cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
742. A Therapeutic miRNA for Brain Disorders

One of the main hurdles in developing novel therapeutics for age-related disorders is the still limited understanding of both the biology of normal aging and the pathologic mechanisms of the diseases seen in old age. Brain aging and age-related brain disorders are characterized by slow progressive deterioration or death of neurons, and are influenced by age- and disease-specific neurotoxicity, and compensatory neuroprotective mechanisms that are important in cell survival. If the cellular defense and restorative mechanisms are compromised, the penetrance of neurotoxic factors becomes higher and cell survival less likely. Among the key regulatory factors that govern gene and protein networks and, consequently, influence neuronal health and function are small non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs. It is increasingly appreciated that even modest disturbances of these regulatory factors can have profound effects on cell survival in response to stress. We have identified a novel mechanism in neurons, mediated by miR-126, which regulates the effects of numerous neurotrophic and neuroprotective growth factors (GF). Specifically, we found that elevated levels of this miRNA are neurotoxic and increase the vulnerability of neurons to a variety of non-specific and disease-specific toxic factors, including Staurosporine (STS), Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated amyloid beta 1-42 oligomers (Aβ1-42), and 6-OHDA, which induces oxidative stress in dopamine (DA) neurons, thereby mimicking Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. Mechanistically, miR-126 targets a series of factors in PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways and small increases of this miRNA cause a downregulation of these signaling cascades, impairing the effects of neurotrophic and neuroprotective GF, such as IGF-1, NGF, BDNF, and soluble amyloid precursor protein α (sAPPα). In turn, inhibiting miR-126 enhances the actions of GF without disturbing normal neuronal cell function. Our data indicate that miR-126 may play a profound role in neuronal cell survival, at least in part by regulating GF/PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling. While its elevation is neurotoxic, its inhibition is neuroprotective, suggesting that targeting this miRNA may have therapeutic potential for neurological and age-related disorders. To experimentally address this concept, we have developed a therapeutic strategy using a nanotechnology approach to prevent disease onset in a mouse model of AD.
God and Man in Europe

In this literature review chapter, Royce offers a comprehensive survey of the various sociological, political, and theological researches informing the overall question of the significance of religion in politics, but especially of Christianity in Western Europe. He reviews the secularization thesis of sociology skillfully, and then proceeds to the renewed emphasis on religious research within political science. With regard to Western Europe, Royce emphasizes research into the Christian Democratic milieu in which supranational Community integration emerged, and discusses political theology as a concept derivative of Carl Schmitt. Royce finds that while other scholars have written about religion in the EU and surrounding countries, none have done so on a comparative and rigorous social scientific basis.
6th Ishihara lecture: Simplified procedure for estimating liquefaction-induced building settlement

Abstract Significant settlement and damage may occur due to liquefaction of soils beneath shallow-founded buildings. The primary mechanisms of liquefaction-induced building settlement are shear-induced, volumetric-induced, and ejecta-induced ground deformation. Volumetric-induced free-field ground deformation may be estimated with available empirical procedures. Although challenging to estimate, ground failure indices and experience can be used to estimate roughly ejecta-induced building settlement. Nonlinear dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) effective stress analyses are required to estimate shear-induced ground deformation. Results from over 1300 analyses identified earthquake, site, and building characteristics that largely control liquefaction-induced building settlement during strong shaking. A simplified procedure is developed based on the results of these analyses to estimate the shear-induced component of liquefaction building settlement. The standardized cumulative absolute velocity and 5%-damped spectral acceleration at 1 s period capture the ground shaking. The liquefaction building settlement index, which is based on the shear strain potential of the site, captures in situ ground conditions. Building contact pressure and width capture the building characteristics. Field case histories and centrifuge test results validate the proposed simplified procedure. Recommendations and an example for evaluating building performance at liquefiable sites are shared.
Christianizing Egypt: syncretism and local worlds in late antiquity

Since the 1970s, the “Islamization” of Egypt has been of intense scholarly and polemic interest in the contemporary study of the Middle East. But what of the “Christianization” of Egypt? David Fran...
A Direct Laboratory Measurement of Two-Neutrino Double Beta Decay in 82Se

An experiment employing an enriched 82Se source in a time projection chamber has yielded an observation of two-neutrino double beta decay at a half life of (1.1+0.8 −03) × 1020 years at 68% confidence.
The Impact of Projectile Weaponry on Late Pleistocene Hominin Evolution

Projectile weaponry is a key component of all recent human subsistence strategies, but its origins and antiquity remain poorly understood. Tip cross-sectional area variation among North American arrowheads and spearthrower dart tips is used as a criterion for evaluating hypotheses about possible stone projectile points from Eurasian Middle Paleolithic and African Middle Stone Age contexts. Analysis of pointed artifacts from Africa, the Levant, and Europe suggest projectile technology emerged first in Africa, around 50-100 Ka. Projectile technology probably reflect part of a broader pattern of ecological diversification and subsistence intensification among early Homo sapiens populations.
Immunochemical characterization of Syrian hamster major histocompatibility complex homologues.

The genes within the chromosomal segment known as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encode products that enable immunologic communication among cells and promote self-versus-nonself recognition—capabilities considered vital to every mammalian species (1). Generalizations of the mechanisms involved in MHC function are derived from studies performed in various animal models (1,2). Historically, the Syrian hamster has been considered unique with regard to certain MHC-mediated phenomena. Abnormal structure and/or expression of hamster MHC products have been suggested to account for certain of these features (3–5). To investigate these alternatives, cell-surface molecules putatively homologous to MHC products of other species have been identified and immunochemically characterized in the Syrian hamster (6–8). The possible relationships between these homologues and newly defined hamster cell-surface alloantigens are considered in this study.
Observations of the Morphology of Melting Snow

Abstract The forms of snow crystals and flakes in various stages of melting can be observed with substantial fidelity after collecting the particles in subfreezing hexane. These forms are largely determined by minimum surface area considerations, which can lead to the breakup of some forms. The collection method might be useful in detailed studies of the radar bright band.
The Potential of Native Plants for Food, Fiber and Fuel in Arid Regions

There is a wealth of native plant material either not being efficiently used or not used at all, that might make important contributions to the food, fiber and fuel needs in arid areas. These are non-agricultural plants, that may be grown with limited water supplies either derived from rainfall or from rainfall augmentation by means of dams, diversions and other means of collecting and distributing moisture from precipatation.
Dizziness and the Autonomic Dysfunction Syndrome

Dizziness resulting from inner ear or CNS disease has been well described. However, there is a large number of patients for whom dizziness does not seem to be related to either the ears or the CNS. We postulate an abnormality in the autonomic nervous system of such patients and have used standard tilt testing and Valsalva methods to assess the abnormality. Based on the results of these tests, we can suggest therapeutic options.
Abstract 255: Laminar Shear Stress Enhances the Activity and Localization of RNA Polymerase II on the eNOS Gene

We have previously found that laminar shear enhances eNOS mRNA stability and translation by altering endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) mRNA 3′ polyadenylation. Transcription is tightly coupled to pre-mRNA processing, and is coordinated by RNA polymerase (RNAP) II. We assessed whether laminar shear stress alters the activity and localization of RNAP II on the eNOS gene. We found that endothelial cells exposed to laminar shear stress had a 2-fold (n=3, p
A Review of Adverse Outcomes Following Intravenous Morphine Usage for Pain Relief in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Chest pain in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) unresponsive to nitrates is routinely treated by intravenous (IV) morphine. In the past two decades, several studies have emerged, suggesting poorer outcomes in patients receiving this treatment; however, morphine remains the drug of choice for these patients as per the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines on ACS management. The results of various studies that examined the impact of morphine on myocardial infarct size, antiplatelet therapy absorption time, and patient mortality are discussed. There is mounting evidence suggesting that morphine may increase adverse events in ACS patients, therefore, the development of more precise criteria for IV morphine administration in ACS patients is needed.
Complex Overlapping Joints between Facial Bones Allowing Limited Anterior Sliding Movements of the Snout in Diplodocid Sauropods

Diplodocid sauropods had a unique skull morphology, with posteriorly retracted nares, an elongated snout, and anteriorly restricted, peglike teeth. Because of the lack of extant analogs in skull structure and tooth morphology, understanding their feeding strategy and diet has been difficult. Furthermore, the general rarity of sauropod skulls and the fragility of their facial elements resulted in a restricted knowledge of cranial anatomy, in particular regarding the internal surface of the facial skull. Here, we describe in detail a well-preserved diplodocid skull visible in medial view. Diagnostic features recognized in other skulls observable in lateral view, such as the extended contribution of the jugal to the antorbital fenestra, are obliterated in medial view due to extensive overlapping joints between the maxilla, jugal, quadratojugal, and the lacrimal. These overlapping joints permitted limited anterior sliding movement of the snout, which likely served as a kind of “shock-absorbing” mechanism during feeding. Diplodocid skulls therefore seem to have evolved to alleviate stresses inflicted on the snout during backward movements of the head, as would be expected during branch-stripping or raking.
Chemical analyses and production technology of archaeological glass from Athienou-Malloura, Cyprus

Abstract Ancient glasses (between ca. 480 BCE and 647 CE), from the archaeological site of Athienou-Malloura near the modern village of Athienou in central Cyprus, was analyzed using a multi-analytical approach, contributing to scientific scholarship of pre-Late Antique Cypriot glass composition and production technology and to ancient glass chemistry of the Mediterranean region and the broader Middle East. Glass microsamples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) for the characterization of the major and minor elements, and by quadrupole-laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (q-LA-ICP-MS) for quantification of trace elements and rare earth elements (REEs). Results indicated a soda-lime-silicate glass, characteristic of the Mediterranean natron glass used from the middle of the first millennium BC to the ninth century AD. Most glass fragments studied were de-colorized through the intentional addition of antimony and/or manganese-containing minerals, a practice commonly applied and documented during the Roman period. Trace elements analysis suggested at least two different sources of sands and minor mixing or recycling. Comparison with published chemical analyses on Cypriot Early Byzantine glass from coastal regions suggested similar sources of raw materials used in glass making from the Cypro-Classical to the Roman period, which points to a possible continuity in glass supply to Cyprus from the same primary production centers in the ancient Levantine coast.
A cross-source, system-agnostic solution for clinical data review

Assembly of complete and error-free clinical trial data sets for statistical analysis and regulatory submission requires extensive effort and communication among investigational sites, central laboratories, pharmaceutical sponsors, contract research organizations and other entities. Traditionally, this data is captured, cleaned and reconciled through multiple disjointed systems and processes, which is resource intensive and error prone. Here, we introduce a new system for clinical data review that helps data managers identify missing, erroneous and inconsistent data and manage queries in a unified, system-agnostic and efficient way. Our solution enables timely and integrated access to all study data regardless of source, facilitates the review of validation and discrepancy checks and the management of the resulting queries, tracks the status of page review, verification and locking activities, monitors subject data cleanliness and readiness for database lock and provides extensive configuration options to meet any study’s needs, automation for regular updates and fit-for-purpose user interfaces for global oversight and problem detection.
Void fraction measurement and flow regimes visualization of R134a in horizontal and vertical ID 7 mm circular tubes

Abstract Flow regimes and void fraction in horizontal and vertical round smooth tubes ID 7 mm with R134a in the adiabatic conditions (saturation temperature at 33 °C) and low mass flux (40–150 kg/m2 s for horizontal tubes and 65–115 kg/m2 s for vertical tubes) are presented in this paper. Flow regimes are captured by a high-speed camera while void fraction is measured by quick-closing valve method. The horizontal flow patterns are compared to Wojtan et al. (2005a) flow-regime map and some modifications based on visualization results are proposed. Void fraction results for both horizontal and vertical flows are compared to some widely used correlations. Influences of tube orientation and mass flux on void fraction are discussed. When the vapor quality keeps constant, void fraction of horizontal tubes is larger than that of vertical tubes. Higher mass flux also results in larger void fraction compared that of lower mass flux.
Mental health conditions in bereaved military service widows: A prospective, case‐controlled, and longitudinal study

Background/objectives Bereavement is associated with increases in prevalence of mental health conditions and in healthcare utilization. Due to younger age and bereavement by sudden and violent deaths, military widows may be vulnerable to poor outcomes. No systematic research has examined these effects. Method Using outpatient medical records from wives of active-duty military service members (SMs), we compared the prevalence of mental health conditions and mental healthcare visits among case widows (n = 1,375) to matched (on age, baseline healthcare utilization, SM deployment, and rank) nonbereaved control military wives (n = 1,375), from 1 year prior (Yr-1) to 2 years following (Yr+1 and Yr+2) SM death. Prevalence risk ratios and confidence intervals were compared to determine prevalence rates of mental health conditions and outpatient mental healthcare visits over time. Results The prevalence of any mental health condition, as well as a distinct loss- and stress-related mental health conditions, significantly increased from Yr-1 to Yr+1 and Yr+2 for cases as did mental healthcare utilization. Widows with persistent disorders (from Yr+1 to Yr+2) exhibited more mental conditions and mental healthcare utilization than widows whose conditions remitted. Conclusion Bereavement among military widows was associated with a two- to fivefold increase in the prevalence of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and adjustment disorder postdeath, as well as an increase in mental healthcare utilization. An increase in the prevalence of loss- and stress-related conditions beyond 1 year after death indicates persistent loss-related morbidity. Findings indicate the need for access to healthcare services that can properly identify and treat these loss-related conditions.
Proportions of youth with visual impairments meeting 24-hr movement guidelines.

Background Recent movement behaviour guidelines prescribe the optimal time spent in physical activity, screen time, and sleep across a 24-hr period. The proportion of youth with visual impairments meeting 0, 1, 2, or all 3 of these 24 movement guidelines is unknown. The primary purpose of this observational, cross-sectional analysis was to examine the proportions of youth with visual impairments in the United States who partially or fully meet the physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration guidelines. A secondary purpose of this analysis was to examine whether demographic variables were associated with the odds of youth with visual impairments meeting these guidelines. Methods This study included 561 youth with visual impairments from the 2016 to 2017 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Accounting for the NSCH sampling plan, Complex Samples was used to estimate the prevalence of meeting 24-hr movement guidelines, and a multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the odds ratio of guidelines met across different demographic factors. Results Of the participants in this study, 18.7%, 50.7%, and 73.2% met physical activity, sleep, and screen time guidelines, respectively. Just 5.8% of the sample met all three of the 24-hr movement guidelines, whereas 10.6% did not meet any of the three guidelines. Conclusions The proportion of the sample meeting of all three guidelines was low, thus depriving the majority of this population of the physiological and psychological health benefits of meeting each guideline. Moreover, the study identifies physical inactivity as a key risk factor that requires attention in this population.
Life-cycle environmental impacts of single-junction and tandem perovskite PVs: a critical review and future perspectives

For new technologies, such as perovskite solar cells (PSC), life cycle analysis (LCA) offers a fundamental framework for examining potential environmental, energy and health impacts and mitigation options before large-scale commercialization and for guiding improvements in development and production that further reduce their environmental footprint. However, credible LCA studies require actual process-based material, energy and emissions data, which may not exist before the technologies are commercially produced. Thus, the perovskite LCA literature is based on linear extrapolations of laboratory data. In this paper we critically reviewed the PSC LCA literature, explain the reasoning for a wide divergence of results, and determined which data apply to scalable industrial production, materials and processes. Our investigation probed into the formulation of each layer of a PSC device, and its potential for industrial scale fabrication. We found that electricity use is the main contributor to reported LCA results, explaining the large difference, ranging from 7.78 kWh to 1,460 kWh/m2, among various studies. Subsequently, we identified and discuss methodological errors in some of these estimates. In terms of life-cycle toxicity most of the reviewed LCA studies do not attribute any major overall toxicity impact to the presence of lead in the PSC devices. We also reviewed and critiqued studies describing "worst-case" scenarios of accidental release of lead into the environment, and, in spite of statements in those studies, we found them to be inconclusive. Finally, we discussed end-of-life (EoL) management options for resource recovery and for minimizing environmental impacts.
Hepatitis C: How Good Are Real-Life Data and Do Generics Work

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection remains a national and global public health burden and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Oral direct-acting antiviral combination regimens have excellent tolerability and efficacy with rates exceeding 90%. Sustained virologic response is associated with significant improvements in clinical outcomes. However, translation of sustained virologic response rates from trials to community settings has been poor with interferon-based regimens. We review and summarize key datasets from major real-world observational cohort studies. We review preliminary data from oral generic direct-acting antiviral formulations. Future real-world studies are needed to further clarify optimal treatment strategies for difficult-to-treat populations.
Recurrent convolutional neural network for the surrogate modeling of subsurface flow simulation.

The quantification of uncertainty on fluid flow in porous media is often hampered by multi-scale heterogeneity and insufficient site characterization. Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS), which runs numerical simulations for a large number of realization of input parameters , becomes infeasible when simulation cost is expensive or the degree of uncertainty is large. Many deep-neural-network-based methods are developed in order to replace the numerical flow simulation, but previous studies focused only on generating several snapshots of outputs at the fixed time steps, and lack to reflect the time dependent property of simulation data. Recently, the convolutional long short term memory (ConvLSTM) is utilized to deal with time series image data. Here, we propose to combine SegNet with ConvLSTM layers for the surrogate modeling of numerical flow simulation. The results show that the proposed method improves the performance of SegNet based surrogate model remarkably when the output of the simulation is time series data.
Urbanization and Imperial Integration at Angamuco, Michoacán, Mexico

This article discusses the urban landscape of Angamuco, located in the Purepecha (Tarascan) imperial heartland in western Mexico. Angamuco was occupied between the Late Preclassic through Late Post...
Theory of Sandwich Plates and Shells with an Transversely Compressible Core – Theory One

A further comprehensive detailed nonlinear theoretical model of asymmetric anisotropic doubly curved laminated composite sandwich plates and shells considering the case for the transversely compressible core in sufficient detail, thereby capturing the wrinkling phenomenon of the sandwich panel, is presented. The theory assumes a transversal displacement of the core in terms of a second-order power series expansion, thus theory two. The governing equations are developed by way of an energy approach known as Hamilton’s principle. Finally, an application of the governing equations with regard to buckling and postbuckling is provided to demonstrate the solution approach to these equations through the use of the extended Galerkin method.
Ideality Factor Based Computational Analysis of Perovskite Solar Cells

Photovoltaic semiconductors are diodes which produce a current when exposed to light. The ideality factor is a parameter which tells how closely a semiconductor behaves to an ideal diode. In an ideal diode, the only mechanism for hole electron recombination is direct bimolecular recombination. Because there are multiple mechanisms of recombination, there are no real devices with a perfect ideality factor. The types of recombination occurring within a device can be inferred by its ideality factor. In this work, we examine the ideality factor of perovskite solar cells to identify possible recombination mechanisms in the device. Analyzing fabricated perovskite solar cells using their ideality factor can indicate which type of recombination is dominant in the device. The interaction between the perovskite crystal and transport layers is of high interest as differentials in energy band can hinder overall power conversion efficiency and act as a site for nonradiative recombination loss. We show that measuring the ideality factor of high performing cells and correlating the recombination mechanisms inferred can positively drive the electrochemistry of fabricating these devices. Thereby driving researchers to maximize or minimize types of recombination for optimization.
A Resampling Based Semi-supervised Learning Analysis for Identifying School Needs of Backpack Programs

School-based backpack programs, which supply children with food to take home on weekends and holidays, have shown positive effects evidenced by families and schools’ reports. The selection priority is a big issue when the programs plan to expand their service to other schools. To aid with the appropriate design of the program, this study focuses on statistical modeling of the limited data to identify schools with the true needs of the backpack programs. The data in this study was collected from a backpack program organization and Guilford County, North Carolina websites. Utilizing various classification techniques such as logistic regression, Naive Bayes, decision tree, random forest, and support vector machine, a resampling-based semi-supervised learning (RSSL) method was developed and employed. The proposed RSSL was able to create several ranking systems for the food backpack needs for schools in the county not currently being serviced by the backpack program through exhaustive numerical simulations. Random forest in the proposed RSSL outperformed other selected classifiers in reporting probabilities useful for decision making. The RSSL method developed can be implemented to analyze the same backpack programs in other regions. The RSSL can be applied to other similar problems for the potential identification of misclassified labels with a slight or no modification and limited available data.
The Role of Heme Compounds in Sulfide Tolerance in the Echiuran Worm Urechis caupo

Since the discovery of the hydrogen sulfide-rich hydrothermal vent environments in the late 1970s, much research effort has been directed at understanding the abilities of metazoan animals to tolerate high sulfide environments. A variety of sulfide-rich habitats have been reinvestigated along with the deep ocean vents (such as sewer outfalls, marshes, and mudflats), and animals from diverse phyla have been shown to tolerate toxic sulfide and/or to capitalize on its high energy state to fuel metabolism (1-5). In many cases this tolerance and/or exploitation depends upon the central role played by a Hb or heme-containing molecule (5-13).
Fostering the fundamental principles of official statistics

This paper presents some modest suggestions for fostering the Fundamental Principles, particularly in a global setting, to widen the exposure of statistical units in ministries and central banks to the Principles, and with an emphasis on international statistical guidelines. It suggests (1) making concrete, practical examples of work that promotes the Principles available on an Internetbased Reference Site, (2) agreeing on a format to be used to make explicit the extent to which international statistical guidelines are followed, and (3) looking for ways to foster cross-agency interest and understanding by providing forums and discussion of topics that emphasize the commonality of interests across agencies. Next, it considers briefly how to go from principles to practices by developing a catalogue of good statistical practices. Finally, it takes up the question of monitoring national practices under the Principles, where it suggests a process of peer accrediting.
Abstract P284: Social Engagement and Cardiovascular Risk Behaviors: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Although social engagement is important to health behaviors, prior studies mostly considered only one of multiple different dimensions of it, with inconsistent results. Presence of countervailing or interacting influences of different types of social engagement may account for prior conflicting findings. This study identifies which dimensions of social engagement are associated with risk behaviors of smoking, low levels of physical activity, and a diet poor of fruit and vegetable intake. Cross-sectional data from 5004 participants, aged 45-84 from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis was used. Social support was measured using the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument, loneliness with a three item instrument derived from the revised University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and neighborhood social cohesion with the instrument from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Prevalence ratios of behaviors associated with standardized social engagement variables were modeled with Poisson regression, using robust standard errors. In unadjusted analyses, higher social support and neighborhood social cohesion were associated with slightly lower prevalence of smoking (prevalence ratio, PR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.77-0.87, and PR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.98, respectively) and slightly higher likelihood of achieving recommended levels of physical activity (PR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07, and PR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07, respectively). Higher loneliness was associated with slightly higher prevalence of smoking (PR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.10-1.24) and slightly less physical activity (PR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.98 ) . Associations of social support and loneliness with smoking, and associations of social support and neighborhood cohesion with physical activity, persisted after adjusting for individual characteristics. After further adjusting for all dimensions of social engagement, only neighborhood social cohesion remained associated with very slightly higher probability of achieving recommended physical activity levels (PR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.05), and only social support remained associated with lower prevalence of smoking (PR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.94) and higher probability of quitting, amongst those who had ever smoked (PR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06). Social support interacted with loneliness (p for interaction=0.001), such that these associations were present only amongst non-lonely individuals (PR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.86). In fully adjusted models, no associations were found for fruit and vegetable intake. This study is among the first to simultaneously investigate several dimensions of social engagement and their interactions in relation to risk behaviors. Social support is more consistently associated with smoking than other dimensions of social engagement and this association appears to be modified by loneliness.
On Sets, Types, Fixed Points, and Checkerboards

Most current research on automated theorem proving is concerned with proving theorems of first-order logic. We discuss two examples which illustrate the advantages of using higher-order logic in certain contexts. For some purposes type theory is a much more convenient vehicle for formalizing mathematics than axiomatic set theory. Even theorems of first-order logic can sometimes be proven more expeditiously in higher-order logic than in first-order logic. We also note the need to develop automatic theorem-proving methods which may produce proofs which do not have the subformula property.
Discrete Spring Model for Predicting Delamination Growth in Z-Fiber Reinforced Dcb Specimens

Beam theory analysis was applied to predict delamination growth in Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens reinforced in the thickness direction with pultruded pins, known as Z-fibers. The specimen arms were modeled as cantilever beams supported by discrete springs, which were included to represent the pins. A bi-linear, irreversible damage law was used to represent Z-fiber damage, the parameters of which were obtained from previous experiments. Closed-form solutions were developed for specimen compliance and displacements corresponding to Z-fiber row locations. A solution strategy was formulated to predict delamination growth, in which the parent laminate mode I critical strain energy release rate was used as the criterion for delamination growth. The solution procedure was coded into FORTRAN 90, giving a dedicated software tool for performing the delamination prediction. Comparison of analysis results with previous analysis and experiment showed good agreement, yielding an initial verification for the analytical procedure.
Does Femoroacetabular Impingement Cause Hip Instability? A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To determine whether femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is associated with hip instability. Methods: A systematic search examining FAI and hip instability was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Clinical and basic science studies were included. Instability had to be documented with either a clinical or imaging examination. Studies were excluded if they did not define diagnostic criteria for FAI, involved prosthetic hips, were not in English, were review articles, or reported Level V evidence (case reports, expert opinion). Rates of FAI morphologic features in patients with documented hip instability were determined. Mechanisms and rates of FAI-induced hip subluxation were examined in basic science studies. Results: The search yielded 1,630 relevant studies. Seven studies (4 clinical and 3 basic science) met inclusion criteria. Four studies investigated an association between FAI and hip instability in 92 patients with an average age of 31 years. Seventy-six patients experienced frank dislocations and 16 experienced posterior subluxation events. The prevalence of FAI was documented in 89 patients with hip instability. The rates of cam and pincer morphologic characteristics were 74% and 64%, respectively. The average lateral center edge angle and prevalence of acetabular retroversion were 30 � and 70%, respectively (n ¼ 76 patients). All 3 basic science studies had real-time visualization of FAI-induced hip subluxations. Conclusions: High rates of FAI morphologic characteristics are present in patients with hip instability. FAI morphologic characteristics may predispose the hip to instability through anatomic conflict caused by pincer or cam lesions (or both) levering the femoral head posteriorly. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level III, Level IV, and nonclinical studies.
Thermodynamic properties of xanthone: Heat capacities, phase-transition properties, and thermodynamic-consistency analyses using computational results

Abstract Heat capacities and phase-transition properties for xanthone (IUPAC name 9H-xanthen-9-one and Chemical Abstracts registry number [90-47-1]) are reported for the temperature range 5
The lack of insulin mimetic or antagonistic effects of methyl-α-d-mannoside in iso-osmolar solutions

Abstract Transduction of insulin binding into metabolic control in isolated rat adipocytes apparently requires intact cell surface carbohydrate. The ability of certain lectins and some glycosides to mimic and/or inhibit the actions of insulin has been cited as evidence supporting the hypothesis that a concanavalin A-like binding site on fat cells is crucial to this function. Such a binding site could explain the stimulation by methyl-α- d -mannoside of glucose oxidation or its ability to antagonize the effect of insulin on lipolysis. The present study corroborated these effects of methyl-α- d -mannoside in hyperosmolar medium, but shows that the effects vanish when osmolarity is maintained within physiological limits. Osmolarity alone could not explain all of the complex effects observed, but it can be concluded that earlier data suggesting methyl-α- d -mannoside mimics or antagonizes the actions of insulin cannot be used to support the above hypothesis.
Effect of chronic neonatal morphine and naloxone on sensorimotor and social development of young rats

Chronic morphine treatment of newborn Long-Evans rat pups between 3-26 days of age (thrice daily starting with 0.5 mg/kg, increased daily by 0.5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg) led to lags of 1 to 3 days in physical development (body weights and eye opening times) and motor coordination (catalepsy test, grasping, swimming). Chronic naloxone treatment (5 mg/kg administered thrice daily from day 3-26), in contrast, led to modest gains in development on a number of measures (body weights, vaginal opening). Morphine animals also lagged behind controls and naloxone-tested animals in social behaviors, such as homing and play. Chronic naloxone did not block or retard social development; in fact naloxone-treated animals exhibited more rapid acquisition of homing behavior than controls.
The flow of a solution into a tube filled with solvent: Mathematical derivations

On offre un ensemble d'equations qui s'appliquent a l'ecoulement laminaire de deux solutions A et B, de meme viscosite, lorsqu'on introduit B dans un tube prealablement rempli de solution A.
Kinetic properties and characteristics of mouse liver mitochondrial asparagine aminotransferase.

Abstract Mouse liver asparagine aminotransferase has been found to be a mixture of enzyme forms having a cytosolic component and a mitochondrial component. The molecular weight of the mitochondrial enzyme is 70,800. The mitochondrial asparagine amino-transferase is strongly inhibited by aminooxyacetate. It is less affected by d -cycloserine but a small amount of inhibition is observed. Cysteine strongly inhibits the enzyme as do several sulfhydryl modifying reagents. The activities of the cytosolic and mitochondrial aminotransferases have been separated, and the kinetic properties of the mitochondrial form determined. The mouse liver mitochondrial asparagine aminotransferase is fairly specific for asparagine, utilizing very few amino acids as alternate amino donors and none to a great extent. The keto acid specificity is very broad, but glyoxylate is one of the most active amino group acceptors. The kinetic properties of the mitochondrial enzyme are also reported here and the data indicate strong substrate and product inhibition. Abortive complex formation may account for the deviation of the double reciprocal plots from the expected pattern.
Conversation in Context: A Corpus‐Driven Approach by RÜLHEMANN, CHRISTOPH

The article reviews the book "Conversation in Context: A Corpus-Driven Approach," by Christoph Rulhemann.
“Liberation” vs. “Purity”: Representations of Saudi Women in the American Press and American Women in the Saudi Press

This article analyzed representations of Saudi women in the American press after September 11, 2001. Using feminist criticism, the critique of Orientalism, and postcolonial discourses as theoretical frameworks, it also compared the representations of Saudi women in The Washington Post with those of American women in the Arab News. While The Washington Post overwhelmingly portrayed Saudi women as oppressed victims in need of Western liberation, the Arab News represented most freedoms enjoyed by American women as shallow. Even as the Arab News primarily constructed American women as ethnocentric, superficial, individualistic and immoral, it simultaneously bestowed Saudi women with the responsibility of resisting Westernization and preserving Islamic purity, national dignity and culture. While dominant representations of American women in the Arab News were pejorative in nature, those American women who were perceived as attempting to understand Saudi culture and praised Saudi customs, traditions and lifesty...
A custom three-dimensional electron bolus technique for optimization of postmastectomy irradiation.

Abstract Purpose: Postmastectomy irradiation (PMI) is a technically complex treatment requiring consideration of the primary tumor location, possible risk of internal mammary node involvement, varying chest wall thicknesses secondary to surgical defects or body habitus, and risk of damaging normal underlying structures. In this report, we describe the application of a customized three-dimensional (3D) electron bolus technique for delivering PMI. Methods and Materials: A customized electron bolus was designed using a 3D planning system. Computed tomography (CT) images of each patient were obtained in treatment position and the volume to be treated was identified. The distal surface of the wax bolus matched the skin surface, and the proximal surface was designed to conform to the 90% isodose surface to the distal surface of the planning target volume (PTV). Dose was calculated with a pencil-beam algorithm correcting for patient heterogeneity. The bolus was then fabricated from modeling wax using a computer-controlled milling device. To aid in quality assurance, CT images with the bolus in place were generated and the dose distribution was computed using these images. Results: This technique optimized the dose distribution while minimizing irradiation of normal tissues. The use of a single anterior field eliminated field junction sites. Two patients who benefited from this option are described: one with altered chest wall geometry (congenital pectus excavatum), and one with recurrent disease in the medial chest wall and internal mammary chain (IMC) area. Conclusion: The use of custom 3D electron bolus for PMI is an effective method for optimizing dose delivery. The radiation dose distribution is highly conformal, dose heterogeneity is reduced compared to standard techniques in certain suboptimal settings, and excellent immediate outcome is obtained.
Potential and Limitations of Plant Virus Epidemiology: Lessons from the Potato virus Y Pathosystem

Plant virus epidemiology provides powerful tools to investigate key factors that contribute to virus epidemics in agricultural crops. When successful, epidemiological approaches help to guide decisions regarding plant protection strategies. A recent example is epidemiological research on Potato virus Y (PVY) in Finnish seed potato production; this study led to the identification of the main PVY vector species and helped to determine the timing of virus transmission. However, pathosystems rarely allow research to produce such clear-cut results. In fact, the notorious complexity of plant virus pathosystems, with multiple interactions between virus, vector, plant and environment, makes them often impenetrable even for advanced epidemiological models. This dynamic complexity questions the universal validity of employing epidemiological models that attempt to single out key factors in plant virus epidemics. Therefore, a complementary approach is needed that acknowledges the partly indeterministic nature of complex and evolving pathosystems. Such an approach is the use of diversity, employing functionally complementary elements that can jointly buffer against environmental changes. I argue that for a wider range of plant production problems, the strategy of combining mechanistic and diversity-based approaches will provide potent and sustainable solutions. In addition, to translate insights from plant virus epidemiology into practice, improvements need to be made in knowledge transfer, both within the scientific community and between researchers and practitioners. Finally, moving towards more appropriate virus control strategies is only possible if economic interests of stakeholders are in line with changing current practices.
Theoretical noise analysis on a position-sensitive Metallic Magnetic Calorimeter

We report on the theoretical noise analysis for a position-sensitive Metallic Magnetic Calorimeter (MMC), consisting of MMC read-out at both ends of a large X-ray absorber. Such devices are under consideration as alternatives to other cryogenic technologies for future X-ray astronomy missions. We use a finite-element model (FEM) to numerically calculate the signal and noise response at the detector outputs and investigate the correlations between the noise measured at each MMC coupled by the absorber. We then calculate, using the optimal filter concept, the theoretical energy and position resolution across the detector and discuss the trade-offs involved in optimizing the detector design for energy resolution, position resolution and count rate. The results show, theoretically, the position-sensitive MMC concept offers impressive spectral and spatial resolving capabilities compared to pixel arrays and similar position-sensitive cryogenic technologies using Transition Edge Sensor (TES) read-out.
IL-21 and IRF4: A complex partnership in immune and metabolic regulation.

Adipose tissue is comprised of a community of different immune cells that contributes to regulation of energy storage and release by adipocytes. The population of various immune cells is dynamic, undergoing phenotypic and compositional changes in response to physiologic (e.g., fasting vs. feeding) and pathologic (e.g., lean vs. obese) stimuli. Cumulative evidence suggests that a regulatory or anti-inflammatory immune phenotype promotes metabolic homeostasis, whereas a proinflammatory response is associated with metabolic dysregulation (1). Accordingly, lean, healthy white adipose tissue (WAT) is home to a population of alternatively activated macrophages (M2s) as well as immune cells that mediate M2 polarization, such as eosinophils, CD4+ T-helper type (Th) 2 cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) (1). During obesity, WAT is infiltrated by additional classically activated macrophages (M1s), neutrophils, mast cells, and CD8+ T cells that release proinflammatory cytokines, thereby sustaining metabolic inflammation, or meta-inflammation (2). Although the changes in immune repertoires associated with different metabolic states are well characterized, mechanisms underlying the switches in immune phenotypes remain unclear. Due to their roles in skewing immune cell responses, multiple cytokines have been suggested to play a role in the development of meta-inflammation in obesity. The first studies to recognize that obesity is associated with inflammation identified tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) as a mediator of WAT insulin resistance. TNFα produced by infiltrating M1s triggers the activation of Jun NH2-terminal kinase and inhibitor of κB kinase β causing antagonistic phosphorylation of insulin receptor …
Dispositional mental states: Chomsky and Freud

Chomsky behauptet, das das Bewustsein die Struktur eines grammatischen Ubersetzungsapparates hat, Freud dagegen betrachtet es als einen unbewusten Geisteszustand. Es wird gezeigt, wie sich diese Theorien innerhalb einer Metaphysik des Bewustseins vereinbaren lassen, die nur bewuste Geisteszustande als grundlegend, Sinneswahrnehmungen, Bilder, Emotionen und dergleichen als sekundar, und veranlagungsbedingte (naturliche) Geisteszustande als tertiar bezeichnet. Hervorzuheben ware, das grammatische Ubersetzungsapparate und unbewuste Geisteszustande, wie alle menschlichen Veranlagungen, als Eigenheiten des Korpers, welcher gewissen Gesetzen und Prinzipien unterliegt, zu analysieren sind.