cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Iraq Wars and America's Military Revolution: Afghanistan and the Second Iraq War, 2001–2003 – A Revolution Confirmed?

Bush, Rumsfeld, and Military Transformation When his campaign for the presidency began, George W. Bush's foreign and defense policy views were something of mystery. There was little indication that he had devoted much thought to international issues of the day, and as a two-term governor of Texas, there was no need for him to do so. To be taken seriously as a future commander-in-chief, however, he could not remain a blank slate, especially since Senator John McCain was expected to be his chief rival for the Republican nomination. Given McCain's distinguished military career and nearly two decades in the Senate, he was sure to paint Bush as a foreign and defense policy neophyte, although whether this line of attack would carry much weight in the relatively serene international environment of the late 1990s was unclear. But Bush did not wait long to stake out his position, using a speech at the Citadel military academy in September 1999 to provide the first indications of his vision for American foreign and defense policy. Bush's speech began unremarkably, consisting largely of widely voiced conservative criticisms of the Clinton era. Bush promised to “renew the bond of trust between the American President and the American military,” suggesting, of course, that the antimilitary and borderline draft-dodging Clinton had severed the bond. Claiming that “not since the years before Pearl Harbor has our investment in national defense been so low as a percentage of GNP,” he pledged to reverse the decline in defense spending begun by his father and continued under Clinton.
An Introduction to Nitric Oxide Sensing and Response in Bacteria

Nitric oxide (NO) is a radical gas that has been intensively studied for its role as a bacteriostatic agent. NO reacts in complex ways with biological molecules, especially metal centers and other radicals, to generate other bioactive compounds that inhibit enzymes, oxidize macromolecules, and arrest bacterial growth. Bacteria encounter not only NO derived from the host during infection but also NO derived from other bacteria and inorganic sources. The transcriptional responses used by bacteria to respond to NO are diverse but usually involve an iron-containing transcription factor that binds NO and alters its affinity for either DNA or factors involved in transcription, leading to the production of enzymatic tolerance systems. Some of these systems, such as flavohemoglobin and flavorubredoxin, directly remove NO. Some do not but are still important for NO tolerance through other mechanisms. The targets of NO that are protected by these systems include many metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle and branched chain amino acid synthesis. This chapter discusses these topics and others and serves as a general introduction to microbial NO biology.
Sensing the Binding Sites of RNAP Holoenzyme on λ DNA Attached to a Probe Tip with Solid State Nanopores

We report our study to detect the binding sites of RNAP Holoenzyme on λ DNA molecules with an apparatus that integrates a Solid State Nanopore (SSN) with a Tuning Fork based Force sensing Probe tip (SSN-TFFSP). Using this apparatus, we can control the DNA translocation rate to be slower than >100µs/base or <1nm/ms in silicon nitride nanopores, a rate that which is 1000 times slower than free DNA translocation through solid state nanopores. This slow DNA translocation rate could provide sufficient temporal resolution to determine the individual RNAP binding sites on along λ DNA molecule. We show the results of free and controlled translocation of λ DNA with and without bound RNAP through solid state nanopores. λ DNA has two promoter and three pseudo promoter sites for RNAP Holoenzyme to bind. To prevent the separation of RNAP proteins from a λ DNA molecule in the high electric field inside a nanopore, we covalently bound the RNAP Holoenzyme to the λ DNA by formaldehyde crosslinking. We also covalently coupled streptavidin proteins to the gold plated tip by thiol binding. In order to bind DNA to the streptavidin coated tip, a biotinylated primer was ligated to the one end of λ DNA molecules. The accuracy of determining the binding sites of RNAP, as well as other DNA binding proteins will be estimated and discussed.
Temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogel microspheres

To develop and characterize a new class of temperature-sensitive hydrogel microspheres composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PNIPAAm/PEG-DA). The PNIPAAm/PEG-DA hydrogel microspheres were fabricated in two aqueous systems as a result of polymer/polymer immiscibility. Both PNIPAAm and PEG-DA were used as the precursors; the PEG-DA was also used as a cross-linker for the formation of the hydrogel microspheres. Bovine serum albumin was used as the model protein drug to examine the effects of the thermo-responsive properties of the hydrogel microspheres on the release of a protein at two different temperatures (22°C and 37°C). The hydrated PNIPAAm/PEG-DA hydrogel microspheres exhibited a swollen diameter of 50µm, with a narrow particle-size distribution. Scanning electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that, upon swelling, the resulting hydrogel microspheres had a regular spherical and rough surface morphology. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the PNIPAAm/PEG-DA hydrogel microspheres was around 29.1°C, based on differential scanning calorimetric data. The release of BSA from the hydrogel microspheres at 37°C was slower than that at 22°C because of the thermo-responsive nature of PNIPAAm at temperatures above its LCST. We believe that these kinds of PNIPAAm/PEG-DA hydrogel microspheres may have wide applications as promising drug delivery systems, because of their intelligent nature upon external temperature change.
Defending the West in All Its Amplitude: The Liberal Conservative Vision of Roger Scruton

ABSTRACTThis article explores the mixture of conservatism and liberalism that informs Roger Scruton's political and philosophical reflection. It highlights his response to the “culture of repudiation,” his resistance to totalitarianism, his defense of national loyalty (as opposed to ideological nationalism), his conservative-minded environmentalism, and his defense of order—and government—against libertarian and leftist assaults on legitimate authority. In particular, it explores a fruitful tension in Scruton's thought between a robust acknowledgment of the Christian features of Western civilization (a civilization that is unthinkable without a Christian emphasis on confession and forgiveness) and Scruton's forthright defense of the secular state against Islamist fanaticism. The article also explores affinities and differences between Scruton's understanding of the West's conjugation of Christianity and secularism and Pierre Manent's critique of radical secularism. The article concludes with reflections o...
The Missed Opportunity in Gault

A century ago, states established a separate system of juvenile courts with a radical new mission. The aim of these courts was to help juvenile offenders rather than punish them, in a context stripped of the formalities of adult criminal court. By the middle of the century, however, these courts were widely perceived as failures that offered neither substantive nor procedural benefits to children. In 1967, the Supreme Court declared the procedural failings unconstitutional in the landmark case of In re Gault.1 While Gault should be celebrated for its recognition that children, too, have constitutional rights, it should be mourned for its limited vision of those rights. In assuming that children's due process rights would, at best, match those of adults, the Court foreclosed any thoughtful consideration of the changes required to make the juvenile justice system fair to children. The direct product of Gault is a set of rights ill-tailored to serve either the aims of the juvenile justice system or the interests of the children who hold those rights. More broadly, Gault's error helped establish a pattern of analysis which has stunted the development of children's constitutional rights overall.2
Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Interferon-Gamma Production By the Derivatives of the Natural Product Phyllanthusmins Via TLR-Mediated NF-Kb and STAT3 Signaling Pathways

Natural killer (NK) cells are known to play a pivotal role in regulating immune defense against tumors and viruses. However, very few studies describe the effects of natural products or their derivatives on NK cell function. We previously showed that the natural product lignan phyllanthusmin C enhances human NK cell IFN-gamma production. In this study, we successfully synthesized dozens of phyllanthusmin derivatives and screened their activities to enhance IFN-gamma production by NK cells. We found that three of these derivatives possessed capacities to induce IFN-gamma production by NK cells. Among them, derivative No. 17 had the highest efficacy and was significantly superior (P Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Danger ahead: the burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990–2015

OBJECTIVES: The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces several health challenges at a difficult time with wars, unrest, and economic change.METHODS: We used the Global Burden of Disease 2015 study to present the burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors in the Eastern Mediterranean Region from 1990 to 2015.RESULTS: Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the region in 2015, followed by cerebrovascular disease. Changes in total deaths ranged from a reduction of 25% for diarrheal diseases to an increase of about 42% for diabetes and tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer. Collective violence and legal intervention increased by 850% during the time period. Diet was the leading risk factor for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for men compared to maternal malnutrition for females. Childhood undernutrition was the leading risk factor for DALYs in 1990 and 2005, but the second in 2015 after high blood pressure.CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the region is facing several health challenges and calls for global efforts to stabilise the region and to address the current and future burden of disease. (Less)
Kristallzüchtung aus der Lösung

Das Kristallisieren aus der Losung wird von Chemikern seit alten Zeiten zur Trennung und Reinigung von Verbindungen benutzt. Die dabei erhaltenen Kristalle sind allerdings sehr klein und ihre kristallo- graphischen Flachen meist nur unter dem Mikroskop erkennbar und nicht immer gut ausgebildet. Fur manche Zwecke sind diese Kristallchen schon ausreichend gros. Die meisten Anwendungen erfordern aber Kristalle von betrachtlicher Grose. Neben der Grose ist die Gute von groser Bedeutung. Um grose und gute Kristalle herzustellen, mus das Ausgangsmaterial von genugender Reinheit und die Herstellungsmethode wahrend der Kristallisation unter einwandfreier Kontrolle stehen.
New functions of the MHC class I-related Fc receptor, FcRn

FcRn was originally identified as the receptor responsible for IgG binding to the intestinal epithelium of neonatal rats and mice. FcRn transports IgG from milk across the intestinal epithelial cells of the suckling animal. Subsequently, FcRn was detected in tissues involved in the transmission of IgG from mother to fetus: rat fetal yolk sac, mouse fetal yolk sac and human placental syncytiotrophoblast. In addition, FcRn mRNA has been detected in many tissues of adult rats, mice and humans, and FcRn is present in several adult tissues and in cell lines. The selective protection from catabolism of IgG compared with other immunoglobulins is lost in mice that lack functional FcRn. One function of FcRn in tissues that do not transport IgG, and beyond the perinatal period, is thus to rescue circulating IgG from degradation. These recent observations reveal a more widespread use of FcRn than had been supposed.
Tc99m-MDP bone scintigraphy vs. 18F PET/CT for detection of bone metastases

2720 Objectives Whole body bone scintigraphy is most commonly used to screen patients with breast, prostate and lung cancer to determine if cancer has spread to the bone. Recently F18 PET/CT bone imaging has been utilized, which has the ability to acquire 3D images, has a high resolution, shorter scanning time and the ability to differentiate between degenerative changes and bone metastases. Never the less bone scintigraphy has remained the primary exam, most likely due to its cost efficiency and lesser radiation exposure. Additionally it remains diagnostically accurate and relevant. Despite the many advantages of 18F PET/CT bone scan it will not be the preferred method over whole body bone scintigraphy. Methods Literature was reviewed pertaining to Tc99m-MDP bone scan and 18F PET/CT bone scanning. In addition, five case studies were chosen from the BIDMC patient population. The case studies were chosen using the criteria that both PET/CT and bone scintigraphy studies were performed, scans were performed in less than 1 year of one another, patients had a metastatic cancer and scans were found by to be positive for varying degrees of bone metastases. Results The reviewed literature predominately regard Tc99m-MDP bone scan as the most diagnostically appropriate method for bone scanning. Although it has been shown in some cases 18F PET/CT was able to visualize bone metastases that bone scan did not. Final physician reports regarding both modalities was 100% comparable in the studies reviewed. Conclusions Due to the majority of findings in the literary studies and case study reviews, it does not appear that 18F PET/CT bone imaging will replace traditional bone scintigraphy at this time or in the near future. 18F PET/CT can be utilized if necessary due to instances such as Tc99m shortage or further diagnostic clarification, but will not be ordered as the routine screening method for detection of bone metastases. Research Support David Gilmore, MS, RT(R)(N), CNMT, NCT (1) Jeffrey English, CNMT (2
An Optimization-Based Approach for Dynamic Actuator Scheduling in Distributed Processes Controlled Over Networks

This work presents an optimization-based approach for the placement and dynamic scheduling of control actuators in networked spatially-distributed processes described by uncertain Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) with low-order dominant dynamics and network resource constraints. A finite-dimensional model that captures the slow dynamics of the infinite-dimensional system is initially used to synthesize a model-based feedback controller and characterize its closed-loop stability properties in terms of the model update period and the control actuator locations. On the basis of this characterization, a finite-horizon optimization problem is formulated to determine the control actuator locations and update rates that simultaneously optimize the closed-loop performance as well as the extent of network resource utilization. The objective function includes appropriate penalties on the response speed, the control action and the frequency of model updates, and is minimized subject to appropriate networked closed-loop stability constraints. A receding horizon strategy is used to solve the optimization problem online, resulting in a dynamic scheduling policy that varies the actuator locations and sensor-controller communication rate, and allows the system to respond adaptively to its uncertain operating environment. The implementation and efficacy of the developed approach are demonstrated using a diffusion-reaction process example.
Influence of High Strain Rate Transverse Compression on the Tensile Strength of Polyethylene Ballistic Single Fibers

Ballistic impact onto fiber-based armor systems induce high strain rate (HSR) multiaxial loading including axial tension, axial compression, transverse compression and transverse shear. Fiber failure during impact is expected to occur under multiaxial loading conditions. The transverse compressive deformation induced in the fibers during impact is significant enough to cause permanent deformation (shear cutting and compressive fibrillation) at the sub-micron length scales. However, the influence of high strain rate transverse damage from compression and/or shear on the tensile strength of fibers is not well understood. In this study, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethyelene (UHMWPE) Dyneema SK76 single fibers are compressed at HSR loading conditions in a unique small (283 μm) diameter Kolsky bar. Subsequently, the compressed fibers are subjected to axial tension at quasi-static and HSR loading to understand the influence of transverse compression.
Fundamental mechanisms of laser shock processing of metals and ceramics

Laser shock processing (LSP) is a novel surface engineering technique that utilizes a nanosecond pulse laser to generate plasma-driven shock waves, which can induce high compressive residual stresses extending to a depth of more than 1 mm from the surface. It has been widely applied to metallic components in aircrafts to improve the fatigue resistance. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the effects of LSP on the different materials and their performance remain poorly understood. This manuscript reviews the novel research studies by our team to use experimental approaches to understand the microstructural evolution in metal and ceramic materials during the LSP process, and elucidate the mechanisms that enable LSP to improve mechanical and irradiation properties. In austenitic steels, we discovered that the LSP-induced microstructures could improve the resistance to irradiation damage. The mechanisms are related to the defect sinks generated by LSP such as dislocations and twin boundaries. Compared to metals, LSP has not been widely applied to ceramics and its mechanisms on ceramics are less understood. LSP of alumina ceramics can induce localized plastic deformation near the surface and along grain boundaries. As a result, the mechanical properties of ceramic materials such as fracture toughness can be improved.
Inhibition of PGE 2 /EP4 receptor signaling enhances oxaliplatin efficacy in resistant colon cancer cells through modulation of oxidative stress

The platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, oxaliplatin, is used to treat advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Unfortunately, nearly all patients acquire resistance to oxaliplatin after long-term use, limiting its therapeutic efficacy. Since COX-2 and PGE2 signaling can impact colon cancer cell proliferation and survival, we examined how this pathway was affected in an oxaliplatin resistant colon cancer cell line. PGE2 levels were significantly elevated in oxaliplatin-resistant HT29 cells (OXR) compared to naive parental HT29 cells (PAR). This increase was associated with elevated COX-2 (17.9-fold; P = 0.008) and reduced 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (2.9-fold; P < 0.0001) expression. RNAi knockdown of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, the rate-limiting enzyme in PGE2 synthesis, sensitized OXR cells to oxaliplatin. Downstream effects of PGE2 in OXR cells were also examined. Selective inhibition of the EP4 PGE2 receptor by the small molecule inhibitor, L-161,982 enhanced oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis in OXR cells. L-161,982 also reduced expression of the colonic stem cell markers, CD133 and CD44, and inhibited tumor sphere formation. The accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), a key component of oxaliplatin cytotoxicity, was significantly increased by EP4 inhibition (2.4 -fold; P < 0.0001). Overall, our findings uncover an important role for the COX-2/PGE2/EP4 signaling axis in oxaliplatin resistance via regulation of oxidative stress.
Muscle-Directed Gene Therapy for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a common monogenic disorder resulting in emphysema, which is currently treated with weekly infusions of protein replacement. We have reported achieving plasma wild-type (M) AAT concentrations at greater than 2% of the therapeutic level at 1 and 5 years after intramuscular (IM) administration of 6 × 1012 vg/kg of a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (rAAV1)-AAT vector in AAT-deficient patients. This persistent expression was associated with a regulatory T cell (Treg) response to AAV1 capsid epitopes in the absence of any exogenous immune suppression. The patients also showed partial correction of functional biomarkers of AAT expression, including an increase in antineutrophil elastase capacity and a decrease in markers of neutrophil degranulation. Muscle-based gene therapy has allowed us to avoid targeting the liver, therefore preventing potential toxicity in patients where the hepatocytes are burdened with mutant AAT protein. Future muscle gene therapy will likely require dose escalation using a limb perfusion delivery method in order to obtain therapeutic serum levels of AAT while still avoiding delivery to the liver.
Children’s influence on consumption-related decisions in single-mother families: Research review and Agenda

Although social scientists have identified diverse behavioral patterns among children from dissimilarly structured families, scholars have progressed little in relating modern family processes to c...
A Meta-Analysis of Social Media Assessment Frequency: Used a Lot, Studied a Little?

Social media assessments (SMAs) for hiring job applicants have received a great deal of coverage from the business press as well as somewhat modest coverage from human resource management researche...
The Relationship of College Student and Veteran Identities to Mental Health Symptoms and Alcohol Use Among Veteran and Nonveteran Students

Although the 9/11 GI Bill gives veterans access to educational benefits, many return from deployment with physical and psychological challenges that may impede academic success. The current study a...
Finally, a step forward in nomenclature of subchondral nonneoplastic bone lesions.

This paper is a commentary on the article entitled “Nomenclature of Subchondral Nonneoplastic Bone. Lesions1” by Gorbachova, Amber, Beckmann, Bennett, Chang, Davis, Gonzalez, Hansford, Howe, Lenchik, Winalski, and Bredella. The purpose of this commentary is to provide an orthopaedic perspective on the aforementioned article and critique their analysis and proposal regarding nomenclature of subchondral bone lesions. It provides an overview and a section by section evaluation of a well-designed and executed article.
The gender wage gap, weather, and intimate partner violence

Two theories of intimate partner violence (IPV) have differing predictions on how women’s bargaining power affects rates of IPV. If an abuser enjoys and “pays” for IPV (expressive violence), bargaining power reduces rates of IPV. But if violence is a tool to increase bargaining power in the household (instrumental violence), a woman’s bargaining power may increase IPV. The existing evidence suggests that bargaining power decreases IPV on net. One way to reconcile these theories with the evidence is that both types of violence exist, and bargaining power especially reduces expressive violence. Using local variation in temperature, IPV police reports, and women’s labor market outcomes, we identify three key effects which together support this theory. First, we identify temperature-based violence as a type of expressive violence. Second, we find new evidence that a woman’s labor market opportunities shield her from IPV. Finally, we combine these analyses to show that a woman’s labor market opportunities specifically insulate her from temperature-based violence, providing evidence that bargaining power best protects women against expressive violence.
Process development, design and characterization of high-finesse micromachined optical Fabry-Perot microcavities

Micromachined waveguide Fabry-Perot cavities are demonstrated. The devices are fabricated in silicon-on-insulator using a cryogenic dry-etch process, enabling large aspect ratios with high verticality and low surface roughness (l10 nm). Details of the process development are presented with emphasis on our specific device application. The Fabry-Perot cavities consist of shallow-etched rib waveguides and deep-etched silicon/air distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirrors. The high-index-contrast mirrors enable large reflectance with only a few mirror periods. High Q-factor (Qa27,000) and large finesse (Fa500) were measured. We demonstrate thermo-optic tuning over Dl=6.7 nm and also examine modulation of the cavity (f=150 kHz). Future improvements and application areas of this device are discussed.
Improvements in global longitudinal strain after transcatheter aortic valve replacement according to race.

OBJECTIVE In the United States, racial minorities are underrepresented among patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and data regarding their outcomes is limited. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a measure left ventricular function and has independently predicted outcomes after TAVR. The aim of this study is to assess changes in GLS after TAVR according to race and factors predicting these changes. METHODS Electronic medical records of patients undergoing TAVR at the University of Illinois, Chicago and Jesse Brown Veteran's Administration Medical Center (Chicago, Illinois) from January 2017-February 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The most recent transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) prior to TAVR and the TTE 1-month post-procedure were used to determine GLS. Patients were included if both a pre- and post-procedure study were present and TTE images were of sufficient quality to process strain imaging. RESULTS A total of 103 patients (average age 76 ± 12 years, 80% male, 42% white) were included. At 1-month post-TAVR, GLS improved for all races: white (-2.7 ± 3.5%, P<0.001), African-American (-2.8 ± 3.3%, P<0.001), and Hispanic (-2.0 ± 2.1%, P<0.001). There were no differences in the degree of improvement among races (P=0.62). Baseline GLS was negatively correlated with changes in GLS overall (r=-0.44, P<0.001). Baseline aortic valve area (cm2) was positively correlated with changes in GLS (r=0.2, P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that GLS improved after TAVR independent of race with similar degrees of change across races. Baseline GLS and aortic valve area predicted strain improvement after TAVR, which suggests that those with more impaired LV function may benefit most from the procedure.
Parabolic equations in motionless and moving media

The narrow-angle parabolic equation (NAPE) provides a robust approach for sound propagation in inhomogeneous media such asthe atmosphere and ocean. Several numerical methods for solving the NAPE in a motionless medium have been developed. The Crank-Nicholson finite-difference method is one of the simplest and readily supports range-dependent environmental processes such as turbulence. The NAPE, boundary condition, and artificial absorbing layer are discretized, and the solution is written in a matrix form. A starting field, which approximates the sound source, is marched forward by solving a matrix equation. Because the matrices involved are triagonal, the solution is highly efficient. For many applications in atmospheric and ocean acoustics, the NAPE needs to be generalized for wide-angle propagation and moving media (winds or currents). Recently derived wide-angle parabolic equations (WAPEs) in moving media are reviewed including the phase errors pertinent to the equations. In the Pade (1,1) and high-frequency approximations, the WAPE in a moving medium with arbitrary Mach numbers is surprisingly simple. It can be implemented numerically with minimal modifications to existing Crank-Nicholson NAPE solvers.
Assessing the matrix effects of pigmented and non-pigmented salmon during multi-residue antibiotic analysis with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

Several validated methods exist for the quantitation of antibiotics in seafood with ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). To our knowledge, none have explored the effects of co-eluting matrix components on the accuracy of quantitation. Such matrix effects could disproportionally change the ionization of analytes and their respective surrogate/internal standards during UPLC-MS/MS analysis, resulting in over- or under-estimation of antibiotic values. In this study, we measured matrix effects, alongside extraction recoveries for 30 antibiotics and their respective class-specific surrogate standards in Sockeye, King and Ivory (non-pigmented) salmon extracted using the QUEChERS method. A modified QUEChERS method involving dispersive or hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) solid phase extraction (SPE) was also tested on Sockeye salmon. Despite acceptable extraction recoveries for most antibiotics extracted using the QUEChERS method, significant matrix effects were observed for most antibiotic standards. Dispersive or HLB SPE clean-up did not improve analyte recoveries from Sockeye salmon, and in some cases, increased matrix effects. Accuracy and sensitivity were reduced when matrix effects were high. Our results demonstrate that matrix components in salmon cause matrix effects on antibiotics during UPLC-MS/MS analysis which could impact the accuracy and sensitivity of the analysis.
Games and the fluidity of layered agency

What can the philosophy of agency learn from Nguyen’s (2020a) book on games? The most important lesson concerns, to use Nguyen’s terms, the ‘layered’ structure of our agency and the ‘fluidity’ requ...
Tubular J-aggregates of cyanine dyes in the near-infrared

Developing improved organic infrared emitters has wide-ranging applicability in fields such as bioimaging or energy harvesting. We synthesize redshifted analogues of C8S3, a well-known cyanine dye that self assembles into tubular aggregates which have attracted widespread attention as artificial photosynthetic complexes. Despite the elongated dye structure, the new pentamethine dyes retain their tubular self-assembly and emit at near-infrared wavelengths. Cryo-electron microscopy and detailed photophysical characterization of the new aggregates reveal similar absorption lineshapes with ~100 nm of redshift, as well as supramolecular morphologies that resemble their trimethine counterparts; the pentamethine aggregates generally show more disorder and decreased superradiance, suggesting that more ordered structures yield more robust photophysical properties. These results provide design principles of superradiant organic emitters, expand the chemical space of near-infrared aggregates, and introduce two additional wavelength-specific antennae as model systems for study.
An evaluation of knowledge base systems for large OWL datasets

In this paper, we present an evaluation of four knowledge base systems (KBS) with respect to use in large OWL applications. To our knowledge, no experiment has been done with the scale of data used here. The smallest dataset used consists of 15 OWL files totaling 8MB, while the largest dataset consists of 999 files totaling 583MB. We evaluated two memory-based systems (OWL Jess KB and memory-based Sesame) and two systems with persistent storage (database-based Sesame and DLDB-OWL). We describe how we have performed the evaluation and what factors we have considered in it. We show the results of the experiment and discuss the performance of each system. In particular, we have concluded that existing systems need to place a greater emphasis on scalability.
Modeling and analysis of traffic characteristics in IEEE 802.11 MAC based networks

This paper presents an analytic model for characterizing the traffic in wireless networks using IEEE 802.11 as the MAC protocol. The results of this paper are aimed at filling the existing void created by the absence of any accurate models or understanding of wireless traffic, critical for effective performance evaluation. Our results show that the behavior of wireless traffic can vary significantly from the characteristics of traffic in wired networks. We show that the operating mechanism of 802.11 MAC leads to "pacing" in the wireless traffic. Additionally, the interarrival times are best characterized by a multimodal distribution, In sharp contrast to the models used for for wired networks. The analytic model has been verified through extensive simulations and is applicable to both ad hoc and infrastructure based wireless networks.
Myosin adenosine triphosphatase. Convergence of activation by actin and by SH1 modification at physiological ionic strength.

Abstract The ionic strength dependence of the absolute activation of myosin MgATPase by actin binding or by chemical modification of the SH1 sulfhydryl group has been investigated. At physiological ionic strengths the extent of activation induced by the two procedures are essentially identical, but differ markedly as the ionic strength is decreased below 0.10. Similar behavior is also found for subfragment I. These findings are discussed in terms of the mechanism of actin activation of myosin MgATPase under physiological conditions.
Ben Bederson: Physicist–Historian

Abstract I discuss Ben Bederson’s contributions to the history of physics, focusing particularly on two articles he published in Physics in Perspective , one on his wartime experiences as a soldier in the U.S. Army’s Special Engineering Detachment, the other on physics in New York City. I also discuss his work for the Forum on the History of Physics of the American Physical Society.
Developing an appropriate extension approach for South Africa : process and outcome

This paper, based on a project aimed at developing and implementing a new extension model for South Africa, has a twofold purpose, namely (a) to outline the participatory process that was followed and (b) to describe the outcome or model. The first phase consisted of a national workshop with delegates from each of the nine provinces, tertiary institutions, NGO's, organized agriculture, etc. A major outcome was a majority decision in favour of guiding principles rather than an inflexible model. In a series of follow-up workshops, these identified principles were conceptualised and alternatives identified within these principles. These were captured in a discussion document and taken to the provinces for their comment. The feedback regarding extension staff's opinions and preferences was obtained by making use of a sequential combination of nominal group and Delphi techniques at regional meetings at strategic venues in the districts of the provinces. The responses were then analysed and tabled in an extensive report, including a list of recommendations, categorized and proposed to be implemented under five programs in every province. Subsequently the management of every province responded on the implementation proposals under the five programs of planning and project management, monitoring and evaluation, coordination and linkage systems, knowledge support systems, and education and training. Provinces are now expected to appoint working groups on each of these programs with the purpose of specifying and overseeing the implementation. In a final stage the provinces will report about their programs and progress at a national workshop, which will form the basis for the development of a national policy document.
Effect of Surface Stress Mitigation on the Corrosion Behavior of Alloy 22

When metallic plates are welded, for example using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process, residual tensile stresses may develop in the vicinity of the weld seam. Processes such as Low Plasticity Burnishing (LPB) and Laser Shock Peening (LSP) could be applied locally to eliminate the residual stresses produced by welding. In this study, Alloy 22 (N06022) plates were welded and then the above-mentioned surface treatments were applied to eliminate the residual tensile stresses. The aim of the current study was to comparatively test the corrosion behavior of as-welded (ASW) plates with the corrosion behavior of plates with stress mitigated surfaces. Immersion and electrochemical tests were performed. Results from both general and localized corrosion tests show that the corrosion resistance of the mitigated plates was not affected by the surface treatments applied.
Chromatin structure and dynamics: a historical perspective

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the latest advances in chromatin research. Although the significance of the majority of histone variants remains unknown, replacement histones now appear to be involved in major chromosomal functions. The chapter describes chromatin structures in many specific promoters and explains the way they are remodeled for transcriptional activation. Different kinds of chromatin organizations are now recognized for different levels of developmental control. Despite remarkable advancement in this field, the overall picture of transcription in chromatin remains strangely obscured. There is too much information, at least too much to handle in the absence of new unifying concepts. However, there exist certain lines of research that seem on the verge of merging to provide such unification. The chapter emphasizes the potential of powerful new techniques, in particular at the single molecule level, to provide new kinds of information.
Gastric pepsin and acid secretion in patients with acute and healed duodenal ulcer

The relationship between gastric pepsin, acid secretion, and duodenal ulcer activity was studied in 33 patients with an endoscopically proven carter, in 17 patients who were studied within 3 mo of an acute crater but who no longer had a crater endoscopically, and in 10 patients who had no duodenal ulcer symptoms for longer than 3 mo after a crater and who had negative endoscopy. There were an additional 11 patients who had paired studies in the early-healed and late-healed stages of their disease. There were no significant differences between the values obtained in the paired and nonpaired group. Basal and pentagastrin-stimulated outputs of both pepsin and acid were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) when an acute crater was present than in 23 control subjects. At 3 mo or more after healing there was a significant (p less than 0.001) fall in both basal and stimulated pepsin and acid output which became insignificantly different from that of controls. In 104 basal studies the ratio of pepsin to acid secretion was 33,000 +/- 2500 (mean +/- SE) pepsin units/mmol H+ with no difference between any groups including controls. In 102 stimulated studies the ratio was 13,600 +/- 400 PU/mmol H+, also with no differences between any groups. Although data in the literature are conflicting, these results support a direct relationship between the activity of duodenal ulcer disease and acid-pepsin secretion.
Gastric remnant cancer: A distinct entity or simply another proximal gastric cancer?

Background The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following resection of gastric remnant (GRC) and conventional gastric cancer. Methods Patients who underwent resection for gastric cancer in 8 academic institutions from 2000–2012 were evaluated to compare morbidity, mortality, and survival based on history of prior gastrectomy. Results Of the 979 patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative-intent during the 12-year study period, 55 patients (5.8%) presented with GRC and 924 patients (94.4%) presented with conventional gastric cancer. Patients with GRC were slightly older (median 69 vs. 66 years). GRC was associated with higher rates of complication (56% vs. 41%, P = 0.028), longer operative times (301 vs. 237 min, P < 0.001), higher intraoperative blood loss (300 vs. 200 ml, P = 0.012), and greater need for blood transfusion (43% vs. 23%, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in 30-day (3.6% vs. 4%) or 90-day mortality (9% vs. 8%) between the two groups. Overall survival rates were similar between GRC and conventional gastric cancer (5-year 20.3% vs. 38.6%, P = 0.446). Multivariate analysis revealed that history of gastrectomy was not predictive of survival while established predictors (older age, advanced T-stage, nodal involvement, blood transfusion, multivisceral resection, and any complication) were associated with poor survival. Conclusions Despite higher morbidity, prognosis after resection of gastric remnant cancer is similar to conventional gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:877–882. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Image Segmentation, Texture Analysis, Data Extraction, and Measurement

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Overview of Data Extraction Methods 3 Image Interpretation 4 Calculated Relaxation Times and Other Physical Parameters 5 Synthetic Images and Image Combination 6 Image Segmentation 7 Summary 8 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Use of Combined Measures from Capillary Blood to Assess Iron Deficiency in Rural Kenyan Children

Community-based surveys of iron deficiency (ID) require simple, accurate methods that can be used in remote areas. The objective of this study was to assess iron status in rural Kenya using "field-friendly" methods for capillary blood, including an improved dried blood spot assay for transferrin receptor (TfR). A single finger stick was used to obtain capillary blood from 275 school-age children. Whole blood was applied directly to filter paper, dried, and later analyzed for TfR, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase protein that serves as a general marker of inflammation. Capillary blood was also used to measure hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and the ratio of zinc protoporphyrin to heme (ZPP:H). The Hb concentration alone provides the lowest estimate of the prevalence of ID (8.0%). Because ZPP:H is reported to be elevated in the presence of inflammation, we constructed a preliminary diagnostic model based on elevated ZPP:H and normal CRP level, estimating the prevalence of ID at 25.9%. When TfR is added to a multiple criteria model (elevated ZPP:H in the absence of elevated CRP and/or elevated TfR level) the prevalence of ID is estimated to be 31.2%. This study demonstrates the diagnostic utility of combining TfR with other indexes of iron status, enabling the detection of ID in both the presence and absence of infection. Furthermore, this study is the first field application of TfR blood-spot methods, and it demonstrates their feasibility in remote field settings.
Corrigendum to “Suppression of uPA and uPAR Blocks Radiation-induced MCP-1 mediated Recruitment of Endothelial Cells in meningioma” [Cell. Signal 23 (2011) 1299 -1310]

Corrigendum to “Suppression of uPA and uPAR Blocks Radiation-induced MCP-1 mediated Recruitment of Endothelial Cells in meningioma” [Cell. Signal 23 (2011) 1299 -1310] Arun Kumar Nalla, Venkateswara Rao Gogineni , Reshu Gupta, Dzung H. Dinh, Jasti S. Rao⁎ a Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA b Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
Using predictive human performance models to inspire and support UI design recommendations

Predictive human performance modeling has traditionally been used to make quantitative comparisons between alternative designs (e.g., task execution time for skilled users) instead of identifying UI problems or making design recommendations. This note investigates how reliably novice modelers can extract design recommendations from their models. Many HCI evaluation methods have been plagued by the "evaluator effect" [3], i.e., different people using the same method find different UI problems. Our data and analyses show that predictive human performance modeling is no exception. Novice modelers using CogTool [5] display a 34% Any-Two Agreement in their design recommendations, a result in the upper quartile of evaluator effect studies. However, because these recommendations are grounded in models, they may have more reliable impact on measurable performance than recommendations arising from less formal methods.
Young Asian Americans’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Cervical Cancer and the Human Papillomavirus

Cervical cancer is a major health disparity among Asian Americans, with cervical cancer rates of Vietnamese women being significantly higher than for the general US female population and low screening rates reported for Asian American females. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with young Vietnamese, Filipino, and Korean adults (ages 18–29) to collect information on knowledge, perceptions and sources of information regarding cervical cancer, Pap tests and the human papillomavirus. 16 Korean, 18 Vietnamese, and 18 Filipino (50% female) adults participated in the study. Many participants had never heard of HPV, cervical cancer and Pap testing. Cervical cancer screening rates were low for Korean and Vietnamese females and were influenced by moral beliefs and lack of awareness. Culturally relevant education materials that consider specific Asian ethnicity and language are needed to increase awareness of cervical cancer, Pap testing, and HPV among Asian American young adults
Neuroendocrine Control of Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis in Lepidoptera

Sex pheromones are secreted chemical substances that trigger behavioral responses in members of the opposite sex of the same species. Most insects use pheromones for communication. Males of most species of moths generally use female-produced sex pheromones to locate conspecific mates, and these pheromones have been studied extensively. Butterflies, however, do not have a system for long-distance communication, and the initial communication between the sexes is usually visual (95). After coming close to the female, the male may release a pheromone that acts as an aphrodisiac. However, our knowledge of the behavioral significance of such male pheromones is rather limited (reviewed in 8). The first insect sex pheromone to be chemically identified was that of the female silkworm, Bambyx mari (11). An extract of nearly a half million females was needed to identify this compound. Since then, pheromones from more than 400 insect species have been identified, and approximately 60% of these are lepidopteran (87). Most lepidopteran sex pheromones consist of aliphatic aldehydes, alcohols, or acetates with 10-20 carbon atoms and one or more sites of unsaturation.
Use of a multimodal conservative management protocol for the treatment of a patient with cervical radiculopathy.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to describe and discuss the treatment of a cervical disk herniation using a sequential multimodal conservative management approach. Clinical Features A 40-year-old man had complaints of headache and severe sharp neck pain radiating to his left shoulder down to his arm, forearm, and hand. Results of electromyography/nerve conduction studies were abnormal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large disk protrusion at C5-C6 with indentation of the thecal sac and a spur at the posterior margin. Moderate left neural foraminal narrowing was present at C5-C6 with narrowed intervertebral disk space at C5-C6 and C6-C7. Intervention and Outcome High-velocity, low-amplitude chiropractic manipulation; electrotherapy; ice; and exercise were used for treatment. The Neck Disability Index was used as a primary and electromyography/nerve conduction studies as a secondary outcome measurement. Based on the Neck Disability Index, there was an overall 89.65% symptoms improvement from the baseline. Conclusions This case study demonstrated possible beneficial effects of the multimodal treatment approach in a patient with cervical radiculopathy.