cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 15 – Sustainability and Stability

Is a sustainable system stable? One of the important aspects of reactor design is to seek desirable stable steady state reaction conditions as the reactor set point. Stable steady state is a subset of sustainable states. A sustainable system can be weakly stable, exhibiting limit cycle or oscillation between bound and nontrivial values. The stability of a reactor operation is usually associated with the existence of multiple steady states (MSS). MSS could exist for nonisothermal exothermic reactions (of any kinetics) and isothermal substrate-inhibited systems in a CSTR. Catalyst instability is another important issue. Catalyst deactivation is affected by the reaction mixture, temperature, and flow conditions. The simplistic root for bioinstability is the difference in specific growth rate (for mixed culture) and mutation. Biostability is of concern for genetically engineered cells. Populations containing multiple species are important in natural ecosystems, well-defined processes, wastewater treatment, and systems using genetically modified cells. Some examples of interactions among these species are competition, neutralism, mutualism, protocooperation, commensalism, amensalism, predation, and parasitism. Neither pure competition nor pure mutualism gives a stable steady state in a chemostat. The predator and prey model shows that while there are no stable steady states, the bioprocess can be sustainable and the final prey and predator populations oscillate in a confined cycle. Continuous culture can be employed to screen organisms of certain traits based on the growth instability. Spatial heterogeneity, dynamic fluctuations, and the addition of other interactions can lead to the sustained coexistence of species with competitive or mutualistic interactions. One of the major process uses of mixed cultures is wastewater treatment. The activated sludge system is commonly employed in treating wastewaters.
A simple hierarchy for computing controlled invariant sets

In this paper we revisit the problem of computing controlled invariant sets for controllable discrete-time linear systems and present a novel hierarchy for their computation. The key insight is to lift the problem to a higher dimensional space where the maximal controlled invariant set can be computed exactly and in closed-form for the lifted system. By projecting this set into the original space we obtain a controlled invariant set that is a subset of the maximal controlled invariant set for the original system. Building upon this insight we describe in this paper a hierarchy of spaces where the original problem can be lifted into so as to obtain a sequence of increasing controlled invariant sets. The algorithm that results from the proposed hierarchy does not rely on iterative computations. We illustrate the performance of the proposed method on a variety of scenarios exemplifying its appeal.
Real-time Simulation of Electric Vehicle Powertrain: Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testbed for Cyber-Physical Security

With the fast development of vehicular on-board communication networks, modern electric vehicles are exposed to potential threats from cyber networks. To secure the vehicle safety and efficiency, advanced simulation platforms for cyber-physical security research are of urgent desires. In this paper, we propose a hardware-in-the-loop real-time simulation testbed for electric vehicle powertrain cyber-physical security research. The testbed includes multiple physical domains of an electric vehicle powertrain: electric drive systems, mechanical transmission system, and vehicle control units. An advanced energy consumption monitor that calculates the system energy and power information is constructed. Besides, other critical details like tire-road interactions and road and aerodynamic friction information are also taken into considerations. Furthermore, the testbed is highly modularized, which makes it simple to realize hardware-in-the-loop simulation. All of these features make it an accurate, simple, and effective testbed for electric vehicle powertrain research on system performance, efficiency, reliability, and cyber-physical security.
Electron-Only Tail Current Sheets and Their Temporal Evolution

The Earth's magnetotail contains a current sheet separating the anti-Sunward field of the southern lobe from the sunward-pointing northern lobe. Herein, we report tail current sheets that are suppo...
Inclusion of supplemental antibiotics (amikacin - penicillin) in a commercial extender for stallion semen: Effects on sperm quality, bacterial growth, and fertility following cooled storage.

Abstract In this study, the effectiveness of supplementing INRA-96® extender (INRA-Control; original antibiotic formulation: potassium penicillin G = 38 μg/mL; gentamicin sulfate = 105 μg/mL; amphotericin B = 0.315 μg/mL) with amikacin sulfate and potassium penicillin G (AP) was determined. In Exp. 1, two sources of amikacin (INRA-AP-Sigma or INRA-AP-GoldBio) in combination with penicillin G were compared with ticarcillin/clavulanate (INRA-Tim) or no-supplemental antibiotics (INRA-Control) to examine effects on sperm quality and commensal bacterial growth. No differences were detected in semen quality among treatments after 30 min of exposure (Time 30min) or 24 h of cooled storage (Time 24 h; P > 0.05). At both time periods, commensal bacterial growth was significantly lower in Groups INRA-AP-GoldBio and INRA-AP-Sigma than in INRA-Tim or INRA-Control (P 0.05). At both time periods, commensal bacterial growth was significantly lower in Groups AP-3000, AP-4000 and AP-5000 than in AP-1000 and AP-2000 (P 0.05). Supplementation of INRA-96® extender with two different concentrations of AP (AP-1000 or AP-5000) was tested in two clinical cases of stallions where semen was moderately to heavily contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or both Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In both cases, addition of AP resulted in a considerable decrease on bacterial growth in cool-stored semen when compared to the use of the original INRA-96® extender without supplemental antibiotics. In conclusion, the addition of amikacin sulfate and potassium penicillin G to INRA-96® extender allowed for effective control of commensal bacteria without affecting sperm quality. Higher doses of amikacin and penicillin can be safely added to INRA-96® extender to improve the antibacterial activity of this extender against commensal, and potentially pathogenic bacteria, while sperm quality and fertility of cooled semen remains unaffected. Based on the results of the present study, we currently recommend that INRA-96® extender can be safely supplemented with amikacin/penicillin by using a conventional dose of 1000 μg/mL – 1000 IU/mL as a prophylactic measure in cases where contamination of the ejaculates with commensal bacteria is evident. Alternatively, a high dose (5000 μg/mL – 5000 IU/mL) can be used as a control method for potentially pathogenic bacteria.
How a Live Streamer's Choice in Played Game Affects Mental Health Conversations

As more viewers become interested in watching authentic personalities as opposed to artificial, crafted performances, Twitch streamers have begun to discuss personal issues such as mental health to form a closer bond with their community. This paper seeks to further explore how a live streamer's choice in game affects their viewers' perception of their stream's content. We interviewed 24 Twitch viewers and found that the pace of the game a streamer chooses to stream is a key factor in what viewers expect to see during the stream. These expectations at least partially determine whether viewers want to hear conversations about mental health.
The Ruin : An Old English Mnemonic?

Despite the generally accepted scholarly opinion that the three rhetorical manuals describing the method of loci and its accompanying origin legend were unknown in early medieval England (i.e. Rhetorica ad Herennium, Cicero’s De oratore, and Quintilian’s Institutio oratoria), I argue that the Old English poem, The Ruin, suggests otherwise. By examining the features that overlap between the method of loci as described in these rhetorical texts, Mary Carruthers’ argument for a uniquely “monastic memoria” that was ubiquitous in the early medieval period, and The Ruin, I suggest that the Rhetorica ad Herennium provides a good accounting for some of the oddly specific descriptive details the poem is best known for. Moreover, as the poem is fundamentally concerned with the power of remembering to bring order to chaos, The Ruin bears a striking resemblance to the origin legend of the method of loci. Evidence of the influence of the method of loci and its origin legend on Old English literature requires that we rethink how well the extant manuscript record represents both the state of learning in, and the transfer of knowledge throughout, early medieval Britain.
Screen time use impacts low-income preschool children's sleep quality, tiredness, and ability to fall asleep.

BACKGROUND Sleep is increasingly recognized as a vital part of health. Screen time has been linked to sleep quality in children. The purpose of this study was to analyze associations between screen time and sleep characteristics among low-income preschoolers. METHODS A total of 1,700 preschool-aged children participated in this study at 50 federally and state-funded preschool centers in Michigan. Baseline measurement for an ongoing longitudinal intervention trial was obtained for cross-sectional use. At baseline, parents reported the number of hours their child spent engaging in screen time on a typical week day and weekend. An aggregate measure of total screen time was created. Parents reported on the quality of their child's sleep, how often they were tired during the day, and whether they had difficulty falling asleep. A mixed model linear regression was created to analyze data. RESULTS Controlling for child's age, race, and parental income, children who engaged in more screen time were significantly more likely to have more trouble falling or staying asleep, be tired during the day, and had worse quality of sleep (P values = .004, .006 and .001, respectively). Spearman correlations of screen time, sleep variables and demographics show parents of Black children reported significantly higher weekly screen time than parents of non-Black children (r = 0.23, P < .001) and that tiredness was associated with Black race (r = 0.15, P < .001), Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (r = -0.14, P < .001), and parental education (r = 0.06, P = .016). CONCLUSION This report confirms prior associations between screen time and sleep reported in other pediatric populations. Further research is needed to confirm these results in other populations using more rigorous measures of screen time, sleep, and physical activity, as well as longitudinal assessments. Despite these limitations, findings suggest that interventions to help parents limit children's screen time and impact their sleep health merit investigation.
Congress Characteristics, Diversity and Stock Market Outcomes

We show that key congress characteristics influence stock market outcomes, and under-diversified congress depresses the performance and upsurge the volatility in the stock market. Our key hypotheses is that congress background influences type, quantity and quality of bills passed, and hence affects policies and budgeting. Our analyses is motivated by the political science literate which demonstrate that women (African American) legislators are more “effective” (liberal) and drive larger focus on women (social) issues, such as Childcare, Educations and Medicare (civil rights and social welfare). This study is critical as we observe key trends in congresses demographic; Congress turns more of: African Americans, Women, experienced, educated; and less of: Whites, Christian Protestants and military background. We then created an index that reflects congress’ level of diversity, and show that the 116th congress (2019) is at 55% diversity, and the stock market positively prices congress diversity. Collectively, the congress’ characteristics are important determinants to consider when we analyze the linkage between politics and finance.
Which States Are Prepared for the Drone Industry? A 50-State Report Card

Worldwide, commercial drone services are being tested and permitted. Progress in the United States has been slow, in part because of a lack of clarity about the federal and state roles over drones and airspace management. To jump-start the drone industry, states can create drone highways — aerial corridors directly above public roads. We score and rank the 50 states based on their laws and drone industry data that indicate their preparedness for drones and drone highways. By adopting laws that allow cities to lease the air rights above public roads, vest air rights with property owners, and establish avigation easements, states can facilitate drone integration independent of reform from Congress or the Federal Aviation Administration. Creating a clear and coherent framework, such as a system of drone highways, will make parcel delivery faster, improve distribution of medical supplies, and create technology and logistics jobs.
Comparative neuropathology in aging primates: A perspective

While humans exhibit a significant degree of neuropathological changes associated with deficits in cognitive and memory functions during aging, non-human primates (NHP) present with more variable expressions of pathological alterations among individuals and species. As such, NHP with long life expectancy in captivity offer an opportunity to study brain senescence in the absence of the typical cellular pathology caused by age-related neurodegenerative illnesses commonly seen in humans. Age-related changes at neuronal population, single cell, and synaptic levels have been well documented in macaques and marmosets, while age-related and Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology has been characterized in additional species including lemurs as well as great apes. We present a comparative overview of existing neuropathologic observations across the primate order, including classic age-related changes such as cell loss, amyloid deposition, amyloid angiopathy, and tau accumulation. We also review existing cellular and ultrastructural data on neuronal changes, such as dendritic attrition and spine alterations, synaptic loss and pathology, and axonal and myelin pathology, and discuss their repercussions on cellular and systems function and cognition.
Re-Thinking the Principle of Proportionality Outside of Hot Battlefields

The United States’ targeted strikes against members of Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated forces outside of hot battlefields have generated significant debate on both legal and policy grounds. This Article argues that while enemy combatants can be targeted outside of hot battlefields under international humanitarian law (IHL), the traditional rule regarding collateral damage must be re-examined in these circumstances. This Article brings to light the serious concerns with applying the principle of proportionality – which permits attacks so long as the expected collateral damage is not excessive in relation to the military advantage anticipated – outside of hot battlefields by examining this principle’s unique historical development, its potential ethical justifications, and the key differences in the legal framework applicable in international armed conflicts (IACs) and non-international armed conflicts (NIACs). As a historical matter, this Article explains that the principle of proportionality developed in the context of IACs, where civilians were considered enemies due to their various roles in furthering the war fighting effort of their nation. The laws of war permitted significant civilian casualties in these contexts because civilians were deemed partially responsible for the armed conflict and thus liable to share in the hardships of war. In many circumstances, however, civilians residing outside of hot battlefields cannot be considered enemy civilians, as they may play no role in the underlying conflict. As such, we should question on legal and moral grounds whether these civilians should be subject to the same risks as civilians in IACs who to some degree further, and potentially benefit from, the conflict. Moreover, the balance struck by the principle of proportionality between military necessity and humanitarian objectives assumes that state parties in an IAC will take additional precautionary measures, consistent with their treaty obligations in IACs, to protect civilians. This assumption may not be warranted in NIACs as non-state actors often seek sanctuary outside of hot battlefields and intentionally conceal themselves among the civilian population. Finally, the infliction of collateral damage, even to the extent legally permitted by the principle of proportionality, may undermine key counter-insurgency and jus post bellum objectives. This Article concludes with some recommendations on how to modify the principle of proportionality when using force outside of hot battlefields.
Meningeal melanocytoma

Background Meningeal melanocytoma was first described over 30 years ago as a benign tumour derived from melanocytes. Since then, data suggest that its mode of presentation is variable without a clear predilection for any particular site in the neuroaxis. Although classified as a benign tumour, this tumour shows a marked tendency towards reduced survival following subtotal resection and transformation over time in a limited number to malignant melanoma. Incomplete resection of these tumours without postoperative radiotherapy has only a 42% 5-year survival rate. Its classification as a benign tumour should be revised, given the published 5-year survival data.
Insurrection, War Powers, and the “Deep State”

From intro: The events of January 6, 2021, are a Rorschach test for longstanding debates surrounding the efficacy of the separation of powers. Scholars have endlessly debated whether the federal branches of government operate as the set of checks and balances that the framers intended, and whether the President is constrained by law. The role of the executive branch bureaucracy in both constraining and entrenching presidential power is increasingly an essential component of these inquiries, and it is the focus of this chapter. It will consider these dual roles through the lens of two very different case studies: the insurrection of January 6, 2021, on the one hand, and the long-term interpretation and practice of presidential war powers, on the other. The focus of one of these case studies, the attack of January 6 on the U.S. Capitol, is a fantastical, extraordinary snapshot of time. It was an event fostered by a once in our nation’s history President. That President and the attack he inspired represented such a shock to the nation’s fundamentals that they threaten to divide the very party that brought him to the Oval Office. The other study, the longstanding practice of war powers inside the executive branch, is a story of business as usual. The executive branch’s process for wartime decision-making, its expansive claims to unilateral power, and even most of its wartime acts fly so far beneath the radar that if you plucked a person from the street and said, “how concerned are you about the President’s claims to unilateral war powers?” they might easily respond, “what war?” The events of January 6, extreme as they were, bring into stark relief how essential the institutional constraints and normal operation of the executive branch bureaucracy are to the continued functioning of our democracy. The executive branch practice of war powers demonstrates how these institutional constraints and norms of governance also promote a lopsided tilt of ever-increasing power to the executive branch itself, an executive branch run by a President who might once again seek to abuse that power. These two features of the bureaucracy are symbiotic. The existence of one creates space for the other. The knowledge that bureaucratic constraints exist permits the other branches to delegate and defer to the President as an entity even when they fear the President as a person.
RetS inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by disrupting the canonical histidine kinase dimerization interface of GacS.

Bacterial signaling histidine kinases (HKs) have long been postulated to function exclusively through linear signal transduction chains. However, several HKs have recently been shown to form complex multikinase networks (MKNs). The most prominent MKN, involving the enzymes RetS and GacS, controls the switch between the motile and biofilm lifestyles in the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While GacS promotes biofilm formation, RetS counteracts GacS using three distinct mechanisms. Two are dephosphorylating mechanisms. The third, a direct binding between the RetS and GacS HK regions, blocks GacS autophosphorylation. Focusing on the third mechanism, we determined the crystal structure of a cocomplex between the HK region of RetS and the dimerization and histidine phosphotransfer (DHp) domain of GacS. This is the first reported structure of a complex between two distinct bacterial signaling HKs. In the complex, the canonical HK homodimerization interface is replaced by a strikingly similar heterodimeric interface between RetS and GacS. We further demonstrate that GacS autophosphorylates in trans, thus explaining why the formation of a RetS-GacS complex inhibits GacS autophosphorylation. Using mutational analysis in conjunction with bacterial two-hybrid and biofilm assays, we not only corroborate the biological role of the observed RetS-GacS interactions, but also identify a residue critical for the equilibrium between the RetS-GacS complex and the respective RetS and GacS homodimers. Collectively, our findings suggest that RetS and GacS form a domain-swapped hetero-oligomer during the planktonic growth phase of P. aeruginosa before unknown signals cause its dissociation and a relief of GacS inhibition to promote biofilm formation.
Interaction between dilute water vapor and dodecane thiol ligated Au nanoparticles: Hydrated structure and pair potential of mean force.

The interaction between two ligated nanoparticles depends on whether they are isolated or immersed in a liquid solvent. However, very little is known about the influence of solvent vapor on the interaction between two ligated nanoparticles. Recent experiments yield the surprising result that the cyclic exposure of solvent free suspended monolayers of dodecane thiol ligated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to water vapor and dry nitrogen generates reversible cyclic decreases and increases in Young’s modulus of the monolayer, implying corresponding cyclic changes in the AuNP–AuNP interaction. We examine how water vapor interacts with an isolated dodecane thiol dressed AuNP and how water vapor affects the interaction between a pair of nanoparticles, using all-atom molecular-dynamics simulations. We find that there is condensation of water molecules onto the ligand shell of an AuNP in the form of clusters of 100–2000 molecules that partially cover the shell, with most of the water in a few large clusters. A water cluster bridges the AuNPs, with a sensibly constant number of water molecules for AuNP–AuNP separations from the edge-to-edge contact up to center-to-center separations of 100 A. The wet AuNP–AuNP interaction has a slightly deeper and wider asymmetric well than does the dry interaction, a change that is qualitatively consistent with that implied by the observed water vapor induced change in Young’s modulus of a monolayer of these AuNPs. We find that macroscopic analyses of water drop–deformable surface interactions and dynamics provide both guidance to understanding and qualitatively correct predictions of the phenomena observed in our simulations.
Disenchanted or Discerning: Voter Turnout in Post-Communist Countries

Voter turnout in post-communist countries has exhibited wildly fluctuating patterns against a backdrop of economic and political volatility. In this article, we consider three explanations for this variation: a “depressing disenchantment” hypothesis that predicts voters are less likely to vote in elections when political and economic conditions are worse; a “motivating disenchantment” hypothesis that predicts voters are more likely to vote in elections when conditions are worse; and a “stakes” based hypothesis that predicts voters are more likely to vote in more important elections. Using an original aggregate-level cross-national time-series data set of 137 presidential and parliamentary elections in 19 post-communist countries, we find much stronger empirical support for the stakes-based approach to explaining variation in voter turnout than we do for either of the disenchantment-based approaches. Our findings offer a theoretically integrated picture of voter participation in the post-communist world, a...
Diauxic Growth of Propionibacterium shermanii

Propionibacterium shermanii has been anaerobically propagated in batch and continuous culture with glucose and/or lactate as energy source. Specific growth rate on lactate was observed to be the same as that on glucose. In terms of cell density, the yield on glucose is higher than the yield on lactate. But the molar ratio of yield on glucose to that on lactate, 8.35, is in good agreement with the theoretical value of 8. In a mixture of glucose and lactate, P. shermanii showed diauxic growth. It used lactate before glucose utilization began. Neither temporary growth cessation nor two distinct growth phases were observed. A mathematical model is proposed to describe the diauxic growth.
Detecting and Minimizing Bad Posture Using Postuino among Engineering Students

To understand how good posture minimizes computer related injury's pain, we developed Postuino. A device that warns the computer users if they are leaning too close towards computer screen. Postuino has an accompanying web application that visualizes the collected data and displays a chart to simplify comparing between straight time and slouch time. Also, the app suggests taking frequent breaks to minimize the risk of injuries and to increase productivity. Then, we designed an experiment with different factors to evaluate the efficiency of Postuino. In our study, 24 subjects first use the computer for 3 hours after disabling Postuino's alert system. Afterwards, they use the computer again for two more 3 hour phases after enabling the alert system. We collected data, analyzed it, and presented the results in this paper.
On the Limits of Federal Supremacy: When States Relax (or Abandon) Marijuana Bans

The American Constitution divides governmental power between the federal government and several state governments. In the event of a conflict between federal law and state law, the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution (Article VI, Clause 2) makes it clear that state policies are subordinate to federal policies. There are, however, important limitations to the doctrine of federal supremacy. Using medical marijuana as a case study, I examine how the anti-commandeering principle protects the states’ prerogative to legalize activity that Congress bans. The federal government has banned marijuana outright, and for years federal officials have lobbied against local efforts to legalize medical use of the drug. However, an ever-growing number of states have adopted legalization measures. I explain why these state laws, and most related regulations, have not been — and cannot be — preempted by Congress. I also develop a new framework for analyzing the boundary between the proper exercise of federal supremacy and prohibited commandeering. Although I focus on medical marijuana, the legal analysis applies to any issue pitting permissive state laws against restrictive federal regulations. Recent referenda in Colorado and Washington that legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults will likely prompt federal officials to respond by touting the supremacy of the federal ban and challenging the constitutionality of state efforts at legalization. Such state reforms should carry the day in the event of such a legal challenge.
Synchronization architecture and protocols for a multimedia news service application

We present a complete software control architecture for synchronizing multiple data streams generated from distributed media-storing database servers without the use of a global clock. Traffic prediction and scheduling is performed by the independent sources for the remote presentation. Certain compensation mechanisms at the receiver are also necessary because of the random network delays. A stream synchronization protocol (SSP) allows for synchronization recovery to preserve a high quality multimedia display at the receiver. SSP uses synchronization quality of service parameters to guarantee the simultaneous delivery of the different types of data streams. The various components of the architecture interact to provide real-time multimedia functions such as those found on VCRs. >
Multilingual Information Retrieval Using English and Chinese Queries

The University of California at Berkeley group two participated in the CLEF 2001 monolingual, bilingual, and multilingual retrieval tasks. In this paper, we present a German decompounding procedure and a method of combining multiple translation resources for translating Chinese into English. We also report on our experiments with three different approaches to multilingual retrieval.
Calorimetry Upgrade at Forward Rapidities for the PHENIX detector

Two new detectors have been proposed to add forward calorimetry capabilities to the PHENIX detector. One is a Silicon‐Tungsten based sampling calorimeter, and the other is a Lead‐Tungstate based homogeneous calorimeter. The proposed additions will increase the acceptance for calorimetry in PHENIX by over an order of magnitude, allowing measurements of π0, direct γ, and jets at very forward rapidities. These upgraded capabilities will allow access to physics observables that were previously outside the reach of PHENIX, or available only with limited statistics.
The Machine Question: Critical Perspectives on AI, Robots, and Ethics

One of the enduring concerns of moral philosophy is deciding who or what is deserving of ethical consideration. Much recent attention has been devoted to the "animal question"--consideration of the moral status of nonhuman animals. In this book, David Gunkel takes up the "machine question": whether and to what extent intelligent and autonomous machines of our own making can be considered to have legitimate moral responsibilities and any legitimate claim to moral consideration. The machine question poses a fundamental challenge to moral thinking, questioning the traditional philosophical conceptualization of technology as a tool or instrument to be used by human agents. Gunkel begins by addressing the question of machine moral agency: whether a machine might be considered a legitimate moral agent that could be held responsible for decisions and actions. He then approaches the machine question from the other side, considering whether a machine might be a moral patient due legitimate moral consideration. Finally, Gunkel considers some recent innovations in moral philosophy and critical theory that complicate the machine question, deconstructing the binary agent--patient opposition itself. Technological advances may prompt us to wonder if the science fiction of computers and robots whose actions affect their human companions (think of HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey) could become science fact. Gunkel's argument promises to influence future considerations of ethics, ourselves, and the other entities who inhabit this world.
Long-term survivors in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study.

Between December 1979 and June 1983 the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) treated 893 good-performance status patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on one of seven phase III combination chemotherapies. The overall median survival was 23.5 weeks with no significant differences between treatments. One hundred sixty-eight patients (19%) survived greater than 1 year and 36 (4%) for greater than 2 years. The etoposide-platinum combination had the highest proportion of 1-year survivors (25%). Mitomycin-vinblastine-platinum (MVP), which had demonstrated the highest response rate, had significantly fewer 1-year survivors (12%) than any other regimen (P = .003). Analysis of pretreatment characteristics that distinguished patients who survived greater than 1 year from those who did not demonstrated that an initial performance status of 0, no bone metastases, female sex, no subcutaneous metastases, non-large-cell histology, less than 5% prior weight loss, no symptoms of shoulder or arm ...
Cormac McCarthy's House: Reading McCarthy without Walls Peter Josyph. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2013.

Cormac McCarthy's House: Reading McCarthy without Walls Peter Josyph. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2013.In the world of literary criticism, Peter Josyph's Cormac McCarthy's House is decidedly unconventional. Josyph, an artist rather than an academic, eschews the more traditional close readings associated with literary criticisms, instead creating a book of conversations and musings, by turns fascinating and exasperating. The book is divided into two parts. Part One, "Excursions and Exchanges," constitutes about three-quarters of Cormac McCarthy's House. Part Two exhibits Josyph as painter, detailing the experience, the thought process, and the philosophy behind an exhibit of paintings for a conference of the Cormac McCarthy Society in El Paso. The subject of the many paintings: the house once occupied by McCarthy, a house described as "an image for how [Josyph] feel[s] about him, his work, the West, and writing in general" (194).As its title suggests, Part One consists largely of dialogues. The opening chapter is a personal rumination on the full title and cover of McCarthy's Blood Meridian Or The Evening Redness in the West, which is highlighted by a conversation with McCarthy photographer Mark Morrow. Next, Josyph walks through Knoxville, Tennessee, the setting of McCarthy's Satire e> with psychology professor Wesley Morgan, then on to stage director Tom Cornford to discuss the production of The Sunset Limited. Part One concludes with a nearly one-hundred page letter exchange about The Crossing with Marty Priola, webmaster for and key member of the Cormac McCarthy Society. At least, this chapter is ostensibly about The Crossing. There are insights into the novel littered throughout this chapter, but they are relatively few and far between. Much of the chapter instead drifts off on what Priola calls "wild Josyphian tangents" (92). This reviewer can think of no better phrase to characterize the nature of Cormac McCarthy's House. When Josyph badgers Priola for details of a long lost love, he seems to be urging Priola in the direction of his own rhetorical tendencies. Priola's romance may be interesting in itself, but one might well wonder how it relates to McCarthy. Other tangents are somewhat more evidently relevant, if still decidedly indirect as literary criticism. Indeed, Josyph often seems less interested in the texts produced by McCarthy, and more concerned with environments and artifacts, less interested in McCarthy and more concerned with his "house," both literally and figuratively. Often enough, this interest in streets, buildings, cover art, poetryinscribed plaques, and first editions runs the risk of becoming fetishistic in such a way that makes the book rather distasteful as literary criticism. …
What Should We Say We Say about Contrived ‘Self-Defense’ Defenses?

Imagine someone who deliberately provokes someone else into attacking him so that he can harm that person in defending himself against her attack and then claim “self-defense” when brought to court to defend himself for what he has done to her. Should he be allowed to use this defense, even though it’s clear that he has deliberately manipulated his attacker into attacking him precisely in order to be able to harm her with impunity (assuming he were allowed to use the defense and thus escape legal penalties)? This question is the focal point in the paper that follows. I argue first that the case described above is indeed an instance of an “actio libera in causa,” albeit arguably one at the margins of this controversial class of cases. Then, using a view about the justification of self-defense that I have defended elsewhere, I show why I believe that, while the manipulator should not be deprived of the legal right to defend his self-defensive actions in such cases by claiming they were a legitimate matter of self-defense, there is good reason to enact laws that will allow him to be prosecuted, independently of his “self-defense” defense, for manipulating his attacker as he did, thus allowing him to harm her in self-defense and then defend his actions as purely a matter of “self-defense.”
Tissue-Specific Expression of Two mRNA Species Transcribed from a Single Vimentin Gene

Abstract We have isolated chicken cDNA and genomic clones for the intermediate filament subunit vimentin and show that the gene for this protein, which exists in a single copy in the haploid chicken genome, is transcribed into two mature mRNA species with approximate lengths of 2.0 and 2.3 kb. We have found cell-specific regulation in the expression of these two mRNAs; whereas both mRNA species are present in muscle cells, fibroblasts, spinal cord and lens, erythroid cells from 10- and 15-day-old chicken embryos express predominantly the lower molecular weight RNA. The difference between these two mRNAs is due to different lengths of their 3′ untranslated regions, suggesting that the cell-specific regulation of their expression occurs either by specific termination of transcription or by differential post-transcriptional processing of the 3′ untranslated region. Additionally, a remarkable induction (40- to 50-fold) in the abundance of the vimentin mRNA is observed in erythroid cells as chicken development proceeds from 4 to 15 days, which suggests that the level of expression of vimentin during erythroid development is regulated at the transcriptional level.
Interpretation of the subjects' condition requirement: a legal perspective

The U.S. Federal regulations allow institutional review boards (IRBs) to approve non-beneficial pediatric research when the risks are a minor increase over minimal, provided that the research is likely to develop generalizable knowledge about the subjects' disorder or condition. This "subjects' condition" requirement is quite controversial; commentators have argued for a variety of interpretations. Despite this considerable disagreement in the literature, there have not been any attempts to apply principles of legal interpretation to determine how the subjects' condition requirement should be understood.
Monitoring real-time aerosol distribution in the breathing zone.

A prototype air sampling, data recording, and data retrieval system was developed for monitoring aerosol concentrations in a worker's breathing zone. Three continuous-reading, light-scattering aerosol monitors and a tape recorder were incorporated into a specially designed and fabricated backpack for detailed field monitoring of both temporal and spatial variability in aerosol concentrations within the breathing zone. The backpack was worn by workers in a beryllium refinery. The aerosol which passed through each monitor was collected on a back-up filter for later chemical analysis for Be and Cu. The aerosol concentrations were recorded on magnetic tape as a function of time. The recorded signals were subsequently transcribed onto a strip chart recorder, then evaluated using a microcomputer with graphics capability. Field measurements made of the aerosol concentration at the forehead, nose, and lapel of operators during the melting and casting of beryllium-copper alloy demonstrated that there is considerab...
On the behavior of optimal exploration and extraction rates for non-renewable resource stocks

Abstract Models are developed to examine the behavior of optimal exploration and production policies over time. The principal model is singular in the exploration control and possesses four phases of the exploitation cycle. Explicit sets of conditions are established that (i) give rise to a Ushaped price path, and (ii) determine when additions to reserves from exploration are greater than or less than extraction, and when exploration creases. Three alternative specifications of the principal model are considered, and with a separable benefit function it is shown that a higher discount rate lends to a lower level of cumulative exploration.
A filtered backprojection algorithm for axial head motion correction in fan-beam SPECT

The authors present an approximate, but practical, three-dimensional filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction algorithm in fan-beam SPECT to correct for axial motion (both translation and rotation). A one-dimensional filter kernel was applied to the projections. It is assumed that the object is rigid and that its axial motion can be characterized by three components: one-dimensional translation and yaw and pitch rotations. It is further assumed that the motions that have occurred during the SPECT acquisition have been determined separately. The determined angular-view-dependent translation/rotation parameters were incorporated into the proposed FBP algorithm to correct for multiple axial head motions. The proposed axial head motion correction algorithm was evaluated using simulated three-dimensional Hoffman brain phantom data. Projections both with axial translation and with axial rotation, and with their combinations were generated. Images of a Hoffman brain phantom reconstructed using the proposed FBP algorithm and the conventional FBP algorithm were compared. Artefacts were observed in images without motion correction, but the artefacts were greatly reduced using the proposed reconstruction algorithm.
A decision theorectic formulation of a training problem in speech recognition and a comparison of training by unconditional versus conditional maximum likelihood

The choice of method for training a speech recognizer is posed as an optimization problem. The currently used method of maximum likelihood, while heuristic, is shown to be superior under certain assumptions to another heuristic: the method of conditional maximum likelihood.
Reduced emergency and hospital utilization following home assessment and case management

Abstract Rationale Home Environmental triggers are suspected to significantly contribute to medical utilization by people with allergic diseases. The benefits of environmental assessment (EA) with remediation for such individuals remain to be clearly demonstrated. Since assessments often are expensive and require substantial resources, case management (CM) of patients for whom they are indicated also may be useful. To determine the effectiveness of CM combined with EA, the following study was performed. Methods Patients seen in a hospital based allergy clinic and who had a history of high ED and hospital utilization were referred for home assessment by pediatric allergists. CM that included asthma education, facilitation of clinic appointments, and assistance with criteria for EA was arranged. EA included inspection for water problems, evaluation of airborne spores, surface fungal identification, and dust analysis for allergens by enzyme immunoassay. Results Of 27 pediatric subjects enrolled, 70% had asthma and 13% had rhinitis. In the year before EA and CM there were 47 ED visits, 22 hospitalizations and 279 clinic visits. In the year after the interventions there were 18 ED visits, 3 hospitalizations and 172 clinic visits. Dust antigen assessment revealed levels above 0.1 ug/gram in the following frequencies: Cladosporium-71%, Cat-63%, dog-47%, Penicillium-42%, Aspergillus-32%, Dust Mite-21%, Alternaria-21% and roach-16%. Of these same homes, 94% had airborne Aspergillus/Penicillium spore levels above 100/M 3 , 74% had Aspergillus/Penicillium levels above 1000 100/M 3 and36% had airborne Stachybotrys spores above 100 100/M 3 . Conclusions Home environmental assessment and case management can reduce medical utilization for children suffering from rhinitis and asthma.
All Supply Chains Don't Flow Through: Understanding Supply Chain Issues in Product Recalls

Our paper conceptualizes and highlights the role of the supply chains in China's product recall problems. We raise questions about the interrelationships of the focal manufacturer and the supplier firms and the consequences of these relationships. We address some of the causes of the current situation, including a discussion of deep supply chains, the importance of relationships, the role of trust and the impact of cultural misunderstandings. We suggest many future research questions to further understand how the supply chain can cause or deter product recalls.
Inhibitors of Cholesterol Biosynthesis Increase Hepatic Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Protein Degradation

Inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis are believed to lower serum cholesterol levels by enhancing the removal of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by increasing hepatic LDL receptor function. Thus, the effects of several different inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis were examined for their effects on the expression of the hepatic LDL receptor in rats. We found that administration of inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase such as lovastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, and rivastatin resulted in increased hepatic LDL receptor mRNA levels. Surprisingly, these agents failed to increase levels of immunoreactive LDL receptor protein in rat liver even when the dose and length of treatment were increased. Treatment of rats with zaragozic acid A, an inhibitor of squalene synthase, caused even greater increases in hepatic LDL receptor mRNA levels, but did not increase levels of immunoreactive protein. Further investigation revealed that the rate of degradation of the hepatic LDL receptor was increased in rats given inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis. The greatest increase in the rate of degradation was seen in animals treated with zaragozic acid A which caused the largest increase in hepatic LDL receptor mRNA levels. In contrast, hepatic LDL receptor protein was stabilized in cholesterol-fed rats. It appears that increased potential for LDL receptor protein synthesis, reflected in increased mRNA levels, is offset by a corresponding increase in the rate of receptor protein degradation resulting in constant steady-state levels of hepatic LDL receptor protein. These findings are suggestive of increased cycling of the hepatic LDL receptor. This postulated mechanism can provide for enhanced hepatic uptake of lipoproteins without increasing steady-state levels of LDL receptor protein.