cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Pathogenesis of Gas Gangrene

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the pathogenesis of gas gangrene. Although several theories have been proposed to explain the pathologies, it is the general consensus that the local and systemic manifestations of gas gangrene are, in fact, related to the elaboration of potent extracellular protein toxins. The classic features of gas gangrene caused by Clostridium perfringens type A can be attributed to the action of potent extracellular bacterial toxins on host cell function. Both α- and θ-toxins contribute to the progression of vascular injury and tissue destruction through their ability to prime leukocyte functional activity and to stimulate soluble and cell-associated proadhesive molecule expression in both leukocytes and endothelial cells. The chapter describes one physiological mechanism—that is, direct inhibition of myocardial contractility, whereby phospholipase C mediates cardiovascular collapse. Thus, therapeutic strategies directed against bacterial toxin activity in vivo, such as neutralization of toxins with specific antibodies or inhibition of toxin synthesis with antibiotics, are valuable adjuncts to traditional antimicrobial regimens.
Flying Under the Radar: Immune Evasion by Group B Streptococcus

Type I IFN production is an important host defense mechanism against Gram-positive Streptococci. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Andrade et al. (2016) report that Group B Streptococcus limits type I IFN by expressing a surface phosphodiesterase that degrades extracellular bacterial cyclic dinucleotides, thereby promoting virulence.
The Transfer of Sovereignty in the Case Law of the Hungarian Constitutional Court

The author analyzes the jurisprudence of the Hungarian Constitutional Court vis-a-vis the deepening of the supranational integration of the European Union.
In vitro and in vivo assessment of controlled release and degradation of acoustically responsive scaffolds.

Abstract Spatiotemporally controlled release of growth factors (GFs) is critical for regenerative processes such as angiogenesis. A common strategy is to encapsulate the GF within hydrogels, with release being controlled via diffusion and/or gel degradation (i.e., hydrolysis and/or proteolysis). However, simple encapsulation strategies do not provide spatial or temporal control of GF delivery, especially non-invasive, on-demand controlled release post implantation. We previously demonstrated that fibrin hydrogels, which are widely used in tissue engineering and GF delivery applications, can be doped with perfluorocarbon emulsion, thus yielding an acoustically responsive scaffold (ARS) that can be modulated with focused ultrasound, specifically via a mechanism termed acoustic droplet vaporization. This study investigates the impact of ARS and ultrasound properties on controlled release of a surrogate payload (i.e., fluorescently-labeled dextran) and fibrin degradation in vitro and in vivo. Ultrasound exposure (2.5 MHz, peak rarefactional pressure: 8 MPa, spatial peak time average intensity: 86.4 mW/cm2), generated up to 7.7 and 21.7-fold increases in dextran release from the ARSs in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Ultrasound also induced morphological changes in the ARS. Surprisingly, up to 2.9-fold greater blood vessel density was observed in ARSs compared to fibrin when implanted subcutaneously, even without delivery of pro-angiogenic GFs. The results demonstrate the potential utility of ARSs in generating controlled release for tissue regeneration. Statement of Significance Simple encapsulation of a molecular payload within a conventional hydrogel scaffold does not provide spatial or temporal control of payload release. Yet, spatiotemporally controlled release of bioactive payloads is critical for tissue regeneration, which often utilizes hydrogel scaffolds to facilitate processes such as angiogenesis. This work investigates the design and performance (both in vitro and in vivo) of hydrogel scaffolds where release of a fluorescent payload is non-invasively and spatiotemporally-controlled using focused ultrasound. We also quantitatively characterize the degradation and vascularization of the scaffolds. Our results may be of interest to groups working on controlled release strategies for implants, especially within the field of tissue engineering.
Why Does Disaster Recovery Work Influence Mental Health?: Pathways through Physical Health and Household Income

Disaster recovery work increases risk for mental health problems, yet the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. We explored links from recovery work to post-traumatic stress (PTS), major depression (MD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms through physical health symptoms and household income in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As part of the NIEHS GuLF STUDY, participants (N = 10,141) reported on cleanup work activities, spill-related physical health symptoms, and household income at baseline, and mental health symptoms an average of 14.69 weeks (SD = 16.79) thereafter. Cleanup work participation was associated with higher physical health symptoms, which in turn were associated with higher PTS, MD, and GAD symptoms. Similar pattern of results were found in models including workers only and investigating the influence of longer work duration and higher work-related oil exposure on mental health symptoms. In addition, longer worker duration and higher work-related oil exposure were associated with higher household income, which in turn was associated with lower MD and GAD symptoms. These findings suggest that physical health symptoms contribute to workers’ risk for mental health symptoms, while higher household income, potentially from more extensive work, might mitigate risk.
Martin Joos and Frederick R. Whitesell, Middle High German Courtly Reader: Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1951. Pp. 368

(1952). Martin Joos and Frederick R. Whitesell, Middle High German Courtly Reader. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 74-75.
Understanding transient landscape of the Ethiopian Plateau in relation to mantle dynamics

The Ethiopian Plateau, situated on the Western Escarpment of the East African Rift System, constitutes a part of a large igneous province that has experienced extensive flood basalt volcanism around 30 Ma related to the outpouring of the Afar mantle plume. This non-orogenic plateau with long-wavelength dynamic topography has been deeply incised by the Blue Nile River and its numerous tributaries. The plateau represents an excellent natural laboratory to study the interplay between bedrock river incision and uplift. Our analysis of a total of 202 convex upward and double-concave tributary longitudinal profiles reveals 244 knickpoints, the majority of which are not associated with lithologic boundaries or faults. The normalized steepness indices (ksn) of these profiles vary in upstream versus downstream from knickpoints indicating variable uplift within the plateau. Our investigation of integrating mantle seismic P-wave velocity anomaly with ksn and knickpoints suggests ongoing incision of the plateau surface in response to Afar plume related mantle dynamics. Tributary reaches with higher ksn generally lie above the areas with negative velocity anomaly, thus hotter (than normal) mantle that are likely undergoing more uplift. Therefore, this study suggests that the transient landscape incision of the Ethiopian Plateau is largely controlled by the ongoing uplift of the plateau, indicating that the plateau physiography is dynamic, not stable.
Multimodal multiplexing of single-virus detection using multi-mode interference waveguides

Multi-mode interference waveguides are used to implement simultaneous spectral and spatial multiplex fluorescence analysis in liquid-core waveguide channels. A six-times multiplex identification of single influenza viruses is demonstrated with two excitation colors and three channels.
Mechanisms That Regulate the Expression of Dopamine D1 Receptor in Cocaine Addiction

Abstract Dopamine receptors, in particular the dopamine D1 receptor subtype, mediate the physiological and behavioral responses elicited by cocaine. Numerous studies have shown that acute and chronic cocaine administration alter the expression of dopamine D1 receptors; however, the mechanisms that mediate the cocaine-induced changes in D1 receptor expression are not well understood. In this chapter the authors summarize what is known about the mechanisms that regulate the expression of D1 receptor mRNA and protein in animal models of cocaine addiction. The general transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational mechanisms that have been reported to regulate D1 receptor expression and their potential relevance to cocaine-induced changes in D1 receptor expression are also discussed. Finally, the role of signaling pathways activated by neurotransmitters and trophic factors implicated in cocaine addiction that might mediate the cocaine-induced changes in D1 receptor expression are speculated on. Understanding molecular mechanisms regulating D1 receptor expression will help identify novel therapeutic targets and approaches to treat cocaine addiction.
The Case for Humane Education in Social Work Education

Humane education focuses on the interconnectedness between human rights, environmental sustainability, and animal protection, and started in the United States in 1996 through the Institute of Human...
Abstract 2507: Using1H NMR metabolomics to study breast cancer and endothelial cell metabolic interactions

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Patient death is typically caused by metastasis development rather than the primary tumor. Metastasis in breast cancer has been shown to occur via blood and lymphatic vessels. Research shows that breast cancer cells ‘educate’ lymphatic and blood endothelial cells to support tumor growth by stimulating growth factor secretion; specifically VEGF, PDGF-BB and EGF secretion. In addition, cell metabolism is altered during malignant transformation. Cancer cells have increased energy and macromolecule biosynthesis requirements to sustain rapid proliferation. Increased angiogenesis observed in tumors points to a need for an increased nutrient supply. However, it remains unclear how tumor endothelial cell metabolism is altered and how metabolism regulates tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, this study aims to use 1H NMR metabolomics to identify breast cancer-endothelial cell metabolic interactions in a high-throughput manner. Firstly, we studied if in vitro co-culture with breast cancer altered endothelial cell metabolism. We identified distinct metabolic profiles for HUVECs grown in monoculture or co-culture with three different breast cancer cell lines. Metabolism of HUVECs co-cultured with MCF7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cell lines was significantly altered compared to mono-culture control. The most impacted metabolic pathways by co-culture were amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and lipid biosynthesis pathways. Culturing HUVECs with MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells did not have a significant impact on HUVEC metabolism, however. Together, these results indicate that culturing HUVECs with certain breast cancer lines causes significant changes in endothelial metabolism. Alterations in endothelial cell metabolism in response to breast cancer co-culture can further our understanding of tumor-vascular interactions and may lead to identification of metabolic biomarkers or therapeutic targets that can disrupt tumor angiogenesis. Citation Format: Suehelay Acevedo-Acevedo, Sean P. Palecek. Using 1H NMR metabolomics to study breast cancer and endothelial cell metabolic interactions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2507. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2507
Strain alleviation in an isomorphous series of lanthanide 2-nitroterephthalates [Ln2(TPNO2)3(H2O)2]·2H2O (Ln = Pr – Lu, except Pm)

Abstract An extended series of trivalent lanthanide 2-nitroterephthalates, [Ln2(TPNO2)3(H2O)2]·2H2O, (Ln = Pr through Lu, except Pm) were synthesized hydrothermally from Ln2O3 and 2-nitroterephthalic acid (H2TPNO2) at 170 °C in Teflon lined Parr steel autoclaves, and were characterized via single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and thermogravimetric analyses. All [Ln2(TPNO2)3(H2O)2]·2H2O coordination polymers are isomorphous, crystallizing in the monoclinic crystal system with space group C2/c. The metal centers in all networks possess the coordination number 8, while forming a three-dimensional extended lattice. Two metal centers form Ln2O14 entities, comprising crystallographically identical LnO8 polyhedra, connected via edge-sharing, utilizing two carboxylate O-atoms. These Ln2O14 units are separated along the a- and b-axes by individual 2-nitroterephthalate linkers, while being closely connected along the c-axis via two carboxylate groups on each side. Compared to small inorganic anions, the rather flexible 2-nitroterephthalate seems to allow for the unobstructed decrease in size of the LnO8 polyhedra as Ln3+ ionic radii decrease towards the heavier Ln elements. Hence, the structural parameters of the crystal lattice adjust gradually without noticeable strain buildup along the series resulting in isomorphous arrangements for all networks. The thermogravimetric and FT-IR measurements seem to confirm the structural features.
When Sexism Leads to Racism: Threat, Protecting Women, and Racial Bias

The stated goal of protecting White women from harm has been used, historically and contemporarily, as a pretext for racial violence. Two studies explored the relationship between protective paternalism (the belief that men should protect and care for women—part of benevolent sexism; Glick and Fiske 1996) and anti-minority racial attitudes. In Study 1 (n = 474, 61% women, 61% White), survey data found that protective paternalism was related to anti-Black bias, but only for White respondents. Study 2 (n = 242, 52% women, 74% White) experimentally manipulated feelings of threat to test for increases in protective paternalism and its corresponding effect on three anti-minority racial attitudes. For male participants only, threat (i.e., reading about recent increases in violent crime) increased endorsement of protective paternalism, which was in turn associated with a more negative view of immigration, and, for White men only, less support for policies that benefit racial minority groups and greater denial of racial bias in policing. Threat did not increase protective paternalism in female participants. For White men in particular, news of crime and danger increases racial bias by first increasing the desire to protect women. Policymakers should be aware that framing policies around safety concerns or appealing to the protection of women might unintentionally bolster anti-minority racial prejudices.
Potential of turbulence interference in rough rice bin drying and storage systems fitted with cabling technology

Modern on-farm in-bin drying and storage systems are equipped with networks of sensors to monitor air and grain conditions throughout the bins. However, the performance of sensors may be impaired by turbulent flow of the air through the grain mass. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations allow a more detailed view of fluid flow around the sensors to be obtained. The objectives of this work are to investigate the potential of turbulence generation around the sensors and the potential of turbulence to impair sensor performance. A finite volume method with porous media formulation was employed to simulate the turbulent airflow. The turbulence intensities predicted from different turbulence models (K−ɛ model, k−ω model and the Reynolds stress model (RSM)) were investigated and the result of airflow rates of 1.1 m3 min−1 [air] t−1 [rice] is presented. The results revealed that the turbulence models predicted a low to medium turbulence with intensities ranging between 1% and 2%. Sensors closer to the plenum experienced about 100% increase in turbulence intensity compared to the sensors closer to the outlet. Comparing the turbulence models used, RSM model require the least computational duration with average of 5 h simulation time compared with K–ɛ model and k –ω model requiring 9–42 h and 40 h, respectively. It can be concluded that sensors closer to the plenum should be built to cope with medium scale turbulent flow.
Gait Retraining From Rearfoot Strike to Forefoot Strike does not change Running Economy.

Gait retraining is a method for management of patellofemoral pain, which is a common ailment among recreational runners. The present study investigated the effects of gait retraining from rearfoot strike to forefoot strike on running economy, heart rate, and respiratory exchange ratio immediately post-retraining and one-month post-retraining in recreational runners with patellofemoral pain. Knee pain was also measured. Sixteen participants (n=16) were randomly placed in the control (n=8) or experimental (n=8) group. A 10-minute treadmill RE test was performed by all subjects. The experimental group performed eight gait retraining running sessions where foot strike pattern was switched from rearfoot strike to forefoot strike, while the control group received no intervention. There were no significant differences for running economy (p=0.26), respiratory exchange ratio (p=0.258), or heart rate (p=0.248) between the groups. Knee pain reported on a visual analog scale was also significantly reduced (p
The integration of probabilistic information during sensorimotor estimation is unimpaired in children with Cerebral Palsy

Background It is important to understand the motor deficits of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Our understanding of this motor disorder can be enriched by computational models of motor control. One crucial stage in generating movement involves combining uncertain information from different sources, and deficits in this process could contribute to reduced motor function in children with CP. Healthy adults can integrate previously-learned information (prior) with incoming sensory information (likelihood) in a close-to-optimal way when estimating object location, consistent with the use of Bayesian statistics. However, there are few studies investigating how children with CP perform sensorimotor integration. We compare sensorimotor estimation in children with CP and age-matched controls using a model-based analysis to understand the process. Methods and findings We examined Bayesian sensorimotor integration in children with CP, aged between 5 and 12 years old, with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels 1–3 and compared their estimation behavior with age-matched typically-developing (TD) children. We used a simple sensorimotor estimation task which requires participants to combine probabilistic information from different sources: a likelihood distribution (current sensory information) with a prior distribution (learned target information). In order to examine sensorimotor integration, we quantified how participants weighed statistical information from the two sources (prior and likelihood) and compared this to the statistical optimal weighting. We found that the weighing of statistical information in children with CP was as statistically efficient as that of TD children. Conclusions We conclude that Bayesian sensorimotor integration is not impaired in children with CP and therefore, does not contribute to their motor deficits. Future research has the potential to enrich our understanding of motor disorders by investigating the stages of motor processing set out by computational models. Therapeutic interventions should exploit the ability of children with CP to use statistical information.
Benefit of polyandry in a highly monandrous species when females mate with already mated males

Female mating frequency varies among animal taxa. A benefit to females of remating has usually been found, but almost all tests have been with polyandrous species. A species being monandrous does not guarantee that mating only once benefits the female, instead the monandry may result from sexual conflict, where her failure to remate benefits her mate, but not her. The parasitoid wasp Spalangia endius (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is highly monandrous. Females do not benefit from either immediate or delayed remating when their first mate is virgin. However, some females are likely to mate with already mated males because sex ratios are female-biased. Here, the effect of experimentally induced polyandry on female fitness was examined for females whose first mate had already mated four times, i.e., for fifth females. Fifth female S. endius produce significantly fewer daughters than first females. Production of daughters, but not sons, requires sperm in hymenopterans. Fifth females were experimentally induced to mate with a second male, by preventing such females’ first mate from providing postcopulatory courtship. The proportion of female offspring produced by these polyandrous fifth females was greater than by monandrous fifth females and not significantly different than by monandrous first females. Total number of offspring did not differ among the three treatments. These results show that there are conditions under which females benefit from polyandry in this highly monandrous species and that the benefit is through effects on offspring sex ratio, not fecundity. Mating frequency varies widely among animals. In most of the more than 100 past studies of insect species in which females mate multiply, females benefit from remating. However, this same question has been addressed in few species in which females mate just once. In the tiny parasitic wasp studied here, females were tricked into remating. Females benefited from remating if their first mate had previously mated multiple times. The benefit was not producing more offspring, but rather being able to produce a greater proportion of daughters. Sons can be produced without sperm in wasps and wasp relatives. Explanations for why females do not normally remate include that they have been manipulated by their first mate and that waiting for a male means sacrificing searching for hosts.
Teaching kernel programming using Knoppix

The traditional platforms for teaching kernel programming have several disadvantages, including expensive hardware, disk partitioning, lack of current documentation, and obsolescence. Knoppix allows a free real Linux system that each student can use without installation, and without affecting permanently installed systems, such as Linux or Windows. With a floppy disk flashdrive, or hard disk partition to maintain programmer files, students can write, modify, and test kernel modules with relative ease. There are several caveats involved with Knoppix, including its slowness and idiosyncracies of data storage and device mounting. The UMSDOS filesystem can be used to permit a real UNIX filesystem superimposed on an MSDOS filesystem, such as a floppy disk. Example startup script commands demonstrate the flexibility and ease of use of Knoppix as a kernel programming platform.
Modelling Intrinsically Disordered Protein Dynamics as Networks of Transient Secondary Structure

Describing the dynamics and conformational landscapes of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) is of paramount importance to understanding their functions. Markov State Models (MSMs) are often used to characterize the dynamics of more structured proteins, but models of IDPs built using conventional MSM modelling protocols can be difficult to interpret due to the inherent nature of IDPs, which exhibit fast transitions between disordered microstates. We propose a new method of determining MSM states from all-atom molecular dynamics simulation data of IDPs by using per-residue secondary structure assignments as input features in a MSM model. Because such secondary structure algorithms use a select set of features for assignment (dihedral angles, contact distances, etc.), they represent a knowledge-based refinement of feature sets used for model-building. This method adds interpretability to IDP conformational landscapes, which are increasingly viewed as composed of transient secondary structure, and allows us to readily use MSM analysis tools in this paradigm. We demonstrate the use of our method with the transcription factor p53 c-terminal domain (p53-CTD), a commonly-studied IDP. We are able to characterize the full secondary structure phase space observed for p53-CTD, and describe characteristics of p53-CTD as a network of transient helical and beta-hairpin structures with different network behaviors in different domains of secondary structure. This analysis provides a novel example of how IDPs can be studied and how researchers might better understand a disordered protein conformational landscape.
A continuous sampling pattern design algorithm for atomic force microscopy images.

Abstract Undersampling is an efficient way to increase the imaging rate of atomic force microscopy (AFM). One major challenge in this approach is retaining the quality of the final images while reducing the amount of measurements enough to have a significant improvement in the imaging time. Clearly, the decision of where to acquire data points plays an important role in producing accurate image reconstructions of the sample surface with the best allocation of measurements depending on the specific sample under study. This work focuses on the development of an algorithm to design continuous non-raster scanning patterns for effective undersampled image acquisition in AFM. We assume the frequency structure of the images to be sampled, and in particular the locations of the large frequency coefficients, is partially known. Based on this knowledge, a two-stage algorithm is used to find a continuous scan pattern that minimizes the expected reconstruction error assuming reconstruction is performed using an algorithm known as Simplified Matching Pursuit (SMP). In the first stage, a collection of short, disconnected scan paths is designed to minimize the reconstruction error while in the second, these paths are connected into a continuous trajectory by solving a mixed integer linear program (MILP) that minimizes the total scan length. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, we design scanning patterns for four groups of sample surface images from four different materials acquired by AFM. In each case a large sample area is tiled into sixteen sub-images. The first image is raster scanned and the results used to design an optimized scan pattern that is then applied to the remaining 15 tiles. The designed patterns sampled 10–15% of the total pixels (depending on the particular sample) leading to an imaging time that was 15–20% of the time to acquire a full raster of the same area. These results were compared to sub-sampling using spiral and Lissajous scan patterns designed to have an equivalent scanning time and to sample a similar percentage of the pixels. The results show that our approach yields significantly better reconstruction quality than either of these alternative scan patterns. Finally, the method was implemented and used to image a calibration grating by sampling 18% of the total pixels, using four different tip speeds. The results were compared to full raster-scans of the sample with tip speeds selected so as to match the imaging time of the non-raster scans, showing that the proposed method produces higher-quality images than raster scanning at these fast image rates.
Forward Feeding in Graduate Medical Education: Results of a National Survey.

Background and objectives "Forward feeding" is defined as the sharing of information regarding learner behaviors and performance outside of formal institutional committee structures. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline opinions and policies of forward feeding in family medicine residency programs. Methods Data for this study were obtained as part of the 2015 CERA Program Directors Fall Survey. Program directors indicated whether they felt that faculty should and do engage in forward feeding. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of various types of information about learners (academic performance, clinical performance, professionalism, physical health, and mental health), reasons for promoting, and concerns regarding forward feeding on a 5-point Likert scale. Results The overall response rate was 49% (227/461). Most agreed that faculty should (87%) and do (83%) engage in forward feeding. Concerns regarding professionalism and clinical performance were reported as most important to share. The most important reason identified for forward feeding was the early identification of struggling residents, followed by the ability to direct teaching to the resident's specific needs, and improving the quality of feedback. Fear of creating bias was the most commonly cited concern for engaging in forward feeding, followed by fear of violating confidentiality and difficulty maintaining confidentiality. Fear of litigation was the least common concern. Conclusions Despite concerns, the majority of program directors feel that faculty should and do engage in forward feeding. Our study confirms the importance of clinical performance and professionalism as two important themes of information shared by attendings about residents.
Two are better than one

Two-level quantum systems are routinely excited by resonant pump beams. Experiments now show resonant excitation through dichromatic, detuned pumps — providing a coherent control technique that will also aid single-photon emission from solid-state devices.
NHC–Au(I) catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular [4+3] cycloaddition of furan propargyl esters

Abstract Enantioselectivity up to 75% ee has been achieved for an intramolecular [4 + 3] cycloaddition reaction with a series of chiral gold(I) complexes. Nine new chiral NHC–Au(I) complexes featuring disilylbiphenyl derived chiral N-heterocyclic carbene ligands were synthesized and identified by 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy and X-ray single crystal structure analysis. The corresponding activated Au(I) catalysts with a phenyl nitrile dynamic ligand were prepared and used in the catalysis of intramolecular [4 + 3] cycloaddition reactions. Moderate to high chemical yields and enantioselectivity were achieved with 5% mol of the chiral NHC–Au(I) catalysts. The stereochemistry of the intramolecular [4 + 3] cycloaddition product was identified by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. The absolute configuration of the cycloaddition products was deduced by a combination of X-ray single crystal structure analysis, NMR and DFT study.
Irish Officers in the Great War

With the outbreak of the First World War, the threat of insurrection in Ireland subsided—at least initially. The country was gripped by war fever, and men from all walks of life and political traditions rushed to the colours. Among them were thousands of candidates for wartime commissions, so-called temporary gentlemen. In the midst of increasing tensions in the officer corps (including allegations of political interference, declining moral authority, and controversies over the question of ‘professionalisation’), there was a brief widening of its class base, as an unprecedented number of middle-class officers (and former enlisted men) entered the officers’ mess. On the home front, another body blow to Irish officers’ social position was struck with the outbreak of the Easter Rising. The reactions of officers who fought against the insurrectionists in Dublin, and how they subsequently remembered their experiences of that conflict, are a major component in understanding the decline in military officers’ moral authority in Ireland.
System Co-Design of a High Current (40A) Synchronous Step-Down Converter in an Innovative Multi-chip Module (MCM) LQFN-Type Packaging Technology

The drive for multi-chip module (MCM) packaging technology essentially stems from the ever-increasing demand for miniaturization of power electronics. While promising, MCM packaging technologies present considerable design challenges (viz. electrical, thermal, reliability and manufacturing/assembly) if system co-design techniques are not adopted early in the design process. In this paper we present the electrical system co-design and measurement validation results of a high-efficiency, single channel, integrated FET, synchronous buck converter packaged in a 40-pin 7.00mm × 5.00mm MCM-in-LQFN-type innovative package. Due to the complex 3D level of integration of the monolithic control, drive circuitry, and the two discrete N-channel NexFETTM power MOSFETs, electromagnetic interactions, between die, package, and PCB, are exacerbated with potential impact to system-level performance. We detail here how optimization of the system, was achieved through a coupled circuit-to-electromagnetic co-design modeling and simulation methodology. Laboratory measurements on an integrated high current (40A) synchronous step-down converter are presented that validate the integrity of the co-design modeling and simulation methodology.
Goddess, Saint and Journeying Soul: Courtesans and Religion in Bombay Cinema (1939–2015)

This chapter challenges the popular view that courtesans in Hindi films are mostly Muslim and represent an Islamicate culture. Most courtesan characters in films are depicted as Hindus or as of indeterminate religion. Courtesan culture is shown as uniquely hybrid, drawing on both Hindu and Muslim idioms and tropes. Drawing upon a wide variety of films, this chapter examines the conflicted culture surrounding courtesans from the late nineteenth century. Courtesan characters, like other women, are often compared to Goddesses and epic heroines. They are more like male protagonists, though, in the way they come to symbolize the spirit on a quest for connection and meaning. The chapter argues that Bombay cinema is unique in world cinema for the centrality of courtesan characters. Far from marginalizing them, it turns them simultaneously into oppressed victims but also embodiments of love, strength and goodness as well as figures of divine presence.
Busbar Design and Optimization for Voltage Overshoot Mitigation of a Silicon Carbide High-Power Three-Phase T-Type Inverter

The silicon carbide (SiC) devices have faster switching speed than that of the conventional silicon (Si) devices, which however may cause excessive device voltage overshoot. Larger gate resistance can help to restrain the overshoot, it however slows down the switching speed and increases switching losses. There are other methods that can mitigate the voltage overshoot, e.g., using low-inductance busbars, adding snubber circuits, etc. In this article, the busbar design for a 250-kW SiC three-level T-type inverter is investigated. The current commutation loops (CCLs) are first analyzed using a single-phase equivalent circuit. Then the detailed busbar design methods, especially a 3-D busbar design concept, are proposed to select the optimal stacking order for the multilayer laminated busbar and to address constraints posed by the physical terminal arrangements of SiC modules and dc-link capacitors. The stray inductance in each CCL is extracted via a finite element analysis and validated on the actual inverter busbar prototypes using an impedance analyzer. To further minimize the busbar stray inductance, a hybrid busbar structure with printed circuit board based buffer circuit using high-frequency decoupling capacitors is designed and evaluated in this article. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed busbars as well as the buffer circuit are validated using experimental studies.
Engineering CAR-T Cells for Next-Generation Cancer Therapy

T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with tumor specificity have shown remarkable success in treating patients with hematologic malignancies and revitalized the field of adoptive cell therapy. However, realizing broader therapeutic applications of CAR-T cells necessitates engineering approaches on multiple levels to enhance efficacy and safety. Particularly, solid tumors present unique challenges due to the biological complexity of the solid-tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we highlight recent strategies to improve CAR-T cell therapy by engineering (1) the CAR protein, (2) T cells, and (3) the interaction between T cells and other components in the TME.
Large Deviation Principle for the Whittaker 2d Growth Model.

The Whittaker 2d growth model is a triangular continuous Markov diffusion process that appears in many scientific contexts. It has been theoretically intriguing to establish a large deviation principle for this 2d process with a scaling factor. The main challenge is the spatiotemporal interactions and dynamics that may depend on potential sample-path intersections. We develop such a principle with a novel rate function. Our approach is mainly based on Schider's Theorem, contraction principle, and special treatment for intersecting sample paths.
Social media science communication is a nonstop academic conference for all.

Jens Foell recently changed careers and began working fulltime for maiLab, Germany’s biggest science communication YouTube channel. In this World View, he shares his experiences as a science communicator and discusses the advantages and challenges.
A Study of Front End Architectures for the PolarRad 0.5-2 GHZ Microwave Radiometer

Wideband radiometers must contend with a challenging RFI environment and with frequency-dependent reflections between receiver components caused by impedance mismatches. Channelizing the bandwidth prior to amplification can prevent strong interference in one portion of bandwidth from corrupting all of the data and can allow for the incorporation of isolators to reduce reflection effects, but the additional components required cause additional losses, reducing the sensitivity of the radiometer. Avoiding channelization in the radiometer front end reduces these losses, but increases the potential impact of reflections and high amplitude RFI sources. This paper investigates tradeoffs between “channel-ized” and “non-channelized” architectures for the proposed PolarRad 0.5-2 GHz microwave radiometer.
Microfabricated Millimeter-Wave Traveling Wave Tubes

Millimeter and sub-millimeter wave vacuum electronic devices have been of great interest for a wide variety of applications, but fabrication of the sub-wavelength structures has been a persistent challenge. We present and compare fabrication approaches including CNC micromachining, 3D printed mold electroforming (3D PriME), and UV-photolithography for creating traveling wave tube circuits at 35, 95, 140 and 233 GHz, along with results. To date, CNC micromachining has yielded the best results up to 140 GHz.
Neural Analysis of Learning in Simple Systems

This chapter reviews work on several kinds of behavioral learning and neural analogs of learning that have been analyzed at the physiological level in recent years. The specific forms of behavioral learning discussed are habituation, sensitization, and classical conditioning in Aplysia, and classical conditioning of eyeblink responses in mammals. The form of synaptic plasticity known as long-term potentiation, which provides a neural model of classical conditioning, is also discussed as is research concerned with the possible role of hippocampal long-term potentiation in behavioral learning. Currently available data suggest that learning may be due to intrinsic changes in the efficacy of synaptic transmission due to altered transmitter release, altered responsiveness of neurons to released chemical transmitters, and morphological changes at synapses. These changes appear to be induced via intracellular chemical signalling systems with phosphorylation of biological active proteins such as receptors, channels, and enzymes playing important causative roles. Current information on mechanisms involved in stabilizing synaptic change (i.e., memory), including the likely involvement of new genetic transcription in establishment of long term memory, are discussed. Also considered are physiological insights into the conditions responsible for production of new learning, including discussion of the relationships between contiguity and effect and possible mechanisms of blocking. Keywords: classical conditioning; CREB; habituation; hippocampus; learning; long-term depression; long-term potentiation; model systems; NMDA; sensitization; synaptic plasticity
Cryosurgical treatment of cervical dysplasia.

Abstract Seventy-seven women with mild-moderate to severe dysplasia and 4 women with squamous cell carcinoma in situ were treated with cryocautery of the cervix. Sixty-seven of the 77 women with dysplasia and 3 of the 4 women with in situ carcinoma have demonstrated no evidence of residual atypia by either cytologic follow-up or tissue examination over a period of 2 to 24 months. Three of the 4 women with in situ carcinoma had no residual disease left in the cervix when conization and hysterectomy were performed. Cryocautery, in our hands, has proved to be an effective means of eradicating cervical dysplasia. Precise and careful evaluation of the cervix must first be carried out prior to cryosurgical treatment if inadvertent treatment of invasive carcinoma is to be prevented.
Equilibrium Chemical Disorder at the Surface of a Single-Crystal ${\rm C1}_{b}$ NiMnSb Half-Heusler Alloy: Implications for Spintronics

The structural and chemical short-range order in a NiMnSb Heusler-type single crystal is measured using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). A parameterized nonlinear least squares fitting of the Ni and Mn ${\rm K}$ and Sb ${\rm L}_{\rm I}$ EXAFS using theoretical EXAFS data generated via a multiple scattering approximation are compared with results from neutron diffraction data. EXAFS results are consistent with a ${\rm C1}_{b}$ structure with a quantifiable Ni-Mn chemical short-range disorder in the surface region of the Czochralski-grown single crystal that explains the often-reported low spin polarization.
Reciprocal inhibition: A mechanism underlying oscillatory animal movements

Reciprocal inhibition between neuron pairs is a long-standing model for the mechanism by which circuits generate rhythmic animal movement patterns. This review shows that this model mechanism can explain the origins of cyclic movements in six different preparations for which the neuronal circuits are available. The overall function of reciprocal inhibition, when combined with a variety of dynamic properties in each of the circuits, is to generate stable antiphasic or multiphasic output patterns. Apparent redundancy in the identified circuits may lend additional robustness to the oscillations, but it also increases the difficulty of identifying critical circuit elements.
Demographic Change in Small Cities, 1990 to 2000

Census 2000 figures reveal broad demographic changes in America's cities during the 1990 to 2000 period. Although considerable analysis has been devoted to trends in the largest cities, there has been less attention to what is happening in smaller cities, which comprise 97% of cities nationwide. Data for 100 small cities (population less than 50,000) are drawn from the 1990 and 2000 Census Summary Files. The analysis reveals that growth is occurring faster in these smaller cities than in any of their larger cohorts. Other findings are that small-city growth is fastest in the West and Midwest, is occurring more rapidly in small cities within metropolitan areas, and is spurred by increases in Hispanic, Black, and Asian populations.
Student Perceptions of Collaborative Learning in Operations Management Classes

Given today's global work environment, business education should prepare learners not only for technical excellence but also for effective collaboration. In this article, the author describes how collaborative activities—ranging from exams to projects and role playing—enhance the understanding of operations management (OM). The author found that collaborative learning improved undergraduate business students' understanding of quantitative OM methods, developed their strategic-thinking skills, and enhanced their confidence in their critical-thinking and implementation skills. The exercises also increased students' comfort level in communicating and working with their peers and enhanced their independent learning skills.
ANGIOTENSIN II AS A SEMEN EXTENDER COMPONENT INCREASES RETENTION OF SPERMATOZOA WITHIN THE UTERUS OF THE HEIFER

The effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) as a semen extender were studied. In the first experiment, individual ejaculates from 10 bulls were split and extended in egg yolk citrate in the absence or presence of varying concentrations of Ang II (10[-5]-10[-10] M) to a final concentration of 35 x 10(6) sperm per mL. The percentage of intact acrosomes and percentage motility were determined in all treatments for all bulls at 0 h (immediately post thaw) and after incubation for 4 h at 37 degrees C. Extension of the semen with Ang II did not affect spermatozoal viability at either time studied. In the second experiment, mixed breed virgin heifers were induced into oestrus with intramuscular injections of prostaglandin F2alpha on Days 0 and 3. Animals that stood to be mounted were paired for bilateral intracornual insemination using a 0.5-mL French straw on each side approximately 8 h later. One of the paired heifers received semen containing Ang II (10[-5] M) while the other received control semen. A 1-mL aspirate of vaginal mucus was collected at hourly intervals for 8 h after insemination. Concentration of spermatozoa was determined by haemocytometry. There was a significant reduction in cumulative semen loss into the vagina of heifers inseminated with Ang II extended semen (14.4%) compared with heifers inseminated with control semen (19.7%). This suggests that Ang II, when added to extended semen, may reduce retrograde sperm loss following insemination without affecting sperm viability.
Ambiguity in Our Technical Society

The spiritual situation at the turn of the millennium can be interpreted through Paul Tillich's appropriation of modernity, by analysis of the determinative structures and decisive trends of our age. The methods and organization of industry determine modern society. Spiritually, this situation results in the proliferation of means without ends, the objectification of natural structures, and the reduction of persons to things. Extrapolating from Tillich's analysis, the spiritual situation at the turn of the millennium can be understood as a quasi-religious struggle between the movements of liberal individualism and multiculturalism, both of which lose the sense of ambiguity. The communitarian movement and related interpretations remain the minority voice offering a mediating position.