cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Costs of high-field superconducting strands for particle accelerator magnets

The costs of superconducting magnet strands are compared by calculating a 'production scaling factor' P that relates purchase data to the cost of raw materials. Using a consistent method, we normalize for different conductor geometries and strand diameters to arrive at cost indices in $ kg−1, $ m−1, and $ kA−1 m−1. Analyses of Nb47Ti conductors taken from the past 25 years of high-field magnet projects reveal that the price of raw materials and, to a lesser extent, finished strands, have tracked the price of niobium pentoxide. Performance gains during the 1980s produced $ kA−1 m−1 indices that fell with time ahead of strand cost in $ m−1, a situation that may reflect the present status of Nb3Sn magnet conductors. Analyses of present materials show that P decreases systematically with billet mass. While production strands in 200–500 kg billets have costs times the cost of raw materials, the 20–50 kg billet size for internal-tin Nb3Sn composites drives P up to 8–10. Thus, in contrast to LHC-type Nb47Ti strands that cost $150 kg−1, $0.60 m−1, and $1.00 kA−1 m−1 at 5 T, 4.2 K, Nb3Sn strands required for the next generation of accelerator magnets are $1000 kg−1, $4.00 m−1, and >$5.75 kA−1 m−1 at 12 T, 4.2 K (where Jc is comparable to that for Nb47Ti at 5 T, 4.2 K). This high cost might be reduced by a factor of if a large-scale internal-tin or powder-in-tube Nb3Sn process can be found. Replacing expensive components with functionally equivalent but cheaper materials can produce 20% changes in $ kg−1 and $ m−1, but this might come at a performance penalty and no net savings in $ kA−1 m−1. Removing stabilizer from the strand cross-section and replacing it elsewhere in the cable can reduce the cost for a given length of cable significantly, but only if the processing cost for the strand remains unchanged after reduction of the stabilizer area. Emerging powder-in-tube composites show promise: Nb3Sn strands could reach $6 kA−1 m−1 at 12 T, 4.2 K, while Bi-2212 strands could fall below $10 m−1. MgB2 superconducting strands could have very low raw materials cost at $0.20 m−1, which translates to $1.00 m−1 for finished strands and at 2 T, 4.2 K based on published data.
Complex Dynamics in Equilibrium Asset Pricing Models with Boundedly Rational, Heterogeneous Agents

We study a simple model based upon the Lucas framework where heterogeneous agents behave rationally in a fully intertemporal setting but do not know other investors’ personal preferences, wealth or investment portfolios. As a consequence, agents initially do not know the equilibrium asset pricing function and must make guesses which they update via adaptive learning with constant gain. We demonstrate that even in this simple environment the economy can, depending on parameters, exhibit either stable convergence to equilibrium, or chaotic dynamical behavior of asset prices and trading volume without converging to the rational expectations equilibrium of the Lucas model. This contradicts the assertion that the Lucas model is stable in the face of modest deviations from the strong assumptions required to compute the equilibrium.
Candidate Dietary Phytochemicals Modulate Expression of Phase II Enzymes GSTP1 and NQO1 in Human Lung Cells

Many phytochemicals possess cancer-preventive properties, some putatively through phase II metabolism-mediated mutagen/oxidant quenching. We applied human lung cells in vitro to investigate the effects of several candidate phytopreventive agents, including green tea extracts (GTE), broccoli sprout extracts (BSE), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), sulforaphane (SFN), phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), on inducing phase II enzymes glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) at mRNA and protein levels. Primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC), and lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) were exposed to diet-achievable levels of GTE and BSE (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/L), or individual index components EGCG, SFN, PEITC, BITC (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 μmol/L) for 24 h, 48 h, and 6 d, respectively. mRNA assays employed RNA-specific quantitative RT-PCR and protein assays employed Western blotting. We found that in NHBE cells, while GSTP1 mRNA levels were slightly but significantly increased after exposure to GTE or BSE, NQO1 mRNA increased to 2- to 4-fold that of control when exposed to GTE, BSE, or SFN. Effects on NQO1 mRNA expression in HBEC cells were similar. NQO1 protein expression increased up to 11.8-fold in SFN-treated NHBE cells. Both GSTP1 and NQO1 protein expression in A549 cells were constitutively high but not induced under any condition. Our results suggest that NQO1 is more responsive to the studied chemopreventive agents than GSTP1 in human lung cells and there is discordance between single agent and complex mixture effects. We conclude that modulation of lung cell phase II metabolism by chemopreventive agents requires cell- and agent-specific discovery and testing.
Sustainable Development in the Bering Strait: Indigenous Values and the Challenge of Collaborative Governance

ABSTRACTClimate change heightens the vulnerability of Alaska’s indigenous communities to shipping in the Bering Strait. Federal policy requiring “meaningful consultation and collaboration” with Alaska’s native communities does not adequately ensure utilization of indigenous knowledge in policy practices, consideration of native governance, or the facilitation of relationships strengthening collaborative processes. The discrepancy between present practices and Alaska Native expectations is examined in a recent U.S. Coast Guard survey raising questions concerning the capacity of federal consultative practices to safeguard indigenous communities. Results support scholarly findings on the value of relational knowledge for strengthening collaborative procedures with indigenous communities. Strengthened relationships between Alaska Native communities and agencies like USCG should enhance sustainable maritime and resources practices in the Bering Strait.
Patient Characteristics and Outcomes in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) With Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Abstract Background Little is known about outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adolescents and young adults (AYA). The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics and outcomes of AYA AML patients in comparison to older adult patients with AML. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed all AML patients treated at our institution from 1965 to 2009 who were aged 16 to 29 years. Results Among 3922 adult AML patients treated during this period, 432 (11%) were identified as AYA. Median age was 23 years (range, 16-29 years); 73 (17%) patients had core binding factor (CBF)-AML [inversion (16), translocation (8:21)], and 51 (12%) had acute promyelocytic leukemia. Complete remission (CR) rates were 93% for CBF AML, 78% for APL, 77% with diploid karyotype, and 68% for other AML. Univariate analysis demonstrated higher rates of CR, CR duration, and overall survival (OS) in the AYA group compared with older patients. On multivariate analysis, AYA age group was independently associated with improved CR rate and CR duration, with a trend for longer OS ( P = .085). Conclusion Outcome of AYA AML patients is overall better than for older adults with AML. Despite improvements in treatments and outcomes over time, there is still need for improvement in AYA with AML particularly for those with AML other than CBF and APL.
Kolsky Tension Bar Techniques for Dynamic Characterization of Alloys.

Dynamic stress-strain response associated with damage and failure mechanisms of alloys is desired to be quantitatively determined. Dynamic tensile characterization has been demonstrated an efficient method for such an investigation. However, reliable dynamic tensile characterization relies on appropriate experimental instruments and procedure. In this study, we employed a newly developed Kolsky tension bar to characterize the tensile properties of alloys [1, 2]. Challenges and remedies in the dynamic tensile characterization with the Kolsky tension bar are presented.
VERAPAMIL EFFECTS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES TO ETHANOL IN THE RAT

Experiments were performed to determine the ability of verapamil to reverse ethanol-induced hypothermia and behavioral changes. Permanent cannulae for intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion were implanted bilaterally in rats following standard stereotaxic procedures. Following post-operative recovery, either verapamil or artificial cerebral spinal fluid (ACSF) was infused i.c.v., followed by 4.0 g/kg ethanol in saline administered by intragastric gavage. Changes in body temperature and overall activity were monitored. In another series of experiments, rats were given either i.c.v. verapamil or ACSF followed by 1.5 g/kg intraperitoneal ethanol. Ability to turn over and open-field activity were monitored. In addition, to investigate the action of verapamil alone on body temperature, rats were infused i.c.v. either with verapamil or control ACSF, followed by intragastric administration of a volume of saline equal to 4.0 g/kg ethanol (20% v/v). At an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C, verapamil, infused prior to ethanol administration, significantly and rapidly attenuated the thermolytic action of ethanol. Central administration of verapamil alone did not induce a significant change in body temperature until more than 1.5 hr after injection, at which time temperature began to gradually increase. Pretreatment with verapamil induced significantly faster recovery from ethanol-induced changes in overall activity. Only a non-significant reversal of ethanol's effects on open-field activity and time taken to turn over occurred. These results demonstrate that verapamil can significantly antagonize ethanol-induced hypothermia and possibly motor disturbances in rats, leading us to postulate the possible involvement of neuronal Ca2+ channels in these effects of ethanol.
Vitamin A Deficiency and Semen Production in Chickens

Abstract MASON (1930) showed that testicular damage occurred in rats which were kept on a diet deficient in vitamin A but adequate in vitamin E. Evans (1932) showed that “Males (rats) maintained on diets adequate in vitamin E and low in ivitamin A—the amount contained in six drops of wheat-germ oil—become sterile by the third month of life, though when entirely without E and with adequate A, sterility does not supervene until later.” During some experiments in artificial in semination at the National Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, it was observed that eight cockerels fed only cracked corn and water continued to yield a good supply of potent spermatozoa for several months. Such a diet, while adequate in vitamin A, is obviously deficient in several other factors. The present experiment was conducted to determine the effect of diet deficient in vitamin A, but adequate in other factors, on the . . .
Analysis on the Causes of Death Occurred at Home in Chengdu in 2012

Objective To investigate the changing trend of death occurred at residents' homes in Chengdu City, and provide a scientific basis for the formulation of prophylaxis and control strategies. Methods The data about deaths occurred at home in Chengdu City in 2012 were analyzed. Results A total of 72,632 death cases in Chengdu City in 2012 were reported, of which 44,182 cases occurred at home, accounting for 60.83% of the deaths. The male mortality rate was significantly higher than that of females(χ 2= 804.59, P 0.01). The top 3 leading causes of death occurred at home were chronic lower respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular disease and lung cancer. The deaths occurred at any age. Drowning was the main death cause for the age group 0 to 14 years.As for the group aged 15 to 39 years, the primary death cause was malignancies.Cerebrovascular disease was the leading death cause for the age group 40 to 64 years. And chronic lower respiratory disease was the leading cause for the age group 65 years and above. Conclusions Old people are the main population whose death occurs at home. Chronic diseases and tumors are the main causes of death occurred at home in Chengdu City, and hence,effective measures should be taken to prevent and control the diseases.
Proteins responsible for a punctate fluorescence pattern in Plasmodium falciparum merozoites.

Abstract Mouse monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) have been used to characterize the proteins of the asexual erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium falciparum. Three different McAbs react with antigens of the schizont and extracellular merozoite to give a punctate fluorescence pattern. In many cases, such areas of fluorescence were composed of two adjacent, fluorescent bodies; these were distinct from the nuclei. In contrast, McAbs which bound to the ring-stage parasite were not localized, but were diffusely distributed within or around the ring-stage parasite. These McAbs immunoprecipitated five prominent, 35S-methionine-labeled schizont proteins (p) of Mr 82K, 70K, 67K, 39K, and 37K. Only p82, p39, and p37 were immunoprecipitated from schizont-labeled ring-stage parasites; thus, it appears that p70 and p67 are modified, degraded, or secreted some time between intracellular merozoite maturation and erythrocyte invasion.
Basic Nuclear Structure and Processes

The nucleus of the atom is normally thought to be simply an ensemble of bound nucleons composed primarily of protons and neutrons. While such a view is true, it represents only a partial picture of the nucleus. The nucleus actually contains a considerable amount of additional structure, the workings of which are still only partially understood as of the date of this writing. Fortunately, it is not necessary to fully understand the workings of the nucleus in order to exploit it for the purpose of releasing vast quantities of energy. By using the process of nuclear fission and perhaps in the future, nuclear fusion, energy from the nucleus can be extracted and used in such diverse areas as electric power production and rocket propulsion.
MicroSpec: Speculation-Centric Fine-Grained Parallelization for FSM Computations

Finite state machines (FSMs) are basic computation models that play essential roles in many applications. Enabling efficient parallel FSM execution is critical to the performance of these applications. However, they are very challenging to parallelize due to their inherent data dependencies that occur at each step of computations.Existing efforts on FSM parallelization either explore coarse-grained speculative parallelism or leverage parallel prefix- sum. The former ignores prevalent fine-grained hardware parallelism on modern processors (such as ILP or SIMD parallelism) while the latter limits the benefits of fine-grained parallelism mainly to state enumeration.This work presents MicroSpec, a set of parallelization techniques that, for the first time, expose fine-grained speculative parallelism to FSM computations. Based on a rigorous analysis of three types of parallelism at fine-grained level, MicroSpec consists of a list of four fine-grained speculative parallelization approaches along with a speculation-oriented data transformation. Experiments on a large set of real- world FSM benchmarks show that MicroSpec achieves substantial performance improvement over the state-of-the-art.
Bamboo-a portable system for dynamically extensible, real-time, networked, virtual environments

Bamboo is a portable system supporting real-time, networked, virtual environments. Unlike previous efforts, this design focuses on the ability of the system to dynamically configure itself without explicit user interaction, allowing applications to take on new functionality after execution. In particular, this framework facilitates the discovery of virtual environments on the network at runtime. Fundamentally, Bamboo offers a compatible set of mechanisms needed for a wide variety of real-time, networked applications. Also included is a particular combination of these mechanisms supporting a dynamically extensible runtime environment. This paper serves as a general introduction to Bamboo. It describes the system's architecture, implementation and future directions. It also shows how the system can facilitate the rapid development of robust applications by promoting code reuse via community-wide exchange.
Modelling individual difference in visual categorization.

ABSTRACTRecent years has seen growing interest in understanding, characterizing, and explaining individual differences in visual cognition. We focus here on individual differences in visual categorization. Categorization is the fundamental visual ability to group different objects together as the same kind of thing. Research on visual categorization and category learning has been significantly informed by computational modelling, so our review will focus both on how formal models of visual categorization have captured individual differences and how individual difference have informed the development of formal models. We first examine the potential sources of individual differences in leading models of visual categorization, providing a brief review of a range of different models. We then describe several examples of how computational models have captured individual differences in visual categorization. This review also provides a bit of an historical perspective, starting with models that predicted no ind...
Silencing of retinoic acid signaling to test for the presence of early signs of malignancy in morphologically “normal” breast epithelial cells

A63 In the last decade, advances in molecular and cell biology technologies have made it possible to explore rate limiting factors that make human breast epithelial cells lose their harmonious morphology and escape growth constraints, thereby converting normal breast epithelial cells into cancerous cells. It is now well understood that cancer is intrinsically intertwined with normal development. The postnatal development of normal human breast relies on finely regulated developmental signaling pathways. Vitamin A, in the form of its bioactive derivative retinoic acid (RA), governs fundamental signaling pathways of postnatal mammary gland development. We have recently demonstrated that an aberrant RA signaling leads to a non-random “domino epigenetic silencing” (marked by aberrant hypermethylation) of two genes: RAR beta 2, a RA-receptor with tumor growth suppression function, and CRBP1, encoding for a protein transporting Vitamin A in the cell and pivotal for maintaining the apicobasal polarization of breast epithelial cells. We established that the acquisition of RA-resistance precedes the loss of breast epithelial apicobasal polarity and the ability of breast epithelial cells to form ductal-like hollow acini when grown in three-dimensional culture (Bistulfi et al., Cancer Res. 66(21):10308-14, 2006). The uncoupling of the concerted succession of silencing events delineating distinct breast epithelial transforming phenotypes makes the combined analysis of both RAR beta 2 and CRBP1 methylation a specific tool for stratifying distinct stages of early tumorigenesis in breast tissue with a seemingly normal morphology. This work was supported by a Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Award (NS), a DOD Predoctoral Award (GB), and the Susan Komen Foundation (SR).
Residential exposure to vehicular traffic-related air pollution during childhood and breast cancer risk.

Abstract Background Some studies have supported an association between traffic-related air pollution exposure and breast cancer risk. However, few studies have considered exposures in early life, which may be a period of increased susceptibility. Objectives To examine the association of childhood residential exposure to traffic-related air pollution with breast cancer development. Methods The Sister Study is a prospective cohort of 50,884 initially breast cancer-free women, of whom 42,934 provided information at enrollment about roads and traffic near their primary childhood residence before age 14 as well as relevant covariates. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between traffic-related measures at childhood residence and adult incident breast cancer were estimated using Cox regression. Results During follow-up (mean = 6.3 years), 2,028 breast cancers were diagnosed. Traffic-related characteristics were not consistently associated with breast cancer risk. However, incidence was elevated among women who reported a median/barrier dividing either their primary childhood residential road (aHR = 1.2; 95% CI: 0.9–1.7) or the nearest cross-street (aHR = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.9–1.8, if the cross-street was within 100 ft.), and among women whose nearest cross-street had the highest traffic, ≥3 lanes, and/or a median/barrier (aHR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0–1.9). Conclusions Measures of potential exposure to vehicular traffic were not consistently associated with breast cancer risk. However, living during childhood on or near a road with a median or other barrier, which may be a more easily remembered road characteristic than the others assessed, was associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Low Energy Desalination Using Battery Electrode Deionization

New electrochemical technologies that use capacitive or battery electrodes are being developed to minimize energy requirements for desalinating brackish waters. When a pair of electrodes is charged in capacitive deionization (CDI) systems, cations bind to the cathode and anions bind to the anode, but high applied voltages (>1.2 V) result in parasitic reactions and irreversible electrode oxidation. In the battery electrode deionization (BDI) system developed here, two identical copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) battery electrodes were used that release and bind cations, with anion separation occurring via an anion exchange membrane. The system used an applied voltage of 0.6 V, which avoided parasitic reactions, achieved high electrode desalination capacities (up to 100 mg-NaCl/g-electrode, 50 mM NaCl influent), and consumed less energy than CDI. Simultaneous production of desalinated and concentrated solutions in two channels avoided a two-cycle approach needed for CDI. Stacking additional membranes between ...
Data-driven longitudinal modeling and prediction of symptom dynamics in major depressive disorder: Integrating factor graphs and learning methods

This paper proposes a data-driven longitudinal model that brings together factor graphs and learning methods to demonstrate a significant improvement in predictability in clinical outcomes of patients with major depressive disorder treated with antidepressants. Using data from the Mayo Clinic PGRN-AMPS trial and the STAR∗D trial for validation, this work makes two significant contributions in the context of predictability in psychiatric therapeutic outcomes. First, we establish symptom dynamics in response to antidepressants by using the forward algorithm on a factor graph. Symptom dynamics are the changes in the symptom severity that are most likely to occur because of the antidepressants taken during the trial, and the associated clinical outcomes at 4 weeks and 8 weeks into the trial. The structure of the factor graph is inferred by using unsupervised learning to stratify patients by the similarity of their overall symptom severity. Second, by using metabolomics data as an accurate biological measure in addition to symptom survey data and other patient history information, the prediction of clinical outcomes such as response and remission significantly improved from 30% to 68% in men, and from 35% to 72% in women. This work demonstrates a significant difference in how men and women respond to antidepressants in terms of their symptom dynamics, and also shows that top predictors of clinical outcomes for men and women are significantly different and known to play a role in behavioral sciences.
System reliability assessment with multilevel information using the Bayesian melding method

Abstract This paper investigates the Bayesian melding method (BMM) for system reliability analysis by effectively integrating various available sources of expert knowledge and data at both subsystem and system levels. The integration of multiple priors is investigated under both linear and geometric pooling methods. The aggregated system prior distributions using various pooling methods including the BMM are evaluated and compared. Based on these integrated and updated prior distributions and three scenarios of data availability from a system and/or subsystems, methods for posterior system reliability inference are proposed. Computational challenges for posterior inferences using the sophisticated BMM are addressed using the adaptive sampling importance re-sampling (SIR) method. A numerical example with simulation results illustrates the applications of the proposed methods and provides insights for system reliability analysis using multilevel information.
Embedding problem-based learning and entrepreneurially minded learning into fluid mechanics and thermodynamics courses through fluid power based modules

Problem-based learning and entrepreneurially minded learning modules have been developed to include fluid power concepts into undergraduate Mechanical Engineering core courses Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. Modules in Thermodynamics focus on pneumatics and modules in Fluid Mechanics focus on hydraulics. The purpose of this work is to assess the created modules for student awareness of fluid power, knowledge of fluid power concepts, and growth in the entrepreneurial mindset. Both direct and indirect methods were used for assessment. Assessment results indicate that students applied fluid power concepts that are traditionally not covered in these courses. Student surveys also indicate that students demonstrated sample behaviors associated with the entrepreneurial mindset, as defined by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network framework.
Mechanosensitive ion channels in dystrophic muscle.

Publisher Summary Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels are expressed abundantly in skeletal muscle at all stages of development. In wild-type muscle, MS channels show primarily stretch-activated (SA) gating. In dystrophic myotubes from the mdx mouse, a loss-of-function mutant that lacks dystrophin, there are two types of MS channels. In addition to conventional SA channels, some channels shift into a novel gating mode in which channels stay open for extended periods of time and are stretch-inactivated (SI). The shift in gating mode can occur slowly at the start of an experiment or more abruptly in response to strong pressure or voltage steps. SA and SI gating have similar energetic requirements, which likely reflect the energy required to deform the bilayer. The pharmacological properties of MS channels show similarities to other cation-selective channels. Highly charged pharmacological probes, such as lanthanide cations and aminoglycoside antibiotics, act by plugging the channel pore rather than interacting with the lipid bilayer.
Unseen Political Spaces: Gender and Nationhood in the Berlin and Paris Fashion Press during the Franco-Prussian War

The fashion press, and women’s magazines in general, are presumed to be spaces of political neutrality preoccupied with the trivialities of domesticity. Yet it is these very spaces that more easily evade political scrutiny that are often most powerful in reaching a broad audience on matters of politics and social change. This article explores how two Berlin and Paris fashion periodicals participated in the international dialogue on gender, nation-building, patriotism, and consumerism during a critical time between these two nations, namely during the Franco-Prussian war (July 1870 - May1871). A look at images and texts published in the Berlin-based Der Bazar and the Paris-based La Mode Illustree during this critical time period in their shared history reveals how the fashion press contributed in complex and meaningful ways to an evolving understanding of Self, nationhood, gender, and the public versus private in nineteenth-century Europe.
The Drosophila model for microbiome research.

The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized to play an important role in shaping the health and fitness of animals, including humans. Drosophila is emerging as a valuable model for microbiome research, combining genetic and genomic resources with simple protocols to manipulate the microbiome, such that microbiologically sterile flies and flies bearing a standardized microbiota can readily be produced in large numbers. Studying Drosophila has the potential to increase our understanding of how the microbiome influences host traits, and allows opportunities for hypothesis testing of microbial impacts on human health. Drosophila is being used to investigate aspects of host-microbe interactions, including the metabolism, the immune system and behavior. Drosophila offers a valuable alternative to rodent and other mammalian models of microbiome research for fundamental discovery of microbiome function, enabling improved research cost effectiveness and benefits for animal welfare. Angela Douglas reviews the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism in microbiome studies.
Groundwater Exchange Pools and Urban Water Supply Sustainability: Modeling Directed and Undirected Networks

AbstractGroundwater basins are important sources of water supply and storage for many cities. Groundwater exchange pools offer additional opportunities for utilizing these common pool resources, bu...
Synthesis and biological activity of analogs of the antifungal antibiotic UK-2A. I. Impact of picolinamide ring replacement.

Background The antifungal antibiotic UK-2A strongly inhibits mitochondrial electron transport at the Qi site of the cytochrome bc1 complex. Previous reports have described semi-synthetic modifications of UK-2A to explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR), but efforts to replace the picolinic acid moiety have been limited. Results Nineteen UK-2A analogs were prepared and evaluated for Qi site (cytochrome c reductase) inhibition and antifungal activity. While the majority are weaker Qi site inhibitors than UK-2A (IC50 , 3.8 nM), compounds 2, 5, 13 and 16 are slightly more active (IC50 , 3.3, 2.02, 2.89 and 1.55 nM, respectively). Compared to UK-2A, compounds 13 and 16 also inhibit growth of Zymoseptoria tritici and Leptosphaeria nodorum more strongly, while 2 and 13 provide stronger control of Z. tritici and Puccinia triticina in glasshouse tests. The relative activities of compounds 1-19 are rationalized based on a homology model constructed for the Z. tritici Qi binding site. Physical properties of compounds 1-19 influence translation of intrinsic activity to antifungal growth inhibition and in planta disease control. Conclusions The 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy picolinic acid moiety of UK-2A can be replaced by a variety of o-hydroxy-substituted arylcarboxylic acids that retain strong activity against Z. tritici and other agriculturally relevant fungi. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Indomethacin enhancement of human natural killer cytotoxicity to herpes simplex virus infected cells in vitro and in vivo.

Indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, increased human mononuclear cell (MC) natural killer cytotoxicity (NKC) to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infected cells in vitro at concentrations of 2 X 10(-10)M (p less than .025). Infant mice were significantly (p less than 0.025) protected from a lethal HSV infection by prior injection with a combination of MC and indomethacin (60.7% survival) although neither alone was protective. These results further support the probable in vivo role of NKC in protection against HSV infection, and the critical regulation of NKC by prostaglandins.
Radioisotopes as Aids to Metallography

Variations in two radiotracer techniques are described and compared in their application to Problems involving the distribution and chemical form of cerium and titanium in steel. The relative advantages of macroautoradiography, microautoradiography, radioactivity measurements of surfaces, and radiometric analysis of thin samples are discussed.
Measuring Political Personalization of Google News Search

There is a growing concern about the extent to which algorithmic personalization limits people's exposure to diverse viewpoints, thereby creating “filter bubbles” or “echo chambers.” Prior research on web search personalization has mainly reported location-based personalization of search results. In this paper, we investigate whether web search results are personalized based on a user's browsing history, which can be inferred by search engines via third-party tracking. Specifically, we develop a “sock puppet” auditing system in which a pair of fresh browser profiles, first, visits web pages that reflect divergent political discourses and, second, executes identical politically oriented Google News searches. Comparing the search results returned by Google News for distinctly trained browser profiles, we observe statistically significant personalization that tends to reinforce the presumed partisanship.
Pressure Ulcer Monitoring Platform—A Prospective, Human Subject Clinical Study to Validate Patient Repositioning Monitoring Device to Prevent Pressure Ulcers

Objective: The objective of this prospective clinical study was to validate two prototype pressure ulcer monitoring platform (PUMP) devices, (PUMP1 and PUMP2), to promote optimal bed repositioning ...
A Differential Circuit via Retino-Colliculo-Pulvinar Pathway Enhances Feature Selectivity in Visual Cortex through Surround Suppression

Summary In the mammalian visual system, information from the retina streams into parallel bottom-up pathways. It remains unclear how these pathways interact to contribute to contextual modulation of visual cortical processing. By optogenetic inactivation and activation of mouse lateral posterior nucleus (LP) of thalamus, a homolog of pulvinar, or its projection to primary visual cortex (V1), we found that LP contributes to surround suppression of layer (L) 2/3 responses in V1 by driving L1 inhibitory neurons. This results in subtractive suppression of visual responses and an overall enhancement of orientation, direction, spatial, and size selectivity. Neurons in V1-projecting LP regions receive bottom-up input from the superior colliculus (SC) and respond preferably to non-patterned visual noise. The noise-dependent LP activity allows V1 to “cancel” noise effects and maintain its orientation selectivity under varying noise background. Thus, the retina-SC-LP-V1 pathway forms a differential circuit with the canonical retino-geniculate pathway to achieve context-dependent sharpening of visual representations.
A Novel Record Linkage Interface That Incorporates Group Structure to Rapidly Collect Richer Labels

Linking historical data longitudinally allows researchers to better characterize topics like population mobility, the impact of local / national events, and generational changes. The ideal linking process would involve subject matter experts with detailed information about each record, including any relationships to other records, however, this in-depth process is expensive and often infeasible. Record linkage is the process of identifying and labeling records corresponding to unique entities. These statistical models largely rely on pairwise comparisons, under-utilizing information about group structure and historical knowledge. Moreover, model performance can be limited by using labels of unknown certainty or origin. In record linkage, we are rarely given information about the number of labelers, how often they agreed, or the labeling process itself. Understanding how and why records are linked together for the dual purposes of gaining insights into the human decision-making process and improving record linkage models is an exciting, high impact area of research. We present an interactive labeling interface for use at the initial stages of the (potentially crowdsourced) record linkage process. The interface captures labeled records while tracking the labeler actions. The interface allows labelers to view and interact with the records at both the individual and group level, thereby providing nested labels. We simultaneously receive information about the label certainty and the labeler's decision-making process via repeated label instances and click-streams. We demonstrate the utility of this interface on the recently released, unlabeled 1901 and 1911 Ireland Census records and discuss the benefits of richer labels.
Intimate Partner Violence, HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Acceptability, and Attitudes About Use: Perspectives of Women Seeking Care at a Family Planning Clinic.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) presents an opportunity to expand prevention options for women at risk for HIV infection. Yet, women’s PrEP use remains low and relatively little is known about PrEP acceptability and attitudes among a sub-population of women at risk for HIV—those experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). A cross-sectional survey included closed and open-ended questions to assess IPV, PrEP acceptability, and attitudes about PrEP use among women seeking care at an urban family planning clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (N = 145). Approximately 70% of women reported being willing to use PrEP with the key reasons for potential use including previous STI diagnosis, inconsistent condom use, and lack of or dishonest conversations with partners. Among women reporting recent IPV (41%), potential barriers to PrEP included concerns around drug effects, access/affordability, and adherence. Over half of women reporting recent IPV reported concerns around partner reaction impacting potential PrEP use. Results from this mixed-methods study highlight the need for a woman-centered PrEP intervention that uniquely includes awareness raising and understanding of PrEP for women, as well as reflects the context of IPV in decision-making and care.
Subdiffusion and Heat Transport in a Tilted Two-Dimensional Fermi-Hubbard System

Experiments show that a particular quantum many-body system thermalizes surprisingly slowly, and a hydrodynamic model of the system reveals a crucial underlying link between the transport of both mass and heat.
Water Extract of Rice Straw Ash: Experimental Design and Evaluation of Their Activity in the Hydrothiolation Reaction

Water Extract of Rice Straw Ash (WERSA) has attracted special attention in several areas of chemistry since they have been considered an alternative tool for green processes. Hence, the characterization of ashes and extract of this biomass are fundamental to figure out their particular applicability in a wide range of transformations. In this regard, herein we have characterized the ashes of rice straw (RSA) and its respective aqueous extract using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry and x-ray fluorescence. Noteworthy, we have investigated the effect of the metals from WERSA on the hydrothiolation of phenylacetylene employing ANOVA response, coefficient of determination, linear regression model as well as Fischer Test. Based on all these studies, it was found that calcium is the most important metal for the hydrothiolation reaction when compared to other metals present in the WERSA. Thus, it was also possible to propose a plausible reaction mechanism for the hydrothiolation of alkynes. In addition, the chemistry described herein might represent a new eco-friendly tendency for the organochalcogen field.
ARMFS Algorithm: A Multi-Filter Selection Approach based on Akaike Information Criterion and Roulette Wheel

Complex state estimation is facing urgent needs currently. Simply applying one state estimation method is not accurate and robust enough to deal with future state estimation tasks, which may lead to severe trouble for any system. This paper proposes a novel multi-filter selection algorithm based on the Akaike information criterion and Roulette wheel, named as ARMFS algorithm. Unscented Kalman Alter (UKF) and Elman neural network aided UKF (ENN-UKF) are selected as two base filters. The proposed ARMFS algorithm is tested in the field of vehicle driving state estimation. The experimental results demonstrate that the ARMFS algorithm can intelligently select between two base filters with a general accuracy of 71.24%, which is high enough to provide an optimized filter result. This study provides a reference and works as an attempt in applying multi-filter selection algorithm to complex state estimation.
Tokay geckos (Gekkonidae: Gekko gecko) preferentially use substrates that elicit maximal adhesive performance.

ABSTRACT Gecko substrate use is likely influenced by adhesive performance, yet few studies have demonstrated this empirically. Herein, we examined the substrate use, adhesive performance and vertical clinging behaviour of Gekko gecko in captivity to investigate whether adhesive performance influences patterns of substrate use. We found that geckos were observed significantly more often on the substrate (glass) that elicited maximal adhesive performance relative to its availability within our experimental enclosures, indicating that geckos preferentially use substrates on which their adhesive performance is maximal. Our work here provides additional, yet crucial data establishing connections between adhesive performance and patterns of substrate use in captivity, suggesting the hypothesis that substrate preferences of free-ranging geckos should be correlated with adhesive performance. Clearly, further experimental and field research is necessary to test this hypothesis and identify other parameters that individually and/or collectively influence the habitat use of free-ranging geckos.
Aspects of the normal psychology of pregnancy: the midtrimester.

Abstract In this study nonpregnant women were compared with pregnant women. A set of feelings and attitudes along with questions relevant to the anatomy and physiology of parturition were the measures of comparison. The pregnant women and the nonpregnant women had almost identical feelings and attitudes. There were, however, three exceptions to this general concordance. They were: (1) the nonpregnant women's regard of pregnancy as a depressive and withdrawing experience, (2) a greater fear for the fetus among the nonpregnant women, and (3) higher scores on a pregnancy information inventory among the pregnant women.
Legal Culture and Transformative Constitutionalism

(1998). Legal Culture and Transformative Constitutionalism. South African Journal on Human Rights: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 146-188.
Theories of Laser Bandwidth Effects in Spectroscopy

The theory of lineshapes in spectroscopy is a well-developed subject, treated in too many texts, monographs and reviews to justify individual citations here. My purpose in this short note is to summarize very recent progress in one corner of the field, the corner concerned with non-perturbative effects associated with finite-bandwidth laser excitation. These effects can be encountered easily in laser spectroscopy, whenever the laser power is sufficient to deplete the initial state of a transition. They give rise to theoretical problems of lineshape that are just beginning to be attacked. Only the simplest of these has been solved. In this talk I will only deal with what I will call the “width change” question. That is, to what extent is the observable spectroscopic linewidth changed if the exciting light has a finite bandwidth of its own?
Assessing the Impact of Food Aid on Recipient Countries: A Survey

This paper surveys the economic literature on the impacts of food aid on recipient countries. The paper reviews the conceptual and empirical challenges associated with evaluating the impacts of food aid and surveys the main analytical techniques that are used in such evaluations. It then summarizes the available economic evidence on the impacts of food aid on national economic development, domestic agricultural production and markets, commercial trade and the nutritional status of recipients.
Isolation and characterization of the 7S RNA gene from Methanococcus voltae.

The gene encoding the 7S RNA of the archaebacterium Methanococcus voltae has been isolated. The gene occurs as a single copy within the genome and encodes an RNA molecule approximately 300 nucleotides in length. The M. voltae RNA molecule exhibits a strong similarity to both archaebacterial and eucaryotic 7S RNAs in terms of overall secondary structure, while the primary sequence is conserved to a lesser degree. All 7S RNA molecules possess a specific structural domain which is highly conserved in terms of both primary sequence and secondary structure, possibly representing a functional site of the molecule. Conservation of the 7S RNA molecule suggests that it is the descendant of a subcellular structure present before the divergence of the archaebacterial and eucaryotic kingdoms. The M. voltae 7S RNA gene is flanked both 59 and 39 by regions of extremely A + T-rich DNA. The 59-flanking region contains several potential promoter sequences for archaebacterial RNA polymerases. One such sequence occurs as three direct repeats and bears a strong similarity to sequences found upstream of other archaebacterial genes. The 39-flanking region contains a strong signal for the termination of transcription. Images
Genetics of Other Intemperate Bacteriophages

Bacteriophage T4 has probably been the most intensively investigated intemperate virus, but there are many other viruses that have also been the subject of considerable study. In this chapter, descriptions of selected bacteriophages are presented to illustrate the high degree of genetic diversity available to a bacterial geneticist and to provide comparisons of these phages to each other and to T4. To facilitate these comparisons, the physical properties of each phage discussed in this chapter are summarized in Table 7.1. Yeast viruses are not considered because, like all fungal viruses, they are transmitted only by cell fusion and do not spend any portion of their life cycle in an independent state.
The Mechanism of End Product Inhibition of Serine Biosynthesis I. PURIFICATION AND KINETICS OF PHOSPHOGLYCERATE DEHYDROGENASE

Abstract Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase was purified from extracts of Escherichia coli by conventional methods and the enzyme was crystallized from ammonium sulfate solution. The crystalline preparation appeared homogeneous in the ultracentrifuge and upon zone electrophoresis. The reduction of hydroxypyruvate-P proceeded faster than the oxidation of phosphoglycerate (PGA) and the latter reaction was inhibited by DPNH. The equilibrium value measured in the direction of PGA oxidation was 7 x 10-11 m at pH 7.5 and 25°. l Serine in the range of 1 to 10 µm inhibited the PGA dehydrogenase-catalyzed oxidation of PGA and reduction of hydroxypyruvate-P. Maximum inhibition was about 95%. To get inhibition with other amino acids concentrations of 1 mm and higher were required. The dose-response curves for serine were sigmoid-shaped and when converted to Hill plots gave slopes that approached 2. l-Serine was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to hydroxypyruvate-P, an uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to PGA and DPNH, and gave "mixed" type inhibition with respect to DPN. The substrates gave regular Michaelis-Menton kinetics. Analogues of DPNH functioned as coenzymes but TPNH had only 7.5% the activity of DPNH.