cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digital media and the relational revolution in social science

Social science paradigms are invariably grounded in the available methods of data collection. Beginning with administrative records in the late 19th Century, social scientists have collected stores of data on individual attributes, using surveys and records kept by governments and employers. Individual-level data is also aggregated as population statistics for groups of varying size, from households to nation states, and these data are analyzed using multivariate linear models that require the implausible assumption that the observations are independent, as if each respondent was the sole resident of a small island. In comparison, until recently, we have had very limited data about the interactions between people - such as influence, sanctioning, exchange, trust, attraction, avoidance, and imitation. Yet social relations and interactions are the foundation of social life. The entities that we most need to learn about are the things about which we know the least. The reason is simple: It is much easier to observe friends than to observe a friendship. Social interactions are fleeting and mostly private - one needs to be present at precisely the right moment. Moreover, relations are tedious and error-prone to hand-code and record, given the nuances of interaction, the need for repeated observations as relations unfold over time, and the rapid increase in the number of relations as the size of the group increases. As a consequence, studies of social interactions tend to be static, limited to the structures of interaction without regard to content, and based on very small groups. That is why social science has generally been limited mainly to the study of individuals with individual data aggregated for groups and populations. Except in very small groups, social relations have been just too hard to observe. All this is rapidly changing as human interactions move increasingly online. Interactions that for the history of humankind have been private and ephemeral in nature now leave a silicon record - literally footprints in the sand - in the form of publicly available digital records that allow automatic data collection on an unprecedented scale. However, social scientists have been reluctant to embrace the study of what is often characterized as the "virtual world," as if human interaction somehow becomes metaphysical the moment it is mediated by information technologies. While great care must be exercised in generalizing to the offline world, the digital traces of computer-mediated interactions are unique in human history, providing an exceptional opportunity for research on the dynamics of social interaction, in which individuals influence selected others in response to the influences they receive. In my presentation, I will survey recent studies using digital records of interpersonal interaction to address questions ranging from social inequality to diurnal and seasonal mood changes to the spread of protest in the Arab Spring, including contributions by Rob Claxton, Nathan Eagle, Scott Golder, Jon Kleinberg, Noona Oh, Patrick Park, Michael Siemens, Silvana Toska, and Shaomei Wu.
Interrogating ourselves to promote the democratic production, distribution, and use of knowledge through action research

This article is a report of a critical co-autoethnography action research (AR) study of Allan Feldman’s life in AR relative to the development of knowledge democracy (KD). For nearly 30 years he ha...
Droplet size and nozzle tip pressure from a pulse-width modulation sprayer

Pulse-width modulation (PWM) sprayers can improve application accuracy through flow control, turn compensation, and high-resolution overlap control by pulsing an electronically-actuated solenoid valve which controls the relative proportion of time each solenoid valve is open (duty cycle). The objective of this experiment was to identify the droplet size distribution and nozzle tip pressure when influenced by PWM duty cycle, nozzle technology, and gauge pressure to provide PWM guidelines. The experiment was conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel at the Pesticide Application Technology Laboratory using a SharpShooter® PWM system. In general, for non-venturi nozzles, as duty cycle decreased, droplet size slightly increased between 40 and 100% duty cycles. Conversely, venturi nozzles did not always follow this trend. The lowest duty cycle evaluated (20%) negatively impacted droplet size and caused inconsistencies for all nozzle by pressure combinations. The addition of a solenoid valve lowered nozzle tip pressure while gauge pressure remained constant indicating a restriction is present within the solenoid valve. Greater orifice sizes increased the pressure loss observed. Duty cycle minimally impacted nozzle tip pressure trends which were similar to the electrical square wave PWM signals. However, venturi nozzles deviated from this trend, specifically twin-fan, single pre-orifice venturi nozzles. In conclusion, venturi nozzles are not recommended for PWM systems as they may lead to inconsistent applications, specifically in regards to droplet size generation and nozzle tip pressures. Spray pressures of 276 kPa or greater and PWM duty cycles of 40% or greater are recommended to ensure proper PWM operation.
A randomized clinical trial to evaluate home-based assessment of people over 75 years old

Abstract Introduction There is an unmet need for effective methods for conducting dementia prevention trials. Methods Home-based assessment study compared feasibility and efficiency, ability to capture change over time using in-home instruments, and ability to predict cognitive conversion using predefined triggers in a randomized clinical trial in (1) mail-in questionnaire/live telephone interviews, (2) automated telephone/interactive voice recognition, and (3) internet-based computer Kiosk technologies. Primary endpoint was defined as cognitive conversion. Results Analysis followed a modified intent-to-treat principle. Dropout rates were low and similar across technologies but participants in Kiosk were more likely to dropout earlier. Staff resources needed were higher in Kiosk. In-home instruments distinguished conversion and stable groups. Cognitively stable group showed improvement in cognitive measures. Triggering was associated with higher likelihood of conversion but statistically significant only in mail-in questionnaire/live telephone interviews. Discussion Relatively low efficiency of internet-based assessment compared with testing by live-assessors has implications for internet-based recruitment and assessment efforts currently proposed for diverse populations.
A New Species of Falconia Distant (Heteroptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae) from Mexico and the United States and the First Dominican Republic and U.S. Records of F. maculipennis Maldonado

Two species of the plant bug genus Falconia Distant recently discovered in the United States are reported. Falconia maculipennis Maldonado, a species described from Puerto Rico, is documented for the first time from the Dominican Republic (Monsenor Noel and Pedernales provinces) and the United States (Florida). Falconia collaris, new species, is described, based on specimens from Florida (Miami-Dade Co.), Texas (Cameron Co.), and Mexico (Nuevo Leon and Veracruz). A diagnosis, description, and dorsal habitus and male genitalic images are given for each species, both of which are associated with wild lime, Zanthoxylum fagara (L.) Sarg. [Rutaceae]. Host plants and potential economic importance are discussed.
Quantitative multimode fiber acoustic sensors (Conference Presentation)

Here we propose and demonstrate an optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) system that uses multimode fiber to make quantitative acoustic measurements that are immune to signal fading. The vast majority of OTDR fiber sensors use single mode fiber, which are limited by signal fading and by low light levels. Sensing with multimode fiber has the potential to overcome both of these limitations. First, multimode fiber sensors are immune to signal fading by simultaneously detecting many spatial modes. Second, multimode fiber sensors can use increased light levels due to a higher threshold for non-linear effects. Combined with a higher capture fraction of Rayleigh scattered light, this enables multimode fiber sensors to detect higher light levels and exhibit lower noise. We demonstrate new methods that use off-axis holography to recover quantitative strain information from the time-dependent backscattered speckle field. The multimode fiber sensor exhibits a linear response, a bandwidth of 20 kHz, and has a noise level better than 6 pe/√Hz. This work represents the first multimode fiber OTDR systems that take full advantage of the unique features of multimode fiber for acoustic sensing.
“A More Thorough Resistance”? Coalition, Critique, and the Intersectional Promise of Queer Theory:

Queer theorists have long staked their politics in an engagement with intersectionality. Yet intersectional scholars have been some of queer theory’s most vocal critics, decrying its failure to ade...
Critical review and evidence implications of paclitaxel drug-eluting balloons and stents in peripheral artery disease

A recent meta-analysis identified increased 2- to 5-year mortality associated with paclitaxel-eluting balloons and stents when they are used to treat peripheral artery disease. The history of the development of paclitaxel, its mechanism of action, and its use in the coronary and peripheral circulation are reviewed in this special communication. In addition, inferences are made to place these findings in perspective and to explain them in light of presently available information, and proposals regarding end points and open access to data are put forth to minimize risk of such developments in the future.
Intraoperative assessment of mitral regurgitation

Since its advent, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has played an important role in the surgical management of patients undergoing mitral valve (MV) surgery. Mitral regurgitation (MR) assessment and surgical decision making remains one of the most challenging situations, especially when considered in the context of ischemic heart disease or when associated with another dominant lesions. Techniques for MV repair are becoming more and more intricate with outcome studies strongly supporting repair in contrast to replacement in patients with primary MV pathology. It is in these scenarios that a comprehensive intraoperative TEE is invaluable. Once MR is detected, it is vital to assess the valve for both qualitative and quantitative features. The following text discusses the approach, challenges and value of intraoperative TEE in the assessment of MR.
Novel Replisome-Associated Proteins at Cellular Replication Forks in EBV-transformed B Lymphocytes

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus and WHO class 1 carcinogen that resides in B lymphocytes of nearly all humans. While silent in most, EBV can cause endemic Burkitt lymphoma in children and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders/lymphomas in immunocompromised hosts. The pathogenesis of such lymphomas is multifactorial but to a large extent depends on EBV's ability to aggressively drive cellular DNA replication and B cell proliferation despite cell-intrinsic barriers to replication. One such barrier is oncogenic replication stress which hinders the progression of DNA replication forks. To understand how EBV successfully overcomes replication stress, we examined cellular replication forks in EBV-transformed B cells using iPOND (isolation of Proteins on Nascent DNA)-mass spectrometry and identified several cellular proteins that had not previously been linked to DNA replication. Of eight candidate replisome-associated proteins that we validated at forks in EBV-transformed cells and Burkitt lymphoma-derived cells, three zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) were upregulated early in B cells newly-infected with EBV in culture as well as expressed at high levels in EBV-infected B blasts in the blood of immunocompromised transplant recipients. Expressed highly in S- and G2-phase cells, knockdown of each ZFP resulted in stalling of proliferating cells in the S-phase, cleavage of caspase 3, and cell death. These proteins, newly-identified at replication forks of EBV-transformed and Burkitt lymphoma cells therefore contribute to cell survival and cell cycle progression, and represent novel targets for intervention of EBV-lymphomas while simultaneously offering a window into how the replication machinery may be similarly modified in other cancers.
On the multiscale oscillations of a hinged plate under stratified coherent motions

Abstract Wind tunnel experiments are conducted to characterize and quantify the unsteady motions of a rigid plate under stratified turbulence containing spatially-varied, energetic vortices. The structure was able to oscillate around a vertical axis located at a quarter chord length from the leading edge. Vertically-oriented, von-Karman vortices that varied in frequency and strength along the vertical span of the plate were imposed on the incoming flow using a variety of tapered cylinders. Telemetry and hotwire anemometry were used to characterize the motions of the plate, and wake at selected locations. Results show that the plate oscillations is dominated by two distinct modes. One of them, f p , corresponds to the mean flow-induced oscillation frequency; whereas the other, f v , is determined by the distribution of the vortex shedding cells from the non-uniform cylinders. These frequencies exhibited distinct trends with the distance from the cylinders, and the distribution of the incoming coherent motions, which were determined by the tapered ratio of the cylinders, R t . In particular, f v increased proportionally with R t , whereas f p was inversely proportional with R t in the near wake. These characteristic frequencies were constant in the far field with values dependent on R t .
EFFECTS OF DAPAGLIFLOZIN ON CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES ACROSS BODY MASS INDEX CATEGORIES IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN THE DECLARE TIMI 58 TRIAL

In DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58), dapagliflozin reduced the risk of the composite of cardiovascular death (CVD) or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and of adverse renal outcomes in a broad range of patients with type 2
Identifying Bottleneck Nodes using Packet Delay Statistics

An algorithm to identify the bottleneck nodes linking two component networks in a simple network of networks (NoN) configuration is proposed. The proposed bottleneck identification algorithm is based on applying a support vector machine on clustered packet delay measurements. This algorithm has the advantage that it requires almost no information about the topology of the underlying NoN. Simulation results show that this algorithm can provide very good detection performance when the component networks of the NoN are not too small in size, or when the connectivity between nodes within the component networks is not too sparse.
Quantum interference on the kagome ´ lattice

We study quantum interference effects due to electron motion on the kagome$aa\char22{} lattice in a perpendicular magnetic field. These effects arise from the interference between phase factors associated with different electron closed paths. From these we compute, analytically and numerically, the superconducting-normal phase boundary for kagome$aa\char22{} superconducting wire networks and Josephson junction arrays. We use an analytical approach to analyze the relationship between the interference and the complex structure present in the phase boundary, including the origin of the overall and fine structure. Our results are obtained by exactly summing over (\ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{21}$) closed paths, each one weighted by its corresponding phase factor representing the net flux enclosed by each path. We expect our computed mean-field phase diagrams to compare well with several proposed experiments.
PolyHIPE foams from pristine graphene: Strong, porous, and electrically conductive materials templated by a 2D surfactant.

Abstract Graphene is attractive as a functional 2D surfactant for polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) due to its remarkable mechanical and electrical properties. We have developed polyHIPEs stabilized by pristine, unoxidized graphene via the spontaneous exfoliation of graphite at high-energy aqueous/organic interfaces. The exfoliated graphene self-assembles into a percolating network and incorporates into the polyHIPE cell walls as verified by TEM. The resulting composites showed compressive strengths of 7.0 MPa at densities of 0.22 g/cm3 and conductivities up to 0.36 S/m. Systematically reducing the concentration of monomer in the oil phase by dilution with a porogenic-acting solvent increased the porosity and lowered the density of the polyHIPEs. Characterization of these composites indicated that graphene’s high compressive strength and modulus was transferred to the polyHIPEs and provided mechanical reinforcement even at low polymer content. SEM showed that the morphology of the polymer changed with decreasing monomer content while the graphene lined cells retained their shape. Moreover, we show that the polyHIPEs contain a continuous graphene percolating network resulting in electrically conductive materials at low graphene loading.
The Interrelationship of Health Insurance and Employment for People with Disabilities

Having health insurance is essential for people with disabilities to maintain their health and independence as well as to offset their higher medical costs. However, unlike most working-age Americans, many people with disabilities cannot access health insurance through an employer because they do not work full-time. Others need personal assistance services not typically covered by private insurance. Thus, many must apply for federal disability benefits in order to access health coverage through Medicare or Medicaid—a process that can be lengthy and difficult. Historically, this coverage has come at a substantial cost in terms of income and future employment possibilities, because eligibility is tied to an inability to work at a substantial gainful activity level. Some changes put in place by the Affordable Care Act have had positive effects for people with disabilities and their ability to work and access health insurance, but much work remains to be done. Public health workers should be aware of the options available and remaining barriers to insurance and employment for this population.
The 1925 Cession of Jubaland: A View from Great Britain's Imperial Periphery

This work examines the British cession of lands in northeastern Africa known as Jubaland to Italy in 1925 from the perspective of colonial authorities in the Kenya colonial administration. The subject is one that gains brief mention in histories of colonial Africa, as well as those that deal with European diplomacy in the wake of the First World War as the transfer of territory, and resulted from the Treaty of London which brought the Italians into World War I a decade earlier. What is unique about this study is the fact that it examines the cession from the perspective not of London and Rome, but from that of colonial authorities in Nairobi as well as from provincial and district administrators. This view from the periphery also includes an analysis of developments that were occurring among a host of often-clashing Somali clans. Thus, it gives a measure of agency to the Africans whose lives were profoundly affected by what analysis often treat as an anecdote or trivial curiosity.
Morbidity and Mortality After Acute Myocardial Infarction After Elective Major Noncardiac Surgery.

Objectives To develop parsimonious models of in-hospital mortality and morbidity risk after perioperative acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Design Retrospective data analysis. Setting National Inpatient Sample (2008-2013), a 20% sample of all non-federal in-patient hospitalizations in the United States. Participants Patients 45 years or older who experienced perioperative AMI during elective admission for noncardiac surgery. Interventions The study used a mixed principal components analysis and multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality after perioperative AMI. A model incorporating only preoperative risk factors, defined by the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), was compared with a “full risk factor” model, incorporating a large set of preoperative AMI risk factors. The risk of post-AMI disposition to an intermediate care or skilled nursing facility, a marker of functional impairment, then was evaluated. Measurements and Main Results In the present study, 15,574 cases of AMI after elective noncardiac surgery were identified (0.42%, corresponding with 78,122 cases nationally), with a 12.4% in-hospital mortality rate. The “RCRI-only” model was the best-fit model of post-AMI in-hospital mortality risk, without loss of predictive accuracy compared with the “full risk factor” model (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.77-0.82] v area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0.81, 95% CI [0.77-0.83], respectively). Post-AMI mortality risk was the highest for perioperative complications, including sepsis (odds ratio 4.95, 95% CI [4.32-5.67]). Conversely, functional impairment was best predicted by the “full-risk factor” model and depended strongly on chronic preoperative comorbidities. Conclusions The RCRI provides a simple but adequate model of preoperative risk factors for in-hospital mortality after perioperative AMI.
The Evolution of Justice Kennedy’s Eighth Amendment Jurisprudence on Categorical Bars in Capital Cases

Death penalty cases are inevitably controversial. The crimes committed are shocking and the public reaction is strong. On a legal level, the cases are also difficult. They cause stress on the judicial system and raise complex constitutional issues. With such strong emotional content and complicated legal issues, it is important to have consistency of approach and predictability of analysis from the courts. Justice Kennedy has become a leader in the consistent application of Eighth Amendment analysis to some of the most challenging issues in the death penalty field. This Article examines Justice Kennedy’s jurisprudence and leadership in cases involving “categorical bars” to the death penalty. When Justice Kennedy was appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1988, the Court had already decided Furman v. Georgia (1972), Gregg v. Georgia (1976), and Woodson v. North Carolina (1976). These three cases were the initial steps towards framing an approach to interpreting the Eighth Amendment in death penalty cases. In Furman, the Court invalidated death penalty statutes primarily for arbitrariness in imposing death sentences. In Gregg, the Court upheld three death penalty statutes passed in response to Furman. In Woodson, the Court struck down mandatory death sentences. As a result of these cases, states established death penalty systems that narrowed those who were death eligible through aggravating circumstances and allowed for
Active surveillance of postradical prostatectomy biochemical recurrence: Long-term assessment of outcomes.

5081Background: Biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) is an unreliable predictor of distant metastatic progression/prostate cancer death, resulting in potential complica...
Extended-Ensemble Docking to Probe Evolution of Ligand Binding Sites During Large-Scale Structural Changes of Proteins

Abstract Proteins can sample a broad landscape as they undergo conformational transition between different functional states. As key players in almost all cellular processes, proteins are important drug targets. Considering the different conformational states of a protein is therefore central for a successful drug-design strategy. Here we introduce a novel docking protocol, termed as extended-ensemble docking, pertaining to proteins that undergo large-scale (global) conformational changes during their function. In its application to multidrug ABC-transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp), extensive non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations employing system-specific collective variables capturing the alternate access mechanism of Pgp, are first used to construct the transition cycle of the transporter. An extended set of conformational states representing the full transition between the inward- and the outward-facing states of Pgp, is then used to seed high-throughput docking calculations of a set of known substrates, non-substrates, and modulators of the transporter. Large differences are observed in the predicted binding affinities to the conformational ensemble, with compounds showing stronger binding affinities to intermediate conformations compared to the starting crystal structure. Hierarchical clustering of the individual binding modes of the different compounds shows all ligands preferably bind to the large central cavity of the protein, formed at the apex of the transmembrane domain (TMD), whereas only small binding populations are observed in the previously described R and H sites present within the individual TMD leaflets. Based on the results, the central cavity is further divided into two major subsites: first subsite preferably binds smaller substrates and high-affinity inhibitors, whereas the second one shows preference for larger substrates and low-affinity modulators. These central sites along with the low-affinity interaction sites present within the individual TMD leaflets may respectively correspond to the proposed high- and low-affinity binding sites in Pgp. We propose further optimization strategy for developing more potent inhibitor of Pgp, based on increasing its specificity to the extended ensemble of the protein instead of using a single protein structure, as well as its selectivity for the high-affinity binding site. In contrast to earlier in-silico studies using single static structures of Pgp, our results show better agreement with experimental studies, pointing to the importance of incorporating the global conformational flexibility of proteins in future drug-discovery endeavors.
Exploration of the solar system and beyond using a thermonuclear fusion drive

It is demonstrated that the development of a nuclear fusion rocket engine based on a D $-$ $^{3}$He (Deterium-Helium 3) technology will allow to travel in the solar system and beyond. The Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) is the D $-$ $^{3}$He-fueled, aneutronic, thermonuclear fusion propulsion system that is under development at Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory [1]. It is considered and analyzed the Earth-Mars mission using the DFD. It is shown that one-way trips to Mars in slightly more than 100 days become possible and also journeys to the asteroid belt will take about 250 days [2]. It is presented an analysis of realistic new trajectories for a robotic mission to Saturn's largest moon, Titan, to demonstrate the great advantages related to the thermonuclear DFD. The trajectories calculations and analysis for Saturn's largest moon Titan different profile missions are given based on the characteristics of a 2 MW class DFD engine. This capability results in a total trip duration of 2.6 years for the thrust-coast-thrust profile and less than 2 years for the continuous thrust profile [3]. Using the same 2 MW class DFD engine one can reach some trans-Neptunian object, such as the dwarf planets Makemake, Eris, and Haumea in less than 10 years with a payload mass of at least 1500 kg, so that it would enable all kind of missions, from scientific observation to in-situ operations [4]. We consider for each mission a Thrust-Coast-Thrust profile. For this reason, each mission is divided into 3 phases: i. the trajectory to escape Earth gravity influence; ii. the interplanetary travel, from the exit of Earth sphere of influence to the end of the coasting phase; iii. maneuvers to rendezvous with a target object. We present calculations to reach a vicinity at 125 AU.
“There’s no reason to do monogamy”: Evidence for and Characteristics Associated with a Strong Desire for Consensual Nonmonogamy

Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) is a form of relationship practiced by many despite widespread stigma against it. In this study, we explore evidence of strong, persistent desire for CNM among some individuals, and look for commonalities among these individuals. Between February 2019 and June 2020, we conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 51 US adults who had practiced CNM for between 3 and 50 years, recruited via community contacts and snowball method. Participants reported a broad diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities; 62.7% reported European/white ancestry. We conducted thematic analysis to examine evidence of strong, persistent desire for CNM and common characteristics and experiences among participants. We describe 7 sub-themes that suggest a strong desire for CNM, such as pursuing CNM early in life, experiencing difficulties in attempts at monogamy, and describing one’s desire for CNM as enduring or unchangeable. We then describe 9 characteristics and experiences that were common among participants, such as a preference for autonomy, not experiencing categorical distinctions among relationships, desiring to make life plans with multiple adults, and exposure to communities whose norms do not assume monogamy. Our data indicate a pattern of desires, life choices, and self-perceptions suggesting that some individuals strongly desire and persistently pursue CNM (whereas others appear to be comfortable with both CNM and monogamy). Our results suggest that some individuals consistently desire and pursue CNM relationships, and therefore would benefit from efforts toward destigmatization and reduction of institutional disadvantage against the practice of CNM.
The ambitions of neuroethics: to find the scientific fundament of morals

Los progresos recientes en neurociencias han desembocado en problemas eticos. La neurociencia de la etica investiga los mecanismos neurales que posiblemente subyacen a los conceptos y practicas eticas. El metodo cientifico moderno excluye de entrada todos los objetos posibles de investigacion cientifica que no puedan ser reducidos a fenomenos sensoriales observables y mensurables. Pero la esencia del hombre no es ser-ante-los-ojos, sino "existencia". Contrariamente a todas las otras criaturas, el ser humano se caracteriza por ser comprensor del ser. Como ser-en-el-mundo el hombre esta perdido en su cotidianidad en una disipacion ontica. El escucha a su voz de la consciencia cuando lo llama a la autenticidad, es decir, hacia su potencialidad mas propia y a aceptar su finitud constitutiva.
Ultraviolet spectra Of Proteins and Amino Acids

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that the simplest way of accounting for the absorption spectrum of a protein is as the sum of the spectra of its components. This gives results which are often good approximations to the observed protein spectrum. The assumption of additivity is basic for useful analytical applications of spectral measurements. It discusses that in another perspective, the failure of perfect additivity of the component absorptivities affords the possibility of obtaining structural information about proteins. The absorptivity of the peptide bond can change by as much as a factor of two with a change in the conformation of a peptide chain. Since the absorptivity of aromatic side chains is much less sensitive to environmental change, correspondingly, more sensitive techniques are required to measure the small changes which do occur. The nature and limitations of the structural information resulting from both peptide-bond and side-chain absorption are discussed. Absorption spectra can occasionally be a useful tool in the identification of unusual structural features in proteins and polypeptides. Several such applications are also explained in this chapter.
Rorty, Pragmatism, and Gaylaw: A Eulogy, a Celebration, and a Triumph

No recent philosopher has attempted to advance the pragmatic insights of William James and John Dewey, along with the romantic longings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Whitman, more than Richard Rorty. However, Rorty spoke to more than just professional philosophers. His pragmatism resonated with legal historians, who recognized its roots in Holmesian realism; with pragmatic jurists, who appreciated its preference for “good” rather than “correct” decisions; and with legal philosophers, who trembled before its threat to render them useless to the legal academy. In this essay, I argue that Rortyan pragmatism advances both philosophy and social hope, using the evolution of gaylaw, from Bowers to Lawrence, as an example.
Variation in systolic blood pressure between exercise modes

Bacl^rouDd: The purpose of this study was to determine if systolic blood pressure (SBP), and therefore rate pressure product (RPP = systolic blood pressure * heart rate) differences exist between treadmill, cycle, and arm exercise at fixed heart rate (HR) values. Methods: Thirty individuals with > 2 primary risk factors for coronary artery disease (RF), and twenty-three risk free individuals (NRF) maintained steady-state exercise (treadmill, cycling, and arm exercise) at a fixed HR (across modes) while SBP values were collected. Apriori planned comparisons (a = 0.05) were used to evaluate within group treadmill vs. cycle and treadmill vs. arm exercise SBP differences as well as between group differences in treadmill vs. cycle and treadmill vs. arm exercise mean SBP changes. Results: SBP was significantly increased during cycle and arm exercise compared to walking in both NRF (cycle: 8 mmHg ± 9.8, p<0.001; arm: 7.6 mmHg ± 9.5, p<0.001) and RF (cycle: 14.4 mmHg ± 12.5, p<0.001; arm: 16.6 mmHg ±11.3, p<0.001) groups. The RF group displayed a larger SBP mode response compared to the NRF group (treadmill vs. cycle, p<0.05; treadmill vs. arm, p<0.01). Conclusion: Exercise training intensity prescribed to individuals with coronary artery disease is often based on data derived from clinical treadmill exercise tests. However, many individuals may choose alternative modes of exercise. Results of this study indicate that SBP, and therefore myocardial oxygen demand, are increased during cycling and arm exercise compared to walking. Prescribed exercise intensity may need to be lowered for individuals diagnosed with exertional angina and/or hypertension who choose to utilize these modes for regular exercise.
Take Your Guns to Town: Expanding the Scope of the Second Amendment Beyond the Home

In Heller and McDonald, the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment protects a fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms, and self-defense is the core of the right. Yet the scope of the right outside of the home remains undecided. Recently, the Seventh Circuit and the Supreme Court of Illinois held that the Second Amendment does protect rights outside of the home, while other lower courts have held the opposite. To protect the fundamental right to keep and bear arms, courts should apply strict scrutiny to firearms regulations with differing applications based on the state interest. This level of scrutiny should apply regardless of whether the regulation applies inside or outside the home. The text of the Second Amendment protects two distinct rights — "keep and bear" arms. Keeping arms refers to keeping weapons in the house; bearing arms refers to carrying those arms for self-defense. In regard to self-defense, states have consistently granted substantial self-defense rights outside of the home, but even more inside the home through the Castle Doctrine. More recently, many states have extended Castle-Doctrine-type protections outside of the home. These "Stand Your Ground" laws offer even more protections for citizens who use a firearm for self-defense in public.Drawing parallels between the First and Fourth Amendments supports an expanded scope for the Second Amendment. Both the First and Fourth Amendments provide substantial protections in public, but are at their apex inside the home. Under the First Amendment, states can regulate obscenity in public but cannot criminalize mere possession of such materials inside the home. Similarly with the Fourth Amendment, the home remains the pinnacle of privacy protections. Yet substantial protections exist outside the home. For example, luggage in public cannot be opened under mere probable cause.The Second Amendment substantially protects the right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense, and offers even greater protections while inside the home. The application of strict scrutiny would vary based on the state’s ability to articulate a compelling state interest based on a particular public safety concern. While the Second Amendment does not protect the right to carry a bazooka in public, at the bare minimum it protects the right to carry a handgun outside the home in case of danger.
128 x 128 CMOS photodiode-type active pixel sensor with on-chip timing, control, and signal chain electronics

A 128 X 128 element CMOS active pixel image sensor (APS) with on-chip timing, control, and signal chain electronics has been designed, fabricated and tested. The chip is implemented in 1.2 micrometers n-well process with a 19.2 micrometers pixel pitch. The sensor uses a photodiode-type CMOS APS pixel with in-pixel source follower, row selection and reset transistors. The sensor operates from a +5 V supply and requires only a clock signal to produce video output. The chip performs correlated double sampling (CDS) to suppress pixel fixed pattern noise, and double delta sampling (DDS) to suppress column fixed pattern noise. The on-chip control circuitry allows asynchronous control of an inter frame delay to adjust pixel integration. On-chip control is also provided to select the readout of any size window of interest.
Function of the digastric muscle in carnivores.

The general form and adaptation of the digastric muscle in carnivores are reviewed and discussed. The digastric muscle differs from the general plan in certain aquatic carnivores and felids. In the pertinent aquatic species the muscle is enlarged. The observations suggest that the enlargement is an adaptation for rapidly opening the jaws against the resistance of water. In felids, the insertion of the muscle is much farther forward than in most other carnivores. The observations suggest that the development of short jaws in felids necessitated a compensatory anterior relocation of the digastric insertion in order to preserve the ability to achieve a large gape.
Metal Preference At The Second Metal Binding Site Of E. coli NikR

Escherichia coli NikR (EcNikR) regulates cellular nickel uptake by binding free nickel ions at high affinity metal binding sites in the protein, which induces EcNikR binding to the nik operon - a process that leads to suppression of the gene encoding the nickel uptake transporter, NikABCDE. A structure of the EcNikR-DNA complex suggests that a second metal binding site is present in addition to the high affinity sites, and raises the question of which metal occupies this second site under physiologic conditions: K+, which is present in the crystal structure, or Ni+2. To determine which ion is preferred at the second metal binding site, and the reason for any preference of one ion over another, we calculated the electrostatic free energy of EcNikR binding to DNA with either K+ or Ni+2 in the second site. While the interaction between EcNikR and DNA is more favorable when the second site contains Ni+2, the large desolvation penalty associated with moving Ni+2 from solution to the relatively buried second site offsets this favorable interaction. Consequently, our data suggest that EcNikR binding to DNA is more favorable when the second site contains a K+ ion. Moreover, additional calculations indicate that the second site is best suited for an ion having the size of K+ and not Ni+2, suggesting that the second site is optimized for K+. Taken together, our data suggest that the second metal binding site contains K+ and explain why K+ is preferred over Ni+2 at this site.
Model-based reinforcement learning for on-line feedback-Nash equilibrium solution of N-player nonzero-sum differential games

This paper presents a concurrent learning-based actor-critic-identifier architecture to obtain an approximate feedback-Nash equilibrium solution to a deterministic, continuous-time, and infinite-horizon N-player nonzero-sum differential game on-line, without requiring persistence of excitation (PE), for non-linear control-affine systems. Convergence of the developed control policies to neighborhoods of the feedback-Nash equilibrium policies is established under a sufficient rank condition. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the developed technique.
Modeling Deformation of Polycrystalline Rocks

The finite element method is a powerful complement to polycrystal plasticity theory for modeling the non-uniform deformation of crystalline solids. Polycrystal plasticity provides a micro-mechanical model for slip-dominated plastic flow and serves as a constitutive theory for deformation simulations (Kocks et al. 1998). The finite element method offers a numerical means to solve partial differential equations, such as the field equations of elasticity or plasticity (Zienkiewicz et al. 1989). The two can be combined in different ways depending on the goals of a modeling effort. ### Length scales Finite elements and polycrystal plasticity may be applied to the detailed modeling of a collection of grains that represent a sample of the material. In this case, there are one or more finite elements discretizing each grain and balance laws for momentum and mass are applied at the level of individual crystals. A second combination of finite elements and polycrystal plasticity is to embed polycrystal theory within a finite element formulation for physical systems that are far larger than the dimension of a grain. Polycrystal plasticity serves as a constitutive theory in essentially the same way as continuum elastoplasticity models. Balance laws are applied at the larger continuum scale. We refer to these as small-scale and large-scale applications, respectively. Care must be exercised in assuring consistency between the macroscopic material element volume and the polycrystal dimensions. With respect to characterizing these applications, it is useful to define a geometric parameter, ζ , as the relative sizes of a finite element and a crystal. Allowing h to be a characteristic dimension of an element and d to be the representative grain size the parameter ζ simply is h / d . Here, large ζ implies large numbers of crystals in each element; small ζ implies many elements within each crystal. For small-scale applications, there is a …
Functionally fitted Runge-Kutta-Nyström methods

We have shown previously that functionally fitted Runge-Kutta methods can be studied using a convenient collocation framework. Here, we extend that framework to functionally fitted Runge-Kutta-Nystrom methods, shedding further light on the fact that these methods can integrate a second-order ordinary differential equation exactly if its solution is a linear combination of certain basis functions, and that superconvergence can be obtained when the collocation points satisfy some orthogonality conditions. An analysis of their stability is also conducted.
The Family Environment and Developmental Psychopathology: The Unique and Interactive Effects of Depression, Attention, and Conduct Problems

Prior studies have found remarkable similarity in the family characteristics across a wide range of child psychopathologies. This study investigated the unique relationships between symptoms of depression, conduct problems/aggression, and inattention/hyperactivity and characteristics of the family environment. Parents and teachers completed multiple behavioral, emotional, and family measures to describe the characteristics of a community sample of 362 children. Results indicated that depression and conduct problems/aggression symptoms were uniquely associated with specific family environments. Both symptom clusters predicted family environments marked by less cohesiveness and intellectual/cultural pursuits and greater conflict. Depression alone was related to less expressiveness, independence, and activity, and to higher levels of control. Inattention/hyperactivity was not uniquely related to any aspect of family environment when controlling for depression and conduct/aggression problems, nor were combinations of symptoms. Findings are discussed with regard to implications for understanding clinical presentations, comorbidity, and treatment.
Are Ex-day Dividend Clientele Effects Dead? Dividend Yield verses Dividend Size

We document new evidence that the ex-dividend day stock price behavior in the U.S. is inconsistent with the tax explanation in several aspects. We find that within a tick multiple, as dividend size increases, dividend yields increase, but the price-drop-to-dividend ratios decrease. For dividends that are less than a tick, there is no relation between price-drop-to-dividend ratio and dividend yield, and for dividends that are less than half a tick, the average price drop is larger than dividend amount. These facts contradict the tax explanation of the ex-dividend day phenomenon. But these patterns are qualitatively consistent with Dubofsky's argument that the exchange rules on how to adjust the prices in the existing limit orders affect ex-day price drop behavior. The positive relation between the price-drop-to-dividend ratio and dividend yield is more pronounced as dividend size increases. We point out this is also qualitatively consistent with Dubofsky.
Epigenetics mediate environment : gene effects on occupational sensitization.

Purpose of reviewEpigenetics is the study of stable modifications of fixed genomes that direct which genes are expressed and which are silenced. Epigenetic changes are modulated by environmental exposures, making epigenetics the interface between genes and environment. This has particular relevance
Cowboys, Angels, and Demons: American Exceptionalism and the Frontier Myth in the CW's Supernatural

The CW network series Supernatural (2005–) draws its text from the horror and fantasy genres as well as religious mythology. Concurrently, it transmits a core “American” mythos. As its protagonists keep watch along a supernatural frontier and eradicate threats to the American way of life, this program both reinforces and alters aspects of the frontier myth and the myth of American exceptionalism by depicting its main characters as representations of America writ large whose mission has grown from an appointment by God to being equals to God. In this manner, Supernatural forwards a new American exceptionalism through the notion that America is exceptional because it is not just divinely appointed by God, but is divine itself.
Auditory processing disorder (APD) in children: A marker of neurodevelopmental syndrome

AbstractCurrently, there are two major hypotheses concerning the nature of developmental APD. One is conventional, that APD results from impaired ‘bottom-up’ processing of sounds. However, while a conventional view suggests the problem with APD lies in the central auditory nervous system (CANS), we propose that the problem may lie more peripherally, possibly in the ear. Alternatively, processing problems expressed in the ear, hindbrain or auditory cortex could reflect the second hypothesis, ‘top-down’ influences from cortical cognitive processing centers that may exert their influence on the auditory cortex, and be conveyed to lower targets via CANS efferent pathways. A variant of this hypothesis is that the problem may be entirely cognitive, primarily affecting language processing, attention or memory and exerting a non-specific (e.g. supramodal) effect on perception. Whichever of these hypotheses turns out to be correct, we propose that the very high co-occurrence of APD with a wide variety of other aud...