cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiparameter fluorescence spectroscopy of single molecules

Abstract Single molecule fluorescence experiments provide a wealth of information. By time-stamping photon detection events with high temporal resolution, it is possible to construct various data representations to probe the time evolution of multiple fluorescence parameters. This can include the FRET efficiency, the steady-state and time resolved fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence decays, or the correlation of fluorescence fluctuations. Treating each representation independently provides only limited information. However, multiparameter fluorescence spectroscopy (MFS) allows for the analysis of single molecule data holistically, thus identifying potential artifacts, reducing uncertainty, resolving of heterogeneity within samples, and linking the structure and dynamics to the functions of biomolecules. This is most apparent in the combination of MFS with single molecule Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) experiments, where MFS allows determination of absolute FRET efficiencies in heterogeneous populations. Several examples of recent work are presented to highlight the ample capabilities of MFS. A brief outlook of the remaining challenges is presented.
Inferring a consensus problem list using penalized multistage models for ordered data

A patient's medical problem list describes his or her current health status and aids in the coordination and transfer of care between providers. Because a problem list is generated once and then subsequently modified or updated, what is not usually observable is the provider-effect. That is, to what extent does a patient's problem in the electronic medical record actually reflect a consensus communication of that patient's current health status? To that end, we report on and analyze a unique interview-based design in which multiple medical providers independently generate problem lists for each of three patient case abstracts of varying clinical difficulty. Due to the uniqueness of both our data and the scientific objectives of our analysis, we apply and extend so-called multistage models for ordered lists and equip the models with variable selection penalties to induce sparsity. Each problem has a corresponding non-negative parameter estimate, interpreted as a relative log-odds ratio, with larger values suggesting greater importance and zero values suggesting unimportant problems. We use these fitted penalized models to quantify and report the extent of consensus. We conduct a simulation study to evaluate the performance of our methodology and then analyze the motivating problem list data. For the three case abstracts, the proportions of problems with model-estimated non-zero log-odds ratios were 10/28, 16/47, and 13/30. Physicians exhibited consensus on the highest ranked problems in the first and last case abstracts but agreement quickly deteriorated; in contrast, physicians broadly disagreed on the relevant problems for the middle - and most difficult - case abstract.
A Real-Time Spike Sorting System Using Parallel OSort Clustering

This article presents an efficient design and implementation of a real-time spike sorting system using unsupervised clustering. We utilize the online sorting (OSort) algorithm and model it first in both floating-point and fixed-point numerical representations to accurately assess the feasibility of our hardware architecture and also reliably analyze the sorting accuracy. For efficient hardware realization of OSort, we propose a modified parallel OSort algorithm. By reducing the number of required memory accesses, the number of computations performed for the management and upkeep of cluster averages and cluster merging is substantially reduced. By limiting the number of supported clusters per channel, the classification/clustering latency is significantly reduced compared to the previously published work, making the designed OSort system applicable for in-vivo spike sorting. The proposed OSort hardware architecture utilizes a novel memory configuration scheme to parallelize the OSort algorithm, which allows us to avoid using relatively large memory queues for storing detected spike waveforms and process them concurrently to the spike cluster management. The characteristics and implementation results of the designed OSort-based spike sorting system on a Xilinx Artix-7 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) are presented. The ASIC implementation of the designed system is estimated to occupy 2.57 mm2 in a standard 32-nm CMOS process. Post-layout power estimation shows that the ASIC will dissipate 2.78 mW, while operating at 24 kHz.
Size- and Surface-Dependent Photoresponses of Solution-Processed Aluminum Nanoparticles

Plasmonic aluminum nanoparticles have emerged as an exciting new materials platform, due to the high natural abundance of aluminum, their ability to be synthesized in the solution phase, and the potential of these materials to be used for photocatalysis and sensing. However, the photothermal properties of solution-processed aluminum nanoparticles, particularly how phonon energy transfer depends on particle size and surface properties, are critical for practical applications and are currently unexplored. Here, we use transient absorption spectroscopy, in combination with simulations of phonon and thermal energy dissipation, to investigate the photoresponses of aluminum nanoparticles of various diameters (54, 85, 121, and 144 nm) suspended in 2-propanol. Fast thermal transfer rates to the solvent (170-280 ps) are observed for particles of all sizes and are facilitated by native oxide coverage, as verified with a two-interface thermal energy-transfer model. Size-dependent phonon “breathing”/vibrational modes...
Adult Asthma Control and Self-Management, Wisconsin 2012-2016.

Introduction This report describes the current state of asthma control and management among adults in Wisconsin. Methods Data from the 2012-2016 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Asthma Call-back Survey were analyzed. Asthma control, self-management, and work-related asthma were described using prevalence estimates. Results Among adults with asthma, 40.1% (95% CI, 35.7-44.5) were well-controlled, 36.7% (95% CI, 32.5-40.9) were not well-controlled, and 23.2% (95% CI, 19.5-26.9) were very poorly controlled. One third (35.1%, 95% CI, 30.8-39.4) of adults were given a written asthma action plan by their health care providers. Discussion/conclusion Many adults did not have well-controlled asthma during the study period. Health care providers should consider providing additional self-management education to help patients manage their asthma symptoms.
Green Rating Assessment of a Residential Building in Pakistan Using LEED’s

The paper presents the application of an International Green rating system LEED’s in a developing country. It focuses on significant environmental, energy, and water issues faced after construction. The rating conducted was on a multifamily residential building located in Askari 14, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The building's construction was complete; hence The LEED v4 for Building Operations and Maintenance manual was used for performing Green rating. The rating works on the bases of point allotment scheme for building’s operational and environmental features such as energy use efficiency, water use efficiency, sustainable material usage, and more. The selected structure is constructed by implementing standard building techniques to which Pakistan adheres, which never inculcate aspects of environment and energy reduction. The cumulative score of all LEED’s components after rating is 40 out of 110, which grants it the rank of certified. Where the building performs poorly can be attributed to the fact that there were no LEED’s Accredited Professionals involved in the design phase of the case study. From the results, possible solutions are discussed in the paper to integrate the concept of sustainability in constructed buildings.
Emergency Use Authorization of Covid Vaccines - Safety and Efficacy Follow-up Considerations.

Emergency Use Authorization of Covid Vaccines A median 2-month follow-up after completion of an investigational Covid-19 vaccine regimen is necessary to provide safety and effectiveness data that s...
Photochemistry of 1,5-Cyclooctadiene Platinum Complexes for Photoassisted Chemical Vapor Deposition

Quantum yields for disappearance of (COD)PtMe2 (1a) and (COD)PtMeCl (1b) were determined at 334 nm in C6D6 solvent. Chain reactions initiated by formation of a methyl radical were proposed to be th...
Investigation of broom-straw fracture behavior of aluminum alloy 2024 debris recovered from Space Shuttle Columbia

Abstract Materials investigations of Space Shuttle Columbia debris hold great relevance for understanding materials response to atmospheric re-entry. Sections of the Xo 582 ring-frame bulkhead, recovered from the Columbia accident, exhibited highly localized thermal degradation and material loss. Unique delamination features were observed on fracture surfaces of the bulkhead, as well as on other aluminum debris. The unique nature of the fracture surfaces, termed broom-straw, is not a well described phenomenon, and takes central focus of this research. This paper presents a forensic materials characterization of the bulkhead that substantiates and expands upon the previous notions that broom-straw fracture is the result of grain boundary liquation. Observed features were consistent with material exposure to elevated temperatures and subsequent material property degradation, followed by mechanical overload. This research attempts to advance the understanding of broom-straw fracture and determine the influence of microstructure and thermo-mechanical processing on the broom-straw fracture mechanism.
Shepherd on Hume’s Argument for the Possibility of Uncaused Existence

Shepherd’s argument against Hume’s thesis that an object can begin its existence uncaused has received short shrift in the secondary literature. I argue that the key to understanding that argument’s success is understanding its dialectical context. Shepherd sees the dialectical situation as follows. Hume presents an argument against Locke and Clarke the conclusion of which is that an object can come into existence uncaused. An essential premise of that argument is Hume’s theory of mental representation. Hume’s theory of mental representation, however, is itself implausible and unsupported. Therefore, one need not accept this premise or this conclusion. Thus, Shepherd proceeds to her discussion of the relation of cause and effect free to help herself to the thesis that every beginning of existence must have a cause. Additionally, she elsewhere pays down the debt she incurs in that argument by presenting her own alternative theory of mental representation, which is both plausible in its own right, and can account for the error that she takes Hume to make.
54. Microbiologic Characterization and Antibacterial Use in Hospitalized Adults with covid-19 Infection

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVID-19) admissions, oft complicated by an uncertain trajectory, lent to treatment influenced by supposition Respiratory bacterial co-infection frequently was invoked The purpose of this study was to determine the respiratory pathogen distribution and antibiotic prescribing patterns in hospitalized patients with CoVID-19 Methods: Patients with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ICD-10 code and/or positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) hospitalized between March 1 and May 31, 2020 were included Antibiotic utilization (patient days of therapy-pDOT) was collected for the institution during this period and two years prior Respiratory microbiologic cultures were reviewed to examine the frequency of co-infection on presentation, categorized as within 3 calendar days from admission or afterward The relationship of antibiotic utilization to positive cultures was also categorized Results: Of the 7,969 encounters, 829 were ICD-10 coded and/or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and 196 (23 6%) had positive respiratory cultures 89 8% of patients had endotracheal samples, the rest were isolated from sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (17 4% and 6 6%, respectively) Patients were more likely to isolate commensal respiratory flora (108 versus 78 patients within the first 3 days of presentation Notable isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were more often isolated after 3 days of hospitalization While the CoVID-19 average hospital census was only 14 7% of the total, antibiotic utilization, (pDOT/1000) was 2 3 times higher, 831 9 versus 368 3 across the institution During similar periods in 2018 and 2019, days of therapy overall were lower For CoVID-19 infected patients, the frequency of antibiotic initiation was 73 2% The length of therapy was on average 8 days with a high rate of observed restarts Conclusion: Bacterial co-infection in an acute viral process is generally low In this examination of CoVID-19 infected patients, the rate of any positive respiratory culture was 23 6% A disproportionate effect on the volume of antibiotics and total days of therapy prompted an interest in early stewardship efforts and education (Table Presented)
Vaccination patterns of the northeast Ohio Amish revisited.

Abstract Objectives The Holmes County Amish have low vaccination rates, an increasingly diverse population, and have an increased incidence of certain inherited diseases. The objectives were to evaluate; the rate and influences of vaccine hesitancy compared to a decade ago, vaccination patterns between Amish affiliations, vaccine practices of Amish special needs children, and the Amish’s acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Study design. In April of 2020, a survey assessing vaccination patterns and beliefs were mailed to 1000 Amish families, including ultra-conservative Amish sects and special needs families. Results The response rate was 39%. Among 391 respondents, 59% did not vaccinate their children, compared to only 14% that refused all vaccinations reported by Wenger et al in the same community only a decade ago. The ultra-conservative Amish rejected vaccines more often. Amish special needs children were more likely to receive vaccines than healthy Amish children. 75% responded they would reject a COVID-19 vaccine. Fear of adverse effects was the most common reason to reject vaccines. Families that accepted vaccines were more likely to cite a healthcare worker as the primary influence to vaccinate. Wives were more likely to cite their spouse as the primary influence to vaccinate. Families that rejected vaccines were more likely to state their bishop was the most influential person on vaccination. Conclusion The Holmes County Amish have decreasing vaccine acceptance. Efforts to improve vaccination will require a targeted focus on the primary influences and beliefs of sub-populations within the Amish. Physician advocacy, peer mentorship, father-directed education, and close partnership with Church leadership will be needed to limit vaccine-preventable disease. The Amish may be at risk for low uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Quasi-Cyclic LDPC Codes With Parity-Check Matrices of Column Weight Two or More for Correcting Phased Bursts of Erasures

In his pioneering work on LDPC codes, Gallager dismissed codes with parity-check matrices of weight two after proving that their minimum Hamming distances grow at most logarithmically with their code lengths. In spite of their poor minimum Hamming distances, it is shown that quasi-cyclic LDPC codes with parity-check matrices of column weight two have good capability to correct phased bursts of erasures which may not be surpassed by using quasi-cyclic LDPC codes with parity-check matrices of column weight three or more. By modifying the parity-check matrices of column weight two and globally coupling them, the erasure correcting capability can be further enhanced. Quasi-cyclic LDPC codes with parity-check matrices of column weight three or more that can correct phased bursts of erasures and perform well over the AWGN channel are also considered. Examples of such codes based on Reed-Solomon and Gabidulin codes are presented.
Financial Conflicts of Interest of United States-Based Authors in Neurology Journals: Cross-Sectional Study Using the Open Payments Database.

Objective To detail the scope, nature, and disclosure of financial conflicts of interest (COI) between the pharmaceutical and medical device industries (Industry) and authors in high-impact clinical neurology journals. Methods Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments Database (OPD), we retrieved information on payments from Industry to 2,000 authors from randomly selected 2016 articles in 5 journals. We categorized payments by type (research, general, and associated research/institutional), sponsoring entity, and year (from 2013 to 2016). Each author9s self-disclosures were compared to OPD-listed Industry relationships to measure discordance. Payments were manually reviewed to identify those from manufacturers of products that were directly tested or discussed in the article. We also quantified the prevalence and value of these nondisclosed, relevant COI. Results Two hundred authors from 158 articles had at least 1 OPD payment. Median/mean annual payments per author were $4,229/$19,586 (general); $1,702/$5,966 (research); and $67,512/$362,102 (associated research). Most neurologists received 10% of authors) received more than $10,000 per year, and several received over $1 million. Of 3,013 payments deemed directly relevant to the article, 50.9% were not self-disclosed by the authors, totaling $5,782,197 ($1,665,603 general; $25,532 research; $4,091,062 associated research). Conclusion Industry-related financial relationships are prevalent among United States–based physicians publishing in major neurology journals, and incomplete self-disclosure is common. As a profession, academic and other neurologists must work to establish firm rules to ensure and manage disclosure of financial COI.
Cost-effectiveness of azacitidine and venetoclax in unfit patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia.

Abstract The phase 3 VIALE-A trial reported that venetoclax in combination with azacitidine significantly improved response rates and overall survival compared with azacitidine alone in older, unfit patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the cost-effectiveness of azacitidine-venetoclax in this clinical setting is unknown. In this study, we constructed a partitioned survival model to compare the cost and effectiveness of azacitidine-venetoclax with azacitidine alone in previously untreated AML. Event-free and overall survival curves for each treatment strategy were derived from the VIALE-A trial using parametric survival modeling. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of azacitidine-venetoclax from a US-payer perspective. Azacitidine-venetoclax was associated with an improvement of 0.61 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared with azacitidine alone. However, the combination led to significantly higher lifetime health care costs (incremental cost, $159 595), resulting in an ICER of $260 343 per QALY gained. The price of venetoclax would need to decrease by 60% for azacitidine-venetoclax to be cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150 000 per QALY. These data suggest that use of azacitidine-venetoclax for previously untreated AML patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy is unlikely to be cost-effective under current pricing. Significant price reduction of venetoclax would be required to reduce the ICER to a more widely acceptable value.
Evaluation of a Total Worker Health® Leadership Development Program for Small Business

Leaders play a critical role in the development and execution of Total Worker Health® (TWH). Small businesses, in particular, can benefit from strong leadership support for TWH as the burden of work-related injury, illness and fatality, as well as poor health and well-being is high in this population. In the present study, we conducted a program evaluation of a TWH leadership development program for small business leaders using the RE-AIM framework. The goal of the program was to help change leaders’ behaviors around health, safety and well-being practices following the theory of transformational leadership. Two leaders from each business participated in pre-training activities on their own, a 6-h in-person training, and three months of access to virtual training transfer activities, including coaching and goal tracking. Our results suggest that the TWH leadership development program is effective at improving leaders’ self-reported TWH leadership practices and that the in-person training was implemented successfully. However, leaders did not report improvements in their personal health and in fact reported increased levels of work stress after the program. We also observed some challenges when implementing our training transfer strategies. Our study suggests that leaders may benefit from attending TWH leadership trainings alongside other colleagues in their organization to facilitate a shared vision and goals for TWH in their organization. As a next step, it will be important to determine the program’s effectiveness in changing business TWH policies and practices, employee perceptions of TWH and leadership, and employee health and safety outcomes.
A Critical Review of Line Graphs in Behavior Analytic Journals

Visual displays such as graphs have played an instrumental role in psychology. One discipline relies almost exclusively on graphs in both applied and basic settings, behavior analysis. The most common graphic used in behavior analysis falls under the category of time series. The line graph represents the most frequently used display for visual analysis and subsequent interpretation and communication of experimental findings. Behavior analysis, like the rest of psychology, has opted to use non-standard line graphs. Therefore, the degree to which graphical quality occurs remains unknown. The current article surveys the essential structure and quality features of line graphs in behavioral journals. Four thousand three hundred and thirteen graphs from 11 journals served as the sample. Results of the survey indicate a high degree of deviation from standards of graph construction and proper labeling. A discussion of the problems associated with graphing errors, future directions for graphing in the field of behavior analysis, and the need for standards adopted for line graphs follows.
Algebras with Many Derivations

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the algebras with many derivations. There is no structure theory for general non associative algebras. This makes it appropriate to single out classes of algebras for which decisive results can be proved. It is assumed that the presence of a lot of symmetry in the sense that the derivation algebra is large. The chapter discusses a theorem that shows that the bound n 2 - n is attained by certain specific algebras. The theorem is presented in abridged form. The chapter presents two preliminary lemmas. In the chapter, the algebras are allowed to be infinite-dimensional. The chapter discusses some routine but necessary spadework concerning algebras of dimensions 2 and 3.
Time course study of delayed wound healing in a biofilm-challenged diabetic mouse model.

Bacterial biofilm has been shown to play a role in delaying wound healing of chronic wounds, a major medical problem that results in significant healthcare burden. A reproducible animal model could be very valuable for studying the mechanism and management of chronic wounds. Our previous work demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) biofilmchallenge on wounds in diabetic (db/db) mice significantly delayed wound healing. In this wound time course study, we further characterize the bacterial burden, delayed wound healing and certain aspects of the host inflammatory response in the PAO1 biofilm-challenged db/db mouse model. PAO1 biofilms were transferred onto 2 day old wounds created on the dorsal surface of db/db mice. Control wounds without biofilm-challenge healed by 4 weeks, consistent with previous studies; none of the biofilm-challenged wounds healed by 4 weeks; 64% of the biofilm-challenged wounds healed by 6 weeks; and all of the biofilm-challenged wounds healed by 8 weeks. During the wound healing process, P. aeruginosa were gradually cleared from the wounds while the presence of S. aureus (part of the normal mouse skin flora) increased. Scabs from all unhealed wounds contained 107 P. aeruginosa, which was 100 fold higher than the counts isolated from wound beds (i.e. 99% of the P. aeruginosa was in the scab). Histology and genetic analysis showed proliferative epidermis, deficient vascularization and increased inflammatory cytokines. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) expression increased 3 fold in 4 week wounds. In summary, our study demonstrates that biofilm-challenged wounds typically heal in approximately 6 weeks, at least 2 weeks longer than non biofilm-challenged normal wounds. These data suggest that this delayed wound healing model enables the in vivo study of bacterial biofilm responses to host defenses and the effects of biofilms on host wound healing pathways. It may also be used to test anti-biofilm strategies the treatment of chronic wounds.
Opportunities and Pitfalls Associated with Early Utilization of Biomarkers: Case Study in Anticoagulant Development

All pharmaceutical companies are focusing on ways, such as improving target validation, selecting candidates with a greater chance of success, and identifying those compounds that will fail earlier in their development, to reduce the cost of discovering and developing new drugs. Therefore, developing a strategy for development of safety and efficacy biomarkers is key to early prediction of compound success or failure. This article focuses on opportunities and pitfalls associated with early utilization of biomarkers in drug development process. Keywords: biomarkers; coagulation pathway; Otamixaban; FXa inhibitor
Originalism in American Law and Politics: A Constitutional History

This book explains how the debate over originalism emerged from the interaction of constitutional theory, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and American political development. Refuting the contention that originalism is a recent concoction of political conservatives like Robert Bork, Johnathan O'Neill asserts that recent appeals to the origin of the Constitution in Supreme Court decisions and commentary, especially by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, continue an established pattern in American history. Originalism in American Law and Politics is distinguished by its historical approach to the topic. Drawing on constitutional commentary and treatises, Supreme Court and lower federal court opinions, congressional hearings, and scholarly monographs, O'Neill's work will be valuable to historians, academic lawyers, and political scientists.
Instability and Turbulent Bursting in the Boundary Layer

The stability of the Blasius boundary layer with respect to a finite amplitude Tollmien-Schlichting wave is studied. The stability with respect to a non-linear, convectively driven, cross streamwise periodic disturbance of the resulting flow is then studied and finally, the stability of the resulting localized shearing layers is studied. It is found that at large Reynolds number, the primary disturbance amplitude is about 8% and the secondary disturbance amplitude is about 27% of the free stream velocity.
Comparison of pregnancy rates in beef cattle after a fixed-time AI with once- or twice-used controlled internal drug release devices

The use of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) provides producers with numerous benefits including the use of superior genetics, shorter breeding and calving seasons, and a more uniform calf crop. However, the cost of implementing FTAI protocols is one of the several drawbacks hindering their use in the beef industry. Potential injection-site lesions from intramuscular injections of the hormones necessary for estrus synchronization are also a cause of concern for carcass quality. The objectives of this experiment were to (1) determine whether or not a twice-used controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device would be effective in an FTAI protocol without adversely affecting pregnancy rate and (2) whether or not the subcutaneous administration of PGF2α affects pregnancy rate. Nulliparous females (n = 99) between 13 and 27 months of age and multiparous cows (n = 43) between 48 and 74 months of age were synchronized for estrus using the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. The females were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: (1) a once-used CIDR (control) or (2) a twice-used CIDR device (treatment) incorporated into their synchronization protocol. The females were also randomly assigned to have their injection of PGF2α administered either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Blood was taken in a random subset of nulliparous females (n = 52) just before device removal and assayed for concentration of progesterone. The concentration of progesterone was higher (P = 0.01) in the animals that received once-used CIDR devices than that in those received twice-used CIDR devices (3.4 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.5 ng/mL, respectively). There was no significant effect of parity (P = 0.82), artificial insemination technician (P = 0.60), PGF2α administration (P = 0.83), or treatment (P = 0.67) on pregnancy rates to artificial insemination which were 75.4 ± 6.0% and 71.7 ± 6.4%, for animals that received once- and twice-used CIDR devices, respectively. This study provides evidence that although concentration of progesterone is decreased in animals treated with a twice-used CIDR device, there is still a sufficient release of progesterone from the device to effectively synchronize estrus without adversely affecting the fertility of a herd.
Murder and the Reasonable Man: Passion and Fear in the Criminal Courtroom

Part 2 of 2. Part 1 is located: http://ssrn.com/abstract=394601 This book examines the influence of masculinity, heterosexuality, and race norms on the reasonableness requirement in two criminal law defenses: the doctrine of provocation and the defense of self-defense. I argue that certain defendants are better able than others to bolster their claims of reasonableness by relying on dominant social norms and illustrate this point by examining three types of cases: (1) female infidelity killings, (2) gay panic killings, and (3) racialized self-defense cases (both private claims of self-defense and police use of deadly force against persons of color). Even though these three types of cases may seem completely unconnected at first glance, they are linked by the defendant's reliance on social norms to bolster his (or her) claim of reasonableness.I offer three proposals for reform. My first proposal is theoretical - rather than relying on a positivist conception of reasonableness (or one that focuses on what the average or typical person would have believed or done), I suggest we ought to also utilize a normative conception of reasonableness (or one that focuses on what actions ought to be considered reasonable). To implement this normative conception of reasonableness, I offer a practical reform: a race-switching (or gender-switching or sexual orientation-switching) jury instruction. Upon a motion by the prosecutor or defense attorney or if the judge sua sponte thinks it appropriate, the judge would instruct jurors that they may switch the races (or genders or sexual orientation) of the defendant and victim and determine whether they would come to a different result after switching. If so, then jurors may wish to reconsider the case with the knowledge that they may have been relying upon racial stereotypes (or masculinity or heterosexuality norms) the first time around. Finally, I offer a doctrinal reform that raises the bar for all defendants claiming provocation or self-defense which is really just a clarification of existing law in the case of self-defense. In contrast to the current focus on reasonableness of beliefs and emotions, this reform (which I call the Act-Belief Distinction) would require the jury to find that both the defendant's beliefs (or emotions) and his or her acts were reasonable.
Y-Balance Test: A Reliability Study Involving Multiple Raters

ABSTRACTThe Y-balance test (YBT) is one of the few field expedient tests that have shown predictive validity for injury risk in an athletic population. However, analysis of the YBT in a heterogeneous population of active adults (e.g., military, specific occupations) involving multiple raters with limited experience in a mass screening setting is lacking. The primary purpose of this study was to determine interrater test–retest reliability of the YBT in a military setting using multiple raters. Sixty-four service members (53 males, 11 females) actively conducting military training volunteered to participate. Interrater test–retest reliability of the maximal reach had intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) of 0.80 to 0.85 with a standard error of measurement ranging from 3.1 to 4.2 cm for the 3 reach directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral). Interrater test–retest reliability of the average reach of 3 trails had an intraclass correlation coefficients (2,3) range of 0.85 to 0.93 with an as...
Effects of Some Chemical and Physical Treatments on Proteolysis in Milk

Abstract Addition of either a water-soluble or oil-soluble surfactant to milk enhanced proteolysis. This effect was attributed primarily to alteration in the availability of the casein and secondarily to a partial release of proteolytic enzymes from the milk fat globule membrane. Adding milk fat globule membrane to milk also increased proteolysis, presumably by contributing additional proteinase. Proteolysis increased after milk was subjected to Waring blendor treatment, ultrasonic treatment, or temperature fluctuations. These treatments presumably cause dissociation of proteinases from milk fat globule membranes or casein micelles. Addition of carrageenan to milk inhibited proteolysis. Carrageenans may inhibit proteolysis by preventing dissociation of casein micelles or by blocking access to the active sites on casein. Removing either calcium ions or colloidal phosphates from milk by dialysis enhanced proteolysis. This enhancement may be due to dissociation of casein micelles or milk proteinases originally adsorbed on the casein micelles. Removal of calcium ions increased proteolysis more than removal of colloidal phosphates.
Higher levels of control: modulation of steroid hormone-regulated gene transcription.

Almost 30 yr of studies have yielded a model for steroid hormone action that, except for the localization of steroid-free receptors, is basically the same for all steroids. At least for glucocorticoid receptors, the rate-determining step in nuclear binding is activation (l-3), in which receptor-steroid complexes acquire an increased affinity for nuclei and DNA. The amount of activated complex is a function of the rate of steroid dissociation from the receptor, which is also the major determinant of steroid affinity (3, 4). Therefore, the affinity of steroid for receptor has been a predictor of glucocorticoid potency (3-6). In addition, receptor protein is usually the limiting factor for the induction of transcription (7, 8). Such analyses have given rise to the tenet that half saturation of the whole cell receptors by steroid should afford half of the maximal amount of activated complexes, of nuclear bound complexes, and of biological response. Thus a left shift in the dose-response curve relative to the dose-binding curve, such that 50% of the maximal biological response is produced by less than 50% receptor occupancy, should never be observed. In fact, a close correlation between the dose-dependent curves for steroid binding and induction of a biological response is regarded as direct evidence for the requirement of receptors in producing a response (9, 10). This doctrine fits nicely with the conclusion that continued steroid occupancy of receptors is required for biological activity (11 , 12). Not surprisingly, data have been reported which are not compatible with the accepted model. The most common abnormalities are left-shifted dose-response curves and variations in percent agonist activity for an antisteroid. The number of such reports have now grown to the point where they can no longer be dismissed. Adjustments to the model appear inevitable. The purpose of this review is to summarize these data and to discuss one recently proposed modification of the current model. Our focus is on glucocorticoid hormones, but results with all steroids are considered.
Polarization in the cubic phase of BaTIO3

Abstract We have measured, at three different wave lengths, the temperature dependence of the optic index of refraction, n(T), in ferroelectric BaTiO 3 for T > T c (T c ≡ the cubic to tetragonal transition temperature). n(T) deviates from the high temperature extrapolated value between T c and ≈ T c + 180°C. Assuming that these deviations are caused by the quadratic electro-optic effect, and taking its dispersion into account, we obtain, with no adjustable parameters, a root mean square polarization, | P |, vs. temperature in the cubic phase. At T + c , |P| is about 30% to 50% of the value of the reversible spontaneous polarization at T − c . These results are consistent with the recently published infrared studies of BaTiO 3 for T>T c and two proposals for their origin are discussed.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of the Newer Anti-Epilepsy Medications

In the past twenty years, 14 new antiepileptic drugs have been approved for use in the United States and/or Europe. These drugs are eslicarbazepine acetate, felbamate, gabapentin, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, rufinamide, stiripentol, tiagabine, topiramate, vigabatrin and zonisamide. In general, the clinical utility of therapeutic drug monitoring has not been established in clinical trials for these new anticonvulsants, and clear guidelines for drug monitoring have yet to be defined. The antiepileptic drugs with the strongest justifications for drug monitoring are lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, stiripentol, and zonisamide. Stiripentol and tiagabine are strongly protein bound and are candidates for free drug monitoring. Therapeutic drug monitoring has lower utility for gabapentin, pregabalin, and vigabatrin. Measurement of salivary drug concentrations has potential utility for therapeutic drug monitoring of lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and topiramate. Therapeutic drug monitoring of the new antiepileptic drugs will be discussed in managing patients with epilepsy.
Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase and cancer

Recent research has yielded a dramatic increase in the number of connections between oncogenesis and the proteins which regulate the cell cycle. Three classes of protein which inhibit the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) have emerged as potential targets for oncogenic inactivation. p16 and related proteins inhibit the cyclin/CDK complexes which regulate the transition from G1 to S phase; numerous studies have revealed that p16 is mutated in most tumor cell lines and in some types of primary tumor. p21/WAF1/Cip1 and the related p27Kip protein inhibit a broader range of cyclin/CDK complexes than p16. Although the absence of p21/WAF1/Cip1 from cyclin/CDK complexes is correlated with cellular transformation, no mutations in this gene have been found in tumors or tumor-derived cell lines. A third class of genes which are potential targets for oncogenic inactivation are the kinases and phosphatases which regulate the activity of cyclin/CDK complexes by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the CDK proteins. Disruption of any of these genes would result in loss of normal regulation of cell growth.
Early warning, ethnopolitical conflicts, and the united nations: Assessing the violence in Georgia/Abkhazia

The collapse of communism in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe was accompanied by ethnopolitical conflicts that erupted “with unusual cruelty and violence” but without much warning and were soon recognized as a major threat to peace, security, and development in the post-Cold War era. Can one be alerted to the Nagorno-Karabakhs, Bosnias, Rwandas, and Tajikistans of the world—in time to take decisive preventive action?
Polymer ceramic composite that follows the rules of bone growth

Research at the University of Illinois School of Architecture Material's Lab is being done on a biomimetic building material with the unique properties of bone. This polymer/ceramic composite will mimic bone by controlling the (1) the structure and form of the material, (2) chemical makeup and sequencing of fabrication, (3) ability to adapt to environmental changes during fabrication, and (4) ability to later adapt and repair itself. Bones and shells obtain their great toughness and strength as a result of careful control of these four factors. The organic fibers are made first and the matrix grown around them as opposed to conventional ceramics in which any fibers are added to the matrix. Constituents are also placed in the material which allow it to later adapt to outside changes. The rules under which bone material naturally forms and adapts, albeit at a macroscale, are followed. Our efforts have concentrated on the chemical makeup, and basic sequencing of fabrication. Our research sought to match the intimate connection between material phases of bone by developing the chemical makeup.
Space-Time Resolved Reflectivity Measurements of Picosecond Laser-Pulse Induced Phase Transitions in (111) Silicon Surface Layers

The changes in reflectivity of a silicon surface, irradiated by a green picosecond pulse, are probed during and following that pulse with a spatial resolution of 10 μm. The data indicate the development of a liquid phase, and a resolidification either into a single crystal or an amorphous phase. The latter has a characteristic ring-type pattern, and occurs only at locations where the incident picosecond laser fluence lies between 0.2 and 0.26 J/cm2. The reflectivity data appear to be in good quantitative agreement with a “simple heating” model, in which the electrons and phonons maintain a local thermodynamic equilibrium on a picosecond time scale.
Simple method to produce Janus colloidal particles in large quantity.

A simple, generalizable, inexpensive method is demonstrated to synthesize Janus colloidal particles in large quantity. At the liquid−liquid interface of emulsified molten wax and water, untreated particles adsorb and are frozen in place when the wax solidifies. The exposed surfaces of the immobilized particles are modified chemically. Finally, wax is dissolved, and the inner surfaces are modified chemically. Gram-sized quantities or more of Janus particles can be synthesized by taking this approach.
Interference Mitigation Using Spectrum Sensing

The concept of spectrum sensing is in the broad sense, the ability to detect and interpret other signals in the band and take appropriate actions by implementing adaptive techniques in the MAC layer in addition to traditional interference cancellation techniques applied in the PHY layer. In this paper we present algorithms to detect interference to WLAN systems in the 2.4GHz spectrum originating from microwave ovens or frequency hopping devices like cordless phone, and methods to mitigate the interference. The concept can be extended to other coexistence issues as well as spectrum sharing between primary and secondary users of a spectrum.
Theory of Flocculation, Subsidence and Refiltration Rates of Colloidal Dispersions Flocculated by Polyelectrolytes

The flocculation and subsequent subsidence of colloidal suspensions are markedly increased by the addition of flocculating agents; for example various starches and recently developed synthetic polymers.
Fatigue crack propagation through inelastic gradient fields

Abstract This paper examines the growth rate behaviour of cracks growing in the inelastic gradient field of a notch for a range of crack sizes, stress levels and notch severities. Experimental data used as a vehicle to explore the utility of K as a correlating parameter show that linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) errs significantly. Previously suggested pseudo-plastic forms of K , as well as a parameter based on the J integral, are also shown not to consolidate these data during crack growth through the inelastic field of the notch. Calculations of growth intervals are made using conventional analysis procedures and contrasted with that experimentally observed to illustrate possible errors that may be made in practical applications of LEFM to ductile materials. The significance of these errors is discussed with regard to current code specified procedures based on LEFM, whose use to calculate in-service inspection intervals in ductile piping systems may lead to non-conservative estimates.
Morphology of the Lower Respiratory Structures of the White Pekin Duck

Abstract THE purpose of this work has been to investigate the morphology of the respiratory system of the White Pekin duck, from the bronchi distad; to establish by which route the air sacs are supplied with air; and to determine the significance of the diaphragm and the pleura. LITERATURE REVIEW The more important anatomic studies on the White Pekin duck have been done by Akester (1960), Delphia (1958, 1959) and Rigdon (1959). A comprehensive literature review of the avian respiratory system has been compiled by Mennega (1964a). Because the terminology of avian respiratory anatomy is frequently confusing, the nomenclature used by the Federal Poultry Inspection Service has been adopted for this work. Due to its economic importance the chicken has been studied rather extensively by men like Bradley and Grahame (1960), King (1956, 1957), McLeod and Wagers (1939), and Marshall (1960). An extensive work is being prepared for publication by Lucas. **
Opportunistic Autoimmune Disorders Potentiated by Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1.

To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune diseases, recent ongoing and completed clinical trials have focused on specific targets to redirect the immune network toward eradicating a variety of tumors and ameliorating the self-destructive process. In a previous review (Kong et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1183:222-236, 2010), both systemic immunomodulators and monoclonal antibodies, anti-CTLA-4 and anti-CD52, were discussed regarding therapeutics and autoimmune sequelae, as well as predisposing factors known to exacerbate immune-related adverse events. This review will focus on immune-checkpoint inhibitors, and the data from most clinical trials involve blockade with anti-CTLA-4 such as ipilimumab. However, despite the mild to severe immune-related adverse events observed with ipilimumab in ~60% of patients, overall survival averaged ~22-25% at 3-5 years. To boost overall survival, other monoclonal antibodies targeting programmed death-1 and its ligand are undergoing clinical trials as monotherapy or dual therapy with anti-CTLA-4. Therapeutic combinations may generate different spectrum of opportunistic autoimmune disorders. To simulate clinical scenarios, we have applied regulatory T cell perturbation to murine models combined to examine the balance between thyroid autoimmunity and tumor-specific immunity.