cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Response to Emerson and Van Buren

We applaud the effort by Emerson and Van Buren (1992) to replicate our model using LISREL techniques and we concede that their approach is more thorough in assessing measurement error. Emerson and Van Buren's analysis strategy offers the advantage of estimating the strength of effects after allowing for the impact of measurement error (Andrews, Abbey & Halman 1991; J6reskog & Sorbom 1989). One weakness of their presentation is that they do not provide measures of the overall goodness of fit of the models. Substantively, we take exception to their conclusion that our model is more adequate at explaining the concept of social rights than welfare support. Emerson and Van Buren contend that the reason that our model is not supported is because we have incorrectly operationalized government intervention and welfare support. They question the distinction between our concepts of government intervention and social rights on the basis of two empirical findings: a high beta for government intervention in predicting social rights and a principal components analysis of the items that comprise these two measures. While we may not have the best indicators of government intervention or social rights, we maintain that a theoretical argument can be made for making a distinction between the principle that government has a responsibility to intervene on an aggregate level to rectify social inequalities vs. the principle that individuals have a right to a basic standard of living. Moreover, we constructed our model with a hierarchy in mind. The endogenous variables are increasingly more specific. Work ethic and government intervention represent general principles, social rights bring the principles to an individual level, and finally welfare support represents fiscal support for implementing some of these principles. One cannot a priori conclude that there is necessarily a consistency among these principles at varying levels of specificity. For example, one can agree to a particular principle but not be willing to endorse a policy that seeks to implement the principle. Much of the literature on racial attitudes points to the gap between willingness to endorse positive racial attitudes and a commitment to specific affirmative action policies (e.g., Schuman, Steeh & Bobo 1985).
Effects of Insect Growth Regulators with Juvenile Hormone Activity on the Development of the California Red Scale

Five insect growth regulators with juvenile hormone activity (IGRs) were tested against the 1st instar of Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell). All concentrations tested evoked response in varying degrees, resulting in growth being arrested at certain stages of development. Cessation of growth in the 1st and early 2nd instar stages obscured sex differentiations. Most of the tested IGRs, and in particular, methoprene (isopropyl ( EE -11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate), were more effective in inhibiting the metamorphosis of the males than that of the females, particularly at lower concentrations. Substantial response to the compounds was elicited at higher concentrations; at the highest concentration levels, 100% inhibition of male and female development was achieved with all the IGRs.
Mechanisms Underlying Population Response Dynamics in Inhibitory Interneurons of the Drosophila Antennal Lobe.

UNLABELLED Local inhibitory neurons control the timing of neural activity in many circuits. To understand how inhibition controls timing, it is important to understand the dynamics of activity in populations of local inhibitory interneurons, as well as the mechanisms that underlie these dynamics. Here we describe the in vivo response dynamics of a large population of inhibitory local neurons (LNs) in the Drosophila melanogaster antennal lobe, the analog of the vertebrate olfactory bulb, and we dissect the network and intrinsic mechanisms that give rise to these dynamics. Some LNs respond to odor onsets ("ON" cells) and others to offsets ("OFF" cells), whereas still others respond at both times. Moreover, different LNs signal odor concentration fluctuations on different timescales. Some respond rapidly, and can track rapid concentration fluctuations. Others respond slowly, and are best at tracking slow fluctuations. We found a continuous spectrum of preferred stimulation timescales among LNs, as well as a continuum of ON-OFF behavior. Using in vivo whole-cell recordings, we show that the timing of an LN's response (ON vs OFF) can be predicted from the interplay of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents that it receives. Meanwhile, the preferred timescale of an LN is related to its intrinsic properties. These results illustrate how a population of inhibitory interneurons can collectively encode bidirectional changes in stimulus intensity on multiple timescales, and how this can arise via an interaction between synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Most neural circuits contain diverse populations of inhibitory interneurons. The way inhibition shapes network activity will depend on the spiking dynamics of the interneuron population. Here we describe the dynamics of activity in a large population of inhibitory interneurons in the first brain relay of the fruit fly olfactory system. Because odor plumes fluctuate on multiple timescales, the drive to this circuit can vary over a range of frequencies. We show how synaptic and cellular mechanisms interact to recruit different interneurons at different times, and in response to different temporal features of odor stimuli. As a result, inhibition is recruited over a range of conditions, and there is the potential to tune the timing of inhibition as the environment changes.
Calibration method and uncertainty evaluation for cable and antenna tester

Cable and Antenna Tester(CAT) is common instrument for fault location by measuring return loss or standing-wave ratio(SWR). For tracing to the source,this article introduce the work principle by taking Agilent N9330B as an example, discuss the basic calibration methods and realizing steps,and evaluation the measurement uncertainty for SWR,the main parameter of CAT. The research for the calibration methods of CAT is important for tracing to the source and improving its performance of fault location.
Application of high-performance liquid chromatography for the determination of three pigments in pickles

Objective To detect lemon yellow,carmine and sunset yellow in food rapidly and precisely.Methods Samples were sepreated by using chromatographic column.Mobile phase was 0.02mol/L ammonium acetate and methanol and flow speed was 1.0mL/min.After gradient elution,samples were detect at wavelength of 254nm.Results Three pigments were detected simultaneously and the correlation coefficients of regression equations were all more than 0.999.The recovery rate was 86.7%-91.9%.Conclusion High-performance liquid chromatography could be an simple,rapid,precise and astute method for the detection of lemon yellow,carmine and sunset yellow in pickles.
Development of Electrical Equipment Inspection Management System

The overall goal of designing the power equipment monitoring and management system which is based on information technology,systematic management idea as the foundation,is to provide a management platform of decisionmaking for the enterprise users. Methods of structured design and fast-transformed build the system framework. With the technical support of pc network and database technology,the system can meet the actual demand of the process precisely. For the future system upgrade redundancy design is also built in during the development. On the other hand authority management is integrated which can give the surveillance on each pace and makes a process visible as well. Through the establishment of the system,the verification and sample management can be done with a universal regulation,which can improve the work efficiency and speed up management process,and also reduce the costs.
Survey of hepatitis B viral infection among workers related to swine-raising in Beijing

Objective To investigate hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection among people occupationally exposed to swine-raising in Beijing.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shunyi,Changping,Tongzhou,Daxing and Pinggu districts of Beijing during 2007.People working in slaughterhouses and swine-raising farms and living in families with swine-raising were surveyed for their history of occupation,and their blood specimens were collected for testing HBV infection indicators with microparticle enzyme immunoassay(MEIA)by Abbott Laboratories,including HBsAg,anti-HBs,HBeAg,anti-HBe and anti-HBc.Results Among 264 people occupationally exposed to swine-raising related work,overall serum prevalence was 4.55 percent,40.53 percent and 41.67 percent for positive HBsAg,anti-HBs and anti-HBc,respectively.Serum HBsAg was mainly detected among young adults with the highest prevalence of 15.7 percent in 45-years group,which was higher in migrants from other provinces than those of local residents.Workers in swine-raising farms had higher prevalence of positive anti-HBc(52.17%)than those in slaughterhouse(31.67%)and in families with swine-raising(48.00%).Serum prevalence of positive HBsAg among workers in swine-raising farms and slaughterhouses of Beijing decreased significantly now,as compared to that in the National Population-based Viral Hepatitis Survey in 1992(adjusted prevalence of 6.01%),but was still higher than that in Seroepidemiological Survey on Hepatitis B in Beijing 2006(adjusted prevalence of 3.02%).Conclusions Occupation related to swine-raising,as well as employees' age and residence area,associated with hepatitis B infection,so those employed at swine-raising farms and slaughterhouses should be the focus target for hepatitis B prevention and control.
COGNITIVE APPRENTICESHIP IN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE: RESEARCH ON SCAFFOLDING, MODELING, MENTORING, AND COACHING AS INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Apprenticeship is an inherently social learning method with a long history of helping novices become experts in ﬁelds as diverse as midwifery, construction, and law. At the center of apprenticeship is the concept of more experienced people assisting less experienced ones, providing structure and examples to support the attainment of goals. Traditionally apprenticeship has been associated with learning in the context of becoming skilled in a trade or craft-a task that typically requires both the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, and perhaps psychomotor skills and the development of the ability to apply the knowledge and skills in a context-appropriate manner-and far predates formal schooling as it is known today. In many nonindustrializednations apprenticeship remains thepredominantmethodof teaching and learning. However, the overall concept of learning from experts through social interactions is not one that should be relegated to vocational and trade-based training while K-12 and higher educational institutions seek to prepare students for operating in an information-based society. Apprenticeship as a method of teaching and learning is just as relevant within the cognitive and metacognitive domain as it is in the psychomotor domain.
Feedback regulation of Na channels in rat CCT. II. Effects of inhibition of Na entry.

Na channels in the apical membrane of the rat renal cortical collecting tubule were studied using the patch-clamp technique. Channel activity was monitored in cell-attached patches on tubules that were split open to expose the luminal surface. Channel number (N), open probability (Po), and currents (i) were measured at 37 degrees C during continuous superfusion of the tubule. Addition of ouabain (1 mM) to the superfusate to increase cell Na resulted in a decrease in the mean number of open channels (NPo) to less than 20% of control values within 2 min. This effect was not reversible within 5 min after removal of ouabain. There was, in addition, a parallel decrease in i. The mechanism of inhibiton appeared to involve increased intracellular Ca (Cai). Cai was measured using the fluorescence of the Ca indicator fura-2 in principal cells of split tubules under conditions identical to those used for electrical measurements. Cai increased from a basal level (153 +/- 36 nM) to a peak level (588 +/- 53 nM) approximately 3 min after the addition of ouabain. When a Ca-free superfusate was used, ouabain did not increase Cai or decrease NPo, although the decrease in i was similar to that observed in Ca-containing solutions. Similar increases in Cai were elicited by the Ca ionophore ionomycin (5 microM) in the presence of 0.1 mM extracellular Ca. This maneuver also resulted in a decrease in NPo which was similar to that observed in the presence of ouabain. Ouabain had no observable effect on cell pH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Inseparability of Morality and Religion

The title of this study is ‘Morality and Religion’, and we have, to be sure, discussed in the preceding three chapters the questions most often discussed in treatises on this subject. But a lingering, perhaps one should say ‘haunting’, question remains: namely, have we really said very much about morality and religion? We have talked rather freely of ‘morality’ and of ‘religion’, but what we have really most frequently referred to are moral codes and religious codes. What is a code? If we consult the dictionary, we find that a code is a systematic collection of statutes, body of laws so arranged as to avoid inconsistency and overlapping, set of rules on any subject, prevalent morality of a society or class, and so on. There are obviously not only moral and religious codes, but codes of all sorts: grammatical codes, legal codes, building codes, highway codes, codes of etiquette, codes of table behaviour, codes for letter-writing. I suppose that most people would say that although there are differences of differing degrees of importance amongst all these codes, there are also family resemblances in Wittgenstein’s sense. Many people would add to this that it would be easy to give a rough ordering in respect of importance to the various sorts of codes I have mentioned.
Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography for tumor response assessment—a review of clinical practices and radiomics studies

Even with recent advances in cancer diagnosis and therapy, treatment outcomes for many cancers remain dismal. Patients often show different response to the same therapy regimen, supporting the development of personalized medicine. 18F-FDG PET/CT has been used routinely in the assessment of tumor response, in prediction of outcomes, and in guiding personalized treatment. These assessments are mainly based on physician's subjective or semi-quantitative evaluation. Recent development in Radiomics provides a promising objective way for tumor response assessment, which uses computerized tools to extract a large number of image features that capture additional information not currently used in clinic that has prognostic value. In this review, we summarized the clinical use of PET/CT and the PET/CT Radiomics studies for tumor response assessment. Finally, we discussed some challenges and future perspectives.
3D Interconnects — The enabler of next generation multi-Gbps single-ended bus

The rising demands of miniaturize and high performance electronic gadgets necessitates higher density with higher bandwidth interconnect which is being limited by prevailing microwave effects as signaling data-rate surges and routing pitch shrinks. This paper presents a transmission line design with three-dimentional (3D) reference plane to alleviate the signaling crosstalk impacts that limit the performance scaling of high-speed parallel bus design such as on-package interconnects (OPI). Simulation result indicates eye opening improvements of >40% for OPI bus operates at 4Gbps data rate is feasibible with the crosstalk reduction achieved through the 3D reference plane design.
Feasibility of Dose Reduction Using Novel Denoising Techniques for Low kV (80 kV) CT Enterography: Optimization and Validation

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to optimize and validate projection-space denoising (PSDN) strategies for application to 80-kV computed tomographic (CT) data to achieve 50% dose reduction. Materials and Methods Image data obtained at 80 kV (mean CT dose index volume, 7.9 mGy) from dual-source, dual-energy CT enterographic (CTE) exams in 42 patients were used. For each exam, nine 80 kV image data sets were reconstructed using PSDN (three levels of intensity) with or without image-based denoising and compared to commercial reconstruction kernels. For optimization, qualitative analysis selected optimal denoising strategies, with quantitative analysis measuring image contrast, noise, and sharpness (full width at half maximum bowel wall thickness, maximum CT number gradient). For validation, two radiologists examined image quality, comparing low-dose 80-kV optimally denoised images to full-dose mixed-voltage images. Results PSDN algorithms generated the best 80-kV image quality (41 of 42 patients), while the commercial kernels produced the worst (39 of 42) ( P P Conclusion Optimized denoising strategies improve the quality of 80-kV CTE images such that CT data obtained at 50% of routine dose levels approaches the image quality of full-dose exams.
Effect of Grain Size and Deformation-induced Grain Refinement on the Residual Strength of Shock-loaded Metals and Alloys

The effects of grain size and grain refinement by the formation of dislocation cells and deformation twins on the residual strength of shock loaded molybdenum, nickel, and type 304 stainless steel have been investigated by simultaneously shock loading various grain sizes of thin sheets of these materials in separate experiments. Pressures ranging from 15 to 55 GPa were employed at a constant pulse duration of 2 μs. Residual microstructures were observed by transmission electron microscopy and grain sizes, D, dislocation cell sizes, d, and inter-twin spacings, Δ, were related to the residual hardness (H) and 0.2% offset yield stress (σ). The grain size and grain size refinement parameters imposed gradients of plastic deformation with a wavelength equal to the spacings D, d, or Δ. The hardness of shock-loaded Mo was observed to be characterized by (H − HO) = KD−1/2, where K was observed to vary in different grain size ranges (and to be smaller for smaller grain sizes; D < 4 μm). There was no significant subgrain refinement in Mo because no noticeable dislocation cells resulted. Shock loaded Ni on the other hand formed dislocation cells which decreased in size with increasing shock pressure. Above about 30 GPa twins also formed in nickel, increasing in volume fraction with increasing shock pressure. In the pressure range 0 to 30 GPa, (σ − σo) = KD−1/2 + k′d−1 while above 30 GPa (σ−σO) = kD−1/2 + K″d−1 + K‴ Δ−1/2; where the K values represent different constants. In addition, it was observed that (H − HO) α D−1/2 up to 55 GPa shock pressure. Only deformation twins were observed to occur in 304 stainless steel and the residual hardness was related by (H − HO) α D−1/2. The yield stress was related by a Hall-Petch equation of the form (σ − σO) = KD−1/2 + K′Δ−1/2.
Faithful conversion of propagating quantum information to mechanical motion

Combining micrometre-sized mechanical resonators with superconducting quantum circuits, quantum information encoded with photons now can be converted to the motion of a macroscopic object. The motion of micrometre-sized mechanical resonators can now be controlled and measured at the fundamental limits imposed by quantum mechanics. These resonators have been prepared in their motional ground state1,2,3 or in squeezed states4,5,6, measured with quantum-limited precision7, and even entangled with microwave fields8. Such advances make it possible to process quantum information using the motion of a macroscopic object. In particular, recent experiments have combined mechanical resonators with superconducting quantum circuits to frequency-convert, store and amplify propagating microwave fields9,10,11,12. But these systems have not been used to manipulate states that encode quantum bits (qubits), which are required for quantum communication and modular quantum computation13,14. Here we demonstrate the conversion of propagating qubits encoded as superpositions of zero and one photons to the motion of a micromechanical resonator with a fidelity in excess of the classical bound. This ability is necessary for mechanical resonators to convert quantum information between the microwave and optical domains15,16,17 or to act as storage elements in a modular quantum information processor12,13,18. Additionally, these results are an important step towards testing speculative notions that quantum theory may not be valid for sufficiently massive systems19.
Coping, emotion regulation, and psychopathology in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analysis and narrative review

In this meta-analytic and narrative review, we examine several overarching issues related to the study of coping, emotion regulation, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence, including the conceptualization and measurement of these constructs. We report a quantitative meta-analysis of 212 studies (N = 80,850 participants) that measured the associations between coping and emotion regulation with symptoms of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Within the meta-analysis we address the association of broad domains of coping and emotion regulation (e.g., total coping, emotion regulation), intermediate factors of coping and emotion regulation (e.g., primary control coping, secondary control coping), and specific coping and emotion regulation strategies (e.g., emotional expression, cognitive reappraisal) with internalizing and externalizing symptoms. For cross-sectional studies, which made up the majority of studies included, we examine 3 potential moderators: age, measure quality, and single versus multiple informants. Finally, we separately consider findings from longitudinal studies as these provide stronger tests of the effects. After accounting for publication bias, findings indicate that the broad domain of emotion regulation and adaptive coping and the factors of primary control coping and secondary control coping are related to lower levels of symptoms of psychopathology. Further, the domain of maladaptive coping, the factor of disengagement coping, and the strategies of emotional suppression, avoidance, and denial are related to higher levels of symptoms of psychopathology. Finally, we offer a critique of the current state of the field and outline an agenda for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record
Benign breast disease and risk of thyroid cancer

It has been suggested that breast and thyroid diseases may be linked. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between benign breast disease and subsequent risk of thyroid cancer. Postmenopausal women (n = 133,875) aged 50–79 years were followed up for a mean of 14 years. Benign breast disease was defined by history of biopsy. Incident thyroid cancer cases were confirmed by medical record review. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios. There were 370 incident thyroid cancer cases during the follow-up period. Compared to women without BBD, women with BBD had a significant increased risk of thyroid cancer after adjusting for potential confounders (HR 1.38 95% CI 1.10–1.73), especially for women with more than two biopsies (HR 1.59 95% CI 1.10–2.26). There were no significant differences in thyroid tumor size, stage or histologic types between women with and without BBD. Our large prospective study observed that postmenopausal women with BBD had an increased risk for thyroid cancer compared with women without BBD. A more detailed investigation of thyroid cancer risk according to different subtypes of benign breast disease is needed to better understand the association observed between thyroid and benign breast diseases.
Antitumor Efficacy and Toxicity of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Poly(Lactide Co-glycolide) Pellets

The aim of this study was to formulate a biodegradable implant capable of imparting local antitumor activity through the sustained release of the chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Thus, injectable pellets (<1.2 mm diameter) made from poly(lactide co-glycolide) (PLGA) and loaded with 5-FU at varying drug:polymer ratios were fabricated using hot-melt extrusion and tested for their ability to provide sustained release of 5-FU in in vitro and in vivo settings. In addition, these formulations were compared against soluble 5-FU for their antitumor activity in vivo as well as for their toxicity. It was demonstrated that the release rate of 5-FU from PLGA pellets was directly related to the percentage of 5-FU in the pellets. PLGA pellets loaded with 50% w/w 5-FU exhibited comparable, and significantly enhanced, antitumor activity (as measured by tumor volumes and survival) in vivo in a thymoma and colon cancer model, respectively, when compared to an equivalent bolus dose (120 mg/kg) of soluble 5-FU. We concluded that 5-FU-loaded PLGA pellets were more effective and specifically less erythrotoxic than 5-FU bolus injections and therefore may prove to be of benefit as an intraoperative adjunct therapy for patients with cancers that are sensitive to 5-FU and who are undergoing tumor resection.
The Use of Nitrogen Isotopic Ratio for Reconstruction of Past Changes in Surface Ocean Nutrient Utilization

Sedimentary 15N/14N ratios can be used as a unique measure of past changes in surface ocean nutrient utilization which in turn is a function of past changes in productivity and nutrient input from deeper waters. Due to isotopic fractionation during nitrate uptake by phytoplankton, partial nutrient utilization produces substantial 15N enrichment in particulate matter reaching the seafloor. Examples are given from the N. Atlantic, Equatorial Pacific, and Southern Ocean. In the latter two regions large variations in nutrient utilization with latitude are observed which go along with gradients in both near-surface ocean and core top 15N/14N. Thus isotopic signals generated in surface waters are transferred and preserved in sediments. First down core results from the Southern Ocean indicate that only modest increases in nutrient utilization and perhaps productivity occured in Subantarctic waters uring the last glacial maximum.
Representation, search and genetic algorithms

Wolpert and Macready's No Free Lunch theorem proves that no search algorithm is better than any other over all possible discrete functions. The meaning of the No Free Lunch theorem has, however, been the subject of intense debate. We prove that for local neighborhood search on problems of bounded complexity, where complexity is measured In terms of number of basins of attraction in the search space a Gray coded representation is better than Binary in the sense that on average it induces fewer minima in a Hamming distance 1 search neighborhood.
Development and Validation of a Measure of Ebullient Supervision: The ES Scale:

In an increasingly service-oriented economy, the importance of understanding supervisors’ impact on employees working in a fun work environment continues to grow. While researchers have learned muc...
Controlled etching and tapering of Au nanorods using cysteamine

While gold nanorods (AuNRs) have found many applications due to their unique optical properties, a few challenges persist in their synthesis. Namely, it is often difficult to reproducibly synthesize AuNRs with specific and monodisperse sizes, especially at shorter aspect ratios. Here, we report a method of post-synthesis precise tailoring of AuNRs by etching with cysteamine. Cysteamine selectively etches AuNRs from their ends while preserving the initial rod shape and monodispersity, making this a viable means of obtaining highly monodisperse short AuNRs down to aspect ratio 2.3. Further, we explore the effect of this etching method on two types of silica-coated AuNRs: silica side-coated and silica end-coated AuNRs. We find that the etching process is cysteamine concentration-dependent and can lead to different degrees of sharpening of the silica-coated AuNRs, forming elongated tips. We also find that cysteamine behaves only as a ligand at concentrations above 200 mM, as no etching of the AuNRs is observed in this condition. Simulations show that excitation of plasmon resonances in these sharpened AuNRs produces local electric fields twice as strong as those produced by conventional AuNRs. Thus, cysteamine etching of AuNRs is shown to be an effective means of tailoring both the size and shape of AuNRs along with their corresponding optical properties. At the same time, the resulting cysteamine coating on the etched AuNRs displays terminal amino groups that allow for further functionalization of the nanorods.
Design and analysis of varied gaits in elastic vibratory milli-robots

This paper introduces a simple centimeter-scale robot design that uses one or more pairs of piezoelectric, simultaneously-actuated legs to achieve multiple terrestrial gaits, notably jumping and running. The robot is designed for rapid prototyping using a planar geometry that has potential to be transferred to smaller-scales based on micro-fabrication processes, while allowing study of dynamics and control of elastic robot locomotion. Assembled robots are tested in jumping and running, with dynamic responses measured and compared to simulation from a numerical dynamic model. Energy costs of locomotion under various frequency and voltage scenarios are evaluated. Observed behavior emphasizes the impact of synchronizing leg motion in realizing certain gaits, despite the presence of fabrication variability. Scaling of robot dynamics and power consumption is briefly discussed to introduce possible outcomes for future robots manufactured at dimensions representative of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducers.
Role of SOD3 in silica-related lung fibrosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Work-place exposure to silica dust may lead to progressive lung inflammation culminating in the development of silicosis, an irreversible condition that can be complicated by onset of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The molecular mechanisms leading to the development of PH and lung fibrosis in response to silica are not well understood. Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the lung may promote fibroproliferation and vascular smooth muscle proliferation, ultimately leading to the development of PH. Herein, we analyze the development of PH and lung fibrosis in mice deficient in extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), an enzyme with anti-oxidant activity. PH and silicosis were induced in wild-type and Sod3−/− mice through intratracheal injection of crystalline silica at dose 0.4 g/kg. Pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis were characterized by changes in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and collagen deposition 28 days following silica injections. Vascular remodeling was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis. The expression of genes were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blot. C57BL6 mice exposed to silica showed attenuated expression of Sod3 in the lung suggesting a protective role for Sod3. Consistent with this, Sod3−/− mice developed more severe fibrotic inflammatory nodules with increased collagen deposition. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in tissue remodeling (Timp1), fibrotic lesion formation (Fsp1) and inflammatory response (Mcp1) were significantly elevated in Sod3−/− mice compared to Sod3+/+ mice treated with silica. Infiltration of neutrophils and activated macrophages into affected lung was significantly higher in Sod3 deficient mice. In addition, silica produced more profound effects on elevation of RVSP in Sod3−/− compared to wild-type littermate. Increase in RVSP was concomitant with hypertrophy of pulmonary arteries located in silicotic nodules of both mouse strains, however, vascular remodeling in unaffected areas of lung was detected only in Sod3−/− mice. Our data suggest that Sod3 and extracellular oxidative stress may play an important role in the development of pneumoconiosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling following exposure to environmental and occupational silica.
Bridging Borders: Teaching a Bridging Course with Precarious Status Students Transitioning to the University

This chapter reflects on the process of planning and teaching a bridging course that facilitates the entry of precarious status migrant students to an Ontario university. While students in some US states have had official access to postsecondary schooling since the early 2000s, in Canada, access has been piecemeal if at all existent. The chapter examines how my own history of immigration influenced the development and running of the course, including the assumptions I had going in. I then evaluate the role of storytelling and disclosure and conceptualize the role of students as border-crossers or “bridges.” Finally, I think through the importance of interdisciplinarity in teaching such a course. The chapter provides understanding and recommendations about how to run such courses, the specific needs of precarious status students, and the role of instructors in the process.
Effect of Argon Plasma Pre-Treatment on adhesion of Epoxy to Aramid Fibers Treated with Oxygen Plasmas:

Microbond techniques are used to evaluate the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of epoxy on aramid fibers after plasma treatments. Argon gas plasmas are used to prepare the surface of the fibers fo...
Narcissism and perceived power in romantic relationships

The purpose of the present research was to examine the connections that narcissistic admiration (an agentic form of narcissism characterized by assertive self-enhancement and self-promotion) and na...
Identification of markers predictive for response to induction chemotherapy in patients with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare, highly aggressive cancer. Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, its prognosis remains poor. Because of its locally advanced nature and high propensity for distant metastasis, we frequently use induction chemotherapy before definitive therapy in patients with SNUC. However, about 30% of patients do not respond to induction chemotherapy, and lack of response is associated with a poor survival rate. Therefore, in this study, we performed gene expression analysis of SNUC samples to identify prognostic markers for induction chemotherapy response. Materials and methods Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded SNUC tumor samples from previously untreated patients harvested before induction chemotherapy were used. Gene expression was performed using an oncology gene expression panel. Results We identified 34 differentially expressed genes that distinguish the responders from the non-responders. Pathway analysis using these genes revealed alteration of multiple pathways between the two groups. Of these 34 genes, 24 distinguished between these two groups. Additionally, 16 gene pairs were associated with response to induction therapy. Conclusion We identified genes predictive of SNUC response to induction chemotherapy and pathways potentially associated with treatment outcome. This is the first report of identification of predictive biomarkers for response of SNUC to induction chemotherapy, and it may help us develop therapeutic strategies to improve the treatment outcomes of non-responders.
Sustainable Operations Management Through the Perspective of Manufacturing & Service Operations Management

We review the sustainable operations management research published in the first 20 years of Manufacturing & Service Operations Management (M&SOM), and we outline our hopes for the next 20 years. Th...
Epidemiological Features and Risk Factors for Acquiring Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis in HIV-Infected Patients in Shaanxi Province, Northwest China

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are at a higher risk for co-infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Treponema pallidum (TP; the agent causing syphilis) than the general population. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and syphilis has geographic differences and varies from region to region among HIV-positive individuals. A retrospective study was carried out on HIV-positive individuals between June 2011 and June 2016 in Shaanxi Province. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses using stepwise regression analysis regarding risk factors for HIV–HBV, HIV–HCV, and HIV–syphilis co-infection. HBV–HCV, HCV–syphilis, HBV–syphilis, and HBV–HCV–syphilis co-infection rates were 1.7%, 2.2%, 2.6%, and 0.1%, respectively. The rate of ineffective hepatitis B vaccine immunization was as high as 30.2% among HIV-positive individuals. Ethnicity (OR = 31.030, 95% CI: 11.643–82.694) and HIV transmission routes (OR = 134.024, 95% CI: 14.328–1253.653) were the risk factors for HCV infection in HIV-positive individuals. Among the HIV-positive individuals with the antibodies of TP, the rate of homosexual transmission was also higher, but heterosexual transmission was lower (OR = 0.549 95% CI: 0.382–0.789) The HIV-infected patients in Shaanxi Province had the characteristics of low active detection rate and late diagnosis. The high rate of ineffective vaccination against HBV suggests a need for improved vaccination services.
Deformation of Composite Micro-Rods

Manufacturing and design of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) often involves consideration of micro-rods or other beam structures that play an important role in MEMS performance. Many MEMS structures are made of either silicon or nickel, however, novel designs may also include more complex multifunctional components made of composite materials. This chapter reviews research in the area of composite micro-rods, which are composed of a coated fiber surrounded by an easily-deformable insulating polymer matrix. Such structural configuration allows for multifunctional design and formability of diverse shapes for micro-components in MEMS applications. Here, the influence of nanostructured fiber-matrix interphases on the global deformation response and local stress distributions in the composite micro-rods subjected to compressive loads is investigated. Finite element modeling of homogeneous and heterogeneous interphases is used to determine parameters that affect the deformation response of a composite micro-rod. Linear elastic and nonlinear elastic matrix material models are used in the simulations. Multi-scale effects in transverse deformation of micro-rods are examined. The ratio of the matrix and interphase Young’s moduli is found to affect the character of global deformation. A transition from barreling to bollarding type of deformation is seen as this ratio changes. This interphase controlled change in the deformation mode constitutes a multi-scale coupling between the micron-size interphase and the global response of a deforming rod. The radial, hoop and shear stress distributions in the interphase region are also seen to be highly dependent on the type of interphase present and its sub- micron property gradients.
A note on spherical continuity

In this paper, wedefine Spherical fuzzy continuity between Spherical fuzzy topological space and we characterize the concept.
Valuing Black Lives: A Case for Ending the Death Penalty

Since Furman v. Georgia, capital punishment jurisprudence has equipped decisionmakers with increased structure, guidance, and narrowing in death sentencing in an effort to eliminate the arbitrary imposition of death. Yet, these efforts have been largely unsuccessful given the wide discretion built into capital sentencing which allows for prejudice, bias, and racism to persist. Juries continue to sentence a disproportionately high number of defendants who have been convicted of murdering white victims to death. As a result, death sentencing schemes tend to undervalue Black murder victims’ lives. Any effort to eliminate the disparity must center on the undervaluation of Black lives. This Article suggests that the next challenge to the death penalty should be on equal protection grounds based on the undervaluation of Black lives. It highlights that the Fourteenth Amendment was originally intended, in part, to extend the equal protection of the laws to Black victims of crime. The Article then explores the pitfalls of other race-based challenges to the death penalty. And demonstrates that a challenge based on disparities in capitally prosecuting white and Black victim cases could end capital punishment. The Article concludes with a road map for what a challenge based on the undervaluation of Black lives would look like.
Glucocorticoid-induced cell-derived matrix modulates transforming growth factor β2 signaling in human trabecular meshwork cells.

Aberrant remodeling of trabecular meshwork (TM) extracellular matrix (ECM) may induce ocular hypertensive phenotypes in human TM (hTM) cells to cause ocular hypertension, via a yet unknown mechanism. Here, we show that, in the absence of exogenous transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGFβ2), compared with control matrices (VehMs), glucocorticoid-induced cell-derived matrices (GIMs) trigger non-Smad TGFβ2 signaling in hTM cells, correlated with overexpression/activity of structural ECM genes (fibronectin, collagen IV, collagen VI, myocilin), matricellular genes (connective tissue growth factor [CTGF], secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine), crosslinking genes/enzymes (lysyl oxidase, lysyl oxidase-like 2–4, tissue transglutaminase-2), and ECM turnover genes/enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases-MMP2,14 and their inhibitors-TIMP2). However, in the presence of exogenous TGFβ2, VehMs and GIMs activate Smad and non-Smad TGFβ2 signaling in hTM cells, associated with overexpression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and differential upregulation of aforementioned ECM genes/proteins with new ones emerging (collagen-I, thrombospondin-I, plasminogen activator inhibitor, MMP1, 9, ADAMTS4, TIMP1); with GIM-TGFβ2-induced changes being mostly more pronounced. This suggests dual glaucomatous insults potentiate profibrotic signaling/phenotypes. Lastly, we demonstrate type I TGFβ receptor kinase inhibition abrogates VehM-/GIM- and/or TGFβ2-induced upregulation of α-SMA and CTGF. Collectively, pathological TM microenvironments are sufficient to elicit adverse cellular responses that may be ameliorated by targeting TGFβ2 pathway.
Intracellular Localization of Micronutrients in Algae Cells Using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy–Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (STEM-EDX)

Various elements including iron play a vital role as micronutrients in growth and development of algae cells. Understanding the process of element uptake, assimilation and utilization of these elements by algae cells are essential for optimizing growth conditions in algae ponds, for cost-effective biomass production. In addition to bulk elemental analysis methods, electron microscopy-based semi-quantitative elemental analysis methods can provide high-resolution spatial information about element distribution in algal cultures for a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the element utilization processes. Toward this goal, we standardized a protocol for localizing various elements within unicellular algae cells using scanning transmission electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (S/TEM–EDX). We applied this method to study iron uptake and intracellular distribution process by algae cells over a week of cultivation.
Embedded Atom Potential for BCC Iron

We have used the embedded atom method (EAM)1–4 to construct interatomic potentials for use with BCC iron. Our original motivation for this work was to model the grain boundaries in iron5. The version of the EAM we have used is essentially the same as that described in references 3 and 4, where the total energy was given as the sum of two body terms summed over pairs of atoms i,j, together with an embedding term given by the sum of embedding functions whose arguments are the total electronic charge density at the sites i.
Bolivia’s Radical Tradition: Permanent Revolution in the Andes

In Bolivia’s Radical Tradition: Permanent Revolution in the Andes, S. Sandor John painstakingly traces the tumultuous politico-economic history of Bolivia throughout the twentieth and early twenty-...
Study of hyaluronan-binding proteins and receptors using iodinated hyaluronan derivatives.

This chapter detailed methodology for the purification of high molecular weight HA, as well as procedures to fragment the HA to prepare large oligosaccharides in the range of 40,000-80,000 Da. The aforementioned procedures used to prepare HA-alkylamine and HA-Bolton-Hunter adducts, as well as 125I-labeled HA, have been very reproducible, and the latter preparations are of adequate length to retain high-affinity interactions and specific binding, e.g., to human fibrinogen and HARE. For example, we were able to isolate, characterize, and clone the rat HARE using 125I-labeled HA initially with the dot blot assay to monitor solubilization and partial purification, and later with the ligand blot assay, to identify the protein after SDS-PAGE. The ligand blot assay enabled us to determine that HARE is actually present as two discrete isoreceptors of different molecular masses. These techniques should provide a means to analyze purification strategies and to characterize additional HA receptors and binding proteins involved in a variety of physiologic processes.
The genesis and significance of digital and palmar band creases: Preliminary report*

Studies of palmar and digital creases in the developing hand and in malformed handsindicate that these creases are the consequence of early flexional folding in the skin of the developing hand. Thus any alteration from the usual crease pattern may be interpreted as being secondary to abnormal form and/or function of the early developing hand. Such knowledge may be of diagnostic value in particular syndromes, as well as being of functional significance in serious malformations of the hand.
Identifying and combating counterfeit drugs.

What used to be a minor problem in distant lands, the sale of counterfeit drugs, is today a real problem in western Europe and North America, especially as drug prices have increased and the counte...
Synthesis, Annealing, and Performances of Pd–Au Asymmetric Composite Membranes for Hydrogen Purification

Composite asymmetric Pd–Au membranes were prepared on porous Inconel and Hastelloy tubular supports by electroless deposition and galvanic displacement techniques and tested both before and after Au deposition in pure H2 atmosphere. The final membranes with average Au bulk content up to 16.7 wt % were 9–15 μm thick and showed H2/He ideal selectivities in excess of 900 for the entire period of their characterization. The annealing of the as-prepared membranes was conducted through the coating and diffusion mechanism in He and H2 atmospheres at 500 °C. The annealing conditions were chosen after nonisothermal and isothermal HT-XRD studies were carried out on Pd–Au coupons prepared with the same techniques used for the membranes fabrication. After the formation of the Pd–Au layer, the membranes showed steady H2 flux and stable Au gradient on the membrane top layer. Comparisons between permeance for Pd–Au and pure Pd membranes indicated that the membranes with an average Au bulk content of 4.5 and 5.4 wt % had...