cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded LMP-1 Oncoprotein Negatively Affects Tyk2 Phosphorylation and Interferon Signaling in Human B Cells

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes a persistent infection in the human host and is associated with a variety of human cancers. Persistent infection results from a balance between the host immune response and viral immune evasion mechanisms. EBV infection is controlled initially by the innate immune response and later by T-cell-mediated adaptive immunity. EBV has evolved mechanisms to evade the host immune response so that it can persist for the lifetime of the host. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) is the EBV oncoprotein essential for B-cell immortalization by EBV. We show here that LMP-1 interacts with Tyk2, a signaling intermediate in the alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) signaling pathway, via a previously uncharacterized LMP-1 signaling domain. LMP-1 prevents Tyk2 phosphorylation and inhibits IFN-alpha-stimulated STAT2 nuclear translocation and interferon-stimulated response element transcriptional activity. Long-term culture of EBV+ lymphoblastoid cells in IFN-alpha is associated with outgrowth of a population expressing elevated LMP-1 protein levels, suggesting that cells expressing higher levels of LMP-1 survive the antiproliferative selective pressure imposed by IFN-alpha. These results show that LMP-1 can protect EBV+ cells from the IFN-alpha-stimulated antiviral/antiproliferative response and suggest that chronic IFN-alpha treatment may encourage the outgrowth of cells expressing elevated, and therefore potentially oncogenic, LMP-1 levels in EBV+ individuals.
Area-time model for synthesis of non-pipelined designs

A mathematical model is presented for predicting the area-time tradeoff curve for nonpipelined data paths given a data-flow graph and a module set. Specifically, it examines operator cost and delay to predict the lower bound noninferior area-time curve. The model has been validated against designs generated by a program which synthesizes nonpipelined data paths. >
Native Ant Responses to Solenopsis invicta Buren Reduction Using Broadcast Baits

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the impact of Solenopsis invicta management with an insect growth regulator bait (s-methoprene) on native ant species and to determine the responses of these species to S. invicta reduction. This invasive species alters the diversity and structure of different trophic levels of arthropod assemblages. Despite advances in S. invicta management using biological control agents, poison baits remain as the primary tool for effective fire ant management. However, the effect of these products on native ants is relatively unknown. Understanding these effects is critical to the development of S. invicta management strategies that include conservation of native ants. Native ants compete with S. invicta to some degree and can bolster efforts to release and establish exotic biological control agents to more effectively manage S. invicta. The study was carried out in Mumford, TX. Two treatments were used: a bait treatment that reduced S. invicta densities and a control. The treatments were randomly assigned to 1.33-ha blocks, replicated four times, and periodically inspected using complementary sampling techniques (pitfall traps, baited vials, manual collections, and nest surveys). Sixteen ant species were found among the two treatments. After S. invicta reduction, significant increases in densities of several other ant species were observed. Species within the assemblage shifted from the dominance by S. invicta to the dominance of the native pyramid ant, Dorymyrmex flavus McCook, which showed the most significant increase in bait treated blocks and was found to persist at densities significantly higher than the control for >2 yr after the last bait treatment. A temporary change in diversity was observed, indicating that use of a poison bait for S. invicta management benefited numerous resident species in the ant assemblage.
L and M X-Ray Spectra in the Region 2–85 Å

A detailed study has been made of the intensities of the L, M, and N X-ray spectra for wavelengths in the region from 2–85 A. Some of the lines of these spectra involve energy levels which are gradually being depopulated with decrease in atomic number, and this leads to a progressive simplification of the spectra as the wavelength increases. Spectra have also been obtained from several compounds involving these elements in different valence states. Differences in relative intensities have been observed for these compounds, but because of a lack of accurate information about absorption, it is impossible as yet to give such results an adequate interpretation.
Construction of an unstable Ring-X chromosome bearing the autosomal dopa decarboxylase gene in Drosophila melanogaster and analysis of Ddc mosaics

An unstable Ring-X chromosome, Ddc+ -Ring-X carrying a cloned Dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) encoding segment was constructed. The construction involved a double recombination event between the unstable Ring-X, R(1)wvC and a Rod-X chromosome which contained a P-element mediated Ddc+ insert. The resulting Ddc+ -Ring-X chromosome behaves similarly to the parent chromosome with respect to somatic instability. The Ddc+ -Ring-X chromosome was used to generate Ddc mosaics. Analyses of Ddc mosaics revealed that while there was no absolute requirement for the Ddc+ expression in either the epidermis or the nervous system, very large mutant clones did affect the viability of the mosaic.
The Significance of Inflammation of the Umbilical Cord

Summary Inflammation of the umbilical cord occurred frequently even where syphilis was satisfactorily ruled out and is, therefore, of no value in the diagnosis of fetal syphilis. It did not occur with treated syphilis. Both ends of the cord were usually affected, but the intensity of the changes had a tendency to be greater at the placental end and in the vein. In the majority of instances there was evidence which pointed to bacterial infection. The prognosis for the child was not affected by the presence of inflammation of the umbilical cord. In conclusion I wish to thank Dr. F. W. Hartman for his kind assistance and advice.
Modulation of the Production of Cytokines in Titanium-Stimulated Human Peripheral Blood Monocytes by Pharmacological Agents. The Role of cAMP-Mediated Signaling Mechanisms*†

Cytokines secreted by activated macrophages play a role in the development of osteolysis adjacent to prosthetic joints. To determine whether the synthesis of cytokines can be inhibited by pharmacological agents, we studied the role of the cAMP-protein kinase A signal transduction pathway in the synthesis of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and examined the effect of potential pharmacological regulators of this pathway in human peripheral blood monocytes stimulated with titanium particles. Dibutyryl cAMP enhanced the synthesis of interleukin-6 by titanium-stimulated monocytes and resulted in a marked increase (maximum, seventyfold) in the synthesis of interleukin-6 even in the absence of titanium particles. However, the active analogs (agonists) of cAMP, dibutyryl cAMP and Sp cAMP, inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by titanium-stimulated monocytes (the maximum effects resulted in complete inhibition), while the cAMP antagonist, Rp cAMP, enhanced the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Additional agents that alter the intracellular levels of cAMP were examined for their effects on the synthesis of cytokines. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 were potent inhibitors of the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha but stimulated the synthesis of interleukin-6. In contrast, indomethacin enhanced the stimulatory effects of titanium particles on tumor necrosis factor-alpha, resulting in a more than threefold increase in the maximum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as isobutyryl methylxanthine and pentoxifylline, which increase intracellular levels of cAMP, caused a decrease in the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and an increase in the production of interleukin-6. In contrast, the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin, which is also a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the synthesis of both tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 by titanium-stimulated monocytes, suggesting that ciprofloxacin suppresses the synthesis of interleukin-6 through a mechanism that is independent of cAMP.
Using Online Journals and In-Class Note Cards for Reflective and Responsive Teaching and Learning

One concern about teaching online or in large, lecture-style classes is the inability to see students' reactions to course material. These visual cues give instructors feedback on student comprehen...
Applications of Curvature Attributes in reducing the Drilling Risk - A Case History

Summary Natural fractures or faults present in the subsurface have an important role in fluid flow and accumulation. Identifying the fractures and mapping their distribution is necessary to understand their geological significance and hydrodynamic control. Several seismic attributes help to characterize the faults/fractures within the strata, which are below the seismic resolution. While attributes are sensitive to lateral changes in geology, they are also sensitive to lateral changes in noise. It is difficult to characterize the nature of fractures whether they are open or closed. This paper illustrates how volumetric curvature attributes like coherence, most positive and negative curvatures helped in recognizing the open fractures that created problems during the drilling of a horizontal well in the East coast off India. And these attributes have been helped in planning the further horizontal development wells of the field to avoid the severe mud losses during drilling.
Aerial Application of Insecticides for Control of Alfalfa Weevil

Diazinon, azinphosmethyl, malathion, and methoxychlor malathion, and methoxychlor applied in 3-gal total volume were evaluated for effectiveness against alfalfa weevil (at rates of 0.5, 1, and lib/acre, respectively) were as Hypem postica (Gyllenhal) when applied by aircraft at effective as a methoxychlor (1-lb rate) standard applied various rates and formulations. Undiluted technical for by conventional ground equipment in 20-gal total volume mulations of diazinon (0.59 and 1.06 Ib active/acre) and per acre. Effective adult weevil control was observed in malathion (1.14 and 1.73 Ib actual/acre) gave effective fields treated with 0.38 Ib actual azinphosmethyl applied control when applied late in the spring, azinphosmethyl, undiluted after first harvest.
Research on Antioxidation Mechanism of Dihydromyricetin

Dihydromyricetin (DMY) has bright prospects to be explored and used. Its antioxidant activity is the focus of research. The paper ascertains antioxidant center of dihydromyricetin molecular structure existing on B loop 3', 4', 5' location of phenol hydroxy by etherifying reaction in combination with quantum chemistry computation. It also validates quantum chemistry method predictable on the relationship between performance and molecule structure of flavonols.
Current treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

直到20世纪90年代,钙通道阻滞剂和肺移植仍是仅有的动脉型肺动脉高压(PAH)的治疗措施.然而随着对PAH病理生理机制认识的明确,特异性治疗药物也不断开发.目前用于PAH的特异治疗药物分为3类:前列环素类似物、磷酸二酯酶5抑制剂及内皮素受体拮抗剂。
Epilepsy in Women

Epilepsy in women raises special reproductive and general health concerns. Seizure frequency and severity may change at puberty, over the menstrual cycle, with pregnancy, and at menopause. Estrogen is known to increase the risk of seizures, while progesterone has an inhibitory effect. Many antiepileptic drugs induce liver enzymes and decrease oral contraceptive efficacy. Women with epilepsy also have lower fertility rates and are more likely to have anovulatory menstrual cycles, polycystic ovaries, and sexual dysfunction. Irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne, and obesity should prompt an evaluation for reproductive dysfunction. Children who are born to women with epilepsy are at greater risk of birth defects, in part related to maternal use of antiepileptic drugs. This risk is reduced by using a single antiepileptic drug at the lowest effective dose and by providing preconceptional folic acid supplementation. Breastfeeding is generally thought to be safe for women using antiepileptic medications.
An Extended Conceptualization of Country-of-Origin Effects

Country-of-origin effect refers to how consumers perceive products emanating from a particular country. In some cases, Country-oforigin information has been found to be more important in affecting product quality assessments than price and brand information. In fact, marketers recognize this fact and often use verbal allusion to a product's country-of-origin as a selling point in their advertising. Researchers have suggested different explanations of how country-of-origin information can affect product evaluation. For instance, the country cue can either summarize information about product quality, or act as a halo and influence beliefs regarding different aspects about the product. In whichever of these two ways the country cue might affect product evaluations, the question arises as to what cognitive processes give rise to use of the country cue in product evaluation. This paper tries to answer this question by building upon past literature to propose that people may have stereotypes about certain countries. These stereotypes arise out of the socialization process we go through as we grow up. However, these stereotypes represent the society's general view about a country, including its people and its products. Over a period of time, individuals may develop their own personal beliefs about aspects of countries that may differ from the general stereotypes. Formation of personal beliefs is largely a result of active direct experience with some aspect of the country. Stereotypes and personal beliefs can exist from a very specific level (brand) to a very general level (country). This paper argues that the dynamics between these two distinct cognitive structures (stereotypes and personal beliefs) influences the nature of country image held by a person, and that in turn influences product and brand evaluation. Based upon this argument, several hypotheses are proposed.
Total esophagogastric dissociation: single center experience☆☆☆

Abstract Aim Fundoplication fails in approximately 20% of children with severe neurodisability. We aimed to evaluate total esophagogastric dissociation (TOGD) as a primary procedure and as a ‘rescue’ procedure for severely neurologically impaired children with significant swallowing discoordination and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods Casenotes of 40 children with severe neurodisability who underwent TOGD between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 33 were primary procedures and 7 were ‘rescue’ procedures following failed fundoplication. Results Median age at surgery was 3 years 7 months (range 1 month to 13 years 11 months). Preoperatively, all children had symptoms of regurgitation, retching or vomiting and 70% of children had an unsafe swallow. There were 5 early complications related to surgery in 4 children requiring surgical intervention. One child died following relaparotomy for esophagojejunal anastomotic breakdown because of multiorgan failure. Gastrostomy feeding was established by a median of 6 days (range 2 to 25 days) and median hospital stay was 10 days (range 4 to 280 days). There were 5 late complications. Median follow-up was 13 months (range 1 month to 8 years 4 months). All children have had resolution of gastroesophageal reflux. Thirteen percent of children experience bloating or pain on feeding and 26% of children experience retching unrelated to gastroesophageal reflux. There were 8 late deaths unrelated to surgery. Conclusion TOGD should be considered as a primary and definitive procedure in selected severely neurodisabled children who are at higher risk of failure of fundoplication, recurrent aspiration and a reduced quality of life. Level of Evidence IV.
Beyond statistical significance: clinical interpretation of rehabilitation research literature.

UNLABELLED Evidence-based practice requires clinicians to stay current with the scientific literature. Unfortunately, rehabilitation professionals are often faced with research literature that is difficult to interpret clinically. Clinical research data is often analyzed with traditional statistical probability (p-values), which may not give rehabilitation professionals enough information to make clinical decisions. Statistically significant differences or outcomes simply address whether to accept or reject a null or directional hypothesis, without providing information on the magnitude or direction of the difference (treatment effect). To improve the interpretation of clinical significance in the rehabilitation literature, researchers commonly include more clinically-relevant information such as confidence intervals and effect sizes. It is important for clinicians to be able to interpret confidence intervals using effect sizes, minimal clinically important differences, and magnitude-based inferences. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the different aspects of statistical analysis and determinations of clinical relevance in the literature, including validity, significance, effect, and confidence. Understanding these aspects of research will help practitioners better utilize the evidence to improve their clinical decision-making skills. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5.
Modeling of low-temperature operation of a hybrid energy storage system with a Butler-Volmer equation based battery model

Lithium-ion battery performance is significantly reduced at low temperatures, where substantially increased resistance reduces power capability and lithium plating causes charging limitations. To reduce the low-temperature limitations of an electric vehicle battery pack, a hybrid energy storage system consisting of a battery pack, an ultracapacitor pack, and a dc/dc converter is investigated. A low-temperature battery model that includes a nonlinear resistance based on the Butler-Volmer equation and an ultracapacitor model are developed, and the model parameters are experimentally measured for temperatures from −20°C to 25°C. The models are then appropriately scaled for a full-size electric vehicle and paired with a dc/dc converter loss model. The optimal power split is determined for various drive cycles using a dynamic programming optimization algorithm. It is shown, using both analytical and experimental results, that the hybrid energy storage system is an excellent approach for substantially reducing the total energy storage system losses at low temperatures, as well as increasing regenerative braking energy capture, reducing output power limiting, and increasing vehicle range.
Piezo-optomechanical transducers as a link between radio frequency, optical, and acoustic waves (Conference Presentation)

We demonstrate a nanoscale device platform in GaAs that establishes a link between the radio frequency (RF) and optical domains through acoustic waves, mediated by the piezoelectric and photoelastic effects. First, interdigitated transducers (IDTs) convert 2.4 GHz RF photons into 2.4 GHz propagating surface acoustic waves. These acoustic waves are routed through phononic crystal waveguides and are coupled to a nanobeam optomechanical cavity that supports both a highly localized 2.4 GHz breathing mechanical mode and a high quality factor 1550 nm optical mode. In contrast to non-resonant excitation of photonic structures with IDTs, here the phononic waveguide preferentially excites a localized mechanical mode, which in turn strongly interacts with the optical mode through the photoelastic effect. Finally, the optical mode can be out-coupled or excited via an optical fiber taper waveguide. Using this platform, we demonstrate preparation of the breathing mode in a coherent state at any location in phase space, and optically read out an average coherent intracavity phonon number as small as one-twentieth of a phonon. In the time-domain, we show that RF pulses are mapped to optical pulses, forming a resonant acousto-optic modulator with a sub-Volt half-wave voltage. We also observe a novel acoustic wave interference effect in which RF-driven motion is completely cancelled by optically-driven motion, enabling the demonstration of interferometric opto-acoustic modulation in which acoustic wave propagation is gated by optical pulses. Efforts to improve upon the efficiency of the different transduction processes and integration with quantum dot gain media will be discussed.
Meltwater channel scars and the extent of Mid-Pleistocene glaciation in central Pennsylvania

Abstract High-resolution digital topographic data permit morphological analyses of glacial processes in detail that was previously infeasible. High-level glaciofluvial erosional scars in central Pennsylvania, identified and delimited using LiDAR data, define the approximate ice depth during a pre-Wisconsin advance, > 770,000 BP, on a landscape unaffected by Wisconsin glaciation. Distinctive scars on the prows of anticlinal ridges at 175–350 m above the valley floor locate the levels of subice meltwater channels. A two-component planar GIS model of the ice surface is derived using these features and intersected with a digital model of contemporary topography to create a glacial limit map. The map is compared to published maps, demonstrating the limits of conventional sediment-based mapping. Additional distinctive meltwater features that were cut during deglaciation are modeled in a similar fashion.
Individual differences in language experience and bilingual autobiographical memory

Purpose:This study investigates factors underlying recall of autobiographical memories by considering multiple dimensions of bilingualism (e.g., proficiency, frequency of use), rather than treating...
Ichthyosis X-Linked

X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), known as steroid sulfatase (STS) deficiency and X-linked recessive ichthyosis, is a genetic skin disorder recognized in 1965 by Drs. Wells and Kerr. Because of the abnormal shedding, skin tends to be dry and accumulates polyg Acrodermatitis enteropathica Acute complications of sarcoidosis Acute retinal necrosis Atopic dermatitis in emergency medicine Herpes zoster Interstitial keratitis Opthalmologic manifestations of leukemia Ocular manifestation of HIV Psoriasis Retinitis pigmentosa onal scales.
Investigating the Intersection of Poverty and Race in Gifted Education Journals: A 15-Year Analysis.

Using a two-phase content analysis approach, this study examined how education scholars have discussed the intersection of giftedness, race, and poverty in gifted academic journals from 2000 to 2015. Specifically, the authors explored the following questions: (a) What are the characteristics of studies published that explore the intersection of giftedness, poverty, and students of color? (b) How do scholars discuss and theorize about how to recruit and retain gifted students of color who come from families living in poverty? (c) In what ways do scholars discuss the intersection of race and poverty for gifted students of color? Findings indicated that while studies were focused on students of color, there was limited discussion about the impact of race and poverty on the recruitment and retention of gifted students of color who come from families living in poverty. Implications and future research are discussed.
Prelinked and Floating Glottal Stops In Fuzhou Chinese

Numerous interesting problems in the phonology of different dialects of Chinese tend to be buried in Chinese-language sources, or have not yet gained the attention of phonologists in general. One such case is the final glottal stop in modern Fuzhou, with respect to its behaviour synchronically and its historical origins. The final glottal stop came from two earlier sources, *-k and *-?. While *-k has completely merged with *-? in stressed syllables, evidences of the earlier contrast can still be found in the modern dialect — in how it behaves in more weakly stressed syllables in tone sandhi spans, and in its effect on adjacent consonants. It is proposed here that the continued relevance of the former phonological contrast can be accounted for by treating the final glottal stop from *-k as a prelinked glottal stop, and the one from *-? as a floating segment within the autosegmental approach. In this paper I will trace the history of these two codas, as well as address the implications that the differences in representation have with respect to subsequent changes in the language. I will conclude with a discussion of other languages for which a floating glottal stop solution has been offered.
Design and analysis of integrated planar inductor for GaN HEMT-based zero-voltage switching synchronous buck converter

Gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) has a lateral device structure with a land grid array (LGA) or ball grid array (BGA) device package, which is beneficial in minimizing parasitic parameters as well as the overall device size. These types of packages in conjunction with the lateral device structure possess better thermal performance as compared to the conventional silicon MOSFETs. When a printed circuit board layout is properly designed, the copper traces and pours in the vicinity of the switching devices can serve as effective heat dissipation channels. In this paper, an integrated planar inductor is designed and analyzed to achieve both zero-voltage switching and high thermal performance in a high frequency synchronous buck converter. The conduction losses in the planar inductor can be significantly reduced using multilayer PCB and heavy copper trace.
Morphing and growing micro unmanned air vehicle: Sizing process and stability

Abstract An optimized and comprehensive method is proposed in order to design an efficient micro unmanned air vehicle with morphing and growing capabilities. In the sizing process, to select the optimum wing shape, three different shapes are compared based on an aerodynamic analysis, and a tapered wing is selected for the compressed mode. Then, since the wingspan, wing area, wing loading, and other parameters are changing as function of time, a transition analysis is carried-out during the sizing process. By using the calculated surface area and considered aspect ratio for compression and expansion modes, the wingspan is determined as function of time. Considering the estimated weight, the required lift coefficient is calculated and then two types of airfoils are selected. Finally, after completing the optimal geometric design, aerodynamic analyses are carried out to investigate the performance of the growing drone. The proposed strategy for designing efficient micro unmanned air vehicles for a well-defined mission can be utilized and extended to design other growing micro unmanned systems depending on the mission.
Status of Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor Neutron Activation

Measurements have been made following TFTR D-T campaigns to characterize the behavior of D-T fusion reactor neutron activation using Ionization Chamber, Geiger Mueller, and Ge detector gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements. The results exhibit decay rates characteristic of the materials and geometries of the Test Cell hardware, and allow extrapolation to higher fusion power yields. The results can be used for benchmarking D-T fusion reactor activation simulations for accurate determinations of low activation long-lived cooling. 5 refs., 8 figs.
Macrolides, Azalides, and Ketolides

The macrolides and azalides are a generally well-tolerated class of antimicrobials used to treat several mild-to-moderate infections associated with Gram-positive microorganism. Over 50 years of clinical experience with the macrolides has also led to the observation of non-antimicrobial properties that are now being exploited in clinical practice. Two forms of hepatic injury have been attributed to these classes, the idiosyncratic form of which has grossly hindered the successful deployment of the next generation of agents, the ketolides. Major drug-drug interactions are also observed within this class due to cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme mechanism-based inhibition. Drug transport-mediated interactions are also abundant through both ATPase-binding cassette (ABC) and solute-like carrier (SLC) transport systems. These metabolic and transport systems affect the disposition of over 75% of available drugs on the market, and so the drug interaction potential of within this class is very high. Epidemiologic evidence for a higher risk of sudden death with the use of oral erythromycin, especially when combined with CYP3A4 inhibitors, has now been extended to azithromycin in select high-risk cardiovascular disease patients. These risks have also been observed with clarithromycin and the ketolides that are stronger metabolic and transporter inhibitors compared to erythromycin. Azithromycin is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 compared to erythromycin and bears the lowest potential for drug interactions within this class. This chapter summarizes the key drug interaction potential of this antimicrobial class that can lead to serious adverse events such as cardiac dysrhythmias, hypoglycemia, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, neutropenia, and rhabdomyolysis. Available data surrounding the most recent negative regulatory review of solithromycin is provided to highlight the strengths, limitations, and underlying concerns associated with this class of agents.
Human rights, humanitarianism, and the practices of humanity

This article uses the concept of international practices to explore the distinctions between human rights and humanitarianism in the contemporary period and, in turn, uses this exploration to comment on the concept of international practices. First section proposes to advance the theoretical and empirical utility of the concept of practices by parsing it into the ‘problem’ that sets the story in motion, what counts as competent action, background knowledge, and meanings. Second section applies this framework to the relationship between human rights and humanitarianism. Beginning in the 1990s, they began responding to many of the same material realities, which unleashed two, interrelated, processes, but had different ways of understanding competent action, background knowledge, and meanings. They began to revise their practices not only in response to new challenges but also to how the other evolved, generating new distinctions. These points of distinction were structured by different kinds of suffering and informed their contrasting narratives of precarity in the case of humanitarianism, and progress in human rights. The conclusion considers how this discussion of human rights and humanitarianism redirects contemporary research on international practices.
A Harmonic Rejection Downconverter with a GHz PWM-Based LO

A harmonic rejection downconverter that employs a pulse-width modulated local oscillator (PWM-LO) signal is proposed. The approach employs current-mode operation, and significantly improves performance for narrow pulse-widths, which allows for high-frequency operation. The use of an input transconductor-cell with signal-path switches decreases the sensitivity of the harmonic rejection ratio (HRR) to harmonic power level. The design is simulated in a 65-nm CMOS technology, and shows HRRs of nearly 60-70 dB for the 3rd and 5th harmonics, with a 1 GHz LO, over a range of harmonic power levels, and rise and fall times of the PWM waveform.
Target strength measurements of spherical and wobbly bubbles

Methane gas bubbles released from the seafloor transport gas upwards through the water column and in some cases even to the atmosphere. Researchers exploit the large acoustic impedance contrast between the gas within the bubble and the surrounding water to acoustically estimate the flux of methane in the ocean. Flux estimation employs the use of analytical acoustic scattering models to convert acoustic backscatter measurements of gas bubbles to size estimates. However, these models assume that bubbles are both spherical and that their radius is much smaller than the acoustic wavelength (ka « 1). Typically, bubbles in the ocean range from 1 to 5 mm in radius are non-spherical in shape and are observed for ka values that are greater than 0.1. A controlled shallow water tank (<6 m) experiment was conducted to assess the uncertainty associated with using analytical models that assume bubbles are spherical and that ka values are much smaller than one. Small, spherical and large, wobbly gas bubbles (radii ranging from 0.7 to 4.5 mm) were ensonified over a broad range of frequencies (10–250 kHz) in order to observe ka values from 0.1 to 5.
“Pharmacognosy”! What’s that? you spell it how?

In this autobiographical sketch, the author discusses the development of his interest in the biological sciences, crediting his father, his first employer, his high school science teacher, and his college pharmacognosy professor with initially shaping his career. His early work on ergot alkaloid biosynthesis and subsequently, together with students and colleagues, on the toxic constituents of basidiomycetes is detailed. This is followed by comments on his developing interest in the therapeutic utility of herbs and phytomedicinals. A concern with the beneficial use of such products stemmed largely from observations made during sabbatical leaves and frequent travel in Germany. The importance of such botanicals (not currently recognized as drugs in the United States) in our developing health-care system is emphasized. The author concludes his comments by thanking his wife, his teachers, his students, and his many colleagues and friends for their unstinting assistance and support during his entire career.
Development of the Quantization and Probability Representations Inventory as a Measure of Students' Understandings of Particulate and Symbolic Representations of Electron Structure.

This article describes the development of the Quantization and Probability Representations Inventory (QuPRI) as a measure of student understanding of the electron structure of the atom. The QuPRI was created using a mixed-method sequential design such that the items and distractors were generated on the basis of the analysis of semi-structured interviews in which students were asked to interpret multiple representations of the electron structure of hydrogen, helium, and carbon atoms. The QuPRI was administered to first-semester general chemistry students (N = 655) and physical chemistry/biophysical chemistry students (N = 38). Descriptive statistics and item function are presented for each sample, including evidence for the reliability and validity of the data generated by the QuPRI. Students’ confidence in their responses and reasoning about the electron structure of atoms is discussed.
Snacking frequency and dietary intake in toddlers and preschool children.

Abstract Understanding the relationship between snacking and dietary intake in early life years is one key but understudied area. In this study, we examined snacking patterns in toddlers and preschool children and the associations between snacking frequency and daily energy intake. We analyzed data from children aged 12–72 months (N = 1186) in the Newborn Epigenetic STudy (NEST). We used Bonferroni multiple comparison methods to examine the differences in snacking patterns across subgroups. Linear and quantile regression models were fit to investigate the association between dietary intake and snacking frequency. Our estimates suggest that Non-Hispanic blacks had the highest total daily energy intake from snacks (334 kcal/day) compared to non-Hispanic whites (270 kcal/day) and Hispanics (274 kcal/day) in 12-to-24-month-olds. In 2-to-6-year-olds, mean energy intake from snacks was 296 kcal/day without a significant racial/ethnic difference. Carbohydrate, fat and protein from snacks contributed about 17%, 9% and 4% respectively of the total energy intake in 12-to-24-month-olds while they contributed about 15%, 7% and 2% respectively of the total energy intake in the other age group. Snacking frequency was positively and significantly associated with total daily energy intake in both 12-to-24-month-olds and 2-to-6-year-olds as indicated by regression coefficient estimates of snacking frequency (β = 31.3 kcal/day with P = 0.027 and β = 175.4 kcal/day with P
Ivor Lewis vs Mckeown esophagectomy: analysis of operative outcomes from the ACS NSQIP database

Ivor Lewis and McKeown esophagectomy are common techniques to treat esophageal cancer. In this study, we aim to compare these two approaches. We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database (2005–2017) to compare both techniques using bivariate analysis after propensity matching. We identified 6136 patients with esophagectomy and divided them into 2 groups based on whether they received a McKeown (1676; 27.31%) or an Ivor Lewis (4460; 70.14%) esophagectomy. McKeown esophagectomy was associated with higher rates of superficial surgical site infections (8.02% vs 3.67%, p < 0.001), anastomotic leaks (9.12% vs 7.71%, p = 0.02), prolonged intubation (15.06% vs 10.10%, p < 0.001), re-intubation (15.30% vs 10.34%, p ≤ 0.001), and return to the OR (16.46% vs 11.32%, p < 0.001). The McKeown esophagectomy patients also had longer hospital length of stay (14.5 ± 11.99 vs 13.37 ± 11.8, p = 0.002), higher re-admission rate (21.56% vs 16.87%, p = 0.002), and higher discharges to nursing/rehabilitation institutions (14.06% vs 11.99%, p = 0.004).The mortality rate and positive resection margins were not significantly different. There was a trend toward more utilization of Ivor Lewis esophagectomy over years. When compared to Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, McKeown esophagectomy is associated with more unplanned intubation, increased difficulty weaning from the ventilator, incisional surgical site infections, anastomotic leak, and higher length of stay.
Chapter 9 – Expenditure Minimization

Expenditure and the Hicksian (or compensated) demand correspondence are formally defined and the fundamental implications for them of the price-taking expenditure minimization behavioral postulate are established. The envelope relationship between the expenditure function and expenditure objective is explained, leading to the Shephard’s Lemma relationship between expenditure and Hicksian demand, and the symmetry and negative semidefiniteness of the Hicksian substitution matrix. Additional properties arising from additional features of preferences are explored. Comparative statics of Hicksian demands are derived, including the elasticity identities and reciprocity. Sufficiency of the fundamental properties of the expenditure function is formally proven, thereby establishing that no additional properties of expenditure are implied by the price-taking expenditure minimization behavioral postulate. There is always a complete, transitive, continuous, weakly monotone, and convex preference relation underlying any function possessing the properties of expenditure. Similarly, there is always such a preference relation underlying any differentiable function possessing the properties of Hicksian demand.
Association of Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c and Body Mass Index with Wound Infection Rate in Spinal Surgery.

ABSTRACT Background: The deleterious effect of diabetes mellitus on surgical outcomes is well documented for joint replacement surgery. We analyzed the large national US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) database for patients who had undergone elective spinal surgery. Methods: We retrospectively searched the VA database and identified 174 520 spine cases. Results: There were 7766 (4.5%) wound infections and 49 271 (28%) had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing (range: 3.0–17.8) prior to surgery. In the preoperative HbA1c–checked group, there were 2941 (6.0% of 49 271) infections and in the without–preoperative HbA1c group, there were 4825 (3.9% of 125 249) infections. The distribution of infections was significantly different (χ2 = 372.577, P Conclusions: Hemoglobin A1c testing, HgA1c value, body mass index, and age all contribute to the risk of wound infection after elective spine surgery in a large national VA population. These data can be used to estimate surgical risks and to aid in patient counseling about proposed spine surgery. Level of Evidence: 4.
Dynamic data-driven symbolic causal modeling for battery performance & health monitoring

The paper presents a dynamic data-driven symbolic approach to construct generative models of causal cross-dependence among different sources of (possibly heterogeneous) measurements. The main objective here is to identify the input-output relationships in the underlying dynamical system using sensory data only. Synchronized pairs of input and output time series are first independently symbolized via partitioning the individual data sets in their respective range spaces. A generative model is then obtained to capture cross-dependency in the symbolic input-output dynamics as a variable-memory cross D-Markov (also called xD-Markov) machine, which is different from the standard PFSA. The proposed input-output model has been validated on charging-discharging data sets of a lead-acid battery. The cross-dependency features of current-voltage patterns during charging-discharging cycles have been used to estimate and predict the parameters of battery performance (e.g., State-of-Charge (SOC)) and health (e.g., State-of-Health (SOH)).
The spatial variation of auroral luminosity—I: The behavior of synthetic model auroras

Abstract The determination of the spatial distribution of auroral luminosity using two-station triangulation techniques requires a knowledge of the geometrical effects of perspective and path length on the observations. In order to evaluate these effects model synthetic aurora with known vertical and horizontal luminosity profiles were constructed mathematically and were programmed into a high speed electronic computer. The appearance (intensity vs. zenith angle) of these model auroras positioned at various latitudes from each of the observing stations was then calculated. The analysis of this computed data has led to the formulation of a procedure for the determination of the spatial distribution of the volume emission rate of various auroral emissions within isolated discrete auroral forms. In addition, the analysis provides information pertinent to the interpretation of auroral observations obtained through commonly used optical techniques. It is shown that the observed intensity and appearance of an aurora as a function of zenith angle are highly dependent on the luminosity distribution within the auroral form and the distance to the aurora. The accuracy of the height and latitude of auroral forms determined by triangulation techniques depends on the position of the aurora with respect to the stations. The highest accuracy in location is obtained for auroras between stations but this is where the lowest accuracy in height occurs. Conversion of intensity vs. zenith angle observations into an intensity vs. height profile is a satisfactory first order approximation to the actual vertical volume emission rate profile if the height or location of the aurora is known. The most accurate profiles are determined for auroras positioned over the most poleward station when viewed by an equatorward station at least 200 km away. Observations of auroral intensities in a fixed direction are most easily interpreted when directed towards the magnetic zenith. In that direction path length effects are height dependent only. Therefore the intensities measured can be directly related to the energy deposit of the incident particles and the fraction of the energy distributed among the various excited auroral emissions can be determined.
Having your cake and eating it too: Energy savings without performance loss through resource sharing driven power management

Typically in computer systems, performance must be traded-off to achieve energy savings or, conversely, performance gains come with significant energy overhead. Here, we present a novel approach that can achieve synergistic energy-savings and performance gain in chip multiprocessors (CMPs). Our key observation is that per-core dynamic voltage/frequency scaling (DVFS) can be used as a client regulation mechanism for shared resources on-die. Based on this observation, we propose a new DVFS technique inspired by TCP Vegas, a congestion control protocol from the IP-networking domain. Full system simulations on PARSEC benchmarks show that our technique reduces total CMP energy dissipation by over 40% with a small performance improvement.
Writing About Images

Publisher Summary Information retrieval deals mainly with texts, and a piece of text is already the product of a set of circumstances and of a particular point of view. Image retrieval deals with images, which are, to a considerable extent, neutral with respect to the different interpretations, and can support many of them. The relation between the different interpretations of the image is not a simple superposition because, in many cases, it is impossible to endorse all of them. This chapter takes a gradual approach to this problem by simplifying assumption that there is one text which, for all practical purposes, explains or comments on the contents of a given image. An overview of information retrieval techniques is also presented in the chapter, which is limited to the aspects of the discipline that are most relevant to work in image databases. Then, the various problems deriving from the association of text to images is considered. A technical note is given at the end considering a common scenario in which images can be automatically associated to text: harvesting images from pages on the World Wide Web.
Back to Bacteria: A More Natural Filtration

Drinking-water treatment used to be simple: use the best source available, filter if turbidity is present and add plenty of chlorine. Typically, these are the barriers that guard against distributing pathogenic microorganisms, which is the main objective of drinking-water treatment. Although chlorine is an effective disinfectant against many pathogenic microorganisms, its use creates other problems. When chlorine doses are highest, particularly in the summer, the water has a characteristic chlorinous or “swimming pool” taste and odor that generate customer complaints. Regulations are forcing reduction in chlorine doses to minimize the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) having known or suspected health impacts on humans. While chlorine is an effective disinfectant in some cases, it is not a universal fix for all pathogenic microorganisms that can contaminate water. With limits on chlorine coming down the pike, water utilities must turn to other technologies to ensure that the water is safe and tasty at the consumer’s tap. To ensure the microbiological safety of water, utilities are using alternate disinfectants and emphasizing filtration. Filtration is the most important barrier against all types of pathogens because all microorganisms are particles that can be physically removed in a properly designed and operated filter. The biofilm system--a modified filtration process--offers a reliable, economic alternative to large doses of chlorine for drinking-water utilities.