cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accurate FRET Measurements within Single Diffusing Biomolecules Using Alternating-Laser Excitation

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a donor (D) and an acceptor (A) at the single-molecule level currently provides qualitative information about distance, and quantitative information about kinetics of distance changes. Here, we used the sorting ability of confocal microscopy equipped with alternating-laser excitation (ALEX) to measure accurate FRET efficiencies and distances from single molecules, using corrections that account for cross-talk terms that contaminate the FRET-induced signal, and for differences in the detection efficiency and quantum yield of the probes. ALEX yields accurate FRET independent of instrumental factors, such as excitation intensity or detector alignment. Using DNA fragments, we showed that ALEX-based distances agree well with predictions from a cylindrical model of DNA; ALEX-based distances fit better to theory than distances obtained at the ensemble level. Distance measurements within transcription complexes agreed well with ensemble-FRET measurements, and with structural models based on ensemble-FRET and x-ray crystallography. ALEX can benefit structural analysis of biomolecules, especially when such molecules are inaccessible to conventional structural methods due to heterogeneity or transient nature.
Diffusion tensor imaging in normal aging and neuropsychiatric disorders.

The application of diffusion imaging to the quantitative study of the effects of normal aging and neuropsychiatric diseases on brain tissue microstructure has witnessed its greatest development just over the last few years. Measures derived from diffusion imaging have already been shown to have great utility in identifying age- and disease-related degradation of regional microstructure, particularly of white matter. Investigations comparing diagnoses hold promise for contribution to differential diagnosis. Correlations with cognitive and motor performance provide evidence for functional ramifications of these diffusion measures.
Towards a Metatheory of the African Personality

A metatheory is one way of organizing theories on a given subject in a coherent conceptual framework. The theories usually are separate, distinct, and sometimes disparate. Organization of the given field is thereby achieved. This article specifies the minimum requisites that are necessary for a metatheory of the African (Black) personality construct. Through application of the metatheory idea, it is argued that an African persondality metatheory must at least explain the nature of the spiritual essence underlying human personality, how this spiritual essence impacts on the psychological functioning of African people, the interplay between the spiritual, mental, and physical dimensions of the human being, and how this interplay impacts African psychological functioning. This position is taken based upon an analysis of recent theorization about the African personality.
Estimating shear-wave splitting parameters from broadband recordings in Japan : A comparison of three methods

The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of different splitting measurement techniques in the particularly complicated tectonic setting of subduction beneath Japan. We use data from the broadband Japanese F-net array and consider the methods of Silver and Chan (1991), Levin et al. (1999), and Chevrot (2000). We find that the results generally agree well, although discrepancies arise if the anisotropy beneath the station is more complex than the simple single-layer an- isotropic model often assumed in splitting studies. A combination of multichannel and single-record methods may serve as a powerful tool for recognizing complexities and for characterizing upper-mantle anisotropy beneath a station.
Microsecond folding experiments and simulations: a match is made

For the past two decades, protein folding experiments have been speeding up from the second or millisecond time scale to the microsecond time scale, and full-atom simulations have been extended from the nanosecond to the microsecond and even millisecond time scale. Where the two meet, it is now possible to compare results directly, allowing force fields to be validated and refined, and allowing experimental data to be interpreted in atomistic detail. In this perspective we compare recent experiments and simulations on the microsecond time scale, pointing out the progress that has been made in determining native structures from physics-based simulations, refining experiments and simulations to provide more quantitative underlying mechanisms, and tackling the problems of multiple reaction coordinates, downhill folding, and complex underlying structure of unfolded or misfolded states.
MODUS OPERANDI OF FEMALE SERIAL KILLERS

The modus operandi of female serial killers was examined from a chronology of 58 cases in America and 47 cases in 17 other countries, compiled over 25-year intervals. Female serial killers in other countries accounted for a disproportionately greater number of victims, but those in America managed a longer killing career when associated with a low profile modus operandi.
Dense linear algebra solvers for multicore with GPU accelerators

Solving dense linear systems of equations is a fundamental problem in scientific computing. Numerical simulations involving complex systems represented in terms of unknown variables and relations between them often lead to linear systems of equations that must be solved as fast as possible. We describe current efforts toward the development of these critical solvers in the area of dense linear algebra (DLA) for multicore with GPU accelerators. We describe how to code/develop solvers to effectively use the high computing power available in these new and emerging hybrid architectures. The approach taken is based on hybridization techniques in the context of Cholesky, LU, and QR factorizations. We use a high-level parallel programming model and leverage existing software infrastructure, e.g. optimized BLAS for CPU and GPU, and LAPACK for sequential CPU processing. Included also are architecture and algorithm-specific optimizations for standard solvers as well as mixed-precision iterative refinement solvers. The new algorithms, depending on the hardware configuration and routine parameters, can lead to orders of magnitude acceleration when compared to the same algorithms on standard multicore architectures that do not contain GPU accelerators. The newly developed DLA solvers are integrated and freely available through the MAGMA library.
The Eclipse of August, 1932, Observed by Radio Facsimile

In connection with the eclipse of August, 1932, a good deal of interest was shown in the theory of the corpuscular shadow which was expected during the two hours before the optical eclipse. A radio receiving station equipped to take continuous facsimile records of a signal from Schenectady was therefore set up at Conway, New Hampshire. The records showed a marked change in conditions during the period of the expected corpuscular shadow. This paper contains samples of the facsimile records and an interpretation of the phenomena observed.
Angiotensin IV AT4-receptor system in the rat kidney.

Angiotensin IV, {[des-Asp1,Arg2]ANG II or ANG-(3—8)}, has been shown to preferentially bind to a novel angiotensin binding site (AT4receptor). The cellular location and function of this receptor in...
The Export Clause

This article examines the origins and meaning of the Export Clause in Article I, section 9 of the United States Constitution, which provides that "[n]o Tax or duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State." Part I of the article considers the original understanding of the Export Clause, concluding that, without the Clause, the Constitution would not have been adopted. In light of the Export Clause's significance in the constitutional structure, Part II examines the Supreme Court's decisions in United States v. International Business Machines Corp., 517 U.S. 843 (1996) (IBM), and United States v. United States Shoe Corp., 523 U.S. 360 (1998) (U.S. Shoe), where the Court struck down two levies (an excise on premiums paid to foreign insurers and the Harbor Maintenance Tax) that violated the Export Clause. Part III of the article makes several points. First, the author defends the tax-versus-user-fee distinction accepted by the Court in U.S. Shoe against an argument in the literature that the Clause precludes all levies affecting exports. Second, recognizing that the Export Clause should not be interpreted to preclude taxes with a tangential connection to exportation, the author provides guidance on the circumstances in which taxes of general application and taxes on goods and services related to exportation may implicate the Clause, and discusses the cases that have considered when a good has entered the stream of exportation (and thus can no longer be subject to taxation). Furthermore, the author argues that the Clause should be interpreted liberally: if there is doubt about its application, the doubt ought to be resolved in favor of protecting the Clause. The author questions the Supreme Court's assumption that the Export Clause is unique - that principles from Export Clause cases should not be applied to the analysis of other taxing provisions in the Constitution and that principles developed elsewhere should not be applied to the Export Clause. In particular, the author argues that the distinction between taxes and user fees has relevance in several constitutional contexts; that the principles used for determining whether a tax is "on" exports ought to be conformed for purposes of the Export Clause and the Import Export Clause (which restricts state taxing authority); and that the Court's willingness to analyze the validity of levies under the Export Clause ought to be extended to the interpretation of other provisions as well.
Subsidizing Liquidity or Subsidizing Markets? Safe Harbors, Derivatives, and Finance

This paper ultimately seeks to promote a discussion that would have ideally been held before the safe harbors – defined as the provisions that allow market participants to ignore the core provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and other insolvency laws – were adopted by legislatures throughout the world. The recent financial crisis should be ample to revisit the discussion. In particular, I use this paper to push against the contention that because the safe harbors enhance liquidity in the derivatives market, that alone justifies the existence of the safe harbors.Liquidity is, in essence, “moneyness.” The safe harbors enhance the money-like qualities of one class of financial instruments by removing them from legal institutions that apply to most other classes of financial instruments. By doing so, the safe harbors convert swaps and other derivatives into a special class of contracts that are exempt from at least one area of non-contractual statutory law.I contend that granting these sort of exceptions is a zero sum game. By removing part of the costs of default from swaps, lawmakers have increased the costs that will be incurred by other financial instruments or other creditors, in other parts of the capital structure. That is, the holders of non-safe harbored financial instruments are subsidizing the safe harbored part of the capital structure. The core question is whether that subsidy – which we are told is vital to the very existence of the derivatives market – is worth more than its cost? The costs of the subsidy include any increase in the cost of other, non-safe harbored financial instruments, the costs to involuntary creditors who are unable to price the safe harbors at all, and the larger social costs of undermining legal institutions designed “to prevent a debtor from going into liquidation, with an attendant loss of jobs and possible misuse of economic resources.” By subsidizing liquidity for swaps, and thus facilitating the growth of the swaps market, we are incurring these costs. Is it worth it? My analysis herein suggests reason for doubt. We need to have the conversation.
Utilization of sorghum distillers dried grains in extruded and steam pelleted shrimp diets.

Use of distillers dried grain with solubles from sorghum (sDDGS) was studied with respect to processing and physicochemical quality of shrimp feed, followed by growth trials with Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp). Shrimp diets with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% sDDGS inclusion, as a replacement for soybean meal, were produced using extrusion and steam pelleting. Bulk density of extruded feed (0.53–0.58 g cm−3) was lower than that of pelleted feed (0.61–0.65 g cm−3), although sDDGS level did not have an impact. Finished diets were 100% sinking, with some exceptions in the case of extruded feed. Pellet durability index (89.4–96.3%) had an increasing trend up to 20% and 30% sDDGS for extruded and pelleted diets respectively. Extruded feed had higher degree of gelatinization than pelleted feed, although proportion of gelatinized starch generally decreased with sDDGS level. Water stability (76.2–91.6%) was higher for extruded feed as compared to pelleted feed, and remained unchanged or decreased with sDDGS level. The extruded and pelleted diets were evaluated in two growth trials with L. vannamei for duration of 9 and 6 weeks in 40 and 60 tanks (initial weight 0.36–0.38 g; 10 shrimps per tank) respectively. Significant differences were not observed in final mean weight and survival with respect to sDDGS level, indicating that up to 40% of this novel protein source can be used in feed formulations without affecting the performance of L. vannamei. Comparison of extruded feed with pelleted feed for impact on mean weight and feed conversion ratio did not yield conclusive results.
Excitatory synapses are stronger in the hippocampus of Rett syndrome mice due to altered synaptic trafficking of AMPA-type glutamate receptors

Deficits in long-term potentiation (LTP) at central excitatory synapses are thought to contribute to cognitive impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability and autism. Using the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (Mecp2) knockout (KO) mouse model of Rett syndrome, we show that naive excitatory synapses onto hippocampal pyramidal neurons of symptomatic mice have all of the hallmarks of potentiated synapses. Stronger Mecp2 KO synapses failed to undergo LTP after either theta-burst afferent stimulation or pairing afferent stimulation with postsynaptic depolarization. On the other hand, basal synaptic strength and LTP were not affected in slices from younger presymptomatic Mecp2 KO mice. Furthermore, spine synapses in pyramidal neurons from symptomatic Mecp2 KO are larger and do not grow in size or incorporate GluA1 subunits after electrical or chemical LTP. Our data suggest that LTP is occluded in Mecp2 KO mice by already potentiated synapses. The higher surface levels of GluA1-containing receptors are consistent with altered expression levels of proteins involved in AMPA receptor trafficking, suggesting previously unidentified targets for therapeutic intervention for Rett syndrome and other MECP2-related disorders.
Radiographic evidence of prominent retro and suborbicularis oculi fat in thyroid-associated orbitopathy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To compare the radiological differences in retro-orbicularis oculi fat (ROOF) and suborbiculars oculi fat (SOOF) among patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) and normal subjects using computed tomography (CT).Methods: A retrospective analysis of orbital CTs was performed in 39 consecutive patients, who were imaged between October 2005 and June 2009. Bilateral orbital CTs of 16 patients with a final report significant for thyroid orbitopathy and 23 normal subjects were evaluated. All of the CTs consisted of 0.75 mm thick axial slices with 1.5 mm coronal reconstructions. Using the axial soft tissue windows, the ROOF and SOOF tissues were identified. The maximum ROOF thickness was measured perpendicular to the frontal bone, immediately superior to the supraorbital rim. Similarly, the maximum SOOF thickness was measured perpendicular to the zygomatic bone, immediately inferolateral to the infraorbital rim. The radiologist was blinded to the CT reports while conducting the measurem...
Visual methodologies and participatory action research: Performing women’s community-based health promotion in post-Katrina New Orleans

ABSTRACTRecovery from disaster and displacement involves multiple challenges including accompanying survivors, documenting effects, and rethreading community. This paper demonstrates how African-American and Latina community health promoters and white university-based researchers engaged visual methodologies and participatory action research (photoPAR) as resources in cross-community praxis in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of New Orleans. Visual techniques, including but not limited to photonarratives, facilitated the health promoters’: (1) care for themselves and each other as survivors of and responders to the post-disaster context; (2) critical interrogation of New Orleans’ entrenched pre- and post-Katrina structural racism as contributing to the racialised effects of and responses to Katrina; and (3) meaning-making and performances of women’s community-based, cross-community health promotion within this post-disaster context. This feminist antiracist participatory action research proj...
CHANGE IN REACTIVITY OF GRANULAR COAL INJECTED IN ROTARY KILN AT DISCHARGE END AND ITS EFFECT ON ORE REDUCTION

By pulverized coal injection at the discharge end of kiln,coal is heated at a high speed and the structure of coal particles is changed greatly with an increase in reactivity of coal with carbon dioxide.The expression of the relationship between coal gasification rate constant(K_m)and heating speed(v_t)is K_m=Av_t~B.The relationship between pellet reduction rate and K_m,is approximatly linear.The research work has discovered that the reduction could be speeded up in kiln by pulverized coal injection at the discharge end.
Advance in clinical and imaging of chronic granulomatous disease in children

Chronic granulomatous disease(CGD) is a rare immunodeficiency disease,which is x-link or autosomal inheritance.The essential quality contributes to the inability of phagocytic cells.This causes recurrent serious inflammation from childhood and every system all over the body is involved.This article reviews the advance in clinical and imaging progress of chronic granulomatous disease in children.
AnergiX.RA Corixa.

Corixa (formerly Anergen), in collaboration with Organon, is developing AnergiX.RA, a complex of solubilized HLA DRB1-0401(a) together with a specific peptide from the human cartilage glycoprotein HCgp39, for the potential treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [307156]. Phase I/II trials were completed in April 2000 and the final results from the randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study are expected later this year [363409]. The product utilizes Anergen's AnergiX technology, and combines an MHC-derived protein with an Organon autoantigen peptide, derived from myelin basic protein and involved in the development of RA [212659,363409]. Engagement of T-cell receptors with AnergiX.RA induces apoptosis in autoreactive T-cells [227421]. Researchers at Organon identified the central component in AnergiX.RA; results from preclinical studies identifying this target protein were published in June 1997 in Arthritis & Rheumatism. Researchers demonstrated that HC (human cartilage) gp39 is recognized by T-cells from RA patients and has the potential to block arthritis in the mouse model [248543,354821].
The legacy of a great researcher

This article presents examples of the monumental contributions of Bill McCune to mathematics, logic, computer science, and especially automated reasoning. The examples are presented in the form of short stories and recollections of the author during his long association with Bill. In addition to Bill's accomplishments as a researcher, the author provides personal memories giving glimpses into Bill's complex personality and his generosity as a collaborator.
An outcomes-based grading scale for the evaluation of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow diversion

Object Despite the popularity of flow-diverting stents for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, there is no widely accepted scale for the characterization of results. We present an outcomes-based grading scale that considers factors related to failure of flow diversion. Methods The grading scale was developed using the results from consecutive patients at two institutions who were treated with flow diversion for a cerebral aneurysm. The initial treatment results were graded on patient, aneurysm, and treatment characteristics. A 6-point grading scale was developed based on these data. Results One hundred and seventy-one patients were included in the patient cohort. When compared by multivariate analysis with patients without residuals, patients with aneurysm residuals were found to be older (age ≥60 years, p=0.01, OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.33), to have larger aneurysms (size ≥15 mm, p Conclusions We propose a novel straightforward outcomes-based scale to characterize results after flow diversion treatment of cerebral aneurysms. This scale may provide the basis for the common reporting of results in future studies.
91. Development of Optimized [“Opt”] AAV Vectors by Combining Capsid-Modified NextGen and Genome-Modified GenX AAV Vectors for High-Efficiency Transduction at Further Reduced Doses

There is little doubt that AAV did not evolve for the purposes of delivery of therapeutic genes. The use of first generation AAV vectors, albeit successful, is unlikely to reach its full potential. We have described the development of capsid-modified next generation [NextGen] AAV vectors for both AAV2 (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 105: 7827-7832, 2008; Mol Ther., 18: 2048-2056, 2010; Vaccine, 30: 3908-3917, 2012; PLoS One, 8: e59142, 2013) and AAV3 (Gene Ther., 19: 375-384, 2012; Hum Gene Ther., 25: 1023-1034, 2014) serotypes, in which specific surface-exposed tyrosine (Y), serine (S), threonine (T), and lysine (K) residues on viral capsids were modified to achieve high-efficiency transduction at lower doses Fig. 1AFig. 1A). We have also described the development of genome-modified generation X [GenX] AAV vectors (J Virol., 89: 952-961, 2015), in which the transcriptionally-inactive, single-stranded AAV genome was modified to achieve improved transgene expression (Fig. 1BFig. 1B). Thus, we reasoned that encapsidation of GenX AAV genomes into NextGen AAV capsid might lead to further increased transduction at further reduced vector doses. To this end, the following sets of ssAAV2 as well as ssAAV3 serotype vectors containing the firefly luciferase (Fluc) reporter gene were generated: (i) wild-type (WT) genome and Y444+500+730F+T492V AAV2 quadruple-mutant (QM) capsid (WT-Fluc-AAV2/QM); (ii) two GenX genomes and AAV2 QM capsid (LC1-Fluc-AAV2/QM and LC2-Fluc-AAV2/QM); (iii) WT genome and S663V+T492V AAV3 double-mutant (DM) capsid (WT-Fluc-AAV3/DM); and (iv) two GenX genomes and AAV3 DM capsid (LC1-Fluc-AAV3/DM and LC2-Fluc-AAV3/DM). The combination of the modified-genomes with the capsid-mutants led to ~5-6-fold increase with both AAV2 and AAV3 serotype vectors following transduction of a human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line, Huh7, at an MOI of 1,000 vgs/cell under identical conditions in vitro. When male C57BL/6 mice were injected via tail-vein with WT-Fluc-AAV2/QM, LC1-Fluc-AAV2/QM, and LC2-Fluc-AAV2/QM vectors at a relatively low dose of 5×109 vgs/mouse, the AAV2 QM capsid-mutant vectors led to ~6-10-fold increase in transgene expression in the liver. Similarly, when WT-Fluc-AAV3/DM, LC1-Fluc-AAV3/DM, and LC2-Fluc-AAV3/DM vectors were injected via tail-vein in NSG mice xenografted with human liver tumors at relatively low dose of 3×109 vgs/mouse, led to ~5-8-fold increase with the combination of modified-genomes with the AAV3 DM capsid-mutant vectors, which was restricted to human liver tumors. Taken together, these data document that the combination of NextGen capsids and GenX genomes leads to the generation of optimized [Opt] AAV serotype vectors (Fig. 1CFig. 1C), which transduce cells and tissues more efficiently, both in vitro and in vivo, at significantly reduced doses. These studies have significant implications in the potential use of the Opt AAV serotype vectors in human gene therapy.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Price variation in the most commonly prescribed ear drops in Southern California.

Objectives/hypothesis To evaluate the variability and discrepancies among the most commonly prescribed ear drops sold at pharmacies in southern California. Study design Prospective study evaluating 11 commonly used ear drops to treat otologic disorders. Methods Randomly selected drug stores in three major counties in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego) were included. Mean, range, minimum, and maximum prices for each drug were calculated and analyzed. The median income of pharmacy ZIP code was also cross-referenced. Results Data were collected from 108 pharmacies. The mean prices are noted for each of the individual drugs: Cortisporin (brand) 10 mL, $82.70; neomycin, polymyxin B sulfates, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin-generic) 10 mL, $34.70; ofloxacin (generic) 10 mL, $99.95; sulfacetamide (generic) 15 mL, $40.18; Ciprodex (brand) 7.5 mL, $194.44; Cipro HC (brand) 10 mL, $233.32; Vosol (brand) 15 mL, $120.75; acetic acid (Vosol-generic) 10 mL, $116.55; VosolHC (brand) 10 mL, $204.14; acetic acid/aluminum acetate (Domeboro-generic) 60 mL, $22.91; and Tobradex (brand) 5 mL, $166.47. Conclusions There is significant variability among the prices of ear drops across Southern Californian pharmacies, which can be a financial burden to patients paying out of pocket or with high deductibles. A state-mandated, publically accessible report of drug prices may help decrease variability and cost by promoting competition among pharmacies. Price negotiations by governmental payers may assist in reducing prices. In the treatment of otologic disorders, clinicians can help reduce costs for patients by prescribing generic ear drop medications and cheaper alternatives when clinically appropriate. Level of evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1780-1784, 2017.
Hallucination: A mixed-initiative approach for efficient document reconstruction

We introduce a mixed-initiative approach for document reconstruction that can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort required to reassemble a document from shredded pieces or an artifact from broken fragments. We focus in particular on the hardest subproblem, which is the problem of identifying a matching neighbor for any given piece. Our approach, called hallucination, combines human and machine intelligence by leveraging people’s ability to draw what a neighboring piece may look like, and then using the drawing as a template based on which the computer computes likely matches. Experiments on a puzzle from the DARPA Shredder Challenge demonstrate that the hallucination approach significantly reduces the search space for identifying a match, outperforming humans and computers working in isolation.
Accidental communities: Chance operations in urban life and field research:

This article explores themes of chance and contingency in relation to field research I carried out in a network of outdoor newspaper libraries in Pune, India. Appearing amid the city’s transformati...
The Four Dimensions of Historical Memory

This chapter presents a framework to understand the functions of historical memory in different political and cultural settings. By measuring the levels of high or low-context of historical memory, political usage of historical memory, reconciliation between historically feuding parties, and openness and diversity of opinions regarding historical issues, it will help identify how historical memory affects a particular state, society, or people. Different levels and compilations of these four dimensions would provide indicators to understand the function of historical memory and the level of potential conflict between different states.
CD34+ Enrichment and T-Cell Depletion

For many patients with hematological or solid organ malignancies, stem cell transplant is a critical component of their treatment. The field of hematopoietic cell transplantation is rapidly evolving as is our understanding of cellular immunity. Along with this knowledge has come the ability to engineer hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) grafts collected from allogeneic donors in the clinical laboratory. Methods including CD34+ enrichment and T-cell depletion have proven to mitigate graft-versus-host disease while maintaining graft-versus-tumor effect and the ability to reconstitute the marrow. In addition, the ability to remove unwanted T cells has enabled the successful implementation of haploidentical transplants for patients that do not have HLA-matched donors. However, there remain challenges and limitations to cell selection from a laboratory and resource perspective. Each procedure is costly and time-consuming, and not all laboratories have the capability of handling these complex procedures.
Authoritarian Participatory Persuasion 2.0: Netizens as Thought Work Collaborators in China

In the reform era, management of information by the Chinese Communist Party has been continuously moving away from explicit, crude tactics of the past toward more subtle and orderly mechanisms of t...
Wider Shoes for Wider Feet

From a very young age, shoes for boys tend to be wider than shoes for girls. Is this because boys have wider feet, or because it is assumed that girls are willing to sacrifice comfort for fashion, ...
The Virus as the Etiologic Agent of Infectious Mononucleosis

The world-wide distribution and high incidence of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (see Chap. 4) strongly suggested that the virus might be the unsuspected cause of a common disease, besides its association with two rare malignancies i.e., Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Consequently, numerous paired acute-phase and convalescent sera from patients with unidentifiable infections of presumably viral origin were examined for an emergence or increase in titer of antibodies to EBV. While these efforts in search of a disease caused by the virus were initially unrewarding, they prepared the stage for what appeared to be a fortuitous observation and led to the identification of EBV as the long-sought cause of infectious mononucleosis (IM).
East Asian Studies: Geography

Geographic analysis of East Asia has in part followed traditional modes of scholarly inquiry in the social sciences, through the use of empirically based studies of the location and spatial arrangements of various human phenomena associated with the economic and social development of China, Japan, and the Koreas. More recently, new theories and conceptual approaches that seek explanations through the analysis of social and political structures and their ties to the economy at local and regional scales have also been used. Geographic studies have centered on analysis of regional development, investment, trade, urbanization, and migration in China, while studies of Japan and Korea have focused more on the changing nature of the firm-centered economy and its impact on industrial location and investments at the local, national, and global levels. Rapid economic growth and structural transformation of the economies and societies in East Asia have prompted geographers to examine these topics, although pressing matters in geopolitics and military/security issues have been ignored. Humanistic and cultural studies also continue with an emphasis on examining individual cities such as Beijing and Tokyo and investigating the relationships among landscape, people, and cultures. New methodologies for acquiring and analyzing spatial data such as remote sensing and geographic information science (GIS) have also changed the manner in which such data are examined, and the effects of these methodologies may hold the greatest promise for expanding environmental studies of East Asia and the human–environment relationships that are crucial for future development of the region and its 1.5 billion people.
Development and scale-up of a gas-promoted oil agglomeration process for coal beneficiation

The important characteristics of a gas-promoted oil agglomeration process for cleaning coal particles in an aqueous suspension were determined. Numerous agglomeration tests with scale-model mixing systems of different sizes with controlled amounts of air were conducted. The tests were conducted on high- and medium-volatile bituminous coals using either i-octane or hexadecane as an oily agglomerant. The performance of the system was characterized by employing the minimum time required to produce spherical agglomerates (tE), the mean agglomerate diameter (dp), coal recovery and product ash content. Among these parameters, tE was found the most useful. It is a key parameter in the scale-up of an agglomeration mixing system. This parameter was found to depend on a number of system and operating variables. By controlling these variables and conducting further agglomeration tests with mixing systems that varied in size, an appropriate size scale-up rule was established.
Evaluation of Selective Postemergence Herbicides for Yellow Nutsedge Control and Loblolly and Slash Pine Seedling Tolerance

Abstract Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is a difficult weed to control in conifer nurseries. Soil fumigation with methyl bromide has been used to control yellow nutsedge for years but may not...
Testing Stylistic Interventions to Reduce Emotional Impact in Content Moderation Workers

With the rise in user generated content, there is a greater need for content reviews. While machines and technology play a critical role in content moderation, the need for manual reviews still remains. It is known that such manual reviews could be emotionally challenging. We test the effects of simple interventions like grayscaling and blurring to reduce the emotional impact of such reviews. We demonstrate this by bringing in interventions in a live content review setup thus allowing us to maximize external validity. We use a pre-test post-test experiment design and measure review quality, average handling time and emotional affect using the PANAS scale. We find that simple grayscale transformations can provide an easy to implement and use solution that can significantly change the emotional impact of content reviews. We observe, however, that a full blur intervention can be challenging to reviewers.
Growth Measurement Practices from a National Survey of Neonatal Nurses.

Abstract Purpose To describe neonatal nurses' growth measurement practices, attitudes, knowledge, bases of practice knowledge, and barriers and facilitators for changing practice; and to identify differences in practices and knowledge by nursing organization, unit type, education, and experience. Design and methods A cross-sectional online survey of U.S. neonatal nurses was distributed through two neonatal nursing organizations. Results The survey was completed by 301 nurses. Some evidence-based practices (EBPs) were infrequently reported including recording frontal-occipital head circumference (FOC) and length using 0.1 cm increments (17.9% and 17.6%, respectively); measuring FOC, weight, and length more than once before recording (61.9%, 27.2%, and 39.6%, respectively); and for length, using a length board instead of tape measure (19.4%), with a second person assisting (25.1%), with Frankfort plane head positioning (3.3%), and measuring from crown to heels of both feet (19.1%). Most nurses perceived their measurements as accurate or highly accurate (96.7% for FOC, 99.3% for weight, and 87.1% for length). The mean percentage correct on knowledge items was 68.1%. NICU nurses scored slightly better than well-newborn nurses (mean 69.3% correct vs. 65.1% correct, p = .04). Most based measurement practices on clinical practice guidelines (86.6%) and unit policies and procedures (85.9%). Team culture (33.3%) and insufficient resources (32.6%) were the most common barriers to EBP. The support of nurse managers (70.0%) and unit educators (68.5%) were common facilitators. Conclusions and implications Knowledge gaps and practice improvement areas were identified. Results can inform interventions to improve the accuracy and reliability of neonatal growth measurement practices.
Optimization of Cybersecurity Investment Strategies in the Smart Grid Using Game-Theory

With the increasing penetration of cyber systems in the power grid, it is becoming increasingly imperative to deploy adequate security measures all across the grid to secure it against any kind of cyber threat. Since financial resources for investment in security are limited, optimal allocation of these cybersecurity resources in the grid is extremely important. At the same time, optimization of these investments proves to be challenging due to the uncertain behavior of attackers and the dynamically changing threat landscape. Existing solutions for this problem either do not address the dynamic behavior of adversaries or lack in the practical feasibility of the defense models. This paper addresses the problem of optimizing investment strategies in the cybersecurity infrastructure of a smart grid using a game-theoretic approach. The attacker is modeled using various attacker profiles which represent the possible types of adversaries in the context of CPS. Each profile has certain characteristics to bring out the aspect of uncertain behavior of the adversaries. The defender is modeled with various pragmatic characteristics that can be easily translated to the real-world grid scenarios for implementation. These characteristics include the standards laid down by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) commonly known as the NERC-CIP standards. The game-theoretic framework allows us to obtain optimal strategies that the defender of the grid can adopt to minimize its losses against the possible attack threats on the grid. The concept is illustrated by a simplistic 3-bus power system model case study which depicts how the solution can be translated to practical implementation in the actual grid.
A case of vaping-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal life support:

Introduction:An upsurge of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury has been reported in the United States. The potential role of extracorporeal life support in e-cigarette, or va...
Resource reallocation in engineered Escherichia coli strains with reduced genomes

A major challenge in synthetic biology is properly balancing evolved and engineered functions without compromising microbial fitness. Many microbial proteins are not required for growth in regular laboratory conditions, but it is unclear what fraction of the proteome can be eliminated to increase bioproduction and maintain fitness. Here, we investigated the effects of massive genome reduction in E. coli on the expression level and evolutionary stability of a model biosynthetic pathway to produce the pigment protodeoxyviolacein (PDV). We identified an amino acid metabolism imbalance and compromised growth that were correlated with elimination of genes associated with significant proteome fraction. Proteomic profiling suggested that increased amino acid pools are responsible for an alleviation of fitness defects associated with PDV expression. In addition, all strains with genome reductions that significantly affected the proteome exhibited decreased stability of PDV production compared to the wild-type strain under persistent PDV expression conditions despite the alleviation of fitness defects. These findings exhibit the importance of balancing evolved functions with engineered ones to achieve an optimal balance of fitness and bioproduction.
The end of the trade war? Effects of tariff exclusions on U.S. forest products in China

Abstract China's importance to the U.S. forestry sector and the disruptive effect of retaliatory tariffs raises questions about how U.S. forest products compete in the Chinese market. The goal of this study was to estimate China's lumber and log import demand and assess how tariffs affect the competitiveness of U.S. products compared to other exporting countries. Using a dynamic framework, we estimated import demand elasticities by exporting country and conducted simulations of China's new tariff exclusion policy for U.S. products. Results indicated that Chinese importers are highly sensitive to U.S. lumber and log prices, which could explain the significant decline in U.S. exports to China when the retaliatory tariffs were imposed. Projections suggest that tariff elimination should benefit U.S. lumber and log exports to China, primarily at the expense of Russian lumber. However, results indicate that China's new tariff exclusion policy may not be enough to get U.S. forest products back to pre-trade war levels.
Case studies in physiology: Impact of a long-distance hike on the Pacific Crest Trail on arterial function and body composition in a highly fit young male

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 4265-km hiking trail that extends from the US-Mexican border to the US-Canadian border through the mountain ranges of western North America. Individuals who hike the entire length of the trail in one season (4-6 months) perform long daily exercise durations while exposed to extreme environmental temperatures, high altitudes, intense solar radiation, and the consumption of calorie-rich, nutrient-poor diets. This case study reports changes in arterial function and body composition in a subject before and after a 112-day long-distance hike of the PCT. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, a measure of vascular endothelial function, decreased from: 6.97% to 5.00%. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, a measure of aortic stiffness, increased from 5.39 to 5.76 m/s. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans detected no major changes in total-body bone mineral density, fat mass, or lean mass, although there were minor, unfavorable changes in some subregions of the body. It is important for individuals completing a long-distance hike to be aware of the potential deleterious changes associated with large volumes of exercise and consuming a high-calorie, low-quality diet.
Experimental investigation of the leading parameters influencing the hydroplaning phenomenon

Tire hydroplaning is a phenomenon that occurs when the tire is no longer able to evacuate water from the road due to excessive speed. A water layer will then be interposed between the tire and the ...
Developing a standard platform to predict the drag coefficient of irregular shape particles

Abstract Irregular particles are very common in natural transport phenomena and industrial applications. Although numerous research studies have been conducted on irregular shape particles, there exist several issues like long list of CD correlations with numerous shape factors proposed for wide range of irregular particles. This research aimed at proposing a general CD correlation using a general shape factor applicable to various irregular shapes over a very wide range of Reynolds Number (Re). 60 reference model shapes were produced in SolidWorks® to achieve a very wide range of irregularity. A general shape factor was proposed and applied together with 16 previously proposed CD correlations to the 60 reference model shapes over a range of Re from 0.001 to 300,000 to derive a general CD correlation using nonlinear regression analysis. 60 reference model shapes were 3D printed and their CDs were experimentally measured and compared with estimated values using proposed general correlation.
Physical Characteristic, Perceptual-Motor, and Intelligence Differences between Third- and Sixth-Grade Children

Abstract The following measures were recorded for third- and sixth-grade children: height; weight; grip strength of the dominant and nondominant hands; elbow flexion and elbow extension strength; hip flexion and hip extension strength; dynamic balance; ball-throwing accuracy; speed of hand-arm movement; eye-hand coordination; stimulus discrimination and hand speed; perceptual ability; academic achievement; and intelligence. It was concluded that sixth-grade boys had, in general, the most favorable recorded measures, followed by sixth-grade girls, third-grade boys, and third-grade girls, these differences usually being significant.
The role of investment for energy conservation: Future Japanese economic growth

Abstract This article describes a variant of the Cobb-Douglas production function (the Rasche-Tatom model) which explicitly includes an energy factor. The model is applied to the Japanese economy to investigate the role of investment for energy conservation. First, the impact of rising energy prices on potential GNP and productivity is shown. Second, it is suggested that the Japanese economy will achieve a high growth rate (5.0–5.5%) in the coming five years through substitution of capital for energy, ie investment for energy conservation. An international comparison of the models is also discussed.
Chat rooms as Virtual Hangouts for rural elementary students

This article is a description of how 24 rural, 5th-grade students with home Internet access used an Internet chat application after school and how this usage changed during a one-year period. Study results have implications for curriculum design (e.g., how teachers can use chat to stimulate collaborative learning after school), student-teacher interactions (e.g., how can teachers maintain their authority in this new environment), and research (e.g., how does gender affect student usage of chat).
Darwall, Habermas, and the Fluidity of Respect

What moral commitments do we manifest when we make claims upon one another? The practice of claiming is inescapable, and so any normative presuppositions of that practice are similarly inescapable (at least on pain of self-contradiction). This inquiry thus promises an Archimedian point from which to address intractable moral disagreements in modern society. Whatever we happen to differ about, we can be shown to agree about these premises, and therefore to share commitment to whatever can be derived from these premises. The most prominent developer of this approach is Jurgen Habermas, who has sought to ground, inter alia, religious and cultural rights on this basis. I will argue that the strategy cannot resolve disagreement in the way Habermas hopes, and that this has been shown, perhaps inadvertently, by Stephen Darwall, who for very different reasons seeks to work out the premises of the practice of claiming (and who never discusses Habermas). Darwall has no apparent interest in finding a universally convincing basis for resolving moral controversies. He seeks to address, not the practical problems of a pluralistic society, but some specialized, albeit important, questions of metaethics, having to do with what kind of entity a moral claim is2 . Both Habermas and Darwall think that discourse presupposes a kind of respect among persons. Darwall, however, shows that respect is too fluid, and takes too many possible forms, to ground any but the most trivial specific moral claims.