cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Responses of hatchling sea turtles to rotational displacements

After emerging from underground nests, sea turtle hatchlings migrate through the surf zone and out to the open ocean. During this migration, both waves and water currents can disrupt hatchling orientation by unpredictably rotating the turtles away from their migratory headings. In addition, waves cause turtles to roll and pitch, temporarily impeding forward swimming by forcing the hatchlings into steeply inclined positions. To maintain seaward orientation and remain upright in the water column, hatchlings must continuously compensate for such displacements. As a first step toward determining how this is achieved, we studied the responses of loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) sea turtle hatchlings to rotational displacements involving yaw, roll, and pitch. Hatchlings responded to rotations in the horizontal plane (yaw) by extending the rear flipper on the side opposite the direction of rotation. Thus, the flipper presumably acts as a rudder to help turn the turtle back toward its original heading. Turtles responded to rotations in the roll plane with stereotypic movements of the front flippers that act to right the hatchlings with respect to gravity. Finally, hatchlings responded to rotations in the pitch plane with movements of the hind flippers that appear likely to curtail or counteract the pitching motion. Thus, the results of these experiments imply that young sea turtles emerge from their nests possessing a suite of stereotypic behavioral responses that function to counteract rotational displacements, enable the animals to maintain equilibrium, and facilitate efficient movement toward the open sea.
Needs and opportunities for research in hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) develops after inhalation of many different environmental antigens, causing variable clinical symptoms that often make diagnosis uncertain. The prevalence of HP is higher than recognized, especially its chronic form. Mechanisms of disease are still incompletely known. Strategies to improve detection and diagnosis are needed, and treatment options, principally avoidance, are limited. A workshop recommended: a population-based study to more accurately document the incidence and prevalence of HP; better classification of disease stages, including natural history; evaluation of diagnostic tests and biomarkers used to detect disease; better correlation of computerized tomography lung imaging and pathologic changes; more study of inflammatory and immune mechanisms; and improvement of animal models that are more relevant for human disease.
Applying fuzzy-set theory to performance evaluation

Abstract Increasing emphasis on performance evaluation creates the need to develop consistent, fair, and robust models. The emerging methodology of fuzzy-set theory provides the tools necessary to address many of the issues relevant to performance assessment. This paper includes three applications of fuzzy-rule-based systems in performance measurement. All the examples require processing surveys and other forms of imprecise information. The evaluations rely on modeling the judgments experts make as they integrate multiple criteria. The paper includes a description of and motivation for the methodology as well as results of the proposed models. Comparisons with other evaluation practices are also included.
RELIGIOUS MODERNISM IN THE ARAB WORLD, INDIA AND IRAN: THE PERILS AND PROSPECTS OF A DISCOURSE*

L'article s'organise autour de l'etude de trois ecoles islamiques modernistes. Ce sont celles qui ont l'impact social et intellectuel le plus important: Muhammad 'Abduh, Sayyid Ahmad Khan et Shī'i en Iran, Irak et au Liban. Dans la seconde partie du XX e siecle, le Shiisme a egalement produits des intellectuels modernistes qui font le sujet de l'article. On est en droit de se poser des questions sur la viabilite de ce courant qui a echoue a assimiler l'Islam a son ideal de reforme et s'est rendu incapable d'institutionnaliser le principe de changement dans les societes musulmanes
USING THE LITERATURE: REFERENCE NETWORKS, REFERENCE CONTEXTS, AND THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF SCHOLARSHIP

Networks of citations among the papers on a research topic reflect the structure of scholarship on that topic. Reference-network data for research areas from several disciplines show substantial variation in the structure of scholarship, ranging from the frequent and disproportionate citation of recent work to the frequent and disproportionate citation of foundational documents. The variation is inconsistent with the pattern expected of a simple physical sciences-behavioral sciences-humanities dimension. Citation-context analyses of references in the networks of various fields suggest that variation in network structure is due in part to differences in why authors cite their colleagues' work: Disproportionate citation of foundational documents occurs when authors cite papers as examples of perspectives or general approaches rather than as support for specific points. Differences in use patterns for citations can help us understand other differences among scholarly communities
Understanding treatment decision making in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a qualitative assessment

The increase in therapeutic options for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has added complexity to treatment decisions. Shared decision making has the potential to help providers and families work together to choose the best possible option for each patient from the array of choices. As part of a needs assessment, prior to design and implementation of shared decision making interventions, we conducted a qualitative assessment of clinicians’ current approaches to treatment decision making in JIA. Pediatric rheumatology clinicians were recruited from 2 academic children’s hospitals affiliated with a quality improvement learning network, using purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews elicited how clinicians with prescribing authority (n = 10) interact with families to make treatment decisions. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A multi-disciplinary research team used content analysis to analyze the interview data. To validate data from individual interviews and enrich our understanding, we presented the interview results to pediatric rheumatology clinicians attending a learning network meeting (n = 24 from 12 children’s hospitals). We then asked the clinicians questions to further identify and discuss areas of variation in the decision-making processes. Clinicians described a decision-making process in which they, rather than the family or other care team members, consistently initiated treatment decisions. Initial treatment options presented to families generally reflected the clinician’s preferred treatment approaches, which differed across clinicians. Clinicians used various methods to inform families about treatment options and tailor information according to perceptions of a family’s information needs, level of comprehension or mood (e.g. anxiety). The attributes of medication presented to families fell into 4 categories: benefits, risks, logistics and family preferences. Clinicians typically included family members in the decision to initiate JIA treatment after limiting the options to fit the clinical situation and the clinician’s own preferences. Family members’ preferences were seen as more integral in the decision to stop treatment after symptom remission. Decision making about initial JIA treatment appears to be largely driven by clinician preferences. Family preferences are more likely to be considered for treatment discontinuation. Opportunities exist to develop, test, and implement tools to facilitate shared decision making in pediatric rheumatology.
THE LINEAR SPAN OF PEAK FUNCTIONS

It is shown that given a uniform algebra $A$ and a peak point $x_0$ for $A$, every function in $A$ can be expressed as a linear combination of two functions in $A$ that peak at $x_0$.
Transovarial Transmission of Co-Existing Orientia tsutsugamushi Genotypes in Laboratory-Reared Leptotrombidium imphalum

The co-evolution of Orientia tsutsugamushi and its vector/host Leptotrombidium mites is important for this bacterium to survive and exist in its environment. The data in this study demonstrated that O. tsutsugamushi has adapted to take advantage of the parasitic nature of the host's larval stage and thus increase its chance of transmission to a vertebrate host and potentially to other vector mites by increasing its density at the time of transmission. Our data demonstrated that during the larval stage the density of O. tsutsugamushi was at its highest level compared to other life stages (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.0001). We further revealed that the different O. tsutsugamushi 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) genotypes within the mite were maintained and preserved during transovarial transmission from the Leptotrombidium imphalum, lines Li-3 and Li-5. No sequence difference of 56-kDa TSA gene (variable domain I-III, 765 bp) was observed between the UT302-like genotype found in mothers and their offspring (100% identity). However, one or two nonsynonymous mutations in the 56-kDa TSA gene were observed in the Karp-like genotypes found in the F1 offspring with a percent difference ranging from 0.13 to 0.26 for nucleotide sequences and from 0.39 to 0.78 for amino acid sequences. Additionally, the composition of co-existing O. tsutsugamushi genotypes was maintained in L. imphalum lines through transsovarial and transstadial transmission processes; however, the proportion of these genotypes in each stage varied (larva, nymph, adult). These results show some of the key characteristics of O. tsutsugamushi maintenance within and transmission among its vector/host L. imphalum.
The Flexibility of Shafts

We have seen that a golf club has three dynamic parameters, the mass and the first and second moments about the wrist-cock axis, which may be measured with some precision. The golf club has another characteristic of interest to the golfer. This is the lateral flexibility of the shaft of the club. This characteristic is related to the properties of the material of which the shaft is constructed. Early clubs had wooden shafts. Next came tapered tubular steel shafts. Recently, clubs have been available with lightweight tubular shafts of high-strength steel and also with shafts made of aluminum, titanium, and graphite. Shafts may be made with various degrees of flexibility. At the present time the understanding of the effects of lateral flexibility of the shaft on the character of the golf stroke seems to be clouded by considerable perplexity.
Simulation of Twin Data Controlling Population Mean, Variance, Skewness and Kurtosis

A computer system for simulation of quantitative twin data is being developed. The capability is being built in a simulate distributions with known means, standard deviations, skewness and kurtosis.
Short-time treatment with alkali and/or hot water to remove common pathogenic and spoilage bacteria from chicken wing skin

Dipping in 10% trisodium phosphate (TSP) at 10°C for 15 s and/or hot water (95°C) for 5 s significantly (P < 0,05) reduced the numbers of live Salmonella typhimurium , Listeria monocytogenes , and Staphylococcus aureus inoculated on the surface of chicken wings. Mean reductions after treatment with TSP (after storage at 10°C or 4°C, respectively) were 93.45% and 62.42% for S. typhimurium , 80.33% and 54.45% for S. aureus , and 39.04% and 81.41 % for L. monocytogenes . Similarly treatment with hot water resulted in reductions of 83.5% and 47.44%, 90.19% and 91.49%, and 68.57% and 77.83%, respectively, for the three bacterial species. The combined effects of TSP and hot water were 94.76% and 99.67%, 84.41 % and 96.68%, and 79.49% and 94.88%. After treatment with TSP, there was always a better recovery of L. monocytogenes when the wings were stored at 10°C compared to 4°C. No similar storage temperature effect on recovery of L. monocytogenes was observed in the absence of TSP. Based on the smell and appearance of uninoculated, fresh chicken wings after treatment with 10% solutions of TSP or Na2CO3 (10°C) and hot water, the control group was always preferred after 1 day of storage, but not after 6 days of storage. Combination treatment with TSP and hot water showed that after 7 days of storage the number of spoilage organisms was 3 log units higher on the control samples than on the treated wings. The combined TSP and hot water treatments were more effective in reducing counts of S. typhimurium , S. aureus , and L. monocytogenes than the combined Na2CO3 and hot water treatment (95°C for 5 s). Changes in subcutaneous temperature as a result of treatment with TSP and hot water treatment were minimal.
Effective Translocation of Four Systemic Insecticides Following Application to the Foliage and Cones of Douglas-Fir

Bidrin® (3-hydroxy- N, N -dimethyl- cis -crotonamide dimethyl phosphate). Azodrin® (3-hydroxy- N -methyl- cis -crotonarnide dimethyl phosphate), methyl demeton, and dimethoate at concentrations of 0.5 to 8.0% by weight moved readily from foliage into cones of Douglas-fir. Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco. Using the ratio of dead to living cone midges, Contarinia oregonesis Foote, it was shown that no effective translocation occurred from one side of the cone to the other or from the tip of the cone to the base. There was fair translocation from the base into the tip. Phytotoxicity of both cones and foliage increased with insecticide concentration. One-half to 1.0% concentrations applied so as to cover the foliage thoroughly is recommended for control of insects affecting Douglas-fir cones.
Deposition of insecticide on glass models of lepidopterous larvae

Glass models were used to simulate lepidopterous larvae for insecticidedeposition studies. Models were attached to foliage at various positions in the canopy of soybeans before treatment with permethrin (Pounce 3.2 EC [emulsifiable concentrate]). Experiments were done to determine differences in insecticide interception by models of three size classes, corresponding roughly to third-, fourth-, and fifth-instar Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and to examine differences in deposits when insecticide was applied by aircraft compared with ground application by a tractor-mounted sprayer. Insecticide deposits on glass models were quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data from glass models indicated that larvae receive variable doses during insecticide application depending on their position in the canopy, their size, and the application technique used. Deposits on models generally decreased with increasing depth in the canopy; models attached to the upper surface of leaves intercepted more insecticide than those attached to the under surface. Models with smaller surface area intercepted less insecticide than larger models in the upper canopy, but size-dependent differences in deposits were less apparent in the middle and lower strata of the plant canopy. Aerial- and ground-applied insecticide showed similar patterns of deposition. Results from glass models are used to project the consequences of permethrin impingement on H. zea larvae. Based on levels of insecticide interception at the time of application, some larvae will receive a dose many times higher than a lethal dose, whereas other larvae initially will receive a sublethal dose. Means and variances in deposits are equally important for predicting the toxic effect of insecticide on a population.
Identification of the in vitro phosphorylation sites on Gs alpha mediated by pp60c-src.

Overexpression of pp60c-src in mouse fibroblasts potentiates both agonist-induced signalling through beta-adrenergic receptors and cyclic AMP accumulation in response to cholera toxin [Bushman, Wilson, Luttrell, Moyers and Parsons (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 7462-7466; Moyers, Bouton and Parsons (1993) Mol. Cell. Biol. 13, 2391-2400]. In reconstitution experiments in vitro, phosphorylation of Gs alpha by immune-complexed pp60c-src resulted in enhanced rates of receptor-mediated guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) binding and GTP hydrolysis [Hausdorff, Pitcher, Luttrell, Linder, Kurose, Parsons, Caron and Lefkowitz (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 5720-5724]. These results suggest that one mechanism by which pp60c-src affects signalling through the beta-adrenergic receptor is by phosphorylation and functional alteration of the G protein. To elucidate how phosphorylation of Gs alpha might affect its function, we subjected phosphorylated, recombinant Gs alpha to tryptic phosphopeptide analysis. Phosphotryptic peptides were purified by h.p.l.c. and analysed by Edman degradation to determine the cycle numbers at which radiolabelled phosphotyrosine was released. Candidate peptides that contained Tyr residues at the corresponding positions were synthesized, phosphorylated in vitro by pp60c-src, and their migrations in two-dimensional electrophoresis/t.l.c. were compared with those of tryptic phosphopeptides from intact Gs alpha. We report here that Gs alpha is phosphorylated on two residues by pp60c-src, namely, Tyr-37 and Tyr-377. Tyr-37 lies near the site of beta gamma binding in the N-terminus, within a region postulated to modulate GDP dissociation and activation by GTP [Johnson, Dhanasekaran, Gupta, Lowndes, Vaillancourt and Ruoho (1991) J. Cell Biochem. 47, 136-146], while Tyr-377 is located in the extreme C-terminus, within a region of Gs alpha important for receptor interaction [Sullivan, Miller, Masters, Beiderman, Heideman and Bourne (1987) Nature (London) 334, 712-715]. The location of these residues suggests that phosphorylation may affect the function of both of these regulatory domains.
The Ragged Road to Abolition: Slavery and Freedom in New Jersey, 1775–1865

Edmund Morgan described the survival of slavery after the American Revolution’s rhetoric of freedom as the “American paradox” in a 1972 article. James J. Gigantino explores the paradox in this intr...
Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of pertussis from 2004 to 2012 in Weifang city

Objective To analyze the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Weifang city during 2004-2012.Methods The data of pertussis in Weifang city during 2004-2012 was analyzed by descriptively epidemiological method.Results The annual average incidence of pertussis was 0.09 /100 000 from 2004 to 2012,which were all sporadic.The cases in March to July accounted for 73.97%;67.12% of cases were children less than 6 months old.Conclusion The nonvaccinated and not full course vaccinated are the primary causes of pertussis,improving the immunization coverage rate of the DPT three combined vaccine,developing supplemental immunization periodically,strengthening monitoring is the main measure of controlling pertussis.
High-precision Si-micromachined micromirrors with on-chip actuation for external-cavity semiconductor lasers

External-cavity semiconductor lasers are of interest for applications such as laser-linewidth narrowing, emission wavelength tuning, and laser mode locking. One drawback of existing external-cavity lasers is the difficulty in maintaining mechanical stability for critical alignment of the bulk optical elements. Meanwhile, schemes schemes employing optical fibers as the external cavities offer no flexibility in varying the cavity length once the device is built. We demonstrate a silicon-micromachined on-chip actuated micromirror that can be used to construct robust, yet adjustable, external-cavity laser systems.
Management of Periprocedural Anticoagulation: A Survey of Contemporary Practice.

Interruption of oral anticoagulation (AC) for surgery or an invasive procedure is a complicated process. Practice guidelines provide only general recommendations, and care of such patients occurs across multiple specialties. The availability of direct oral anticoagulants further complicates decision making and guidance here is limited. To evaluate current practice patterns in the United States for bridging AC, a survey was developed by the American College of Cardiology Anticoagulation Work Group. The goal of the survey was to assess how general and subspecialty cardiologists, internists, gastroenterologists, and orthopedic surgeons currently manage patients who receive AC and undergo surgery or an invasive procedure. The survey was completed by 945 physicians involved in the periprocedural management of AC. The results provide a template for educational and research projects geared toward the development of clinical pathways and point-of-care tools to improve this area of health care.
Barak Kushner, Men to Devils, Devils to Men: Japanese War Crimes and Chinese Justice

The most infamous instance of Japanese soldiers turning from men to devils, guizi as the Chinese media portrayed them, is doubtless the Nanjing Massacre of late 1937. Put into the spotlight at the ...
Toward Preventing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Development and Testing of a Pilot Predeployment Stress Inoculation Training Program

ABSTRACTThe objective of this pilot study was to design, develop, and evaluate a predeployment stress inoculation training (PRESIT) preventive intervention to enable deploying personnel to cope better with combat-related stressors and mitigate the negative effects of trauma exposure. The PRESIT program consisted of three predeployment training modules: (1) educational materials on combat and operational stress control, (2) coping skills training involving focused and relaxation breathing exercises with biofeedback, and (3) exposure to a video multimedia stressor environment to practice knowledge and skills learned in the first two modules. Heart rate variability assessed the degree to which a subset of participants learned the coping skills. With a cluster randomized design, data from 351 Marines randomized into PRESIT and control groups were collected at predeployment and from 259 of these who responded to surveys on return from deployment. Findings showed that the PRESIT group reduced their physiologica...
Design and Testing of ISU-AABL Wind and Gust Tunnel

A wind tunnel with advanced capabilities will aid research efforts to understand the complex fluid structure interaction problems encountered in aerospace engineering, industrial aerodynamics and wind engineering applications since wind tunnels remain an integral component of the design process for wind sensitive structures. Whether dealing with the aerodynamics of aerospace, mechanical or civil engineering structures many issues remain to be fully resolved-including the role of non-stationary gust interactions, Reynolds number effects, and the significance of small-scale turbulence. Building the next generation of such wind tunnels will contribute to the understanding of these issues. A combination Aerodynamic/Atmospheric Boundary Layer (AABL) Wind and Gust Tunnel with a unique active gust generation capability has been developed for various applications at Iowa State University (ISU). This wind tunnel is primarily a closed-circuit tunnel that can be also operated in open-return mode. It is designed to accommodate two test sections (2.44m x 1.83m and 2.44m x 2.21m) with a maximum wind speed capability of 53 m/s. This paper describes the wind tunnel and its components and presents a comparison of the predicted and measured design parameters. It shows that the wind tunnel is capable of generating uniform flow with very low turbulence in the aerodynamic test section and produces gust magnitudes around 27% of the mean flow speed.
Large-Scale Regularities of Lattice Embeddings of Posets

Let N denote the set of natural numbers and let P =(N k , ≼) be a countably infinite poset on the k-dimensional lattice N k . Given x ∈ N k , we write max(x) (min(x)) for the maximum (minimum) coordinate of x. Let $${\tilde P}$$ be the directed-incomparability graph of P which is defined to be the graph with vertex set equal to N k and edge set equal to the set of all (x, y) such that max(x) ≥ max(y) and x and y not comparable in P. For any subset D ⫅ N k , we let P D and $${\tilde P}$$ D denote the restrictions of P and $${\tilde P}$$ to D. Points x ∈ N k with min(x) = 0 will be called boundary points. We define a geometrically natural notion of when a point is interior to P or $${\tilde P}$$ relative to the lattice N k , and an analogous notion of monotone interior with respect to $${\tilde P}$$ or $${\tilde P}$$ D . We wish to identify situations where most of these interior points are “exposed” to the boundary of the lattice or, in the case of monotone interior points, not “concealed” very much from the boundary. All of these ideas restrict to finite sublattices F k and/or infinite sublattices E k of N k . Our main result shows that for any poset P and any arbitarily large integer M > 0, there is an F ⊂ E with ∣ F ∣ = M where, relative to the sublattices F k ⊂ E k , the ideal situation of total exposure of interior points and “very little” concealment of monotone interior points must occur. Precisely, we prove that for any P =(N k , ≼) and any integer M > 0, there is an infinite E ⫅ N and a finite D ⫆ F k with F ⊂ E and ∣ F ∣ = M such that (1) every interior vertex of P E k or $${\tilde P}$$ E k is exposed and (2) there is a fixed set C ⊂ E, ∣ C ∣ ≤ k k , such that every monotone-interior point of $${\tilde P}$$ D belonging to F k has its monotone concealment in the set C. In addition, we show that if P 1 =(N k , ≼1),..., P r =(N k , ≼ r ) is any sequence of posets, then we can find E,D, and F so that the properties (1) and (2) described above hold simultaneously for each P i . We note that the main point of (2) is that the bound k k depends only on the dimension of the lattice and not on the poset P. Statement (1) is derived from classical Ramsey theory while (2) is derived from a recent powerful extension of Ramsey theory due to H. Friedman and shown by Friedman to be independent of ZFC, the usual axioms of set theory. The fact that our result is proved as a corollary to a combinatorial theorem that is known to be independent of the usual axioms of mathematics does not, of course, mean that it cannot be proved using ZFC (we just couldn"t find such a proof). This puts our geometrically natural combinatorial result in a somewhat unusual position with regard to the axioms of mathematics.
Pioglitazone for Secondary Stroke Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Purpose—Pioglitazone reduced major vascular events after ischemic stroke in a recent randomized controlled trial. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of randomiz...
Retrospective analysis of heavy metal contamination in Rhode Island based on old and new herbarium specimens.

Premise of the study: Herbarium specimens may provide a record of past environmental conditions, including heavy metal pollution. To explore this potential, we compared concentrations of copper, lead, and zinc in historical and new collections from four sites in Rhode Island, USA. Methods: We compared historical specimens (1846 to 1916) to congener specimens collected in 2015 at three former industrial sites in Providence, Rhode Island, and one nonindustrial site on Block Island. Leaf material was prepared by UltraWAVE SRC Microwave Digestion, and heavy metal concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy. Results: Heavy metal concentrations in the historical and new specimens were measurable for all elements tested, and levels of copper and zinc were comparable in the historical and 2015 collections. By contrast, the concentration of lead declined at all sites over time. Significant variability in heavy metal concentration was observed between taxa, reflecting the...
Analysis of vaccine-induced T cells in humans with cancer.

Over the past several years, progress in the field of tumor immunology has lead to advances in active immunotherapy and vaccination as a means of eliciting tumor-specific immune responses to mediate tumor regression and clearance. Developing vaccines targeted against cancer became an important focus as a therapy following the success of viral vaccines in preventing infection and disease. In humans with cancer, similar to viral infections, the host immune system is capable of recognizing antigens expressed on tumor cells. This similarity allows the immunological framework of the viral vaccine to be adapted to the cancer setting in hopes of enhancing human T-cell reactivity against tumor.1 It is generally believed that a requirement for tumor destruction to occur is the induction of sufficient levels of immune cells with high avidity for recognition of tumor antigens. Moreover, the cells must be targeted to the tumor site and be capable of infiltrating tumor stroma.2 Several tumor-associated antigens (TAA) have been identified in the melanoma model which has allowed for immunization trials to evaluate therapeutic potential of tumor-specific T-cell induction. Some clinical trials reported limited success of T-cell mediated tumor rejection, reporting partial or complete regression in 10 to 30% of patients.3 Although tumor regression was not observed following active immunization in vivo, ex vivo assays evaluating TAA-specific T cells demonstrated tumor recognition and subsequent T-cell activation suggesting that tumor-specific T-cell induction indeed occurs but alone is not adequate to induce tumor regression.1 Recently, the usefulness and success of active-specific immunization (ASI) against TAAs as a means of eliciting a tumor-specific immune response leading to tumor regression and clearance has been a topic of debate and discussion.
Covalent Incorporation of Ionic Liquid into Ion-Conductive Networks via Thiol-Ene Photopolymerization.

Ene-functionalized ionic liquids with a range of different cationic groups and counteranions react stoichiometrically within a tetrathiol-divinyl ether formulation within 20 minutes to form thiol–ene polymers with measurable ionic conductivities via a photoinitiated polymerization and crosslinking reaction. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that these networks are more spatially heterogeneous and possess higher glass transition temperatures (Tg) compared with thiol–ene formulations without charge. While tuning the molar content of ionic liquid monomer is one method for adjusting the crosslink and charge densities of the thiol–ene polymeric ionic liquid networks, the presence of cation–anion interactions also plays a critical role in dictating the thermomechanical and conductive properties. Particularly, while cationic structure effects are not significant on the polymer properties, the use of a weakly coordinating hydrophobic anion (bistriflimide) instead of bromide-based networks results in an apparent decrease in hydrated ion conductivity (7.4 to 1.5 mS cm−1) and Tg (−9.6 to −17.8 °C).
A Mouse Model of Chronic Pancreatitis Induced by an Alcohol and High Fat Diet.

Background/Aims Study of acute pancreatitis in chemically-induced rodent models has provided useful data; models of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis have not been available in mice. The aim of the present study was to characterize a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis induced solely with an alcohol and high fat (AHF) diet. Methods Mice were fed a liquid high fat diet containing 6% alcohol as well as a high fat supplement (57% total dietary fat) over a period of five months or as control, normal chow ad libitum. Pain related measures utilized as an index of pain included mechanical sensitivity of the hind paws determined using von Frey filaments and a smooth/rough textured plate. A modified hotplate test contributed information about higher order behavioral responses to visceral hypersensitivity. Mice underwent mechanical and thermal testing both with and without pharmacological treatment with a peripherally restricted μ-opioid receptor agonist, loperamide. Results Mice on the AHF diet exhibited mechanical and heat hypersensitivity as well as fibrotic histology indicative of chronic pancreatitis. Low dose, peripherally restricted opiate loperamide attenuated both mechanical and heat hypersensitivity. Conclusion Mice fed an alcohol and high fat diet develop histology consistent with chronic pancreatitis as well as opioid sensitive mechanical and heat hypersensitivity.
Selection of Infusion Prostacyclin Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Not Just a Last Resort

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, fatal vasculopathy that clinically manifests as increased pulmonary vascular resistance and elevation of pulmonary arterial pressures, ultimately leading to right heart failure and death. Median untreated survival period is 2.8 years, with a survival rate of 34% at 5 years before the availability of epoprostenol.1 Parenteral prostacyclin therapy is arguably the most effective and longest Food and Drug Administration-approved class of drugs for PAH and has been included in guidelines for treatment of PAH for almost 20 years. Intravenous epoprostenol as Flolan® remains the only drug that has demonstrated a survival advantage (Figure 1).2 Despite this demonstration of survival advantage and early evidence in its ability to improve a majority (70%) of patients to a point where they no longer required active listing for lung transplantation,3 epoprostenol or other infusion agents have consistently been shown to be withheld or underutilized in patients wit...
A Survey on Legal Research Monograph Evaluation in Italy

The chapter presents an original survey carried out in 2015 on legal research monographs evaluation. The target respondents were the Italian legal community. The rate of answers was quite high (taking into account a low level of national responses to mail or web surveys), reaching 26% of all professors and researchers. The survey examines in detail the criteria of research quality adopted by legal scholars. It also delivers a number of recommendations with respect to peer review, journal classification, and other evaluation practice.
Efficient removal of chemically toxic dyes using microorganism from activated sludge: Understanding sorption mechanism, kinetics, and associated thermodynamics

ABSTRACTA systematic investigation was carried out for demonstrating the simple and cost-effective removal of toxic dyes using activated sludge from municipal wastewater. The sorption process was found to follow Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order rate kinetics. Difference in sorption efficiency for activated and deactivated sludge in aerobic and anaerobic conditions revealed the involvement of different microorganism in sorption process with the indication of biodegradation. The sorption process was found to be spontaneous but entropy driven for Remazol Brilliant Blue R and Eriochrome Black T while enthalpy driven for Congo Red. The process was established to be a combination of adsorption as well as biodegradation.
Contextual combinatorial bandits in wireless distributed computing

With Wireless Distributed Computing (WDC), multiple resource-constrained mobile devices connected wirelessly can collaborate to enable a variety of applications involving complex tasks that one device cannot support individually. It is important to consider the application task graph, the features of the instantaneous data-frame, availability of the computing resources and the link connectivity to these devices, and determine the task assignments to balance the trade-off between energy costs of the devices and overall task execution latency. Considering the time-varying nature of the resource availability and the link conditions, we model the online task assignment problem as a contextual combinatorial bandit. Since each incoming data-frame may have different features and affect the optimal task assignment, the data-frame features act as context at each time-slot. We propose a novel online learning algorithm called PMF Learning algorithm that learns the distributions of the internal random variables of the system over time and uses the empirical distributions to make task allocations at each step. We prove that the regret of PMF Learning algorithm scales logarithmically over time and linearly in the number of connected devices, which is a substantial improvement over the standard combinatorial bandit algorithms.
Extracting data parallelism in non-stencil kernel computing by optimally coloring folded memory conflict graph

Irregular memory access pattern in non-stencil kernel computing renders the well-known hyperplane- [1], lattice- [2], or tessellation-based [3] HLS techniques ineffective. We develop an elegant yet effective technique that synthesizes memory-optimal architecture from high level software code in order to maximize application-specific data parallelism. Our basic idea is to exploit graph structures embedded in data access pattern and computation structure in order to perform the memory banking that maximizes parallel memory accesses while conserving both hardware and energy consumption. Specifically, we priority color a weighted conflict graph generated from folding the fundamental conflict graph to maximize memory conflict reduction. Most interestingly, our graph-based methodology enables a straightforward tradeoff between the number of memory banks and minimizing memory conflicts. We empirically test our methodology with Vivado HLx 2015.4 on a standard Kintex-7 device for six benchmark computing kernels by measuring conflict reduction. In particular, our approach only require 9.56% LUT, 3.2% FF, 2.5% BRAM, and 11.33% DSP of the total available hardware resource to obtain a mapping function that achieves a 90% conflict reduction on a modified forward Gaussian elimination Kernel with 4 simultaneous memory accesses.
The inhibitory effects of integrin antibodies and the RGD tripeptide on early eye development.

PURPOSE The authors investigated the effects of probes that disrupt integrin-extracellular matrix interactions on early eye development. METHODS Antibodies and peptides that have been shown in other studies to block the interaction of cell surface integrins with various ligands were microinjected into the preoptic regions of chick embryos. Eye morphogenesis and biochemical differentiation of ocular tissue layers were assessed by histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS Antibodies that bind to the beta 1 subunit of integrin and block its function prevented normal eye morphogenesis but did not block expression of certain cell differentiation markers. The RGD tripeptide showed the same inhibitory capacity as did the anti-integrin antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Integrin-based cell-cell and/or cell-extracellular matrix interactions are important in early eye morphogenesis. By contrast, certain aspects of tissue and cell differentiation, such as the expression of carbonic anhydrase II, are controlled independent of morphogenesis.
Slavery: an Excerpt from “The God of the Bible Was an Important Outlet to African Americans During Slavery and Segregation: Freedom Itself Was Important to Americans Because Slavery and Life Are in Contrast”

This paper is an excerpt, a chapter, of a much longer work called, “The God of the Bible was an important outlet to African Americans during slavery and segregation: Freedom itself was important to Americans because slavery and life are in contrast.” In this section, I attempt to define slavery and some of the cultural impacts of the Bible’s definition. I also reference the experience of slaves with respect to Christianity’s theological opinions pertaining to American and world slavery. This is done through an analysis of the Bible and researchers who have commented on the subjects involved with servitude. The earliest essayist I reference is Cugoano; he published his ideas in 1787. This is done to show the evolution of the myth of the Bible’s definition of slavery. In this paper, I counter false interpretations of Biblical slavery and servitude. The term “STF” is used to represent the Star Trek Fan, referencing cultural atheism promoted by sources of propaganda from popular media. I attempt to redirect the conversation from cultural myths to historical arguments.
A University Perspective on Appropriate Technology

I was asked, as we all were, to outline my ideas on the general objectives of the Workshop, which include enlarging the knowledge base about processes basic for introduction of appropriate technology (A.T.) and evaluation of A.T. theories. I have neither been heavily involved in implementation of A.T. projects nor I am much of a theoretician. Therefore, I will build my remarks upon my experiences which have been almost entirely concerned with university teaching and research and then try to tie these remarks to the Workshop objectives. A study we recently completed on Appropriate Technology for Renewable Resource Utilization will also be briefly described.
Economics of Light-Water Reactors

In making an economic analysis, the performance of existing units is examined, detailed estimates are made of construction costs, and comparisons with alternatives are made. Allowances are added for contingencies, for the unexpected events that are bound to happen, without knowing just what and when those events might be. However, even if the economics favor nuclear power on paper, the decision might well be negative if there is doubt that the project can be carried through to completion. If that is the case (and it has been the case since 1980), the economic risks become prohibitive. There is huge risk in tying up a large amount of capital without obtaining any return on it. There is risk that state rate commissions might act in a punitive way, disallowing for rate-making purposes investments made in the project. But also there is recognition that delay or cancellation of a nuclear plant leaves the utility without that block of generating capacity; the years lost cannot be recovered, the funds cannot be used to build something else, and even the utility’s financial structure may be hurt to the point where further financing becomes very difficult. The consequences may be expensive purchased power, deterioration of service, and public antagonism, the very things a well-managed utility strives to avoid.
Valuing Nature Waste Removal in the Offshore Environment Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The offshore and deep-sea marine environment provides many ecosystem services (i.e., benefits to humans), for example: climate regulation, exploitable resources, processes that enable life on Earth, and waste removal. Unfortunately, the remote nature of this environment makes it difficult to estimate the values of these services. One service in particular, waste removal, was examined in the context of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Nearly 5 million barrels of oil were released into the offshore Gulf of Mexico, and 14 billion dollars were spent removing about 25% of the oil spilled. Using values for oil spillcleanup efforts, which included capping the wellhead and collecting oil, surface combustion, and surface skimming, it was calculated that waste removal, i.e., natural removal of spilled oil, saved BP over $35 billion. This large amount demonstrates the costs of offshore disasters, the importance of the offshore environment to humans, as well as the large monetary values associated with ecosystem services provided.
Economic Spillover Effects of Intensive Unpaid Caregiving.

Growing evidence has documented economic spillover effects experienced by intensive caregivers across the lifecycle. These spillover effects are rarely incorporated in economic analyses of health interventions. When these costs are captured, it is shown that commonly applied methods for valuing caregiver time may be underestimating the true opportunity costs of informal care. We explore how intensive caregiving is associated with economic outcomes for caregivers aged 18 years and older. We used the cross-sectional 2013 RAND Survey of Military and Veteran Caregivers, a survey of 3876 caregivers and non-caregivers aged 18 years and older to conduct multivariable analyses and calculate average marginal effects, focusing on the association between intensive caregiving (i.e., providing ≥ 20 h of weekly care) and six economic outcomes: schooling, labor force participation, taking unpaid time off of work, cutting back work hours, quitting a job, and early retirement. Intensive caregivers are 13 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI] 8–18) less likely to be employed than non-caregivers. Intensive caregivers are 3 percentage points (95% CI 0.5–5) more likely to cut back schooling, 6 percentage points (95% CI 2–10) more likely to take unpaid time off of work, 4 percentage points (95% CI 0.1–9) more likely to cut back work hours, 12 percentage points (95% CI 8–15) more likely to quit a job, and 5 percentage points (95% CI 2–7) more likely to retire early due to caregiving responsibilities relative to non-intensive caregivers. Despite the difficulty of quantifying the true opportunity costs of informal care, policy makers and researchers need to understand these costs. The higher the opportunity costs of unpaid care provision, the less likely it is that caregivers will provide this care and the less economically attractive this ‘free’ source of care is from a societal perspective.
Narcotic-Free, Over-the-Counter Pain Management After Wide-Awake Hand Surgery

Prescribing opioids for postoperative pain has increased steadily, and hand surgery has been no exception. Current hand surgery literature does not describe the efficacy of pain self-management postoperatively. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with over-the-counter (OTC), narcotic-free, postoperative pain management. Methods We have done a retrospective chart review at an academic tertiary-care facility. Patients who underwent soft-tissue hand surgery in an office-based procedure room between January 1, 2018, and March 1, 2019, done using wide-awake local anesthesia only with no tourniquet were included. Results Eighty-one continuous patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The procedures included carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel release, trigger finger release, first dorsal compartment release, dorsal wrist ganglion cyst excision, hand or finger mass excision, percutaneous needle fasciotomy, flexor tendon repair, and extensor tendon repair. Two patients (2.4%) received a prescription for pain medication within 1 day and 4 within 1 week after discharge (total 5.6%). Nine patients were already on chronic narcotics, and four were on short-term narcotics before the surgery date. No other patients requested or received opioid prescriptions after surgery, and no complaints were reported. Discussion This study indicates that patients can successfully self-manage their postoperative pain with OTC analgesics. They rarely request prescriptions for pain control after soft-tissue hand surgery. Our findings support current literature suggesting that narcotic prescriptions can be eliminated in select hand and upper extremity procedures and suggest that OTC postoperative pain management is sufficient.
Leisure activity in middle-aged adults with Down syndrome: Initiators, social partners, settings and barriers.

Background Leisure activity has been linked to optimal ageing outcomes, yet little is known about the type and level of leisure activity adults with Down syndrome currently engage in, and the factors that promote and hinder their leisure activities. Materials and methods A daily diary was utilized to provide an in-depth description of the average daily leisure activity of 44 adults with Down syndrome (aged 25-56 years) across a typical 7-day period. Factors related to participation, including initiators, social partners, settings and barriers, were examined. Results Findings indicated that the majority of adults with Down syndrome did not meet established physical leisure activity intensity recommendations (i.e., 150 min/week moderately active activity) and did not exceed levels of passive leisure (e.g., watching television) found in the general population (i.e., 2-3 hr/day). Adults with Down syndrome self-initiated and self-engaged in the majority of their leisure activity. Family members and paid staff allocated resources towards initiating and engaging as social partners in social and physical leisure, respectively. Conclusions Interventions and support services should partner with family members and paid staff to foster participation in adaptive leisure activity, perhaps through the establishment of leisure activity as part of daily routines.