cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When armed groups refuse to carry out election violence: Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract Social science research on election violence shows that incumbents regularly turn to different nonstate armed groups to organize violence during elections, including ethnic militias, gangs, criminal organizations, and paramilitaries, among others. Less well known are the motivations of these different actors, what they seek to gain from election violence, and when they turn down incumbents’ overtures. From a practitioner perspective, understanding when armed groups supply election violence for incumbents is important because of the severe consequences of such acts, including economic hardship, forced displacement, damaged infrastructure, and costs to human life. The paper asks: under what conditions do armed groups agree or refuse to perpetrate election violence for incumbents? Drawing on most similar case studies of the Ijaw Youth Council and the O’odua People’s Congress in Nigeria, we find that internal armed group politics help to explain how these actors respond to incumbent governors’ demands for election violence. Specifically, groups divided by leadership rivalries agree to perpetrate election violence for incumbents whereas those with cohesive leadership refuse to do so. Leaders of rival factions accept money and arms from incumbents to try to eliminate their competitors, and in exchange, agree to organize violence during elections for their incumbent sponsors. In contrast, groups with cohesive leadership turn down incumbents’ overtures given the risks of cooptation and weakened community support. The findings contribute to our understanding of how election violence is co-produced by elites and nonstate armed groups by explaining the motivations and decisions of the latter. More broadly, the paper speaks to larger questions about security challenges in developing democracies. The findings also highlight the need for greater attention to interventions to prevent armed groups from engaging in election violence on behalf of political elites.
Single-mode Topological Valley-Hall Lasing Controlled by the Degree of Asymmetry at Telecommunication Wavelength

We report single-mode lasing of valley-Hall ring cavities. The degree of asymmetry in a honeycomb photonic crystal governs light confinement regimes in the valley-Hall cavity and enables efficient single-mode operation despite multiple modes.
Strategies for mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics using isobaric tagging.

INTRODUCTION Protein phosphorylation is a primary mechanism of signal transduction in cellular systems. Isobaric tagging can be used to investigate alterations in phosphorylation events in sample multiplexing experiments where quantification extends across all conditions. As such, innovations in tandem mass tag methods can facilitate the expansion of the depth and breadth of phosphoproteomic analyses. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the current state of tandem mass tag-centric phosphoproteomics and highlights advances in reagent chemistry, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis. We stress that approaches for phosphoproteomic investigations require high-specificity enrichment, sensitive detection, and accurate phosphorylation site localization. EXPERT OPINION Tandem mass tag-centric phosphoproteomics will continue to be an important conduit for our understanding of signal transduction in living organisms. We anticipate that progress in phosphopeptide enrichment methodologies, enhancements in instrumentation and data acquisition technologies, and further refinements in analytical strategies will be key to the discovery of biologically relevant findings from phosphoproteomics studies.
Second Harmonic Generation by Thermoplastic Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Films

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films are made of micron-sized nematic liquid crystal droplets dispersed in a polymer matrix [1]. PDLC films are normally opaque, due to the refractive index mismatch between the liquid crystal and the polymer matrix. However, the opaque state can be switched into a transparent state by applying electric fields [2], or laser heating [3–4]. Recently, second harmonic generation (SHG) by thermosetting PDLC films at their opaque state was reported [5]. The SHG intensity reached a maximum after the PDLC film was fully cured. However, this SHG intensity decreased when a 60 Hz voltage was applied to turn it transparent.
On the Grounds of the Complex Commemorating the Nazis' Treatment of the Jews

The smarter-than-average, smaUer-than-average IsraeU man in his middle thirties had been for a time a freelance journahst in Jerusalem, the city in which the state of Israel constructed its massive complex commemorating the Nazis' treatment of the Jews. His work of late had been sub-par, and was never exceptional to begin with, but he had, for a few years, enough persistence to carve out a Uving. He was single again after a three year marriage to a woman taller than him, who doomed the marriage by formally announcing her reluc tance to reproduce at any time with her husband despite the implications of their marriage contract, though they both agree now, not that they talk much, that it was for the best they never made another person. But his work had slipped, along with his enthusiasm for his trade, and he stopped writing, stopped looking for projects, and was eventually replaced on a Ust of regular contributors to a Jerusalem weekly by another shortish IsraeU journaUst of which there are many. One of his friends managed the coffee shop at the Jerusalem complex commemorating the Nazis' treatment of the Jews, and this friend offered the failing journaUst a job working the cash register. The offer was a joke, made in response to a three minute monologue by the faiUng journaUst about his professional woes and financial constraints, but the failing journaUst professed interest in the offer. He hoped, in vain it would turn out, that such work would serve as a welcome respite from the doldrums he arrived at as an idle journaUst. He hoped, in vain, that the mindless labor of working a cash reg ister in the complex commemorating the Nazis' treatment of the Jews would afford him the opportunity to gain perspective on his situation and summon the energy necessary to get his Ufe back on track. When accepting the job and its low pay he did not consider at length the effect working within the com plex would have on his larger attitude and condition. The friend who offered him the job did ask, bewildered, "You want to work at Y ad Vashem?" stress ing the name of the place in order to draw his friend's attention, that is the faiUng journaUst's attention, to the fact that he would be working in the complex commemorating the Nazis' treatment of the Jews, and that in other
Enacting genetic responsibility: experiences of mothers who carry the fragile X gene

A woman who carries the gene for fragile X syndrome (FXS) has a 50 per cent chance per pregnancy of passing the gene to her sons and daughters. In this paper we analyse interview data from mothers who are carriers of the FX gene, and who have at least one child with FXS, to examine how their understandings and enactments of reproductive options, obligations, and responsibilities support an expanded notion of genetic responsibility. Accounts of 108 women from across the United States show that the majority of mothers chose not to have another biological child once they learned their carrier status. They discussed genetic responsibility and reproductive agency in terms of an obligation not to risk having another child who carried the gene, although their accounts reflected the tensions that arose from managing oneself as a genetically at-risk actor. Another 22 mothers either purposely became pregnant or continued an unplanned pregnancy after finding out their carrier status. These mothers' accounts reflect an expanded version of genetic responsibility that incorporates ideas and values beyond managing risk in what it means to act responsibly in light of genetic knowledge.
Analytical techniques for cell fractions. XX. Cyclic affinity chromatography: principles and applications

Abstract Principles and applications of an automatic cyclic affinity chromatography system, especially as applied to separation of proteins by immunosorption, are described. Use is made of columns of either immobilized antigens or antibodies to separate from a mixture, in a repetitive fashion, a desired protein or proteins by immunoadsorption followed by elution or to take from a mixture all proteins but the desired ones by allowing these latter to go through unadsorbed. The amplification provided by the cyclic use of the system and the biological amplification of hyperimmunization in achieving useful yields of desired proteins is discussed. Experience in the use of eluting solutions which do not cause damage to either the fixed or eluted proteins is presented. Representative separations done with the system are described, illustrating the different modes of use.
State of the Art in User Interface Software Tools

User Interface Software is inherently difficult to design and implement. This paper discusses some important reasons why user interface software is more difficult than other types of software, and then surveys the approaches that have been taken to address this problem. Many kinds of tools have been designed to help create user interface software, and these can be classified by the styles of interfaces they create, and the techniques used by the user interface designer to create the software. This paper discusses this taxonomy and a number of tools, both research and commercial, in each category. Finally, current research directions and open issues in the field are discussed.
Speaking Jewish: “Yiddish” in the Discourse of First-Generation American Yiddish Speakers

By the end of this century, well over half of the world’s languages will disappear. Analyzing how minority languages are discussed by native speakers can provide insight into the relationship between language ideologies and language survival. This paper addresses the position of Yiddish in America by examining discourse about the language by first-generation American native speakers and by demonstrating how these speakers construct an ideological version of Yiddish through their speech. How this specific version of Yiddish may have affected its current position is discussed. The paper also considers Critical Discourse Analysis as a useful method in analyzing discourse regarding Yiddish while critiquing its prizing of dominant discourse as the subject of analysis.
Perforated Intestinal Tuberculosis in a Non-AIDS Immunocompromised Patient

Patient: Male, 68 Final Diagnosis: Intestinal perforation Symptoms: Abdominal pain Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Exploratory laparotomy and bowel resection Specialty: Surgery Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Intestinal tuberculosis can mimic many conditions. The incidence of intestinal tuberculosis in developed countries has risen in tandem with the increase in patients with immunocompromised states. This is a condition which needs to be considered in patients who present with symptoms and signs of bowel perforation on a background of immunosuppression in order to obtain the correct diagnosis and, consequently, the correct treatment. Case Report: We report a patient with a background of sarcoidosis who had been on mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and high-dose prednisolone. He presented with abdominal pain without overt peritonitis. Initial imaging showed small locules of free air in the abdominal cavity. The patient was managed with intravenous antibiotics as up-front surgery was deemed to be high risk. However, on a repeat imaging scan 3 days later, larger locules of gas were seen within the abdominal cavity, indicating progression and non-resolution of his acute condition. The patient was brought to the operating theatre and a perforation at the ileum was found. A segment of small bowel containing the perforation was resected. Histology showed the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on Ziehl-Neelsen stain, leading to a diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis. Conclusions: A high index of suspicion for intestinal tuberculosis is needed in patients who are on immunosuppression. Intestinal tuberculosis presenting with perforation is unlikely to lead to spontaneous resolution without operative management, and patients should be brought to the operating theatre for immediate surgery.
Sport Specialization: A Coach's Role in Being Honest with Parents.

The efficacy of sport specialization in youth sport is a source of parental confusion and potential conflicts of interest with coaches. Sport specialization is the exclusive participation in one sport in the belief that it will increase the chances of receiving an athletic college scholarship and/or being able to pursue a career as a professional athlete. While there is continued debate over sport specialization, it is imperative that coaches convey the most current and valid information to parents in a non-biased manner. Failure to present all aspects of sport specialization erodes the professional and ethical responsibilities of coaches and places many young athletes' health at risk.
Post-Translational Modifications to Regulate Protein Function

Protein post-translational modifications (PTM) are very important to regulate protein function and to control numerous important biological processes. Here a brief review of commonly found enzyme-catalyzed PTM is given. These PTM include modifications that occur on protein side chains and those that involve protein backbones. The introduction of different PTM is followed by a summary of the molecular basis for the regulation of protein function by PTM. The focus is then given to a few major PTM that play important roles in eukaryotes, such as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, glycosylation, ubiquitylation, and proteolysis. For each modification, a description will be given about the residues modified, the enzymatic reaction mechanisms, the major known biological functions, and its relevance to human diseases. At the end, we discuss challenges in identifying new pathways regulated by known PTM and discovering new PTM.
Environmental variables across Pan troglodytes study sites correspond with the carbon, but not the nitrogen, stable isotope ratios of chimpanzee hair

Diet influences the stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen (δ(13) C and δ(15) N values) in animal tissue; but here we explore the influences of particular aspects of the local environment on those values in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). In this article we present new δ(13) C and δ(15) N values in Gombe chimpanzees using hairs collected from night nests in 1989. Then, we explore the influence of environmental factors by comparing our Gombe data to those from eight additional Pan study sites with previously published stable isotope data. We compare chimpanzee δ(13) Chair and δ(15) Nhar values to specific characteristics of local site ecology (biome and ecoregion) and to local Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) to test hypotheses based on known effects of these variables on the δ(13) C and δ(15) N values in plant tissues. The comparison shows that hair from chimpanzees living in savanna sites with lower MAP have higher δ(13) Chair values than do chimpanzees living in woodland and forested sites with higher MAP. These results demonstrate the potential of using δ(13) C values in primate tissue to indicate aspects of their local ecology in cases where the ecology is uncertain, such as samples collected early in the last century and in fossil hominins. In contrast to expectations, however, chimpanzee δ(15) Nhair values from some savanna sites with lower MAP are lower, not higher, than those living in more forested areas with higher MAP. It is likely that diet selectivity by chimpanzees affects δ(15) Nhair values to a greater extent than does the influence of precipitation on plants. Am. J. Primatol. 78:1055-1069, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Removal of chlorinated and brominated alkanes from drinking water using reverse osmosis

Membrane use in water treatment has historically focused on desalination. With the development of new membrane materials, attention began to focus on reverse osmosis and pervaporation as alternatives to traditional water treatment processes. This paper addresses the use of reverse osmosis in removing one class of organic compounds, the alkanes (chlorinated and brominated hydrocarbons) from drinking water, using six membranes: a cellulose acetate, a polyamide (hollow fibre), and four different types of thin-film composites. The thin-film composite membranes removed 80–95% of the low molecular weight (100–250) alkanes tested.
A quality‐of‐service‐based framework for creating distributed heterogeneous software components

Component-based software development offers a promising solution for taming the complexity found in today's distributed applications. Today's and future distributed software systems will certainly require combining heterogeneous software components that are geographically dispersed. For the successful deployment of such a software system, it is necessary that its realization, based on assembling heterogeneous components, not only meets the functional requirements, but also satisfies the non-functional criteria such as the desired quality of service (QoS). In this paper, a framework based on the notions of a meta-component model, a generative domain model and QoS parameters is described. A formal specification based on two-level grammar is used to represent these notions in a tightly integrated way so that QoS becomes a part of the generative domain model. A simple case study is described in the context of this framework. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of an Approaching Group Discussion on Product Responses

Three experiments were conducted to assess how an approaching group discussion influences consumers’ product thoughts. It was proposed that, in preparation for discussion, people cognitively rehearse product thoughts that appear appropriate for discussion. In each study, participants read a restaurant review and then anticipated either discussing the restaurant in a focus group or responding individually. Across the studies, various cues were manipulated regarding the type of information appropriate for discussion (utilitarian vs. social image information). Compared to those in the individual condition, those anticipating a group discussion were more responsive to appropriateness cues: Their listed thoughts were more consistent with the cue than those in the individual condition. Yet, the group-anticipation effect did not influence product judgments regarding the restaurant. These findings suggest that an approaching discussion causes people to tailor their responses in a strategic manner, as a mental rehearsal for the upcoming discussion, without altering their personal views about the product. A third experiment demonstrated that this group-anticipation effect on listed thoughts carried over to the information shared and the product concerns expressed during discussion, suggesting that responses in actual discussion reflected what people had rehearsed in anticipation of discussion.
The Role of Foreign Aid in Independent Sierra Leone

Certain prognoses about Sierra Leone development, and the areas in which assistance would be sought, were made shortly before and after independence. The mining sector which had become the backbone of Sierra Leone industrialization by 1945 was expected to expand, and this in spite of the illicit and wasteful mining of diamonds between 1953 and 1959 (see Van der Laan, 1965). At independence in 1961, the director of geological survey (Sierra Leone Trade Journal, May 1961: 13) asserted that:
Benzyne Adds Across a Closed 5−6 Ring Fusion in C70: Evidence for Bond Delocalization in Fullerenes

Addition of benzyne to C70 results in four isomeric monoadducts (compounds 1a−d) in a 42:35:13:10 ratio as determined by 1H NMR. These compounds were separated by repeated passes through HPLC columns. The major isomer (1a) resulted from addition to the highly pyramidalized C1−C2 bond as shown by 13C NMR and UV/vis spectroscopy. The structure of the C1−C2 adduct (1a) was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The second isomer (1b) was assigned as an adduct to the C5−C6 bond on the basis of 13C NMR and UV/vis spectroscopy. Compound 1c exhibited a 13C spectrum consistent with an adduct to the C7 and C8 positions. The presence of sp3 13C NMR resonances proved that the C7−C8 bond is still intact, making this the first identification of direct addition to a 5−6 ring fusion in a fullerene, and the first example of an adduct to a 5−6 ring fusion where the ring fusion bond remains intact. The fourth isomer (1d) displayed spectral data consistent with a compound with C1 symmetry and is assigned as an adduct to the C7...
Effect of Serum Vitamin D Levels on Cardiovascular Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all geographic areas, age groups, and seasons and is increasing in incidence. Vitamin D receptors have been found to be present in almost every body cell and tissue. Clinical research has alluded to a preventive effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, a low serum vitamin D level has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. This article examines the association between serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular disease mortality and risk.
An adenoviral vector for probing promoter activity in primary immune cells.

Functional analysis of the DNA regulatory regions that control gene expression has largely been performed through transient transfection of promoter–reporter constructs into transformed cells. However, transformed cells are often poor models of primary cells. To directly analyze DNA regulatory regions in primary cells, we generated a novel adenoviral luciferase reporter vector, pShuttle-luciferase-GFP (pSLUG) that contains a promoterless luciferase cassette (with an upstream cloning site) for probing promoter activity, and a GFP expression cassette that allows for the identification of transduced cells. Recombinant adenoviruses generated from this vector can transduce a wide range of primary immune cells with high efficiency, including human macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells; and mouse T cells transgenic for the coxsackie and adenoviral receptor (CAR). In primary T cells, we show inducible nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT) activity using a recombinant pSLUG adenovirus containing a consensus NF-AT promoter. We further show inducible IL-12/23 p40 promoter activity in primary macrophages and dendritic cells using a recombinant pSLUG adenovirus containing the proximal human IL-12/23 p40 promoter. The pSLUG system promises to be a powerful tool for the analysis of DNA regulatory regions in diverse types of primary immune cells.
Can we reject linearity in an HAR-RV model for the S&P 500? Insights from a nonparametric HAR-RV

This article tests the linearity assumption underlying the popular heterogeneous autoregressive model for realized volatility (HAR-RV). We implement a consistent model specification test that is robust to both distributional and model misspecification. We find that, using a nonparametric HAR-RV (NPHAR-RV), we are unable to reject the null of linearity.
Deconstructing The Myth Of The Nonaggressive Woman: A Feminist Analysis:

One of the most pervasive and undisputed gender stereotypes is that men are more aggressive than women. However, this stereotype has, until recently, led researchers to conclude that women are nonaggressive and, therefore, to ignore the topic of female aggression as a distinct phenomenon. The basis of the myth, factors supporting its maintenance, and theories of female aggression are examined. A feminist reinterpretation of aggression that views women's and men's aggressive behavior within social structural arrangements that create and sustain differential power relations is presented.
Development and Validation of a Behavioral Screener for Preschool-Age Children.

The purpose of this study was to document the development of a short behavioral scale that could be used to assess preschoolers' behavior while still retaining adequate scale coverage, reliability, and validity. Factor analysis and item analysis techniques were applied to data from a nationally representative, normative database to create a 23-item behavioral screener to be used to identify children at risk. Screener sum scores were created and correlated with kindergarten and second-grade measures to assess validity evidence. Additionally, a receiver operating curve analysis created a cut score for making decisions about the need for further assessment. Based on the information collected, the 23-item screener was useful for assessing preschool-age students' behavior characteristics.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA.

A university medical center department of psychiatry is using a portion of its staff and facilities to provide continuous, flexible, community-oriented care for a random sample of schizophrenic patients from a city health district. The reasons for and goals of this undertaking are presented, its progress and problems described.
A Scandal in Academia: Sextext and CRTNET

The publication of Frederick C. Corey and Thomas K. Nakayama's “Sextext” in Text and Performance Quarterly provoked an extended and often heated discussion in the online publication CRTNET in January, February, and March 1997. The discussion, which ranged widely beyond “Sextext” itself, saw complaints about performance studies, postmodern scholarship and theory, autoethnography, pornography, the discipline's standards of scholarship and editorial practices, and implicitly, some later alleged, homophobic anxieties.
PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF RATINGS OF SOME DEVIANT ENGLISH SENTENCES

Abstract : The comprehension of deviant sentences, a not infrequent demand in natural situations, is dependent on several linguistic variables. Grammaticalness, meaningfulness, and familiarity are three variables which are potentially such. In order to study the effect of violating these variables upon responses to deviant sentences, 85 deviant and 15 correct sentences were assigned to eight groups representing all combinations of two values (correct or deviant) on these three variables. The 100 sentences were given to four equal groups of subjects, who rated each sentence from 0 to 10 on the basis of either grammaticalness, meaningfulness, familiarity, or ordinariness. The data of the first three groups were then combined into an 84 by 100 matrix. A principal components analysis was performed on the cross-product matrix with a varimax rotation. Four interpretable factors emerged, accounting for 89% of the variability. (Author)
The Educational Credit Trust: A Proposal for Reconstitution and Reform of the Student Loan System.

Abstract After a brief review and critique of the history and current status of the system of Federally sponsored loans for college students in the United States, the paper develops fundamental principles for the reconstitution of the system, emphasizing (a) the general inappropriateness of loans as vehicles for the subsidization of education; (b) the desirability of diversity in the loan system (institutional participants, terms of access to credit, etc.) paralleling the diversity of post-secondary education; (c) the need for comparability of the terms on which alternative long-term (educational and noneducational) investments can be financed (identifying amortization in relationship to returns and protection against financial uncertainties and against the risk of unexpectedly low earnings); and (d) the legitimate Federal interest in the efficient functioning of the capital market, an interest which can best be pursued by the facilitation of private action as opposed to the creation of a direct or indirect governmental monopoly. A concrete proposal for a decentralized, essentially private and unsubsidized alternative to the current system is then developed. With virtually free entry. ‘Educational Credit Corporations’ would make loans to specific subpopulations of students on terms tailored to the prospects of eligible borrowers. Limiting loan terms (income contingent and adjustable fixed-term graduated repayment) would be offered by ‘state-sponsored’ educational credit corporations. Approved lending corporations would he eligible to borrow up to a fixed fraction (20%) of the outstanding obligations of students from Federally chartered ‘Educational Credit Trust’. Further Federal facilitation would be limited to (a) provision to lenders of access to the Federal personal income tax returns of borrowers; and (b) provision for voluntary waiver by the borrower of the right to discharge a student loan obligation through bankruptcy. The paper concludes with a financial analysis of the proposed limiting loan terms which would be offered by state-sponsored lenders.
Diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders in patients with HIV infection

Drug users infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are a rapidly growing group of patients whose optimal medical and psychiatric care requires that the substance use disorders are assessed and treated. Drug users have high rates of other psychiatric disorders even in the absence of HIV infection. The effects of acute and chronic drug use complicate the assessment of psychiatric symptoms. There is evidence that in the early stages of HIV disease, drug use plays a larger role in producing psychiatric disorders than does HIV itself. In general, neuropsychiatric problems do not appear to progress more rapidly in drug users than in HIV infected homosexual men. However, compliance with and adherence to medical care are major problems in the treatment of drug users. The combined treatment of substance use and psychiatric disorders may improve the likelihood that patients will receive adequate medical treatment of HIV disease, particularly if integrated systems of care are in place.
Predicting the effects of weeds on K and P uptake by young slash pine on a Spodosol

Abstract Observed uptake of K and P from a Spodosol by slash pine ( Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii ) grown alone or in competition with weeds (mainly species of Panicum, Dichanthelium and herbaceous dicotyledons) was compared with uptake predicted by a model based on solute transport theory. Two 35 day periods were simulated during which there was significant observed uptake by pine in weed-free areas (mmol K and mmol P), but little or no uptake by pine in weed areas. Regressions of predicted versus observed uptake of either K or P by pine were not significantly different from a 1:1 line. Hence, the model quantitatively predicted the effect of weeds on uptake of these nutrients by pine. However, uptake of both nutrients by weeds was over predicted by 300–400%, which resulted in the under-prediction of soil solution concentrations in some cases. These results verify the model for predicting uptake of K and P by slash pine (but not for weeds) under these conditions. In weed-free areas, model results suggested that soil solution concentrations were lowest in the 10–26 cm depth directly under the stem, and that most uptake was from the 10–50 cm depth of soil within a 30 cm radius of the stem. Model results are presented that illustrate the potential utility of this approach to studying nutrient uptake by young plantations.
Effect of neutrophil depletion in acute cerebritis

Inhibition of the host's neutrophil response has been proposed as one means to reduce tissue damage in acute inflammation. If this approach can be applied in acute central nervous system (CNS) infection, the long-term morbidity, which occurs in CNS infection, might be reduced. Previous studies in models of CNS infection yielded conflicting results whether neutrophil depletion might be protective. To determine whether neutrophil depletion reduces tissue necrosis and cerebrovascular injury in experimental bacterial cerebritis, we depleted circulating neutrophils with an IgM monoclonal antibody, RP3, given after the start of the infection. RP3 treatment successfully depleted circulating neutrophils and reduced the extent of neutrophil influx into the cerebritis region. The extent of tissue necrosis, measured histologically, and the regional increase of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were not inhibited by neutrophil depletion, and in animals treated with RP3 alone, the extent of tissue necrosis and BBB permeability tended to be larger than in S. aureus inoculated controls. We conclude that host neutrophils do not add to the tissue and cerebrovascular damage created by the intracerebral inoculation of a pathogenic bacteria, and the neutrophils serve to diminish local damage in the setting of a cerebritis.
Differential susceptibility of male and female Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi infected with Schistosoma japonicum.

Abstract Laboratory-reared male and female Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi were exposed to infection with Schistosoma japonicum . In three of four trials, infection rates in female snails (30.5–68.0%) were higher than in males (8.6–28.6%). Higher cercarial production in females may be accounted for by male-female size difference, and presumably by the availability of more nutrients in females as a result of ovarian tissue breakdown. Male and female snails were individually exposed to 20 miracidia, fixed 3–72 h post-exposure and serially sectioned to check for encapsulated and nonencapsulated primary sporocysts (ps). In 23 female (65.2%) and 12 male (39.3%) snails, ps were all unencapsulated. Six male snails (17.6%) showed 100% ps encapsulation. Among the 12 females and 16 males with both negative and positive host-tissue response, encapsulated ps in females varied from 7.1 to 50.0% and 20.0 to 71.4% in males. Distribution of encapsulated and non-encapsulated ps in both sexes suggests that males are more resistant to infection by their encapsulation reaction. Whether resistance in O. h. quadrasi to S. japonicum is genetically determined warrants further study.
Genetic control of front-leg weakness in Duroc swine. I. Direct Response to five generations of divergent selection☆

Genetic control of front-leg structure in Duroc swine was examined during a 5-generation divergent selection experiment for front-leg weakness. Duroc pigs of similar age and management status were scored for front-leg structure and divided into 3 lines and 2 replicates. The high line consisted of pigs with the least front-leg weakness; the control line had an intermediate level of front-leg weakness, and the low line had the highest degree of front-leg weakness. Selection was within line and replicate and based on front structure (FS) scores assigned at approximately 100 kg. Scores for FS and front movement (FM) were assigned independently, by 3 observers, without prior knowledge of the pig's designated line. Scores ranged from 1 (could not stand owing to front-leg structural problems) to 9 (large footed, proper set to shoulder, and sloping forearm and pastern). A total of 3598 offspring were scored. Estimated means in Generation 5 for FS were 3.20 ± 0.09 (low line), 5.47 ± 0.08 (control line) and 7.74 ± 0.09 (high line) (P < 0.01). Realized heritability estimates for FS, pooled across replicates, were 0.29 ± 0.06 for improved front structure and 0.42 ± 0.04 for increased front weakness. In Generation 5, differences between the lines were observed for rear leg scores with low-line pigs having smaller rear toes, and poorer rear-leg movement, and rear-hock scores (P < 0.01) than control or high-line pigs. Boars scored 0.51 less than gilts for FS and 0.18 (P < 0.01) less for rear movement. The rapid response to divergent selection for FS and the correlated response in rear-leg structure suggests that genetic control of leg structure is moderate to high in Duroc swine.
Performance of p-persistent slotted Aloha for underwater sensor networks

Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASNs) are deployed to monitor a specific underwater area and nodes communicate using acoustic waves. The long propagation delays of acoustic signal make Media Access Control (MAC) a big challenge, which significantly impacts the performance of the network. Since MAC protocol is a big concern for UASNs, it attracts a lot of research efforts. Although there are plenty of MAC protocols designed for terrestrial networks, it is difficult and challenging to apply them to UASNs especially for multi-hop UASNs. Simple protocols such as Aloha become popular for UASNs. As a continuous work of our previous study, we present the performance of two variants of multi-hop p-persistent slotted ALOHA protocol in a more complex underwater network. The analysis presented in this paper can be used to provide guidance for configuring multi-hop UASNs.
Semiconductor inventory management with multiple grade parts and downgrading

In semiconductor manufacturing, product performance can vary from the intended design specifications. When we add long manufacturing lead times, high demand uncertainty and short product life cycles, finding efficient supply and demand planning becomes a challenging task. This paper is concerned with inventory management of a semiconductor production system that results in multiple grade parts. Downward substitution (i.e. downgrading high grade products) is used to satisfy unmet demand for lower grade parts. We model this problem as an inventory cost minimization problem with service constraints and introduce the notion of a critical part to propose two heuristics for determining near optimal build quantities in key stages of manufacturing. We show that a single period allocation scheme does not result in inventory performance deterioration in the multi-period stationary case. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this methodology by running extensive numerical experiments.
Chebyshev subspaces of L1 with linear metric projection

Abstract In this note we consider Chebyshev subspaces (i.e., those that contain a unique nearest element to every point) of real L 1 = L 1 [0, 1]. The result we prove is a characterization of those subspaces which are Chebyshev with linear metric projections (nearest point maps). We also give an example of a Chebyshev subspace whose metric projection is not linear.
Diglucomelezitose, a Novel Pentasaccharide in Silverleaf Whitefly Honeydew

Honeydew excreted by the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring) feeding upon upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was isolated from cotton lint and fractionated into various oligosaccharides using a charcoal column eluted with aqueous isopropyl alcohol. Two oligosaccharide fractions from the charcoal column, enriched in tetra- and pentasaccharides, were further fractionated on a Bio-Gel P2 column. A fraction from the later column was separated into individual oligosaccharides using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. One of the sugars isolated in this procedure was found to be novel pentasaccharide. Analysis of this oligosaccharide by NMR showed it to contain sucrose and melezitose moieties. The results of these analyses are consistent with a pentasaccharide of the following structure: O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-β-d-fructofuranosyl-(2↔1)-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(4←1)-α-d-glucopyranoside. A tetrasaccharide, maltosucrose [O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(...
LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY TECHNIQUES: DEVELOPMENTS AND TRANSLATION

ABSTRACTPurpose: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has recently emerged as a potential surgical option for select renal masses. Several new techniques and devices that may aid in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy are reviewed.Materials and Methods: I review several techniques studied and/or developed in our laboratory. Each technique was evaluated for effectiveness in the porcine model and is in translation to clinical practice.Results: Three techniques are reviewed. A hand assisted approach incorporating renal hilar clamping with hypothermia has proven successful for complex and multifocal lesions. Recent clinical studies, and our laboratory and clinical experience have shown a saline cooled monopolar dissector to be a valuable adjunct. A new and simple technique of achieving rapid hypothermia using a pure laparoscopic approach is described.Conclusions: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy continues to develop as a standard of care for select renal masses. New devices and techniques will continue to make the p...
PDA-based graphical interchange for field service and repair workers

Abstract We present an ongoing project to develop a system to provide field service workers with timely and accurate service information. The system will allow workers to download diagrams or photographs from a host computer's central database onto a PDA. The workers will be able to annotate the diagrams to reflect work performed, and later upload the annotations to the host computer, where they will be integrated into an updated database. Diagram recognition functionality is distributed between the PDA (which performs low-level shape and handwriting recognition) and the host computer (which performs high-level domain-based diagram recognition). Distributing the functionality offers a number of advantages: it allows the relatively resource-poor PDA to be part of a powerful diagram recognition environment, it allows the use of standardized hardware-based recognition facilities in a domain-based recognition system, and it allows off-line drawing recognition and storage of diagrams, thereby avoiding excessive use of slow or expensive communications channels.
Linking early science and mathematics attitudes to long-term science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career attainment: latent class analysis with proximal and distal outcomes

There is a need to identify students' early attitudes toward mathematics and science to better support their long-term persistence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Seventh graders from a nationally representative sample (N = 2,861) were classified based on their responses to questions about their attitudes toward mathematics and science using latent class analysis. Four distinct groups of students that differed in terms of their attitudes were identified. There were relationships between attitudinal group membership, demographic characteristics, mathematics and science achievement, and STEM career attainment. Females and underrepresented minorities were more likely to be in the positive attitude group. However, despite these early positive attitudes, females and underrepresented minorities were less likely to be employed in a STEM career some 20 years later. Information about student interests organized in this manner can be used to better target specific interventions ...
Different Trains: Holocaust Artifacts and the Ideologies of Remembrance

��� Using four Holocaust-era railway cars displayed in four distinct museological settings, this article examines Holocaust symbolism and memorialization. In the context of a broad, cultural understanding of religion, an understanding that goes beyond theological reflection, the author investigates the relationship between religion and the Holocaust by closely analyzing these boxcar displays in their institutional contexts. Considering the placement and presentation of the railcars, he argues that each railcar defines a distinct memorial ideology: initiatory, integrative, ambivalent, and monumental. Furthermore, each ideology reflects and reinforces a symbolic strategy for Holocaust representation and memorialization in contemporary society. By correlating the four ideologies developed here with four classic theological responses to the Holocaust, the author offers a typology for analyzing Holocaust memorialization.
Data system considerations for remote sensing

The availability of data obtained with the aid of Landsat and other remote sensing satellites provides potentially the possibility to study problems on a global scale. Difficulties arise, however, in connection with the diversity of data formats, archival conditions, and the need for data registration. Systems are being planned to test the ability to reduce some of these difficulties. Details regarding the given situation are examined, taking into account global problems which are being considered. These problems are related to the global carbon dioxide cycle, and the biogeochemical cycle. Attention is given to pilot data systems, considerations for spatial data, data format considerations, data quality considerations, aspects of data base design, and system aids.
Kinetic fractionation of the carbon isotopes 13C and 12C during transfer of CO2 from air to seawater

Laboratory experiments have been performed to determine the kinetic fractionation between 13 CO 2 and 12 C0 2 as CO 2 invades seawater. Knowledge of this fractionation. which is regulated by physical and chemical processes in the ocean boundary layer. is important for ocean-atmosphere models which use 13 CO 2 as a tracer. Until now, only theoretical calculations have been performed to determine this fractionation. The experimental results give a fractionation of -2.4 ± 2.0‰ while the calculated value for invasion is -2.1 ± 0.3‰ (i.e. 13 CO 2 invading slower). The results show that the fractionation of CO 2 during invasion into a hydroxide solution (- 14‰) is clearly too high as a value for invasion into seawater and should no longer be used as an upper limit in CO 2 models. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1985.tb00061.x
Complex Dielectric Permittivity Measurements of Glasses at Millimeter Waves and Terahertz Frequencies

Accurate complex dielectric permittivity of several new glass specimens are reported for the first time using free-space dielectric measurement techniques in the millimeter-wave and terahertz region. Quasi-optical W-band (70?118 GHz) spectrometer with a backward-wave oscillator as a high power tunable source of coherent radiation and dispersive Fourier transform spectrometer are outlined. Results indicate that the quasi-optical spectrometer is a versatile system to produce broad band data for medium and highly absorbing materials with a large range of insertion loss at millimeter wave frequencies. However, above 120 GHz dispersive transform spectrometer is more preferable to provide high resolution continuous spectra of dielectric permittivity up to 800 GHz. Complex dielectric permittivity data for several high purity fused silica glass and sheet glasses are presented.
Accessibility and acceptance of responsive virtual human technology as a survey interviewer training tool

Research on survey non-response suggests that advanced communication and listening skills are among the best strategies telephone interviewers can employ for obtaining survey participation, allowing them to identify and address respondents' concerns immediately with appropriate, tailored language. Yet training on interaction skills is typically insufficient, relying on role-playing or passive learning through lecture and videos. What is required is repetitive, structured practice in a realistic work environment. This research examines acceptance by trainees of an application based on responsive virtual human technology (RVHT) as a tool for teaching refusal avoidance skills to telephone interviewers. The application tested here allows interviewers to practice confronting common objections offered by reluctant sample members. Trainee acceptance of the training tool as a realistic simulation of ''real life'' interviewing situations is the first phase in evaluating the overall effectiveness of the RVHT approach. Data were gathered from two sources - structured debrief questionnaires administered to users of the application, and observations of users by researchers and instructors. The application was tested with a group of approximately 50 telephone interviewers of varying skill and experience levels. The research presents findings from these acceptance evaluations and discusses users' experiences with and perceived effectiveness of the virtual training tool.