cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The combination of dimethoxycurcumin with DNA methylation inhibitor enhances gene re-expression of promoter-methylated genes and antagonizes their cytotoxic effect

Curcumin and its analogs exhibited antileukemic activity either as single agent or in combination therapy. Dimethoxycurcumin (DMC) is a more metabolically stable curcumin analog that was shown to induce the expression of promoter-methylated genes without reversing DNA methylation. Accordingly, co-treatment with DMC and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors could hypothetically enhance the re-expression of promoter-methylated tumor suppressor genes. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects and epigenetic changes associated with the combination of DMC and the DNMT inhibitor decitabine (DAC) in primary leukemia samples and cell lines. The combination demonstrated antagonistic cytotoxic effects and was minimally cytotoxic to primary leukemia cells. The combination did not affect the metabolic stability of DMC. Although the combination enhanced the downregulation of nuclear DNMT proteins, the hypomethylating activity of the combination was not increased significantly compared to DAC alone. On the other hand, the combination significantly increased H3K27 acetylation (H3K27Ac) compared to the single agents near the promoter region of promoter-methylated genes. Furthermore, sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and DNA pyrosequencing of the chromatin-enriched H3K27Ac did not show any significant decrease in DNA methylation compared to other regions. Consequently, the enhanced induction of promoter-methylated genes by the combination compared to DAC alone is mediated by a mechanism that involves increased histone acetylation and not through potentiation of the DNA hypomethylating activity of DAC. Collectively, our results provide the mechanistic basis for further characterization of this combination in leukemia animal models and early phase clinical trials.
Marriage markets and male mating effort: violence and crime are elevated where men are rare

The negative social outcomes in populations with male-biased sex ratios are a growing concern. In general, the expectation is of heightened violence as a result of excess men engaging in antisocial behavior and crime, thereby threatening societal stability. While intuitive, these claims are largely unsupported in the literature. Using mating market theory as our guide, we examine indicators of male mating effort, including (1) violent competition between men (homicide, aggravated assault) and (2) indicators of uncommitted sexual behavior (rape, sex offenses, and prostitution). Our unit of analysis is U.S. county-level data. We find that counties with more men have lower rates of crime and violent behavior. Our findings challenge conventional claims of male excess leading to elevated levels of violence. Instead, in support of mating market predictions, we find that criminal and violent behavior related to male mating effort is least common in male-biased sex ratios. We discuss the implications of our findings for public policy regarding incarceration and criminal behavior.
Of microtubules and memory: implications for microtubule dynamics in dendrites and spines.

Microtubules (MTs) are cytoskeletal polymers composed of repeating subunits of tubulin that are ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells. They undergo a stochastic process of polymerization and d...
Controlling growing tasks with heterogeneous agents

We propose solutions for assignment of physical tasks to heterogeneous agents when the costs of the tasks change over time. We assume tasks have a natural growth rate which is counteracted by the work applied by the agents. As the future cost of a task depends on the agents allocation, reasoning must be both spatial and temporal to effectively minimize the growth so tasks can be completed. We present optimal solutions for two general classes of growth functions and heuristic solutions for other cases. Empirical results are given in RoboCup Rescue for agents with different capabilities.
Multiple Paternity in the Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Assessed with Microsatellite Markers

ABSTRACT In the blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896), double ejaculations have been observed; however, it is not known if these multiple inseminations are the products of different males or if they lead to effective multiple paternities. In this study, 75 mature females and their spermathecae were genotyped for five polymorphic microsatellite loci. The incidence of multiple paternity was analyzed by comparing the genotypes of either spermathecae or individual ejaculates with the corresponding mother, and the male contribution was then deduced. Females contained double ejaculates (5.3%),which genotyping confirmed as the products of different males. In addition, a routine screening of 68 crabs from a single hatchery brood at two loci indicated more than two parents. Mitochondrial analysis confirmed that the brood shares the same mother; therefore, the extra alleles must be due to different fathers. Our findings indicate that female blue crabs are not only capable of mating with more than one male b...
Planar matching of antennas on electrically thick dielectric substrates

This paper discusses the possibility of matching printed circuit antennas on electrically thick substrates to air using simple matching layers of dielectrics. Radiation patterns have been calculated for several different layered structures illustrating their effects on power radiated by slot antennas.
Chapter 18 - Auxin perception and signal transduction

The hormone auxin has been implicated in virtually every aspect of plant growth and development from embryogenesis, through all stages of vegetative development to formation of reproductive structures and growth of the gametophyte. The mechanisms of auxin signaling are therefore of central importance to our understanding of plant growth. Despite extensive efforts, a pathway of auxin action, from perception to response has not been defined. In an effort to understand molecular aspects of auxin signaling, many researchers have focused on rapid biochemical responses associated with auxin-induced cell elongation. These include activation of a plasma membrane H + -ATPase, changes in the behavior of ion channels, and rapid induction of specific gene expression. Biochemical and genetic studies have implicated diverse proteins and signaling pathways in auxin action. More recently, auxin effects on ion transport have been characterized in protoplasts from Vicia faba guard cells and tobacco protoplasts. In both systems, patch clamp techniques have been used to demonstrate auxin regulation of anion channels. At this point it is not clear if this diversity reflects the complexity of auxin biology or simply an incomplete understanding of the primary mechanism of auxin action. Given the central role of auxin in cell growth, it seems likely that the hormone will affect a wide variety of cellular processes.
Demonstration of the relationship between sensitivity and identifiability for inverse uncertainty quantification

Abstract Inverse Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), or Bayesian calibration, is the process to quantify the uncertainties of random input parameters based on experimental data. The introduction of model discrepancy term is significant because “over-fitting” can theoretically be avoided. But it also poses challenges in the practical applications. One of the mostly concerned and unresolved problem is the “lack of identifiability” issue. With the presence of model discrepancy, inverse UQ becomes “non-identifiable” in the sense that it is difficult to precisely distinguish between the parameter uncertainties and model discrepancy when estimating the calibration parameters. Previous research to alleviate the non-identifiability issue focused on using informative priors for the calibration parameters and the model discrepancy, which is usually not a viable solution because one rarely has such accurate and informative prior knowledge. In this work, we show that identifiability is largely related to the sensitivity of the calibration parameters with regards to the chosen responses. We adopted an improved modular Bayesian approach for inverse UQ that does not require priors for the model discrepancy term. The relationship between sensitivity and identifiability was demonstrated with a practical example in nuclear engineering. It was shown that, in order for a certain calibration parameter to be statistically identifiable, it should be significant to at least one of the responses whose data are used for inverse UQ. Good identifiability cannot be achieved for a certain calibration parameter if it is not significant to any of the responses. It is also demonstrated that “fake identifiability” is possible if model responses are not appropriately chosen, or if inaccurate but informative prior distributions are specified.
Eosinophils support Th2 response and control parasite number in brain during murine neurocysticercosis (MPF7P.717)

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common parasitic infection of the brain and leading cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. NCC is caused by metacestode larvae of the tapeworm Taenia solium and characterized by an initial asymptomatic phase followed by a symptomatic phase. While the asymptomatic phase is attributed to the immunosuppressive capabilities of viable T. solium metacestodes, dying parasites induce inflammation including an eosinophil (EO) response causing pathology and symptoms. Previous studies in T. solium -infected pigs have shown that EOs are present around dying parasites. However, the role of EOs in killing of metacestode has not been verified. To determine the parasiticidal role of EOs in brain , we used a murine model of NCC in which wild type (WT) or EO deficient (ΔdblGATA) mice were infected intracranially . We found a strong EO response in WT NCC mice similar to porcine NCC. In comparison to WT NCC mice, EO deficient, ΔdblGATA NCC mice had an increased parasite burden. Analysis of infiltrates from infected brains revealed that ΔdblGATA mice had reduced leukocyte infiltration into the brain in comparison to WT mice. However, αβ T cell frequency was greater in ΔdblGATA mice brain. Further, higher αβ T cell frequency correlated with increased CD8 + T cell response and reduced CD4 + Th2 responses. Thus, our results show that EOs support Th2 response in brain microenvironment and play a critical role in controlling the parasite number in brain during murine NCC.
Regulation of plankton and nutrient dynamics by profundal quagga mussels in Lake Michigan: a one-dimensional model

Invasive dreissenid mussels have altered plankton abundance and nutrient cycling in the Great Lakes. In this study, a 1-D hydrodynamic-biogeochemical coupled model is developed to investigate their effects at a mid-depth offshore site in Lake Michigan. Model simulation shows that water surface temperature and vertical thermal structure can be well reproduced. Driven by the simulated vertical mixing, the biological model solves the transport and transformation of nutrients, plankton and detritus in the water column. Mussel grazing and excretion are added at the bottom boundary. The biological model predicts a notable decline of phytoplankton biomass and considerable increase of dissolved phosphorus (DP) in the entire water column at the end of spring. However, the reduction of phytoplankton and the increase of DP are limited to the bottom 20 m in summer as a result of the strong stratification. Model results also show that mussels can maximize particle delivery to the benthos, as the modeled benthic diffusive flux of particulate phosphorus exceeds the passive settling rate by 4.2× on average. Model simulation over a 10-month period indicates that profundal mussels have the potential to significantly change the distribution of energy and nutrients in the water column, even in a deep and stratified environment.
Energy optimization for perpetual IoT networks of heterogeneous sensors

In our research we aim to handle energy limitations caused by perpetual operations in different IoT platforms, such as mission-critical and assisted living developments. IoT deployments hold significant promises to improve the quality of life; however, several limitations arise in operating IoT deployments in a scalable and resilient manner over time. Limitations include the divers nature of IoT settings and deployments, which play an important role in both the accuracy and cost of applications. In addition, IoT devices typically are small in size with restricted resources including limited compute power, battery and storage capabilities. Furthermore, assisted living and mission-critical systems are expected to operate 24/7 to monitor and detect critical events. This raises issues of the cost of operations and continuous energy consumptions. In our research, we are uniquely leveraging different concepts, such as activities of daily living (ADLs) and heterogeneity of IoT devices; to create perpetual IoT platforms by energy-optimized sensor activations.
Thermodynamic analysis of hybrid Rankine cycles using multiple heat sources of different temperatures

Abstract Past studies of hybrid power cycles using multiple heat sources of different temperatures focused mainly on case studies and almost no general theory about this type of systems was developed. This paper is a first comprehensive study of their general thermodynamic performance, with their comparison to their corresponding single temperature heat source reference system, focusing on three types of power cycles: simple Rankine cycle, Rankine cycle with reheat and Rankine cycle with heat regeneration. The generalized expressions for the energy and exergy efficiency differences between the hybrid and the corresponding single heat source system were developed. A number of simulation case studies were performed to help the understanding and confirm the thermodynamic generalization of the results. The results show that the energy and exergy efficiencies of the hybrid systems are higher than those of their corresponding single heat source reference systems if and only if the energy andexergy conversion efficiency (defined in the paper) of the additional heat source (AHS) is larger than that of the original heat source. The conditions that defined the effects of the AHS temperature and heat addition rate on the energy and exergy efficiencies of the hybrid systems as convex or concave curves were described. Comparisons across the first two types of hybrid power cycles were made, showing that the energy and exergy efficiencies of the reheat Rankine cycle is generally higher than that of the simple Rankine cycle as AHS is changed. Recommendations were made for obtaining the maximal energy and exergy efficiency as a function of the AHS temperature, of the heat addition rate by the AHS, and of the AHS position in the power cycle flow sheet. For the hybrid power generation systems with heat regeneration it was found that when using an AHS to raise the net system power by a given amount, using it to replace the higher-pressure extracted steam will result in a higher system energy efficiency than when using it to replace lower-pressure extracted steam. Hybrid cycles can have significantly lower emissions, cost, and fuel depletion.
Medical Complications with Adults

Many investigators have noted the high frequency of medical disorders among psychiatric patients, and the fact that medical disorders can mimic functional psychiatric illnesses (e. g., Marshall, 1949). An extensive literature documents failures to diagnose physical illness among psychiatric patients (Lazare, 1989). There are a number of reasons, which may be classified as patient-related, physician-related, or disease-related (Hoffman & Koran, 1984). For example, certain characteristics of the psychiatric patient may conspire to thwart an accurate medical diagnosis. Psychiatric patients may be unattractive (e. g., dirty, unkempt, malodorous, and hostile), may be uncooperative, or may have difficulty communicating clearly, and these factors may discourage accurate history taking or a thorough physical examination. Psychiatric patients may also be less likely to show evidence of physical pain, even in the face of acute, life-threatening medical illness (Talbott & Linn, 1978).
Comment: Response to “The Voluntary One-Parent Family—Some Qualms”

Hoaglund identifies bioethical dilemmas which concern all of us. Using medical technology to create voluntary single parent families is indeed awesome. Regardless of recipient, custom ordering our children through AID has frightening implications on both the micro and macro levels. These implications are humorously illustrated in a story of Bernard Shaw and Isadora Duncan (Anderson, 1977, p. 41). Duncan suggested that they should have a child since her body and Shaw’s brain would be such a marvelous combination. To this Shaw replied, “Yes, madam, the snag would be if it had your brain and my body!” Indeed, there are many and much more serious potential snags.
Plastic tube technic of centrifugal separation of leukocytes from human blood.

A new simple plastic tube centrifugation method is described for the fractional harvesting of viable leukocytes from 10 ml. of human blood.
Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle

The tricarboxylic acid cycle is the central pathway in intermediary metabolism, which accounts for the final combustion of foodstuffs into CO 2 and water, while conserving the reducing equivalents produced for transmission up the mitochondrial electron transport system, to form the mitochondrial proton gradient responsible for ATP generation. The cycle occurs in nearly all forms of life, even the archaebacteria, suggesting that during the early evolution of life its function was anaplerotic and its direction reversed from that which exists in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.
Acquired red cell aplasia associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is characterized by normocytic normochromic anemia, severe reticulocytopenia, and a total absence or marked reduction of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. It can...
Impacts of Insects in Forest Landscapes: Implications for Forest Health Management

1. INTRODUCTION The devastating forest fires and catastrophic outbreaks of both native and introduced forest insect and disease pests, witnessed in recent times throughout North America, are in part a consequence of forest management practices of the last century. The frequency and intensity of these fires and pest outbreaks exceed all historical records and many view a deteriorated state of the forest environment as a primary cause for those problems. To address this issue President George W. Bush in 2002 launched the Healthy Forest Initiative (HFI). Subsequently the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) became law and thereby provided a new emphasis to forest management in the US. Forest protection deals with the agents that cause undesirable change in the conditions and resources of the forest environment. It is an applied component of forest management that traditionally includes research, development, and applications activities associated with impacts of insects, diseases and fire. Frequently issues associated with impacts of insects and diseases are considered together while fire is addressed separately. Specific direct activities of forest protection include assessing the impact of agents causing change in the forest environment; suppressing and preventing negative effects of destructive agents; monitoring forest resources and conditions; and management-planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. The HFI and HFRA will profoundly influence the forest protection agenda of the future. Defining the specific elements of that agenda will require examining insects and diseases within the spatial dimensions of the forest landscape and in the temporal context of the process of ecological succession. Accordingly, the goal of this chapter is to consider impacts of insects in forest landscapes within the framework of forest health management. Our specific objectives are (1) to consider the evolution of forest management models in relation to forest health, (2) to consider forest health in an ecological context, (3) to consider how insects serve as
The value of ethnic history studies to cultural competence in organized youth recreation.

Several scholars have argued that cultural competence is an important component of youth recreation service. Although history is a critical element of culture, knowledge of ethnic history has received little attention within discussions of culturally competent youth recreation service. Ethnic history studies—histories that emphasize the experience of minoritized populations—can both fill this gap and build awareness of the complexity and nuance of cultures. Radical healing is described as a framework to think about potential applications of ethnic history to organized youth recreation. Radical healing seeks to build the capacity of young people to create the communities in which they want to live. We recommend that practitioners develop activities that both connect youths’ present with their past and balance wounds with strengths. Such activities further youths’ understanding of their present while creating opportunities for community engagement. Even though ethnic history knowledge does not reveal the true nature of youth, it may allow practitioners to see minoritized youth in a more holistic manner; to see that past events have created limitations and possibilities for who young people are and who they might become.Subscribe to JPRA
Mentoring Returning Adults to be Mentors and Writers

As a community college writing instructor, I found older students to be both an asset and a mentor in guiding students through the process of exploring their lives and values.
Molecular and Cellular Responses to the TYK2/JAK1 Inhibitor PF-06700841 Reveal Reduction of Skin Inflammation in Plaque Psoriasis.

The IL-23/T helper type 17 cell axis is a target for psoriasis. The TYK2/Janus kinase 1 inhibitor PF-06700841 will directly suppress TYK2-dependent IL-12 and IL-23 signaling and Janus kinase 1–dependent signaling in cells expressing these signaling molecules, including T cells and keratinocytes. This clinical study sought to define the inflammatory gene and cellular pathways through which PF-06700841 improves the clinical manifestations of psoriasis. Patients (n = 30) with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were randomized to once-daily 30 mg (n = 14) or 100 mg (n = 7) PF-06700841 or placebo (n = 9) for 28 days. Biopsies were taken from nonlesional and lesional skin at baseline and weeks 2 and 4. Changes in the psoriasis transcriptome and genes induced by IL-17 in keratinocytes were evaluated with microarray profiling and reverse transcriptase–PCR. Reductions in IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-12B mRNA were observed as early as 2 weeks and approximately 70% normalization of lesional gene expression after 4 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed significant decreases in markers of keratinocyte activation, epidermal thickness, KRT16 and Ki-67 expression, and immune cell infiltrates CD3+/CD8+ (T cells) and CD11c (dendritic cells) after 2 weeks of treatment, corresponding with improvement in histologic score. PF-06700841 improves clinical symptoms of chronic plaque psoriasis by inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines that require TYK2 and Janus kinase 1 for signal transduction.
Regional myocardial strain analysis via 2D speckle tracking echocardiography: validation with sonomicrometry and correlation with regional blood flow in the presence of graded coronary stenoses and dobutamine stress

Quantitative regional strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) may be particularly useful in the assessment of myocardial ischemia and viability, although reliable measurement of regional strain remains challenging, especially in the circumferential and radial directions. We present an acute canine model that integrates a complex sonomicrometer array with microsphere blood flow measurements to evaluate regional myocardial strain and flow in the setting of graded coronary stenoses and dobutamine stress. We apply this unique model to rigorously evaluate a commercial 2D STE software package and explore fundamental regional myocardial flow-function relationships. Sonomicrometers (16 crystals) were implanted in epicardial and endocardial pairs across the anterior myocardium of anesthetized open chest dogs (n = 7) to form three adjacent cubes representing the ischemic, border, and remote regions, as defined by their relative locations to a hydraulic occluder on the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Additional cardiac (n = 3) and extra-cardiac (n = 3) reference crystals were placed to define the cardiac axes and aid image registration. 2D short axis echocardiograms, sonometric data, and microsphere blood flow data were acquired at baseline and in the presence of mild and moderate LAD stenoses, both before and during low-dose dobutamine stress (5 μg/kg/min). Regional end-systolic 2D STE radial and circumferential strains were calculated with commercial software (EchoInsight) and compared to those determined by sonomicrometry and to microsphere blood flow measurements. Post-systolic indices (PSIs) were also calculated for radial and circumferential strains. Low-dose dobutamine augmented both strain and flow in the presence of mild and moderate stenoses. Regional 2D STE strains correlated moderately with strains assessed by sonomicrometry (Rradial = 0.56, p < 0.0001; Rcirc = 0.55, p < 0.0001) and with regional flow quantities (Rradial = 0.61, Rcirc = 0.63). Overall, correspondence between 2D STE and sonomicrometry was better in the circumferential direction (Bias ± 1.96 SD: − 1.0 ± 8.2% strain, p = 0.06) than the radial direction (5.7 ± 18.3%, p < 0.0001). Mean PSI values were greatest in low flow conditions and normalized with low-dose dobutamine. 2D STE identifies changes in regional end-systolic circumferential and radial strain produced by mild and moderate coronary stenoses and low-dose dobutamine stress. Regional 2D STE end-systolic strain measurements correlate modestly with regional sonomicrometer strain and microsphere flow measurements.
Chapter 41 – Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is clinically evident in 50 to 75% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and is a significant cause of ESRD. Although LN is a paradigmatic example of immune complex-mediated renal injury, the pathogenesis is complex, involving abnormalities in multiple components of the immune system, including B and T cells, the complement cascade (especially the alternative pathway), and tissue enzymes that clear denatured DNA. The diagnosis of LN still hinges on the renal biopsy, with glomerular changes being the predominant feature in the classification of LN. The prognostic role of interstitial inflammation in LN has recently been demonstrated. Treatment regimens for severe proliferative LN consist of combination therapy using corticosteroids with cyclophosphamide or antimetabolites (mycophenolate). After remission is obtained, maintenance therapy with a tapering dose of corticosteroids is combined with an antimetabolite (mycophenolate or azathioprine). LN may be refractory to standard regimens in up to 50% of patients. B-cell therapies, calcineurin inhibitors, immunomodulators and complement inhibitors have been used in this setting with varying success.
Guilty Until Proven Guilty: Effective Bail Reform as a Human Rights Imperative

The continued existence of cash bail as a tool to subjugate the most vulnerable is among the most pressing civil rights issues today. Cash bail morphs criminal convictions from an adjudication of factual and legal guilt to an inquiry into wealth status. It creates an income-based system of differential justice by detaining the poor and freeing the rich. The negative consequences of prolonged detention therefore redound to the jailed-but-poor, distorting the criminal process by encouraging defendants to plead guilty merely to secure release. Although jurisdictions are increasingly reconsidering their bail systems, too many either allow this travesty to continue unimpeded or have enacted putative reforms which transmute inequality without eliminating it, especially through the use of algorithmic risk assessment tools which — despite being hailed as a panacea — only re-entrench existing biases under a sheen of scientific objectivity. Consequently, this paper seeks to reconceptualize bail reform, moving it from a subjective moral foible to an objective legal mandate using the framework of the international human right of access to justice. It notes the ways in which both cash bail and putative reforms violate the structural and procedural guarantees of access to justice.
Optoelectronic tweezers with a non-uniform background field

An optoelectronic tweezers (OETs) system employing a non-uniform background electric field is presented. In addition to optically induced electrodes, physical electrodes are incorporated into the design. The geometries of the physical electrodes are selected to create a background field with gradients along a specific axis. Due to the resulting background force, the proposed scheme traps particles along an axis around the rim of the optical spot. This is a resolution improvement over conventional OETs where particle trapping occurs uniformly around the spot. Numerical simulations of the device including conductivity, electric fields, and force profiles are presented. The trapping and manipulation of micro-particles using the device are experimentally demonstrated. The experiment verifies that trapping occurs along a specific axis of the optical beam.
Characterization of precipitation in gradient Inconel 718 superalloy

Abstract Inconel 718 (IN718) superalloy is a well-established material for the application of aircraft engine and power generator due to its excellent performance at high temperatures. The outstanding mechanical properties of IN718 are largely determined by the precipitates. Here, we investigated the precipitation behaviors and the corresponding mechanical properties of the heat-treated gradient IN718 alloy. The microscopy studies reveal that high-density hexagonal η phase with chemistry of Ni3(Al,Ti,Nb) formed in the nanograined IN718 alloy after annealing at 700 °C. The compressive stress introduced during severe plastic deformation may have prohibited the formation of γ” phase while accelerated the precipitation of γ’ phase, consequently favoring the precipitation of η phase. The corresponding evolution of mechanical behavior of gradient IN718 alloy is investigated.
Current initiatives, barriers, and opportunities for networked learning in Latin America.

This paper explores and describes the current initiatives, barriers, and opportunities for formal, non-formal, and informal networked learning experiences using social media in Latin America. It focuses on networked learning initiatives such as the use of institutional social media accounts, educational hashtags, social media in the classroom, educational channels via video hosting platforms, and government established networked learning programs for connected classrooms. The same multiplicity, diversity, and heterogenicity that represent the culture, languages, and socio-economic status of the people of Latin America also characterize the vast mixture of networked learning initiatives across the region. Potential barriers (i.e., the digital divide, Internet filtering policies, lack of research) and opportunities for implementation (i.e., networked learning educational reforms, mobile learning technology, and social media ethical considerations) are explored. The paper concludes with recommendations that policymakers and education leaders in Latin America should keep in mind to engage in fruitful networked learning initiatives.
State Spoliation Claims in Federal District Courts

The increasing amounts of electronically stored information (esi) relevant to civil litigation, and the ease of their loss, caused federal lawmakers explicitly to address the possible consequences of certain presuit or postsuit esi losses. These lawmakers acted in both 2006 and 2015 through Federal Civil Procedure (FRCP) 37(e). But they acted only on certain esi. Their actions have prompted increasing attention to the significant risks of presuit and postsuit losses of all esi, and of nonesi, otherwise discoverable in civil actions. In addition, their actions have spurred increasing attention to the availability of substantive law claims involving spoliation of information relevant to future or pending federal civil actions. Such claims compliment the federal civil procedure laws on discovery sanctions for information losses. Federal court jurisdiction over state substantive spoliation claims in related federal civil litigation was expressly invited by the federal judicial rulemakers when amending FRCP 37(e) in 2015. Prior to and since, federal courts have recognized the availability of state spoliation claims for losses of either esi or nonesi relevant in pending civil actions. As state spoliation claims typically involve no federal law question, their pursuit in federal courts may be barred by the lack of, or a failure to exercise, subject matter jurisdiction. Their pursuit may also be stymied by other barriers, including the lack of personal jurisdiction, an inability to effect joinder, and collateral estoppel. This article explores federal district court power to hear state spoliation claims involving information losses related to and within ongoing civil litigation. It explores whether jurisdictional norms should vary between FRCP 37(e) esi spoliation and other esi and nonesi spoliation. As well, the article examines whether spoliation claims should be comparably available for presuit and postsuit losses and for claims against those who are otherwise not parties in the related civil actions, like insurers and attorneys. Finally, it reviews possible joinder, collateral estoppel, and choice of law issues arising when federal courts hear state spoliation claims.
Constant envelope binary OFDM phase modulation

hi this paper a new approach is presented to alleviate the undesirable effects due to the high peak-to-average power ratio of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. A class of signaling called OFDM angle modulation is presented. These constant envelope OFDM based signals guarantee a 0 dB PAPR thus are well suited for efficient nonlinear power amplification. This paper focuses on binary OFDM phase modulation, which is a special case of OFDM angle modulation.
Air traffic conflict negotiation and resolution using an onboard multi-agent system

Conflict detection and resolution is a critical capacity for realizing free flight. In this paper, a multi-agent system algorithm is proposed to solve the air traffic conflict detection and resolution problem involving multiple aircraft, where each aircraft may be regarded as an intelligent agent. The conflict detection and resolution problem for each agent is solved as a constraint satisfaction problem. A pair wise, argument-based negotiation approach is established for the aircraft to search for a multilaterally acceptable conflict resolution. The proposed algorithm guarantees to lead to an appropriate solution, except for some extreme cases. It also considers real-time constraints such as response time, negotiation deadline, etc. The ground based air traffic controller is always included in this system, and acts as a high-level supervisor and coordinator. It has authority to approve or override any proposal from any aircraft; force an aircraft to accept a proposal; and open or close a negotiation. It may also join the collaboration to represent those aircraft which lack the capacity to negotiate for themselves. However, in such cases it must obey the same negotiation protocol as other aircraft.
Constitutionalism and the Cosmopolitan State

If the point of constitutionalism is to define the legal framework within which collective self-government can legitimately take place, constitutionalism has to take a cosmopolitan turn. Contrary to widely made implicit assumptions in constitutional theory and practice, national constitutional legitimacy is not self-standing. Whether a national constitution and the political practices authorized by it are legitimate does not depend only on the appropriate democratic quality and rights respecting nature of domestic legal practices. Instead, national constitutional legitimacy depends, in part, on how the national constitution is integrated into and relates to the wider legal and political world. The drawing of state boundaries and the pursuit of national policies generate justice sensitive externalities that national law, no matter how democratic, can not claim legitimate authority to assess. It is the point and purpose of international law to authoritatively address problems of justive-sensitive externalities of state policies. International law seeks to help create the conditions and define the domain over which states can legitimately claim sovereignty. States have a standing duty to help create and sustain an international legal system that is equipped to fulfill that function. Only a cosmopolitan state -- a state that incorporates and reflects in its constitutional structure and foreign policy the global legitimacy conditions for claims to sovereignty -- is a legitimate state.
Fertigung und Montage des Stahlverbundüberbaus der Reichenbachtalbrücke

Der nachfolgende Aufsatz knupft an die Veroffentlichung [1] zur Reichenbachtalbrucke an. Sie ist Bestandteil der Thuringer-Wald-Autobahn A 71. Beschrieben werden im folgenden die fertigungs- und montagetechnischen Besonderheiten der Stahlkonstruktion. Production and erection of the steel-composite superstructure of the Reichenbachtalbrucke. The following article relates to the publication of the Reichenbachtalbrucke. The viaduct is part of the motorway A 71 through the thuringian forest. The characteristics of fabrication and erection of the steel superstructure are shown in the present paper.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms and structure among orphan and vulnerable children and adolescents in Zambia

Background Scant information exists on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and structure in youth from developing countries. Methods We describe the symptom profile and exposure to trauma experiences among 343 orphan and vulnerable children and adolescents from Zambia. We distinguished profiles of posttraumatic stress symptoms using latent class analysis. Results Average number of trauma-related symptoms (21.6; range 0–38) was similar across sex and age. Latent class model suggested three classes varying by level of severity: low (31% of the sample), medium (45% of the sample), and high (24% of the sample) symptomatology. Conclusions Results suggest that PTSD is a continuously distributed latent trait.
An Attribution Approach and the Subsequent Satisfaction, Value, and Loyalty of Service Delivery in Private Residence Clubs

This quantitative case study examines attribute-level satisfaction scores of a private residence club. The article examines relationships between overall satisfaction and loyalty, overall satisfaction and value, and value and loyalty. The research context introduces characteristics of affluence and ownership that are not widely researched in general, nor in the hospitality industry. Comparisons of the results of service satisfaction were found to be significant and consistent across various settings including beach, urban, mountain, and golf resorts. A positive relationship between satisfaction and loyalty, satisfaction and value, and value and loyalty existed. However, a stronger relationship between perceived value and loyalty was identified than with satisfaction and value or satisfaction and loyalty. The results of this study address a gap in the research by exploring satisfaction across operational attributes of the private residence club, as well as the relationships between satisfaction, loyalty, a...
The Passage of Education Citizen Initiatives: Evidence from California.

In recent years, many critical education policy reforms across the American states have been attempted through citizen ballots. This study examines citizens' voting behavior on three salient education initiatives proposed in California. Analyses of exit poll data indicate that voting on education initiatives is greatly influenced by ideological predispositions, self-interest, and racially based incentives. Local school districts' conditions become more influential once we examine voting separately across racial groups. These voting strategies suggest that the path of education reform through citizen initiatives will be much susceptible to ideological and demographic currents.
High-power-density capillary discharge plasma columns for shorter wavelength discharge-pumped soft-x-ray lasers

We report the generation of plasma columns in gas-filled capillary channels using discharge excitation powers that exceed those of previous studies by one to two orders of magnitude. Current pulses up to 200 kA and 10-90 % rise time of about 10 ns (current increase rate equivalent to 1.5 x 10(13) A/s) were utilized to excite plasmas in 3.3 and 4 mm diameter channels. Time resolved soft-x-ray spectra and pinhole images of the plasma were obtained. The experimental data and its comparison with model computations suggest that dense argon plasma columns 300 mum in diameter with electron temperatures >250 eV have been obtained. These characteristics make these plasmas of interest for extending discharge-pumped lasers to shorter wavelengths.
The minister and the birth of a defective child

There now exists a gap in the humanistic and professional care of the newborn defective child and his family—a gap which is so vital that it further adds to the debilitation of the infant and increases force behind the statement, “The family with a handicapped child is a handicapped family.” The minister in the community is the logical person by reasons of training, sphere of call, and availability to fill this void and assist parents through this most difficult shock or mourning period. In times of death or severe illness, the family minister does not wait to be called by the family before showing his, and the church's, concern. Neither should he wait in the case of defective birth, for no longer is this a subject to be hidden in closets while parents suffer in agonized self-accusation. The very first days are crucial ones, and the minister that makes himself available to the parents during that time in a supportive, listening post role will produce more positive results than will many sessions of counseling in the later years of that infant's childhood.
Stress Fracture Risk Factors in Basic Combat Training

This study examined demographic and physical risk factors for stress fractures in a large cohort of basic trainees. New recruits participating in US Army BCT from 1997 through 2007 were identified, and birth year, race/ethnicity, physical characteristics, body mass index, and injuries were obtained from electronic databases. Injury cases were recruits medically diagnosed with inpatient or outpatient stress fractures. There were 475 745 men and 107 906 women. Stress fractures incidences were 19.3 and 79.9 cases/1 000 recruits for men and women, respectively. Factors that increased stress fracture risk for both men and women included older age, lower body weight, lower BMI, and race/ethnicity other than black. Compared to Asians, those of white race/ethnicity were at higher stress fractures risk. In addition, men, but not women, who were taller or heavier were at increased stress fracture risk. Stress fracture risk generally increased with age (17-35 year range) at a rate of 2.2 and 3.9 cases/1 000 recruits per year for men and women, respectively. This was the largest sample of military recruits ever examined for stress fractures and found that stress fracture risk was elevated among recruits who were female, older, had lower body weight, had lower BMI, and/or were not of black race/ethnicity.
Desmethyl Macrolides: Synthesis and Evaluation of 4,10-Didesmethyl Telithromycin

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are emerging at an alarming rate in both hospital and community settings. Motivated by this issue, we have prepared desmethyl (i.e., replacing methyl groups with hydrogens) analogues of third-generation macrolide drugs telithromycin (TEL, 2) and cethromycin (CET, 6), both of which are semisynthetic derivatives of flagship macrolide antibiotic erythromycin (1). Herein, we report the total synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation of 4,8,10-tridesmethyl cethromycin (7). In MIC assays, CET analogue 7 was found to be equipotent with TEL (2) against a wild-type E. coli strain, more potent than previously disclosed desmethyl TEL congeners 3, 4, and 5, but 4-fold less potent than TEL (2) against a mutant E. coli A2058G strain.
Flow visualization for injection molding of polyethylene and polystyrene melts

Flow patterns have been observed during the injection molding of rheologically characterized low-density polyethylene and polystyrene melts under various molding conditions. Some studies of high-density polyethylene were also carried out. Various mold designs were included in the study and the flow patterns investigated under both isothermal and cold cavity wall conditions. In addition to investigating injection molding of single polymer melts, flow patterns in the sandwich molding of polyethylene and polystyrene were studied.
On the amplitudes of correlations and the inference of attenuations, specific intensities and site factors from ambient noise

Abstract While techniques for retrieval of seismic velocities from wavelet arrival times in ambient noise correlations are now well established, interpretation of wavelet amplitudes remains unsatisfactory. It is clear that such amplitudes contain information on seismic attenuation, but they are also affected by ambient noise intensity, site amplification, and any nonlinear preprocessing that may have been applied to the noise signals. Disentangling these many factors in order to reliably recover seismic attenuation is challenging. It is argued here that noise intensity, while rarely isotropic or homogeneous, may nevertheless be modeled by a radiative transfer equation. It is then shown that this recognition sufficiently constrains the noise intensity that we may hope to fit measured correlation amplitudes to models for spatially varying attenuation and site amplification factors. One-bit preprocessing, it is shown, is not compatible with such fits except in the special case of spatially constant noise intensity. An alternative procedure for accelerating convergence is suggested. Numerical simulations for a case of homogeneous attenuation and homogeneous seismic velocity are presented in support of the assertions. Attenuation, site factors, and noise intensity are successfully retrieved from correlations of numerically simulated imperfectly diffuse waves measured on a linear array of sensors.
Elliptic solutions of classical Yang-Mills theory

Abstract We construct an infinite class of exact, time dependent solutions of the classical Yang-Mills equations for the group O(4) ≃ SU(2) × SU(2), depending upon a continuous parameter kϵ [0, 1]. In Euclidean space, our solutions interpolate continuously between the previously known solutions. For k = 0 they correspond to the solution of De Alfaro, Fubini and Furlan; for k = 1 they correspond to the pseudoparticle of Belavin, Polyakov, Schwartz and Tyupkin. In Minkowski space, for 0 ⩽ k k c ≃ 0.173, they are everywhere regular and possess finite energy and action.