cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calpain II induced insolubilization of lens β-crystallin polypeptides may induce cataract

Abstract Addition of calpain II (EC 3.4.22.17) to soluble proteins from 10-day-old rat lens caused an increase in turbidity and production of water-insoluble protein. The insolubilization increased with higher concentrations of both lens protein and calpain II, it could be prevented by the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64; it required at least 0.5 mM Ca 2+ , it was limited to 6% of the soluble protein present and resulted from precipitation β-crystallin polypeptides. When compared by two-dimensional electrophoresis, the insoluble β-crystallin polypeptides produced by calpain II were similar to insoluble β-crystallin polypeptides found incataractous lenses. Trypsin also caused insolubilization of β-crystallin polypeptides, but these polypeptides were unlike polypeptides produced during cataract formation. These data suggested that the loss of solubility was due to a specific removal of N/or C-terminal extensions from β-crystallin polypeptides by calpain II, and that a similar process may occur in vivo during cataract formation. It is hypothesized that the insoluble protein produced by calpain II causes cataract by increasing light scatter in the lens.
The role of the ENaC-regulatory complex in aldosterone-mediated sodium transport

The mineralocorticoid aldosterone is indispensable for the control of blood pressure and fluid volume in mammals. It acts in large part to increase the abundance and activity of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), which mediates apical Na(+) entry in the distal parts of the kidney tubules. Aldosterone acts through the mineralocorticoid receptor to alter the transcription of specific genes, including SGK1 and GILZ1. Recent evidence suggests that these key aldosterone-regulated factors function within a unique multi-protein ENaC-regulatory-complex that governs the net cell surface expression and activity of the channel. Another aldosterone-induced protein, CNK3 (connector enhancer of kinase suppressor of Ras 3), also stimulates ENaC and has all of the features of a scaffolding protein. With these observations in mind, we discuss the possibility that CNK3 coordinates the dynamic assembly of the ENaC-regulatory-complex, and promotes context-appropriate aldosterone signal transduction in the regulation of epithelial Na(+) transport.
Strain-softening materials and finite-element solutions

Abstract Closed form and finite-element solutions are examined for several problems with strain-softening materials. In the closed form solutions, strain-softening causes localization of the strain which is accompanied by an instantaneous vanishing of the stress. The finite-element solutions agree closely with analytic solutions in many cases and exhibit a rate of convergence only slightly below that for linear problems. The main difficulty which has been identified in strain-softening constitutive models for damage is the absence of energy dissipation in the strain-softening domain, and this can be corrected by a nonlocal formulation. Finite-element solutions for the converging spherical wave problem exhibit multiple points of localization which change dramatically with mesh refinement. With a nonlocal material formulation, this pathology is eliminated.
A quantitative system for studying phagocytosis in pigment epithelium tissue culture

Abstract A quantitative assay for phagocytosis has been described using a heterologous system of chick pigment epithelial culture and radiolabeled bovine rod outer segment suspensions. Electron microscopy was used to verify results obtained in radiolabeled uptake studies. Freezing and mild shearing of the outer segment suspensions do not significantly inhibit phagocytosis. Outer segments radiolabeled with [ 3 H]choline and [ 14 C]mannose showed similar kinetics of phagocytosis. Maximum uptake was between 1 and 2 hr of incubation and approached 1% of the total applied radioactivity for mannose and 2% for choline.
Intraoperative coronary graft assessment.

Purpose of review Intraoperative graft assessment in coronary artery bypass grafting is infrequently performed. Nevertheless, studies show an immediate graft closure rate of 5–9% and a 1-year closure rate of 20–30%. Recent findings Coronary angiography is the ‘gold standard’ for graft assessment yet has been seldom employed because of logistical problems and image quality. Two methods, transit time flow measurement and intraoperative fluorescence imaging are simple, safe, and expeditious. Intraoperative graft failure detection rates of 2–5% have been reported. Summary Early graft occlusion occurs frequently after coronary artery bypass grafting. Two relatively simple but underutilized methods of intraoperative graft assessment have been shown to be predictive of graft failure. Wider use of these techniques as well as wider availability of hybrid operating rooms, which will allow intraoperative coronary angiography, may reduce graft failure.
Phosphorus and Potassium Placement Effects on Early Growth and Nutrient Uptake of No-Till Corn and Relationships with Grain Yield

Early plant growth and grain yield of no-till corn (Zea mays L.) are usually lower than for conventionally tilled corn in the northern U.S. Corn Belt. Root-zone fertilization is likely to enhance early growth and increase yields. This study evaluated the effects of P and K placement on early growth and P and K uptake of no-till corn, and on relationships between these effects and grain yield response to placement. Ten long-term P and K trials (5 trials each, P and K) were established in 1994 at five research centers and were evaluated for 3 yr; 111-yr P-K trials were established in farmers' fields (1994-1996). Treatments several P and K rates (0-56 kg P ha 1 ; 0-132 kg K ha ') banded with the planter 5 cm beside and below the seeds and broadeast or deep-banded at a 13- to 18-cm depth before planting. Soil samples were collected before applying the treatments from the 0- to 7.5-cm and 7.5- to 15-cm depths. Soil-test P (0-15 cm) ranged from very low to very high across sites and soil-test K ranged from optimum to very high. Banded P (deep or shallow) increased early growth and P uptake more than the broadcast placement did at most trials. Phosphorus increased yields only in very low and low testing soils, and there was no response to P placement. Banded K (deep or shallow) seldom affected early growth, but usually increased K uptake. Potassium increased yields in several soils that tested optimum or higher in soil-test K, and yields were higher when K was deep banded. Planting onto a fall-applied coulter-knife track without applying P or K often increased early growth and nutrient uptake, but seldom increased yields. Early growth and nutrient uptake responses to banded P did not translate into higher yields. Small but frequent yield responses to deep-banded K were not related to increased early growth, but could be partly explained by increased K uptake. Judging potential effects of P and K placement on grain yields of no-till corn based on effects (or lack of effect) on early growth may be misleading for soils that are not extremely deficient in these nutrients.
Theory of Multiple/Multiethnic Perspective-Taking Ability for Teachers' Developmentally and Culturally Appropriate Practice (DCAP)

Abstract According to a teacher education model for Developmentally and Culturally Appropriate Practice (DCAP), teacher preparation programs need to prepare prospective teachers to use multiple/multiethnic perspective-taking as an inherent and pervasive mode of instructional thinking. This paper introduces a recursive-based developmental theory of multiple/multiethnic perspective-taking ability for teachers' developmentally and culturally congruent pedagogy: a way to look at, understand, and facilitate growth in teachers' interpersonal pedagogical coordination for developmentally and culturally congruent teaching as “education for all individuals.” It is discussed in connection with the theory of social perspective-taking and Interpersonal Negotiation Strategies (INS) in the field of teacher education for teachers' pedagogical development.
Problem-Based Learning: What and How Do Students Learn?.

Problem-based approaches to learning have a long history of advocating experience-based education. Psychological research and theory suggests that by having students learn through the experience of solving problems, they can learn both content and thinking strategies. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method in which students learn through facilitated problem solving. In PBL, student learning centers on a complex problem that does not have a single correct answer. Students work in collaborative groups to identify what they need to learn in order to solve a problem. They engage in self-directed learning (SDL) and then apply their new knowledge to the problem and reflect on what they learned and the effectiveness of the strategies employed. The teacher acts to facilitate the learning process rather than to provide knowledge. The goals of PBL include helping students develop 1) flexible knowledge, 2) effective problem-solving skills, 3) SDL skills, 4) effective collaboration skills, and 5) intrinsic motivation. This article discusses the nature of learning in PBL and examines the empirical evidence supporting it. There is considerable research on the first 3 goals of PBL but little on the last 2. Moreover, minimal research has been conducted outside medical and gifted education. Understanding how these goals are achieved with less skilled learners is an important part of a research agenda for PBL. The evidence suggests that PBL is an instructional approach that offers the potential to help students develop flexible understanding and lifelong learning skills.
High-volume Web servers: traffic patterns, performance implications, and resource management

Summary form only given. The control, management and optimization of performance-based measures in high-volume Web sites require a fundamental understanding of the user request patterns and the performance implications of such traffic patterns. We first present an analysis of the request patterns found at various Web server complexes, including high-volume commercial and sporting event Web sites. Our analysis demonstrates complex traffic patterns that include both short-range and long-range dependence structures and both light-tailed and heavy-tailed behavior. We then investigate the impact of these complex user request patterns on the response-time distribution of different Web server environments. Our analysis illustrates some of the key difficulties in the management and control of system resources to satisfy certain types of service-level agreements. We then describe aspects of the system architecture and techniques employed at various commercial and sporting event Web sites that reduce the overhead of serving dynamic content and that improve the Web server response-time distribution. We also present research on controlling the performance of different classes of user requests, including some new forms of service-level agreements. Various applications of our analysis and results are discussed.
VOCATIONAL INTERESTS OF ADOLESCENTS: RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM AND LOCUS OF CONTROL '

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among scores on vocational interests, self-esteem, and locus of control for high school students. Grade and sex differences were also examined. 1364 high school students ranging in age from 14 to 19 years of age were administered the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory, Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children, and the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory. High school students with higher scores on self-esteem and showing an orientation toward internal locus of control expressed more interests in a variety of vocational themes than adolescents with lower scores on self-esteem and scores for external locus of control. Sex and grade differences in vocational interests of adolescents were also noted. The findings were discussed in light of theoretical and practical considerations.
Significant Expression Levels of Transgenic PPP1CC2 in Testis and Sperm Are Required to Overcome the Male Infertility Phenotype of Ppp1cc Null Mice

PPP1CC2, one of four isoforms of the ser/thr protein phosphatase PP1, is a mammalian-specific splice variant of the Ppp1cc gene, and the only isoform whose expression is confined almost completely to spermatogenic cells. Additionally, PPP1CC2 is the sole isoform found in mammalian spermatozoa. Although PPP1CC1, the other Ppp1cc product, is expressed in many tissues including testis, the only phenotype resulting from deletion of Ppp1cc gene is male infertility. To determine which of the products of Ppp1cc is essential for male fertility, we created two PPP1CC2 transgenes, eTg-G2 and pTg-G2, where Ppp1cc2 expression was driven by the putative endogenous promoter of Ppp1cc or by the testis specific human Pgk2 promoter, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the 2.6-kb genomic region directly upstream of the Ppp1cc structural gene can drive expression of Ppp1cc2, and recapitulate the wild-type tissue specificity of PPP1CC2 in transgenic mice. More importantly, we show that expression of PPP1CC2 alone, via either promoter, is able not only to restore normal spermatogenesis, but the fertility of Ppp1cc null mice as well, provided that transgenic PPP1CC2 expression in testis reaches at least a lower threshold level equivalent to approximately 50% of its expression by a Ppp1cc +/− male. We conclude that the endogenous Ppp1cc promoter normally functions in the testis to maintain a sufficient level of PPP1CC2 expression for normal spermatogenesis to occur, and that production of spermatozoa capable of fertilization in vivo can take place in the complete absence of PPP1CC1 expression.
Representation of Users and Uses of English in Beginning Japanese EFL Textbooks

This study explores the representation of English users and uses in Japanese EFL textbooks for seventh graders that have been approved by the Ministry of Education. Analysis of the nationality of the main characters and the contexts and types of English use featured in the chapters suggests that the textbooks tend to emphasize the inner circle (Kachru, 1985) both in intranational and international use. The representation of users and uses in other contexts, particularly of those in the outer circle, is much more limited despite the growing recognition of the spread of English and the increased use of English outside of the inner circle (Crystal, 1997; Graddol, 1997). Based on the findings, I discuss the extent to which these textbooks represent the current global uses and users of English, consider the appropriateness of the representation, and suggest ways to help English learners become more aware of the sociolinguistic complexity of the English language. 本研究では、中学一年生対象の検定教科書7冊において、英語使用者および 用途がどのように表現されているかを調査した。登場人物の国籍と各課に含ま れる英語使用の状況と種類を分析したところ、国内言語・国際言語両方の使用 において Inner Circle (Kachru, 1985) の英語話者と彼らの英語使用に重点をおく傾 向があることがわかった。同時に、それ以外の状況、特に Outer Circle での英語 使用と英語話者は、教科書内での表現はあまりみられなかった。本論文では、 この結果をふまえ、教科書が現在世界における英語が果たしている役割をいか に正確に表しているかを議論し、その適切さを考察するとともに、英語の複雑 な社会言語学的背景の理解を促す方法を提示した。
A method of compensator design for discrete systems which bounds both the closed-loop system and compensator eigenvalues

A method for designing compensators for discrete systems is presented. This method gives upper bounds on the maximum eigenvalues of the compensator and closed loop system by simultaneously minimizing the maximum singular values of the system matrices of the controller (A-BF), observer (A-LC) and compensator (A-BF-LC+BGC) for a given realization (A,B,C). However, the fact that the maximum singular values are minimized for a given realization does not imply any specific bounds on these values since they depend on the realization. Thus, an attempt is made to find bounds on the resulting maximum singular values based on various realizations. For certain systems, it is shown that the closed loop system and the compensator have maximum eigenvalues less than or equal to those of the original system. >
Response of Caudate Neurons to Stimulation of Intrinsic and Peripheral Afferents in Normal, Symptomatic, and Recovered MPTP-treated Cats

Cat caudate nucleus (CD) neurons were tested for changes in spontaneous activity, response to peripheral sensory stimuli (tactile, auditory, and visual), and electrical stimulation of monosynaptic afferents (pericruciate cortex and nucleus centralis lateralis) in normal cats and in the same cats after induction of and spontaneous recovery from parkinsonism induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). After normal baseline data were collected, cats were given MPTP (7.5 mg/kg, 5-7 d) to induce a parkinsonian syndrome consisting of rigidity, akinesia, and decreased orienting to sensory stimuli. During this symptomatic period, the mean spontaneous activity of CD units increased (6.20 spikes/sec vs 2.25 spikes/sec in normal cats). In these same animals, the percentage of units responding to peripheral sensory stimulation was significantly decreased (compared to normal) while the percentage of units responding to electrical stimulation of monosynaptic afferents increased. By 6 weeks after MPTP administration, cats had recovered gross motor and sensorimotor function and CD unit recordings were reinitiated. In functionally recovered animals, all electrophysiological measures returned to levels resembling those seen in normal animals. These data suggest that the processing of peripheral sensory information is an important part of basal ganglia function and that the sensory responsiveness of the CD may reflect the overall motor condition of the animal. The changes observed in the responsiveness of CD neurons to direct electrical stimulation of monosynaptic afferents may indicate that the defect in the processing of polysynaptic sensory information observed in the striatum in parkinsonian animals may be occurring, at least in part, extrastriatally.
The non-monetary nature of gifts

This paper addresses the prevalence of non-monetary gifts over more highly valued and e$cient monetary transfers in social relationships. We demonstrate that under a wide variety of circumstances, ine$cient non-monetary gifts will be o!ered by a donor in lieu of cash in order to signal the donor's quality of information about the recipient's preferences. This result emerges because gift giving is ine$cient relative to cash, and not because of any arbitrary assumptions regarding communication. In particular, the donor has available the strategy of o!ering cash and saying what he would have purchased. Nonetheless, there is still an important equilibrium role for buying gifts. 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classixcation: A13; D10; D64; D82; Z1
Correction to "A Fast Hybrid Asymptotic and Numerical Physical Optics Analysis of Very Large Scanning Cylindrical Reflectors with Stacked Linear Array Feeds"

A novel hybrid combination of an analytical asymptotic high-frequency method with a numerical physical optics (PO) procedure is developed to efficiently and accurately predict the far zone fields of extremely long, scanning, very high gain, offset cylindrical reflectors of arbitrary cross-section, with large stacked finite periodic linear phased array feeds, for spaceborne applications. In this method, the field generated by each finite length linear feed array is represented as a spectral integral and the induced current on the cylindrical reflector surface due to this illumination is obtained via the PO approximation. The reflector surface is divided into thin, long, piecewise planar strips along the generator of the cylindrical reflector, and the radiation integral over each strip is evaluated asymptotically in closed form, yielding an eight-term ray solution for the radiated fields. What remains is simply the superposition of the contributions of each strip and linear array in the feed stack. The proposed approach is shown to be extremely efficient and accurate as compared to the conventional PO integration technique. In addition, the method is sufficiently versatile to account for the reflector edge treatments (e.g., using resistive cards), as well as to account for a twist in the reflector surface due to thermal distortions in space.
Visualizing Without Vision at the Microscale: Students With Visual Impairments Explore Cells With Touch

Science instruction is typically highly dependent on visual representations of scientific concepts that are communicated through textbooks, teacher presentations, and computer-based multimedia materials. Little is known about how students with visual impairments access and interpret these types of visually-dependent instructional materials. This study explored the efficacy of new haptic (simulated tactile feedback and kinesthetics) instructional technology for teaching cell morphology and function to middle and high school students with visual impairments. The study examined students’ prior experiences learning about the cell and cell functions in classroom instruction, as well as how haptic feedback technology impacted students’ awareness of the 3-D nature of an animal cell, the morphology and function of cell organelles, and students’ interest in the haptic technology as an instructional tool. Twenty-one students with visual impairment participated in the study. Students explored a tactile model of the cell with a haptic point probe that allowed them to feel the cell and its organelles. Results showed that students made significant gains in their ability to identify cell organelles and found the technology to be highly interesting as an instructional tool. The need for additional adaptive technology for students with visual impairments is discussed.
Are Outcome Fairness and Outcome Favorability Distinguishable Psychological Constructs? A Meta-Analytic Review

Manipulations of outcome favorability and outcome fairness are frequently treated as interchangeable, and assumed to have redundant effects. Perceptions of outcome fairness and outcome favorability are similarly presumed to have common antecedents and consequences. This research tested the empirical foundation of these assumptions by conducting a meta-analytic review of the justice literature (N = 89 studies). This review revealed that outcome fairness is empirically distinguishable from outcome favorability. Specifically: (a) there is weaker evidence of the fair process effect when the criterion is outcome fairness than when it is outcome favorability, (b) outcome fairness has stronger effects than outcome favorability, and equally strong or stronger effects as procedural fairness on a host of variables, such as job turnover and organizational commitment, and (c) manipulations of outcome fairness and favorability have stronger effects on perceptions of procedural fairness than the converse.
Physics Challenge for Teachers and Students

A block is placed on a long and wide inclined plane that makes angle theta with the horizontal. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the plane is µktantheta. After a quick push, the block acquires velocity v0 that makes angle alpha with the line of fastest descent. Find the time interval tau during which the block is in motion
New clean air efforts face tough challenges, say senators and former EPA administrators

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) coming under repeated attack from some members of Congress and others for perceived heavy-handed regulatory actions, two moderate U.S. senators and two former EPA administrators recently noted the need for continued measures to improve air quality. However, they also acknowledged the difficulty in moving forward with new legislative efforts to revise the federal Clean Air Act to further reduce air pollution in the current polarized political climate. “Nobody who wants to see constructive changes [to the act] would dare touch it or propose it in the current climate,” said former EPA administrator William Reilly at a 23 January forum sponsored by the World Resources Institute. Reilly, who served as EPA administrator from 1989 to 1992, noted that bipartisan congressional support had been key to addressing many environmental problems up until the mid-1990s.
Erwin Panofsky, Studies in Iconology: Humanistic Themes in the Art of the Renaissance

(1940). Erwin Panofsky, Studies in Iconology: Humanistic Themes in the Art of the Renaissance. The Art Bulletin: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 172-175.
Total and Added Sugars: are Restrictive Guidelines Achievable?

Sugar consumption, especially added sugars, is under attack. Various government and health authorities have suggested new sugar recommendations and guidelines as low as 5% of total calories from fr...
Evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment with microwave ablation plus transarterial embolization versus radiofrequency ablation plus transarterial embolization: a single center experience

Do geometric features of hepatocellular carcinomas correlate with survival following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with and without lyso-thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (LTLD/Thermodox)? M. Castro, S. Leonard, H. Celik, P. Wakim, J. Karanian, W. Pritchard, N. Borys, R. Lencioni, M. O’Neal, W. Tak, B. Wood; NIH, Bethesda, MD; FDA/CDRH Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Interventional Therapeutics, Laurel, MD; Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD; Celsion Corporation, Princeton, NJ; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL; BioClinica,Inc., Princeton, NJ; Kyungpook National University Hospital, Jung-gu, Daegu.
Malting Extremely Small Quantities of Barley

Micromalting procedures for malt quality analysis typically use 150–500 g of barley and can produce malt with characteristics representative of malts produced on a commercial scale. Modifications t...
Abstract 961: Higher activity of δ-tocopherol (δ-T) than γ-tocopherol and α-tocopherol in the inhibition of lung cancer H1299 xenograft tumors in mice

Our previous study showed that γ-TmT (a tocopherol mixture containing 57% γ-T, 24% δ-T, 13% α-T and 1.5% β-T) effectively inhibited colon and lung carcinogenesis as well as the growth of transplanted human lung cancer in mice. This study aims to determine the more active constituents in this mixture in a xenograft model. After injection of human lung cancer H1299 cells into NCr nu/nu nude mice, the mice were maintained on a standard AIN93M diet or diet enriched with α-T, γ-T, δ-T or γ-TmT (each at 0.3% and 0.17%) for 50 days. Dietary δ-T showed the strongest inhibition based on final tumor weight (35.6% and 57.6% reduction from the control by 0.17% and 0.3% δ-T, respectively). Dietary 0.3% γ-T and γ-TmT also showed significant inhibition (37.4% and 46% reduction from control, respectively). However, an inhibitory effect was not observed with dietary α-T group. Consistent with the animal study, the growth of H1299 cells was inhibited by tocopherols with their effectiveness following the order of δ-T > γ-TmT > γ-T, but α-T was not effective. We also found that dietary α-T, γ-T and δ-T treatment respectively increased serum α-T, γ-T and δ-T levels (up to 45, 9.7 and 1.2μM, respectively). However, the serum α-T level was decreased by dietary γ-T and δ-T; for example, at 0.3% they decreased α-T levels by 50% and 42% from the control group, respectively. The results suggest a competition among different forms of tocopherols. Dietary treatment with each form of tocopherol also increased the corresponding side-chain degradation metabolites: carboxyethyl hydroxychromans (CEHC) and carboxymethylbutyl hydroxychromans (CMBHC). With 0.3% α-, γ- and δ-T in the diet, the mean serum levels of α-, γ- and δ-CEHC were 0.08, 0.7 and 3.0μM, respectively; and α-, γ- and δ-CMBHC were 0.14, 0.83 and 4.0μM, respectively. These metabolites retain the intact chromanol ring and, similar to their parent tocopherols, could trap reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. δ-CEHC and δ-CMBHC, which are present at rather high concentrations, may play an important role in inhibiting xenograph and tumor growth. The present results show that δ-T and γ-T effectively inhibited human lung cancer xenograft tumors and the inhibition may be due to the apoptosis-inducing, antioxidative, and reactive nitrogen species-trapping activities of these tocopherols and their metabolites (Supported by NIH grants CA120915, CA122474, and CA133021). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 961.
Breeding by Male White-Tailed Deer Fawns

Two cohorts of captive white-tailed deer fawns ( Odocoileus virginianus ) were separated from older deer through 1.5 years of age to examine the breeding potential of male fawns. Based on the number of females that gave birth at approximately 1 year of age, a minimum of five males (12.5% of both cohorts) reached sexual maturity and bred successfully as fawns. Although breeding by male fawns would be limited by older males in most wild deer herds, breeding by male fawns might impact the population dynamics of herds in which a very large proportion of older males are harvested.
Eliminating the Learning Curve: A Pragmatic Look at Jihadist Use of the Internet

The decentralized, loosely networked structure of today's international jihadist organizations is hard to imagine without the advent of the Internet. In addition to aiding jihadists' ability to communicate and spread propaganda, the Internet effectively makes the proven tactics of experienced insurgent and terrorist groups common knowledge. This fundamental alteration of the learning curve presents a serious problem for counter-terrorism officials worldwide. However, a pragmatic look at jihadist use of the Internet shows that there are costs inherent in its use, just as there are benefits, and while it has forever altered the rules of the game, it has not changed the nature of the game itself. Keywords: Internet; terrorism; al Qaeda; asymmetric warfare; international terrorism; counterterrorism; insurgency; counterinsurgency; international jihadist movement; Islamist movement
RAPID CONFIRMATION AND MULTI-RESIDUE QUANTIZATION DETERMINATION OF β_2-AGONIST IN ANIMAL FOOD USING RRLC/6410A LC/MS/MS

β2-agonists act growth promoters and also influence the lypolysis,transferring fat to muscle.In the analysis,we have chosen liver and urine as suitable matrixes,molecular imprinted polymers for the isolation of theβ2-agonists from the matrixes and Agilent 6410A QQQ for the quantification and confirmation.In the method,we have include 11β2-agonists.The aim of this study was to develop a method suitable for both screening and confirmation of theβ2-agonists at the proposed MRPL level or lower and for these four compounds at the MRL level,0.5μg/kg.
Salvage Cystectomy After Irradiation Failure

AbstractRecent clinical studies have revealed the superiority of planned preoperative irradiation therapy followed by cystectomy compared to either treatment modality alone. There remains a select group of patients who for personal or medical reasons are not candidates for planned preoperative irradiation and cystectomy, and these patients undergo radical irradiation therapy as the sole treatment modality. Nearly 80 per cent of these patients with invasive bladder cancer treated by definitive irradiation therapy will fail within 5 years, and many of these might become candidates for salvage cystectomy.Our 37 consecutive patients who failed definitive irradiation therapy were treated by salvage cystectomy. The selection for the operative procedure, morbidity and mortality, and survival data are reviewed. The mortality rate for this group was 8.1 per cent and the early complication rate was 24 per cent. However, none of the patients who underwent a 2-stage procedure or who had an early perineal approach die...
Spectral Quantification for High-Resolution MR Spectroscopic Imaging With Spatiospectral Constraints

Objective: To obtain reliable spectral estimation from magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data. Methods: The proposed method takes advantage of prior knowledge: 1) along the spectral dimension in the form of spectral bases, and 2) along the spatial dimensions in the form of spatial regularizations (e.g., smoothness or transform sparsity) and jointly estimates parameters from all the voxels. Results: Simulation and in vivo studies have been performed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. A Cramer–Rao-bound-based analysis is also provided. Conclusion: Incorporation of both spatial and spectral constraints can significantly improve spectral quantification of MRSI data. Significance: The proposed method is expected to be useful for various quantitative MRSI studies.
Curbing Clientelism: Why Some Politicians Opt Out

Chapter 2 illustrated how clientelism can work as a vote-getting tool on a mass scale. Local incumbents who so choose can claim credit for the distribution of valued benefits, and citizens, worried about future access to goods crucial to their well-being, will be willing to exchange their political support for these benefits. However, though there are many strategies Argentine mayors can use to make clientelism work, not all local incumbents rely on clientelism in social policy. As the anecdotes that began this book suggest, clientelism in Argentina is widespread, but it is not ubiquitous. Officials in a minority of towns and cities explicitly deny personal responsibility for government programs and opt not to make political ties or behavior a precondition for receiving government benefits. In this chapter, I seek to understand these exceptions: within a single national political environment, why do some local incumbents opt out of clientelism? My answer to this question relies on what I call the “audience costs” of clientelism. Although clientelism is typically targeted at the poor, there are other, nonpoor citizens in the political environment. The reactions of these nonclients to the practice of clientelism will affect a politician's incentives to rely on the practice. I argue in this chapter that the non-poor are likely to punish clientelist politicians in the voting booth.
Study of the reaction. pi. /sup -/ + /sup 12/C. -->. pi. /sup -/ + /sup 12/C* (4. 44 MeV) at 4. 5 GeV/c. [Angular distribution, electric quadrupole transition, polarization, density matrix elements, cross sections]

Characteristic 4.44-MeV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the first excited state of carbon were observed in coincidence with scattered 4.5-GeV/c ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons in counters and wire spark chambers. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distribution in the momentum-transfer frame confirms the electric quadrupole nature of the transition and reveals the polarization of the recoiling $^{12}\mathrm{C}*$ nucleus so that density matrix elements can be determined. A simple model with no adjustable parameters, which employs the distorted-wave impulse approximation and uses electron scattering data to obtain the nuclear transition matrix elements, predicts the angular distribution of the pions and the polarization of the $^{12}\mathrm{C}*$ recoils very well. However, the absolute values of the measured cross sections are only half as large as the predicted ones.
Large In-Plane and Vertical Piezoelectricity in Janus Transition Metal Dichalchogenides

Piezoelectricity in 2D van der Waals materials has received considerable interest because of potential applications in nanoscale energy harvesting, sensors, and actuators. However, in all the systems studied to date, strain and electric polarization are confined to the basal plane, limiting the operation of piezoelectric devices. In this paper, based on ab initio calculations, we report a 2D materials system, namely, the recently synthesized Janus MXY (M = Mo or W, X/Y = S, Se, or Te) monolayer and multilayer structures, with large out-of-plane piezoelectric polarization. For MXY monolayers, both strong in-plane and much weaker out-of-plane piezoelectric polarizations can be induced by a uniaxial strain in the basal plane. For multilayer MXY, we obtain a very strong out-of-plane piezoelectric polarization when strained transverse to the basal plane, regardless of the stacking sequence. The out-of-plane piezoelectric coefficient d33 is found to be strongest in multilayer MoSTe (5.7–13.5 pm/V depending on t...
The global rural: Relational geographies of poverty and uneven development

This paper explores rural poverty through a relational lens, arguing that new spatial patterns of poverty stemming from global economic transformations call for a relational approach; one that draws attention to the importance of global integration while recognizing that places are absorbed differently and unevenly into circuits of capital accumulation. The spread of neoliberalism has reconfigured rural spaces, and the production of poverty knowledge reinforces this uneven spatiality. We address recent literature extending the critical analysis of poverty and welfare in the Global North to the production of poverty knowledge and development practice globally. We examine the various technologies of power that ask the subjects of rural poverty to be empowered, moral, and market-oriented subjects. This attention to how rural poverty is governed and how rural subjects are inserted into the project of development highlights the distinct role of rural spaces in relation to poverty studies. We emphasize the spatially and temporally disjointed ways in which rural spaces and subjectivities are reconfigured, calling for greater attention to ethnographic accounts of the lived experiences of poverty. We argue for a reconsideration the “global rural” in processes of uneven development.
Further Evaluation of Animal Systemic Insecticides, 1963

Data are presented from initial tests to determine systemic effectiveness against cattle grubs. Hypoderma spp., of 9 insecticides found systemically active in laboratory screening tests, and of 14 insecticides which had previously shown some activity in cattle grub test. Those treatments found highly effective against cattle grubs, Hypoderma lineatum (de Villers) and H. bovis (L.), were: Bayer 37341, O,O - diethyl O -[4-(methylthio)-3,5-xylyl] phosphorothioate, in feed at 2.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days; Bayer 37342, O,O - dimethyl O -[4-(methylthio)-3,5-xylyl] phosphorothioate, in feed at 5 mg/kg/ day for 10 days; butonate, in feed at 2.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days; Famophos®, O -[ p -(dimethylsulfamoyl) phenyl] O,O -dimethyl phosphorothioate, pour-on of 65 or 125 ml/ animal of 12.5%, or 100 ml/animal of 16.7% formulation; fenthion, in feed at 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days: Imidan®, O,O -dimethyl S -phthalimidomethyl phosphorodithioate, 10 mg/kg by intramuscular injection, pour-on of 125 and 250 ml/animal of 2% in oil, 250 ml/animal of 2% in water, 250 ml/animal of 1% in oil; Stauffer R-2964, 2-mercato-ethyl methyl carbamate O,O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate, 0.5% spray; Stauffer R-3828, S ( p -chlorophenyl) phenyl-methyly O,O -diethyl phosphorodithioate, 50 or 100 mg/kg by capsule; trichlorfon, in feed at 5 or 2.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days, sprays of 0.5-1.5%, and pour-on of 8 oz/animal of 6% in water; and Vamidoate, O,O -dimethyl S -[2-[(I-methylcarbamoylehtyl) thio]ethyl] phosphorodithioate, in feed at 7.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days.
Stability of Corn and Soybean Yield Ratios in Three Midwestern Environments

Developing cropping systems to maintain productivity in future environments will require a better understanding of crop species × environment interactions. The ratios of county corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields (corn/soybean) from three midwestern states (Kentucky [31 counties], Iowa [47 counties] and Nebraska [irrigated, 33 counties]) (1972 through 2015) were used to evaluate this interaction. Yield estimates (converted to a weight basis) were obtained from the National Agriculture Statistics Service. Average yield ratios were similar in Iowa (2.96) and Nebraska (3.00) in spite of higher yields in Nebraska. The highest average ratio (3.39) occurred in Kentucky counties where soybean double cropped after winter wheat (Triticum aestivium L.) predominated. Yield ratios were remarkably stable (low CVs) over time in high-yield environments, but stability decreased as county productivity (estimated by average corn yield) decreased (CVs increased from ∼8 to 23%). The mean yield ratios in Kentucky and Nebraska decreased significantly as the proportion of continuous corn in a county increased. The largest yield ratios in non-double crop counties in Kentucky were associated with a larger proportion of continuous soybean in the rotation. Yield ratios increased significantly (p < 0.10) from 1972 to 2015 in only 37% of the counties (mostly in Iowa). The largest interactions between corn and soybean involved cropping systems and not fundamental physiological characteristics of these species. The consistency of mean yield ratios in rain fed and irrigated environments suggests that these crops may respond similarly to changes in precipitation.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Uptake before and after the Affordable Care Act Contraceptive Mandate in Women Undergoing First Trimester Surgical Abortion

Abstract Objective To compare long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) uptake before and after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) contraceptive mandate among women undergoing a first trimester surgical abortion. Study Design We conducted a retrospective chart review of 867 women undergoing a first trimester surgical abortion at an academic gynecology practice between December 2010 and December 2014 (excluding August to December 2012) to evaluate intrauterine device and contraceptive implant uptake before and after the ACA contraceptive mandate. Results Before the ACA contraceptive mandate, 79% of privately insured women (213 of 271) had full LARC coverage (no out-of-pocket costs) compared with 92% (298 of 324) after the mandate (p Conclusions Despite the significant increase in full coverage of LARC among privately insured women, there was no change in postabortal LARC use after the ACA. However, privately insured women with full or partial LARC coverage were more likely to use a postabortal LARC method compared with privately insured women with no LARC coverage after the implementation of the ACA contraceptive mandate.
Lyme disease: Part I. Advances and perspectives

Lyme disease (LD) is an increasingly recognized multisystem, insect-borne zoonosis. Prevalent worldwide, it has a variety of presentations at different stages of infection. The characteristic rash with central clearing known as erythema chronicum migrans, or simply erythema migrans, appears in its first stage. Typical features may be absent, and important variations are evident among cases seen in different parts of the world. LD may be difficult to diagnose clinically; knowledge about its epidemiology and transmission may be of assistance when the diagnosis is unclear. Based upon our experience with LD and a comprehensive literature review, we provide an update of LD epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management. We also cover the three clinical stages of LD that parallel those of syphilis, another spirochetal disease.
Inorganic hardmask development for extreme ultraviolet patterning

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) patterning offers an opportunity to explore hardmask materials and patterning approaches. Traditional patterning stacks for deep ultraviolet patterning have been based on optimizing multilayer schemes for reflectivity control and pattern transfer. At the EUV wavelength, the patterning challenges are dominated by stochastics and aspect ratio control. This offers an opportunity to think differently about underlayer design for sub-36-nm pitch patterning. The choice of hardmask can be used to modulate postlitho defectivity to mitigate the stochastics effects and enable more efficient pattern transfer. Through different case studies this paper will explore a range of silicon-based inorganic hardmasks for sub-36-nm EUV patterning. How film properties dominate patterning performance will be studied systematically. The relative merits of patterning a chemically amplified organic resist directly on an inorganic hardmask or having different types of organic adhesion promoters as an intermediate layer will also be presented.
A Rare Case of Paraneoplastic Encephalitis in Association With Breast Cancer

We present a case of a 47-year-old female who presented with diffuse dysesthetic pain in both legs for past 3 months. She described the sensation as of pins and needles. She also had balance difficulty and developed progressively worsening back pain and spasms. Relatives reported that the patient had memory difficulties. The patient would repeat questions even after the questions had already been answered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spine with and without contrast showed mild multilevel degenerative changes in cervical spine and minimal disc bulges from L1 to S1 levels with no areas of significant spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis. MRI of brain was performed which showed abnormal T2/FLAIR hyperintensity along the left medial temporal lobe and additional small foci in the right centrum semiovale/corona radiate and bilateral periventricular white matter. Based on the MRI findings, a diagnosis of limbic encephalitis was made. A lumbar puncture was also done. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed 14 oligoclonal bands with elevated IgG synthesis. Paraneoplastic antibody panel showed high titers of amphiphysin antibody (1:15,360). Since this is a paraneoplastic antibody, computed tomography of chest, abdomen and pelvis was performed. It showed several enlarged right axillary lymph nodes. Ultrasound of right breast showed 4 mm hypoechoic nodule at 2 o’clock axis (upper inner quadrant). The biopsy of this lesion and axillary lymph node showed invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. For further evaluation, MRI of bilateral breast was performed. It revealed additional areas of enhancements in upper outer and lower outer quadrants of right breast. Biopsy of the upper outer area of enhancement revealed invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Biopsy of the lower outer aspect showed infiltrating lobular carcinoma and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Our report highlights a rare patient presenting with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis with underlying breast cancer. When encountering a patient with unexplained neurologic symptoms, paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs) should be considered as part of the differential. And a thorough search of autoantibodies associated with PNS should be considered. If such autoantibodies are present, search for an underlying malignancy should be undertaken. J Med Cases. 2018;9(9):296-302 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3120w
Internal medicine residents' perception of cancer prognosis.

e18214Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US. Many internal medicine physicians feel uncomfortable having to prognosticate, however oncology patients often ask this of th...
Surface Tension of High Temperature Liquids Evaluation with a Thermal Imaging Furnace

At high temperature, the reactivity of liquid metals, salts, oxides, etc. often requires a container-less approach for studying composition-sensitive thermodynamic properties, such as component activities and surface tension. This experimental challenge limits access to essential properties, and therefore our understanding of molten systems. Herein, a thermal imaging furnace (TIF) is investigated as a mean of container-less study of molten materials via the formation of pendant drops. In situ optical characterization of a liquid metal drop is proposed through the use of a conventional digital camera. We report one possible method for measuring surface tension of molten systems using this pendant drop technique in conjunction with an image analysis procedure. Liquid copper was used to evaluate the efficacy of this method. The surface tension of liquid copper was calculated to be 1.159 \(\pm \ 0.043\) N\(\text {m}^{-1}\) at \(1084\pm 20\) \(^{\circ }\mathrm {C}\), in agreement with published values.