cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Public and Its Climate: Exploring the Relationship Between Public Discourse and Opinion on Global Warming

ABSTRACTWe use original data from a national public opinion survey to analyze the relationships between citizens’ engagement in public discourse on climate change and their beliefs about the existence of anthropogenic climate change and support for climate change-oriented policies. We find that engagement in discourse is positively associated with strong beliefs affirming the reality of climate change. We also find that engagement in public discourse is strongly associated with strength of opinion on both sides of the debate on climate change-oriented policy preferences, suggesting an association between public discourse and polarization. The results will be of interest to scholars of deliberative and discursive democracy and climate communication proponents who advocate for increased public discussion of the complex policy issues.
Trithion and Ethion for Control of Two-Spotted Spider Mite on Cotton

When control of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus telarius (L.), was delayed until the first cotton leaves began to redden, it became necessary to reduce the existing level of infestation to prevent further foliar injury which would otherwise have occurred very rapidly. If a long schedule of acaricidal applications was to be avoided, it was necessary to disrupt the life cycle of the pest. Under warm, wet, cloudy conditions spider mite populations in check plots increased 6- to 10-fold by the eighth day following the initiation of replicated, small-plot field tests. The check plots were completely defoliated within 3 weeks. One dust or spray application of Trithion or ethion was more effective than three dust or spray applications of parathion or Aramite at 4-day intervals. One dust or spray application of parathion or Aramite was not effective. One application of 0.25 pound per acre of demeton spray, 0.25 to 0.5 pound of Trithion spray or dust, or 1.0 pound of ethion spray resulted in adequate control. One application of 1.0 pound per acre of ethion dust resulted in a high degree of control, but the results indicated that a second application of this material may sometimes be necessary.
Half-Ring Helical Structure for Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers

We introduce a new slow wave structure referred to as half-ring helix for traveling wave tube (TWT) applications. This new structure is shown to achieve 27% size reduction with concurrent nondispersive response across the S-band. A 10-dB gain improvement was also observed as compared with the standard helix TWT. Moreover, the designed traveling wave tube can attain a maximum saturated output power of 1 KW and a bandwidth of 0.75 GHz (2.5-3.25 GHz). This improved gain and power handling, along with a satisfactory bandwidth, makes the structure attractive as compared with conventional ones. In this paper, we present the TWT design with numerically computed cold test results and evaluate its hot test performance using particle-in-cell simulations.
Shape Alloys of Nanorods and Nanospheres from Self-Assembly

Mixtures of anisotropic nanocrystals promise a great diversity of superlattices and phase behaviors beyond those of single-component systems. However, obtaining a colloidal shape alloy in which two different shapes are thermodynamically coassembled into a crystalline superlattice has remained a challenge. Here we present a joint experimental-computational investigation of two geometrically ubiquitous nanocrystalline building blocks-nanorods and nanospheres-that overcome their natural entropic tendency toward macroscopic phase separation and coassemble into three intriguing phases over centimeter scales, including an AB2-type binary superlattice. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that, although this shape alloy is entropically stable at high packing fraction, demixing is favored at experimental densities. Simulations with short-ranged attractive interactions demonstrate that the alloy is stabilized by interactions induced by ligand stabilizers and/or depletion effects. An asymmetry in the relative interaction strength between rods and spheres improves the robustness of the self-assembly process.
Mexican American emerging adults' relationships with siblings and dimensions of familism values

We used a person-oriented approach to describe the profiles of Mexican American emerging adults' relationships with siblings using affective/behavioral qualities (e.g., positivity) and relationship maintenance strategies (e.g., communication frequency) and to examine how profiles of sibling relationships were related to dimensions of Mexican American emerging adults' familism values. Using data from 186 Mexican American emerging adults (Mage = 21.56), we conducted latent profile analyses and identified three profiles of emerging adults' relationships with siblings: moderate (n = 106), positive/involved (n = 64), and negative/distant (n = 16). Our findings suggest that the majority of emerging adults in our study reported close relationships with siblings and dimensions of familism values were differentially associated with profiles of sibling relationship qualities.
A Climate of Inaction: Limitations of a Relational Understanding of Morality

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the only way to mitigate the consequences of climate change. In spite of this knowledge, curing the world’s addiction to fossil fuels has proven to be A herculean task. International agreements are limited in scope, and National governments have failed to enact laws that would sufficiently reduce domestic emissions. in addition, most individuals are hesitant to make THE necessary sacrifices that would reduce personal emissions. While political, economic, and technological factors are the most apparent barr iers to reform, climate change can also be understood as a moral failure. Fr om a psychological standpoint, morality is an emotional belief that stems from Interpersonal relationships. The unprecedented scope of climate change has exposed the limits of the relational understanding of morality. We have been unable to frame our relationship with the biosphere in a manner that elicits a strong enough moral response to lead to decisive action. This paper does not attempt to offer a solution, but hopes instead to reveal the moral implications of climate inaction.
When patients cannot afford their medications.

For physicians who realize that drug costs can be a problem, we offer some practical solutions and discussion about how to help these patients.
Tools for Transformational Strategic Planning

How should healthcare leaders begin a strategic planning effort given future uncertainties? This chapter provides a summary of key strategic planning tools from SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to scenario planning. While the aim of strategy—sustainable competitive impact—is the same no matter which tools are utilized, this chapter argues that more dynamic tools, such as Hambrick’s Strategy Diamond and scenario planning, are best suited for healthcare’s increasingly uncertain future. Robust strategy efforts should yield a portfolio of strategic initiatives—short, medium, and longer-term—that can “bend” with future uncertainties while lowering the risk of being truly unable to respond as the future unfolds.
Near-Infrared Cyanine Dye–Protein Interactions

Recent developments in the applications of near-infrared cyanine dyes involving their interactions with proteins are briefly reviewed.
Coincidence measurement of 350μm pitch pixelated CdZnTe detector with LSO PET module

A coincidence detection system between 350μm pitch pixelated CZT detector and a LSO-based Inveon PET detector was built up for PET imaging application. Using different trigger mode, we studied how the triggering strategy affects the PET imaging resolution. We obtained 670μm at FWHM image resolution for coincidence events detected by CZT central pixel only. If we include coincidence events from CZT double-pixel charge sharing events (while the CZT central pixel still got the biggest signal amplitude), the PET image resolution degrades to 730μm FWHM, but the count rate increases 2.5 to 3 times. We estimated the CZT timing property in different coincidence approaches, i.e. triggered by CZT anode signal or LSO signal, based on the electron drift time measurement from one flash ADC system and the measurement of trigger time difference of LSO and CZT signals.
Thrips developmental stage-specific transcriptome response to tomato spotted wilt virus during the virus infection cycle in Frankliniella occidentalis, the primary vector

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is transmitted by Frankliniella occidentalis in a circulative-propagative manner. Little is known about thrips vector response to TSWV during the infection process from larval acquisition to adult inoculation of plants. Whole-body transcriptome response to virus infection was determined for first-instar larval, pre-pupal and adult thrips using RNA-Seq. TSWV responsive genes were identified using preliminary sequence of a draft genome of F. occidentalis as a reference and three developmental-stage transcriptomes were assembled. Processes and functions associated with host defense, insect cuticle structure and development, metabolism and transport were perturbed by TSWV infection as inferred by ontologies of responsive genes. The repertoire of genes responsive to TSWV varied between developmental stages, possibly reflecting the link between thrips development and the virus dissemination route in the vector. This study provides the foundation for exploration of tissue-specific expression in response to TSWV and functional analysis of thrips gene function.
The Persistent Environmental Relevance of Soil Phosphorus Sorption Saturation

Controlling phosphorus (P) loss from agricultural soils remains a priority pollution concern in much of the world. Dissolved forms of P loss are among the most difficult to manage. The concept of soil P sorption saturation, the extent to which a soil’s binding sites for P are occupied, emerged from the Netherlands in the 1990s and has broad appeal as both environmental indicator and management paradigm. For hydrologically active and connected soils, P sorption saturation is responsible for the stubborn problem of legacy P, resulting in long-term release of dissolved forms of P from soils. Short- and long-term mitigation options for elevated soil P sorption saturation do exist, all with trade-offs that require adoption of new mitigation and prevention strategies. Ultimately, better incorporation of soil P sorption saturation into both crop fertility and environmental management programs is needed to promote the sustainable management of P in agricultural production systems.
Physician Assistants and the Expanding Global Health-Care Workforce

The physician assistant and other types of medical providers with accelerated and focused training were developed to serve the specific health-care needs of individual countries. They have an important role in providing care globally in response to physician shortages. Working in over 50 nations, these clinicians increase access to team-based health care. This perspective explores the successes and challenges of these professionals as an international community. Steps are proposed to increase global awareness and acceptance of these professionals including platforms to increase discussion, scholarly activity, and collaboration.
Rise of Born Globals and Their Association With High Technology Intensity or Services Sector - Myths or Reality?

Literature suggests that the proportion of born globals—firms entering foreign countries soon after birth—has increased significantly over time and that such firms are associated with high-technolo...
Parenting Strain among Mexican-origin Mothers: Differences by Parental Legal Status and Neighborhood.

Despite increasing recognition of the critical importance of legal status for understanding the well-being of immigrants and their families, there has been scant research on this topic. Using Wave 1 of the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey (2000–2002) and the 2000 decennial census, the authors investigated how parenting strain among Mexican-origin mothers varies by legal status and neighborhood context. They found significant differences in parenting strain by nativity and legal status, with undocumented mothers reporting the lowest level. Results from multilevel models with cross-level interactions reveal that the influence of neighborhood immigrant concentration differs by legal status. Percent foreign born in the neighborhood is associated with reduced parenting strain for documented Mexican-origin mothers, whereas it is associated with heightened parenting strain for undocumented Mexican-origin mothers. The findings provide empirical support for the need to recognize legal status distinctions in studies of the well-being of immigrants and their families.
Challenging the Third Rail: Iconography and Social Security Reform

The Social Security system is expected to go bankrupt in approximately 2032. The debate on how to reform the system currently revolves around the issue of privatization. Advocates of privatization claim that allowing individuals to invest some of their SSI contributions would provide greater returns and protect the system from insolvency. Opponents of privatization argue that such a move would expose individuals to excessive risk. The debate should be resolved through a rational examination of alternative proposals. Unfortunately, defenders of the status quo are again resorting to the type of iconography seen in other recent public policy debates. They are equating defense of the current government-financed system with protecting the elderly from evil predators who wish to "starve the old folks" for their own gain. The purpose of this paper is to show how iconography could harm future retirees by stifling debate on an important public policy issue.
Approximate planning (extended abstract)

This paper makes two linked contributions. First, we argue that planning systems, instead of being correct (every plan returned achieves the goal) and complete (all such plans are returned), should be approximately correct and complete, in that most plans returned achieve the goal and that most such plans are returned. Our first contribution is to formalize this notion. Our second aim is to demonstrate the practical importance of these ideas. We argue that the cached plans used by case-based planners are best thought of as approximate as opposed to exact, and also show that we can use our approach to plan for subgoals g1 and g2 separately and to combine the plans generated to produce a plan for the conjoined goal g1 Λ g1. The computational benefits of working with subgoals separately have long been recognized, but attempts to do so using correct and complete planners have failed.
Enhancing the chemical selectivity in discovery-based analysis with tandem ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

Abstract The complementary information provided by tandem ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TI-TOFMS) is investigated for comparative discovery-based analysis, when coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC). The TI conditions implemented were a hard ionization energy (70 eV) concurrently collected with a soft ionization energy (14 eV). Tile-based Fisher ratio (F-ratio) analysis is used to analyze diesel fuel spiked with twelve analytes at a nominal concentration of 50 ppm. F-ratio analysis is a supervised discovery-based technique that compares two different sample classes, in this case spiked and unspiked diesel, to reduce the complex GC × GC-TI-TOFMS data into a hit list of class distinguishing analyte features. Hit lists of the 70 eV and 14 eV data sets, and the single hit list produced when the two data sets are fused together, are all investigated. For the 70 eV hit list, eleven of the twelve analytes were found in the top thirteen hits. For the 14 eV hit list, nine of the twelve analytes were found in the top nine hits, with the other three analytes either not found or well down the hit list. As expected, the F-ratios per m/z used to calculate each average F-ratio per hit were generally smaller fragment ions for the 70 eV data set, while the larger fragment ions were emphasized in the 14 eV data set, supporting the notion that complementary information was provided. The discovery rate was improved when F-ratio analysis was performed on the fused data sets resulted in eleven of the twelve analytes being at the top of the single hit list. Using PARAFAC, analytes that were “discovered” were deconvoluted in order to obtain their identification via match values (MV). Location of the analytes and the “F-ratio spectra” obtained from F-ratio analysis were used to guide the deconvolution. Eight of the twelve analytes where successfully deconvoluted and identified using the in-house library for the 70 eV data set. PARAFAC deconvolution of the two separate data sets provided increased confidence in identification of “discovered” analytes. Herein, we explore the limit of analyte discovery and limit of analyte identification, and demonstrate a general workflow for the investigation of key chemical features in complex samples.
The Pope and Latin America: Mission from the Periphery

What difference does it make that Pope Francis is from Latin America? One of his first visits as Pope was to the World Youth Conference in Rio de Janeiro, and he has made several well-publicized trips to other destinations in the Americas since then. Catholicism certainly has its challenges in Latin America, but it is still the dominant religion and has a rich and distinctive history in the region. This chapter contextualizes Pope Francis in the historical background of the last fifty years in Latin America. It focuses on the socioeconomic and political drama of those decades as well as on the development of a distinctive pastoral mind-set (including a view of politics) among the highest leaders of the Church in Latin America. When he was a cardinal, Pope Francis’s participation in the Conference of Aparecida in 2007—in which he played a leading role—was absolutely critical in the development of his vision for church and society moving forward.
Confining annealed branched polymers inside spherical capsids.

The Lifshitz equation for the confinement of a linear polymer in a spherical cavity of radius R has the form of the Schrodinger equation for a quantum particle trapped in a potential well with flat bottom and infinite walls at radius R. We show that the Lifshitz equation of a confined annealed branched polymer has the form of the Schrodinger equation for a quantum harmonic oscillator. The resulting confinement energy has a 1/R4 dependence on the confinement radius R, in contrast to the case of confined linear polymers, which have a 1/R2 dependence. We discuss the application of this result to the problem of the confinement of single-stranded RNA molecules inside spherical capsids.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Abnormal Brain Development – Findings from Basic Research

The focus of this chapter is on description of normal and alcohol-induced abnormal embryogenesis of the brain and face. Emphasis is placed on early mammalian developmental stages and the vulnerability of early embryos to birth defects caused by maternal alcohol use. Regarding normal development, the prenatal stages described are present from the 3rd through the 6th weeks of human gestation (i.e., mid 5th through 8th weeks after the beginning of the last normal menstrual period [LNMP]; a time that is prior to pregnancy recognition by many women). This presentation of basic embryology concepts is designed to provide a foundation for the appreciation of alcohol-induced teratogenesis. The alcohol-induced abnormalities described result from accurately timed acute prenatal exposures in mice that were subsequent to maternal alcohol administration at times that correspond to the mid-3rd to early 4th week post-fertilization (mid-5th to early 6th week post-LNMP) in humans. The animal model-based research findings show that the characteristic facial features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome result from insult as early as the mid-3rd week of human development; that later exposures affecting development in the 4th week yield a different pattern of facial defects; and that at both of these exposure periods embryos are vulnerable to induction of structural brain abnormalities. Demonstration of the vulnerability to alcohol-induced birth defects of embryos at developmental stages that are present at a time prior to typical human pregnancy recognition has major implications for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention approaches and is important for legal and ethical considerations involving both mothers and their affected offspring.
Exploration and evaluation of CAD modeling in virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) technology has experienced a recent surge in popularity over the past few years and is finding more applications beyond entertainment. Three dimensional modeling is an applicat...
A Rare Case of ALK-Positive Large B-Cell Lymphoma With CD33 Expression

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive large B-cell lymphoma (ALK+ LBCL) is a very rare and aggressive subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma characterized by ALK rearrangement. Immunophenotypically, the tumor cells are typically negative for common B-cell markers, T-cell markers, and CD30; however, they express markers of terminally differentiated B cells/plasma cells such as CD38, CD138, and MUM-1/IRF4. The diagnosis of ALK+ LBCL can be challenging, and often a large panel of immunostains is required to exclude other hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic neoplasms. To date, approximately 130–140 cases have been reported, but here we report the first known case of ALK+ LBCL with unusual CD33 expression.
Intrinsic Localized Modes in Anharmonic Lattices

The success of the harmonic approximation in describing vibrations of condensed matter systems comes about because the plane wave amplitude at any particular site is extremely small hence it does not matter that the intermolecular potentials themselves are considered to be anharmonic in nature. Anharmonicity is generally introduced perturbatively to explain experimentally observed phenomena such as thermal expansion and phonon combination bands. Here we examine the dynamical properties of a locally excited anharmonic lattice such as might be expected to occur during an optical excitation of a coupled electron-lattice system so that the anharmonicity can play a more significant role. One development presented here is a straightforward demonstration of intrinsic localized modes in perfect one-dimensional monatomic lattices with quartic anharmonicity. These modes are similar to those associated with previously studied force constant defects, but they may be located anywhere in a perfect lattice and can actually move from site to site given the appropriate initial conditions. Associated with each localized vibrational mode in monatomic lattices with cubic and quartic anharmonicity is a localized dc distortion which forms an integral part of this new dynamical configuration. The softening of the potential with large displacements from equilibrium also produces a red-shift in the local mode frequency, but stable modes are observed in molecular dynamics simulations for a large range of anharmonicity parameters. The building blocks presented here for the development of localized modes in the one dimensional anharmonic chain can be used directly in the discussion of more complex nonlinear systems.
Calcium-Calmodulin Kinase II (CaMKII) in learning and memory

Calcium/calmodulin-activated protein kinases (CaM-kinases) are a family of enzymes enriched in nervous tissue that are activated by binding to calcium-saturated calmodulin. Each CaM-kinase has unique properties, but all catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to a Ser or Thr residue in substrate proteins. In some cases, the kinases serve as substrates for phosphorylation, and phosphorylation alters their activity. These phosphorylation events are found to regulate almost every biological process in neurons and are essential for tuning the neuron’s properties in response to environmental stimuli. This article summarizes the biochemical properties of the CaM-kinase family as they relate to the regulation of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity.
Mid-Life Widows' Narratives of Support and Non-Support

1. People who simply listened and did not try to give unsolicited advice or control the conversation were perceived by mid-life widows as "supportive listeners." 2. Nurses are in pivotal roles to educate and influence others about the grieving process. 3. Nurses can serve as advocates for widows in using, and teaching others to use, therapeutic communication. 4. Each widow's experience and grieving trajectory is unique.
Aspects of Pseudointimacy in the Psychotherapy Relationship

Quoting from Leslie Farber (1966), What is called the fear of intimacy in the schizophrenic might be more accurately called the fear of losing intimacy. And the wilder manias of pseudointimacy which serve as a desperate camouflage [for hopelessness] could also be seen as desperate gambits to retrieve what has never been gained. It cannot be denied that the strained smile or the joyous laughter that often substitutes for friendship at a dinner party, bears some relation to the giggling of a hebephrenic or the grimace of catatonics. (p. 149) This reference is one of the few in the psychoanalytic literature that makes use of the term pseudointimacy. “To retrieve what has never been gained” is a sad and futile quest. The psychotherapeutic relationship, in my opinion, can never replace what was absent in the past. It can provide a new relationship and life experience, and it can clarify what was missing and may still be missing in the life and life history of the patient. This viewpoint is not shared by many therapists, especially those who attempt to work with more severely disturbed patients. The therapeutic interaction often takes the form of a parent-child relationship with the explicit aim of providing to the patient what was missing from his or her childhood. Some refer to simple nurturance, and others talk of building structures where there once were deficits within the patient.
Host-Pathogen Interactions in Gram-Positive Bacterial Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite broad literature including basic and translational scientific studies, many gaps in our understanding of host-pathogen interactions remain. In this review, pathogen virulence factors that drive lung infection and injury are discussed in relation to their associated host immune pathways. CAP epidemiology is considered, with a focus on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae as primary pathogens. Bacterial factors involved in nasal colonization and subsequent virulence are illuminated. A particular emphasis is placed on bacterial pore-forming toxins, host cell death, and inflammasome activation. Identified host-pathogen interactions are then examined by linking pathogen factors to aberrant host response pathways in the context of acute lung injury in both primary and secondary infection. While much is known regarding bacterial virulence and host immune responses, CAP management is still limited to mostly supportive care. It is likely that improvements in therapy will be derived from combinatorial targeting of both pathogen virulence factors and host immunomodulation.
You got a job; now what?: how early-career technical communicators professionalize and learn in a corporate technology context

This panel examines how early-career communication designers use formal and informal professional development strategies to navigate the changing boundaries of work responsibilities, job titles, and organizational focus within a corporate technology setting.
The Biopolitics of Intellectual Property: Regulating Innovation and Personhood in the Information Age

As a central part of the regulation of contemporary economies, intellectual property (IP) is central to all aspects of our lives. It matters for the works we create, the brands we identify and the medicines we consume. But if IP is power, what kind of power is it, and what does it do? Building on the work of Michel Foucault, Gordon Hull examines different ways of understanding power in copyright, trademark and patent policy: as law, as promotion of public welfare, and as promotion of neoliberal privatization. He argues that intellectual property policy is moving toward neoliberalism, even as that move is broadly contested in everything from resistance movements to Supreme Court decisions. This work should be read by anyone interested in understanding why the struggle to conceptualize IP matters.
Neuroscience and Criminal Law: Perils and Promises

This chapter addresses the potential contributions of neuroscience to criminal justice decision-making and policy, with special emphasis on criminal responsibility. The central question is whether neuroscience is relevant to criminal justice. The general conclusion is that it is scarcely useful at present but may become more relevant as the science progresses. After explaining the meaning of criminal responsibility in use, the chapter speculates about the source of claims for the positive influence of neuroscience. The scientific status of behavioral neuroscience and two radical challenges to responsibility neuroscience allegedly raises, determinism and the death of agency, are discussed next. Then, the specific relevance of neuroscience to criminal law and the use of neuroscience in criminal cases in the United States and abroad are addressed. The penultimate section points to some areas warranting modest optimism for the use of neuroscience in criminal justice. A brief conclusion follows.
Bolt-looseness detection by a new percussion-based method using multifractal analysis and gradient boosting decision tree:

Among various building blocks, bolted connections are the most widely used components, which can be employed to hold the integrity of entire structures. Looseness detection of bolted connections ha...
The Duke myasthenia gravis clinic registry: I. Description and demographics.

Introduction The Duke Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Clinic Registry is a disease-specific database containing physician-derived data from patients seen in the Duke MG Clinic since 1980. Methods Data from 1060 MG patients initially seen between 1980 and 2008 were reviewed. Results Fifty-four percent were male. Symptoms began after age 50 in 66% of males and 42% of females. Peak onset age in males was in their 60's; females had no predominant onset age. Onset age for both sexes increased from 1980 to 2008. Thymoma was present in 8.5%. Weakness was limited to ocular muscles for at least 2 y in 22% and became generalized later in 8.3% of these. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies were present in 78% overall, 82% with generalized MG and 52% with ocular MG (OMG). The distribution of MG disease class was similar in males and females, except that a greater proportion of women experienced myasthenic crisis and men were more likely to have OMG. Discussion Data in the Registry permit comprehensive and longitudinal analysis of a validated MG population. Analysis of Registry data shows that the frequency of AChR antibody negative MG, ocular MG, and thymoma are similar to other reports, but the onset age and proportion of males have progressively increased compared to studies published more than 20 y ago. These observations demonstrate the value of collecting comprehensive clinical information and comparing historic and contemporary populations. Other potential uses of Registry data include comparison of outcome measures in different disease subgroups and the response to specific treatments.
Fouling Behavior during Sterile Filtration of Different Glycoconjugate Serotypes Used in Conjugate Vaccines

Sterile filtration can be a particular challenge when processing very large glycoconjugate vaccines. The objective of this study was to examine the sterile filtration performance of a series of glycoconjugate vaccines produced by coupling different polysaccharide serotypes to an immunogenic protein. Sterile filtration was performed at constant filtrate flux using 0.22 μm pore size Durapore® polyvinylidene fluoride membranes. Glycoconjugates were characterized by dynamic light scattering, rheological measurements, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Confocal microscopy was used to examine glycoconjugate capture profiles within the membrane. Transmembrane pressure data were analyzed using a recently developed fouling model. All glycoconjugates deposited in a narrow band near the entrance of the Durapore® membranes. The rate of fouling varied significantly for the different serotypes, with the fouling parameter correlated with the fraction of glycoconjugates larger than 200 nm in size. The fouling behavior and sterile filter capacity of the different glycoconjugate serotypes are determined primarily by the presence of large species (>200 nm in size) as determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis. The modified intermediate pore blockage model provides a framework for predicting the sterile filtration performance for these glycoconjugate vaccines.
Achieving Broadened Accountability in Nonprofit Governance Through Social Competence Within a Community of Practice

The nonprofit sector is challenged by increasing public and stakeholder demands for a Broadened Accountability (BA). Strong expectations for performance accountability now accompany those for fiscal accountability. In response, better concepts of nonprofit accountability and associated practices to achieve it are being developed in the literature. However, knowledge of obstacles to achieving Broadened Accountability and possible paths towards overcoming them has lagged. This paper attempts to stimulate research and contribute to such knowledge by 1) elaborating on the assertion that a central difficulty is found in a pair of perceived governance dilemmas that can drive leaders into either/or choices between the two forms of accountability; 2) exploring the role that a Community of Practice (COP) can play in avoiding governance dilemmas; and 3) developing grounded concepts around how relational practices such as blended strategizing, facework, reflexive monitoring and skillful organizing contribute to the formation of a COP. The study’s ethnographic methods recorded and analyzed real-life interactions involving a board chair-chief executive officer pair. The paper presents detailed narrative description of these actions to convey its key contribution – a process model for overcoming obstacles to achieving BA – and to provide stimulus for new practice by leaders in governance situations.
Quadrat-based monitoring of desert grassland vegetation at the Jornada Experimental Range, New Mexico, 1915-2016.

The data set covers a 101-yr period (1915-2016) of quadrat-based plant sampling at the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico. At each sampling event, a pantograph was used to record the location and perimeter of living plants within permanent quadrats. Basal area was recorded for perennial grass species, canopy cover area was recorded for shrub species, and all other perennial species were recorded as point data. The data set includes 122 1 × 1 m permanent quadrats, although not all quadrats were sampled in each year of the study and there is a gap in monitoring from 1980 to 1995. These data provide a unique opportunity to investigate changes in the plant community over 100 yr of variation in precipitation and other environmental conditions. We provide the following data and data formats: (1) the digitized maps in shapefile format; (2) a data table containing coordinates (x, y) of perennial species within quadrats, including cover area for grasses and shrubs; (3) a data table of counts of annual plant individuals per quadrat; (4) a species list indicating growth form and habit of recorded species; (5) a table of dates when each quadrat was sampled; (6) a table of the pasture each quadrat was located within (note that pasture boundaries have changed over time); (7) a table of depth to petrocalcic layer measurements taken at quadrat locations; (8) a table of particle size analysis of soil samples taken at quadrat locations; (9) a table of topographic characteristics of quadrat locations (e.g., concave or convex topography). Pantograph sampling is currently conducted at 5-yr intervals by USDA-ARS staff, and new data will be added periodically to the EDI Data Portal Repository (see section V.E.2). This information is released under the Creative Commons license-Attribution-CC BY and the consumer of these data is required to cite it appropriately in any publication that results from its use.
The implementation of routine procedural transvaginal sonography to decrease retained products of conception: a quality improvement initiative

Background Retained products of conception (POC) following uterine evacuation can lead to adverse sequelae, including hemorrhage, endometritis, intrauterine adhesions, and reoperation. Use of procedural transvaginal sonography (TVUS) in the operating room has been proposed to help decrease retained POC. Methods A retrospective review of all first trimester uterine evacuation procedures from 1/2015 to 2/2017 was performed, noting use of transabdominal ultrasonography, retained products of conception, and complications. A practice change was implemented in May 2018, in which routine intra-procedural TVUS use was initiated. A second retrospective chart review was conducted to assess for post-implementation incidence of retained POC, re-operation, and associated complications. Results Prior to intra-procedural TVUS implementation, 130 eligible procedures were performed during the specified timeframe, with 9/130 (6.9%) incidence of retained products of conception. TAUS was performed in 59/130 (45.4%) of procedures, and 4/9 (44.4%) of those with retained products. There were eight re-operative procedures in seven patients, and two patients were treated with misoprostol. Complications included hemorrhage, Asherman's syndrome and endometritis. Following implementation, 95 first trimester procedures were performed with transvaginal sonography, with 0 (0%) cases of retained POC (p = 0.01), no incidences of re-operation (p = 0.02), and one case of Asherman's syndrome. TVUS findings led to additional focused suction curettage in 20/95 (21.0%) of procedures. The endometrium was measured on procedure completion in 64 procedures, with a mean thickness of 5.5 mm (1-12 mm). Conclusion Implementation of routine TVUS during uterine evacuation may reduce the incidence of retained POC and associated reoperation rates. Further multi-center trials are needed to confirm this finding.
Data-Poor Ecological Risk Assessment of Multiple Stressors

O_LIEcological Risk Assessment is a formal process widely applied to terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems to evaluate the likelihood of adverse ecological effects occurring as a result of exposure to natural or anthropogenic stressors. For many species, data is sparse and semi-quantitative methodologies provide valuable insight for ecosystem management. Recent statistical developments have improved the quality of these analyses yet a rigorous theoretical framework to assess the cumulative impact of multiple stressors is lacking. C_LIO_LIWe present EcoRAMS, a web application and open-source software module that provides easy-to-use, statistically-robust ecological risk assessments of multiple stressors in data-poor contexts. The software receives attribute scores for two variables (e.g. exposure-sensitivity, productivity-susceptibility, severity-likelihood) via CSV templates and outputs results according to a probabilistic metric of risk. C_LIO_LIWe demonstrate comparative results across a range of assumptions, using simulated and empirical datasets including up to five stressors. Accounting for multiple stressors even when data is limited provides a more detailed analysis of risk that may otherwise be understated in single stressor analyses. C_LIO_LIThis application will allow quantification of risk across data-poor contexts for which statistical results have been previously unavailable. The web app format of EcoRAMS.net lowers the barrier of use for practitioners and scientists at any level of statistical training. C_LI
Spray Droplet Size Effect on Mortality of Citrus Rust Mite

A laboratory study was conducted to determine the effect of spray droplet size and distribution on control of citrus rust mite under moist and dry post-treatment conditions. Using a droplet generator, different droplet sizes of AGRI-MEK EC (abomectin) were sprayed toward pairs of targets (mite infested Valencia oranges and water sensitive papers). The length mean diameters of spray droplets ranged from 43.9 to 693.1 μm. One half of the treated fruit received a daily spray mist of distilled water to simulate dew condition in the field; the other half were maintained in dry condition. On each fruit adult mites were counted at 3 locations representive of full coverage, partial, and no coverage. Counts were made prior to spraying and at 1, 2, and 6 days post-treatment. All acaricide treatments reduced mite populations significantly compared to untreated checks. Small droplets gave higher mite mortality than larger droplets. Mite mortality increased by wetting fruit. There were uniform coverages for small and medium size droplets and random-clustered distributions for large droplets.
“To Avoid a New Kulturkampf”: The Catholic Workers' Associations and National Socialism in Weimar-era Bavaria

In 1921, the Federation of South German Catholic Workers' As sociations (Verband Suddeutscher katholischer Arbeitervereine, or VSkA), headquartered in Munich and dominated by Bavarian associa tions, published a report concerning the newly formed National Social ist German Workers' Party. After attending a beer-hall meeting in Munich, the author of the article in the federation newspaper, Der Ar beiter (The Workingman), compared the party to the Socialists in terms of "exercising their mouths," criticized party speakers for their anti Catholic attacks, and declared that National Socialism could not be supported by those of the political center (i.e., Catholics who tradition ally voted for the Center Party or the Bavarian People's Party). Yet he was impressed by their organizational and agitational abilities, their pomp, and their ability to raise money, qualities that the Catholic Workers' Associations in Bavaria lacked throughout the 1920s. As for their antisemitism, the author stated: "I am no friend of the Jews, espe cially the modern Jews. The struggle against the Jews will, in my opin ion, be the first that the National Socialists pursue, because at this time it appears to be the most profitable."1
Genetically engineered charge modifications to enhance protein separation in aqueous two-phase systems

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of genetically engineered charge modifications on the separation behavior of proteins in aqueous two-phase extraction. The proteins used in this study included; P-galactosidase, modified by the fusion of positivelyor negatively-charged peptide tails to the carboxy terminus of the enzyme, and lysozyme, which has been altered by site-directed mutagenesis to replace basic amino acids with acidic ones. The effects of these charge modifications were evaluated in phase systems utilizing two different charge-based mechanisms. Protein net charge was found to be effective in systems where partitioning is driven by a salt induced interfacial potential difference. By varying the system pH, the partitioning of p-galactosidase could be increased by several orders of magnitude, and although the change in partitioning of lysozyme was much smaller, its behavior could be quantitatively described by a simple thermodynamic model. The genetic modifications were less effective in altering partition behavior using this mechanism. The charged fusion tails altered partition behavior through offsetting mechanisms, masking the effect of the additional charge on |3galactosidase. The point mutations had a smaller effect on lysozyme partitioning than that observed for an equivalent pH dependent charge change. Direct ionic interaction between polymers and proteins of opposite charge had an even larger effect on partition behavior. Strong interactions between P-galactosidase and diethylaminoethyl-dextran resulted in the formation of protein/polymer aggregates, causing nearly 100% of the enzyme to partition to the DEAE-rich phase. The effect of the fusions was less clear, since the observed partitioning trends could not be completely explained in terms of charge effects. However, the high positive charge density of the polyarginine tails provided for a localized interaction with dextran sulfate, causing fifteen fold shifts in
Assuring "Detached But Passionate Investigation and Decision": The Role of Guardians Ad Litem in Saikewicz-type Cases

The author focuses this Article upon the aspect of the Saikewicz decision which determines that the kind of "proxy consent" question involved in that case requires for its decision "the process of detached but passionate investigation and decision that forms the ideal on which the judicial branch of government was created." This aspect of the decision has drawn much criticism from the medical community on the ground that it embroils what doctors believe to be a medical question in the adversarial processes of the court system. The author criticizes the decision from an entirely opposite perspective, arguing that the court's opinion fails in not laying down guidelines that would assure a truly adversary process in Saikewicz-type cases. He agrees with the Saikewicz court that our democratic institutional structure and societal commitment to individual liberty require that persons not competent to consent for themselves to acts of euthanasia be protected by a process of "detached but passionate investigation and decision." However, he points out that this ideal of the court system was not realized in Saikewicz itself and is not likely to be realized in other cases without reform of some of the procedures currently being employed by the courts in "proxy consent" cases. Drawing on previous articles that he has written in related areas, he then proposes a set of guidelines that he believes not only will remove existing procedural deficiencies, but also may reform some aspects of the existing system that have drawn criticism from the medical community.
Concentric rings K-space trajectory for hyperpolarized (13)C MR spectroscopic imaging.

Purpose To develop a robust and rapid imaging technique for hyperpolarized 13 C MR Spectroscopic Imaging and investigate its performance. Methods A concentric rings readout trajectory with constant angular velocity is proposed for hyperpolarized 13C spectroscopic imaging and its properties are analyzed. Quantitative analyses of design tradeoffs are presented for several imaging scenarios. The first application of concentric rings on 13C phantoms and in vivo animal hyperpolarized 13C MR Spectroscopic Imaging studies were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Finally, a parallel imaging accelerated concentric rings study is presented. Results The concentric rings MR Spectroscopic Imaging trajectory has the advantages of acquisition timesaving compared to echo-planar spectroscopic imaging. It provides sufficient spectral bandwidth with relatively high efficiency compared to echo-planar spectroscopic imaging and spiral techniques. Phantom and in vivo animal studies showed good image quality with half the scan time and reduced pulsatile flow artifacts compared to echo-planar spectroscopic imaging. Parallel imaging accelerated concentric rings showed advantages over Cartesian sampling in g-factor simulations and demonstrated aliasing-free image quality in a hyperpolarized 13C in vivo study. Conclusion The concentric rings trajectory is a robust and rapid imaging technique that fits very well with the speed, bandwidth, and resolution requirements of hyperpolarized 13C MR Spectroscopic Imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.