cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A historical perspective of the legal status of war

I. The ‘Just War’ Doctrine in the Past A. The Roman Origins 181. A distinction between ‘just war’ (bellum justum) and ‘unjust war’ (bellum injustum) can be traced back to the jus fetiale. This body of law existed in ancient Rome, from the days of the Kings until the late republican era. The fetiales were a college of priests charged with a number of duties, some of which pertained to the inception of war. 182. Cicero stated that it may be gathered from the code of the fetiales that no war is considered just, unless it is preceded by an official demand for satisfaction or warning, and a formal declaration has been made. It follows that two indispensable conditions of a procedural nature had to be met before the commencement of hostilities. The first requisite was that a demand be addressed to the opponent, insisting on satisfaction for the grievance caused to Rome (such satisfaction taking the form of restitution, withdrawal of forces, etc.), with a fixed time allowed for a proper response. The second condition was that a formal declaration of war had to be issued. The declaration entailed an elaborate ceremony, culminating in a spear being hurled across the Roman frontier into the enemy's territory, and including the recital of ancient legal formulas recorded in detail by Livy. It appears that, apart from the ritualistic and procedural aspects of their duties, the fetiales were also empowered to pronounce whether there were sufficient substantive grounds justifying the outbreak of hostilities (e.g., violation of a treaty or the sanctity of ambassadors, infringement of territorial rights or offences committed against allies). 183. As a rule, the political powers in Rome were disallowed to go to war (during the relevant period) without the explicit and prior approval of the fetiales. Yet, it is only fair to observe that, to all intents and purposes, the fetiales were the servants of their political masters and ‘practically bound to do their bidding’.
Fixed Point Realization of Iterative K-Best Decoder

This chapter includes a novel study on fixed point realization of iterative LR-aided K-Best decoder based on simulation [18]. It is a required step to decide on the hardware implementation. The process involves two steps: first is to select optimized architecture for each sub-module of K-Best decoder, and the second is to perform the fixed point conversion. The choice of proper architecture makes the hardware implementation easier, while the fixed point conversion minimizes the bit length of each variable. These objectives gradually lead to the minimization of hardware cost, power, and area as well.
Desensitization of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts to Alternaria alternata extract‐mediated necrotic cell death

Alternaria alternata is an allergenic fungus and known to cause an upper respiratory tract infection and asthma in humans with compromised immunity. Although A. alternata's effect on airway epithelial cells has previously been examined, the potential role of A. alternata on lung fibroblast viability is not understood. Since lung fibroblasts derived from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) display a distinct phenotype that is resistant to stress and cell death inducing conditions, the investigation of the role of Alternaria on pathological IPF fibroblasts provides a better understanding of the fibrotic process induced by an allergenic fungus. Therefore, we examined cell viability of control and IPF fibroblasts (n = 8 each) in response to A. alternata extract. Control fibroblast cell death was increased while IPF fibroblasts were resistant when exposed to 50–100 μg/mL of A. alternata extract. However, there was no significant difference in kinetics or magnitude of Ca2+ responses from control lung and IPF fibroblasts. In contrast, unlike control fibroblasts, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels remained low when IPF cells were treated with A. alternata extracts as a function of time. Caspase 3/7 and TUNEL assay revealed that enhanced cell death caused by A. alternata extract was likely due to necrosis, and 7-AAD assay and the use of sodium pyruvate for ATP generation further supported our findings that IPF fibroblasts become resistant to A. alternata extract-induced necrotic cell death. Our results suggest that exposure to A. alternata potentially worsens the fibrotic process by promoting normal lung fibroblast cell death in patients with IPF.
Ecological correlations of dietary food intake and mental health disorders

This paper examines the ecological association of dietary food intake with mental health outcomes on the group level across countries. Published data from the World Mental Health Survey were used to compare lifetime prevalence of four categories of mental health disorders (anxiety disorders, mood disorders, impulse control disorders, and substance use disorders) with a country’s fish/seafood and sugar/sweetener supply quantity using the Spearman rank correlation. Data were compared for 17 countries across the world. Sugar and sweetener supply quantity was significantly and positively associated with anxiety disorders (rho = 0.75, p = 0.001), mood disorders (rho = 0.75, p = 0.001), impulse control disorders (rho = 0.78, p = 0.001), and substance use disorders (rho = 0.68, p = 0.007). Fish and seafood supply quantity had no significant association with any mental health disorders. Mental health disorders represent a significant health problem around the world. Public health measures aimed at improving the quality and availability of a nation’s food supply could have a significant positive impact on mental health. Further randomized studies are needed to further validate the study findings.
Sacred Structures: Assembling Meaning, Constructing Self

This book chapter tells a story of several meaning-making projects situated within the pedagogical orbit of an elementary school art studio. These are recounted in order to discover analogies and equivalencies between the effort to construct an identity as an imaginatively produced text and the effort to make meaning from materials and ideas. The assembly of a representative array of meanings from a stock of accessible materials and ideas creates the baseline structures for an evolving identity framework. This is so fundamental an activity, even a child can do it. Moreover, all young learners must do this brand of work in response to the expectation that they gainfully figure themselves out in the context of society each and every time they attempt to (re)make meaning.
Probing the Nucleic Acid Binding Properties of the Single-Stranded DNA Binding Protein of Bacteriophage T4 Replication Complex at Single Nucleotide Resolution

Previous studies have mapped the structural details and assembly properties of the single-stranded (ss)DNA binding protein (gp32) of bacteriophage T4 as it binds to various ssDNA lattices, both as isolated monomers and as cooperatively bound gp32 clusters. Building on previous studies, our work seeks to understand these binding interactions at single nucleotide resolution. We have utilized site-specifically positioned 2-aminopurine (2-AP) fluorescent base analogs of adenine incorporated into ssDNA lattices, as either monomer or dimer-pair probes, to map the detailed interactions of gp32 with ssDNA lattices of various lengths.
Extreme platforms for metaphotonics

We have been investigating light-matter interaction in extreme-parameter structures. We have found that metastructures with unconventional material parameters provide us with unique platforms exhibiting unprecedented classical and quantum metaphotonic features with various potential applications.
Cortical circuit based lossless neural integrator for perceptual decision-making

The intrinsic uncertainty of sensory information (i.e., evidence) does not necessarily deter an observer from making a reliable decision. It is believed that uncertainty is minimized by integrating (accumulating) this incoming sensory evidence. Traditionally, this integration has been modeled using two different approaches. First, rate-code integrators represent accumulated afferent inputs as monotonically increasing (“ramping”) spiking activity. Second, location-code integrators represent accumulated inputs as the location of a highly localized “bump” of elevated spiking activity. In general, rate-code integrators are thought to be a natural circuit candidate for perceptual decision-making, but they cannot account fully for recent experimental data suggesting that observers hold accumulated evidence in the temporal gaps in evidence. Here, we propose a novel location-code neural integrator that maintains accumulated evidence during such temporal gaps. Furthermore, our location-code integrator can be read out in two modes that mirror spiking activity patterns in cortical areas associated with decision-making.
Exploring the IT Productivity Paradox in Higher Education: The Influence of IT Funding on Institutional Productivity

ABSTRACTInformation technology (IT) spending has increased in every sector of higher education during the past decade despite a lack of meaningful data pertaining to its impact on productivity. This study, which was guided by the production theory, used a unique data set and dynamic fixed-effects panel model to examine the relationship between IT funding and institutional productivity in the form of teaching, research, and service outputs. Findings revealed that investments in IT are positively related with teaching and service outputs for private and nondoctoral institutions, whereas investments in IT are positively associated with research outputs for public and doctoral institutions.
Providing age-appropriate activities for youth in foster care: Policy implementation process in three states

Abstract Background The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 brought attention to a myriad of current issues involving youth experiences in foster care. Barriers in youth's freedom to participate in normal, age and developmentally appropriate activities was one of the concerns addressed in the legislation. Objective This policy analysis of Title I-Subtitle B-Improving Opportunities for Children in Foster Care and Supporting Permanency, which is within The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 provides: (1) a brief explanation of the Act, with a specific account of Subtitle B, regarding “normalcy” for foster youth; (2) an analysis of the implementation of the policy in Texas as compared to other states; and (3) recommendations for effectively applying the policy given requirements in child-placing agencies serving foster youth. Conclusions Title I-Subtitle B-Improving Opportunities for Children in Foster Care and Supporting Permanency is legislation which enhances the experiences of foster youth. Allowing “normalcy” for youth in out-of-home placements supports improved experiences while in foster care, and thus diminishes negative outcomes and trajectories.
Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: improving access to psychosocial care for individuals with persistent pain: supporting the National Pain Strategy's call for interdisciplinary pain care

Policy makers have articulated a need for clear, evidence-based guidance to help inform pain policy. Persistent pain is common, expensive, and debilitating, and requires comprehensive assessment and treatment planning. Recently released opioid prescribing guidelines by the CDC (2016) emphasize the importance of using nonopioid therapies before considering opioid treatment for those without a malignant illness. The National Pain Strategy (2016) underscores the importance of comprehensive, interdisciplinary pain care. Unfortunately, despite persuasive evidence supporting the efficacy of psychosocial approaches, these interventions are inaccessible to the majority of Americans. Psychosocial approaches to pain management should be available for all individuals with persistent pain and in all health care settings and contexts as part of the comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to pain care as outlined in the National Pain Strategy. To achieve this, we must prioritize reimbursement of evidence-based psychosocial approaches for pain assessment and management and improve provider training and competencies to implement these approaches.
Embryological studies of some members of Rhamnaceæ

THE Rhamnacem, consisting of 40 genera and 530 species, are cosmopolitan and very common in the wild condition (Willis, 1931). Most of them are either trees or shrubs possessing thorns and some, like Ventilago, climb by means of tendrils. The fruits of various species of Rhamnus yield dyestufis and those of Zizyphus are edible. The wood of many give good chm coal and the roots of some are of medicinal value.
Discrete Spatial Filtering by Networks of Cells Facilitates Biological Pattern Formation

Interactions between neighboring cells are essential for generating or refining patterns in a number of biological systems. We propose a discrete filtering approach to predict how networks of cells modulate spatially varying input signals to produce more complicated or precise output signals. The interconnections between cells determine the set of spatial modes that are amplified or suppressed based on the coupling and internal dynamics of each cell, analogously to the way a traditional digital filter modifies the frequency components of a discrete signal. We apply our framework to two case studies in developmental biology, demonstrating that filtering analysis enhances our intuition regarding the behavior of interconnected multicellular systems.
Class Size, Course Spacing, and Academic Outcomes

Using administrative data from a land-grant university, we estimate how class size and waiting longer between courses impact student grades using paired prerequisite and follow-up courses. We find that students in larger prerequisite classes earn lower grades in follow-up courses, although this effect is mitigated as the time between the two courses increases. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that students learn less in larger class sections, leaving them with less knowledge to decay and that any increase in student maturity may more than make up for the forgotten material.
Mercury and Selenium Levels, and Se:Hg Molar Ratios in Freshwater Fish From South Louisiana

Ample historical evidence has demonstrated the neurotoxicity of organic Hg. However, several studies have suggested that Se effectively sequesters MeHg. The affinity of Hg is up to ≈106 times highe...
Rapid Sequence MRI Protocol in the Evaluation of Pediatric Brain Attacks.

Abstract Background The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical utility of rapid sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizing diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences in children with acute ischemic strokes and nonstroke brain attacks. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged one month to 25 years for whom a pediatric stroke clinical pathway was activated. Diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery were obtained followed by a complete MRI. Imaging was interpreted by a pediatric radiologist and the study neurologist. We collected information regarding patient demographics, neuroimaging results, and final diagnosis. Results The Pediatric Stroke Clinical Pathway was activated for 59 patients of whom 52 were included for analysis. The majority of patients were female (n = 29, 55.8%) and African American (n = 32, 61.5%), with a median age of 12 years (interquartile range 9, 16). Six patients had an ischemic stroke. Seizures, migraines, and psychosomatic disorders (each with n = 7; 13.5%) were the most common nonstroke diagnoses. Diffusion-weighted imaging was more sensitive (100% [55.0% to 100%] versus 80 % [32% to 99%]) and specific (73.9% [68% to 74%] versus 37.2% [32% to 39%]) compared with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery in identification of an ischemic stroke. However, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery was useful in the identification of inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Conclusion Rapid sequence MRI can be utilized as a screening imaging modality in children with suspected brain attacks in cases where there may be delays in obtaining full sequence brain imaging.
Trust, organizational decision-making, and data analytics: An exploratory study

The use of data analytics of all kinds is making inroads into almost all industries. There are many studies that explore the usefulness and organizational benefits of these tools. However, there ha...
Listening In: How Parent-Child Communication Relates to Social and Physical Aggression

In this study, we investigated the relations between features of parent-child conversations (neutral talk, positive and negative in-dyad and out-dyad talk) and children’s social and physical aggression from ages 9–18. Participants were 297 youth (52% girls) of about 9 years old at Time 1 and their parent. Fifty-two percent of this United States sample identified as White, 20% Black, 20% Hispanic, 8% other races/ethnicities. One hundred eighty-seven parents participated in the parent-child observation task. Ninety four percent of parent participants were mothers. Parent-child conversations were observed in the laboratory during preadolescence, and teachers reported child’s aggression. Using multinomial logit analyses, we found that coded observations of communication features predicted membership in linear trajectories of social and physical aggression across nine years of adolescence; trajectories were derived via mixture modeling. Parent and child communication characteristics were related to trajectories of aggression that spanned preadolescence and adolescence; however, not all predicted associations were significant. Children’s talk about neutral topics predicted being on a lower social aggression trajectory. Positive out-dyad talk from children was related to being on a lower physical aggression trajectory, as was parent in-dyad positive talk. After controlling for other factors, neither parent nor child in- or out-dyad negative talk was associated with social or physical aggression. These findings highlight the importance of positive communication by youth and toward youth in association with long-term social adjustment.
Avoiding Communication in Two-Sided Krylov Subspace Methods

Abstract : The cost of an algorithm is a function of both computation, the number of arithmetic operations performed, and communication, the amount of data movement. Communication cost encapsulates both data movement between levels of the memory hierarchy and between processors, and the number of messages in which the data is sent. In terms of performance, communication costs are much greater than computation costs on modern computer architectures, and the gap is only expected to widen in future systems. Therefore, in order to increase the performance of an algorithm, we must turn to strategies to minimize communication rather than try to decrease the number of arithmetic operations. We call this a communication-avoiding (CA) approach to algorithmic design.
Alcohol screening and brief intervention among military service members and veterans: rural–urban disparities

Background Access to screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment programmes for alcohol use have been shown to be effective; however, little is known about access to these services among service members and veterans. We examined the association of service member or veteran rural-dwelling area and the following outcomes: recent general health check-up, alcohol screening and alcohol brief intervention. Methods Data on 5080 military service members and veterans were obtained from the 2017 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System of the USA. We estimated rural–urban disparities in the receipt of a recent voluntary general health check-up, as well as the receipt of alcohol screening and brief intervention, using a mixed logit model. Results Of the 5080 participants in the study, a total of 4666 (90.49%, 95% CI 89.39% to 91.48%) reported a general health check-up in the last 2 years. Results showed 7.48% of the sample (95% CI 6.64% to 8.41%) exhibited heavy alcohol consumption patterns. Of the 414 participants who did not undergo a general health check-up, 13.80% (95% CI 9.63% to 19.41%) exhibited a pattern of heavy alcohol consumption. Rural individuals were less likely to report a recent health check-up (adjusted OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.87). Rurality was also independently associated with decreased likelihood of receiving an alcohol screening and brief intervention. Conclusion Greater access to telehealth or other geographically flexible screening and brief intervention programmes is needed in rural areas for service members and veterans.
Des sarcoïdes infiltrantes donnant une image de « loup » : à propos d’une observation

Introduction Les lesions cutanees au cours de la sarcoidose sont polymorphes. Elles peuvent simuler plusieurs affections dermatologiques. Nous rapportons un cas de lupus pernio chez une patiente de phototype fonce. Observation Une patiente de 48 ans, sans antecedent pathologique particulier, etait suivie dans un service d’ORL pour deux masses faciales evoluant depuis 6 ans, pour lesquelles elle a recu un traitement antituberculeux pendant cinq mois sans amelioration. L’etat general etait conserve, et il n’existait pas de fievre. L’examen dermatologique retrouvait deux tumefactions non inflammatoires, peu fermes, a surface lisse et telangiectasique, donnant un aspect lupoide a la vitro pression, localisees aux joues, et mesurant 15 cm a gauche et 10 cm a droite dans leur plus grand axe. Il n’y avait pas d’adenopathie ni de splenomegalie et l’examen des autres appareils etait normal. Les hypotheses diagnostiques evoquees etaient une sarcoidose, un lymphome et une tuberculose. L’IDRt etait anergique, la NFS etait normale, la CRP etait positive a 14 mg/dl, la VS etait acceleree et l’electrophorese des proteines seriques montrait une hypergammaglobulinemie polyclonale. L’histopathologie cutanee avait mis en evidence un granulome tuberculoide sans necrose caseeuse, confirmant ainsi le diagnostic de sarcoidose. Le scanner du massif facial montrait un processus tissulaire mal limite, envahissant la quasi-totalite de la face et du globe oculaire (surtout le nerf optique) avec une lyse osseuse diffuse du maxillaire superieur, des parois sinusales et des globes oculaires. Le scanner thoracique etait normal. Un traitement a base de corticotherapie associee au methotrexate etait instaure. Apres 4 mois de traitement, l’evolution etait marquee par une regression des lesions. Discussion Notre patiente presente un lupus pernio. La clinique et la presence d’une lyse osseuse sont tres evocatrices, mais c’est l’histopathologie qui a permis de confirmer le diagnostic. Dans la litterature, les localisations extra-thoraciques de la sarcoidose sont plus frequentes et plus severes chez le phototype fonce. Chez notre patiente cette severite peut s’expliquer, en parti, par le diagnostic tardif qui serait du a la meconnaissance de certaines presentations cliniques de la sarcoidose cutanee.
Summary of IAU Colloquium 191: The Environment and Evolution Binary and Multiple Stars

A summary is given of the IAU Colloquium No 191 “The Environment and Evolution of Binary and Multiple Stars.” This conference was held in Merida, Mexico during February 2003 and dedicated to Dr. Arcadio Poveda for his major contributions to binary- and multiple-star systems and dynamics. The conference was organized to discuss the major developments that are occurring in the fields of binary- and multiple-star formation, evolution, dynamics, and the environments where they form and evolve.
Simultaneous transepithelial topographic-guided laser and cross-linking to correct irregular astigmatism in a pediatric patient.

Purpose To evaluate an original approach for treating corneal ectasia and irregular astigmatism secondary to penetrating trauma in a pediatric patient. Case report An 11 year old patient had a penetrating trauma in right eye when he was two and the refractive error was +1.50 diopters sphere -6.00 diopters cylinder axis 95°. To correct irregular astigmatism, the patient underwent simultaneous transepithelial topographic-guided laser Central Corneal Remodeling (CCR) and Corneal Cross-linking (CXL) in the attempt to regularize corneal ectasia and to improve the quality of vision. Uncorrected and Corrected Distance Visual Acuity were measured using Efficacy and Safety indexes; objective and subjective qualities of vision were evaluated using respectively corneal morphological irregularity index and National Eye Institute Visual Function questionnaires. Conclusions Twelve month follow up suggests that simultaneous CCR and CXL could be effective to improve the quality of vision and to halt the progression of post-traumatic ectasia in pediatric patients.
Technologies for Low Frequency Radio Observations of the Cosmic Dawn

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is developing concepts and technologies for low frequency radio astronomy space missions aimed at observing highly redshifted neutral Hydrogen from the Dark Ages. This is the period of cosmic history between the recombination epoch when the microwave background radiation was produced and the re-ionization of the intergalactic medium by the first generation of stars (Cosmic Dawn). This period, at redshifts greater than about 20, is a critical epoch for the formation and evolution of large-scale structure in the universe. The 21-cm spectral line of Hydrogen provides the most promising method for directly studying the Dark Ages, but the corresponding frequencies at such large redshifts are only tens of MHz and thus require space-based observations to avoid terrestrial RFI and ionospheric absorption and refraction. This paper reports on the status of several low frequency technology development activities at JPL, including deployable bi-conical dipoles for a planned lunar-orbiting mission, and both rover-deployed and inflation-deployed long dipole antennas for use on the lunar surface.
Design of a context aware computing engine

This paper describes a software framework that facilitates easy development of modern context-aware systems. The framework exposes core context processing functions as a set of generic but customizable platform components. Here we present overall design of the framework and early results from our prototype implementations. (4 pages)
INCREASES IN PHOSPHATIDIC ACID LEVELS ACCOMPANY SPHINGOSINE-STIMULATED PROLIFERATION OF QUIESCENT SWISS 3T3 CELLS

Sphingosine, a breakdown product of cellular sphingolipids, has recently been shown to stimulate DNA synthesis and act synergistically with known growth factors to induce proliferation of quiescent Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts (Hong, Z., Buckley, N. E., Gibson, K., and Spiegel, S. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 76-81). The present study demonstrates that mitogenic concentrations of sphingosine induce early increases in cytosolic phosphatidic acid, which is a potent mitogen for Swiss 3T3 cells. Structurally related analogs of sphingosine, such as N-stearoylsphingosine and other long chain aliphatic amines, did not mimic the mitogenic effect of sphingosine and did not elevate phosphatidic acid levels. Sphingosine not only stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation with similar efficiency and kinetics as phosphatidic acid, it also induced similar morphological alterations. Both sphingosine and phosphatidic acid acted synergistically with a variety of growth factors, such as, insulin, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. In sharp contrast, sphingosine and phosphatidic acid did not have additive or synergistic effects in either the presence or absence of other growth factors. Both sphingosine and phosphatidic acid stimulated DNA synthesis in cells made protein kinase C-deficient by prolonged treatment with phorbol ester and sphingosine still stimulated similar increases in phosphtidic acid in these cells. Furthermore, similar to the actions of phosphatidic acid on signal transduction in Swiss 3T3 cells, mitogenic concentrations of sphingosine also inhibit cAMP accumulation and trigger the hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides. Our findings indicate that sphingosine and phosphatidic acid control cellular responses in Swiss 3T3 cells through a common pathway. In view of the prominent role of phosphatidic acid in signal transduction and cellular proliferation, our observations that sphingosine, at mitogenic concentrations, increases the level of phosphatidic acid and also mimics the effects of phosphatidic acid on signal transduction, have important implications for the mechanism of action of sphingosine.
Corruption in El Salvador: Politicians, Police, and Transportistas

Corruption and the infiltration of public institutions in Central America by organized crime groups is an unaddressed issue that lies at the core of the increasing violence and democratic instability that has afflicted the region in the last decade. In El Salvador, infiltration has mutated into a system capable of determining important political and strategic decisions, such as the election of high-level judicial officials and the shaping of the state approach to fighting crime. This paper addresses corruption in El Salvador’s National Civil Police (PNC), the law enforcement agency created under the auspices of the 1992 Peace Accord that ended the country’s 12-year civil war. Archival and field research presented here demonstrates that the PNC has been plagued by its own “original sin”: the inclusion of former soldiers that worked with criminal groups and preserved a closed power structure that prevented any authority from investigating them for over two decades. This original sin has allowed criminal bands formed in the 1980s as weapon or drug smugglers to forge connections with the PNC and to develop into sophisticated drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). These new DTOs are now involved in money laundering, have secured pacts with major criminal players in the region — such as Mexican and Colombian cartels — and have learned how to use the formal economy and financial system. These “entrepreneurs” of crime, long tolerated and nurtured by law enforcement officials and politicians in El Salvador, are now major regional players themselves.
Dispatch versus interconnect traffic: a comparative analysis in a land mobile trunking system

The performance evaluation of integrated dispatch and interconnect traffic schemes is important in land mobile trunking systems. We present a unified approach to analyze a variety of schemes for integrating dispatch and interconnect traffic. Dispatch traffic is queued, and interconnect calls are blocked, when no channels are available. Performance trade-offs between dispatch and interconnect traffic are displayed. The blocking probability for interconnect calls, and the mean waiting time for dispatch calls are the parameters used as the grade of service measures.
Identification and characterization of the herpes simplex virus type 1 virion protein encoded by the UL35 open reading frame.

Abstract The UL35 open reading frame (ORF) of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been predicted from DNA sequence analysis to encode a small polypeptide with a molecular weight of 12,095. We have investigated the protein product of the UL35 ORF by using a trpE-UL35 gene fusion to produce a corresponding fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The TrpE-UL35 chimeric protein was subsequently isolated and used as a source of immunogen for the production of rabbit polyclonal antiserum directed against the UL35 gene product. The TrpE-UL35 antiserum was found to recognize a 12-kDa protein which was specifically present in HSV-1-infected cells. By utilizing the TrpE-UL35 antiserum, the kinetics of synthesis of the UL35 gene product was examined, and these studies indicate that UL35 is expressed as a gamma 2 (true late) gene. The 12-kDa protein recognized by the TrpE-UL35 antiserum was associated with purified HSV-1 virions and type A and B capsids, suggesting that the UL35 ORF may encode the 12-kDa capsid protein variably designated p12, NC7, or VP26. To confirm this assignment, immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting studies were performed to demonstrate that the TrpE-UL35 antiserum reacts with the same polypeptide as an antiserum directed against the purified p12 capsid protein (anti-NC7) (G.H. Cohen, M. Ponce de Leon, H. Diggelmann, W.C. Lawrence, S.K. Vernon, and R.J. Eisenberg, J. Virol. 34:521-531, 1980). Furthermore, the anti-NC7 serum was also found to react with the TrpE-UL35 chimeric protein isolated from E. coli, providing additional evidence that the UL35 gene encodes p12. On the basis of these studies, we conclude that UL35 represents a true late gene which encodes the 12-kDa capsid protein of HSV-1.
Neutron Cross Section Measurements at the Spallation Neutron Source

With the prospect of construction of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at ORNL, and the fantastic high neutron flux, new, up to now impossible, experiments seem to be feasible in the fields of applied nuclear physics and astrophysics. These experiments will supply crucial neutron-induced cross section data for radionuclides, which are badly needed by many applied physics programs. The SNS will be uniquely suited for measuring the cross sections of interest to nuclear criticality safety, accelerator transmutation of nuclear waste (ATW), and heavy element nucleosynthesis for astrophysics. Because the sample sizes required at current facilities are usually too large for practical measurements, scarce information of these cross sections is available. Using the high neutron flux at the SNS will allow these measurements to be made with samples about 40 times smaller than at the next best facility. The large reduction in sample size at the SNS will result in orders of magnitude reduction in background from the...
Cost-Effective Safety Treatment of Trees on Low-Volume Rural Roads

Generally, trees are naturally occurring fixed objects that are found along many roadways and that potentially pose safety risks to errant motorists. Unfortunately, trees have been responsible for numerous fatal and serious injury crashes during run-off-road events. This study included an incremental benefit-to-cost (B-C) analysis that used the Roadside Safety Analysis Program to investigate the efficacy of safety treatment alternatives for trees on roadways with volumes of less than 500 vehicles per day (vpd) and speed limits of 55 mph (88.5 km/h) or greater. The study was based on a parametric analysis of site characteristics from a field survey in Kansas. It used four tree groupings, three tree diameters, and four lateral offsets from the roadway to configure 120 scenarios. Three safety treatment methods were considered: (a) a do-nothing option representing the baseline condition; (b) tree removal, with cost estimates coming from reliable sources; and (c) a crashworthy guardrail system. For various reasons, the guardrail system was no more cost-effective than the do-nothing or tree removal options. B-C ratios were used to recommend tree removal on the basis of several pertinent variables. In all cases, B-C ratios for tree removal were never less than 1.0, which indicated limited justification for keeping the trees. Tree removal was considered the safest and primary alternative when trees were far from other fixed obstacles. Because these guidelines are based solely on B-C analyses, the road designer or engineer is encouraged to use them as a foundation for making safety improvements but also to consider site-specific investigation and analysis.
Masked Repetition Priming in Treatment of Anomia: A Phase 2 Study

Purpose Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to masked primes may improve naming accuracy for individuals with anomia. This study investigates the effect of repeated exposures to masked identity primes paired with pictures over multiple trials, sessions, and days on the ability of people with anomia to name those pictures. Method Four participants with anomia completed this single-subject, multiple-baseline design study. Twelve treatment sessions were conducted for each of 2 semantic categories. Comparisons of performance on naming probes were made between items that were primed, unprimed but seen the same number of times, and unprimed and seen only during naming probes. Results All participants showed some gains in naming trained items although to varying degrees, and trained (primed) items generally showed greater improvement than untrained items seen the same number of times. Cross-category generalization was observed for some participants, but little to no within-category generalization oc...
Phylogenetic placement and taxonomic review of the genus Cryptosporella and its synonyms Ophiovalsa and Winterella (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales).

The type species of Cryptosporella, C. hypodermia, and Ophiovalsa, O. suffusa, as well as closely related species were studied using morphological, cultural, and DNA sequence characteristics. DNA sequence data from three different loci (ITS, LSU, and RPB2) suggest that C. hypodermia and O. suffusa are congeneric within the Gnomoniaceae (Diaporthales). This result is supported by similarities in perithecial, ascal and ascospore morphology, and lifestyles characterized as initially endophytic, becoming saprobic as plant tissues die. Furthermore, both type species produce Disculina anamorphs. A review of the literature indicates that the generic name Cryptosporella has priority over Ophiovalsa and its synonym Winterella sensu Reid & Booth (1987). A redescription of the genus Cryptosporella is included, as well as a description of C. hypodermia, C. suffusa, the type species of Ophiovalsa, a brief account of the other seven species accepted in Cryptosporella, and a key to species of Cryptosporella. Eight new combinations are established: C. alnicola (Fr.) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. betulae (Tul. & C. Tul.) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. confusa (Reid & Booth) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. corylina (Tul. & C. Tul.) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. femoralis (Peck) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. suffusa (Fr.) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.; C. tiliae (Tul. & C. Tul.) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.; and C. wehmeyeriana (Reid & Booth) L.C. Mejia & Castleb., comb. nov.
The environment and disaster management

Abstract The objective of this special issue is to explore the role of environmental degradation —and its relation to disaster vulnerability—on both natural and manmade habitats. Accordingly, this article begins with a brief overview of the problem, ie how extreme events and environmental degradation are related. It then goes on to review the main themes in the ensuing articles.
Conservation Status of Five Headwater Stream Specialists in South Dakota

Abstract Native stream fish zoogeography has changed substantially across North America during the last century because habitat degradation, stream fragmentation and introductions of nonnative species have led to numerous extinctions, extirpations, and altered distributions. Insufficient information regarding imperiled species often results in reactive, rather than proactive, management, and knowledge of species status and ecology is critical in identifying conservation priorities. We used fish collection records and a habitat assessment to update the status of five fishes of conservation interest in South Dakota (Northern Redbelly Dace Chrosomus eos, Finescale Dace Chrosomus neogaeus, Northern Pearl Dace Margariscus nachtriebi, Blacknose Shiner Notropis heterolepis, and Plains Topminnow Fundulus sciadicus). We compiled records from previous collections within the White, Little White, and Keya Paha River Basins in South Dakota as well as adjoining and neighboring drainage basins in Nebraska. We also sampl...
Lack of interaction between AFLR and AFLJ contributes to nonaflatoxigenicity of Aspergillus sojae

Abstract Aspergillus sojae , which is believed to be a domesticated strain of Aspergillus parasiticus , contains all of the aflatoxin biosynthetic genes but is unable to produce aflatoxins and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for producing fermented foods. In A. parasiticus both aflR , the aflatoxin pathway-specific regulatory gene, and aflJ , a co-activator gene, are necessary for transcription of genes encoding the aflatoxin biosynthetic enzymes. A. sojae aflR differs from A. parasiticus aflR in that it encodes extra His and Ala, and has a pretermination defect that causes truncation of the carboxyl terminus of the predicted protein. A. sojae aflJ differs from A. parasiticus aflJ in that it encodes a predicted protein with Ser39 replaced by Ala and Ser283 replaced by Pro. Steady-state levels of aflatoxin biosynthetic gene transcripts of aflR , aflJ , pksA , nor1 , ver1 and omtA in A. sojae as determined by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were much lower than those of A. parasiticus . Yeast two-hybrid assays showed that the truncated A. sojae AFLR did not interact with AFLJ of A. sojae and A. parasiticus but that an A. sojae AFLR reverted to the putative ancestral form interacted normally with AFLJ of A. sojae and A. parasiticus . Deletion analysis showed that both amino- and carboxy-terminal regions of the A. sojae AFLJ were important for the R–J interaction. The truncated A. sojae AFLR thus not only was impaired in its ability to activate transcription of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes, but also was unable to interact with AFLJ, in A. parasiticus both of which are required for normal expression of the aflatoxin biosynthetic genes. Consequently, the lack of aflatoxin-producing ability of A. sojae resulted primarily from two defects in the regulatory mechanism responsible for gene transcription.
Electrochemical reduction of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl chloride and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde at carbon and mercury cathodes in acetonitrile

Abstract In acetonitrile containing tetraethylammonium perchlorate, cyclic voltammograms for the reduction of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl chloride at glassy carbon and hanging mercury drop electrodes exhibit five and four cathodic waves, respectively. At potentials corresponding to the first wave, cleavage of the carbonchlorine bond occurs to generate acyl radicals and anions that lead to the formation of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde, and the second wave is due to reduction of the aldehyde. Controlled-potential electrolyses of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl chloride at a potential on the foot of the first wave produce 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde and a tetrameric species, along with hydrolytically formed 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic anhydride. However, at a potential more negative than the peak potential for the first wave, co-reduction of some of the aldehyde takes place, yielding 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl alcohol and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-1,2-ethanediol, plus products that incorporate the solvent: 3-hydroxy-3-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)propionitrile, 3-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)acrylonitrile, 3-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)propionitrile, 3-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)glutaronitrile, 2,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-1,4-dicyanobutane, and 1-amino-2-cyano-3,4,-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)cyclopent-1-ene. Separate cyclic voltammetric studies and controlled-potential electrolyses of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde have confirmed these findings.
Concentration of gold in natural waters

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the amount of gold present in natural waters. One hundred and thirty-two natural water samples were collected from various sources and analyzed for gold by the latest techniques. Background values for gold in natural waters range from
Risk Factors for Pediatric Mediastinitis after Cardiac Surgery: Investigation of a Case Cluster

Abstract BACKGROUND: Mediastinitis is a rare but serious complication of cardiothoracic surgery. Active surveillance of children undergoing cardiac surgery with median sternotomy revealed a cluster of five cases of deep sternal wound infection or mediastinitis (DSW-M) within a 2-month period. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for DSW-M in children undergoing median sternotomy. METHODS: Cases of DSW-M were identified by active surveillance of all cardiac surgical patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Four control patients were randomly selected from all patients undergoing median sternotomy who survived for >30 days after surgery. Controls for each case were matched by month of surgery and age group. Data was collected from review of microbiology laboratory reports and medical records. RESULTS: Bacterial cultures revealed three infections due to Staphylococcus aureus , and one due to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. The fifth patient's infection was polymicrobial; cultures from this patient grew Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . DSW-M was more common in children with complex cardiac physiology. Children with two ventricles with a normal aortic arch at the time of surgical procedure had a lower risk of developing DSW-M (p=0.02). Factors associated with an increased risk of deep wound infection included prolonged bypass time (p=0.004), need for re-operation within 48 hours (p=0.04), and inappropriate timing of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (p=0.05). Factors not associated with DSW-M included presence of intracardiac pacemaker wires, right atrial catheters, or the use of prosthetic material. In addition, DSW-M was not associated with a specific surgeon, anesthetist, perfusionist, or nurse. CONCLUSION: DSW-M occurs more commonly following surgical intervention for severe congenital heart anomalies. Most identified risk factors for DSW-M were not modifiable. However, improved timing of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis might reduce the incidence of DSW-M in these susceptible patients.
Overpopulation and malnutrition rediscovered: Hard times in 19th-century Sweden

Abstract This paper utilizes data on human heights to shed light on economic conditions in Sweden around the middle of the 19th century. We note a decline in heights starting with cohorts born around 1840, especially in “western” Sweden. We also note a sharp increase in child, but not adult, mortality starting in the late 1840s. These phenomena are reconciled with evidence of a concurrent, albeit quite modest, growth in per capita income by a shift in the distribution of income. This shift placed an increasing percentage of Swedish children, especially in the densely populated and child intensive West, in households with incomes barely at the subsistence level, even in good times.
Rhodamine 123 permeability through the catfish intestinal wall: Relationship to thermal acclimation and acute temperature change

Temperature is known to influence xenobiotic retention in fish. The effect of acute and acclimatory temperature change upon Rhodamine 123 (Rho123) permeability through an in vitro catfish multi-segment (3) everted sac intestinal wall model was examined in a 9 cell matrix of acclimation and assay temperatures (10, 20 and 30 degrees C). Changes in Rho123 permeability were examined in context with membrane fluidity, xenobiotic solubility and intestinal morphology. When assayed at the acclimation temperature greater Rho123 permeability was noted at warmer acclimation temperatures for the proximal and middle intestinal segments, while the distal segment exhibited little change and apparent compensation across temperatures. Rho123 permeability was increased as assay temperatures were elevated above the acclimation temperature for most comparisons. Cold acclimation significantly increased total intestinal length (43.2%) and proximal intestine weights while total body weights did not differ. Brush border membranes (BBM) increased fluidity with increased assay temperatures, however, composite anisotropy lines were not significantly different between acclimation treatments. In an additive manner, the membrane probe DPH exhibited increased solubility in BBM with increases in acclimation and assay temperatures. Compositely, these results suggest that acclimation and acute temperature change may differentially influence xenobiotic permeability among intestinal segments with interacting mechanisms.