cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Machine Ethics and Modal Psychology

Machines are becoming more capable of substantively interacting with human beings within the confines of our complex social structures. Thought must be given to how their behavior might be regulated with respect to the norms and conventions by which we live. This is certainly true for the military domain, but is no less true for eldercare, health care, disaster relief and law enforcement; all areas where robotic systems are poised to make tremendous impact in the near future. But how should we inculcate sensitivity to normative considerations in the next generation of intelligent system? Any machine that we wish to actively take part in our moral practices must at least be sensitive to the peculiarities of human moral judgment. I will focus on some recent work by Joshua Knobe and colleagues that suggests that our everyday understanding of words like “cause,” “force,” and “intentional” (In the sense of intentional action rather than “aboutness” as a property assumed to be possessed of mental states.) is deeply wrapped up in both modal and normative cognition – that is, thoughts about non-actual possibilities and their interaction with norms. In this paper, I take a close look at a recent example given in Knobe and Szabo (Semant Pragmat 6(1):1–42, 2013) and offer a first-cut computational model, followed by a discussion of limitations and ideas for next steps.
The forest–alpine ecotone: a multi-scale approach to spatial and temporal dynamics of treeline change at Niwot Ridge

Background: Current understanding of treeline or forest-alpine ecotone (FAE) dynamics does not fully explain past and present FAE patterns and their underlying processes, nor allow prediction of their response to climate change.Aims: We address the overarching hypothesis that the FAE is a mosaic of distinct landscape units of vegetation and landforms that result in differential responses to climate change. We focus on climate-related, landscape and vegetation characteristics, but also consider the effect of landscape heterogeneity on biogeochemistry and overall resilience of the FAE to climate change.Results: There are three distinct FAE land units at Niwot Ridge, generated by different interactions of climate with vegetation, landforms and topography. Within these FAEs, a process of self-organisation takes place from organism to patch to landscape scales, and is modulated by positive and negative feedback loops along an elevation gradient. The underlying controls cannot be attributed solely to temperatur...
Atomic and nuclear coherence excited by optical pulses: CEP effects and generation of X-ray and nuclear radiation

We study population transfer and excitation of quantum coherence in atomic and nuclear systems interacting with strong ultra-short laser pulses. We discuss CEP effects and possible applications to cooperative generation of XUV and nuclear radiation.
Electrodeposition from Acidic Solutions of Nickel Bis(benzenedithiolate) Produces a Hydrogen-Evolving Ni–S Film on Glassy Carbon

Films electrodeposited onto glassy carbon electrodes from acidic acetonitrile solutions of [Bu4N][Ni(bdt)2] (bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate) are active toward electrocatalytic hydrogen production at potentials 0.2–0.4 V positive of untreated electrodes. This activity is preserved when the electrode is rinsed and transferred to a fresh acid solution. X-ray photoelectron spectra indicate that the deposited material contains Ni and S, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry shows that electrodeposition decomposes the Ni(bdt)2 assembly. Correlations between voltammetric and spectroscopic results indicate that the deposited material is active, i.e., that catalysis is heterogeneous rather than homogeneous. Control experiments establish that obtaining the observed catalytic response requires both Ni and the 1,2-benzenedithiolate ligand to be present during deposition.
Design of Low Power Consumption Monitoring System for Soil Moisture

In order to rapidly collect soil information,a kind of low power consumption monitoring system for soil moisture is designed in this paper.Based on C8051F040 and SIM900A,this system can collect the soil information such as the soil temperature and soil humidity in four depths and multi-kinds of weather information.Then these collected information are transmitted wirelessly through GPRS and short-message.Moreover,the system has simple structure,is easy to use,has low power consumption and can monitor the farmland moisture wirelessly.What is more,it provides theoretical basis for the agricultural production and weather forecast.
ANALYSIS OF CRACKS IN WELD JOINT OF T91 STEEL IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE REHEATER

Aiming at leakage positions in weld joints of T91 steel,macroscopic inspection,microscopic hardness examination,metallographic analysis,element analysis,and difracted spot analysis of carbides etc.have been carried out.Results show that the cracks in the weld joint is typical Ⅲ-type cracking,the over-high welding temperature makes large amount of M23C6 carbides separated out and coarsening in coarse grain zone of the heat affecting region,leading to deterioration of the grain boundary toughness and weakening the strength of creep rupture resisitance,thereby,resulting in cracks occurred in the weld joint.It is recommended that the welding temperature should be suitably lowered,to avoid separating out of carbide grains and their coarsening.
Effects of Time of Applying Rotating Electromagnetic Stirring on the Solidification Microstructure of GCr15 Bearing Steels

The effects of the time of applying rotating electromagnetic stirring on the solidification microstructure of GCr15 bearing steels were investigated via graphite mold casting.The results showed that imposing rotating electromagnetic stirring at different periods during the solidification process of the molten steel significantly influences the solidification microstructure of the bearing steel ingots.The sooner rotating electromagnetic stirring is imposed,the larger magnetic Taylor number(the characteristic non-dimensional parameter to describe the forced convection by the magnetic field) is.Accordingly,the electromagnetic force generates remarkably in the molten steel,which indicates that the fluid flow is strong enough for the columnar-equiaxed transition(CET).The equiaxed crystal ratio of the ingot increased to 52% when the rotating electromagnetic stirring is imposed during the period of 0 ~ 0.5 min after the accomplishment of pouring.Furthermore,the fluid flow generated by rotating electromagnetic stirring promotes the breaking,melting and drifting away of the dendrites in the solidification front.The fragments of the dendrites proliferated and were brought to the centre of the molten pool which became the heterogeneous nucleus under the strong fluid convection.The constitutional supercooling degree increases with the decrease of temperature gradient which consequently in favor of the promotion of CET.
An Investment Benefit Assessment Method Based on Triangular Fuzzy Numbers for Distribution Network

Distribution network investment involve a wide range of aspects,and the amount of investment has been increasing year by year which is making it account for a large proportion in the whole investment plan.However,the investment benefit is influenced by various kinds of factors,which make the power grid companies face numerous potential investment risk.Scientific evaluation of distribution network investment will be an effective way to avoid investment market risk.The main factors affecting the development of power grid are presented based on the investment structure of distribution network,the evaluation index system is established from both investment returns and decision respectively,and the model of investment evaluation for distribution network based on triangular fuzzy number is proposed,realizing the combination of evaluation between qualitative and quantitative.Practical example shows that the evaluation method is objective and effective,which could reflect the current level of investment and have significant value for distribution network investment planning and investment assessment.
Analysis of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning of bivalves in sea of Shenzhen

Objective:To investigate the pollution of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning(DSP) of bivalves in sea of Shenzhen.Methods:Bivalves was collected from Daya bay and Dapeng bay of Shenzhen from August 2007 to July 2008.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and mouse bioassay were conducted to investigate the level of DSP.Results:The sensitivity of ELISA was higher than MBA,but both had a better consistency.DSP was detected in 168 samples,and 25 samples were found DSP exceeded the threshold.The level of DSP in bivalves was higher in Summer and Autumn,and glands was higher than muscles,but there was no difference between the two places.Conclusion:There is a certain degree of DSP in bivalves of Daya bay and Dapeng bay of Shenzhen.It is necessary to detect DSP of fishery product in the future and to ensure the safety.
The expression of epidermal growth factor receptor on human bladder cancer: potential use in radioimmunoscintigraphy.

Abstract Monoclonal antibody 425, which binds to an extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor, was used to evaluate the expression of this antigen on bladder cancer cells. Epidermal growth factor receptor was found on all bladder cancer cell lines tested. Immunoperoxidase staining of fourteen Invasive human bladder cancers with monoclonal antibody 425 demonstrated that ten showed strong staining, one showed weak staining and three were negative. Five non-invasive tumors were similarly examined. Four of these were negative and one showed weak staining. Biodistribution experiments with human bladder tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice using radiolabeled monoclonal antibody 425 and an isotype matched control antibody demonstrated specific tumor localization at five and seven days following antibody injection. Successful imaging of a human bladder tumor xenograft was achieved five days post antibody injection. These data confirm that epidermal growth factor receptor expression correlates with bladder cancer stage and suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor may serve as a target antigen for radioimmunoscintigraphy.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Ureteral Stone Brush: Initial Results

AbstractWe present the initial results of a ureteral stone brush used in conjunction with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for impacted ureteral stones. We studied 31 cases of ureteral calculi that could not be manipulated back into the renal collecting system. In 18 cases a ureteral catheter was placed past the calculus, while in 13 a catheter could not be passed. With the stone brush unbypassed stones yielded a success rate similar to that for bypassed stones (84.6 versus 88.9%, respectively). We believe that this result is due to the ability of the stone brush to remove circumferential fragments from around the stone, allowing more shock energy to reach the core of the stone. (J. Urol., 143: 261–262, 1990).
Herbal Supplements and Abuse

Centuries ago, plants were the predominate agents used for medicinal purpose. In about 1920, standardized pharmaceutical drugs began to replace herbal medicines in the US and were found to have a greater pharmacological benefit and profitability. Thus, there was a decline in the use of herbal medicine for over 70 years. In 1994 after the introduction of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act passed by congress, manufacturers were allowed to market their herbal products without evidence of safety or efficacy, a resurgence of herbal supplements and drugs usage was noticed. In 2007, 17.7 % of US adults compared to 2.5 % adults in 1990 reported using herbs and other naturally occurring nonbotanical supplements. Today, Asian, Russian, Native American, and African cultures still rely on herbs as the primary source of healing.
Sequentially detecting transitory changes

We are interested in the sequential detection of a change in the statistical behavior of a random process. Specifically we consider changes that are not abrupt but exhibit a transitory phase before reaching their steady-state behavior. Adopting the classical worst-case conditional detection delay proposed by Lorden as our performance measure and constraining the average false-alarm period, we derive the sequential test that optimizes, in the exact sense, the proposed criterion. The resulting optimum rule resembles the well known CUSUM rule with the corresponding test-statistic-update being not only a function of all pre- and post-change pdfs but also of the false-alarm constraint.
A comparative analysis between sequential boost and integrated boost intensity-modulated radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for locally-advanced head and neck cancer

Planning and delivery of IMRT for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) can be performed using sequential boost or simultaneous integrated boost (SIB). Whether these techniques differ in treatment-related outcomes including survival and acute and late toxicities remain largely unexplored. We performed a single institutional retrospective matched cohort analysis on patients with LAHNC treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy to 69.3 Gy in 33 fractions. Treatment was delivered via sequential boost (n = 68) or SIB (n = 141). Contours, plan evaluation, and toxicity assessment were performed by a single experienced physician. Toxicities were graded weekly during treatment and at 3-month follow up intervals. Recurrence-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival were estimated via Kaplan-Meier statistical method. At 4 years, the estimated overall survival was 69.3% in the sequential boost cohort and 76.8% in the SIB cohort (p = 0.13). Disease-free survival was 63 and 69% respectively (p = 0.27). There were no significant differences in local, regional or distant recurrence-free survival. There were no significant differences in weight loss (p = 0.291), gastrostomy tube placement (p = 0.494), or duration of gastrostomy tube dependence (p = 0.465). Rates of acute grade 3 or 4 dysphagia (82% vs 55%) and dermatitis (78% vs 58%) were significantly higher in the SIB group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012 respectively). Moreover, a greater percentage of the SIB cohort did not receive the prescribed dose due to acute toxicity (7% versus 0, p = 0.028). There were no differences in disease related outcomes between the two treatment delivery approaches. A higher rate of grade 3 and 4 radiation dermatitis and dysphagia were observed in the SIB group, however this did not translate into differences in late toxicity. Additional investigation is necessary to further evaluate the acute toxicity differences.
Current/voltage sensor fault detection and isolation in wind energy conversion systems based on power balance

This paper proposes a novel current/voltage sensor fault detection and isolation (FDI) method for wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) based on the power balance principle. The proposed method uses the sensor-measured signals to calculate the imbalanced power in the power converters of a WECS, which is then used as the indicator for sensor fault detection. The fault isolation process is started when a fault is detected and is achieved by generating and comparing the residuals between the estimated and measured signals, where the residuals are generated by a trigonometric function-based estimation algorithm. The proposed method does not require additional hardware or the information of generator parameters, is capable of detecting and isolating both machine-side and grid-side current/voltage sensor faults, and is not influenced by other types of faults in WECSs or power grids. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink and experimental results for a 2.4-kW permanent-magnet synchronous generator-based WECS.
Two-mode Sharma-Tasso-Olver equation and two-mode fourth-order Burgers equation: Multiple kink solutions

Abstract We develop two new equations which describe propagation of two different wave modes simultaneously. The first equation is a two-mode Sharma-Tasso-Olver equation, and the second is a two-mode fourth-order Burgers equation. We show that multiple kink solutions for each model exist only for specific values of the nonlinearity and dispersion parameters included in the models. We will use the Cole-Hopf transformation combined with the simplified Hirota’s method to conduct this analysis.
Sample-based synthesis of two-scale structures with anisotropy

Abstract A vast majority of natural or synthetic materials are characterized by their anisotropic properties, such as stiffness. Such anisotropy is effected by the spatial distribution of the fine-scale structure and/or anisotropy of the constituent phases at a finer scale. In design, proper control of the anisotropy may greatly enhance the efficiency and performance of synthesized structures. We propose a sample-based two-scale structure synthesis approach that explicitly controls anisotropic effective material properties of the structure on the coarse scale by orienting sampled material neighborhoods at the fine scale. We first characterize the non-uniform orientations distribution of the sample structure by showing that the principal axes of an orthotropic material may be determined by the eigenvalue decomposition of its effective stiffness tensor. Such effective stiffness tensors can be efficiently estimated based on the two-point correlation functions of the fine-scale structures. Then we synthesize the two-scale structure by rotating fine-scale structures from the sample to follow a given target orientation field. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through examples in both 2D and 3D.
Inference for the Burr XII reliability under progressive censoring with random removals

Abstract The inference about the reliability function of Burr XII distribution using the concept of generalized variable method based on progressively type II censoring with random removals, where the number of units removed at each failure time has a discrete uniform distribution, is proposed. As assessed by simulation, the coverage probabilities of the proposed approach are found to be very close to the nominal level even for small samples. The proposed new approaches are computationally simple and are easy to use. The method is illustrated using two examples.
Analytic Free-Molecular Aerodynamics for Rapid Propagation of Resident Space Objects

Aerodynamic forces and moments are significant perturbations on low-Earth-orbiting objects, second in magnitude to the nonspherical gravity field. Traditionally, the aerodynamic perturbations are c...
Seminal vesicle schwannoma presenting as rectal pain: successful robotic-assisted excision

Schwannomas, not uncommon in the head and neck, rarely occur in the pelvis. Here we describe a seminal vesicle schwannoma, the first of its kind successfully excised via robotic surgery. An otherwise well 62 year-old male presented with a complaint of rectal pain. Colonoscopy identified a mass effect on the rectum, suggesting an external lesion. A computed tomography scan revealed a right seminal vesicle mass. Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy returned a tissue diagnosis of schwannoma. To aid in operative planning, magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate and pelvis was obtained with and without contrast. This defined a 5 × 4 × 4 cm3 mass abutting the right seminal vesicle without evidence of invasion into adjacent structures. The patient underwent an elective robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection of the mass. Final pathology demonstrated a completely excised schwannoma arising from the soft tissue adherent to the right seminal vesicle.
Introductory remarks--with consideration of a T-cell model for aging in cellular proteins.

In 1947, Henshaw, Riley, and Stapleton first proposed that aging can be caused by alterations in DNA. Unfortunately, they were a decade ahead of their time, for it was not until the early 60’s that attempts were made to resolve the extent to which cellular proteins are vulnerable to aging, and the genetic bases for the changes. One of the driving forces behind this surge of activity was Orgel (1963), who proposed that errors in transcription and translation can bring about senescence through a progressive accumulation of errors in the protein-synthesizing machinery. Although most investigators focused their efforts at the transcriptional and translational levels, a few also considered the effects of aging at the post-translational level, especially after Robinson et al. (1970) observed that deamidation of asparagine and glutamine can cause conformational changes in proteins. Suffice to say, the efforts of the 60’s and 70’s clearly documented that aging at the cellular protein level is complex and heterogenous, and therefore could be polymorphic at the genetic level.
Lesions Without Borders: Scrotal Lesions That Involve Both the Intratesticular and Extratesticular Regions.

OBJECTIVE. Differentiation of scrotal lesions is often dictated by whether they are intraor extratesticular. However, these regions are not entirely isolated, and disease processes can span both sp...
Objective Preoperative Parameters Predict Difficult Pelvic Dissections and Clinical Outcomes.

Abstract Background Objective criteria to predict difficult pelvic dissection with prognostic significance are lacking. Previous studies have focused on predicting intraoperative conversion and not evaluated factors specific to pelvic surgery. We aimed to develop an objective, prognostic, preoperative assessment to predict difficult pelvic dissections and clinical outcomes. Such a model is much needed, may facilitate objective comparisons between rectal cancer centers, or may serve as a stratification variable in clinical trials. Materials and methods Patients who underwent low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer within 10 cm of the anal verge (2009-2014) were retrospectively analyzed. Procedures were categorized into “routine” or “difficult” based on predefined criteria. All patients underwent 14 measurements on preoperative imaging. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to develop the prediction model, which was validated in an independent data set. Results Of the 280 patients analyzed, 80 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics were similar except for more males having a “difficult” pelvis. “Difficult” patients were significantly more likely to have a narrower pelvis, smaller pelvic volumes, a longer pelvis, more curved sacrum, and more acute anorectal angle. Difficult cases correlated significantly with higher blood loss, hospital costs, longer operative time, and length of stay. A practical model to predict difficult pelvic dissections was created and included male gender, previous radiation, and length from promontory to pelvic floor > 130 mm. Model validation was performed in 40 patients from an independent data set. Conclusions An objective, validated model that predicts a difficult pelvic dissection and associated worse clinical outcome is possible.
Collagen-platelet interactions: evidence for a direct interaction of collagen with platelet GPIa/IIa and an indirect interaction with platelet GPIIb/IIIa mediated by adhesive proteins

Using intact human platelets as the immunogen and a functional, collagen-coated bead agglutination assay, we have produced a murine monoclonal antibody (6F1) that blocks the interaction between platelets and collagen in the presence of Mg++. 6F1 affinity-purified the platelet glycoprotein Ia/IIa complex, and approximately 800 molecules of 6F1 bound per platelet at saturation. 6F1 nearly completely inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and inhibited platelet adhesion to collagen by greater than 95% when plasma proteins were absent. Antibody 10E5, which blocks the binding of adhesive glycoproteins to GPIIb/IIIa, produced only minor inhibition (approximately 25%) of adhesion under the same circumstances. In contrast, when tested in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), 6F1 had only a minor effect on collagen-induced platelet aggregation, prolonging the lag phase but not the slope or maximum aggregation. Similarly, when collagen was precoated with plasma, 6F1 caused less inhibition of platelet adhesion (53%) than without the precoating (greater than 95%). Antibody 10E5 inhibited this adhesion by 32%, and the combination of 6F1 and 10E5 was more effective than either alone, inhibiting it by 90%. Time course studies of platelet agglutination of collagen-coated beads using PRP containing physiologic concentrations of divalent cations showed early inhibition by 6F1, indicating that the GPIa/IIa receptor operates in this environment. With more prolonged incubation, however, 6F1 was less effective; this later agglutination could be partially prevented by adding 10E5 or PGE1 to the 6F1. These data support a model wherein collagen can directly interact with GPIa/IIa and can indirectly interact with GPIIb/IIIa via intermediary adhesive proteins. The physiological significance of these interactions, and potential interactions with other receptors, remains to be established.
Two-quantum Two-dimensional Fourier Transform Electronic Spectroscopy of Biexcitons in GaAs Quantum Wells

Using two-dimensional Fourier transform electronic spectroscopy, we directly observe two-quantum biexciton-ground state coherences which are typically temporally and spectrally convolved with one-quantum excitonic coherences.
Common Incidental Findings on Cardiac CT: a Systematic Review

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is an established tool for evaluating cardiovascular disease, which may incidentally depict extracardiac findings (ECF). The aim of this study is to identify the spectrum and the prevalence of incidental findings detected on cardiac CT. This systematic review found a median ECF occurrence of 45% in cardiac CT (range, 7–100%) among papers published between 2006 and 2018. The median clinically significant ECF occurrence was 17% (1–67%) among studies. Respectively, the five most commonly reported ECF were lung nodules or masses, lung parenchymal changes, lymphadenopathy, emphysema, and liver nodules or cysts. ECF are frequently encountered on cardiac CT. Therefore, interpreting physicians should be aware of the occurrence of clinically significant findings and be familiar with the follow-up recommendations endorsed by current guidelines.
Solid Phase Synthesis

This chapter discusses solid-phase synthesis. A variety of equipment changes and experimental modifications for the general Merrifield solid-phase procedure have been suggested. The original Merrifield synthesis of bradykinin has been modified by Anfinsen and coworkers to permit preparation of the fully active peptide in less than 5 hr. The chapter describes a study in which this synthesis was carried out in a jacketed glass column with provision for mixing by bubbling nitrogen from the bottom and a vacuum source at the top. To remove reagents, the unit was equipped to easily switch to vacuum at the bottom and nitrogen entry at the top. Cleavage of Boc groups was performed in two 5 min stages with 50% TFA in methylene chloride, and coupling reactions were performed twice using the Boc-amino acid and DCCI each in tenfold excess with respect to the polymer amino component. A complete cycle of cleavage and coupling was effected in approximately 30 min. Peptide bond-forming reactions with DCCI for 2 or more hours was considered unnecessarily long, as kinetic studies have shown that coupling is actually completed in 1 or 2 min for most amino acids.
Shape-controlled crystallisation pathways in dense fluids of ccp-forming hard polyhedra

Emergent directional entropic forces that favour facet-to-facet alignment of neighbouring colloidal particles – arising from multi-body interactions upon crowding – should cause the process by whic...
Pome fruits: Pears

Abstract Harvest maturity is an extremely important factor affecting storage potential and eating quality of European pears after storage. While immature pears are lack of flavor and more susceptible to shrivel, over-mature fruit undergo a faster quality deterioration with developing a dry-coarse instead of buttery-juicy texture and have a greater susceptibility to physiological disorders and fungal decay during storage. The main causes of quality loss during postharvest storage and transportation of European pears are superficial scald, deterioration in texture and flavor, senescence disorders, and friction discoloration. Physiological disorders caused by high CO2 and/or low O2 injuries may occur in CA storage. CA is considered as an important and efficient supplemental treatment to low temperatures for further extending storage quality of pears. Both of low temperatures and CA reduce the rates of fruit respiration and ethylene production. The appropriate O2 and CO2 levels vary among different pear cultivars and may vary with growing district. The main advantage of CA storage for pears is to maintain fruit ripening capacity over a longer period thus extending the market season. Although CA is routinely employed in long-term storage of European pears, significant storage losses due to physiological disorders including CO2 injury occur every year. In the case of Asian pears, many cultivars are sensitive to CO2 injury.
Gay-Straight Alliances: A Mechanism of Health Risk Reduction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Adolescents.

Introduction Adolescents who identify as a sexual or gender minority are vulnerable to multiple health disparities because of stigma-based peer harassment. Given that sexual and gender minority adolescents may be bullied for several stigmatized identities that may exacerbate health risk, it is important to examine factors that can simultaneously reduce multiple forms of targeted victimization among sexual and gender minority adolescents. This study examines whether variation in health risk across sexual and gender minority adolescents who attend schools with versus without a gay–straight alliance can be explained by lessened bias-based bullying across a broad scope of stigmatized identities and attributes. Methods Data on school-based gay–straight alliances, bias-based bullying, and health risk indicators were collected from the LGBTQ National Teen Survey (n=17,112; mean age=15.57 [SD=1.27] years) and analyzed in 2019. Multiple mediation analysis was conducted using latent variable structural equation modeling. Results The majority (73%) of sexual and gender minority adolescents were bullied for stigmatized identities other than those related to their gender or sexual orientation. Compared to schools without a gay–straight alliance, student reports of multiple forms of bias-based bullying (based on body weight, gender, religion, disability, gender typicality, sexual orientation) were lower at schools with gay–straight alliances, which in turn attenuated adverse health outcomes (i.e., stress, sleep problems, depression, and unhealthy weight control behaviors). Conclusions Sexual and gender minority adolescents experience multiple forms of bias-based bullying, which independently heighten health risk, and this study extends previous work on gay–straight alliances to highlight a wider range of potential positive contributions to adolescent health.
Using the word "Healthy" in an emergency food pantry: An unexpected response.

The word "healthy" holds significant value when discussing health and nutrition; however, the word was identified as having a negative and confusing connotation at an Emergency Food Pantry (EFP). The sample of 11 women, ages 40-70 years, who are patrons at an EFP in Southeastern Pennsylvania shared that "healthy" is a misunderstood term, frequently perceived as expensive and tasteless. Identification of the word "healthy" as a barrier was unexpected for the interprofessional team of health educators. Understanding the perspectives of individuals who utilize EFPs can benefit anyone working in public health and community settings since "healthy" and "healthy eating" are common words. When planning nutrition and health education classes, barriers must be recognized in order to promote health by using words that resonate with EFP patrons and their community. It is crucial for nurses and providers to communicate with patients using the most effective and impactful terminology.
Improved osseointegration using porcine xenograft compared to demineralized bone matrix for the treatment of critical defects in a small animal model.

Background Autograft (AG) is the gold standard bone graft due to biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, osteogenicity, and osteoinductivity. Alternatives include allografts and xenografts (XG). Methods We investigated the osseointegration and biocompatibility of a decellularized porcine XG within a critical defect animal model. We hypothesized that the XG will result in superior osseointegration compared to demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and equivalent immune response to AG. Critical defects were created in rat femurs and treated with XG, XG plus bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, DBM, or AG. Interleukin (IL)-2 and IFN-gamma levels (inflammatory markers) were measured from animal blood draws at 1 week and 1 month post-operatively. At 1 month, samples underwent micro-positron-emission tomography (microPET) scans following 18-NaF injection. At 16 weeks, femurs were retrieved and sent for micro-computerized tomography (microCT) scans for blinded grading of osseointegration or were processed for histologic analysis with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and pentachrome. Results Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay testing demonstrated greater IL-2 levels in the XG vs. AG 1 week post-op; which normalized by 28 days post-op. MicroPET scans showed increased uptake within the AG compared to all groups. XG and XG + BMP-2 showed a trend toward increased uptake compared with DBM. MicroCT scans demonstrated increased osseointegration in XG and XG + BMP groups compared to DBM. Pentachrome staining demonstrated angiogenesis and endochondral bone formation. Furthermore, positive TRAP staining in samples from all groups indicated bone remodeling. Conclusions These data suggest that decellularized and oxidized porcine XG is biocompatible and at least equivalent to DBM in the treatment of a critical defect in a rat femur model.
Pragmatic Use of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Venous Thromboembolism and a Comparative Evaluation With Traditional Therapies in Submassive Pulmonary Embolism.

Background:Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a novel treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Limited data describe pragmatic use of CDT and compare CDT to other VTE therapies.Objective:As...
Evaluation of Systolic Blood Pressure, Use of Aspirin and Clopidogrel, and Stroke Recurrence in the Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke Trial.

Importance Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) after acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) is associated with future stroke risk. Objective To explore the association of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with stroke recurrence among patients with acute ischemic stroke and TIA with or without elevated baseline SBP. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study performed a post hoc subgroup analysis of the Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke (POINT) trial, which was a multicenter trial conducted from 2010 to 2018 at 269 sites in 10 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Patients enrolled in POINT with available blood pressure and outcome data were included in this cohort. Statistical analysis was performed from November 2020 to January 2021. Exposures Baseline SBP less than 140 mm Hg vs greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and the interaction term of SBP ( Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was ischemic stroke during 90 days of follow-up. The statistical analysis fit Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for patient age, race, premorbid hypertension, diabetes, and final diagnosis of the qualifying event (stroke vs TIA). Results Among 4781 patients in the cohort, the mean (SD) age was 64.6 (13.1) years; 2142 (44.8%) were male individuals, 3487 (72.9%) were White individuals, and 266 (5.6%) had a primary outcome of ischemic stroke during follow-up. There were 946 patients (19.8%) with baseline SBP less than 140 mm Hg and 3835 (80.2%) with SBP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg. The interaction term (SBP × treatment) was significant (P for interaction = .03). In the subgroup of patients with SBP less than 140 mm Hg, the hazard ratio (HR) of DAPT vs aspirin alone for ischemic stroke was 0.36 (95% CI, 0.18-0.72;P = .004), whereas the HR in the subgroup with SBP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.60-1.02;P = .08). When evaluating the outcome of ischemic stroke within 7 days of randomization, the interaction term was significant (P for interaction = .02), and the HR for patients with DAPT with SBP less than 140 mm Hg was 0.19 (95% CI, 0.07-0.55;P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance In the POINT trial, patients with SBP less than 140 mm Hg at presentation received a greater benefit from 90 days of DAPT than those with higher baseline SBP, particularly for reduction of early ischemic stroke recurrence. Additional research is needed to replicate these findings and potentially test whether mild SBP reduction and DAPT within 12 hours of stroke onset lowers early risk of stroke recurrence.
Coherent Excitation of Polyatomic Molecules by Ultrashort Laser Pulses — a Model Calculation

In a recent series of experiments,1–4 we have found that the interaction of polyatomic molecules excited into the quasicontinuum (QC) with ultrashort CO2 laser pulses can be characterized by the following observations: (1) the spectral lineshape is well-defined for short pulses, but becomes broader and more diffused as the pulse duration increases, and (2) the line center absorption cross section decreases with the interaction time. A qualitative explanation for these observations in terms of the multi-tier energy level structure5 and the development of the homogeneous ensemble of energy levels in the QC6 has been given and was found to be quite satisfactory. In the present article, we wish to present a model calculation, based on the coherent Bloch equation7, on the change in small signal absorption cross section as a function of the laser pulse duration.
Gene Mutation Profiling of Breast Cancers for Clinical Decision Making: Drivers and Passengers in the Cart Before the Horse.

Recent advances in molecular profiling allow for a rapid and relatively inexpensive assessment of multiple altered genes or gene products from small amounts of tumor tissues or blood. The challenge ahead is how to properly incorporate these results into clinical practice, and how to provide patients with the best possible yet evidence-based care. Herein, we provide a brief overview of genetic mutation profiling with a focus on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and possible clinical utility.
Radiation Sterilization of Prototype Military Foods: Low-Temperature Irradiation of Codfish Cake, Corned Beef, and Pork Sausage

"Screening" packs comprising 10 lots each of codfish cake, corned beef, and pork sausage, each lot containing about 10(6) spores of a different strain (five type A and five type B) of Clostridium botulinum per can, were irradiated at -30 +/- 10 C with a series of increasing doses (20 replicate cans/dose) of (60)Co gamma rays. The cans were incubated for 3 months at 30 C and examined for swelling, toxin, and recoverable botulinal cells. Based on the latter criterion of spoilage, median lethal dose (LD(50)) and D values were estimated for each strain in each food. The most resistant strain in codfish cake, corned beef, and pork sausage was, respectively, 53B, 77A, and 41B. There was no clear-cut trend in the comparative order of resistance between the two antigenic types among the three foods. LD(50) values gave essentially the same order of resistances as the D values and may be used interchangeably with the latter for the 10 test organisms. "Clearance" packs consisting of the most resistant strain (about 10(7) spores/can) with its respective food were irradiated with a variety of doses at -30 +/- 10 C, using 100 replicate cans/dose (about 10(9) spores/dose). These packs were incubated for 6 months at 30 C and assayed for the three types of spoilage. Based on recoverable cells, the experimental sterilizing doses (ESD) for codfish cake, corned beef, and pork sausage were 2.5< ESD </= 3.0, 2.0 < ESD </= 2.5, and 1.5 < ESD </= 2.0 Mrad, in that order. Assuming exponential spore death, the 12D values, or minimal radiation doses (MRD), were 3.24, 2.44, and 2.65 Mrad, respectively. Estimation of the MRD values by a method which assumes that spore death in the cans follows a normal distribution, yielded 3.09, 2.57, and 2.39 Mrad, respectively. Weibull analyis of the pooled 10-strain viable cell spoilage data of the screening packs for codfish cake or corned beef suggested that spore death in the cans follows a normal distribution yielded 3.09, 2.57, pooled data were not amenable to such analysis. Sublethal doses (0.5, 0.75 Mrad) increased the visible spoilage rate of corned beef over that of unirradiated controls. Apparently radiation-injured spores of C. botulinum were sensitized to the presence of food additives such as curing salts, NaCl, and spices.
Postprandial inflammatory responses and plasma-free fatty acids: effects of blueberry intake (1034.6)

We studied whether a high-fat (HF) meal-induced postprandial (PP) lipemia affects inflammatory responses in blood monocytes, and whether blueberry intake suppresses the PP inflammatory responses in healthy human subjects. A HF breakfast increased PP plasma triglycerides and insulin, but non-esterified free fatty acid (NEFA) levels were decreased compared to fasting levels. TNF-α , IL-6 and IL-8 in PP plasma were decreased compared to fasting levels. Cytokine and NEFA levels in PP plasma were not affected by blueberry intake. To determine whether endogenous NEFAs derived from the HF diet stimulate monocyte activation, whole blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were treated with lipoprotein lipase (LPL). LPL treatment of whole blood increased NEFA levels and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. IL-1β in LPL-treated PP whole blood was elevated compared to fasting control. Blueberry intake suppressed IL-1β and IL-6 production without affecting levels of NEFAs released in LPL-treated PP blood whe...
Anisotropic collapsible leg spines for increased millirobot traction

Collapsible leg spines found on insects and spiders provide a passive mechanism for increased traction while running over complex terrain. In this paper we use this architectural advantage as biological inspiration to increase the useful work in pulling a load with a VelociRoACH, a high speed terrestrial robot. These spines exhibit anisotropic properties in the fore-aft and lateral directions, with a 2∶1 holding-to-release force ratio on corkboard (0.2 N to 0.1 N). This increase in effective friction coefficient at the foot-to-surface contact points has decreased the Cost of Pulling for the VelociRoACH by ten times, allowing it to transport loads using less energy. The VelociRoACH with spines is able to engage the surface and pull up to 0.36 N whereas without spines it slips while pulling 0.2 N, demonstrating that the robot's performance with spines is now torque limited rather than friction limited. The spines also allow the robot to remain dynamically stable and resist torque disturbances.
Towards a Property Rights View of Government Ownership

This work explores the idea that governments use direct public ownership to make credible commitments to other agents in the economy. We argue that governments exercise indirect control rights over other agents' cash flows: direct ownership is a means of mitigating the holdup problems that arise when the government cannot commit to avoid abusing these rights. The empirical implication of this theory is that more credible governments take lower direct ownership of the economy, since they have fewer holdup problems to solve. With a unique panel comprising measures of ownership, credibility, and expenditure, for nearly 100 countries over a 10-year period, we find strong evidence in support of our propositions. To distinguish our story from alternatives we study the how the credibility-ownership relation varies with other measures. We find more pronounced results among industrial nations than developing ones. The tendency for high expenditure governments to own more diminishes as credibility increases. These results persist after instrumenting credibility with a country's origin of legal system and controlling for unobserved country-specific heterogeneity.
Regulation of Glutamine Synthetase from Bacillus subtilis by Divalent Cations, Feedback Inhibitors, and l-Glutamine

Abstract Glutamine synthetase purified to apparent homogeneity from Bacillus subtilis is subject to feedback inhibition by multiple end products of glutamine metabolism, as well as by the reaction product l-glutamine. AMP, glutamine, and histidine are potent inhibitors when any of the substrates glutamate, MnATP, or ammonia are present in limiting concentration during assay, but the strong inhibition by glycine and alanine is influenced far less by substrate concentration. In the Mg2+-dependent biosynthetic assay, AMP and glutamine are potent inhibitors of glutamine synthetase, whereas alanine and glycine do not inhibit this activity at all. Tryptophan, which is not an inhibitor in the Mn2+ biosynthetic assay, exhibits some inhibition in the Mg2+ assay. Synergistic inhibition of the Mn2+-dependent glutamine synthetase activity is present when AMP and glutamine are studied together; glutamine alone is not inhibitory when present at 5 mm concentration in the saturating assay, but produces 85% inhibition when studied in the presence of 2.5 mm AMP. Histidine and AMP are also synergistic, but glutamine acts independently of histidine. Alanine and glycine reciprocally reduce the effectiveness of one another as inhibitors. Glutamine appears to play a major role in the over-all regulation of its own synthesis. In Escherichia coli, glutamine modulates the glutamine synthetase adenylylation-deadenylylation system, thereby controlling over-all enzyme activity as well as responsiveness to feedback inhibitors. B. subtilis appears to lack the mechanisms to adenylylate and deadenylylate preformed glutamine synthetase. The organism does, however, appear to achieve similar regulatory effects by the direct inhibition of glutamine synthetase by glutamine, and by the striking potentiation of AMP inhibition that occurs with low concentrations of glutamine. Therefore, in B. subtilis as well as E. coli, intracellular glutamine levels play an important role in the fine control of the over-all glutamine synthetase activity, and in the control of cellular anabolic nitrogen metabolism.
Safe, Untrusted Agents Using Proof-Carrying Code

Proof-Carrying Code (PCC) enables a computer system to determine, automatically and with certainty, that program code provided by another system is safe to install and execute without requiring interpretation or run-time checking. PCC has applications in any computing system in which the safe, efficient, and dynamic installation of code is needed. The key idea is to attach to the code an easily-checkable proof that its execution does not violate the safety policy of the receiving system. This paper describes the design and a typical implementation of Proof-Carrying Code, where the language used for specifying the safety properties is first-order predicate logic. Examples of safety properties described in this paper are memory safety and compliance with data access policies, resource usage bounds, and data abstraction boundaries.