cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Future Strategy: National Security in an Fiscally Austere Era

Political violence, defined as actions taken for political purposes that harm humans, has long been a part of the international environment. While United States national and military strategy have historically focused on what appeared as the greatest threat - state versus state political violence - it has often engaged in fighting many 'small wars' against state and non-state actors. Unfortunately, the lessons of these wars were soon forgotten as the United States returned to a state versus state paradigm. The September 11, 2001 shock of attacks by Al Qaeda brought calls by U.S. political leaders for a war on terrorism that led to state versus state conflict but also violence against transnational and national terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. These groups relied on terrorism as an asymmetric insurgency tactic for which the United States and its military were once again ill prepared. National and military strategies underwent a sea change as they were forced to adjust from preparations for war against a rogue or rising state to recalling counterinsurgency lessons from the past and implementing them via new doctrine and training. While national and military strategy have adjusted, the bigger question for future national security is what form the United States national and military strategy should take after major deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan have come to an end. Just as important, the corollary question of how the United States military should be sized and structured to execute these strategies in what is sure to be a fiscally austere environment must be resolved. This paper will examine these critical national security dilemmas.
Beyond Broadway: Connecting Musical Theater and Academic Learning

As the world becomes more complex and employers seek greater intellectual flexibility and creative thinking skills, the value of interdisciplinary learning grows. When science learning and language learning are integrated into a single lesson, the student benefits exponentially from the unique connections made via the union. In the current environment of global competitiveness, focus can be placed disproportionately on math and science learning to the exclusion of arts and language education. Music and arts are a critical component of childhood education and development, however, and so it is crucial that classrooms faced with budget cuts do what they can to incorporate the arts into existing lessons. In this article, the author makes the case for integrating musical theater into math, science, social studies, and language instruction. She provides information for teachers looking for ways to augment and enrich learning through musical theater and thereby provide memorable and lasting learning for students.
Design of a Typical Outcome Portfolio for Assessment and Continuous Improvement

Outcome based assessment and evaluation for the demonstration of continuous improvement of a program remains a challenge for most of the institutions. An emphasis is given in this paper on how to design a portfolio for a typical outcome. Performance criteria for data collection, data presentation in a portfolio, feedback for implementation are discussed. Such portfolios not only help to improve a program but also serve as a viable display material for the purpose of accreditation.
Capniomyces Stellatus and Simuliomyces Spica: New Taxa of Harpellales (Trichomycetes) from Winter-Emerging Stoneflies

Two new species of Harpellales are described from the hindgut ofAllocapnia spp. nymphs (Plecoptera). The new genus Capniomyces is established for the single species Capniomyces stellatus. Capniomyces stellatus is characterized as having a variable number (1-6) of very broad (2-6 ,tm) trichospore appendages, unlike other species of Harpellales which have a more or less fixed number of very thin, thread-like trichospore appendages. This species has been axenically cultured using techniques and media developed for the culture of Smittium spp. Simuliomyces spica is described as the second species of a genus which previously was known only from blackfly larvae. This species could not be isolated in culture. It is found in the same host species as Capniomyces stellatus and often co-inhabits the hindgut. Zygospores are described in both species. Stonefly nymphs (hosts) were collected during the 1981-1982 winter from several sites in southern Missouri, U.S.A.
The influence of anesthetics and cholesterol on the degree of molecular organization and mobility of ox brain white matter. Lipids in multibilayer membranes: a spin probe study using spectral simulation by the stochastic method.

The effects of some anesthetics on the molecular arrangement in multibilayer of brain white matter lipids (of low cholesterol content) were studied by observing the ESR spectra of a spin probe derivative of cholestane intercalated in the lipid multilayers. ESR spectra were simulated by a stochastic method, with explicit inclusion of the molecular order parameter and two correlation times. By this method some insight was gained into the arbitrary index or ordering commonly used in these systems. Tetracaine, promazine, chlorpromazine, pentobarbitone, and mepivacaine increased the degree of order in multibilayers containing 5% cholesterol, but did not induce the same high degree of order found at high concentrations of cholesterol. Increasing the concentration of anesthetics eventually produced disorder in the multilayers. The ordering effects of tetracaine and pentobarbitone were reversible. The ordering effect of tetracaine, but not that of pentobarbitone, was potentiated by calcium ions at a concentration (5 mM) which had no intrinisc ordering effect. Multilayers containing up to 5% cholesterol showed a very low degree of order at the molecular level, but above this concentration striking changes in the ESR spectra indicated that the lipid molecules were tending to arrange their long axes close to the normal to the plane of the films. Multilayers of higher cholesterol content showed almost perfect order. The response to cholesterol took place over a very small range of cholesterol concentration, suggestive of a cooperative response. Despite the very large change in order parameter, cholesterol induced no change in the rotational correlation time (mobility).
Concurrent Invasive Thymoma and T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoma: A Case Report with Necropsy Findings and Literature Review of Thymoma and Associated Hematologic Neoplasm

Thymoma is associated with benign and neoplastic diseases. The authors report the concurrence of invasive thymoma and T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma in a 95-year-old man. The hematologic malignancy was suspected terminally, whereas the thymoma was discovered at necropsy. The lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma had a clonally rearranged T-cell receptor beta-chain gene and a mature thymocyte immunophenotype. No retroviral gene sequences (human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2, and human T-cell leukemia virus 1 and 2) were identified by polymerase chain reaction and hybridization analysis. The association of thymoma with hematologic neoplasm is reviewed.
Effect of intestinal mucosal environment on the hepatopathogenic potential of rotavirus in normal and immunocompromised hosts

The worldwide impact of rotaviruses (RV) as the leading cause of diarrhea in children has generated much interest in disease prevention by a specific vaccine. The Jennerian approach to RV vaccination of humans using orally administered heterologous (animal) strains has been the most promising [1]. The suckling mouse model has recently been shown to be applicable to study the disease induced by heterologous RVs [2]. Mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), which are known to suffer persistent murine RV infection, constitute a good model for the immunocompromised host. Recent studies in our laboratory have suggested that mucosal immunocompetence may play an important role in influencing heterologous RV infection in mice [3]. This was evidenced by extramucosal spread and hepatic virus replication of rhesus RV (RRV) in SCID mice. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different routes of administration on the hepatopathogenic potential of RRV in SCID and normal mice.
A Detailed Laboratory Scale Feasibility Study of Recovering Metallic Iron and Chromium from Chromium Contaminated Soils

One of potential technologies applicable to chromium-contaminated soils is thermal treatment, for example, the vitrification. Literature showed the reduction of hexavalent to trivalent chromium at high temperature, thus converting highly toxic and water-soluble compound into less toxic and water-insoluble compound. At high temperature, such as that of vitrification, both iron and chromium oxides can experience stepwise reduction to potentially recyclable metallic iron and chromium under reducing environment. Hence the objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility to reduce iron oxides in chromium-contaminated soils. Using solid carbon as reducing agent, the reduction to metallic iron was observable at 1200 °C. At 1400 °C, the addition of 15 % carbon by weight is required for complete reduction. The reduction is very rapid at this temperature. The information on reduction at high temperature should prove useful in providing background information in thermal treatment and also the potential recycling of metal from contaminated soils.
Surface modification of PLGA nanoparticles to deliver nitric oxide to inhibit Escherichia coli growth

Abstract Polymer nanoparticles consisting of poly (DL-lactic- co -glycolic acid) were surface functionalized to deliver nitric oxide. These biodegradable and biocompatible nanoparticles were modified with an S -nitrosothiol molecule, S -nitrosocysteamine, as the nitric oxide delivery molecule. S -nitrosocysteamine was covalently immobilized on the nanoparticle surface using small organic molecule linkers and carbodiimide coupling. Nanoparticle size, zeta potential, and morphology were determined using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Subsequent attachment of the S -nitrosothiol resulted in a nitric oxide release of 37.1 ± 1.1 nmol per milligram of nanoparticles under physiological conditions. This low concentration of nitric oxide reduced Escherichia coli culture growth by 31.8%, indicating that the nitric oxide donor was effective at releasing nitric oxide even after attachment to the nanoparticle surface. Combining the nitric oxide modified nanoparticles with tetracycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic for E. coli infections, increased the effectiveness of the antibiotic by 87.8%, which allows for lower doses of antibiotics to be used in order to achieve the same effect. The functionalized nanoparticles were not cytotoxic to mouse fibroblasts.
Formulae of Kappa Distributions: Toolbox

The chapter presents all the formulae of kappa distributions necessary to describe particle populations out of thermal equilibrium in plasmas and beyond. In summary, we first provide the isotropic and anisotropic distributions in the absence of a potential energy, while then we continue with the formulae of kappa distributions in the presence of a potential energy; we present the formulation of multiparticle and multispecies kappa distributions, and the generalized kappa distributions based on non-Euclidean norms or under the discrete description of energy. These formulations and their guidelines constitute the most updated “toolbox” of useful and statistically well-grounded equations for future analyses that seek to apply kappa distributions in data analysis, simulations, modeling, theory, and other work in space, geophysical, laboratory, or other plasmas or related particle systems.
Genome instabilities arising from ribonucleotides in DNA.

Genomic DNA is transiently contaminated with ribonucleotide residues during the process of DNA replication through misincorporation by the replicative DNA polymerases α, δ and e, and by the normal replication process on the lagging strand, which uses RNA primers. These ribonucleotides are efficiently removed during replication by RNase H enzymes and the lagging strand synthesis machinery. However, when ribonucleotides remain in DNA they can distort the DNA helix, affect machineries for DNA replication, transcription and repair, and can stimulate genomic instabilities which are manifest as increased mutation, recombination and chromosome alterations. The genomic instabilities associated with embedded ribonucleotides are considered here, along with a discussion of the origin of the lesions that stimulate particular classes of instabilities.
Accelerometer-Measured Daily Activity in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Clinical Correlates and Association With Standard Heart Failure Severity Indices.

Background—Daily physical activity assessed by accelerometers represents a novel method to assess the impact of interventions on heart failure (HF) patients’ functional status. We hypothesized that...
Operative management of catastrophic bleeding in the head and neck

The otolaryngologist commonly performs several procedures in close proximity to the carotid and innominate arterial systems. In this article, we will discuss the management of catastrophic bleeding following adult tonsillectomy and tracheostomy, as well as the management of carotid blowout syndrome in head and neck cancer patients. Although the bleeding risk from tonsillectomy is considered very low, the acceptance of transoral robotic surgery as a treatment modality of oropharyngeal head and neck carcinomas makes the spectre of catastrophic oropharyngeal bleeding more real. Aggressive resection in this area can leave minimal parapharyngeal fat over the carotid artery and damage from manipulation of smaller vessels can lead to pseudoaneurysms. Tracheostomy also carries a very low but real risk of trachea-innominate artery fistula, which has devastating consequences. Finally, we will discuss how to identify head and neck cancer patients who are at risk for carotid blowout syndrome as well as appropriate interventions to manage this condition.
Pentalinonsterol, a Constituent of Pentalinon andrieuxii, Possesses Potent Immunomodulatory Activity and Primes T Cell Immune Responses.

The use of natural products as adjuvants has emerged as a promising approach for the development of effective vaccine formulations. Pentalinonsterol (PEN) is a recently isolated compound from the roots of Pentalinon andrieuxii and has been shown to possess antileishmanial activity against Leishmania spp. The objective of this study was to examine the immunomodulatory properties of PEN and evaluate its potential as an adjuvant. Macrophages and bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were stimulated with PEN and tested for gene expression, cytokine production, and their ability to activate T cells in vitro. PEN was also evaluated for its ability to generate antigen-specific Th1 and Th2 responses in vivo, following ovalbumin (OVA) immunization using PEN as an adjuvant. The results obtained demonstrate that PEN enhances the expression of NF-κB and AP1 transcription factors, promotes gene expression of Tnfα, Il6, Nos2, and Arg1, and upregulates MHCII, CD80, and CD86 in macrophages. PEN also enhanced IL-12 ...
A novel microRNA, hsa-miR-6852 differentially regulated by Interleukin-27 induces necrosis in cervical cancer cells by downregulating the FoxM1 expression

We have previously demonstrated that Interleukin-27 differentially regulates the expression of seven novel microRNAs. Here we elucidate the functional significance of these novel microRNAs. Of the seven microRNAs, over expression of miRNA-6852 (miR-SX4) mimic induces cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induces necrosis in HEK293 and panel of cervical cancer cells (Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infected cell lines; HeLa, CaSki and SiHa cells). To define the mechanism of the miR-SX4-mediated G2/M arrest, a microarray gene chip array and western blot analysis were performed. FoxM1, a transcription factor is identified as a key protein down-regulated by miR-SX4, even though the miR-SX4 does not target 3'UTR of FoxM1. Knock down of FoxM1 using si-RNA demonstrate that FoxM1 silenced cell induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and necrosis. Our data demonstrated for the first time that miR-SX4 could be a potent anti-cancer microRNA.
Accessing Teacher Candidates’ Pedagogical Intentions and Imagined Teaching Futures through Drama and Arts-Based Structures

Through a lens focused on imagining the future, and with a pedagogical goal to help novice teachers embody effective teaching practices in a writing methods course, the authors (two teacher educato...
O 1s core levels in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ delta single crystals.

High-quality Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8+{delta}} superconducting single crystals, annealed at different oxygen partial pressures, have been studied using angular-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with a resolution higher than that used in any previous study. Two states of the oxygen, separated by {approx}0.7 eV, are unambiguously observed. Examining these components at different angles makes it possible to distinguish bulk from surface components. Using this capability we discover that annealing under lower oxygen partial pressure (1 atm) results in oxygen intercalation beneath the Bi-O surface layer of the crystal, whereas for higher-pressure anneals (12 atm) additional oxygen is found on the Bi-O surfaces. This steplike intercalation mechanism is also confirmed by the changes observed in the Cu and Bi core lines as a function of the annealing oxygen partial pressure.
Applications of Galois Theory

Now that we have developed Galois theory and have investigated a number of types of field extensions, we can put our knowledge to use to answer some of the most famous questions in mathematical history. In Section 15, we look at ruler and compass constructions and prove that with ruler and compass alone it is impossible to trisect an arbitrary angle, to duplicate the cube, to square the circle, and to construct most regular n-gons. These questions arose in the days of the ancient Greeks but were left unanswered for 2500 years. In order to prove that it is impossible to square the circle, we prove in Section 14 that π is transcendental over ℚ, and we prove at the same time that e is also transcendental over ℚ. In Section 16, we prove that there is no algebraic formula, involving only field operations and extraction of roots, to find the roots of an arbitrary nth degree polynomial if n ≥ 5. Before doing so, we investigate in detail polynomials of degree less than 5. By the mid-sixteenth century, formulas for finding the roots of quadratic, cubic, and quartic polynomials had been found. The success in finding the roots of arbitrary cubics and quartics within a few years of each other led people to believe that formulas for arbitrary degree polynomials would be found.
Are Unsuccessful Avian Invaders Rarer in Their Native Range Than Successful Invaders

Biological invasions are a central component of the increasing taxonomic and geographic homogenization of the biosphere (Vitousek et. al., 1996), but our ability to predict such invasions remains in its infancy (Gilpin, 1990). A number of reviews (e.g., Ehrlich, 1986, 1989; Pimm, 1989; Lodge, 1993; Williamson, 1996) have listed the factors which may bias a species towards becoming a successful invader, including being abundant, widespread, and generalist. For example, Moulton and Pimm (1986) showed that large range size increased the chance of successful introduction into Hawai‘i by passerine birds, and Scott and Panetta (1993) made a similar case for invasive plants in South Africa. Roy et. al. (1991) found a positive correlation between habitat generalism (measured by the number of climate zones within a species' native range) of biome grasses and number of continents invaded. Most recently, Goodwin et. al. (1999) found number of native biogeographic regions to be the best predictor of successful plant invasion into New Brunswick, Canada.
Integrated Operational Planning and Scheduling under Uncertainty

Abstract An integrated operational planning and medium-term scheduling framework which takes into account various forms of market and process uncertainty will be presented. The framework entails the integration of a novel and robust Planning with Production Disaggregation Model with the robust counterpart of an industrially validated mediumterm scheduling model through a forward rolling horizon scheme. The operational planning and scheduling under uncertainty framework has been applied to an industrial case study in order to demonstrate that it can address relevant planning and scheduling problems.
Diagnosis prevalence and comorbidity in a population of mobile integrated community health care patients

INTRODUCTION Frequent calls to 911 and requests for emergency services by individuals place a costly burden on emergency response systems and emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. Many of the calls by these individuals are non-emergent exacerbations of chronic conditions and could be treated more effectively and cost efficiently through another health care service. Mobile integrated community health (MICH) programs present a possible partial solution to the over-utilization of emergency services by addressing factors which contribute to a patient's likelihood of frequent Emergency Medical Services (EMS) use. To provide effective care to eligible individuals, MICH providers must have a working understanding of the common conditions they will encounter. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this descriptive study was to evaluate the diagnosis prevalence and comorbidity among participants in the Queen Anne's County (Maryland USA) MICH Program. This fundamental knowledge of the most common medical conditions within the MICH Program will inform future mobile integrated health programs and providers. METHODS This study examined preliminary data from the MICH Program, as well as 2017 Maryland census data. It involved secondary analysis of de-identified patient records and descriptive statistical analysis of the disease prevalence, degree of comorbidity, insurance coverage, and demographic characteristics among 97 program participants. Diagnoses were grouped by their ICD-9 classification codes to determine the most common categories of medical conditions. Multiple linear regression models and chi-squared tests were used to assess the association between age, sex, race, ICD-9 diagnosis groups, and comorbidity among program enrollees. RESULTS Results indicated the most prevalent diagnoses included hypertension, high cholesterol, esophageal reflux, and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, 94.85% of MICH patients were comorbid; the number of comorbidities per patient ranged from one to 13 conditions, with a mean of 5.88 diagnoses per patient (SD=2.74). CONCLUSION Overall, patients in the MICH Program are decidedly medically complex and may be well-suited to additional community intervention to better manage their many conditions. The potential for MICH programs to simultaneously improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs by expanding into larger public health and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable citizens warrants further study.ScharfBM, BissellRA, TrevittJL, JenkinsJL.Diagnosis prevalence and comorbidity in a population of mobile integrated community health care patients.Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(1):46-55.
The Turtle's Beating Heart: One Family's Story of Lenape Survival (Denise Low) and Shadow Light (Denise Low)

This is a review of Denise Low's memoir The Turtle's Beating Heart: One Family's Story of Lenape Survival and book of poetry Shadow Light. These two works differ stylistically and engage with similar themes about human mortality, the beauty of nature, loss, and intergenerational trauma. Combined, the two books inform each other and let readers into Low's personal reflections and unerstandings as she explores her family's past and learns more about her Lenape grandfather, Frank Bruner.
IV.—Descriptions and Records of Bees.—CLXX

(1939). IV.—Descriptions and Records of Bees.—CLXX. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 3, No. 13, pp. 36-43.
Medication Errors with Anticonvulsant Drugs in the United States, 2000-2012

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of out-of-hospital medication errors involving anticonvulsant drugs. Methods: Using data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS), a retrospective analysis of all out-of-hospital medication errors with anticonvulsant drugs that were reported from 2000 through 2012 was conducted. Results: During the years 2000 through 2012, 108,446 individuals …
Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene to Styrene on an Exhausted Aluminum Chromium Catalyst

The catalysts were synthesized based on the spent industrial aluminum-chromium catalyst used in the hydrocarbon dehydrogenation by SABIC Co., and the catalysts were modified with copper and potassium carbonate. The catalysts were tested in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene. It was found that the prepared and modified 1 wt % Cu catalyst, upon the conversion of ethylbenzene to styrene in the presence of O2, exhibits an activity of 53% with a selectivity for styrene of 85%. It was shown that the introduction of carbon dioxide into the reaction zone leads to an increase in activity to 60–63%, and selectivity to 89–91%. The stability of the functioning of a copper-promoted catalyst and the effect of water vapor on the process were studied. It was found that under conditions close to industrial, within 100 h, a stable conversion of the mixture (ethylbenzene : O2 = 9 : 1) : H2O = 4 : 1 with a selectivity for styrene of at least 90% at a space velocity of 2 h–1 (at liquid ethylbenzene).
Retinal Microvasculature Changes After Repair of Macula-off Retinal Detachment Assessed with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Objective To characterize the microvascular retinal changes after repair of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Patients and methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent repair of macula-off RRD. Fellow unaffected eyes were used as controls. Post-operative OCT-A allowed comparison of vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) as well as VD in the choriocapillaris layer. Results Seventeen eyes of 17 RRD patients were included in the final analysis. There was a reduction in VD of the deep retinal capillary plexus in affected eyes compared to fellow eyes (p = 0.046). RRD eyes with reduced VD in DCP compared with their fellow control eyes had worse visual acuity after repair compared to those without (p = 0.032). No significant microvasculature changes were detected in the FAZ area and VD in the superficial capillary plexus and choriocapillaris compared to fellow eyes. Conclusion In macula-off RRD eyes, significant microvascular changes were detected in the DCP using OCT-A even after successful anatomical repair. Decreased VD in the DCP compared to the fellow healthy eyes was correlated with worse visual acuity.
Recombinant Anti-Müllerian Hormone (rAMH) for Stalling In Vitro Granulosa Cell Replication

To investigate whether recombinant AMH (rAMH) is able to decrease cellular proliferation/apoptosis in luteinized granulosa cells (GCs) through hormonal regulation, a primary culture of GCs was established from GCs obtained at time of oocyte retrieval from follicular fluid of 3 patients. Cells were seeded in well cell culture plates at a density of 100,000 cells/well in medium and treated with rAMH 20 ng/ml (rAMH group), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS-control group), for 24 h. Total RNA was extracted from all cells, followed by cDNA synthesis and real-time RT-PCR to quantify the expression levels of AMH, AMH-R2, FSH-R, inhibin B, cell proliferation (Ki67), and apoptosis (Caspase 3). We used independent sample t test (SPSS v25) and a p < 0.05 significance. Cellular expressions of AMH, AMH-R2, FSH-R, and inhibin B were reduced greater than 50% in the rAMH group, compared with that of the the control group (p ≤ 0.005 for all). Ki67 and Caspase3 were also reduced greater than 30% in the rAMH group (p ≤ 0.001 for both). Our findings show a direct inhibitory effect of AMH on luteinized GCs’ expression of the major regulatory hormones, in addition to a significant decrease in markers of cell proliferation and apoptosis. These results confirm the inhibitory effects of AMH on follicular development.
Cone and rod responses in nutritionally induced retinal degeneration in the cat.

All cats fed a specific semipurified diet developed a retinal degeneration. In the early stageselectroretinograms (ERG's) from both the cone and rod systems were reduced in amplitude;those from the cone system were delayed in implicit time while those from the rod systemwere normal in implicit time. These ERG changes, as well as the findings on ophthalmoscopicand light microscopic examination, were consistent with the idea that initially widespreadareas of cones and localized areas of rods were abnormal. In moderately advanced stagesrod-implicit times were also delayed, and the slope of the function describing log stimulusintensity vs. rod ERG amplitude was abnormal; these recordings indicated that rod involve-ment had also become extensive. No signs of vitamin A deficiency were observed. Similaritiesbetween this retinal degeneration in the cat and retinal degenerations in man are discussed.Key words: rod, cone, diet, vitamin A, macula, retina, electroretinogram,pigment epithelium, retinitis pigmentosa, cat eye, retinal degeneration.
How Do Patient-Centered Communication, Emotional Well-Being, Confidence in Health Information-Seeking, and Future Time Perspective Influence Health Self-Efficacy?

Background: Health self-efficacy acts as a vital mediator in the causal pathway from awareness of self-management to self-care behaviors. However, little is known about the underlying predictors of...
Metallothionein 3-zinc axis suppresses caspase-11 inflammasome activation and impairs antibacterial immunity

Non-canonical inflammasome activation by mouse caspase-11 (or human CASPASE- 4/5) is crucial for the clearance of certain gram-negative bacterial infections, but can lead to severe inflammatory damage. Factors that promote non-canonical inflammasome activation are well recognized, but less is known about the mechanisms underlying its negative regulation. Herein, we identify that the caspase-11 inflammasome in mouse and human macrophages (M{phi}) is negatively controlled by the zinc (Zn2+) regulating protein, metallothionein 3 (MT3). Upon challenge with intracellular lipopolysaccharide (iLPS), M{phi} increased MT3 expression that curtailed the activation of caspase-11 and its downstream targets caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1{beta}. Mechanistically, MT3 increased intramacrophage Zn2+ to downmodulate the TRIF-IRF3-STAT1 axis that is prerequisite for caspase-11 effector function. MT3 suppressed activation of the caspase-11 inflammasome, while caspase-11 and MT3 synergized in impairing antibacterial immunity. The present study identifies an important yin-yang relationship between the non-canonical inflammasome and MT3 in controlling inflammation and immunity to gram- negative bacteria. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=149 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/454033v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (27K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15070f1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@27174forg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@6b48beorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@174b850_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
SOME REMARKS ON WASHEK PFEFFER'S CONTRIBUTIONS IN GENERAL TOPOLOGY

Washek Pfeffer's contributions in general topology are discussed, especially his paper with van Douwen on $D$-spaces and his work with Prikry on small spaces.
Global geographies of corruption

Corruption is extremely common throughout the world, with debilitating consequences for economies and societies. Corruption creates and accentuates inequality and inefficiency in the delivery of public services, encourages the pillage of natural resources, and creates widespread distrust of the state among the public. This paper examines the global geography of corruption using data from Transparency International. It defines corruption and its multiple forms. Next it addresses the causes and consequences. Third it provides an overview of the spatiality of corruption and its correlations with national wealth, literacy, inequality, and freedom of the media. It then proceeds to discuss corruption in different countries grouped by five major categories of severity. The conclusion discusses the failure of anti-corruption campaigns and hints at possible remedies.
Endovascular treatment of thrombosed inferior vena cava filters: Techniques and short-term outcomes

Purpose: To present the techniques for endovascular treatment of thrombosed filter-bearing inferior vena cavae (IVCs), along with short-term clinical and imaging follow-up. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 consecutive patients (17 females and 28 males), aged 19-79 years (mean age of 49 years), who had IVC filter placement complicated by symptomatic acute or chronic iliocaval thrombosis and underwent endovascular therapy were studied. All patients presented with lower extremity swelling and/or pain. One patient also had bilateral lower extremity swelling and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding which was secondary to chronic systemic to portal venous collaterals. Patients underwent one or more of the following endovascular treatments depending on the chronicity and extent of thrombosis: (a) catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) (n = 25), (b) pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PMT) (n = 15), (c) balloon angioplasty (n = 45), and/or (d) stent placement across the filter (n = 42). In addition, 16 patients underwent groin arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation (36%) and 3 (7%) had femoral venous thrombectomy to improve flow in the recanalized iliac veins and IVCs. Results: Anatomical success was achieved in all patients. Follow-up was not available in 10 patients (lost to follow-up, n = 4; expired due to comorbidities, n = 2; lost to follow-up after re-intervention, n = 4). At a mean follow-up time of 13.3 months (range 1-48 months), clinical success was achieved in 27 patients (60%), i.e. in 21 patients without re-intervention and in 6 patients with re-intervention. Clinical success was not achieved despite re-intervention in eight patients. Higher clinical success was noted in patients who did not require repeat interventions (P = 0.03) and the time to re-intervention was significantly shorter in patients who had clinical failure (P = 0.01). AVF creation did not improve the clinical success rate (P = 1). There was no significant difference in clinical success between patients who had acute or subacute thrombosis compared to those who had chronically occluded filter-bearing IVCs (P = 1). Conclusion: This study suggests that endovascular therapy for thrombosed filter-bearing IVCs is safe and technically feasible.
Power System Protection, Relays

The sections in this article are 1 Power System Faults or Abnormal Operation Conditions 2 Characteristics of Protective Relay 3 Components and Zones of Protection 4 Functions of Protective Relays 5 Equipment Protection 6 Protective Relaying for Abnormal Phenomena 7 Backup Protection 8 Evaluation of Protective Relay Performance 9 Current Research Keywords: power system protection; protective relays; current and voltage transformers
AIDS Alibis: Sex, Drugs and Crime in the Americas

AIDS Alibis: Sex, Drugs and Crime in the Americas. Stephanie Kane. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1998. 222 pp.
Thermal and pH Stability of Feline Calicivirus

Molar concentration of sodium chloride partially stabilized feline calicivirus against thermal inactivation at 50 C. One strain of feline calicivirus was relatively acid labile compared to another.
Evaluating the performance of technician trainees

The development and use of a behavioral performance evaluation form for pharmacy technicians in a hospital-based training program is described. The behavior anchors for the evaluation form were derived from a task analysis of the technician position and a modified critical-incident technique. The appraisal factors were classified under six basic work areas: (1) procurement, (2) intravenous admixtures and sterile solutions, (3) automatic replenishment, (4) manufacturing and prepacking, (5) outpatient dispensing, and (6) inpatient dispensing or unit dose. Five rating categories ranging from exceptional to unsatisfactory were given point values. After an evaluation is completed, the supervising pharmacist reviews it with the trainees and sets objectives for the next appraisal period. The form can be used at regular intervals to assess the trainees' progress, and it can be used in the annual review of a technician's performance. The performance evaluation of technician trainees can determine the proficiency gained from a training program and identify areas where further instruction is needed.
Harmonic analysis on certain vector spaces

Abstract : Let 1 denote the vector space of all sequences of real numbers with the topology of coordinate-wise convergence. For 0 < p < infinity l sub p denote the subset of l consisting of all sequences x sub i which have the summation, from one to infinity of the (absolute value of x sub i) to the p power finite. The main efforts in the paper are to generalize Bochner's theorem and the Levy-continuity theorem to these l sub p spaces. (Author)
IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION OF LUCIFERIN‐BINDING PROTEIN ANTI‐SENSE RNA TO THIN SECTIONS OF THE BIOLUMINESCENT DINOFLAGELLATE GONYAULAX POLYEDRA1

Radiolabeled RNA transcripts from a cDNA clone of Gonyaulax polyedra Stein luciferin-binding protein (a protein involved in bioluminescence and which increases intracellularly at night) were synthesized in an in vitro transcription assay and hybridized to fixed, thin sections of Gonyaulax cells in both day and night phases. When visualized under dark-field microscopy, probes, which were complementary in sequence (anti-sense probes) to the luciferin-binding protein mRNA, bound to cell sections and revealed a dense, even distribution of photographic silver grains over the cytoplasm, with more intense labeling in night phase cells. Control probes, consisting of the identical sequence as the cellular mRNA (sense probe), revealed little specific labeling in day and night cells. This suggests that cellular levels of luciferin-binding protein mRNA are higher in night phase cells, which is in contrast to recent biochemical findings that the mRNA levels are constant throughout the day and night. This new data is compared with the previous work, and the utility and limitations of the in situ hybridization technique in analyzing message distribution and abundance is discussed.
Method and Theory for a Multi-Gauge Distributed Fiber Optic Crack Sensor

A distributed sensor is developed for detection of cracks and measurement of crack widths in composite materials. The sensor consists of a number of individual segments on one line with gauge lengths designed according to the structural and materials requirements. Return loss measurements at the interfaces between adjoining segments provide the basis for crack detection and measurement. An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is employed for interrogation of the sensor signal. The quasi-distributed sensors were embedded in reinforced concrete beams in order to evaluate their crack detection capability. Experiments involved both monotonic as well as fatigue loading. The sensors were embedded in the tension zone of the concrete beams in order to facilitate comparison of sensor response with visual crack observations. Experimental results in terms of crack detection capability and resolution are presented and discussed.
Comments on "Lateralization and the binaural masking-level difference" [G. B. Henning, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 55, 1259-1263 (1974)].

Henning [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 55, 1259–1263 (1974)] showed that certain complex waveforms can be lateralized on the basis of interaural temporal differences when the energy in the waveforms is confined to high‐frequency regions. However, when the high‐frequency waveforms are presented in a background of noise, Henning showed that their detection is not dependent on interaural temporal differences. In the present demonstration experiment these high‐frequency waveforms were not as easily lateralized with a noise background as were low‐frequency stimuli. This result is consistent with an assumption that lateralization and binaural detection of complex waveforms are not essentially different.Subject Classification: 65.62, 65.60, 65.58.
The dynamic analysis of stick-slip motion

Abstract The most widely accepted cause of stick-slip motion is that the static (μ s ) exceeds the kinetic friction coefficient (μ k ), or that μ k drops rapidly at small speeds. Using a dynamic analysis it is shown that the rate of increase of μ s ( t ) with sticking time is a crucial parameter in addition to the condition of μ s > μ k , and that stick-slip may occur even if μ k increases with speed V . A general equation is derived which describes the stick-slip amplitude (χ s ) in terms of substrate speed V o , spring stiffness K and damping γ, for an arbitrary μ s ( t ) and a linearized μ k ( V ), in contrast to a set of previous equations derived by Brockley et al . for an exponential μ s ( t ) and a linearized μ k ( V ) [1]. Additional equations are developed for the “saturation” speed ( V ss ), below which χ s is independent of V o , and also for a critical substrate speed V c above which the stick-slip amplitude vanishes. At speeds between V ss and V c the stick-slip amplitude generally decreases with increasing V o , K and γ. Depending on the detailed conditions, different sliding modes including smooth sliding, near-harmonic oscillation or stick-slip can result. Equations developed in this paper suggest practical methods of reducing or eliminating stick-slip for a general system.
Sectored interstitial ultrasound applicators for angular control of MR-guided thermal therapy (Invited Paper)

Hyperthermia and high temperature thermal therapy are currently used in the clinical treatment for a variety of cancers. Despite the increasing use of thermal therapies, heat treatments have not gained large-scale clinical acceptance, due in part to inconsistencies in controlling heat deposition in vivo and the lack of precise temperature measurement. Interstitial ultrasound applicators provide superior spatial control of power deposition and heating patterns compared to other interstitial techniques. Real-time MR temperature imaging (MRTI) provides thermal therapies with an accurate, non-invasive method for measuring temperature within the body during treatment. In this study, three MR-compatible water-cooled interstitial ultrasound applicators designs were developed and evaluated for dynamic angular control of the thermal dose to a target area. Two of the applicator designs utilize an ultrasound transducer separated into three individually powered sectors allowing the user to control heating deposition for the creation of odd size and shape thermal lesions. The third design utilizes a 90o sectored transducer that can be rotated to target the thermal treatment to a specified area. Comparisons and predictions of the in vivo performance of all applicators was examined with experiments in ex vivo tissue and simulations created by a biothermal model that incorporates changes in acoustic attenuation and perfusion as a function of thermal dose. Ex vivo experiments with real-time MRTI correlated well with results from the biothermal model. The results of this study bracket the feasibility and potential in vivo performance of the applicator designs for minimally invasive cancer treatment with MRTI.
Indolent CD8-positive T-cell lymphoid proliferation of the ear: a report of two cases.

The current classification of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) of the World Health Organization (WHO) includes primary cutaneous CD8-positive aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma as a provisional entity awaiting cumulative data. Recent reports identify CD3/CD8-positive clonal T-cell lymphoid proliferations arising in the ear and nose that behave indolently and therefore defy currently established subclassification. Here, we report two cases of clonal CD8-positive/granzyme-B-negative T-cell lymphoid proliferations that arose in the ear and behaved indolently. Collectively, these cases suggest that an additional category of cutaneous indolent CD8-positive T-cell lymphoma may be necessary among the existing classification schemes. Zeng W, Nava VE, Cohen P, Ozdemirli M. Indolent CD8-positive T-cell lymphoid proliferation of the ear: a report of two cases.
Chemistry of thienopyridines. XII. Selective formation of N-oxides, sulfoxides, and sulfones in some tricyclic systems

Direct conversion of [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]pyridine (IVa), thieno[3,2-b:4,5-b']dipyridine (Va), and thieno[2,3-b:4,5-b']dipyridine (VIa) into their sulfoxides was effected by means of an equimolar quantity of iodobenzene dichloride in aqueous acetonitrile. Treatment of IVa-VIa with excess chlorine gas in carbon tetrachloride and then with water gave the corresponding sulfones, IVc-VIc. Hydrogen peroxide in glacial acetic acid converted Va and VIa into di-N-oxides, thieno[3,2-b]pyridine into its N-oxide, and sulfone VIc into an N-oxide sulfone (X). Spectral and chemical means of distinguishing amongst the oxide functions are noted, and rationalizations for selectivity in the oxidations are discussed.
An extraction-spectrophotometric method for the determination of zinc with 1-[(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)azo]-2-naphthol

Abstract Zinc(II) reacts with I-[(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)azo]-2-naphthol (5-Cl-β-PAN) in aqueous solution; the complex can be extracted with various organic solvents at pH 8–11.0 to give a red solution with an absorbance peak at 564–570 nm. The colour in ether is stable and the system conforms to Beer's law; the optimal range for measurement in 1.00-cm cells is 0.05–0.5 p.p.m. zinc in the ether layer. Common anions and cations do not interfere. Large amounts of some cations can be masked by potassium cyanide, the zinc cyanide complex being demasked by formaldehyde. The proposed method is one of the most sensitive and selective procedures for the determination of zinc. The molar absorptivity in the ether extract is 8.4·104 1 mole-1 cm-1 at 564 nm.
Brain drain: Do economic conditions “push” doctors out of developing countries?

Abstract Health worker migration is an issue of first order concern in global health policy circles and continues to be the subject of much policy debate. In this paper, we contribute to the discussion by studying the impact of economic conditions on the migration of physicians from developing countries. To our knowledge, this is one of the first papers to do so. A major contribution of this paper is the introduction of a new panel dataset on migration to the US and the UK from 31 sub-Saharan Africa countries. The data spans the period 1975–2004. Using this data, we estimate the impact of changes in economic conditions on physician migration. In our preferred specification that allows for country-specific time trends, we find that a temporary one percentage point decline in GDP per capita increases physician migration in the next period by approximately. 3 percent. In our IV models a one percentage point decline in GDP per capita increases physician migration in the next period by between 3.4 and 3.6 percent. Overall, our results suggest a significant effect of developing country economic conditions on physician migration.
Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism: Colombia, a Case Study

This article deals with the complex relationships that exist among drug traffickers, insurgent guerrilla groups, paramilitary forces, peasants, and the government's military and police agencies in ...