cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of RANKL blocks skeletal tumor progression and improves survival in a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastasis

Bone metastases cause severe skeletal morbidity including fractures and hypercalcemia. Tumor cells in bone induce activation of osteoclasts, which mediate bone resorption and release of growth factors from bone matrix, resulting in a “vicious cycle” of bone breakdown and tumor proliferation. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) is an essential mediator of osteoclast formation, function, and survival, and is blocked by a soluble decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). In human malignancies that metastasize to bone, dysregulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway can increase the RANKL:OPG ratio, a condition which favors excessive osteolysis. In a mouse model of bone metastasis, RANKL protein levels in MDA-MB-231 (MDA-231) tumor-bearing bones were significantly higher than tumor-free bones. The resulting tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteolysis was dose-dependently inhibited by recombinant OPG-Fc treatment, supporting the essential role for RANKL in this process. Using bioluminescence imaging in a mouse model of metastasis, we monitored the anti-tumor efficacy of RANKL inhibition on MDA-231 human breast cancer cells in a temporal manner. Treatment with OPG-Fc in vivo inhibited growth of MDA-231 tumor cells in bony sites when given both as a preventative (dosed day 0) and as a therapeutic agent for established bone metastases (dosed day 7). One mechanism by which RANKL inhibition reduced tumor burden appears to be indirect through inhibition of the “vicious cycle” and involved an increase in tumor cell apoptosis, as measured by active caspase-3. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that OPG-Fc treatment of mice with established bone metastases resulted in an overall improvement in survival.
Cloning and characterization of differentially expressed genes from in vitro-grown 'amastigotes' of Leishmania donovani.

Leishmanial parasites routinely undergo cyclic differentiation from promastigotes to amastigotes during their life cycle. This process involves both morphological and macromolecular changes. To study such changes, we used a axenic culture system which permits the continuous generation and cycling of Leishmania donovani from promastigotes to ‘amastigotes’ in vitro. cDNA libraries were constructed from poly(A)+ RNA isolated from both the pro- and amastigote forms. Using differential cDNA hybridization techniques, 3 unique cDNAs clones (P17, A41 and A45) were isolated from the amastigote library. To assess whether these clones were differentially expressed by the pro-or ‘amastigotes’ forms, they were hybridized to RNA isolated from each of these parasite forms in Northern and slot-blots. Results of these analyses showed that ‘amastigotes’ had approx. 2-fold higher levels of the A41 and A45 RNAs compared to the promastigotes. Conversely, promastigotes showed approx. 2-fold higher levels of the P17 RNA than ‘amastigotes’. Nucleotide sequence analysis and comparison with those in Gene bank, revealed that the 3 cDNAs represent unique leishmanial genes. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that: P17 open reading frame (ORF) had significant similarity with a soybean ribosomal protein S11; A41 ORF with a Bacillus subtilis spore germination gene (gerC) and A45 ORF with yeast stressinducible protein (STII). It is of interest to note that, of the 3 cDNAs identified, the A45-encoded protein was recognized by sera from patients with clinically active visceral leishmaniasis and was encoded by a single copy gene.
Naturally Occurring Scrapie in Southdown Sheep

The purpose of this study was to characterize naturally occurring scrapie in the Southdown breed of sheep. Experimental subjects included 4 Southdown ewes admitted to the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Clinic. All 4 sheep had signs compatible with clinical scrapie. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts ranged from a low of 1 nucleated cell/microL to high of 4 cells/microL with a median of 3 cells/microL. Cerebrospinal protein concentrations ranged from 26 to 78 mg/dL with a median of 53 mg/dL. Immunoassay of the CSF for the 14-3-3 protein yielded positive results in 3 of the 4 sheep. Sequencing of the prion protein (PrP) gene revealed that all 4 sheep were homozygous for glutamine at codon 171 and, hence, were of the QQ genotype. Histopathologic examination of brain stem tissue sections revealed intracytoplasmic neuronal vacuolation and mild spongiform changes in the gray matter neuropil in all 4 ewes. The diagnosis of scrapie was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for the abnormal PrP Our results suggest that the genetics of scrapie susceptibility are probably similar in Suffolk and Southdown sheep. Positive immunoassay results for the 14-3-3 protein were observed in 3 of the 4 sheep.
Thermodynamic analysis of subunit interactions in Escherichia coli molybdopterin synthase.

The molybdopterin (MPT) synthase complex in Escherichia coli consists of two MoaE subunits and two MoaD subunits in a heterotetrameric structure with the two MoaE subunits forming a central dimer. Each MoaD subunit binds to a single MoaE molecule to form two identical MoaE/MoaD interfaces. Here we define the thermodynamic properties of the interaction between MoaE and MoaD in MPT synthase using a H/D exchange and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectroscopy based method termed SUPREX (stability of unpurified proteins from rates of H/D exchange). SUPREX-derived protein folding free energies and m values are reported for MoaE in the presence and absence of MoaD and MoaD-SH, the thiocarboxylated form of MoaD that is essential for the catalytic activity of MPT synthase. The protein folding free energy measurements were used to calculate a dissociation constant of 17 ± 7 μM for the binding of MoaD to MoaE in inactive MPT synthase and a dissociation constant of 2.6 ± 0.9 μM for the bind...
GILSON AND GOUHIER: FRAMING ‘CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY’

Focusing on their approaches to Nicolas Malebranche, this article compares the contributions of Etienne Gilson and his student and colleague, Henri Gouhier, to the debate around the notion of Christian philosophy during the mid-1920s into the 1930s. Gilson agreed with Brunschvicg's characterization of Nicolas Malebranche as an important representative of Christian philosophy, and both Gilson and Gouhier had a profound understanding of Malebranche's thought. Following St. Thomas that philosophy should strive to be a ‘perfect use of reason’, Gilson posited Christianity's influence as remaining exterior to philosophy itself. More sympathetic to Malebranche's Augustinian approach, Gouhier allowed for religious experience to operate at the interior of philosophy. These different approaches stemmed from fundamental differences as to how the historical method should be employed in philosophy and what it reveals.
Strong consistency in cache augmented SQL systems

Cache augmented SQL, CASQL, systems enhance the performance of simple operations that read and write a small amount of data from big data. They do so by looking up the results of computations that query the database in a key-value store (KVS) instead of processing them using a relational database management system (RDBMS). These systems incur undesirable race conditions that cause the KVS to produce stale data. This paper presents the IQ framework that provides strong consistency with no modification to the RDBMS. It consists of two non-blocking leases, Inhibit (I) and Quarantine (Q). Ratings obtained from a social networking benchmark named BG show the proposed framework has minimal impact on system performance while providing strong consistency guarantees.
Early detection of Internet worm activity by metering ICMP destination unreachable messages

Early warning of active worm propagation over the Internet is of vital importance to first responders. Knowing an active worms characteristics very early in its propagation can significantly reduce the damage it may cause. In this paper we propose an early warning system that uses ICMP Destination Unreachable (ICMP-T3) messages to identify the random scanning behavior of worms. Participating routers across the Internet send Blind Carbon Copies of all their locally generated ICMP-T3 messages to a central collection point. There all the incoming messages are compared for similarities. Incoming messages are abstracted and patterns identified. Using the methods discussed in this paper we identify 'blooms' of activity that are a clear signature of worm propagation. Preliminary test results have shown that actively spreading worms can be identified in the first few minutes after they are launched. By using the characteristics gathered in those early stages, action can be taken and widespread damage might be avoided.
On the phase velocity of wave propagation along an infinite yagi structure

An approximate expression is derived for the phase velocity of wave propagation along an infinite Yagi structure and its dependence on the various parameters of the structure is discussed in detail. The structure is at first studied qualitatively by applying the transmission line analogy. The problem is next treated from the viewpoints of linear antenna and field theories. It is assumed that a traveling wave is propagating along the axial direction and it induces an axially symmetric and sinusoidal current distribution in each element The electric field at any point due to this current distribution is calculated by the Hertz vector method. After applying boundary condition to the electric field, an expression for the propagation constant is derived. The results are compared with existing experimental values. The agreement between theory and experiment is found to be within 5 per cent. The accuracy of the expression given is sufficient for practical purposes.
Strategies for the Stimulation of Th Cell Subsets

Our understanding of the role of T cell subsets and cytokines in protective immunity is based on evidence that CD4+ T cells can be separated into subsets on the basis of the profile of cytokines they produce. CD4+ Th0 cells have the potential to secrete a mixed pattern consisting mainly of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ (Fig. 1) (Mosmann, and Coffman, 1989). It is believed that Th0 cells, after appropriate stimulation, either undergo differentiation into Thl cells which secrete IL-2 and IFN-γ, or into Th2 cells which secrete IL-4, IL-5 and IL- 10 (Mosmann, and Coffman, 1989). It was also found that CD8 cells are capable of cytokine production similar to that of the CD4-Th1 type cells (Lewis et al, 1991; Sad et al, 1995).
Quality of Life, Disability, and Hedonic Psychology

When people with disabilities are asked about the quality of their lives, they report only slightly lower quality than nondisabled people. Nevertheless, most nondisabled people (especially including bioethicists and health care economists) estimate the quality of life of disabled people to be extremely low, and they sometimes argue that the high QOL reports of disabled people should be discounted. Social psychologists have begun to systematically study human happiness in a new field called hedonics. This paper reports and interprets the recent empirical results of hedonics research to see whether disabled peoples' high reports of their own quality of life are more reliable than the lower estimates of bioethicists and other nondisabled observers. The outcome is relevant to policy disagreements surrounding disability. If bioethicists are correct about the intrinsically low QOL of people with impairments, then the disability rights (DR) movement's political goals of environmental modification are diminished in value. Careful inspection shows that at the present state of research, hedonics is on the side of DR advocates.
Differential persistence of blue ash and white ash following emerald ash borer invasion

Catastrophic mortality of North American ash (Fraxinus spp.) caused by Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire has been attributed to the lack of coevolved resistance between native ash species and this Asia...
A model plant for vernalization studies

Abstract Vernalization requirements of Raphanus sativus L. ‘Early 40 Days’, ‘Chinese Radish Jumbo Scarlet’, ‘Everest’, and ‘Minowase Early Long White’ were studied to determine their potential as model plants for vernalization studies. Leaf number below the inflorescence and days to anthesis decreased as vernalization time increased from 0 to 15 days at 6.5°C for all cultivars. ‘Early 40 Days’, ‘Everest’, and ‘Minowase Early Long White’ flowered but ‘Chinese Radish Jumbo Scarlet’ did not flower under long-day-conditions (inductive) at 18°C without vernalization, i.e. ‘Chinese Radish Jumbo Scarlet’ has an obligate vernalization requirement. ‘Chinese Radish Jumbo Scarlet’ was completely vernalized in 5–10 days. Use of ‘Chinese Radish Jumbo Scarlet’ as a model plant for vernalization studies is discussed.
Stimulated Brillouin scattering from a Bose–Einstein condensate

Abstract Stimulated Brillouin scattering of a laser beam from a Bose–Einstein condensate is calculated and it is shown that the threshold power density of phonon generation is anomalous small, about mW/cm 2 in comparison with a typical value about 10 10 W/cm 2 in solids. It is shown that the threshold power density is inversely proportional to the scattering length of a BEC.
Ste6p Mutants Defective in Exit from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Reveal Aspects of an ER Quality Control Pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We are studying the intracellular trafficking of the multispanning membrane protein Ste6p, the a-factor transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of proteins. In the present study, we have used Ste6p as model for studying the process of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control, about which relatively little is known in yeast. We have identified three mutant forms of Ste6p that are aberrantly ER retained, as determined by immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation. By pulse-chase metabolic labeling, we demonstrate that these mutants define two distinct classes. The single member of Class I, Ste6–166p, is highly unstable. We show that its degradation involves the ubiquitin–proteasome system, as indicated by its in vivo stabilization in certain ubiquitin–proteasome mutants or when cells are treated with the proteasome inhibitor drug MG132. The two Class II mutant proteins, Ste6–13p and Ste6–90p, are hyperstable relative to wild-type Ste6p and accumulate in the ER membrane. This represents the first report of a single protein in yeast for which distinct mutant forms can be channeled to different outcomes by the ER quality control system. We propose that these two classes of ER-retained Ste6p mutants may define distinct checkpoint steps in a linear pathway of ER quality control in yeast. In addition, a screen for high-copy suppressors of the mating defect of one of the ER-retained ste6 mutants has identified a proteasome subunit, Hrd2p/p97, previously implicated in the regulated degradation of wild-type hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase in the ER membrane.
MARS AND VENUS: UNEQUAL PLANETS

Self-help books, a pervasive and influential aspect of society, can have a beneficial or detrimental effect on the therapeutic process. This article describes a thematic analysis and feminist critique of the best-selling self-help book, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. This analysis revealed that the author's materials are inconsistent with significant family therapy research findings and key principles of feminist theories. His descriptions of each gender and his recommendations for improving relationships serve to endorse and encourage power differentials between women and men.
The effect of confinement on the crystalline microstructure of polymer : fullerene bulk heterojunctions

We investigate the effect of confinement on the crystalline microstructure of the polymer component of polymer : fullerene bulk heterojunction thin films using grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering. We find that the polymer crystallite size decreases and the alignment of the molecules along the surface normal increases, as the thin-film thickness is reduced from 920 nm to <20 nm and approaches the thin-film confinement regime. Furthermore, we find that the polymer crystallite size near the surface (air interface) is lower than the crystallite size in the bulk or the bottom (substrate interface) of bulk heterojunction films thicker than the confinement regime. Variation in polymer crystallite size can cause changes in charge carrier mobility and recombination rates, which in turn affect the performance of bulk heterojunction thin film devices such as photovoltaics and photodetectors.
Microstructural evolution of an ultrafine-grained cryomilled Al 5083 alloy during thermomechanical processing

The microstructural changes in cryomilled and consolidated Al 5083 following compression testing at several temperatures are described. Prior to testing, the material had an average grain size of approximately 138 nm and exhibited a duplex microstructure, containing coarse grains between 500 and 2000 nm. After uniaxial compressive deformation at temperatures between 423 and 573 K (0.49–0.66 Tm), the average grain size increased to between 200 and 300 nm, consistent with the average grain size of extrusions formed from the same material at similar temperatures. The similarity in grain size distribution following uniaxial compression or extrusion despite differences in total strain and stress state imposed by each indicates that much of the deformation in the extrusion process occurs in coarse-grained regions.
Distributed engineering education: evolution of the telecollaboration stations for individualized distance learning

Engineering education benefits from the knowledge and experience of topic "experts" both in the technical perspective of understanding the material and the educational perspective of understanding the challenges that students commonly encounter in learning a topic. Classically, these experts have published material as textbooks and perhaps web pages. Through distance learning, these experts can interact with students and instructors beyond the normal confines of a classroom or campus. Classroom-based, distance learning does not provide personalized, individual interaction outside the classroom setting. This situation can be critical in the context of courses with laboratory content. In this paper, the authors discuss how individualized interactions across a wide range of educators and learners can be supported. This support is facilitated by the deployment of telecollaboration stations (TCS). The evolution and use of these stations are described, as are some of the challenges and educational benefits that result.
Physicians Cite Hurdles Ranging From Lack Of Coverage To Poor Communication In Providing High-Quality Care To Latinos

We surveyed physicians about their ability to provide high-quality care to patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Primarily, we wanted to explore the challenges faced by physicians treating Latino patients compared to physicians whose patients were primarily white and non-Latino. We found that physicians treating Latinos, particularly those who worked in primary care in comparison to specialists, were less likely than physicians treating primarily white patients to believe in their ability to provide high-quality care. They cited problems of inadequate time with patients, patients’ ability to pay, patients’ nonadherence to recommended treatment, difficulties communicating with patients, relative lack of specialist availability, and lack of timely transmission of reports among physicians. Insurance expansions and complementary reforms mandated by the Affordable Care Act of 2010 and other recent legislation should aid physicians in closing some of these gaps in quality.
Trends and Characteristics of Self-reported Case Presentation of Diabetes Diagnosis Among Youth From 2002 to 2010: Findings From the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

Diagnosis of diabetes in youth is increasing in the U.S. (1,2). It is not known how much of this change is due to an increase in diabetes and how much is due to improved case detection, especially for type 2 diabetes. Some researchers have hypothesized that part of the explanation for the increase in diabetes diagnosis in youth is increased screening, resulting in a higher percentage of cases being identified. The objective of this study was to assess whether the change in diabetes could be explained by changes in case identification by examining trends from 2002 to 2010 in self-reported case presentation of diabetes. Briefly, there were 9,054 youth aged <20 years with newly diagnosed diabetes between 2002 and 2010 in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study (3). Participants were asked, “How did you find out you had diabetes?” Responses were grouped into symptoms, checkup, community screening, or other. Self-reported case presentation patterns were examined in 3-year blocks to assess change over time, reported by diabetes type. We explored trends in self-reported modes of diabetes diagnosis (i.e., symptoms, checkup, screening, and other …
The retina dose-area histogram: a metric for quantitatively comparing rival eye plaque treatment options.

Purpose: Episcleral plaques have a history of over a half century in the delivery of radiation therapy to intraocular tumors such as choroidal melanoma. Although the tumor control rate is high, vision-impairing complications subsequent to treatment remain an issue. Notable, late complications are radiation retinopathy and maculopathy. The obvious way to reduce the risk of radiation damage to the retina is to conform the prescribed isodose surface to the tumor base and to reduce the dose delivered to the surrounding healthy retina, especially the macula. Using a fusion of fundus photography, ultrasound and CT images, tumor size, shape and location within the eye can be accurately simulated as part of the ra diation planning process. In this work an adaptation of the dose-volume histogram (DVH), the retina dose-area histogram (RDAH) is introduced as a metric to help compare rival plaque designs and conformal treatment planning options with the goal of reducing radiation retinopathy. Material and methods: The RDAH is calculated by transforming a digitized fundus-photo collage of the tumor into a rasterized polar map of the retinal surface known as a retinal diagram (RD). The perimeter of the tumor base is digi tized on the RD and its area computed. Area and radiation dose are calculated for every pixel in the RD. Results: The areal resolution of the RDAH is a function of the pixel resolution of the raster image used to display the RD and the number of polygon edges used to digitize the perimeter of the tumor base. A practical demonstration is presented. Conclusions: The RDAH provides a quantitative metric by which episcleral plaque treatment plan options may be evaluated and compared in order to confirm adequate dosimetric coverage of the tumor and margin, and to help min imize dose to the macula and retina. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2013; 5, 1: 23‐32 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2013.34450
Microcomputer application of Bayesean probability testing for the identification of bacteria

Abstract A computer program (BACTID) is described which facilitates the identification of bacteria based on a priori data and Bayesean probability testing. The program is not limited to a specific format, has a short execution time, can be easily applied to a variety of situations, and can be run on almost any microcomputer system operating under either 8-bit CP/M or 16-bit MS-DOS/PC-DOS. Additionally, BACTID (1) is not limited to one type of computer (hardware independent), (2) is not limited by size of the computer's random access (RAM independent), (3) can recognize various data bases matrices (format independent), (4) is able to compensate for missing data and (5) allows for various methods of data entry. The efficacy of the program was checked against a commercially available test system and a 99.34% agreement was obtained. Also, the execution time for a 46 × 21 element data matrix was as little as 3.5 s. These results show that microcomputer identification programs are not only viable alternatives to code book registers, but also offer flexibility which is not found in commercial systems.
Di-μ3-oxido-di-μ2-oxido-tetra­oxido­bis­(1,1,2,2-tetra­methyl­ethylenedicyclo­penta­dien­yl)­dimolyb­denum(IV)­dimolybdenum(VI) hexa­hydrate

The title compound, [Mo4(C16H20)2O8]·6H2O, is a centrosymmetric ansa-molybdocene complex in which two dinuclear [C2Me4(η5-C5H4)2]Mo(μ2-O)2MoO2 units dimerize by forming two μ3-O bridges between three Mo atoms. The ansa-molybdocene [C2Me4(η5-C5H4)2]Mo unit has a typical bent-sandwich metallocene structure with an inter-ring angle of 127.98 (8)°. The Mo atom in the bridging (μ2-O)(μ3-O)2MoO2 group has a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination. The Mo—(μ3-O) and Mo—(μ2-O) bond distances inside the units [2.0869 (14) and 2.1014 (15) A, respectively] are slightly longer than the Mo(−x + 1, −y + 1, −z)—(μ3-O) bond distance between the units [1.9986 (14) A]. The solvent water mol­ecules together with complex O atoms form a network of O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Advancing Rural Food Access Policy Research Priorities: Process and Potential of a Transdisciplinary Working Group

Residents of rural communities currently face disproportionately higher risk for nutrition-related chronic diseases compared to residents of urban communities. Rural residents also face disparities and unique barriers in accessing healthy, affordable foods. In 2011, participants of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–funded Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (NOPREN) formed the Rural Food Access Working Group (RFAWG). Since then, the RFAWG has been focusing on conducting collaborative transdisciplinary research that includes a concept mapping project that identified and prioritized policy research ideas perceived as important to improving access to healthy, affordable foods in rural communities. This commentary reflects on the process and potential of this emergent transdisciplinary RFAWG to advance rural food access policy research priorities, sharing how after nearly two years of convening, RFAWG has identified and started to address various rural food access policy research needs and opportunities that the group has deemed important for the near and long-term. The research priorities and process taken thus far by RFAWG reflect the participants' own work, institutional and geographic strengths, and negotiated approaches to collaborating with the transdisciplinary team using pooled but often limited resources. The group has benefited from the involvement of a variety of experts skilled in various disciplines and research methodologies touching the food system. RFAWG continues to strategize methods to advance rural food access policy research priorities through transdisciplinary team efforts, innovative partnerships, rigorously designed research processes, and contextually crafted dissemination and translation approaches.
Flash cooling protein crystals: Estimate of cryoprotectant concentration using thermal properties

X-ray diffraction from protein crystals is routinely measured at cryogenic temperatures, primarily to minimize radiation damage. Protein crystals and the surrounding mother liquor have high water c...
Isolation and Identification of Two Antibacterial Agents Produced by a Strain of Proteus Mirabilis Isolated from Larvae of the Screwworm (Cochliomyia Hominivorax) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Two bactericidal compounds produced by Proteus mirabilis isolated from screwworm ( Cochliomyia hominivorax ) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae were purified and identified as phenylacetic acid and phenylacetaldehyde. The phenylacetic acid was identified by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and by mass spectroscopy. The phenylacetaldehyde was isolated as the 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine derivative and identified using thin-layer chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography.
Comparison of the binding of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene oxide to Ag surfaces: Elements of a successful structure-directing agent

We investigate the origins of experimentally observed differences in the structure-directing capabilities of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) for the shape-selective, colloidal synthesis of {100}-faceted Ag nanostructures. Using dispersion-corrected density-functional theory, we calculate the binding energies of polymer repeat units to Ag(100) and Ag(111). At the level of the repeat unit, the energetic preference for PEO to bind to {100} facets (∼40 meV) is half that of PVP. At the chain level, we use the Kuhn length to define the polymer binding unit and this is 9 (3) repeat units for PVP (PEO). A thermodynamic model predicts that the {100} binding selectivity of PVP is 107 times higher than that of PEO at synthesis temperatures. These results are consistent with experiment and demonstrate that a distinguishing characteristic of a successful polymer structure-directing agent is the pairing of facet-selective binding of the repeat unit with a sufficiently stiff chain.
Considering the impetus for the bronze-to-iron transition in prehistoric Britain

Over the last twenty years, there has been a discernable increase in the number of scholars who have focused their research on metal production, working and use in antiquity, a field of study which has come to be known as archaeometallurgy. Materials scientists and conservators have worked primarily in the laboratory while archaeologists have conducted fieldwork geared to the study of metal technology in a cultural context with laboratory analysis as one portion of the interpretive program.
In defense of democratic proceduralism

My discussion here addresses one key question: has Alessandro Ferrara succeeded in outlining a cogent account of democracy ‘beyond the nation state’? Despite the volume’s many strengths, his The Democratic Horizon suffers from some underlying conceptual and programmatic ambiguities. The nexus between democracy’s ethos or spirit and its institutional and procedural components might have been more clearly elucidated. The author’s tendency to privilege democratic ‘ethos’ or ‘spirit’ over so-called ‘proceduralism’ ultimately risks discounting the significance of some democratic institutional and procedural essentials. Like many others with similarly praiseworthy cosmopolitan normative instincts, Ferrara seems overly reluctant to acknowledge how stateness and self-government are likely to remain intermeshed.
Effects of a social media website on primary care givers’ awareness of music therapy services in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract Due to time constraints experienced by clinical staff in the hospital environment, traditional methods of educating and disseminating information about new services and treatments, for example music therapy, are often difficult and cumbersome. Social media blogs are emerging as a preferred option for healthcare professionals when needing to disseminate updated clinical and research information in a timely manner. The purpose of this pilot study was to gain information about the effect of a music therapy blog on (1) awareness of NICU music therapy services, and (2) usefulness of the blog as an information source for primary care givers working in a neonatal intensive care unit. Participants included 12 primary care physicians and practitioners working in a level three neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a large tertiary care facility in the South Eastern United States. Participants were randomized to two groups; group A received an email stimulus intervention for the first two weeks of the study while group B received the stimulus the last two weeks of the study. Results showed that there were significant results between the mid/post-test and pre/post-test for group A, but not for group B suggesting that the stimulus intervention helped motivate group A participants to visit the blog site even without the stimulus intervention the last two weeks of the study. Both groups reported high scores for the usefulness of the blog for acquiring information about NICU music therapy services.
Secular use of kava in Tonga.

Kava, a beverage made by adding water to the macerated root of the pepper tree, Piper methysticum, is still drunk in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and in parts of Melanesia and on Ponape. In Tonga, a group o...
Perception of Environment, Strategic Choice and Firm Performance: An Empirical Study of U.S. And South African Executives

The underlying tenet of this study was that perception of the environment and firm performance influences executives’ propensity to choose a given strategy. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using senior executives from the largest corporations in South Africa, and from the largest U.S. firms with operations in South Africa. Data were collected through a mail questionnaire and personal interviews conducted both in the U.S. and South Africa. One of the hypothesized relations to be significant: perception of higher performance was related to preference for entrepreneurial strategies. Another was found to be opposite what was hypothesized: distance from the subsidiary was found to have an attenuating effect on the perception of environmental turbulence.
The alveolar macrophage

The alveolar macrophages, or dust cells, of the lung are cells which lie free within the air spaces of the lung alveoles. They have been extensively studied in the light microscope [for summary see (1)]. Their phagocytic potentialities are likewise known from light microscopic studies, in which dyes, India ink, or oils were injected into the trachea of animals. The same cells are phagocytic also in pathologic lung conditions. The origin of these cells is not clear as yet (for reviews, see (2, 3)]. Most workers consider them to be modified alveolar epithelial cells, whereas others believe that they are true connective tissue macrophages.
Emotional Capital: The Missing Link Between Social Media Usage and Customer Relationship Performance

Many companies are increasing the allocation of financial resources to social media management For instance, companies with over $15.6 billion in revenue will invest about $19 million in social media this year (Tata Consulting Services 2013). However, the contribution of social media management to firm performance remains uncertain. Hence, in this paper, we attempt to fill this gap. Specifically, we propose that investment in social media management is positively related to performance through emotional capital. Furthermore, we posit that this relationship is stronger for firms that manage emotional brands and firms that have products with short life cycles.
Calcium-Catalyzed, Dehydrative, Ring-Opening Cyclizations of Cyclopropyl Carbinols Derived from Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes

A calcium-catalyzed, dehydrative, ring-opening cyclization of (hetero)aryl cyclopropyl carbinols is reported. The cyclopropyl carbinols are prepared directly from the corresponding donor–acceptor (D–A) cyclopropanes. The calcium catalyst catalyzes the formation of putative (hetero)aryl cyclopropyl carbinyl cations that undergo ring-opening to allylcarbinyl cations. Subsequent intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction affords (hetero)aryl-fused cyclohexa-1,3-dienes in up to 97% yield. This approach represents the first example of catalysis for this intramolecular, dehydrative ring-opening cyclization and outperforms the previous reports using stoichiometric Lewis acids.
False data injection attacks on power system state estimation with limited information

This paper studies physical consequences of worst-case unobservable false data injection (FDI) attacks on the electric power system. In particular the focus is on FDI attacks wherein the attacker can only change measurements in an attack sub-network of the entire network and has limited knowledge of network parameters outside of this sub-network. The goal of this limited resource attack is to cause a physical line overflow for a chosen target line that will not be observable via measurements. To determine the worst possible consequences of such a class of FDI attacks, a bi-level optimization problem is introduced wherein the first level focuses on maximizing the target line flow subject to limited attack resources constraints, while the second level formulates system response to such attacks via DC optimal power flow (OPF). The attack model with limited system knowledge is reflected in the DC OPF formulation that only takes into account the system information for the attack sub-network and therefore is oblivious of congestion and data for the network outside this sub-network. The vulnerability of this attack model is illustrated for the IEEE 24-bus RTS system.
Marriage and Family Therapy Trainees’ Experiences of Learning and Applying Common Factors in Therapy: A Qualitative Participatory Study With Thematic Analysis

ABSTRACTIn recent marriage and family therapy literature, there has been increased discussion about the role of common factors in marriage and family therapy training, specifically in advocating for a more prominent role (Karam et al., 2014; Sprenkle, Lebow & Davis, 2009). This article describes a study exploring the marriage and family therapy master’s students’ experiences of learning and applying the common factors approach to their clinical practice. The sample consists of four current marriage and family therapy master’s level students in a Commission on Accreditation in Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)-accredited training program. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes that emerged from our analysis demonstrate that marriage and family therapy students found the common factors approach to positively inform their clinical training.
FDG-PET/CT for Monitoring Response of Melanoma to the Novel Oncolytic Viral Therapy Talimogene Laherparepvec.

Abstract61-year-old woman with stage IIIa (T3a N1a M0) left lower leg melanoma with lesions suggestive of in-transit metastases 8 months following wide local excision and femoral nodal dissection. FDG-PET/CT demonstrated 5 FDG-avid in-transit nodal metastases in the distal left leg, confirmed on bio
URBAN-NET: A network-based infrastructure monitoring and analysis system for emergency management and public safety

Critical Infrastructures (CIs) such as energy, water, and transportation are complex networks that are crucial for sustaining day-to-day commodity flows vital to national security, economic stability, and public safety. The nature of these CIs is such that failures caused by an extreme weather event or a man-made incident can trigger widespread cascading failures, sending ripple effects at regional or even national scales. To minimize such effects, it is critical for emergency responders to identify existing or potential vulnerabilities within CIs during such stressor events in a systematic and quantifiable manner and take appropriate mitigating actions. We present here a novel critical infrastructure monitoring and analysis system named URBAN-NET. The system includes a software stack and tools for monitoring CIs, pre-processing data, interconnecting multiple CI datasets as a heterogeneous network, identifying vulnerabilities through graph-based topological analysis, and predicting consequences based on “what-if” simulations along with visualization. As a proof-of-concept, we present several case studies to show the capabilities of our system. We also discuss remaining challenges and future work.
Outcomes of Introducing Early Learners to Interprofessional Competencies in a Classroom Setting

ABSTRACTProblem: Although interprofessional practice is important for improving healthcare delivery, there is little evidence describing interprofessional education (IPE) outcomes beyond changes in attitudes and knowledge of prelicensure learners. More rigorous evaluation of early IPE is needed to determine its impact on teaching interprofessional collaborative practice and providing a solid foundation for applying collaborative skills in the clinical environment. Intervention: First-year students (N = 679) in 7 health professions programs participated in a 4-session series focusing on professional roles and responsibilities, teams and teamwork, and the healthcare system. Interprofessional teams of 5–6 students, from at least 3 professions, were assembled for the duration of the series and created a team charter during their first session to guide their work. Each subsequent session included a brief lecture and interactive exercises. Faculty facilitators from the participating programs provided support to...
Management of Strongyloides Hyperinfection Syndrome

Strongyloides stercoralis is an infectious helminth endemic to the tropics and subtropics, and can be seen in immigrants and returning travelers. Symptoms of acute infection involve organs of the typical life cycle of the nematode. In milder forms of chronic infections, strongyloides is capable of persisting in a host for years to decades. Severe strongyloidiasis includes the hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated infection, and occurs most frequently in the immunocompromised and immunosuppressed populations. We illustrate a case of severe strongyloidiasis, discuss clinical manifestations and diagnosis of infection, and present the evidence for treatment options. The key to successful therapy is early recognition of disease, and prompt diagnosis in high risk patients.
A Survey of Five Stem-Feeding Insect Pests of Wheat in the Northern Great Plains

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, the wheat stem maggot, Meromyza americana Fitch, the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), the wheat jointworm, Tetramesa tritici (Fitch), and the wheat strawworm, Tetramesa grandis (Riley), have long been considered wheat pests in the northern Great Plains. This paper reports results of surveys for these pests conducted over 3 yrs in parts of Montana (10 counties), North Dakota (14 counties), South Dakota (1 county), Nebraska (4 counties) and Wyoming (1 county). Fields were randomly selected and a mean of 191 stems were sampled from each field. The percentage of stems infested with each pest was recorded. The percentage of parasitized wheat stem sawfly larvae also was noted. The wheat stem sawfly, wheat stem maggot, and Hessian fly were the most commonly encountered pests, recorded in nearly every county. Wheat stem sawfly density was twice that of wheat stem maggot (7% vs 3.2%) in infested fields. Wheat stem sawfly densities exceeded 10% in 4 counties: Daniels and Wibaux in MT, Golden Valley, ND and Goshen, WY. Wheat stem sawfly parasitism was low and positively correlated with sawfly infestation. Wheat stem maggot infestations were low (<11% for all fields), averaging 3.2% among infested fields. Hessian fly densities were much lower (2.2% among infested fields) than reported elsewhere in the U.S. The wheat jointworm and strawworm were absent from most fields and only occasionally found at low levels (<1% and <3.5% respectively, among infested fields). This information will help to prioritize wheat insect pest management research and extension programs in this region.
Fictionalism, Semantics, and Ontology

This article expands upon the argument of a previous work which defended a variational account of scientific fictions. Specifically, I show that this understanding of scientific fictions can provid...
The Cockpit Country, Jamaica: Boundary Issues in Assessing Disturbance and Using a Karst Disturbance Index in Protected Areas Planning

The Cockpit Country is Jamaica’s only remaining pristine karst area and is perhaps the most significant karst landscape in the Caribbean. It may be a candidate for UN World Heritage status but its boundaries are contentious. The Karst Disturbance Index (KDI) is an important tool for karst conservation, providing an objective numerical measure of the extent to which karst landscapes have been disrupted by human activities. Its application is, however, constrained by issues of boundary determination and location, and the Cockpit Country exemplifies this phenomenon when different boundaries are determined on geomorphic, historical, existing, and proposed management criteria. Analysis of land use data from 1998, together with extensive field surveys, reveals that the measure of the extent of human disturbance is closely related to the positioning of the boundary, with the incremental inclusion of peripheral areas beyond the core forest reserve resulting in a dramatic increase in the disturbance index. Not only is this a methodological concern in using the KDI, but it also illustrates how the KDI may be useful in planning and establishing potential protected area boundaries.
Marine Sediments: A Reservoir for Black Carbon and their Use as Spatial and Temporal Records of Combustion

Black carbon (BC) found in ocean sediments provides regional and global information regarding biomass burning activities and transport mechanisms. BC fluxes to surface sediments, largely from the Pacific Ocean, range between 0.002–3.6 μg BC cm-2 yr-1 for deep sea sediments and 26–354 μg BC cm-2 yr-1 for continental margin sediments. The BC flux may be a function of the magnitude of biomass burning, the distance to the source region, and riverine and eolian transport mechanisms.
A Paradox of Love: The Manifestation of Life and the Moral Sentiment in Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s Her Son’s Wife

This paper stems from and is an elaboration of my recently completed doctoral dissertation ‘‘A Steady Flameless Light: The Phenomenology of Realness in Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s T he Brimming Cup, Her Son’s W ife, and Rough-Hewn’’.1 Here I will focus on the phenomenology of the moral sentiment in Her Son’s W ife (1926). When taken at face value, the moral question at stake in the novel remains one-dimensional and detached from the immediate manifestation of human experience. When looking more closely at the text’s thematization of moral values we discover a pervasive idealization of vitality as moral self-presence. Paradoxically, the notion of ‘life’ is both the guiding principle for the protagonist’s formation of moral values and that which prevents her from experiencing moral feelings. Vitality is phenomenalized as the condition of possibility for moral goodness, for love, and for the rightful expulsion of evil. Goodness and love can be ‘true’ only if they properly represent vitality. In Her Son’s W ife, vitality gives phenomena objective meaning. In this paper, drawing on the phenomenology of Michel Henry, I call meaning which is objectively present to itself affective meaning.2 Non-presence, or that which is not idealized as the full presence of vitality has no place in and for an existence which deems itself right, worthy, and morally good. Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s writing is very much concerned with the questions of presence and morality.3 To my knowledge, however, no research on Canfield has been done from a dedicated phenomenological perspective. Here I hope to show how life4 as objectified self-presence problematizes the manifestation of the moral sentiment so that the morality that pertains to it is only a quasi-morality: a morality that is lacking in consideration of and responsibility for the other.5 When reality no longer applies to the protagonist’s idealization of vitality, Mrs. Bascomb finds that her ‘‘poor
COMPARISON OF BIOMONITORING TECHNIQUES FOR EVALUATING EFFECTS OF JET FUEL ON BLUEGILL SUNFISH (LEPOMIS MACROCHIRUS)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the water soluble fraction (WSF) of JP-4, a common military and civilian jet fuel, on survival, behavior, and physiology of bluegill sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus ). The dynamic 96-hr LC50 for WSF JP-4 was 26.2% (percent of the maximum soluble amount of JP-4). A 5.1% WSF JP-4 caused a shift in ventilatory rate and amplitude; this concentration was equivalent to the 96-hr LC01. Fish displayed an avoidance reaction when exposed to 3.5 and 4.9% WSF JP-4. At higher concentrations approaching the 96-hr LC50, fish appeared to lose their ability to detect WSF JP-4 indicating a potential for fish not to avoid lethal concentrations. Few significant changes in whole and serum blood parameters were detected in fish exposed to 13% WSF JP-4; near the 96-hr LC50 changes were primarily attributed to osmoregulatory failure.