cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of obesity on the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy is a revolutionary treatment that harnesses the immune system to fight cancer. However, only a small fraction of patients responds to these treatments. Differences in an individual’s immune system and/or the tumor microenvironment may explain why immunotherapy is effective in only some patients. Obesity is an important cancer risk factor that is known to impair protective immunity, which may impact the effectiveness of immunotherapy. However, the impact of obesity on immunotherapy efficacy has never been investigated. We thus hypothesized that obesity reduces immunotherapy efficacy. We studied the effects of obesity on the tumor microenvironment using a diet-induced obesity mouse model and immunoresponsive cell line. MC38 colon cancer cells were injected subcutaneously in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat or control diet. The tumors were collected three weeks post-injection and processed into single cell suspensions for flow cytometry. Samples were stained for helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and for macrophages with CD11b and F4/80, where CD206 and CD86 identified M2 and M1 macrophages, respectively. Initial experiments revealed a higher concentration of cytotoxic T cells in lean mice, which matches studies conducted in different cell lines. We will investigate the role of immune cell and cytokine differences further. In future experiments, we have engineered biocompatible nanoparticles that can modulate immune cells and shift the tumor microenvironment using siRNA, potentially improving immunotherapy efficacy in obesity. These initial studies will lay the foundation for future research and have important translational implications in improving the efficacy of immunotherapy treatment in obese patients.
Take care of your neighborhood.

Urban women in certain Washington, DC neighborhoods present with advanced breast cancer at high rates despite access to health insurance and health care. Through a two-phase intervention, community health workers (CHWs) educated and surveyed individuals regarding healthcare utilization and breast health and cancer awareness. In phase I, CHWs educated and administered a survey to 1092 women, of whom 95.1% had health insurance, in an attempt to explain the high rate of advanced breast cancer despite having health insurance. In phase II, a targeted CHW-administered intervention was designed based on data collected from the phase I survey, and provided to 658 women. Preintervention and postintervention surveys were administered to assess its impact on knowledge and beliefs about breast health and cancer screening. During phase I, respondents most often identified personal factors (28.7%) and fear (27.7%) to explain the high rate of advanced breast cancer despite health insurance status. In phase II, the intervention improved perceptions of the safety and efficacy of mammograms with an absolute 15.4% increase in the respondents who believed that “A mammogram is the safest and most effective test available for finding early breast cancer.” Perceived barriers discouraging mammograms were access (17.0%), pain (13.2%), and education (13.1%). Among an urban population of predominantly insured women with high rates of advanced breast cancer at diagnosis, personal factors and fear were cited as the greatest barriers to breast cancer screening. Educational intervention by CHWs showed a positive impact on respondents’ perceptions regarding mammogram safety and efficacy.
Investigating the Influence of Agency on Trust in a Collaborative Game-Based Scenario:

This study is part of an ongoing investigation into the ways in which individual differences may interact with game characteristics to impact performance and subjective trust outcomes within virtua...
Sampling pattern design algorithm for atomic force microscopy images

This work focuses on the development of an algorithm to design sampling patterns for acquiring images in atomic force microscopy (AFM). The goal is to reduce data acquisition time of the instrument without significantly compromising image quality by appropriately allocating sampling effort. We assume the frequency structure of the images to be sampled, and in particular the locations of the large frequency coefficients, is partially known. Based on this knowledge, the expected reconstruction error using simplified matching pursuit (SMP) is analyzed and a Monte Carlo-based strategy is proposed to create sampling patterns that minimize the expected error. The proposed method is demonstrated through simulation on two groups of sample surface images from two different materials acquired by AFM.
REGULATION OF HMG-CoA REDUCTASE AND REDUCTASE KINASE BY REVERSIBLE PHOSPHORYLATION

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the regulation of HMG-CoA reductase and reductase kinase by reversible phosphorylation. Rat liver microsomal HMG-CoA reductase ( R ) is readily interconverted between an active (dephosphorylated) and an inactive (phosphorylated) state. Inactivation of R is catalyzed by R kinase ( RK ). This enzyme is present both in the cytosol and microsomes. Reactivation of R is catalyzed by a second cytosolic enzyme P which appears to be identical to the 35,000 dalton liver Phosphorylase phosphatase. RK was extracted from microsomes by repeatedly washing with neutral buffer. RK activity was assayed using R in RK -deficient microsomes as substrate. Substantial purification of soluble RK was achieved by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. RK was found to have a molecular weight of 360,000 daltons by chromatography on Agarose A 0.5 m. Incubation of either soluble or microsomal RK at 37° resulted in a time-dependent inactivation of the enzyme. The rate of inactivation was greatly enhanced by purified P and inhibited by fluoride. RK was reactivated in a time-dependent manner by incubation with 2 mM MgATP in a low ionic strength medium. Reactivation was blocked in the high-ionic-strength medium routinely used to assay R and RK .
Persons, Organizations, and Societies: The Effects of Collectivism and Individualism on Cooperation

In 1984, as an undergraduate in social psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara, I (the first author) stepped into Dave Messick’s research lab. It was a step that began a long, fruitful, and continuing education with a marvelous man and mentor. Graduate students working in his lab at the time included Charlie Samuelson and Scott Allison (see Chapters 2 and 12 of this volume), who were heavily involved in Dave’s social dilemma research, which he had begun in collaboration with Marilynn Brewer and Rod Kramer (who had departed for UCLA by that time, but who continued to be important research colleagues — Rod coedited this volume and contributed Chapter 6). During this time, others visited this lab, including Wim Liebrand, a social psychologist from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and his student at the time, Paul Van Lange (see Chapter 4), who also participated in social dilemma and social value research with Dave and Chuck McClintock. The excellent repartee, critical thinking, and complete joy in doing research in that lab convinced me that UCSB was the place to stay and pursue my graduate studies. Although my own research interests tended toward judgment and decision-making as regards understanding the effects of foregone172 alternatives on outcome evaluation (Boles & Messick 1995), I never forgot my early immersion in the social dilemma research group. Thus, I am pleased to have the opportunity to present in the chapter that follows how Dave Messick’s replenishable resource paradigm was employed in a study that examined the effects of collectivism and individualism (personal, organizational, and societal) on cooperation. This work was done in collaboration with Huy Le, formerly a Ph.D. student at the University of Iowa and now on the faculty at the University of Central Florida, and Hannah-Hanh D. Nguyen, formerly a Ph.D. student at Michigan State and now on the faculty at California State University, Long Beach. As such, Dave’s social dilemma work continues to influence another generation of researchers.
Through the Looking Glass: Visions of the Future of Health Care

The value-based transformation of the US healthcare system is here to stay. Expectations regarding quality, transparency, standardization, and cost control will be permanent fixtures. How the healthcare system responds to change remains to be seen. The potential to analyze large amounts of health-related data promises to improve patient care by informing care decisions and evaluating treatment effectiveness. Implementation of new practices has the potential to improve the standards of care. Health care can become a new partnership with patients as key stakeholders engaged in personal responsibility for their own health.
Modern Trafficking, Slavery, and Other Forms of Servitude

The claim that there has been a remarkable revival of slavery, other forms of forced labor, and human trafficking in our times has inspired widespread activism and a vast body of popular and academ...
Automatically incorporating unknown words in JUPITER.

This paper concerns the handling of out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words in the JUPITER weather information system. Specifically our objective is to deal with weather queries regarding unknown cities. We have implemented a system which can detect the presence of an unknown city name, and immediately propose a plausible spelling for that city. Potentially, the city can be dynamically incorporated into the recognizer lexicon. The three-stage system described in [1] was implemented in the JUPITER domain, and this paper will detail the development of a system that uses an ANGIE-based framework to model both spelling and pronunciation simultaneously, and uses automatically derived novel lexical units in the first stage. We report results on an independent test set containing unknown cities. Compared with a single-stage baseline, word error was reduced by 29.3% (from 24.6% to 17.4%) and understanding error was reduced by 67.5% (from 67.0% to 21.8%) on the three-stage configuration.
Science, Skepticism, and Applied Behavior Analysis

Pseudoscientific claims concerning medical and psychological treatments of all varieties are commonplace. As behavior analysts, a sound skeptical approach to our science and practice is essential. The present paper offers an overview of science and skepticism and discusses the relationship of skepticism to behavior analysis, with an emphasis on the types of issues concerning behavior analysts in practice.
Loss of functional connectivity is an early imaging marker in primary lateral sclerosis.

Objective: The clinical diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis can only be made after upper motor neuron symptoms have progressed for several years without developing lower motor neuron signs. The ...
The birth of cosmic rays

Cosmic rays are an essential part of the Universe. Their origin is interrelated with the main processes and the dynamics of star formation, stellar evolution, supernova explosions and to the state and conditions of the interstellar matter in the Galaxy. This chapter is intended to guide the reader through some of these processes that lead to the acceleration of galactic cosmic rays.
Crystal structure of the catalytic subunit of bovine pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase.

Mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity is tightly regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, which is catalyzed by PDH kinase isomers and PDH phosphatase isomers, respectively. PDH phosphatase isomer 1 (PDP1) is a heterodimer consisting of a catalytic subunit (PDP1c) and a regulatory subunit (PDP1r). Here, the crystal structure of bovine PDP1c determined at 2.1 A resolution is reported. The crystals belonged to space group P3221, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 75.3, c = 173.2 A. The structure was solved by molecular-replacement methods and refined to a final R factor of 21.9% (Rfree = 24.7%). The final model consists of 402 of a possible 467 amino-acid residues of the PDP1c monomer, two Mn2+ ions in the active site, an additional Mn2+ ion coordinated by His410 and His414, two MnSO4 ion pairs at special positions near the crystallographic twofold symmetry axis and 226 water molecules. Several new features of the PDP1c structure are revealed. The requirements are described and plausible bases are deduced for the interaction of PDP1c with PDP1r and other components of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
Epidemiology of Treatment for Preschoolers on Kentucky Medicaid Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objectives: The National Survey of Children's Health reported a concerning increase in children 2–5 years being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2016. Concerns incl...
Fulfilling the Basic Psychological Needs of Esports Fans: A Self-Determination Theory Approach:

This study examines esports fans’ psychological processes and pertinent behaviors through the lens of the self-determination theory (SDT). The extent to which the esports fans’ basic psychological ...
Vertebral osteomyelitis due to Salmonella Poona in a healthy adolescent female

We present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis in a previously healthy, adolescent Caucasian female athlete. After months of lower back pain, spinal imaging demonstrated phlegmon and suspected osteom...
Deep Learning Automates Measurement of Spinopelvic Parameters on Lateral Lumbar Radiographs.

Study design Cross-sectional database study. Objective The objective of this study was to develop an algorithm for the automated measurement of spinopelvic parameters on lateral lumbar radiographs with comparable accuracy to surgeons. Summary of background data Sagittal alignment measurements are important for the evaluation of spinal disorders. Manual measurement methods are time-consuming and subject to rater-dependent error. Thus, a need exists to develop automated methods for obtaining sagittal measurements. Previous studies of automated measurement have been limited in accuracy, inapplicable to common plain films, or unable to measure pelvic parameters. Methods Images from 816 patients receiving lateral lumbar radiographs were collected sequentially and used to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) segmentation algorithm. A total of 653 (80%) of these radiographs were used to train and validate the CNN. This CNN was combined with a computer vision algorithm to create a pipeline for the fully automated measurement of spinopelvic parameters from lateral lumbar radiographs. The remaining 163 (20%) of radiographs were used to test this pipeline. Forty radiographs were selected from the test set and manually measured by three surgeons for comparison. Results The CNN achieved an area under the receiver-operating curve of 0.956. Algorithm measurements of L1-S1 cobb angle, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope were not significantly different from surgeon measurement. In comparison to criterion standard measurement, the algorithm performed with a similar mean absolute difference to spine surgeons for L1-S1 Cobb angle (4.30° ± 4.14° vs. 4.99° ± 5.34°), pelvic tilt (2.14° ± 6.29° vs. 1.58° ± 5.97°), pelvic incidence (4.56° ± 5.40° vs. 3.74° ± 2.89°), and sacral slope (4.76° ± 6.93° vs. 4.75° ± 5.71°). Conclusion This algorithm measures spinopelvic parameters on lateral lumbar radiographs with comparable accuracy to surgeons. The algorithm could be used to streamline clinical workflow or perform large scale studies of spinopelvic parameters.Level of Evidence: 3.
An Automated Taxonomy for Human-Made Objects in Geosynchronous Orbits

Taxonomies are useful for providing structure when categorizing large numbers of near-Earth space objects by the types of maneuvers they perform. In particular, lateral thrusting, longitudinal thrusting, and drifting may be directly linked to detectable changes in the orbital elements that affect object location and orientation. The purpose of this work is to develop a fully-automated taxonomy of the geosynchronous objects based on dynamical principles. Groups of objects are found using clustering methods, and two clustering methods are compared for constructing the taxonomy. The first is an adaptive k-means algorithm that does not require a priori information. It is compared to an agglomerative clustering algorithm that utilizes limits on cluster sizes to form distinct clusters. The effectiveness of the automated taxonomy is determined by comparison with the European Space Agency’s DISCOS database and clusters from the Geosynchronous yearly report.
Innate Antiviral Cytokine Response to Swine Influenza Virus by Swine Respiratory Epithelial Cells

Swine influenza virus (SIV) can cause respiratory illness in swine. Swine contribute to influenza virus reassortment, as avian, human, and/or swine influenza viruses can infect swine and reassort, and new viruses can emerge. Thus, it is important to determine the host antiviral responses that affect SIV replication. In this study, we examined the innate antiviral cytokine response to SIV by swine respiratory epithelial cells, focusing on the expression of interferon (IFN) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Both primary and transformed swine nasal and tracheal respiratory epithelial cells were examined following infection with field isolates. The results show that IFN and ISG expression is maximal at 12 h postinfection (hpi) and is dependent on cell type and virus genotype. IMPORTANCE Swine are considered intermediate hosts that have facilitated influenza virus reassortment events that have given rise pandemics or genetically related viruses have become established in swine. In this study, we examine the innate antiviral response to swine influenza virus in primary and immortalized swine nasal and tracheal epithelial cells, and show virus strain- and host cell type-dependent differential expression of key interferons and interferon-stimulated genes.
“When You Come Together and Do Everything, It’ll be Better for Everybody”: Exploring Gender Relations Among Two Southeastern Native American Tribes:

Prior to the imposition of patriarchal colonial norms, Native American (NA) gender relations were characterized as complementary and egalitarian; however, little research has explored gender relati...
Outcomes of small pediatric donor kidney transplants according to donor weight.

A small pediatric deceased donor (SPD) weight cutoff whether to transplant as en bloc (EB) or single pediatric (SP) kidney is uncertain. Using UNOS/OPTN data (2000-2019), 27 875 SPDs were divided by (i) EB (11.4%) or SP (88.6%) and (ii) donor weight [≤10 (5.4%), >10-15 (8.3%), >15-18 (3.7%), >18-20 (2.9%), and >20 kg (79.7%)]. SP >20 kg and adult deceased donors (grouped by Kidney Donor Profile Index, KDPI, 85) were used as references. The primary outcome was 10-year graft failure. In SP 20 kg. In SP >10-15 kg, HR was 1.31 (1.12-1.54) compared with EB >10-15 kg, and 1.04 (0.91-1.18) compared with SP >20 kg. In SP >15 kg, the risk was the same as SP >20 kg. Ten-year overall graft survival of SP 12 kg was comparable to SP >20 kg (62% vs. 57%). Ten-year death censored graft failure of SP >10-15 kg (70%) and SP >15-18 kg (70%) was like the adult donors with KDPI 30-85 (67%). In conclusion, we recommend single kidney transplants from SPDs with weight >12 kg to adult recipients in centers with experience in SPD transplants to optimize organ utilization.
Elimination of extraordinarily high cracking susceptibility of aluminum alloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract Using the calculation of phase diagrams approach and Scheil solidification modeling, the Al-2.5Mg-1.0Ni-0.4Sc-0.1Zr alloy was designed, intentionally with an extraordinarily high cracking susceptibility, making it prime for solidification cracking during laser powder bed fusion. This study demonstrates the ability to mitigate even the most extreme solidification cracking tendencies in aluminum alloys with only minor alloying additions of Sc and Zr, 0.5 wt.% max. Furthermore, by employing a simple direct ageing heat treatment, good tensile mechanical properties were observed with a yield strength of 308 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 390 MPa, and a total elongation of 11%.
Autoimmune conditions in the World Trade Center general responder cohort: A nested case-control and standardized incidence ratio analysis.

Background The World Trade Center (WTC) general responder cohort (GRC) was exposed to environmental toxins possibly associated with increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions. Objectives Two study designs were used to assess incidence and risks of autoimmune conditions in the GRC. Methods Three clinically trained professionals established the status of possible GRC cases of autoimmune disorders adhering to diagnostic criteria, supplemented, as needed, by specialists' review of consenting responders' medical records. Nested case-control analyses using conditional logistic regression estimated the risk associated with high WTC exposure (being in the 9/11/2001 dust cloud or ≥median days' response worked) compared with low WTC exposure (all other GRC members'). Four controls were matched to each case on age at case diagnosis (±2 years), sex, race/ethnicity, and year of program enrollment. Sex-specific and sensitivity analyses were performed. GRC age- and sex-adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were compared with the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). Complete REP inpatient and outpatient medical records were reviewed by specialists. Conditions meeting standardized criteria on ≥2 visits were classified as REP confirmed cases. Results Six hundred and twenty-eight responders were diagnosed with autoimmune conditions between 2002 and 2017. In the nested case-control analyses, high WTC exposure was not associated with autoimmune domains and conditions (rheumatologic domain odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77, 1.37; rheumatoid arthritis OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.70, 1.77). GRC members had lower SIR than REP. Women's risks were generally greater than men's. Conclusions The study found no statistically significant increased risk of autoimmune conditions with WTC exposures.
Penetrating Abdominal Trauma

The key decision you will be faced with is whether an exploratory laparotomy is required. The decision to operate usually means that you will proceed to the operating room immediately, while the decision not to operate is subject to frequent reassessment in the next 24 (rarely 48) hours. You decide to operate because you presume that there is significant intra-abdominal injury to repair, but you may be wrong. A laparotomy is termed “negative” if no injuries were present and “non-therapeutic” if the injuries would have healed without surgical intervention; for example, hemoperitoneum from a self-limited minor hepatic tear. Since both negative and non-therapeutic laparotomies are not entirely harmless, it should be your aim not to operate unnecessarily. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done.
Can the Five Factor Model of Personality Account for the Variability of Autism Symptom Expression? Multivariate Approaches to Behavioral Phenotyping in Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder

The present study aimed to: determine the extent to which the five factor model of personality (FFM) accounts for variability in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology in adults, examine differences in average FFM personality traits of adults with and without ASD and identify distinct behavioral phenotypes within ASD. Adults (N = 828; nASD = 364) completed an online survey with an autism trait questionnaire and an FFM personality questionnaire. FFM facets accounted for 70 % of variance in autism trait scores. Neuroticism positively correlated with autism symptom severity, while extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness negatively correlated with autism symptom severity. Four FFM subtypes emerged within adults with ASD, with three subtypes characterized by high neuroticism and none characterized by lower-than-average neuroticism.
The expression of the syn- gene of herpes simplex virus type 1. II. Requirements for macromolecular synthesis.

Abstract The fusion of cells infected with a single-step syn − mutant of the Glasgow 17 strain of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is independent of the production of infectious virus. The fusion response of infected BHK cells occurs between 4 and 8 hr postinfection. Prior to this time, synthesis of both RNA and protein is required. The RNA required for the full expression of the syn − phenotype is synthesized by 4 hr postinfection, while the protein required for the full expression of the syn − phenotype is synthesized by 6 hr postinfection. In the presence of 2-deoxy- d -glucose (DOG), neither cell fusion nor the production of infectious virus occurs. As monitored by electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, essentially all of the virus proteins are produced in the presence of DOG. However, the bands corresponding to glycoproteins are absent with a concomitant appearance of bands with faster mobilities. This observation suggests that the presence of DOG prevents the complete glycosylation of glycoproteins. These results support the idea that glycoproteins are required for cell fusion as well as for the production of infectious virus.
The Relationship Between Gender Social Identity and Support for Feminism

This study is an application of social identity theory to feminist consciousness and activism. For women, strong gender identifications may enhance support for equality struggles, whereas for men, they may contribute to backlashes against feminism. University students (N = 276), primarily Euroamerican, completed a measure of gender self-esteem (GSE, that part of one's self-concept derived from one's gender), and two measures of feminism. High GSE in women and low GSE in men were related to support for feminism. Consistent with past research, women were more supportive of feminism than men, and in both genders, support for feminist ideas was greater than self-identification as a feminist.
Replication of linear duplex DNA in vitro with bacteriophage T5 DNA polymerase.

Two sets of experiments are presented that attempt to contribute to understanding the mechanisms of DNA replication. The specific areas discussed are fidelity of DNA replication and initiation of replication of duplex DNA. (ACR)
Spleen injury following left extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)

A splenic rupture associated with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is exceedingly rare. We report a case of stage 3 splenic laceration, hemoperitoneum and subsequent splenic rupture following an ESWL for a left mid polar renal calculus. During the ESWL, although the patient’s pain was controlled the gentleman was very nervous and had to be repositioned eight individual times. Approximately 6 hours after the ESWL, the patient phoned the urologist complaining of severe left flank pain unlike any previous episode of renal colic. A computerized tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a stage 3 splenic injury with hemoperitoneum. The patient decompensated and an emergent splenectomy was then performed and the patient experienced an uneventful recovery. Splenic injury likely results from unintentional movement during the sound wave administration for the stone fragmentation procedure. Utilizing noise cancelling headphones during ESWL may preclude the potential pitfalls of patient nervousness.
Vitamin D metabolism and osteomalacia in cystic fibrosis

A 25-yr-old black man with cystic fibrosis and cirrhosis developed symptoms of osteomalacia and hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and low circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD). Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-[OH]2D) was within the normal range. Iliac crest bone biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of osteomalacia. Oral administration of 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 failed to relieve symptoms or raise serum 25-OHD levels to normal. Intramuscular vitamin D2, 10,000 IU every 8-12 week, improved symptoms, raised serum 25-OHD to normal, and increased circulating 1,25-[OH]2D to values five times normal. Over the next 10 mo circulating 1,25-[OH]2D remained elevated despite normalization of serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone. Repeat bone biopsy 1 yr after parenteral vitamin D showed healing of the osteomalacia. Malabsorption of vitamin D appears secondary to profound steatorrhea due to pancreatic insufficiency and secondary biliary cirrhosis. Although extensive hepatocellular disease was present, hepatic conversion of vitamin D to 25-OHD was intact. Both high and low circulating 1,25-[OH]2D levels during active osteomalacia have been reported; initially, the level was in the normal range and higher values in this patient occurred with repletion of 25-OHD substrate. This study shows that symptomatic osteomalacia may be a major manifestation of cystic fibrosis in those patients surviving into adulthood. Measurements of serum 25-OHD in cystic fibrosis patients may identify those who should receive supplemental vitamin D.
Of Gay Rights and Christmas Ornaments: The Political History of Sexual Orientation Non-discrimination in the Treaty of Amsterdam†

This article asks why sexual orientation was included in the anti-discrimination clause of the Treaty of Amsterdam (Article 13) in the absence of active support within the Council of Ministers and even though few Member States had established it as protected ground prior to the intergovernmental conference. A detailed historical analysis reveals how the European Parliament (EP) gradually developed into the hub of a transnational advocacy network that promoted gay rights to the European Commission and the Council. The dynamics of the intergovernmental conference enabled the EP to introduce sexual orientation into the treaty-making process, while the use of naming-and-shaming tactics vis-a-vis the Dutch Presidency secured the ground's final inclusion. This political history has theoretical implications since it presents a challenge to extant liberal intergovernmentalist and institutionalist analyses of the Amsterdam Treaty and suggests that the EP should be afforded more attention by neofunctionalist scholars.
A Survey of Intelligent Scheduling Systems

Scheduling involves the effective allocation of resources over time. In this paper, we examine the impact of intelligent systems on production, transportation, and project scheduling. We provide a survey of intelligent scheduling systems based on artificial and computational intelligence techniques. These methods include knowledge-based systems, expert systems, genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, neural networks, and hybrid systems. We also review the basic components of the scheduling problem and describe some potentially promising areas for future research.
Post‐transcriptional activation of a diguanylate cyclase by quorum sensing small RNAs promotes biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae

Summary Biofilms promote attachment of Vibrio cholerae in aquatic ecosystems and aid in transmission. Intracellular c-di-GMP levels that control biofilm development positively correlate with expression of Qrr sRNAs, which are transcribed when quorum sensing (QS) autoinducer levels are low. The Qrr sRNAs base-pair with and repress translation of hapR encoding the QS ‘master regulator’, hence increased c-di-GMP and biofilm development at low density were believed to be solely a consequence of Qrr/hapR pairing. We show that Qrr sRNAs also base-pair with and activate translation of the mRNA of a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), Vca0939; relieving an inhibitory structure in vca0939 that occludes the ribosome binding site. A nucleotide substitution in vca0939 disrupted sRNA/mRNA base-pairing and prevented vca0939 translation, while a compensating Qrr sRNA substitution restored pairing and Vca0939 levels. Qrr-dependent DGC activation led to c-di-GMP accumulation and biofilm development in V. cholerae. This represents the first description of (1) a DGC post-transcriptionally activated by direct pairing with an Hfq-dependent sRNA, and (2) control of a V. cholerae QS phenotype, independent of HapR. Thus, direct interactions of the same sRNAs with two mRNAs promote c-di-GMP-dependent biofilm formation by complementary mechanisms in V. cholerae; by negatively regulating HapR, and positively regulating the DGC Vca0939.
Juggling and vector compositions

Abstract A considerable amount of interest has arisen pertaining to the mathematics of juggling. In this paper, we use techniques similar to those of Ehrenborg and Readdy (Discrete Math. 157 (1996) 107) to enumerate two special classes of juggling patterns. Both classes are enumerated by a product of q-binomial coefficients; the second class is a generalization of the first. Using the first class of patterns, we give a bijective proof of an identity of Haglund (Compositions, rook placements, and permutations of vectors, Doctoral Dissertation, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 1993) involving vector compositions. We define a generalized vector composition and provide a bijective proof of an identity dual to Haglund's using these generalized vector compositions.
Phase Diagram of the Eutectic Benzoic Acid-Naphthalene System in the Temperature Range of 300-400 K

Liquid-solid phase equilibria are studied in the eutectic benzoic acid-naphthalene system by means of thermic analysis (DTA, CTA), on the basis of which the liquidus line and eutectic point (xe ≈ 50 mol %, Te ± 340 K) are determined and the phase diagram is constructed. Average precrystallization supercooling temperatures ΔTL− of the liquid phase relative to liquidus temperature TL are determined, allowing us to locate the region of solution metastability on the phase diagram. Excessive functions of the components in the liquid phase are found via thermodynamic modeling using the Margules equation and experimental data. The boundaries of the region of liquid solution metastability are estimated from the thermodynamic conditions of solution stability.
Nanoscale surface characterization of aqueous copper corrosion: Effects of immersion interval and orthophosphate concentration

Abstract Morphology changes for copper surfaces exposed to different water parameters were investigated at the nanoscale with atomic force microscopy (AFM), as influenced by changes in pH and the levels of orthophosphate ions. Synthetic water samples were designed to mimic physiological chemistries for drinking water, both with and without addition of orthophosphate over a pH range 6.5–9. Copper surfaces treated with orthophosphate as a corrosion inhibitor after 6 and 24 h were evaluated. Tapping mode AFM images revealed dosing of the water with 6 mg/L of orthophosphate was beneficial in retarding the growth of copper by-products. The chemical composition and oxidation state of the surface deposits were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Dexamethasone worsens nitric oxide inhibition-induced hypertension and renal dysfunction.

Chronic nitric oxide (NO) inhibition with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) has previously been reported to produce systemic hypertension, renal vasoconstriction, and renal damage. In this study we investigated whether a compensatory restoration of NO synthesis occurs in chronic L-NAME hypertension and whether chronic treatment with dexamethasone (Dex) (which inhibits inducible NO synthase [iNOS]) can influence the course of the hypertension. We found that in the conscious chronically L-NAME-treated (≈10 mg/kg/24 h) hypertensive rats, acute systemic NOS inhibition elicited a further increase in blood pressure (BP), indicating partial restoration of NO production. Chronic Dex in a dose previously reported to inhibit iNOS (5 μg/24 h), amplified the hypertension (within 2 days), renal vasoconstriction, and reduction in glomerular filtration rate because of L-NAME. In contrast, chronic Dex alone had no effects on renal hemodynamics or BP during the first week, although by the end of week 2 a small increase in BP (≈10 mm Hg) was evident. These results show that BP continues to increase with chronic L-NAME despite partial restoration of NO production. An iNOS, which might be stimulated and escaped inhibition by L-NAME, may be responsible for the compensatory restoration of NO synthesis, serving to attenuate the development of hypertension and renal dysfunction.
Good workers for good jobs: improving education and workforce systems in the US

Stagnant earnings and growing inequality in the US labor market reflect both a slowdown in the growth of worker skills and the growing matching of good-paying jobs to skilled workers. Improving the ties between colleges, workforce institutions, and employers would help more workers gain the needed skills. Evaluation evidence shows that training programs linked to employers and good-paying jobs are often cost-effective. Helping more states develop such programs and systems would help raise worker earnings and reduce inequality.
Photochemistry of Chromium Arene Tricarbonyl Complexes with Tethered Pyridinyl and Propenyl Groups: Investigations of the Effect of Ring Size on Chelate Formation, Structure, and Linkage Isomerization

Chromium arene tricarbonyl complexes with tethered pyridinyl groups [Cr{η6-C6H5(CH2)n(2-Py)}(CO)3] (4–6) (2-Py = 2-pyridinyl, n = 1–3, respectively) were synthesized and irradiated to form the chelates [Cr{η6-C6H5(CH2)n(2-Py)-κN}(CO)2] (7–9). Studies examined the effect of ring size and structure on chromophore λmax, stability, and photosensitivity, which are factors important for photochromes based on linkage isomerization of tethered functional groups. The studies also include [Cr{η6-C6H5CH(2-Py)CH2CH═CH2}(CO)3] (3), which has a bifunctional tether of propenyl and pyridinyl groups, and irradiation produces the linkage isomers [Cr{η6-C6H5(CH(2-Py)CH2CH═CH2)-κN}(CO)2] (1) and [Cr{η6-C6H5(CH(2-Py)CH2CH═CH2)(η2-CH═CH2)}(CO)2] (2). X-ray crystal structures for 7–9 show that the dihedral angle between the coordinated pyridinyl groups and the phenyl-chromium centroid increases from 1 to 73° (n = 1–3, respectively). The experimental and TDDFT computed optical changes accompanying an increase in the dihedral ang...
VOLUME-CORRECTED ISOMER SHIFTS OF TRANSITION METAL ATOMS: CHARGE FLOW AND ELECTRONEGATIVITY SCALES IN ALLOYS

The MSssbauer isomer shift provides a direct measure, sampled at the nucleus, of charge flow on or off an atomic site in a solid. Isomer shift data exist for a variety of nuclei as impurities in alloys, and while comparisons have been made with electronegativity scales, no universal correlation has emerged. 1 In this paper, we will show that, once volume effects are suitably accounted for, the isomer shifts of 57Fe, 99Ru, 181Ta, 1931r, 195pt and 197Au display common behavior. These are the only transition metals for which there are sufficient data of sufficient resolution to be considered. In addition to volume effects, two factors contribute to the contact density at a transition metal nucleus and hence to the isomer shift, upon alloying. First there may be an increase or decrease in d electron count, Ana, a[ the impurity site. The d electrons have no density at the nucleus but, b9 screening the s-p conduction electrons, an increase in d count produces a decrease in the contact charge density. Secondly, there may be a change in the non-d conduction electron count, An c. As a result, the volume-corrected isomer shift for some given nucleus becomes AS(vol.corr.) ~ AS - dV AV = C n e - RAn (i) where C and R are constants and V is the atomic volume. Given the minus sign inside the bracket, R is positive and calculation suggests it is the order of 1/2 to i. In other words, d and non-d terms oppose one another and are of the same order. We have already noted that the AS(vol.corr.),for the six elements in question, will display common behavior. What is more, comparison with electronegativity scales, which are associated with the sum of An d and Anr will suggest that the ratio of And/An c is a constant. Non-d an-d-d charge flow in opposite directions upon alloying, and, to a remarkable extent, the ratio of these two" terms is a constant independent of impurity atom and independent of the host in which the impurity finds itself. Making the volume correction involves obtaining the derivative and choosing the impurity volume. For Fe, Ta and Au there are experimental data on the effect of pressure, hence of volume, on AS. Now
Human use of the california nutmeg tree,tórreya californica, and of other members of the genus

The genus T6rreya, well known to botanists for its relic distribution pattern, is of ethnobotanical interest on several counts. First, human influence may have figured in reducing the already small local ranges of its two American species, one of which now faces extinction. Second, the several species have seen a number of folk uses, often quite specialized; and a few of these uses traditionally held commercial importance in parts of the Orient. Third, cultivation of Torreyas as ornamentals, though much limited, has in some climates been quite successful; and since these trees are rightly known for their beauties, we might find reason to promote their more widespread use. Finally, in recent years much chemical investigation has been directed at the Japanese species, leading to the discovery that an extract of its leaves and young fruits has "marked estrogenic activity. " Pharmaceutical possibilities may perhaps be contemplated. Our purpose here will be to investigate historical uses and potential future uses of the various Torreyas, with special attention to the western American species T. californica. In so doing, we will discuss wherever possible geographical factors: influences of environmental variables on the ranges of feasible use, and influences of human use on the distributional patterns of the trees.
Solubilization and stabilization of an investigational antineoplastic drug (NSC no. 278214) in an intravenous formulation using an emulsion vehicle

Abstract The use of parenteral fat emulsions for development of an extemporaneous preparation of an intravenous formulation of a poorly water-soluble and unstable investigational anticancer agent (NSC no. 278214) is presented. The incorporation into a commercial fat emulsion of the drug, dissolved in dimethylacetamide-cremophor solution, results in a suitable parenteral formulation in which the drug is approximately 100-fold more stable than in simple aqueous solutions.
TOKEN VERSUS STORED VALUE CARD USE IN NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY SYSTEM: OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OVER TWO TIME PERIODS

As transportation systems search for ways to improve service and reduce costs, new systems for fare payment are becoming more common. The human throughput at turnstiles of a large number of token and stored value card users was observed in the New York City subway system for 1 week and then for another week after a 6-month interval. The results suggest that magnetic card swipe read/write technologies for fare payment may, at least initially, slow down access to subway platforms and increase entry problems for users. Stored value card users took longer, on average, and showed more variability in throughput than token users. Stored value card users also experienced a fair amount of difficulty in swiping their cards through turnstile readers, although the difficulties decreased after 6 months. Users of cards also differed from token users on a number of demographic variables. With about 50 percent of the ridership served by the new system at the time of the study, the most consistent finding across both stud...
STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING DATA RELIABILITY FOR ONLINE SURVEYS: A CASE STUDY

Due to the wide availability of the Internet, online surveys have become a mainstream data collection method and offer new-found opportunities in market research. However, there are inherent weaknesses associated with online surveys. A case study is used to illustrate how a carefully devised strategy in sample specification and selection, data processing, screening, and editing can boost the quality of online survey data. Reliability measures are compared between the paper and online versions of a newly developed scale of consumer attitudes toward environmental friendly household cleaners and an established scale on materialism. The results show that with a carefully developed strategy, planning, and execution, online survey data can be equal or superior to that of equivalent paper survey data. This provides important applications and implications to researchers and practitioners who are interested in taking advantage of the new data collection medium. To cite this document: Tung-Zong (Donald) Chang and Nicole Vowles, "Strategies for improving data reliability for online surveys: a case study", International Journal of Electronic Commerce Studies, Vol.4, No.1, pp.121-130, 2013. Permanent link to this document:Â http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/ijecs.1121
Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia associated with hepatic portal venous gas. A case report

Gas within the hepatic portal venous system and the bowel wall as shown on abdominal films prompted exploratory laparotomy in a patient who showed no localizing abdominal symptoms or signs. The small bowel was pale but not ne crotic, and the mesenteric vessels were widely patent. Pathologic diagnosis of the resected bowel showed focal mucosal necrosis. This was most likely related to digoxin-induced nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia.
Dynamics of the Formation of the Subambient Pressure Distribution During Chemical-Mechanical Polishing

Chemical-Mechanical Polishing is used to polish silicon wafers in the manufacturing of integrated circuits. Wafers are pressed, electronics side down, onto a rotating pad that is flooded with a slurry containing abrasive particles. The slurry is entrained in the interface and the abrasive particles slide against the silicon and polish it. Our previous work has shown that subambient pressures develop at the silicon/pad interface and we have measured this pressure and its distribution over the wafer surface (1). However, our experiments have been limited to those conditions where the pad rotates and the wafer slides on the pad but the wafer itself does not rotate. Our experiments showed a skewed pressure distribution. This paper describes experiments and pressure distribution measurements where the wafer, as well as the pad/platen is rotated (2). Specifically-designed wireless electronic transmitters and receivers were built and used to measure the interfacial pressures at the silicon/pad interface. Subambient stress maps and temperatures have been measured and Figure 1 shows an example of a skewed pressure distribution when the silicon is not rotated and Figure 2 shows the pressure distribution for the same wafer while it is rotating. The subambient pressures develop over a 2 second time period from when the rotation started. The pressure distributions are symmetric in spite of the lean and tilt of the wafers. The rotational speed and other variables have a big influence on the polishing rate and this will be discussed in the talk.Copyright © 2007 by ASME