports is tedious. We report a computer program tha...
Data to Support My Arguments in My Dispute with Oberholzer-Gee and Strumpf (Appendix)

This document provides the raw data and calculations supporting results in the main paper. First, I include data on the number of German students on vacations, since this is analysis demonstrates a previously unrecognized error having to do with OS’s download data being mismatched by a week with the student vacation data. The data includes a calendar (from a web page) of holidays for each German state in 2002, and it also provides its own figure showing the share of German students on vacation during the year. I also provide a listing of the number of students (those above 5th grade) in each German state. Next, I provide a table with the raw numbers behind Figure 1a and 1b, as well as the correlations discussed in the material surrounding Figures 1a and 1b. The raw numbers in that Table are then sourced to a copy of a Table from an early version of OS’s 2007 article, and data from the Internet2 website, which takes up many pages, but the relevant numbers are highlighted in orange to make it easier to follow. I should note that the raw data for downloads (from OS) and vacations are on these pages, so the correlations and regressions linking the two can be easily replicated.
Building Consensus? Russian Nationalism as Social Cohesion and Division

The recent decade has witnessed the rise of nationalism in many states. This chapter focuses on the effects of nationalism on community formation in Russia and explores the impact of Russian nationalism on social inclusion and patriotism as opposed to its effect on the growing xenophobia toward certain ethno-religious groups.
Epigenetic Biomarkers and Racial Differences in Cancer

Abstract The reason for the persistent cancer disparities in incidence and mortality among different ethnic and racial groups is not fully known. The risk factors for cancer disparities are multifactorial and arise from a combination of socioeconomic determinant, environmental, and genetic factors. Epigenetic changes, in particular DNA methylation, start early in life even at the prenatal stage and increase as a function of age among different racial and ethnic groups. Thus aberrant epigenetic events offer potential mechanism for perpetuating the effects of early life exposures setting the stage for future disease outcomes including cancer. Few studies showed significant differences in epigenetic events in different racial and ethnic groups. These epigenetic changes can be associated with cancer initiation, progression, aggressiveness, and disease outcomes. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to understand the causes of aberrant epigenetic changes in cancer disparities to reduce cancer health disparities.
Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir expands reach while reducing cost and duration of hepatitis C virus therapy.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments have dramatically progressed from poorly tolerated, moderately successful interferon-based therapies to highly effective all-oral interferon-free regimens. While sustained virologic responses have significantly improved with fixed-dose combinations (FDC) of these direct-acting antivirals (DAA), cost remains high and certain populations of patients remain difficult to treat. Glecaprevir (GLE, an NS3/4A protease inhibitor) and pibrentasvir (PIB, NS5A inhibitor) were recently approved as a FDC therapy for HCV, and have expanded reach, reduced cost, and in certain populations, reduced HCV treatment duration. GLE/PIB is effective across all genotypes, and has been shown to be effective in HIV-infected patients, patients with chronic kidney disease, and Child–Pugh A-compensated cirrhosis. GLE/PIB is also effective for a shortened duration of 8 weeks in treatment-naive non-cirrhotic patients.
Human or Computer? AutoTutor in a Bystander Turing Test

Since the development of the first digital computer in the 1940s, the notion of computer intelligence has received considerable attention from computer scientists, philosophers, and psychologists. The question of whether it is possible to create a computer program that possesses human intelligence has spurred much debate. Turing (1950) argued that computers are not capable of thinking and provided several theological, psychological, and sociological arguments in support of his position. To determine a computer program’s intelligence, Turing proposed several benchmark methods. One such method requires humans to decide whether they are interacting with an actual computer program or another human via computer mediation. According to Turing, a computer could be described as intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing that it was human. The two studies presented here were designed to determine whether AutoTutor could pass a variation of the Turing test, the Bystander Turing Test. The subsequent sections of this paper address the following: (1) the AutoTutor system, (2) the Bystander Turing Test, (3) the two empirical studies, and (4) the conclusions of the studies.
The Self and Cognition: The Roles of the Self in the Acquisition of Knowledge, and the Role of Cognition in the Development of the Self

In the past several decades there has been a growing interest in applying the general principles and findings of cognitive development to the understanding of personality and personality development. Kohlberg may be the best known representative of this movement, the one who most systematically attempted to articulate a new theory of personality based on cognitive foundations (Kohlberg 1969); however, the other members form a long list, and their contribution is by now very substantial.
Prospects for Ethanol and Biodiesel, 2008 to 2017 and Impacts on Agriculture and Food

The impacts of increased biofuels production on key agricultural variables and consumer prices are analyzed using a multisector econometric model AGMOD. A “baseline” scenario and three alternative crude oil price scenarios are presented. Results indicate that conventional biofuels mandates of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 can be met with moderate increases in crop area and consumer prices. Biodiesel production will increasingly need to draw on non-soybean oil sources. However, except under the “high crude oil price” scenario, ethanol and biodiesel will require a premium over their energy equivalent prices. Production of cellulosic ethanol is likely to be minor through 2017.
Babesiosis-associated Splenic Rupture: Case Series From a Hyperendemic Region

BACKGROUND Spontaneous splenic rupture is an increasingly reported complication of babesiosis and has been described as a severe complication. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review in a high-prevalence area to identify 7 cases of babesiosis-related splenic rupture between 2014 and 2016. RESULTS Splenic rupture occurred in approximately 1% of babesiosis cases. Compared to cases without splenic rupture, these patients were younger (by >10 years), healthier (most with ≤1 comorbidity), had a lower degree of parasitemia (<10%), and were less likely to have end-organ dysfunction other than their splenic involvement. CONCLUSIONS Younger, healthier patients may be more prone to develop splenic rupture, as splenic histiocytes engage in more robust erythrophagocytosis, leading to pathological mechanical strain and rupture.
CHAPTER 28 – Biological Control in Deciduous Fruit Crops

This chapter discusses biological control of pests of deciduous fruit crops, emphasizing primarily on western North American orchard species. Plant-feeding mites, including spider mites of the Tetranychidae family, are some of the most troublesome pests of commercial deciduous fruit crops worldwide. Generally, in noncommerical orchards, where no sprays are used and poor horticultural practices are avoided, these pests, being controlled by large complexes of predatory species, seldom create problems. By careful monitoring of the populations of pest mites, alternate prey, and predators, possibilities for biological control can be forecast based on predator to prey ratios, even relatively early in a cycle of pest population increase. When prey levels exceed a desired level, selective acaricides can be used to reduce the pest mites without influencing predators and the latter then regulate the pests. The use of combinations of predators and selective acaricides can reduce acaricide usage from 50% to 90% of commercial programs based on using the nonselective acaricides or insecticides in several fruit production areas. Also, pesticide resistance development in spider mites can be greatly curtailed where the combination of predators and selective acaricides is employed, instead of just using acaricides alone.
An exact decomposition algorithm for a chance-constrained new product risk model

Abstract We use the generalized two-sided Chebyshev inequality to reformulate a certain nonlinear, chance-constrained new product risk model. The problem has a linear cost objective and a constraint set featuring a probabilistic lower bound on an event which depends on a collection of mutually-independent, uniform random parameters. Our reformulation permits a reduction of the problem to a sequence of second-order cone programs. We, therefore, identify a new family of non-convex programs whose members are amenable to convex programming solution techniques.
Postmodern Theatre in Europe (1950s–2010s)

This chapter explores the development of dramatists, directors, and major theatres in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. It then considers mime and physical theatre developments, along with key directors and playwrights in France. It looks at German (and Austrian) theatre artists, West and East, regarding postwar developments. It investigates Polish and Czech dramatists and directors, working under Communist censorship and traveling beyond it. It considers internationally known Italian directors and dramatists, plus Romanian, Russian, Macedonian, and Serbian artists working against and beyond socialist realism.
Efficacy and Persistence of Beauveria bassiana and Other Fungi for Control of Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on Cabbage Seedlings

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a key pest of crucifers worldwide. Resistance by diamondback moths to chemical insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner toxins highlights the need for alternative controls. Crucifer growers often depend on seedlings produced in screenhouses and later transplanted to the field. Commercial seedlings can be contaminated with pesticide-resistant P. xylostella, leading to control problems in the field. We evaluated the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin applied as conidia in Mycotrol ® WP in three experiments by evaluating insect control, damage reduction, and fungus persistence on treated leaves of cabbage seedlings. In one experiment, we also evaluated Metarhizium anisopliae Metschnikoff (Sorokin) applied as conidia in Bio-blast® and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown & Smith applied as freshly-cultivated unformulated blastospores. We observed significant reductions, compared to controls, in insect populations and damage ratings w...
Design and Measurement Requirements for Short Flow Test Arrays to Characterize Emerging Memories

Emerging non-volatile memories are becoming increasingly attractive for embedded and storage-class applications. Among the development challenges of Back-End integrated memory cells are long learning cycles and high wafer cost. We propose a short-flow based approach for characterization of Memory Arrays using a Cross-Point Array structure and highly parallel Parametric Test. A detailed analysis of design requirements and testability, including inverse circuit simulation, confirms feasibility of the approach to reduce Turn-Around Time and development costs.
New Evidence on Retaining Air Force Members with Young Children: Exploring Work and Personal Factors by Gender

AbstractThe United States faces ongoing challenges retaining military men and women. Previous research highlights that family factors influence members’ decisions to leave the service. The Conceptu...
Development of a Quorum-Sensing Based Circuit for Control of Coculture Population Composition in a Naringenin Production System.

As synthetic biology and metabolic engineering tools improve, it is feasible to construct more complex microbial synthesis systems that may be limited by the machinery and resources available in an...
Argonaute Binding within 3'-Untranslated Regions Does Not Predict Gene Repression

ABSTRACT Despite two decades of study, the full scope of RNAi in mammalian cells has remained obscure. Here we combine: 1) Knockout of argonaute (AGO) variants; 2) RNA sequencing analysis of gene expression changes; and 3) Crosslinking Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (CLIP-seq) using anti-AGO2 antibody to identify potential microRNA (miRNA) binding sites. We find that knocking out AGO1, AGO2, and AGO3 are necessary to achieve full impact on gene expression. CLIP-seq reveals several hundred significant AGO2 associations within the 3’-untranslated regions of cytoplasmic transcripts. The standard mechanism of miRNA action would suggest that these associations repress gene expression. Contrary to this expectation, clusters are poorly correlated with gene repression in wild-type versus knockout cells. Many clusters are associated with increased gene expression in wild-type versus knock out cells, including the strongest cluster within the MYC 3’-UTR. Our results suggest that assumptions about miRNA action should be re-examined.
Lyme Disease and Anesthesia Considerations

This review seeks to examine the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease and focuses on the anesthetic implications of the infection. Lyme disease has become the fifth most common nationally notifiable disease and is the most commonly reported vector-transmitted infection in the United States. This emerging infectious disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria and is transmitted by the bite of Ixodes scapularis, a hard-body tick, also known as the deer tick or blacklegged tick.
The Effect of Marijuana Legalization on Jail Populations in Washington State

In 2012, Washington State legalized the production, sale, and possession of marijuana through Initiative 502. Advocates of legalization argued that it would decrease the jail population and reduce ...
Examining the Role of Childhood Adversity on Excess Alcohol Intake and Tobacco Exposure among US College Students

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are often associated with substance use behaviors such as drinking excess alcohol and tobacco use. Resilience may protect individuals from engaging in these mal...
Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) compared with conventional ESD for colorectal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is increasingly utilized to overcome the complexity of conventional ESD. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of hybrid ESD for treatment of colorectal lesions. Methods Search strategies were developed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Pooled proportions were calculated with rates estimated using random effects models. Measured outcomes included en bloc resection, procedure-associated complications, recurrence, and need for surgery. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare effectiveness of conventional versus hybrid ESD. Results 16 studies (751 patients) were included with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) lesion size of 27.96 (10.55) mm. En bloc resection rate was 81.63 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 72.07 – 88.44; I2 = 80.89). Complications, recurrences, and need for surgery occurred in 7.74 % (95 %CI 4.78 – 12.31; I2 = 65.84), 4.52 % (95 %CI 1.40 – 13.65; I2 = 76.81), and 3.64 % (95 %CI 1.76 – 7.37; I2 = 15.52), respectively. Mean procedure duration was 48.83 (22.37) minutes. On subgroup analyses comparing outcomes for conventional (n = 1703) versus hybrid ESD (n = 497), procedure duration was significantly shorter for hybrid ESD (mean difference 18.45 minutes; P = 0.003), with lower complication rates (P = 0.04); however, hybrid ESD had lower en bloc resection rates (P 0.05). Conclusion While hybrid ESD was safe and effective for removal of colorectal lesions, with shorter procedure duration, fewer complications, and no difference in recurrence versus conventional ESD, hybrid ESD was associated with a lower en bloc resection rate.
A Posttraumatic Dilated, Proptotic Eye Does Not Always Need a Lateral Canthotomy! A Review of Superior Orbital Fissure Syndrome for Emergency Physicians.

Abstract Background Superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS) is a rare constellation of findings consisting of ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, a fixed dilated pupil, forehead anesthesia, and loss of the corneal reflex. This syndrome, though rare, is most often encountered in trauma with individuals sustaining a facial fracture. Case Report We present a case of a young woman who was diagnosed with SOFS after a fall in her house, hitting her face on a nightstand. Treatment consisted of high-dose i.v. steroids followed by a taper with close follow-up in the Ophthalmology clinic. We provide a brief review of SOFS, including treatment considerations and follow-up. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? SOFS can be easily overlooked in an individual presenting to the emergency department after facial trauma with proptosis. However, a thorough examination of the eye, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure will focus the physician on SOFS rather than the need for immediate decompression via lateral canthotomy. This report describes a traumatic cause of SOFS, the pathophysiology and treatment, and summarizes existing literature.
Abstract PS15-04: De-escalation of radiation therapy in patients with stage I, node-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer: Patterns of care and survival outcomes using the national cancer database

Background: In the modern era, highly effective anti-HER2 therapy is associated with very low local-regional recurrence (LRR) rates for early-stage HER2+ breast cancer. One recent prospective study of T1-2N0 HER2+ breast cancer patients treated with lumpectomy and adjuvant paclitaxel+trastuzumab followed by whole breast radiation (RT) demonstrated 7-year LRR-free survival of 99% raising the question of whether local therapy de-escalation by RT omission is possible. To evaluate existing data on radiation omission, we used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to test the hypothesis that RT omission results in equivalent overall survival (OS) in stage 1 (T1N0) HER2+ breast cancer.Materials/Methods: We identified patients with stage I (T1N0) HER2+ breast cancer treated with lumpectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy and anti-HER2 therapy from 2013 (the first year anti-HER2 therapy receipt was reliably collected) to 2015. We excluded patients that received neoadjuvant systemic therapy. We then stratified the cohort by receipt of adjuvant RT. The primary endpoint was OS as LRR is not captured by the NCDB. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method (RT and RT omission groups compared by the log-rank test) and multivariate cox regression including variables with p 1 cm vs. ≤1 cm), ER/PR status (ER-/PR- vs. ER+ and/or PR+), facility type (academic vs. non-academic), and income ( 1cm (p=0.14), grade 3 tumors (p=0.14), academic facility (p=0.16) and lower income (p=0.02) but not ER-/PR- status (HR=1.01, p=0.95), distance to treatment facility (p=0.42) or tumor laterality (p=0.66). On multivariate analysis, RT omission (HR=7.55, 95% CI 5.36-10.63, p Citation Format: Jose G Bazan, Sachin Jhawar, Daniel Stover, Ko Un Park, Sasha Beyer, Erin Healy, Julia R White. De-escalation of radiation therapy in patients with stage I, node-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer: Patterns of care and survival outcomes using the national cancer database [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS15-04.
Library Marketing: Sending Text Messages and Emails to Online Library Users During COVID-19

Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College’s Hirons Library & Learning Center (HLLC) library marketing efforts included word of mouth, information literacy instruction session, physical...
Evaluating Potential Iatrogenic Effects of a Suicide-Focused Research Protocol

Background: Concerns regarding the potential iatrogenic effects of suicide assessment have long impeded suicide research. Aims: We sought to examine the effects of an intensive, suicide-focused assessment protocol on mood, suicidality, and urges to harm oneself or others. Method: Participants were adults admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for recent suicidal ideation or behavior, or reasons unrelated to suicide. Our study protocol included clinical interviews evaluating suicide history and laboratory tasks with suicide-related stimuli. We modified an existing measure to create a brief, 6-item interview, the Assessment Session Check-In, which was administered before and after research procedures. Results: These indicated overall reductions in distress, suicidal intent, and urges to harm oneself or others from preassessment to postassessment. Postassessment reductions in stress predicted lower likelihood of a suicide attempt at follow-up. Limitations: Although beneficial to examine a high-risk sample, it is possible that an intensive suicide-focused protocol could prove more problematic for those with lower baseline levels of negative affect and suicidal thoughts. Conclusions: Results challenge the belief that assessing suicide elevates distress or suicidality, even among a high-risk sample of adults admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit.
Graph Simultaneous Embedding Tool, GraphSET

Problems in simultaneous graph drawing involve the layout of several graphs on a shared vertex set. This paper describes a Graph Simultaneous Embedding Tool, GraphSET , designed to allow the investigation of a wide range of embedding problems. GraphSET can be used in the study of several variants of simultaneous embedding including simultaneous geometric embedding, simultaneous embedding with fixed edges and colored simultaneous embedding with the vertex set partitioned into color classes. The tool has two primary uses: (i) studying theoretical problems in simultaneous graph drawing through the production of examples and counterexamples and (ii) producing layouts of given classes of graphs using built-in implementations of known algorithms. GraphSET along with movies illustrating its utility are available at http://graphset.cs.arizona.edu.
A battery-connected 24-ratio switched capacitor PMIC achieving 95.5%-efficiency

A switched-capacitor (SC) PMIC is presented that achieves up to a 6.6-bit resolution with only 5 flying capacitors for inductive PMIC replacement. The flying capacitors are reused in a frequency-scaled gear train as well as charge-feedback SC topologies to attain a 2.4× reduction in capacitors number compared to prior art. In 0.25μm bulk, the PMIC operates from an input voltage of 2.5–5V, can generate an output voltage ranging from 0.2–2V, and features an average efficiency of 90.2% across the entire range and a peak efficiency of 95.5%.