cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Twitter data analysis to understand societal response to air quality

Air quality is recognized to be major risk factor for human health globally. Critical to addressing this important public health issue is the effective dissemination of air quality data, information about adverse health effects, and the necessary mitigation measures. The ability of people to understand air quality information and take actions to protect their health is not clear. Recent studies have shown that even when public get data on air quality and understand its importance, they do not exhibit a pro-environmental behavior to address the problem. All existing studies on public attitude and response to air quality are based on offline studies, with a limited number of survey participants and over limited number of geographical locations. For a larger survey size and global set of locations, we analyzed Twitter data collected over a period of nearly two years. We identify a limited number of hashtags (3) that can best correlate the frequency of tweets with local air quality (PM2.5) in three major cities around the world: Paris, London, and New Delhi. Using tweets with just these three hashtags, we determined that people's response to air quality in the three cities was nearly identical when considering relative changes in air pollution. Using machine learning algorithms, we determined that health concerns dominated public response when air quality degraded, with the strongest increase in concern being in New Delhi, where pollution levels are the highest amongst the three cities studied. The public call for political solutions when air quality worsens is consistent with similar findings with offline surveys in other cities. Our approach will allow for global analysis of public response to air quality and aid public health officials respond appropriately.
Disease Subtyping using Somatic Variant Data

With increased availability of tumor genomics data, it is possible to discern mutation profiles and differentiate cancer patient subtypes with the ultimate purpose of personalizing treatment strategies. Patient subtyping has been implemented using molecular profiles of gene expression data sets that suffer from systematic error. Somatic mutation data, available through tumor sample comparisons, offer more accurate mutation information than those at the molecule level but suffer from the data sparsity. To address this challenge, we developed a novel post-randomization based perturbation clustering technique to identify the optimal number of subtypes using different somatic mutation cancer datasets. We compared the clustering results of our approach with those of the standard clustering approaches in terms of the identified subtypes' predictive accuracy on survival time. Results from different cancer mutation datasets consistently demonstrate increased subtyping performance and signals future opportunities for using somatic mutation to identify cancer subtype-specific biomarkers.
Implications of future development pathways for the health risks of climate change

The health risks of climate change will be due not just to the hazards associated with changes in weather and climate, but also the extent to which natural and human systems are exposed to these ha...
A Meta-Analysis of Friendship Qualities and Romantic Relationship Outcomes in Adolescence.

Romantic relationships are one of the most significant interpersonal ties in adolescence, thus understanding factors that may contribute to their formation and quality are important. The current meta-analysis focuses on links between friendship quality and romantic relationship outcomes for adolescents up to 18 years. In a series of meta-analyses (k = 28 studies, N's = 946-4,040), friendship qualities were not related to romantic involvement. However, we did find robust evidence of continuity between friendship qualities and romantic relationship qualities. Additionally, adolescents experienced more negative quality in their romantic relationships than in their friendships. These findings suggest that friendships have implications for adolescents' romantic relationships, although more research is needed on specific quality associations, and the mediators of these relations.
On the Evaluation of Low-Cost PM Sensors for Air Quality Estimation

Air pollution is a major problem for human health andattracts significant scientific attention and large worldwide budgets. Currently, several research teams work on this topic, conducting measurements in order to monitor the problem and propose new low-cost techniques aiming to increase the geographical coverage of the measuring network. The use of commercial and low-cost measurement system of particulate matter is one of them. This paper compares the output of two low-cost sensors with a commercially available one. Specifically, the DFROBOT SEN0177and NOVA PM SDS011 laser technology sensors were attached on different processing nodes (i.e. WeMos® and Arduino®) in order to send data over WiFi and Ethernet interfaces correspondingly to a central node. The PM measurements are compared to concurrent measurements conducted with Dylos DC1100 pro commercial device.
Host identity and symbiotic association affects the genetic and functional diversity of the clownfish-hosting sea anemone microbiome

All eukaryotic life engages in symbioses with a diverse community of bacteria that are essential for performing basic life functions. In many cases, eukaryotic organisms form additional symbioses with other macroscopic eukaryotes. The tightly-linked physical interactions that characterize many macroscopic symbioses creates opportunities for microbial transfer, which likely affects the diversity and function of individual microbiomes, and may ultimately lead to microbiome convergence between distantly related taxa. Here, we sequence the microbiomes of five species of clownfish-hosting sea anemones that co-occur on coral reefs in the Maldives. We test the importance of evolutionary history, clownfish symbiont association, and habitat on the genetic and predicted functional diversity of the microbiome, and explore signals of microbiome convergence in anemone taxa that have evolved symbioses with clownfishes independently. Our data indicate that host identity shapes the majority of the genetic diversity of the clownfish-hosting sea anemone microbiome, but predicted functional microbial diversity analyses demonstrate a convergence among host anemone microbiomes, which reflect increased functional diversity over individuals that do not host clownfishes. Further, we identify up-regulated microbial functions in host anemones that are likely affected by clownfish presence. Taken together our study reveals an even deeper metabolic coupling between clownfishes and their host anemones, and what could be a previously unknown mutualistic benefit to anemones that are symbiotic with clownfishes.
Police Transparency and the Exclusionary Rule

In the old days, police officers bent on misconduct went about their business with bankable allies. Colleagues could be counted on to lie under oath, prosecutors remained willfully blind, and when all else failed, judges and juries were prepared to grant an officer the benefit of doubt. But officers today work in a stricter environment, notable for both its widespread video surveillance (from body worn cameras, smart phones, and closed-circuit televisions) and its democratized channels of distribution (through social media). In this new environment, police misconduct (including perjury to protect a colleague) comes with the sizable risk of exposure and penalty. In addition, there’s a well-documented ratchet effect at work: select video footage of police misconduct inevitably goes “viral” and triggers structural reforms by a host of former allies, including internal affairs branches, city councils, and legislatures. This raises compelling doctrinal questions for criminal and constitutional law. Take, for instance, the “exclusionary rule.” A hallmark of the U.S. criminal justice system, the exclusionary rule provides generally (subject to various exceptions) that evidence gained in violation of the U.S. Constitution is inadmissible in criminal prosecutions. This long-standing rule will certainly be affected by enhanced transparency in policing. In the immediate future, criminal defendants will benefit most, as video footage (and fewer instances of officer perjury) will make it easier for them to prove constitutional violations. But in the long run, the government should reap the larger gains. The exclusionary rule imposes costs on society, which are justified only insomuch as the threat of suppression deters police misconduct. But what if police are sufficiently deterred by factors besides the fear of suppression? What if the proverbial bad cop is already suspicious, alienated, and excessively cautious? Is the exclusionary rule still justified? Because the marginal deterrent value of exclusion weakens as alternative deterrents gain strength, transparency in policing may well lead the U.S. Supreme Court to further winnow (or perhaps altogether abandon) the rule. This essay describes the rising transparency in policing and explores its ramifications for the exclusionary rule.
Efficiency, Safety, and Quality of Life After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Performed With Moderate Sedation Versus General Anesthesia.

There is growing interest in “minimalist” transcatheter aortic valve implantation (M-TAVI), performed with conscious sedation instead of general anesthesia (GA-TAVI). We assessed the impact of M-TAVI on procedural efficiency, long-term safety, and quality of life (QoL) in 477 patients with severe aortic stenosis (82 years, women 50%, STS 5.0), who underwent M-TAVI (n = 278) or GA-TAVI (n = 199). M-TAVI patients were less likely to have NYHA Class ≥3, valve-in-valve TAVI, and receive self-expanding valves. M-TAVI was completed without conversion to GA in 269 (97%) patients. M-TAVI was more efficient that GA-TAVI including shorter lengths of stay (2 vs 3 days, p 1 valves (0.4 vs 5.5%, p = 0.0004). At 1-month, death/stroke (M-TAVI vs GA-TAVI 4.0 vs 6.5%) and a “safety composite” end point (death, stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, new dialysis, major vascular complication, major or life-threatening bleeding, and new pacemaker: 17.6% vs 21.1%) were similar (p = NS for both). At a median follow-up of 365 days, survival curves showed similar incidence of death/stroke as well as the safety composite end point between the groups. QoL scores were similar at baseline and 1-month after TAVI. In multivariable analyses, M-TAVI showed significant improvements in all parameters of procedural efficiency. In conclusion, M-TAVI is more efficient than GA-TAVI, with similar safety at 1-month and long-term, and similar QoL scores at 1 month.
Employees’ Refusals to Participate in an Employer-Sponsored Wellness Program: Barriers and Benefits to Engagement:

While worksite wellness programs are generally designed to help employees realize better overall health, some employees may not see them in that light. The current study sought to better understand...
Polytechnic Students’ Aspirations, Interests, and Confidence with Engineering Technology Majors

This Research Work in Progress Paper examines the understanding of engineering technology (ET) majors and careers by incoming students. Data comes from the Aspirations, Interests, and Confidence survey, which has been administered to 169 students over a three-year period. Part 1 of the survey collects demographics data and various reflective items concerning choice of major. Part 2 collects respondents’ definitions of ET majors and their confidence in their given answers. Previous research using the survey identified the dominate terms used by first-semester technology students to describe various ET majors, compared student conceptions of ET majors, and identified job titles that students associate with the ET majors. This follow-on study reports on an additional two years of data collection and expands the survey to include students from two additional ET majors. The ultimate goal of this research is to better understand the pre-conceived characterizations that students hold of ET majors and careers and to better gage their accuracy. Benchmark definitions of the ET majors are needed to evaluate student-reported responses from the AIC survey. The results from this study will help guide the design of recruiting efforts and first-year courses that address common misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding ET majors and careers.
Unconstrained genome targeting with near-PAMless engineered CRISPR-Cas9 variants

Manipulation of DNA by CRISPR-Cas enzymes requires the recognition of a protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), limiting target site recognition to a subset of sequences. To remove this constraint, we engineered variants of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) to eliminate the NGG PAM requirement. We developed a variant named SpG that is capable of targeting an expanded set of NGN PAMs, and we further optimized this enzyme to develop a near-PAMless SpCas9 variant named SpRY (NRN and to a lesser extent NYN PAMs). SpRY nuclease and base-editor variants can target almost all PAMs, exhibiting robust activities on a wide range of sites with NRN PAMs in human cells and lower but substantial activity on those with NYN PAMs. Using SpG and SpRY, we generated previously inaccessible disease-relevant genetic variants, supporting the utility of high-resolution targeting across genome editing applications.
Overindebtedness in the Bolivian Microfinance Sector, 1997-2001 (Sobreendeudamiento en Las Microfinanzas Bolivianas, 1997-2001)

This paper discuss the main results from a household survey of Bolivian microfinance clients, their experience with microfinance institutions and their strategies for copping with shocks, in the overindebtedness episode experienced by the Bolivian Financial System in the 1997-2001 period.
Theorizing a Critical Race Content Analysis for Children’s Literature about People of Color:

Concerns from scholars about the exclusion of People of Color in children’s literature began in the early 20th century and continues today. The lack of children’s literature about People of Color i...
Potential Competition, Nascent Competitors, and Killer Acquisitions

In this chapter, we address a number of critical questions. Is there a problem with large technology firms, or platforms, purchasing nascent competitors and suppressing competition before they can mature into vibrant competitors? Further, if there is a problem, are the current antitrust laws and the enforcement of those laws sufficient to combat the problem? If not, is there a legislative solution? In addressing these questions, we offer a clear delineation and classification scheme to differentiate potential competition, nascent competitors, and killer acquisitions. Ultimately, while classification schemes are helpful, the assessment of all horizontal acquisitions, whether the rivalry is currently happening or will happen in the future, comes down to the core analytical considerations involving competitive effects, entry, and efficiencies.
The Quality of Accruals and Earnings: The Role of Accrual Estimation Errors

This paper suggests a new measure of one aspect of the quality of working capital accruals and earnings. One role of accruals is to shift or adjust the recognition of cash flows over time so that t...
Self-reported PTSD symptoms and social support in U.S. military service members and veterans: a meta-analysis

Background: The mental health burden of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is high in U.S. military samples. Social support is one of the most robust protective factors against PTSD and a recent ...
IFN-κ Is a Rheostat for Development of Psoriasiform Inflammation.

Psoriasis is a common, inflammatory autoimmune skin disease. Early detection of an IFN-1 signature occurs in many psoriasis lesions, but the source of IFN production remains debated. IFN-κ is an important source of IFN-1 production in the epidermis. We identified a correlation between IFN-regulated and psoriasis-associated genes in human lesional skin. We thus wanted to explore the effects of IFN-κ in psoriasis using the well-characterized imiquimod psoriasis model. Three mouse strains aged 10 weeks were used: wild-type C57Bl/6, C57Bl/6 that overexpress Ifnk in the epidermis (i.e., transgenic), and total body Ifnk–/– (i.e., knockout) strain. Psoriasis was induced by topical application of imiquimod on both ears for 8 consecutive days. Notably, the severity of skin lesions and inflammatory cell infiltration was more significantly increased in transgenic than in wild-type than in knockout mice. Gene expression analysis identified greater upregulation of Mxa, Il1b, Tnfa, Il6, Il12, Il23, Il17, and Ifng in transgenic compared to wild-type compared to knockout mice after imiquimod treatment. Furthermore, imiquimod increased CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell infiltration more in transgenic than in wild-type than in knockout mice. In summary, we identified IFN-κ as a rheostat for initiation of psoriasiform inflammation. This suggests that targeting IFN-1s early in the disease may be an effective way of controlling psoriatic inflammation.
Laryngotracheobronchial Amyloidosis: Patterns of Presentation and Management.

Objective:To evaluate the pattern of presentation and management of laryngotracheobronchial amyloidosis at a tertiary care academic center over a 27 year period.Methods:In a retrospective review, t...
Privacy, Rationality, and Temptation: A Theory of Willpower Norms

Social norms that look askance at people when they disclose their own personal information in "inappropriate" situations are puzzling if one believes that the free flow of information promotes better decision-making. This Article proposes a solution to this puzzle that involves the interplay between self-control, temptation, human cognitive limitations, and the theory of social norms. The solution has implications for the legal regulation of information privacy. Along the way, the Article seeks to understand how problems of willpower might come to be reflected in social norms and describes how such "willpower norms" can perform socially beneficial or harmful functions. It contends that personal information norms can develop to compensate for human failures of rationality and self-control in processing information. While personal information norms may often be efficient at mitigating these failures, under some circumstances pernicious "silencing norms" can develop. These silencing norms may be exemplified by the "don't ask, don't tell" policy about gays in the military. Finally, the Article explores whether legal regulation of information privacy could compensate effectively for human information processing weaknesses in situations, such as online commercial transactions, in which social norms are unlikely to develop.
Immunoglobulin expression of cells from human lymphoblastoid lines: III. Cell cycle phase and surface immunoglobulin expression

Abstract Seven human cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines (CLL) were divided into two major groups based on studies of their cell cycle characteristics and surface Ig. CLL I (lines CL, MW, HH and TM) had generation times ranging from 25–40 hr, S phase times of 10–12 hr, G 2 + M times of 6–8 hr, and demonstrated sharp differences between the percentage of SIg(+) cells in different phases of the cell cycle. Line TM was particularly discordant with the highest percentage of SIg(+) cells in G 2 + M. CLL II (lines PS, JR and HT) demonstrated generation times ranging from 18–21 hr, S phase times of 7–10 hr and G 2 + M phase times of 2 hr. In this second group, two of the three CLLs had no differences between cells taken from different points of the cell cycle. DNA synthesis and cell density could not be correlated with either of the above major parameters, i.e. cell cycle times or SIg expression. The results suggest that human CLLs fall into subgroups in which specific patterns of cellular and immune functions may predominate.
Hormone therapy adjuvant to external beam radiotherapy for locally advanced prostate carcinoma: a complication-adjusted number-needed-to-treat analysis.

BACKGROUND Hormone therapy commonly is used to treat metastatic, locally advanced, and localized prostate carcinoma. The objective of the current investigation was to determine, using the number-needed-to-treat (NNT) method, the effect of using hormone therapy to treat locally advanced disease, with consideration given to both the complications and the known advantages associated with hormone therapy. METHODS A literature review was performed to determine 1) the absolute benefit, based on available clinical endpoints, associated with the addition of hormone therapy to external beam radiotherapy for locally advanced prostate carcinoma; 2) the incidence of side effects of short-term and long-term hormone therapy; and 3) the stepwise progression from biochemical failure to death. A model was constructed to estimate the complication/utility-adjusted survival detriment resulting from the side effects of short-term (≤ 6 months) and long-term (> 6 months) hormone therapy, and the absolute/unadjusted and complication-adjusted NNTs for the addition of short-term and long-term hormone therapy were computed. In all cases, the magnitudes and signs of the NNTs obtained were used to gauge the effect of hormone therapy. RESULTS The unadjusted NNTs were positive and in most cases had relatively small magnitudes (the greater the NNT, the smaller the benefit) for both short-term and long-term hormone therapy; these results were expected, and they suggested that there is a strong benefit associated with the use of hormones adjuvant to radiotherapy for locally advanced disease. Adjusted NNTs remained positive and had relatively small magnitudes even after the introduction into the analysis of complications of short-term and long-term hormone therapy. This finding, although weak with respect to the effect of short-term hormone therapy on cause-specific survival, remained robust over the range of values for utility impairment expected from short-term and long-term hormone therapy. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of short-term and long-term hormone therapy for locally advanced prostate carcinoma appear to be significant and to outweigh the associated side effects. Long-term therapy appears to be better than short-term therapy in terms of virtually all endpoints studied, even when the increased incidence of side effects is considered. The current investigation was successful in the use of the complication-adjusted NNT method for oncologic and radiotherapeutic scenarios in which the results of randomized trials could be summarized, adjusted for treatment toxicity, and individualized to a given patient. Cancer 2003. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
A co-relational model of data for large shared data banks

For the past decade, I have been on a quest to democratize developing data-intensive distributed applications. My secret weapon to slay the complexity dragon has been category theory and monads, but in particular the concept of duality. As it turns out, the data domain is an extremely rich source of all kinds of interesting dualities. These dualities are not just theoretical curiosities, but actually solve many practical problems and help to uncover deep similarities between concepts that at first look totally unrelated.In this talk I will illustrate several of the dualities I have encountered during my journey, and show how this resulted in a novel "A co-Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks".
Economic imperialism and resource nationalism: Comment on Kemp and Ohyama

Abstract Kemp and Ohyama show that a self-seeking resource-poor imperial economy can use tariffs to completely exploit its resource-rich raw-material producing colonial trading partner, but that when capital is immobile, the colonial economy loses all power to exploit by means of ad valorem trade taxes. We use geometry to explain why, and demonstrate that there are other instruments (export quotas, import quotas, an export tariff specified in units of the import per unit of the export, and destruction of the raw material by the colonial economy's government) which may restore the colonial economy's ability to exploit the imperial one.
Peripheral tolerance via the anterior chamber of the eye: role of B cells in MHC class I and II antigen presentation.

Ags introduced into the anterior chamber (AC) of the eye induce a form of peripheral immune tolerance termed AC-associated immune deviation (ACAID). ACAID mitigates ocular autoimmune diseases and promotes corneal allograft survival. Ags injected into the AC are processed by F4/80 + APCs, which migrate to the thymus and spleen. In the spleen, ocular APCs induce the development of Ag-specific B cells that act as ancillary APCs and are required for ACAID induction. In this study, we show that ocular-like APCs elicit the generation of Ag-specific splenic B cells that induce ACAID. However, direct cell contact between ocular-like APCs and splenic B cells is not necessary for the induction of ACAID B cells. Peripheral tolerance produced by ACAID requires the participation of ACAID B cells, which induce the generation of both CD4 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8 + Tregs. Using in vitro and in vivo models of ACAID, we demonstrate that ACAID B cells must express both MHC class I and II molecules for the generation of Tregs. These results suggest that peripheral tolerance induced through the eye requires Ag-presenting B cells that simultaneously present Ags on both MHC class I and II molecules.
25 Years of Ecological Change at Mount St. Helens

The environment around Mount St. Helens was forever altered by its eruption on 18 May 1980. In their Perspective, Dale, et al. explain the many fascinating changes to the environment that have taken place and the many important lessons learned by researchers during the 25 years since the eruption.
High-Pressure Release-Wave Measurements and Phase Transformation in CaCO3

Release-wave measurements on theoretical-density single crystal calcium carbonate from Hugoniot states of 11.5-, 17.9- and 26.4-GPa shock pressure have been performed using time-resolved laser velocity interferometry diagnostics. Samples were subjected to planar impact with metal discs accelerated to high velocity using a powder gun facility. Motion was measured at a diffusely reflecting interface between the sample and lithium fluoride window material. Evidence for a high-pressure phase transformation between 12–14 GPa was provided from the 17.0- and 26.4-GPa experiments in terms of a well-defined rarefaction shock wave. The new phase may be a further metastable phase of calcite or identical to the high pressure state of aragonite.
Biphasic clearance of incompatible red blood cells through a novel mechanism requiring neither complement nor Fcγ receptors in a murine model.

BACKGROUND: Antibody binding to red blood cells (RBCs) can induce potentially fatal outcomes, including hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs), hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The mechanism(s) of RBC destruction following antibody binding is typically thought to require complement activation and/or the involvement of Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). In the current report, we analyzed mechanisms of HTRs during incompatible transfusions of murine RBCs expressing human glycophorin A (hGPA) into mice with anti-hGPA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: C3 and Fcγ receptor knockout, splenectomized, Fcγ receptor blocking antibody–treated, and clodronate-treated mice were passively immunized with anti-hGPA (10F7 or 6A7) and transfused with RBCs expressing the hGPA antigen. Posttransfusion blood and serum were collected and analyzed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: This HTR model results in both rapid clearance and cytokine storm. Neither complement nor FcγRs were required for RBC clearance; in contrast, FcγRs were required for cytokine storm. Circulating aggregates of hGPA RBCs were visible during the HTR. Splenectomy and phagocyte depletion by clodronate had no effect on acute RBC clearance; however, incompatible RBCs reentered over 24 hours in clodronate-treated mice. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate a biphasic HTR, the first phase involving sequestration of incompatible hGPA RBCs and the second phase involving phagocytosis of sequestered RBCs. However, the mechanism(s) of phagocytosis in the second phase required neither C3 nor FcγRs. These findings demonstrate novel mechanistic biology of HTRs.
The TAU2 polyphonic music terminal: the project, its realisation and role in computer music

In the early months of 2003 two related events occurred: the installation of the audio terminal TAU2 at the Museum of Computing Instruments in Pisa and the inauguration of a centre for the restoration of audio objects at the L. Cherubini Conservatory of Music in Florence, where the now obsolete TAU2 had been for many years. The restoration of tape recordings, LP records, and other material produced on the TAU2 system and its control language TAUMUS is one of the first activities at the centre (MART for Music, Audio, Recovery/Restoration, Technology). These events and the fact that I had participated directly in the first projects involving the use of computers in music have made me reflect on what has happened since the 70’s in the development of computer music in Italy. I readily accepted the invitation to review the activities in Pisa in this period, in particular the unforgettable experience involving the creation of the computer music system TAU2 – TAUMUS. Prof. Franco Denoth of IEI (Istituto Elaborazione Informazioni) at the CNR in Pisa proposed the project to meet the needs of M. Pietro Grossi’s initiatives in the field of Computer Music. Thanks to the partnership between experts at the CNUCE Institute and hardware designers at IEI, coordinated by Prof. Denoth, the system was functioning by 1975. The ambitious goal was the construction of an audio terminal to interface like any peripheral device to the mainframe IBM 360/67 of the CNUCE, to allow the electronic production of sounds and the execution of polyphonic and polytimbric music in real time using the program TAUMUS. Thanks to the creative use of additive synthesis and other specific solutions, the TAU2 produced good phonic quality and allowed direct interaction between the user and the computer. Entrusting the execution of the pieces to a system other than the one used for elaboration meant significantly lower usage in the CPU time of the computer with respect to other systems of the period.
Characterization of Arc Generated Plasma Interactions with a Liquid Metal Medium

Plasma interaction with first wall and interior reactor chamber components is an influencing factor in the design of inertial fusion facilities. The concept of a liquid metal wall, in which a circu...
Quantitative Studies on Fabrics as Disseminators of Viruses V. Effect of Laundering on Poliovirus-Contaminated Fabrics

The effects of laundering with both anionic and nonionic detergents in cold, warm, and hot water on poliovirus-contaminated cotton sheeting, cotton terry cloth, washable wool shirting, wool blanketing, dull nylon jersey, and dacron/cotton shirting were determined. The fabrics were exposed to virus by aerosolization and direct contact (pipette) in separate studies. Although the results varied with each factor used in the study, virus titers on all the fabrics were generally reduced considerably by the laundering process. When the fabrics were dried for 20 hr after laundering, an additional decline in virus titers was seen, often to below detectable levels. The type of detergent used made little difference in effect on virus titer reduction, but the hot wash water markedly reduced the detectable virus. Fabric type was not a major factor in the majority of the experiments, although virus tended to be eliminated more readily from the nylon jersey, and in warm water the virus persisted longer on wool blanketing material laundered in anionic detergent. Sterile fabrics of each type laundered with similar fabrics which contained virus often became contaminated by the virus during the laundering process. Virus titers ranging from undetectable to 10(3.9) cell culture 50% infectious doses/ml were obtained from samples of the rinse water after warm- and cold-water laundering.
Fluctuations and quantum criticality in the two‐dimensional Bose Hubbard model

At a quantum phase transition, one ground state evolves into a different one by passing through a quantum critical region with enhanced spatial and temporal fluctuations. A method to map the quantum critical region using the single, local quantity R, the ratio of compressibility to local number fluctuations is proposed. R can be calculated from in situ experiments and also enables thermometry and phase diagnosis (for example whether superfluid or Mott insulating). The definition of R can be generalized to inhomogeneous systems and provides a powerful tool for experimentally mapping the finite temperature phase diagram demonstrated here for the two-dimensional Bose Hubbard model.
Digital beamforming-an emerging technology

The current status of digital beamforming (DBF) technology is reviewed. Particular attention is given to the advantages of DBF, including improved adaptive pattern nulling, superresolution, self-calibration, and array element pattern correction. DBF implementation is examined, and examples of DBF systems are mentioned. >
Automatic and Controlled Response Inhibition: Associative Learning in the Go/No-Go and Stop-Signal Paradigms

In 5 experiments, the authors examined the development of automatic response inhibition in the go/no-go paradigm and a modified version of the stop-signal paradigm. They hypothesized that automatic response inhibition may develop over practice when stimuli are consistently associated with stopping. All 5 experiments consisted of a training phase and a test phase in which the stimulus mapping was reversed for a subset of the stimuli. Consistent with the automatic-inhibition hypothesis, the authors found that responding in the test phase was slowed when the stimulus had been consistently associated with stopping in the training phase. In addition, they found that response inhibition benefited from consistent stimulus-stop associations. These findings suggest that response inhibition may rely on the retrieval of stimulus-stop associations after practice with consistent stimulus-stop mappings. Stimulus-stop mapping is typically consistent in the go/no-go paradigm, so automatic inhibition is likely to occur. However, stimulus-stop mapping is typically inconsistent in the stop-signal paradigm, so automatic inhibition is unlikely to occur. Thus, the results suggest that the two paradigms are not equivalent because they allow different kinds of response inhibition.
ST Segment and T Wave Abnormalities Not Caused by Acute Coronary Syndromes

This article reviews the ST segment and T wave abnormalities seen in non-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) electrocardiograph presentations. Particular emphasis is placed on the distinction of these non-ACS syndromes from acute coronary syndrome related ST segment and or T wave change.
A Piece of the Public Health Surveillance Puzzle: Social Contacts among School-Aged Children

Estimates of contact rates and mixing patterns among school-aged children may be informative for acute respiratory infectious disease surveillance as well as prevention and control activities. We collected contact data from children at school and non-school settings using objective proximity sensors and self-report surveys and logs. Contact rates for school-aged children are variable across settings and among classrooms within schools. Quantifying this variability can be beneficial in better understanding transmission dynamics of acute respiratory diseases and lead to improved surveillance, as well as control and prevention strategies.
Characterization of fiber-generated entangled photon pairs with superconducting single-photon detectors.

We demonstrate the suitability of fiber-generated entangled photon pairs for practical quantum communications in the telecom band by measuring their properties with superconducting single-photon detectors that produce negligible dark counts. The photon pairs are created in approximately 5-ps duration windows at 50 MHz rate while the detectors are operated in ungated free running mode. We obtain a coincidence to accidental-coincidence ratio >80 with raw photon-counting data, i.e., without making any post-measurement corrections. Using a previously demonstrated counter-propagating scheme we also produce polarizationentangled photon pairs at 50-MHz rate, which in coincidence detection directly yield two-photon interference with a fringe visibility >98%.
Models of climate cycles recorded in Martian polar layered deposits

Mars polar deposit accumulation models are used to predict the sequences of layer thicknesses. Continuous deposition and climate-modulated deposition models are compared, and two physical models of the latter type are developed in detail. In addition to examining the sensitivity of the sequence of layer thicknesses to model type and threshold, parallels with terrestrial ocean margin deposition are drawn with a view to better understanding the effects of a prolonged interval of nondeposition on stratigraphy and the modification of the central polar stratigraphy by scarp margin effects. When the threshold for deposition lies in the midrange with respect to excursions of the climate function, deposition occurs about half of the time, and there is only a slight modulation of the layer thickness. When the threshold for deposition is high, deposition occurs only a small fraction of the total time, and groups of layers form which are separated from other groups by long periods of nondeposition.
Codon adaptation and synonymous substitution rate in diatom plastid genes

Diatom plastid genes are examined with respect to codon adaptation and rates of silent substitution (Ks). It is shown that diatom genes follow the same pattern of codon usage as other plastid genes studied previously. Highly expressed diatom genes display codon adaptation, or a bias toward specific major codons, and these major codons are the same as those in red algae, green algae, and land plants. It is also found that there is a strong correlation between Ks and variation in codon adaptation across diatom genes, providing the first evidence for such a relationship in the algae. It is argued that this finding supports the notion that the correlation arises from selective constraints, not from variation in mutation rate among genes. Finally, the diatom genes are examined with respect to variation in Ks among different synonymous groups. Diatom genes with strong codon adaptation do not show the same variation in synonymous substitution rate among codon groups as the flowering plant psbA gene which, previous studies have shown, has strong codon adaptation but unusually high rates of silent change in certain synonymous groups. The lack of a similar finding in diatoms supports the suggestion that the feature is unique to the flowering plant psbA due to recent relaxations in selective pressure in that lineage.
Induction of congenital hydrocephalus in hamsters with parainfluenza type 2 virus.

Abstract We describe induction of obstructive hydrocephalus by intra-amniotic inoculation of parainfluenza type 2 virus into 10- to 12-day pregnant hamsters. As determined by cytoplasmic inclusions, specific immunofluorescence, cytopathic effects, inflammation, and/or gross and microscopic lesions, 144 of 264 exposed fetuses were infected. Fetuses harvested at term showed initial infection of yolk sac endoderm, transmission to fetuses via oronasal portals, and early spread along respiratory mucosa. Mild meningoencephalitis, principally involving ependyma and usually sparing brain parenchyma, was also observed in 58 animals. While pneumonitis tended to regress without significant sequellae, destruction of ependyma led to gliovascular outgrowth over ventricular walls, adhesions, and aqueductal stenosis. Ultimately, as observed in four animals, obstructive hydrocephalus resulted. The aqueductal lesion, a consequence of repair, resembled a developmental rather than a postinfectious defect. This is the second example of the experimental induction of this entity by an intrauterine systemic viral infection, the other causative agent being mumps. These two sets of studies, which bear close comparison, support the postulate that congenital hydrocephalus in humans may be the result of intrauterine infection by common viruses, which only infrequently invade the developing nervous system and induce mild, self-limited, but strategically localized disease.
The causes and consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear accident and implications for the regulation of U.S. nuclear power plants

Abstract As in the case of the TMI accident public concern around the world over nuclear safety has been aroused by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Because of its severity and enormous impact on public opinion, it is important to study the accident and its implications carefully and to provide accurate information to the public. Since this was the first nuclear accident with large offsite releases of radionuclides, valuable insights are to be gained especially, for example, from Soviet actions to terminate the accident and mitigate its consequences, emergency preparedness and evacuation measures, medical treatment, protection against contaminated food and water supplies, and a variety of post-accident recovery measures. With the perspective of a year since the accident and a recent visit by the Author to Chernobyl with a U.S. nuclear safety delegation this paper reviews a number of new studies to draw conclusions about the causes of the Chernobyl accident, its health and environmental consequences and some of the implications for regulation of the safety of U.S. nuclear power plants.
Gender and economic voting, revisited

Abstract In this article, I focus on the extent to which gender structures economic voting in presidential elections from 1980 to 2004. Existing literature suggests that women and men rely on sociotropic and pocketbook considerations to differing degrees. The overriding view is that women vote more sociotropically than men and men vote more egocentrically than women. Contrary to conclusions drawn by scholars and cited by subsequent researchers, I find that men and women alike vote sociotropically – and to essentially the same degree. There is no evidence to suggest that women vote more sociotropically than men. Moreover, pocketbook voting is hard to find – among both men and women. The evidence overall suggests more similarity than difference in women and men's economic voting.
Osteochondral injury increases type II collagen degradation products (C2C) in synovial fluid of Thoroughbred racehorses

Summary Objectives To investigate the effects of exercise and osteochondral (OC) injury on type II collagen degradation products (collagenase cleavage neoepitope commercially known as C2C) in synovial fluid (SF) from Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses and to compare these results with radiographic and arthroscopic scores of severity of joint injury. Methods Metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) and carpal SF was obtained from (1) 20 normal rested horses, (2) the same horses after 5 to 6 months of race training, and (3) 27 horses with OC injury from racing. For group 3, radiographic and arthroscopic scores were determined. Concentrations of SF C2C were determined by ELISA. Results SF C2C concentrations in OC injured carpal and MCP/MTP joints were significantly different than rested and exercised joints ( P P =0.002). OC injured SF C2C concentrations were positively correlated with radiographic and arthroscopic scores. Arthroscopic scores were positively correlated with radiographic scores. SF C2C concentrations ≥64pmol/mL for MCP/MTP joints and ≥75pmol/mL for carpal joints discriminated OC injured joints from rested or exercised joints. Conclusion OC injury caused a significant increase in SF C2C concentrations in carpal and MCP/MTP joints compared to rested and exercised horses. SF C2C concentrations were correlated to severity of joint injury. Based on these findings, SF C2C analysis may be useful for evaluation of joint injury.
Oxidation through the zirconia substrates of heteroepitaxial silicon films Grown on yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia

We demonstrate the thermal oxidation of the Si side of the interface in epitaxial Si films grown on yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia, 〈Si〉/〈YSZ〉, to form a dual-layer structure of 〈Si〉 /amorphous SiO2/〈YSZ〉. The SiO2 films are formed in either dry oxygen (at 1100‡C) or in pyrogenic steam (at 925‡C) by the rapid diffusion of oxidizing species through the 425 Μm thick cubic zirconia substrate. For instance, a 0.17 Μm thick SiO2 layer is obtained after 100 min in pyrogenic steam at 925‡C. This relatively easy transport of oxidants is unique to YSZ and other insulators which are also superionic oxygen conductors, and cannot be achieved in other existing Si/insulator systems, such as Si-on-sapphire. The present process eliminates the most
New Sources of Power—Solar Energy

In the very near term, solar energy can provide hot water and space heating, and in the intermediate term, space cooling for both commercial and residential buildings. In the longer term, terrestrial solar power systems based on focused solar energy, wind energy, or ocean thermal gradients are possible regional sources of auxiliary power. Photovoltaic conversion of solar energy to electricity with solar cells could provide supplemental power if the costs of solar cells are reduced. By the year 2000, a satellite solar power station could be a technically and economically viable continuous source of primary electric power whenever needed throughout the world. It will use solar cells to collect the solar radiation, which would then be converted to microwave energy. The microwaves will be beamed to a receiving antenna on earth and be reconverted to electricity. Such solar systems can help meet future energy demands without significant detriment to man’s environment.
Gyriform calcifications following encephalitis

Gyriform calcifications on the plain skull film and pneumoencephalographic findings indistinguishable from Sturge-Weber disease are reported in a child following an acute encephalitis. The patient has none of the cutaneous manifestations of encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis.
Estimation of cell survival in tumours heated to nonuniform temperature distributions

A stochastic model describing the probability of cell survival as a function of thermal exposure was developed and fit to data arising from studies of CHO cell survival under hyperthermic conditions. This model characterizes the separate risks of temperature-induced cell death and induction of thermotolerance during heating. Tumour cells are assumed to be affected independently of each other by hyperthermia. Tumour geometry, perfusion and power deposition affect hyperthermia-induced temperature distributions in tumours, producing nonuniform temperatures. Two tumours may respond to hyperthermia slightly differently because of differences in tumour geometry, perfusion, power deposition, or by chance alone and the approach presented here incorporates chance and these other factors explicitly. The results: (1) the time-temperature history is important for estimating tumour cell survival; (2) tumour temperature heterogeneity leaves more surviving cells at a given T90 temperature than would be expected if the e...