cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques to Ensure Accurate Targeting for Delivery of Awake Laser Interstitial Thermotherapy.

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is an emerging neurosurgical treatment modality that is typically performed under general anesthesia. We describe a novel workflow developed at the University of Florida to deliver LITT in conscious patients without the use of general anesthesia. OBJECTIVE To describe a novel workflow for LITT implementation in the awake patient with equivalent treatment results when compared to procedures performed under general anesthesia. METHODS For trajectories near a post of the Cosman-Roberts-Wells (CRW) frame (Integra LifeSciences, Plainsboro, New Jersey), we used preoperative MRI imaging to 3-dimensional-print a patient-specific mask with a trajectory guide to indicate the planned entry point during headframe placement. Otherwise, routine headframe placement and stereotactic registration were performed. Stereotactic biopsy and placement of the cranial bolt were performed in a standard neurosurgical operating room. The patient was transferred to a diagnostic MRI suite and positioned in the MRI scanner using beanbags and a custom molded thermoplastic mask. LITT was delivered with the patient conscious in the MRI scanner according to the manufacturer's recommendations. We collected patient demographics, treatment time, length of stay, and calculated preoperative tumor volume and postoperative ablation volumes. RESULTS Ten sequential patients were treated with LITT from January 2016 until March 2017. The average preoperative tumor volume was 6.9 cm3. The average tissue volume ablated was 18.3 cm3. The mean operative time was 31 min (standard deviation [SD] 10 min) and mean time with laser delivery in MRI was 79 min (SD 27 min). The mean length of stay was 1.4 d (SD 0.9). There were no major complications. CONCLUSION Using trajectory preplanning, customized face masks, and noninvasive head immobilization, LITT can be delivered to patients safely and accurately without general anesthesia.
Body Dissatisfaction in Collegiate Athletes: Differences Between Sex, Sport Type, and Division Level

Body dissatisfaction is associated with marked distress and often precipitates disordered eating symptomology. Literature on body dissatisfaction in athletes appears to be mixed, perhaps because at...
Experiments, Measure and Integration

We learn about our physical universe by doing experiments. That is, first we do something such as flip a coin, or touch a hot stove, or measure how long it takes a marble to drop from a certain height. Then we record what happens after we do it—the coin comes up heads, we get burned, the marble takes 6 seconds to drop. What we record is called an outcome of the experiment. We identify an experiment by its outcome set, so we can write C = (heads, tails) to denote the coin flip experiment.
Membrane Resistance and Diffusion Coefficients: The Intact Red Cell

The transport of oxygen through the interior of the red cell is characterized by a diffusion coefficient and oxygen transport through the membrane is described in terms of a mass transfer coefficient. In order to determine these coefficients, a flow apparatus is used in which blood is mixed with isotonic saline solution and flows down a glass tube. The basic data obtained is extracellular oxygen partial pressure versus time. The results are independent of hemoglobin reaction or diffusion since at all timers the hemoglobin is kept fully saturated with oxygen. Therefore, there is no need for hemoglobin-oxygen rate constants and hemoglobin diffusivity. Also, the controlling diffusion equation is linear because of the absence of reaction terms and a straight forward analytical solution is possible.
Antimicrobials in the formulation to control Listeria monocytogenes postprocessing contamination on frankfurters stored at 4°C in vacuum packages

Postprocessing contamination of cured meat products with Listeria monocytogenes during slicing and packaging is difficult to avoid, and thus, hurdles are needed to control growth of the pathogen during product storage. This study evaluated the influence of antimicrobials, included in frankfurter formulations, on L. monocytogenes populations during refrigerated (4 degrees C) storage of product inoculated (10(3) to 10(4) CFU/cm2) after peeling of casings and before vacuum packaging. Frankfurters were prepared to contain (wt/wt) sodium lactate (3 or 6%, as pure substance of a liquid, 60% wt/wt, commercial product), sodium acetate (0.25 or 0.5%), or sodium diacetate (0.25 or 0.5%). L. monocytogenes populations (PALCAM agar and Trypticase soy agar plus 0.6% yeast extract [TSAYE]) exceeded 10(6) CFU/cm2 in inoculated controls at 20 days of storage. Sodium lactate at 6% and sodium diacetate at 0.5% were bacteriostatic, or even bactericidal, throughout storage (120 days). At 3%, sodium lactate prevented pathogen growth for at least 70 days, while, in decreasing order of effectiveness, sodium diacetate at 0.25% and sodium acetate at 0.5 and 0.25% inhibited growth for 20 to 50 days. Antimicrobials had no effect on product pH, except for sodium diacetate at 0.5%, which reduced the initial pH by approximately 0.4 U. These results indicate that concentrations of sodium acetate currently permitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) (0.25%) or higher (0.5%) may control growth of L. monocytogenes for approximately 30 days, while currently permitted levels of sodium lactate (3%) and sodium diacetate (0.25%) may be inhibitory for 70 and 35 to 50 days, respectively. Moreover, levels of sodium lactate (6%) or sodium diacetate (0.5%) higher than those presently permitted by the USDA-FSIS may provide complete control at 4 degrees C of growth (120 days) of L. monocytogenes introduced on the surface of frankfurters during product packaging.
Sibling Conflict, Aggression, Violence, and Abuse

An idealistic conception of siblings is that they are always close, loving, and ready to care for one another. Unfortunately, this is only part of the portrait. Sibling conflict exists, and sometimes continues throughout life. In the absence of better means, aggression, violence, or abuse may be used to deal with it.
A system to extract social networks based on the processing of information obtained from Internet

The amount of information available on Internet increases by the day. This constant growth makes it difficult to distinguish between information which is relevant and which is not, particularly in key areas which are of strategic interest to business and universities or research centres. This article presents an automatic system to extract social networks: a software designed to generate social networks by exploiting information which is already available on Internet through the use of common search engines such as Google or Yahoo. Furthermore, the metrics used to calculate the affinities between different actors in order to confirm the real ties which connect them and the methods to extract the semantic descriptions of each actor are presented. This represents the innovative part of this research.
The challenges of treating tracheobronchitis in a laryngectomee due to nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae: a case report

Laryngectomees run the risk of developing severe respiratory tract infections especially during the winter and when they do not wear a stoma cover. A case of severe tracheobronchitis in a laryngectomee is presented that illustrates the risks and difficulties encountered in managing this infection in a neck breather. A 76-year-old Caucasian man, a laryngectomee, presented with bacterial tracheobronchitis and conjunctivitis due to beta-lactamase-producing nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae. He was febrile (38.9 °C; 102.0 F), and had repeated episodes of hypertension. He was treated with levofloxacin 500 mg/day, ciprofloxacin eye drops, acetaminophen, and guaifenesin. Humidification of his trachea and the airway was sustained by insertions of saline into the stoma as well as breathing humidified air. The main challenge was to maintain the patency of his airway as the mucus was very dry and viscous and tended to stick to the walls of his trachea and the stoma. His condition improved within 7 days and he had a complete recovery. Maintaining the patency of the airway in laryngectomees who suffer from lower respiratory tract infection is of utmost importance as the mucus can be very dry and viscous and can stick to the walls of the trachea and the stoma.
Perspective from grad school: Master’s degrees matter

Graduate students have a lot on their plates. They are expected to do exceptional research, publish frequently, take classes, teach, train new students ... the list goes on and on. Eventually, the primary tasks become finding a job and graduating. An issue that can affect these fledgling chemists is the lack of information and support for those facing the decision between master’s and doctoral degrees. The availability of more information about this decision might eliminate the population of graduate students without clear career goals who stay in grad school because they see no other option. In my experience as a chemistry graduate student, a master’s degree is viewed with contempt even though there are a significant number of jobs in chemistry for applicants with a master’s degree. Yes, these are frequently “limited” to jobs in industry—another idea that is often viewed with contempt by those in academia—but that does not
Interface Cues to Promote Disclosure and Build Community: An Experimental Test of Crowd and Connectivity Cues in an Online Sexual Health Forum

Health forums and support groups depend on participant self-disclosure for their success, but the sensitive nature of personal health concerns raises privacy concerns that may constrain what users are willing to reveal. To address this issue, we explore the impact of visual cues designed to convey (1) two facets of social influence-crowd size and social network connectivity-and (2) provide a frame designed to enhance the forum's sense of community. A 3 (Cue type: Crowd, Connectivity, None) x 2 (Framing) factorial experiment (N = 218) showed that cues implying greater crowd size and connectivity lead to more self-disclosure of sensitive information, and higher intentions to revisit the community. Further, user belief in the community-building heuristic positively predicts self-disclosure and intentions, while also moderating the effect of the connectivity cue in a direction which implies that the cue encourages disclosure by triggering the community-building heuristic. Implications for the design of online groups are discussed.
Assessment of heat exposure in cities: Combining the dynamics of temperature and population

Urban populations are typically subject to higher outdoor heat exposure than nearby rural areas due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Excessive Heat Events (EHEs) further amplify heat stress imposed on city dwellers. Heat exposure largely depends on the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature and population, however, few studies considered their concurrent variations. To better characterize exposure to heat in the context of long-term urban climatology and during excessive heat events, this study focuses on the dynamics of ambient temperature and population and proposes an open-data-based approach for spatiotemporal analysis of urban exposure to heat by using air temperature estimated from satellite observations and commute-adjusted diurnal population calculated primarily on the Census Transportation Planning Products. We use the metropolitan area of Chicago, U.S.A. as a case study to analyze the urban heat pattern changes during EHEs and their influence on population heat exposure diurnally. The intra-urban spatiotemporal analysis reveals that the population's exposure to heat changes fast as the nighttime temperature increases and the EHEs increase the spatial exposure impact due to the ubiquitous higher nocturnal temperature over the Chicago metropolitan area. "Hotspots" associated with a higher temperature and greater number of urban residents are identified in the heat exposure map. Meanwhile, the spatial extent of high ambient exposure areas varies diurnally. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamic heat exposure patterns in urban areas. The approaches presented in this article can be used for informing heat mitigation as well as emergency response strategies at specific times and locations.
Berru-Cms Application To Savannah River National Laboratory’s F-Area Cooling Towers

The BERRU-CMS methodology is applied in this Chapter to the model of a mechanical draft cooling tower (MDCT) located at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) in order to improve the predictions of this model by combining computational information with measurements of outlet air humidity, outlet air and outlet water temperatures. At the outlet of this cooling tower, where measurements of the quantities of interest are available, the BERRU-CMS methodology reduces the predicted uncertainties for these quantities to values that are smaller than either the computed or the measured uncertainties. The BERRU-CMS methodology has also been applied to reduce the uncertainties for quantities of interest inside the tower’s fill section, where no direct measurements are available. The maximum reductions of uncertainties occur at the locations where direct measurements are available. At other locations, the predicted response uncertainties are reduced by the BERRU-CMS methodology to values that are smaller than the modeling uncertainties arising from the imprecisely known model parameters.
Obesity-induced MBD2_v2 expression promotes tumor-initiating triple-negative breast cancer stem cells

Obesity is a risk factor for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) incidence and poor outcomes, but the underlying molecular biology remains unknown. We previously identified in TNBC cell cultures that expression of epigenetic reader methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2), specifically the alternative mRNA splicing variant MBD variant 2 (MBD2_v2), is dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is crucial for maintenance and expansion of cancer stem cell-like cells (CSCs). Because obesity is coupled with inflammation and ROS, we hypothesized that obesity can fuel an increase in MBD2_v2 expression to promote the tumor-initiating CSC phenotype in TNBC cells in vivo. Analysis of TNBC patient datasets revealed associations between high tumor MBD2_v2 expression and high relapse rates and high body mass index (BMI). Stable gene knockdown/overexpression methods were applied to TNBC cell lines to elucidate that MBD2_v2 expression is governed by ROS-dependent expression of serine- and arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2). We employed a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model that mimics human obesity to investigate whether obesity causes increased MBD2_v2 expression and increased tumor initiation capacity in inoculated TNBC cell lines. MBD2_v2 and SRSF2 levels were increased in TNBC cell line-derived tumors that formed more frequently in DIO mice relative to tumors in lean control mice. Stable MBD2_v2 overexpression increased the CSC fraction in culture and increased TNBC cell line tumor initiation capacity in vivo. SRSF2 knockdown resulted in decreased MBD2_v2 expression, decreased CSCs in TNBC cell cultures, and hindered tumor formation in vivo. This report describes evidence to support the conclusion that MBD2_v2 expression is induced by obesity and drives TNBC cell tumorigenicity, and thus provides molecular insights into support of the epidemiological evidence that obesity is a risk factor for TNBC. The majority of TNBC patients are obese and rising obesity rates threaten to further increase the burden of obesity-linked cancers, which reinforces the relevance of this report.
Genetic Markers Related to Alcohol Use and Abuse

Abstract Ethanol (alcohol) use has been an important aspect of many human societies since the beginning of recorded history. However, the excessive use of alcohol is associated with many negative consequences, contributing to increased medical costs, birth defects, lost productivity, and violent crime. In the United States approximately 150 billion dollars per year is spent in alcohol-related accidents and illness. There is an evidence that the contribution of alcohol abuse to the global disease burden is larger than that of any other controlled or illicit substances, with the notable exclusion of tobacco. It is believed that 3.2%–5.9% of global deaths and as much as 4%–5% of overall global disease can be attributed to alcohol consumption.
Patients with predominantly back pain at the time of lumbar fusion for low-grade spondylolisthesis experience similar clinical improvement to patients with predominantly leg pain: mid-term results

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Patients with back pain predominance (BPP) have traditionally been thought to derive less predictable symptomatic relief from lumbar fusion surgery. PURPOSE To compare postoperative clinical outcomes as well as degree of improvement in clinical outcome measures between patients with BPP and patients with leg pain predominance (LPP) undergoing open posterior lumbar fusion. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE Analysis of patients who underwent an open posterior lumbar fusion for low-grade (Meyerding Grade I or II) degenerative or isthmic spondylolisthesis from 2011 to 2018 was conducted. Surgery was indicated after failure of conservative treatment to address radiculopathy and/or neurogenic claudication. Patients were excluded if they were under 18 years of age at the time of surgery, had less than 6 months of follow-up, presented with a lumbar vertebral body fracture, tumor, or infection, or underwent a fusion surgery that extended to the thoracic spine, high-grade spondylolisthesis, or concomitant deformity. OUTCOME MEASURES Radiographs obtained at preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final visits were evaluated for presence or absence of fusion. Patient-reported outcomes were recorded at preoperative and final clinic visits that included: visual analog scale (VAS) back/leg pain, and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was analyzed, along with rates of postoperative complication and reoperation. METHODS Preoperative and final patient-reported outcomes were obtained. Achievement of MCID was evaluated using following thresholds: ODI 14.9, VAS-back pain 2.1, VAS-leg pain 2.8. For analysis, patients were divided into two groups based on predominant location of pain: predominantly VAS-back pain (BPP) and predominantly VAS-leg pain (LPP). RESULTS One hundred forty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 71 had LPP, and 70 had BPP. Patients with preoperative LPP experienced greater improvements in VAS-leg (p CONCLUSIONS Patients with low-grade spondylolisthesis who underwent an open posterior lumbar fusion had improvement in symptoms regardless of presentation with BPP or LPP. In properly indicated patients, posterior spinal fusion is effective for those with BPP in the setting of experiencing both leg and back pain, and clinicians can use this information for perioperative discussions and surgical decision-making.
Enhanced signaling via ERBB3/PI3K plays a compensatory survival role in pancreatic tumor cells exposed to [neratinib + valproate]

Abstract The ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor neratinib causes plasma membrane-associated K-RAS to mislocalize into intracellular vesicles; this effect is enhanced by HDAC inhibitors and the combination of [neratinib + sodium valproate] is now a phase I trial ( NCT03919292 ). The present studies were performed to understand resistance mechanisms that evolve following [neratinib + valproate] exposure. Exposure of pancreatic tumor cells to [neratinib + sodium valproate] initially reduced the expression and phosphorylation of ERBB family receptors, c-MET and c-KIT. Following a 24 h drug exposure and a further 24 h culture in drug free conditions, the effects on c-MET, c-KIT and most ERBB family receptors had returned to near baseline levels. However, the expression and phosphorylation of ERBB3 were increased which was associated with elevated AKT T308 phosphorylation. Knock down of ERBB3 significantly enhanced [neratinib + valproate] lethality, which was associated with greater inactivation of AKT, mTOR, p70 S6K and ERK1/2. The PI3Kα/δ inhibitor copanlisib also significantly enhanced killing after [neratinib + valproate] exposure. Copanlisib enhanced [neratinib + valproate] lethality via autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. Our data argue for further in vivo exploration as to whether copanlisib can be safely combined with [neratinib + valproate].
Black Miami to Me

Tera Hunter reflects on growing up Black in Miami and how it has shaped her intellectual pursuits.
A dominant transmission chain of EV-A71 of C4a subgenotype transimitted in Jilin province in 2009-2010

Objective To analyze the transmission chains of enterovirus type71 (EV-A71) causing hand foot and mouth disease(HFMD) epidemics in Jilin province,2009-2012.Methods To choose 70 virus strains of EV-A71 to do the RT-PCR and sequences of VP1 genes,and analyzed by the software of bioedit and Mega4.0.Results All 70 EV-A71 strains belong to C4a subgenotype in Jilin province in 2009-2012,91.4％ of EV-A71 strains formed a main transmission chain.The dominant transmission chains were found in all 9 cities.Conclusion A dominant transmission chain of EV-A71 of C4a subgenotype transmitted,and caused HFMD epidemic in Jilin province. Key words: Hand, foot and mouth disease ; Enterovirus; Disease transmission
COVID-19: Health disparities and social determinants of health

Social determinants of health (SDH) describe how a person’s education, economic status, and overall environment affect their health outcomes. In the United States, a long history of resource inequi...
Neurofilament Light Chain may Serve As a Biomarker of Neuropathy in Hattr Amyloidosis with Cardiomyopathy

Introduction Hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive, life-threatening disease due to deposition of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid in various organs and tissues. Historically the disease has been described by predominant clinical manifestation of cardiomyopathy (CM) or polyneuropathy (PN), however a majority of patients are known to develop a mixed phenotype. Because of this, PN symptoms may not always be assessed in patients with predominant CM and neuropathy progression may continue. The potential of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a non-invasive biomarker of nerve damage in patients with hATTR amyloidosis with PN has previously been described; however to date no studies have investigated NfL in patients with predominant CM. Hypothesis NfL may serve as a biomarker of co-existing neuropathy in patients with hATTR amyloidosis with predominant CM and could lead to early detection and treatment of nerve damage, thus improving patient care. Methods Plasma NfL levels were measured in baseline samples from patients with hATTR amyloidosis with CM from the Phase 3 ENDEAVOUR study (n = 194; V122I variant = 111) and compared with NfL levels from healthy controls (n = 53) and baseline samples from patients with hATTR amyloidosis with PN from the Phase 3 APOLLO study (n = 193). Polyneuropathy Disability (PND) score was also taken into account for NfL analyses. Results Elevated plasma NfL levels were observed in patients with hATTR amyloidosis with CM relative to healthy controls (54.1 pg/mL vs 16.3 pg/mL, p 0 (n = 101; evidence of neurological impairment) were not significantly different to those in patients with hATTR amyloidosis with PN (p = 0.15), where all patients had a PND>0. Patients with hATTR amyloidosis with CM and the V122I variant, generally considered to cause a predominant CM phenotype, also had elevated plasma NfL levels relative to healthy controls (44.9 pg/mL vs 16.3 pg/mL, p Conclusions NfL may serve as a biomarker of nerve damage in patients with hATTR amyloidosis, regardless of the predominant manifestation. This analysis also suggests PN may be underdiagnosed in patients with predominant CM, such as those with a V122I variant, and NfL may be a useful biomarker to support earlier diagnosis of PN in these patients.
Field Theory and the Dream Sense: Continuing the Comparison of Interpersonal/Relational Theory and Bionian Field Theory

This paper is a continuation of the comparison of interpersonal/relational theory and Bionian field theory that I began in two articles that appeared in Psychoanalytic Dialogues in 2013. The paper ...
Perioperative Anaphylaxis: Evaluation and Management

Perioperative anaphylaxis (PA) is a rare but life-threatening condition that poses diagnostic and management challenges in the operating room. The incidence of severe perioperative reactions is estimated to be approximately 1:7000-10,000. Management involves both immediate stabilization of the patient and identifying the culprit agent. Identification is essential to prevent recurrence of the event in subsequent surgeries and to avoid unnecessary labeling of drug allergy. Identifying all possible exposures including medications, disinfectants, latex, and dyes and choosing the appropriate tests are essential for proper evaluation. To identify the culprit, primary testing modalities include tryptase at the time of the reaction with subsequent levels and skin testing with nonirritating concentrations to the medications and substances utilized during the procedure and those potentially used as alternates. This strategy provides guidance for future surgeries and procedures. Close collaboration between the allergy, anesthesiology, and surgery teams is essential for appropriate management of these patients at the time of the reaction, during the post event evaluation and in preparation for subsequent surgeries.
Developmental malformations resulting from high-dose maternal tamoxifen exposure in the mouse

Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor (ER) ligand with widespread use in clinical and basic research settings. Beyond its application in treating ER-positive cancer, tamoxifen has been co-opted into a powerful approach for temporal-specific genetic alteration. The use of tamoxifen-inducible Cre-recombinase mouse models to examine genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of development and disease is now prevalent in biomedical research. Understanding off-target effects of tamoxifen will inform its use in both clinical and basic research applications. Here, we show that prenatal tamoxifen exposure can cause structural birth defects in the mouse. Administration of a single 200 mg/kg tamoxifen dose to pregnant wildtype C57BL/6J mice at gestational day 9.75 caused cleft palate and limb malformations in the fetuses, including posterior digit duplication, reduction, or fusion. These malformations were highly penetrant and consistent across independent chemical manufacturers. As opposed to 200 mg/kg, a single dose of 50 mg/kg tamoxifen at the same developmental stage did not result in overt structural malformations. Demonstrating that prenatal tamoxifen exposure at a specific time point causes dose-dependent developmental abnormalities, these findings argue for more considerate application of tamoxifen in Cre-inducible systems and further investigation of tamoxifen’s mechanisms of action.
Recognizing, Diagnosing, and Assessing PTSD

This chapter begins by discussing the main characteristics of PTSD and goes on to present the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Each symptom is discussed in detail with illustrative examples. Practical advice is offered regarding strategies for conducting the initial clinical interview, identifying risk factors, and using standardized assessment instruments to assist in diagnostic evaluation. Given the importance of distinguishing PTSD from comorbid and other disorders, there is a discussion of how to differentiate PTSD from coexisting (comorbid) disorders as well as from other conditions that may develop in an individual who has been exposed to a traumatic event.
The Evolution of an Urban Design Curriculum in Landscape Architecture and a Community-Based Design Center

This study investigates the evolution of the urban design curriculum at UMass Amherst from 2008 to 2013 that was catalyzed through the genesis of a community-based design center in Springfield, MA. Four key areas in the context of community service learning as engaged scholarship are assessed. The findings illustrate 1) a positive evolution of teaching quality as the studios engaged community service learning in urban contexts and 2) measurable physical and planning impacts at the municipal and non-profit level.
“Captive of a Scientific‐Technological Elite”: Eisenhower and the Nuclear Test Ban

This analysis of Dwight D. Eisenhower's pursuit of a nuclear test-ban agreement assesses the role of science advice in his decision making. It argues that a “scientific-technological elite” within the administration monopolized the technical conclusions in policy questions, inhibiting the president's inclination to pursue an accord with the Soviet Union for the first half of his presidency. This episode has important implications for understanding Eisenhower's record on nuclear arms control and assessments of his presidential leadership.
Presidential Leverage in American Politics: Presidents, Publics, and the State

The concept of presidential leverage in the American state is considered. Presidential leverage addresses the president’s place in the political system by measuring the relative standing of presidents (as measured by public approval) to the political system (as measured by trust in government). Trust in government is a measure of the connectedness with which the public relates to its governing institutions, and the ratio of presidential approval to trust focuses on the president's place in the system. For comparative purposes, I employ other measures, such as the relationship of approval to public confidence in institutions, and place the president and the perceived leverage he derives from this relationship in institutional context. I lay out the logic of presidential leverage, justify the examination of trust in government as the appropriate reference category, and how the American state, hostile as it is to sustained leadership, conditions presidential activity as presidents seek to gain a foothold in the separation of powers. I employ Stimson’s WCALC algorithm to aggregate both approval and trust measures. Empirically, I examine three representative areas of presidential policy making (the macro politics of agenda setting, the assertion of unilateral prerogatives, and the proportion of landmark legislation that originates with the president as opposed to Congress). I find that presidential leverage has a systematic impact over all of these areas of presidential policy making, and demonstrate that there is statistical and substantive “value added” by employing the operationalized concept of leverage.
Predicting population recovery rates for endangered western Atlantic sawfishes using demographic analysis

Sawfish are a group of endangered elasmobranchs that were common in tropical inshore, estuarine and freshwaters. The demography of two species of sawfish that occur in the western Atlantic – Pristis pectinata and P. perotteti – was investigated using age-structured life tables. Life history parameters for use in the life tables were obtained from published data. Five scenarios were tested for P. pectinata to incorporate uncertainties about life history data. Values of intrinsic rate of increase ranged from 0.08 to 0.13 yr−1, and population doubling times from 5.4 to 8.5 yrs. Eight scenarios were tested for P. perotteti. The most likely range for the intrinsic rate of increase was 0.05–0.07 yr−1, with population doubling times of 10.3–13.5 yrs. Four scenarios investigating the sensitivity to methods of estimating natural mortality produced similar results. The demographic results were sensitive to changes in reproductive periodicity and natural mortality. The results indicate that if effective conservation plans can be implemented for sawfish and sawfish habitats, recovery to levels where there is little risk of extinction will take at least several decades.
Representation of Visual Space in Area 7a Neurons Using the Center of Mass Equation

The firing rate of neurons in parietal area 7a of the behaving Rhesus monkey with its head fixed incorporates both visual and eye position information. This neural tuning is not in an ego-centered coordinate space. This physiological result was unexpected as behavioral deficits following parietal damage in human and monkey subjects suggested the existence of egocentric representations. A formulation to extract a world-centered system from area 7a neurons is presented that depends on the linearity of the eye position signal and the similarity of the equation describing the tuning of these neurons to the center of mass equation. This formulation permits the computation of the location of objects in world coordinates using either serial analysis of a single neuron's activity or parallel processing of a collection of neurons. Experimental predictions are made for the relationship between different parameters of angle of gaze neurons.
NASA Space Cryocooler Programs — A 2003 Overview

Mechanical cryocoolers represent a significant enabling technology for NASA's Earth and Space Science missions. An overview is presented of ongoing cryocooler activities within NASA in support of current flight projects, near-term flight instruments, and long-term technology development. NASA programs in Earth and space science observe a wide range of phenomena, from crop dynamics to stellar birth. Many of the instruments require cryogenic refrigeration to improve dynamic range, extend wavelength coverage, and enable the use of advanced detectors. Although, the largest utilization of coolers over the last decade has been for instruments operating at medium to high cryogenic temperatures (55 to 150 K), reflecting the relative maturity of the technology at these temperatures, important new developments are now focusing at the lower temperature range from 4 to 20 K in support of studies of the origin of the universe and the search for planets around distant stars. NASA's development of a 20K cryocooler for the European Planck spacecraft and its new Advanced Cryocooler Technology Development Program (ACTDP) for 6-18 K coolers are examples of the thrust to provide low temperature cooling for this class of missions.
Versatility of Self-Cleaving Ribozymes

Two studies expand our knowledge of RNA sequences that catalyze their own cleavage. One sheds light on their evolution, the other on the cleavage mechanism.
Interface structure in carbon and graphite fiber reinforced 2014 aluminum alloy processed with active fiber cooling

Abstract The fiber/matrix interfaces developed in continuous carbon fiber (CF) and graphite fiber (GRF) reinforced 2014 aluminum matrix composites were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The as-cast CF/2014 Al and GRF/2014 Al composite specimens were processed by pressure infiltration of continuous fiber bundles preheated at 500 °C, while the fiber reinforcements were externally cooled during infiltration by exposing fiber ends to atmospheric air. Very limited precipitation of secondary phases along the fiber matrix interface was observed in the microstructure. Most of the secondary phases identified in the matrix in the interfiber regions included Al20Cu2Mn3, AlSiMnFe or Al2Cu within interfiber regions. Other interfacial reaction products detected were Cu- and Si-based spinels in the CF composite and an amorphous Al–C–O layer in the GRF composite. In both composites, Al4C3 was detected but its frequency of occurrence was rather low, particularly in the GRF composite interfaces. The formation of relatively clean GRF/matrix interfaces in the GRF composite suggests nucleation of primary alpha-aluminum phase on some parts of graphite fiber surface; the orientation relationship between GRF and aluminum appears to be (0 2 0)Al//(0 0 0 2)GRF in the present study.
Synthetic Approaches to (smif)2Ti (smif = 1,3-di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azaallyl) Reveal Redox Non-Innocence and C-C Bond-Formation

Attempted syntheses of (smif)(2)Ti (smif =1,3-di-(2-pyridyl)-2-azaallyl) based on metatheses of TiCl(n)L(m) (n = 2-4) with M(smif) (M = Li, Na), in the presence of a reducing agent (Na/Hg) when necessary, failed, but several apparent Ti(II) species were identified by X-ray crystallography and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy: (smif){Li(smif-smif)}Ti (1, X-ray), [(smif)Ti](2)(μ-κ(3),κ(3)-N,N(py)(2)-smif,smif) (2), (smif)Ti(κ(3)-N,N(py)(2)-smif,(smif)H) (3), and (smif)Ti(dpma) (4, dpma = di-2-pyridylmethyl-amide). NMR spectroscopy and K-edge XAS showed that each compound possesses ligands that are redox noninnnocent, such that d(1) Ti(III) centers AF-couple to ligand radicals: (smif){Li(smif-smif)(2-)}Ti(III) (1), [(smif(2-))Ti(III)](2)(μ-κ(3),κ(3)-N,N(py)(2)-smif,smif) (2), [(smif(2-))Ti(III)](κ(3)-N,N(py)(2)-smif,(smif)H) (3), and (smif(2-))Ti(III)(dpma) (4). The instability of (smif)(2)Ti relative to its C-C coupled dimer, 2, is rationalized via the complementary nature of the amide and smif radical dianion ligands, which are also common to 3 and 4. Calculations support this contention.
Probing the electronic structure of nanotube peapods with the scanning tunneling microscope

The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is a powerful tool for examining the electronic structure of carbon nanostructures. We describe experiments in which the STM’s capabilities for atomic scale imaging, spectroscopy, and nanoscale manipulation have been used to examine isolated fullerene peapod structures. These measurements demonstrate that the array of encapsulated C60 molecules in a peapod induce periodic modifications in the nanotube’s local electronic structure. To understand these findings, we develop a theory for the mixing of the nanotubes’ electronic states and C60s’ orbitals. The theory provides a good description of the prominent features of the peapods’ local electronic structure as probed by STM spectroscopy.
A 100-channel near-infrared SOI waveguide microspectrometer: design and fabrication challenges

We present recent advances in the development of a waveguide microspectrometer chip with high spectral resolution in the near-infrared part of the spectrum. The microspectrometer is designed for a high index contrast silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform, where high number of spectral channels can be obtained with high spectral resolution in a compact device. We present a 100-channel SOI microspectrometer with designed spectral resolution of ~0.08 nm at 1.5 μm wavelength and about 8x8 mm2 in size. A number of critical design issues are discussed, including design of deep-etched tapers near the Rowland circle required for high-resolution performance as well as coupling between closely spaced waveguides. Device fabrication process is discussed in detail, including two-step e-beam patterning and two-level ICP etches, the focus being on achieving deep and smooth vertical etches in silicon with controllable sub-micron waveguide widths and gaps. The potentially available spectral range of the microspectrometer is limited by the transparency of silicon, extending from the band edge of Si at 1.107 μm to the onset of lattice phonon absorption band near 5 μm. Such compact high-resolution multi-channel integrated microspectrometers are promising for a variety of applications, including spectroscopy, telecommunications, optical interconnects, environmental and bio-sensing.
Structural stability of the Laves phase Cr2Ta in a two-phase Cr-Cr2Ta alloy

Abstract Detailed microstructural analysis of a two-phase alloy of composition Cr–9.8 at.% Ta and lying in the Cr–Cr2Ta region of the Cr–Ta binary system confirmed that the existing phase diagram is inaccurate; in the cast and annealed condition (1273 K/24 h), blocky primary Cr2Ta precipitates were observed although the phase diagram indicates the eutectic composition to be ∼13 at.% Ta. The eutectic structure is composed of Cr solid solution and the Laves phase Cr2Ta; the morphology is primarily lamellar although the rod morphology was occasionally observed. The Laves phase eutectic microconstituent exhibits the C14 (2H) hexagonal structure with a low stacking fault (basal faults) density and an average composition corresponding to 28.5 at.% Ta. After a prolonged high-temperature anneal (1573 K/168 h), the morphology breaks down to form discrete particles of Cr2Ta; the C14, C36 and C15 structures were all recognized in this annealed condition, often more than one form being present in a single precipitate. The C15 structure was not twinned but contained some stacking faults on the {111} planes. Composition measurements confirmed that these structural transformations were accompanied by composition changes, the precipitates becoming more Ta-rich as they transitioned from the C14 via the C36 to the C15 phase. These observations are coupled with the results from earlier studies to present a discussion on factors that influence the stability and C14/C36/C15 transformation kinetics.
Recombination-induced variants of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 with increased solvent production.

Three sporulation-specific genes (orfA, sigE, sigG) from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 are arranged in a cluster, encoding the putative σE-processing enzyme, σE, and σG respectively. When they were transformed into Clostridium acetobutylicum while on a plasmid functional in this organism, transformants did not survive. Three kinds of recombinations were then attempted with nonreplicative plasmids: duplication of orfA and sigE, replacement of all of the three genes, and inactivation of orfA. While the wild-type strain ceased to grow and produce solvents in batch cultures after approximately 24 h, mutant strains were isolated that showed sustained growth for a much longer time and produced a threefold increase in acetone and butanol in test tube cultures. In addition, one of the derived strains showed a significantly higher growth rate. Features of the restriction maps of the recombinants did not correlate with expected maps, indicating possible complications occurring during the recombination events.
Nietzsche's Dangerous Game: Philosophy in the Twilight of the Idols

This 1997 work is a book-length treatment of the unique nature and development of Nietzsche's post-Zarathustran political philosophy. This later political philosophy is set in the context of the critique of modernity that Nietzsche advances in the years 1885–1888, in such texts as Beyond Good and Evil, On the Genealogy of Morals, Twilight of the Idols, The Antichrist, The Case of Wagner, and Ecce Homo. In this light Nietzsche's own diagnosis of the ills of modernity is subject to the same criticism that he himself levelled against previous philosophies; that it is an involuntary symptom of the age it represents. Nietzsche is seen to be aware of his own decadence and of his complicity with the very tendencies that he dissects and deplores. By relating the political philosophy, the critique of modernity and the theory of decadence Daniel Conway has written a powerful book about Nietzsche's own appreciation of the limitations of both his writing style and of his famous prophetic 'stance'.
Analyzing Diffusion by Analogy with Consolidation

The analogy between Terzaghi's governing equation for consolidation and Fick's governing equation for diffusion (i.e., Fick's second law) is used as the basis for analyzing diffusion of aqueous miscible solutes (e.g., contaminants) in saturated porous media. Based on this analogy, one-dimensional analytical (closed-form) solutions to the consolidation equation can be transformed into one-dimensional analytical solutions to Fick's second law. The general methodology for transforming the analytical solutions in terms of solute concentration, solute mass flux, and cumulative solute mass is presented, and the concepts of degree of diffusion and average degree of diffusion are introduced. Analytical solutions are presented for a variety of initial and boundary conditions. Application of the methodology is illustrated through an example analysis for a problem involving matrix diffusion associated with pump-and-treat remediation. The example analysis illustrates the ability to analyze relatively complex problems involving diffusive solute transport based on the analogy between consolidation and diffusion.
Multilayer-relaxation geometry and electronic structure of a W(111) surface.

The multilayer-relaxation geometry of a tungsten (111) surface has been calculated using both a first-principles approach within the local-density approximation and an empirical approach using an embedded-atom-type potential with angular forces. Both calculations predict the same relaxation pattern of a triplet of W layers moving toward each other and an expansion of the layer spacing between each triplet. The first-principles calculations were carried out for three-, five-, and seven-layer thin films using mixed-basis pseudopotential techniques and including scalar-relativistic interactions. Within these approximations, the electronic structure of the W(111) surface is characterized by a surface resonance near the Fermi level and near the Γ point of the surface Brillouin zone, which is insensitive to surface relaxation
Follow-up of intracranial aneurysms in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Follow-up of intracranial aneurysms in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. Background Approximately 8% of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients have intracranial aneurysms. The risk of growth and rupture of those discovered by presymptomatic screening is key to the feasibility and success of a screening program. This study was initiated to ascertain this risk. Methods ADPKD patients were offered screening with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging that included three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiographic and three-dimensional phase-contrast sequences. Patients with aneurysms were recommended periodic surveillance, initially at 6months and yearly, and less frequently after demonstration of their stability. Results Twenty-two saccular and one fusiform aneurysms were detected at the initial screening in 21 patients from 19 families (seven men and 14 women, 47.9 ± 10.6years old). All the saccular aneurysms were small (mean diameter 3.5mm, range 2.0 to 6.5mm) and the majority (77%) in the anterior circulation. Two patients died from unrelated causes without further follow-up. One patient was lost to follow-up. A new 2mm middle cerebral artery aneurysm developed in one patient. One aneurysm increased from a size of 4mm to 5mm after a follow-up of 105months. No aneurysmal development or growth occurred in the remaining 16 patients. No aneurysmal rupture occurred during a mean imaging follow-up of 81months and a mean clinical follow-up of 92months. During the period of the study, two additional ADPKD patients, with three intracranial aneurysms detected elsewhere by presymptomatic MR angiographic screening, were referred for surgical treatment. The larger size of these aneurysms (10, 8, and 8mm) probably reflects referral bias. Conclusion Most intracranial aneurysms detected by presymptomatic screening in ADPKD patients are small and in the anterior circulation. The follow-up results do not suggest an increased risk for growth and rupture, compared to those of intracranial aneurysms in the general population. These data do not support widespread screening for intracranial aneurysms in the ADPKD population.
Crystalline magnetic carbon nanoparticle assisted photothermal delivery into cells using CW near-infrared laser beam

Crystalline magnetic carbon nanoparticle assisted photothermal delivery into cells using CW near-infrared laser beam
A Note on John Smibert's Italian Sojourn

In William Dunlap's History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the United States (1834) John Smibert (1688-1751) is rightly accorded a place comparable to that of the first Tuscan artists in Vasari. Indeed, the analogy goes further, for it is to his Italian sojourn that Smibert owes much of his rise from a modest role in the history of British art to a pivotal position in the history of American painting.