cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformational energies for 2-substituted butanes

The conformational free energies for some 2-substituted butanes where X = F, Cl, CN, and CCH were calculated using G3-B3, CBS-QB3, and CCSD(T)/6-311++G(2d,p) as well as other theoretical levels. The above methods gave consistent results with free energies relative to the trans conformers as follows: X = CCH, g+ = 0.77 ± 0.05 kcal/mol. g− = 0.88 ± 0.05 kcal/mol; X = CN, g+ = 0.85 ± 0.05 kcal/mol, g− = 0.75 ± 0.05 kcal/mol; X = Cl, g+ = 0.70 ± 0.05 kcal/ml, g− = 0.80 ± 0.05 kcal/mol; and X = F, g+ = 0.53 ± 0.05 kcal/mol, g− = 0.83 ± 0.05 kcal/mol. The conformational free energies also were estimated using the observed liquid phase IR spectra and intensities calculated using B3LYP/6-311++G** and MP2/6-311++G**. The rotational free energy profiles for all of the compounds were estimated at the G3-B3 level. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1127–1132, 2004
The U.S. and U.K. Great Depressions Through the Lens of Neoclassical Growth Theory

Neoclassical growth theory is increasingly being used to study Great Depressions (see e.g., Mario J. Crucini and James Kahn, 1996; Cole and Ohanian, 1999, 2001a, b, 2002; Michael Bordo et al., 2000) (see also the January 2002 issue of the Review of Economic Dynamics). This paper extends our recent work that focuses on why the U.S. and U.K. Great Depressions lasted so long. One of the key messages from our work is that the standard neoclassical growth model fails to account for the long duration of these depressions. This paper extends our work by diagnosing the specific failures of the model. We do this by measuring the deviations in the model's first-order conditions. We then use these deviations to identify particular factors that might account for these long durations. We find very large deviations in the model's household labor efficiency condition in both countries, and in the firm's labor efficiency condition in the United States. These deviations provide new support for our recent conclusions that distorting labor-market policies are key factors behind the long durations of both depressions (Cole and Ohanian, 2001a, b).
Performance bounds for RF positioning of endoscopy camera capsules

In this paper, we evaluate the factors affecting the accuracy achievable in localization of an endoscopic wireless capsule as it passes through the digestive system of the human body. Using a three-dimension full electromagnetic wave simulation model, we obtain bounds on the capsule-location estimation errors when the capsule is in each of three individual organs: stomach, small intestine and large intestine. The simulations assume two different external sensor arrays topologies. We compare these performance bounds and draw the conclusion that location-estimation errors are different for different organs and for various topologies of the external sensor arrays.
The conditional impact of military intervention on internal armed conflict outcomes

Previous studies of internal armed conflict outcomes have found evidence that rebel-biased military intervention increases the likelihood of rebel victory, but little indication that pro-government...
Supporting reflective public thought with considerit

We present a novel platform for supporting public deliberation on difficult decisions. ConsiderIt guides people to reflect on tradeoffs and the perspectives of others by framing interactions around pro/con points that participants create, adopt, and share. ConsiderIt surfaces the most salient pros and cons overall, while also enabling users to drill down into the key points for different groups. We deployed ConsiderIt in a contentious U.S. state election, inviting residents to deliberate on nine ballot measures. We discuss ConsiderIt's affordances and limitations, enriched with empirical data from this deployment. We show that users often engaged in normatively desirable activities, such as crafting positions that recognize both pros and cons, as well as points written by people who do not agree with them.
Myocardial tissue characterization: clinical confirmation of laboratory results

Tissue characterization previously identified ischemia, infarction, and cardiomyopathy in animal myocardium. Investigations to determine whether analogous results occur in patients were undertaken with a real-time two-dimensional backscatter imaging system. Remote infarction in 15 patients was accompanied by reduced magnitude and delayed cyclic variation. Similarly, ultrasonic evidence of diminished contractile function was found in five patients with dilated cardiomyopathy compared to 15 patients in a control group. Studies of 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction indicate that tissue characterization may permit the detection of reversibly injured or 'stunned' myocardium, despite the presence of severe wall-motion abnormalities that might otherwise mask the presence of viable but transiently dysfunctional tissue. >
A methodology for optimizing a constant temperature polysilicon deposition process

A three-step approach to characterizing a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) constant temperature polysilicon process is discussed. This approach optimizes an LPCVD polysilicon process for both film uniformity and particles. The first step is to design and construct a constant deposition temperature polysilicon furnace to provide the best system performance possible in terms of particle generation and improved film uniformity. The second step is to characterize a process in this newly constructed furnace for both film uniformity and particles by using an experimental design that incorporated an L/sub 18/ orthogonal array. The hydrogen chloride preclean flow prior to deposition plays a key role in both defect generation and film uniformity. Both capacitance-voltage techniques and secondary ion mass spectrometry are used to understand this role. The third step is to verify the recommended setting from the experimental design by processing confirmation runs. Results from the confirmation runs in the optimally constructed polysilicon furnace show that particles can be reduced by up to 66% and film uniformity can be improved by 29% over the current production process. >
Range-Doppler Imaging via Forward-Backward Sparse Bayesian Learning

We consider range-Doppler imaging via transmitting a train of probing pulses as in radar and active sonar. We show that range-Doppler imaging can be formulated as a sparse signal recovery problem and that we can use an expectation maximization based sparse Bayesian learning (EM-SBL) algorithm to achieve high resolution imaging. We also reduce the complexity of EM-SBL significantly by using an efficient forward-backward algorithm in the E step of the EM algorithm.
Gelsolin is a downstream effector of rac for fibroblast motility

Rac, a member of the rho family of GTPases, when activated transmits signals leading to actin-based membrane ruffling in fibroblasts. Compared with wild-type fibroblasts, gelsolin null (Gsn-) dermal fibroblasts have a markedly reduced ruffling response to serum or EGF stimulation, which signal through rac. Bradykinin-induced filopodial formation, attributable to activation of cdc42, is similar in both cell types. Wild-type fibroblasts exhibit typical lamellipodial extension during translational locomotion, whereas Gsn- cells move 50% slower using structures resembling filopodia. Multiple Gsn- tissues as well as Gsn- fibroblasts overexpress rac, but not cdc42 or rho, 5-fold. Re-expression of gelsolin in Gsn- fibroblasts by stable transfection or adenovirus reverts the ruffling response, translational motility and rac expression to normal. Rac migrates to the cell membrane following EGF stimulation in both cell types. Gelsolin is an essential effector of rac-mediated actin dynamics, acting downstream of rac recruitment to the membrane.
Ausblick: Allgemeine Algorithmen

Im letzten Kapitel dieses Buches geben wir einen Ausblick in das Studium von Algorithmen im Allgemeinen, insbesondere also auch von nichtlinearen Algorithmen. Zunachst stellen wir dabei als konkretes Beispiel eine ganzlich anders geartete Methode zur Losung linearer Programme als das Simplexverfahren vor, namlich das Verfahren von Adler und Monteiro. Dieses lost derartige Probleme stets in polynomial vielen Schritten und beruht in seiner Konzeption auf den sogenannten Barriereverfahren aus der nichtlinearen Optimierung. Wir werden diesen Zusammenhang aber lediglich zur Motivation verwenden und die Korrektheit des Algorithmus von Adler und Monteiro direkt beweisen, ohne uns auf Resultate aus der nichtlinearen Optimierung zu berufen.
DISCOURSE ON MORAL WOMANHOOD IN SOMALI POPULAR SONGS, 1960–1990

This article is a study of Somali popular songs of the period 1960–90, which opened with the establishment of the Somali national state and ended with its collapse. It focuses on these songs as a discursive site in which a particular dilemma of the new Somali state clearly comes into focus, namely the desire to be ‘modern’, while at the same time turning to ‘tradition’ (i.e. a particular construction of Somali cultural authenticity and traditional religious morality) to mark and anchor a new Somali collective self-understanding and communal identity. The discursive push-and-pull of ‘modernity’ and ‘tradition’ evident in the songs expresses itself specifically in debates about moral womanhood – that is to say, about what ‘good’ women should be like. Since the collapse of the state in 1991, Somali discourses about common public identity and gender norms have undergone dramatic change, with the sites of popular culture multiplying, especially outside of Somalia, and accessible through the internet. Although an interpretation of Islam that distances itself from Somali ‘tradition’ has been gaining importance as a source of legitimization, as is evident both in the struggle over the state in Somalia and in everyday life in Somalia and the diaspora, this is not a major concern in the Somali popular songs from the period after 1991. It was born auspiciously this flag raised above usWe will not differentiate among any SomalisSince none of us are closer to it than the others,Let us be equal in front of our flag(Waa samo ku dhalayoo calanka noo saaranSoomaali oo dhan, kala sooci maynoUma kala sokeynno, ha loo sinnaado)Somali popular song, articulating the hope of Somali unity and equality, sung by Faduumo Abdillaahi ‘Maandeeq’ in the early 1960s
From Molecular Clouds to Active Galactic Nuclei—The Universality of the Jet Phenomenon

The characteristics and physical properties of extragalactic radio and molecular-cloud jets are described. The development of narrow channels for the production of oppositely directed, high-velocity outflows using a transonic nozzle and a centrifugally supported funnel is discussed. The collimation of the jets produced by the transonic nozzle and funnel mechanism, and the role of surface instabilities in the occurrence of emission knots and ridge-line wiggles in astrophysical jets are examined. 130 references.
Ultrafast atomic and molecular dynamics with high-order harmonic probes

High order harmonics are used for atomic molecular dynamics studies by core-level transient absorption spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy. High field ionization of Xe atoms, strong field coupling effects, and dissociative ionization are investigated.
Recognizing object manipulation activities using depth and visual cues

We propose a framework, consisting of several algorithms to recognize human activities that involve manipulating objects. Our proposed algorithm identifies objects being manipulated and models high-level tasks being performed accordingly. Realistic settings for such tasks pose several problems for computer vision, including sporadic occlusion by subjects, non-frontal poses, and objects with few local features. We show how size and segmentation information derived from depth data can address these challenges using simple and fast techniques. In particular, we show how to robustly and without supervision find the manipulating hand, properly detect/recognize objects and properly use the temporal information to fill in the gaps between sporadically detected objects, all through careful inclusion of depth cues. We evaluate our approach on a challenging dataset of 12 kitchen tasks that involve 24 objects performed by 2 subjects. The entire framework yields 82%/84% precision (74%/83%recall) for task/object recognition. Our techniques outperform the state-of-the-art significantly in activity/object recognition.
Interdomain contacts and the stability of serralysin protease from Serratia marcescens

The serralysin family of bacterial metalloproteases is associated with virulence in multiple modes of infection. These extracellular proteases are members of the Repeats-in-ToXin (RTX) family of toxins and virulence factors, which mediated virulence in E. coli, B. pertussis, and P. aeruginosa, as well as other animal and plant pathogens. The serralysin proteases are structurally dynamic and their folding is regulated by calcium binding to a C-terminal domain that defines the RTX family of proteins. Previous studies have suggested that interactions between N-terminal sequences and this C-terminal domain are important for the high thermal and chemical stabilities of the RTX proteases. Extending from this, stabilization of these interactions in the native structure may lead to hyperstabilization of the folded protein. To test this hypothesis, cysteine pairs were introduced into the N-terminal helix and the RTX domain and protease folding and activity were assessed. Under stringent pH and temperature conditions, the disulfide-bonded mutant showed increased protease activity and stability. This activity was dependent on the redox environment of the refolding reaction and could be blocked by selective modification of the cysteine residues before protease refolding. These data demonstrate that the thermal and chemical stability of these proteases is, in part, mediated by binding between the RTX domain and the N-terminal helix and demonstrate that stabilization of this interaction can further stabilize the active protease, leading to additional pH and thermal tolerance.
Should Therapeutic Jurisprudence Be Used to Analyze Impacts of Legal Processes on Government

This article takes the controversial position that despite therapeutic jurisprudence’s (sometimes referred to as “TJ”’s) focus on the impact of laws and legal processes on the emotional and related physical well-being of human beings, there can be TJ-like impacts on government, at least in certain circumstances, that can be discovered by making a TJ analysis of the situation. It further contends that these TJ-like impacts on government ought to be examined for a number of important reasons: 1) they provide greater insights into therapeutic and antitherapeutic impacts on humans; 2) the deeper understandings gained through this analysis can then be used to formulate recommendations and solutions to refine and reform the law or government’s actions as a legal actor — ultimately for the benefit of human physical and emotional well-being; 3) government informed by these findings can, in these circumstances, revise its interactions with the governed in order to enhance the likelihood of successful completion of government initiatives through proactively recognizing and addressing antitherapeutic impacts on the persons involved; and 4) use of these TJ findings to revise government conduct can advance both respect for government and law, and encourage voluntary compliance with law and legal processes, all of which are essential to government’s ability to fulfill its role in society.
Why vascular access trials on flow surveillance failed.

IntroductionSince the introduction of access flow surveillance technology for routine patient screening in 1995, more than 30 clinical trials have been presented in peer reviewed journals. Despite ...
Magnetic susceptibility scaling in La2-xSrxCuO4-y.

The powder magnetic susceptibility chi(T) of La/sub 2-//sub x/Sr/sub x/CuO/sub 4-//sub y/ is found to scale with doped hole concentration p = x-2y according to a law of corresponding states for 0less than or equal topless than or equal to0.20, thereby allowing chi/sup Pauli/(p) of the holes and chi/sup 2D/(p,T) of the Cu/sup +2/ spin sublattice to be separated and precisely evaluated. chi/sup Pauli/ increases with p. The shape of chi/sup 2D/(T) is that of the spin-(1/2 square-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet; however, by p = 0.20, the in-plane Cu-Cu superexchange coupling constant and effective magnetic moment per Cu ion are both largely suppressed.
A robust model for the ramp-constrained economic dispatch problem with uncertain renewable energy

The inherent uncertainty of renewable energy sources (RES) makes the solution to the electricity network's associated economical dispatch (ED) problem with network constraints challenging. In particular, the uncertainty in the power output of RES requires conventional generation units to ramp up and down more frequently to maintain the power balance and the reliability of the system. Typically, the RES power output uncertainty is modeled in ED problems by considering its potential future scenarios. However, this leads to an optimization problem that is difficult to solve for real-sized networks. Here, we propose an alternative way of considering the uncertainty of RES and the consequent ramping of conventional generation via a robust reformulation of the problem. In particular, we show that in typical real-world instances of the ED problem, the associated deterministic formulation of the robust problem can be solved efficiently for larger scale constrained electricity networks even when the underlying uncertainty distribution is not normal. Moreover, we show that our approach results on dispatch solutions that require less ramping than scenario-based solutions, with little trade-off on the long-term expected costs of the network dispatch. These results also provide insights about how RES penetration affects cost and dispatch policies in the electricity network. To illustrate our results, we present relevant numerical experiments on IEEE test networks.
Gravity effects on damping of a truss using pinned joints

This paper discusses measured damping characteristics of a three -bay truss that uses pinned joints. A clevisltang joint design was used. Pinned joints normally have a small amount of clearance between the pins and the clevisltang fittings. The small gap can cause very significant changes in the dynamics and damping of a truss structure, particularly when the joint can traverse the deadband region. If the gravity induced loads prevent a joint from entering the deadband region, one might expect damping to be effected. Test results demonstrate that structures using pinned joints can have damping that is dependent on gravity. Damping rates can change by a factor of up to 5 due to variation of gravity induced loads. This variation could be very significant when characterizing space structures in a 1-G environment. The data also suggests that impact as the joint gaps open and close transfers vibration energy from low frequency global modes to high frequency local modes, increasing the rate of energy dissipation through material damping.
Survey on the infection status and cognitive level of Brucellosis among Shaanxi catering population

Objective To survey the status of the Brucellosis infection and cognitive level for evaluating the impact of Brucellosis on catering population in Shaanxi.Methods 360 people operating barbecue,lamb restaurants and meat shops were surveied in three regions in Shaanxi.Results Nine cases were positive.The infection rate was 2.5% and that was higher than the whole province's in human surveillance.The infection rate was 6.90% in Yulin region and 0.84% in southern Shaanxi region.The awareness rate of Brucellosis was 27.5% and two regions's rate was 5.83% only.Conclusions Intensifying publicity and education and changing bad working habits should be taken to reduce the infection rate of Brucellosis in occupational population.
Deconstructing Adult Zebrafish Behavior with Swim Trace Visualizations

Three-dimensional reconstruction is a method of qualifying the behavioral activity of several animals including mice, rats, and zebrafish. This method allows for measuring behavioral endpoint data on two types of tracking planes (temporal and spatial). Temporal tracking measures the activity of a subject across time while spatial tracking measures the activity of a subject in a specific area of the experimental arena as such. Data representation over 3D visual trajectory reconstruction is a robustly advantageous method of behavioral phenotyping. Digital video-tracking and analysis eliminates the inaccuracies of manual tracking and allows for improved investigation of behavioral activity at specific points in time or specific areas of
Coincidence and Common Cause

According to the traditional view of the causal structure of a coincidence, the several parts of a coincidence are produced by independent causes. I argue that the traditional view is mistaken; even the several parts of a coincidence may have a common cause. This has important implications for how we think about the relationship between causation and causal explanation—and in particular, for why coincidences cannot be explained.
Stability of merocyanine-type photoacids in aqueous solutions

Over the past years, protonated merocyanines (MEHs) have been used as photoacids to control various chemical, material, and biological processes using visible light. For the applications under aqueous conditions, stability of this type of photoacid has been a concern. While hydrolysis of merocyanines is well known, this work showed that deprotonation of MEH to form merocyanine is not necessary for the hydrolysis of MEH. The decomposition products were identified by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Comparing the behaviors of different MEHs under different conditions indicates that the hydrolysis is catalyzed by OH− and thus MEHs are more stable at a lower pH. Modifying an MEH with an electron-donating group conjugated to the double bond significantly improved its stability. Photostability of an MEH was tested by conducting 100 irradiating/recovering cycles, and the photoacid showed good photostability.
The marine-derived pachycladin diterpenoids as novel inhibitors of wild-type and mutant EGFR.

Abstract Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key player in proliferation and metastasis of various cancers. Discovery of novel EGFR inhibitors is still an urgent clinical oncology unmet need. Pachycladins are eunicellin-based diterpenoids isolated from the soft coral Cladiella pachycladous species. This study evaluated the anticancer activity of pachycladins A–E against diverse breast and cervical cancer cells. Pachycladin A ( 1 ) potently inhibited the proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines, without being cytotoxic to non-cancerous cells. The antiproliferative activity of 1 is mediated through cytostatic mechanisms rather than inducing apoptosis, as evidenced by lack of TUNEL response. Additionally, 1 arrested cell cycle in either G1 or G2/M phase, according to the cancer type, which induced caspase-dependent and independent apoptosis only after prolonged treatment. Meanwhile, 1 potently decreased microvessel formation and endothelial cell migration, suggesting its potential antiangiogenic activity. Different kinase profiling platforms revealed the exquisite potency and selectivity of 1 towards EGFR, even compared to other members of the EGFR family. In cancer cells, the antiproliferative activity of 1 was associated with suppression of EGFR activation and its downstream effectors. Interestingly, 1 significantly inhibited the drug-resistant T790M EGFR mutant, which is believed to be an attractive feature of EGFR inhibitors. Docking studies characterized the structural determinants required for efficient wild and mutant EGFR inhibition. Overlay studies of 1 with known EGFR inhibitors provided future guidance to chemically improve its binding affinity. Together, the anticancer activity of 1 is mediated by direct effects on tumor growth and angiogenesis, selectively via deactivating EGFR signaling, providing an excellent scaffold to control EGF-dependent cancers.
Training Online Technical Communication Educators to Teach with Social Media: Best Practices and Professional Recommendations

The author reports on social media research in technical and professional communication (TPC) training through a national survey of 30 professional and technical communication programs asking about...
From Crash Consistency to Transactions

Modern applications use multiple storage abstractions such as the file system, key-value stores, and embedded databases such as SQLite. Maintaining consistency of data spread across multiple abstractions is complex and error-prone. Applications are forced to copy data unnecessarily and use long sequences of system calls to update state in a consistent manner. Not only does this create implementation complexity, it also introduces potential performance problems from redundant IO and fsync() calls, which fragment disk writes into small, random IOs. In this paper, we propose that the operating system should provide transactions across multiple storage abstractions; we can build such transactions with low development cost by taking advantage of a well-tested piece of software: the file-system journal. We present the design of our cross-abstraction transactions and some preliminary results, showing such transactions can increase performance by 31% in certain cases.
A Novel Approach to Estimating M-Protein Concentration: Capillary Electrophoresis Quantitative Immunosubtraction

Introduction: M-protein quantification is routinely performed by demarcating serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) regions. However, quantification of β-migrating M-protein is hindered by overlapping nonimmunoglobulin protein. Immunosubtraction (ISUB) on capillary electrophoresis is a method currently used qualitatively to subtract out (and therefore highlight) immunoglobulin isotypes in serum, thus reducing the masking effect of normal serum proteins. This study expands on traditional ISUB by developing a quantitative immunosubtraction (qIS) methodology. Methods: qIS is achieved by estimating the monoclonal class-specific immunoglobulin contribution to the SPE region containing the M-protein. We conducted a recovery study by use of serial dilutions from 3 patients with β-region M-proteins (n = 22), performing SPE and ISUB on each dilution. We visualized the difference between the ISUB electrophoresis trace and the involved ISUB isotype-subtracted trace to distinguish M-protein and background polyclonal immunoglobulins, which was demarcated independently by 3 pathologists. The M-protein contribution to the β-region was calculated and applied to the β-region protein concentration producing the quantitative M-protein concentration, while minimizing contamination by nonimmunoglobulin or polyclonal immunoglobulin proteins. Results: Using a quality target of 25% error, we determined that our analytical measurable range spanned the maximum concentration tested (0.81 g/dL) to 0.05 g/dL. Passing–Bablok regression between qIS and the expected M-protein produced a slope of 1.04 (95% CI, 0.94–1.09), r = 0.99. Total CV was 4.8% and intraclass correlation between pathologists was 0.998. Discussion: qIS promises quantification of β-migrating M-proteins at concentrations an order of magnitude lower than traditional SPE methodology, allowing earlier detection of increasing or decreasing M-protein.
Modeling Studies of the Formation and Destruction of NO in Pulsed Barrier Discharges in Nitrogen and Air

This paper presents the results of modeling studies on the formation and destruction of NO in pulsed barrier discharges in nitrogen and air. The goals of this work are to identify the major processes involved in the formation and destruction of NO in air discharges, to distinguish between oxidative and reductive paths for NO destruction, to explore the potential importance of excited state reactions, to evaluate the role of water in such systems, and to identify the “final” products in the absence of heterogeneous processes. In all cases, the systems were modeled with 100×10−4% (100 ppm) of added NO, with and without 3% added water. The focus in all of this work is chemistry in the post-pulse regime.
The effects of n-pentane on voltage-clamped squid nerve sodium currents: A reinterpretation using kinetics of ordered systems

The sodium-current voltage-clamp data of Haydon and Kimura obtained on squid nerves treated with n-pentane (J. Physiol. 312 (1981) 57) are fitted with a previously described model (K.A. Rubinson, J. Physiol. 281 (1978) 14P; Biophys. Chem. 15 (1982) 245). The apparently complex action of the perturbant can be interpreted as due to a shift in shielding of the applied potential jumps, a change in channel conductivity, and an increase in the rate constant of channel shutoff. The shift in shielding due to n-pentane is found to be quantitatively the same for variables describing both kinetic and equilibrium quantities, which are independent. The transmembrane sodium potential remains unchanged, however.
Aristotelianism and Phenomenology

Aristotle might well be called the first phenomenologist of moral experience. Recall, for example, his careful attention to the “phenomena,” to common opinions about happiness or—as a phenomenologist might put it—to happiness and the virtues as commonly understood. Recall too his meticulous, dialectical considerations of these phenomena, considerations reminiscent of imaginative variations and designed to achieve insight into the nature of happiness and the virtues. Recall, even more importantly, his account of moral intentionality—of the unified role of practical wisdom, the emotions, and “perception” in moral experience—and, finally, his distinction between merely voluntary and chosen actions, the former aimed at an end (e.g., satisfying hunger), but the latter undertaken in the light of an end (e.g., eating low-fat foods for the sake of health). In discussing the relation between Aristotelianism and phenomenology, therefore, we could well and fruitfully explore the various ways in which Aristotle himself and the contemporary advocates of a neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics develop phenomenological themes and methodologies in their work.1
Facile Synthesis of Chiral Polymers with Defined Architecture via Cooperative Assembly of Confined Templates

Herein is presented the synergistically self-assembled system as biomimetic polymerization media. This approach allows the facile synthesis of chiral amino acid-based polymers with high molecular weight and low dispersity inside of the bilayer of catanionic vesicles by using a conventional radical polymerization under moderate conditions.
Contextual modals

In a series of recent articles Angelika Kratzer has argued that the standard account of modality along Kripkean lines is inadequate in order to represent context-dependent modals. In particular she argued that the standard account is unable to deliver a non-trivial account of modality capable of overcoming inconsistencies of the underlying conversational background. She also emphasized the difficulties of characterizing context-dependent conditionals. As a response to these inadequacies she offered a two-dimensional account of contextual modals. Two conversational backgrounds are essentially used in this characterization of contextual modality. We show in this paper that Kratzer's double relative models (with finite domains) are elementary equivalent to well known neighborhood models of normal modalities originally proposed by D. Scott [S] and R. Montague [M]. We also argue that neighborhood models can be also used to represent some (non-normal) graded modalities that are difficult to represent in her framework (like ‘it is likely that' or ‘it is highly probable that', etc). Finally we show that an extension of the neighborhood semantics of conditionals is able to capture some of her proposals concerning dyadic modals. DR models with infinite domains can be shown to be pointwise equivalent to neighborhood models, but they are not guaranteed to have relational counterparts. So DR models surpass the representational power of relational (Kripkean) models. Neighborhood representations are, nevertheless, always possible, making clear as well that the central feature of double relative modals is that they are capable of encoding two central aspects of context: its propositional content, and its dynamic properties (which in Kratzer's models are represented via an ordering source).
Nyström method for BEM of the heat equation with moving boundaries

A direct boundary integral equation method for the heat equation based on Nystrom discretization is proposed and analyzed. For problems with moving geometries, a weakly and strongly singular Green’s integral equation is formulated. Here the hypersingular integral operator, i.e., the normal trace of the double-layer potential, must be understood as a Hadamard finite part integral. The thermal layer potentials are regarded as generalized Abel integral operators in time and discretized with a singularity-corrected trapezoidal rule. The spatial discretization is a standard quadrature rule for smooth surface integrals. The discretized systems lead to an explicit time stepping scheme and is effective for solving the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary value problems based on both the weakly and/or strongly singular integral equations.
Neuronal ER-plasma membrane junctions organized by Kv2-VAP pairing recruit Nir proteins and affect phosphoinositide homeostasis.

The association of plasma membrane (PM)-localized voltage-gated potassium (Kv2) channels with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated proteins VAPA and VAPB defines ER–PM junctions in mammalian brain neurons. Here, we used proteomics to identify proteins associated with Kv2/VAP-containing ER–PM junctions. We found that the VAP-interacting membrane-associated phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) transfer proteins PYK2 N-terminal domain-interacting receptor 2 (Nir2) and Nir3 specifically associate with Kv2.1 complexes. When coexpressed with Kv2.1 and VAPA in HEK293T cells, Nir2 colocalized with cell-surface–conducting and -nonconducting Kv2.1 isoforms. This was enhanced by muscarinic-mediated PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, leading to dynamic recruitment of Nir2 to Kv2.1 clusters. In cultured rat hippocampal neurons, exogenously expressed Nir2 did not strongly colocalize with Kv2.1, unless exogenous VAPA was also expressed, supporting the notion that VAPA mediates the spatial association of Kv2.1 and Nir2. Immunolabeling signals of endogenous Kv2.1, Nir2, and VAP puncta were spatially correlated in cultured neurons. Fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching experiments revealed that Kv2.1, VAPA, and Nir2 have comparable turnover rates at ER–PM junctions, suggesting that they form complexes at these sites. Exogenous Kv2.1 expression in HEK293T cells resulted in significant differences in the kinetics of PtdIns(4,5)P2 recovery following repetitive muscarinic stimulation, with no apparent impact on resting PtdIns(4,5)P2 or PtdIns(4)P levels. Finally, the brains of Kv2.1-knockout mice had altered composition of PtdIns lipids, suggesting a crucial role for native Kv2.1-containing ER–PM junctions in regulating PtdIns lipid metabolism in brain neurons. These results suggest that ER–PM junctions formed by Kv2 channel–VAP pairing regulate PtdIns lipid homeostasis via VAP-associated PtdIns transfer proteins.
The Influence of O2 on the Enrichment and Activities of Acidophilic Fe(III) Reducing Bacteria

Microbiological Fe(III) reduction under oxic and acidic conditions in acid mine drainage (AMD)-impacted systems is surprising, given the greater energetic favorability of O2 reduction than Fe(III) ...
Self-Consistent Field Methods for Metastable Electronic States: A Promising Extension of the Complex Coordinate Technique

The application of the complex coordinate technique to metastable electronic states of many-electron systems requires that ways be found to adapt the most successful methods of bound-state electronic structure calculations for this use. We describe the generalization of self-consistent field theory to the case of a complex coordinate Hamiltonian and present numerical results for the 2P shape resonance of Be−. The modifications necessary for molecular calculations are described for which the theory is more appropriately described as the complex basis function method rather than the complex coordinate method. Numerical results are presented for the 2Пgshape resonance of N2 −. Finally, some speculations regarding other applications are offered.
The impact of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®) on voice, communication, and participation: Findings from a prospective, longitudinal study.

Abstract Background Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®), an intensive 4-week program of voice therapy, is regarded as the most well-researched, efficacious treatment for hypokinetic dysarthria in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although numerous studies have published acoustic and perceptual findings, there is comparatively little information about the impact of LSVT LOUD® on functional communication outcomes. Methods This prospective, longitudinal study investigated the impact of treatment on daily communication in 25 individuals with PD. Three validated communication measures (the Voice Handicap Index, the Communicative Effectiveness Scale, and the Communicative Participation Item Bank) were given before and after treatment and again 4–8 weeks and 3–6 months following treatment. Communication partners were also asked to rate communication effectiveness at all four timepoints. Results Significant improvements were found for all three self-reported scales which remained above baseline across all post-treatment timepoints. In addition, self-reported communicative effectiveness was significantly correlated with the assessments of communication partners. Particular benefits were reported for more complex communicative activities such as asking questions, giving detailed information, communicating in noisy situations, and speaking in groups. Conclusions Overall, the findings suggested that LSVT LOUD® promotes an increased sense of personal control over the communication difficulties resulting from PD by decreasing voice handicap and improving communication effectiveness and communicative participation. For individuals with PD, LSVT LOUD® may reduce the risk of social isolation by improving communication and facilitating social participation. Learning outcomes As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to (1) describe the impact of PD on voice and communication, (2) discuss how these characteristics may be associated with more global measures of functional communication and particularly communicative participation, (3) explain which aspects of functional communication were affected by LSVT LOUD® as assessed by study participants and their communication partners.
Dural Contact to the Malleus Head in Patients with Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD): Case Series and Review of SSCD and Tegmen Defects.

Objective:Report a series of cases in which patients have concomitant superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) and a dehiscent tegmen tympani with Dural contact to the malleus head (DCMH).Meth...
Streptococcus pyogenes Infective Endocarditis-Association With Injection Drug Use: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Background Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is not considered a typical cause of infective endocarditis (IE), but has anecdotally been observed in unexpectedly high rates in people who inject drugs (PWID) at our institution. Methods All cases of possible or definite GAS IE per Modified Duke Criteria in adults at an academic hospital between 11/15/2015 and 11/15/2020 were identified. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, treatment, and outcomes related to GAS IE. The literature on cases of GAS IE was reviewed. Results Eighteen cases of probable (11) or definite (7) GAS IE were identified; the mean age was 38 years, and the population was predominantly female (56%) and Caucasian (67%), which is inconsistent with local population demographics. Sixteen cases were in people who inject drugs (PWID; 89%); 14 were also homeless, 6 also had HIV (33%), and 2 were also pregnant. Antibiotic regimens were variable due to polymicrobial bacteremia (39%). One patient underwent surgical valve replacement. Four patients (22%) died due to complications of infection. The literature review revealed 42 adult cases of GAS IE, only 17 of which were in PWID (24%). Conclusions The 16 cases of possible and definite GAS IE in PWID over a 5-year period in a single institution reported nearly doubles the number of cases in PWID from all previous reports. This suggests a potential increase in GAS IE particularly in PWID and PWH, which warrants further epidemiologic investigation.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies somatic mutations and intratumor heterogeneity in inflammatory breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Although it is a rare subtype, IBC is responsible for roughly 10% of breast cancer deaths. In order to obtain a better understanding of the genomic landscape and intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) in IBC, we conducted whole-exome sequencing of 16 tissue samples (12 tumor and four normal samples) from six hormone-receptor-positive IBC patients, analyzed somatic mutations and copy number aberrations, and inferred subclonal structures to demonstrate ITH. Our results showed that KMT2C was the most frequently mutated gene (42%, 5/12 samples), followed by HECTD1, LAMA3, FLG2, UGT2B4, STK33, BRCA2, ACP4, PIK3CA, and DNAH8 (all nine genes tied at 33% frequency, 4/12 samples). Our data indicated that PTEN and FBXW7 mutations may be considered driver gene mutations for IBC. We identified various subclonal structures and different levels of ITH between IBC patients, and mutations in the genes EIF4G3, IL12RB2, and PDE4B may potentially generate ITH in IBC.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Individuals With Nonobese Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is independently associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the primary cause of mortality in the predominantly obese population of adults with NAFLD. NAFLD is increasingly seen in individuals who are lean and overweight (i.e., nonobese), but it is unclear whether their risk of CVD is comparable to those with NAFLD and obesity. Using a prospective cohort of patients with NAFLD, we compared the prevalence and incidence of CVD in individuals with and without obesity. NAFLD was diagnosed by biopsy or imaging after excluding other chronic liver disease etiologies. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of baseline CVD by obesity status. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate obesity as a predictor of incident CVD and to identify predictors of CVD in subjects with and without obesity. At baseline, adults with obesity had a higher prevalence of CVD compared to those without obesity (12.0% vs. 5.0%, P = 0.02). During follow-up, however, obesity did not predict incident CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-2.22) or other metabolic diseases. Findings were consistent when considering body mass index as a continuous variable and after excluding subjects who were overweight. Age (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.08), smoking (aHR, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.89-11.22), and decreased low-density lipoprotein levels (aHR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00) independently predicted incident CVD in the entire cohort, in subjects with obesity, and in those without obesity, respectively. Conclusion: Individuals with overweight or lean NAFLD are not protected from incident CVD compared to those with NAFLD and obesity, although CVD predictors appear to vary between these groups. Patients without obesity also should undergo rigorous risk stratification and treatment.
Integration of Row Spacing, Seeding Rates, and Fungicide Application for Control of Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Glycine max.

Soybean (Glycine max) farmers in the Upper Midwest region of the United States frequently experience severe yield losses due to Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR). Previous studies have revealed benefits of individual management practices on SSR. This study examined the integration of multiple control practices on the development of SSR, yield, and the economic implications of these practices. Combinations of row spacings, seeding rates, and fungicide applications were examined in multi-site field trials across the Upper Midwest from 2017-2019. These trials revealed that wide row spacing and low seeding rates individually reduced SSR levels but also reduced yields. Yields were similar across the three higher seeding rates examined. However, site-years where SSR developed showed the highest partial profits in the intermediate seeding rates. This indicates that partial profits in diseased fields were negatively impacted by high seeding rates, but this trend was not observed when SSR did not develop. Fungicides strongly reduced the development of SSR, while also increasing yields. However, there was a reduction in partial profits due to their use at a low soybean sale price, but at higher sale prices fungicide use was similar to not treating. Additionally, the production of new inoculum was predicted from disease incidence, serving as an indicator of increased risk for SSR development in future years. Overall, this study suggests the use of wide rows and low seeding rates could be useful in fields with a history of SSR, while reserving narrow rows and higher seeding rates for fields without a history of SSR.
Muon Number Nonconservation in Gauge Theories

Recent rumors of possible observation at SIN (the Swiss Institute of Nuclear Research) of the famous μ→ey process has aroused a great deal of excitement. But the experimentalists themselves have so far not made any public statements; presupposition on our part about their actual result will of course be totally inappropriate. However, regardless of the ultimate outcome of this particular experiment the question of separate conservation of muon and electron number is an interesting and important problem to investigate, especially in the context of unified gauge theories of weak and electromagnetic interactions.
Nonlinear Robust Control: Table Look-up Controller Design

This paper introduces a new philosophy for robust control using nonlinear controllers. A general optimal solution to the min-max nonlinear control problem parameter uncertainty is presented, resulting in a table look-up controller. A short form solution is also propsed and demonstrated by a successful application to the Shell standard control problem.
The risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection in beef cattle operations.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and associated risk factors among beef operations (cow-calf and feedlot) in central and southern California. Methods and Results: A repeated cross-sectional study where faecal and environmental samples were collected from 50 operations three times a year at different seasons was carried out. Samples were tested for presence of L. monocytogenes using a combination of enrichment and polymerase chain reaction tests. Data on putative risk factors were also collected. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in faecal samples from cows, calves and other animals on calf-cow operations at proportions of 3·1%, 3·75% and 2·5%, respectively. The organism was detected in 5·3% of cut-grass, 5·3% of soil, 14·3% of irrigation ditches, 3·1% of the ponds and 6·5% of water troughs samples. Listeria monocytogenes was less common in faecal (0·3%) and soil (0·75%) samples collected from feedlots. Conclusions: Listeria monocytogenes was present at a higher proportion among cow-calf operations than feedlots. There was no significant seasonal variation in the occurrence of this pathogen within the two types of operations. Significance and Impact of the Study: If risk mitigation strategies were implemented to reduce the public health risk these should focus in cow-calf operations.