cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breaking down the artificial barriers

As we approach the 50/sup th/ anniversary of spaceflight, we are finding that many of the systems engineering principles and business practices that our industry has purposely honed no longer function effectively in a system of systems environment. This paper addresses some of the barriers to SoS implementation that are built upon the artifacts of our individual disciplines, focused career paths, organizational roles and responsibilities, and common business practices. The SoS Renaissance dictates that we break down these barriers through education, training, organizational restructuring, and the implementation of transformational business practices to better meld the "art and science" of systems engineering.
The 1807–1809 Embargo Against Great Britain

The lack of success of the 1807–1809 Embargo by the United States has generally been attributed, first, to a lack of effective enforcement, and, second, to an inability to inflict greater economic damage on Great Britain than was suffered by the United States. This paper challenges both explanations. It is argued, first, that the Embargo did effectively reduce both countries to autarky. It is argued, second, that in autarky the relative price in Britain of agricultural products that had previously been imported rose by more than the relative price in the United States of manufactured goods that had previously been imported.
CULTURE, MASCULINITIES AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

The visibility of male-dominated criminal violence differs substantially from culture to culture. Accordingly, a perception of masculinity and male dominated violence as monolithic categories is misleading. Australian, German, and Japanese data display significant variations in the visibility of violence against women. In the light of this, standard gender neutral explanations of comparative criminology will be reviewed. In a conceptualization of hegemonic masculinity' in the context of sexual assault the visibility of the rapist in Australia is interpreted as a consequence of economic and cultural crises of gender relations causing a transformation of hegemonic masculinity. At present, historical and political constellations in Germany and Japan result in the visibility of different features of male dominated violence.
Hawaii as a Model System for Human Ecodynamics

The human ecodynamics approach in archaeology privileges landscape as a core concept, asserting that there can be no environment or ecosystem detached from humans and their behavior. Drawing on recent research of a multidisciplinary biocomplexity project, I explore in this article the Hawaiian archipelago as a model system for studying human ecodynamics. Natural patterns of biogeochemical and climate gradients constrained the development of intensive agroecosystems over 1,000 years. An early phase of exponential population growth was linked with agricultural intensification of terraced irrigation systems, primarily on the older islands. After C.E. 1400, expansion of population onto the leeward slopes of the young islands of Maui and Hawai'i was accompanied by intensification of dryland agricultural field systems. These changes were in turn linked to significant transformations of social and political formations, including restructuring of the system of land tenure and descent group organization, and the imposition of a system of surplus extraction organized around a ritual hierarchy of temples.
Agonist-Induced Vesiculation of the Golgi Apparatus in Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Background & Aims: The pancreatic acinar cell is known to regulate exocytosis, total protein synthesis, and secretory protein transport in response to a secretory stimulus. Whether secretory vesicle formation also is regulated is unclear. In this study, we determined whether agonist stimulation induces morphologic alterations in the acinar cell Golgi apparatus, and we evaluated the role of the vesicle severing protein dynamin. Methods: Changes in Golgi structural integrity by examining the distribution of various Golgi and TGN lipid and protein markers in live and fixed cells on stimulation with cholecystokinin were noted in a primary pancreatic acinar cell model. Multiple dynamin reagents were used to examine the distribution and function of this molecular pinchase in resting and stimulated cells. Results: Regulated secretion in acinar cells induced (1) marked fragmentation of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) that corresponded temporally with an increase in cytoplasmic calcium whereas pre-TGN compartments of the Golgi and regions of the TGN involved in the generation of constitutively trafficking vesicles were unaffected by agonist, and (2) significant recruitment of dynamin to the acinar cell Golgi apparatus that appeared to potentiate fragmentation of the TGN. Conclusions: These results suggest that the TGN is a dynamic organelle that fragments in response to cholecystokinin stimulation, a process that may contribute to zymogen granule formation.
P-wave signatures and notation for transversely isotropic media: An overview

Progress in seismic inversion and processing in anisotropic media depends on our ability to relate different seismic signatures to the anisotropic parameters. While the conventional notation (stiffness coefficients) is suitable for forward modeling, it is inconvenient in developing analytic insight into the influence of anisotropy on wave propagation. Here, a consistent description of P -wave signatures in transversely isotropic (TI) media with arbitrary strength of the anisotropy is given in terms of Thomsen notation. The influence of transverse isotropy on P -wave propagation is shown to be practically independent of the vertical S -wave velocity VS0 , even in models with strong velocity variations. Therefore, the contribution of transverse isotropy to P-wave kinematic and dynamic signatures is controlled by just two anisotropic parameters, e and δ, with the vertical velocity VP0 being a scaling coefficient in homogeneous models. The distortions of reflection moveouts and amplitudes are not necessarily correlated with the magnitude of velocity anisotropy. The influence of transverse isotropy on P -wave normal-moveout (NMO) velocity in a horizontally layered medium, on small-angle reflection coefficient, and on point-force radiation in the symmetry direction is entirely determined by the parameter δ. Another group of signatures of interest in reflection seisimology–the dip-dependence of NMO velocity, magnitude of nonhyperbolic moveout, time-migration impulse response, and the radiation pattern near vertical–is dependent on both anisotropic parameters (e and δ) and is primarily governed by the difference between e and δ. Since P -wave signatures are so sensitive to the value of e − δ, application of the elliptical-anisotropy approximation (e = δ) in P -wave processing may lead to significant errors. Many analytic expressions given in the paper remain valid in transversely isotropic media with a tilted symmetry axis. Moreover, the equation for NMO velocity from dipping reflectors, as well as the nonhyperbolic moveout equation, can be used in symmetry planes of any anisotropic media (e.g., orthorhombic).
Low‐Temperature Sintering Bi–Si–Zn‐Oxide Glasses for Use in Either Glass Composite Materials or Core/Shell 129I Waste Forms

Spent nuclear fuel contains 129I, which is of particular concern due to its very long half-life, its potential mobility in the environment, and its deleterious effect on human health. In spent fuel reprocessing schemes under consideration, a gas stream containing 129I2 would be passed through a bed of Ag-loaded zeolites such as Ag–mordenite (Ag–MOR). We have investigated the use of a low-temperature sintering bismuth–silicon–zinc-oxide glass powder mixed with either AgI or AgI–MOR to produce dense glass composite material waste forms that can be processed at 550°C, where AgI volatility is low. We have demonstrated that when fine silver flake is added to the mixture, any adsorbed I2 released during heating of AgI–MOR reacts with the silver to form AgI in situ. Furthermore, we have shown that mixtures of the glass with the AgI–MOR or AgI are durable in aqueous environments. Finally, we have developed a process to fabricate core/shell waste forms where the core of AgI–MOR or AgI and glass is encased in a shell of glass that protects the core from contact with the environment. To prevent cracking of the shell due to thermal expansion mismatch between the core and shell, amorphous silica was added to the shell to form a composite with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion.
Plaque disruption during transcatheter aortic valve replacement

A 91-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation on chronic anticoagulation therapy presented with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. The patient underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using an 18-French delivery catheter. A live 3D transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) obtained during the procedure revealed an atherosclerotic plaque in the …
CARDIAC DENERVATION EFFECT IN HYPOXIA AND HYPERCAPNIA. EFFECT OF TOTAL DENERVATION ON CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES.

The effects of hypoxia on the circulatory system involving changes in heart rate, cardiac output, and arterial blood pressure have received considerable attention. Most studies have been made in intact anesthetized dogs by varying the gas mixture used to ventilate the animal, and changes in cardiac function have been attributed to both the direct effect of oxygen deficit on the heart and to reflex neurogenic stimuli. Studies using separate perfusion systems for the systemic and cardiac circulations have shown little initial effect on the perfused heart with moderately hypoxic blood, whereas isolated perfusion of the carotid receptors with desaturated blood results in bradycardia during the period of hypoxia to the chemoreceptors. 3 Similarly, Austen and associates 1 have shown that systemic hypoxia could cause severe cardiac arrhythmia even when the heart was receiving fully oxygenated blood. It was originally shown by Harrison and coworkers 9 that thoracic sympathectomy did not
Morning-to-Afternoon Increases in Cortisol Concentrations for Infants and Toddlers at Child Care: Age Differences and Behavioral Correlates

This study examined salivary cortisol, a stress-sensitive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis hormone in 20 infants (12 females; M age = 10.8 months) and 35 toddlers (20 females; M age = 29.7 months) in full-day, center-based child care. Samples were taken at approximately 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at child care and at home. At child care, 35% of infants and 71% of toddlers showed a rise in cortisol across the day; at home, 71% of infants and 64% of toddlers showed decreases. Toddlers who played more with peers exhibited lower cortisol. Controlling age, teacher-reported social fearfulness predicted higher afternoon cortisol and larger cortisol increases across the day at child care. This phenomenon may indicate context-specific activation of the HPA axis early in life.
Social Conditions as Fundamental Causes of Health Inequalities Theory, Evidence, and Policy Implications

Link and Phelan (1995) developed the theory of fundamental causes to explain why the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and mortality has persisted despite radical changes in the diseases and risk factors that are presumed to explain it. They proposed that the enduring association results because SES embodies an array of resources, such as money, knowledge, prestige, power, and beneficial social connections that protect health no matter what mechanisms are relevant at any given time. In this article, we explicate the theory, review key findings, discuss refinements and limits to the theory, and discuss implications for health policies that might reduce health inequalities. We advocate policies that encourage medical and other health-promoting advances while at the same time breaking or weakening the link between these advances and socioeconomic resources. This can be accomplished either by reducing disparities in socioeconomic resources themselves or by developing interventions that, by their nature, are more equally distributed across SES groups.
Modeling and control of an integrated wind power generation and energy storage system

Wind energy is gaining the most interest among a variety of renewable energy resources, but the disadvantage is that wind power generation is intermittent, depending on weather conditions. Energy storage is necessary to get a smooth output from a wind turbine. This paper presents a new integrated power generation and energy storage system for doubly-fed induction generator based wind turbine systems. A battery energy storage system is connected to the DC link of the back-to-back power converters of the doubly-fed induction generator through a bi-directional DC/DC power converter. The energy storage device is controlled so as to smooth out the total output power as the wind speed varies. Control algorithms are developed for the grid-side converter, rotor-side converter and battery converter, and are tested on a simulation model developed in MATLAB/Simulink. The model contains a DFIG wind turbine, three PWM power converters and associated controllers, a DC-link capacitor, a battery, and an equivalent power grid. Simulation studies are carried out on a 2MW DFIG wind turbine and the results suggest that the integrated power generation and energy storage system can supply steady output power as the wind speed changes.
Sensor networks of freely drifting autonomous underwater explorers

With the increasing sophistication of both manned and unmanned systems for remote ocean exploration, a wealth of knowledge about heretofore-unknown oceanic processes has become available. However, no technologies currently exist to observe organisms and processes without disturbing them, as they move with the natural motion of the oceans. We propose a new class of ocean sensing, whereby free-floating underwater devices operate autonomously and collaborate through an acoustic underwater network between them. This new class of sensing will provide a window into understanding the multifaceted interactions between the ocean's currents, underwater ecosystems and our impact on them. In this paper, we will present the design of our underwater vehicle, which drifts freely with the ocean currents and is equipped with a buoyancy control piston. Results from sea tests illustrate the feasibility of our design, including its depth tracking abilities.
Response of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma to gemcitabine and docetaxel: report of two cases and literature review

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a rare malignancy arising from follicular dendritic cells, which form a meshwork within lymphoid follicles. Traditional treatment of metastatic disease with CHOP chemotherapy, the most commonly used regimen for lymphoid malignancies, has met with limited success. I report herein two cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma metastatic to the liver treated with the combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel showing unprecedented response in this disease. These observations coupled with recent evidence of a mesenchymal origin of follicular dendritic cells support the premise that this malignancy should be treated similar to other adult soft tissue sarcomas.
CONDITIONS OF ILLUMINATION AND ZOOSPOROGENESIS IN KLEBSORMIDIUM FLACCIDUM1

SUMMARY The filamentous green alga Klebsormidium flaccidum will produce zoospores when cultured on a diurnal regime of 8-hr light and 16-hr dark. Zoosporogenesis is inhibited by interruption of the dark period with light of sufficient intensity and duration. The relationship between intensity and maximum time of interruption before total inhibition of zoosporogenesis is nonlinear.
Menses resumption after cancer treatment–induced amenorrhea occurs early or not at all

Objective To identify factors associated with cancer treatment–induced amenorrhea and time to return of menses. Design Population-based cohort study. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Female cancer survivors who were diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 20 and 35 and were at least 2 years postdiagnosis at the time of recruitment (median = 7 years; interquartile range, 5–11). Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Amenorrhea (≥6 months without menses) and resumption of menses. Result(s) After excluding women with hysterectomies before cancer diagnosis, 1,043 women were eligible for analysis. Amenorrhea occurred in 31.6% of women. Among women treated with chemotherapy (n = 596), older age at diagnosis (30–35 vs. 20–24 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30, 4.30) and nulligravidity (vs. gravid: aOR=1.50; 95% CI, 1.02, 2.21) were risk factors for amenorrhea. Among amenorrheic women, menses resumed in most (70.0%), and resumption occurred within 2 years of treatment for 90.0% of women. Survivors of breast cancer were more likely to resume menses at times greater than 1 year compared with lymphoma and pelvic-area cancers. Women diagnosed at older ages, those exposed to chemotherapy, and those exposed to any radiation experienced longer times to return of menses. Women who were older at diagnosis were more likely to have irregular cycles when menses returned. Conclusion(s) Treatment-induced amenorrhea is common in cancer survivors, although most women resume menses within 2 years. However, once resumed, older women are more likely to have irregular cycles. Age at diagnosis and pregnancy history affect the risk of amenorrhea.
ATM serine-1981 phosphorylation is a plausible biomarker

A biomarker has been defined as a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a the...
Self Regulation of Memory Processing Centers of the Brain

Memory is comprised of many integrated components and functions. Decades ago, Ray Kesner presented an attribute model of memory that provided a functional architecture for memory organization in the brain. Many of the features of the model have been consistently supported by new data, and new discoveries about memory function have often been readily incorporated into the model. Current challenges, then, are to understand what makes each brain area so unique that they mediate different types of memory, and to determine how the different brain areas that process mnemonic information work together in a continuous and seemingly automatic way. The literature shows that the special mnemonic contributions could not be accounted for by unique types of neural representation in different areas of the brain. In fact most memory-related structures show movement-, reward-, and spatial-related neural discharge, although to varying degrees. Also, emerging evidence suggest that the functional consequence of the intrinsic computations of memory structures may be comparable: each may generate a prediction error signal, albeit for different types of information. Task-dependent co-modulation of population efferent codes of distant brain areas (e.g., striatum and hippocampus), however, may importantly determine strategic, memory-driven control over decisions that impact the future selection of responses. The automatic nature of memory-driven strategy switches may depend on a self-regulatory homeostatic system that allows integrative structures like the prefrontal cortex to continuously monitor and control the excitability state of neurons in different memory prediction areas of brain, and in this way enable appropriate control over future decisions.
Boll Weevil: Winter Survival in Surface Woods Trash in Mississippi

During the period 1955–1973, winter survival of the boll weevil, Anthonoumus grandis Boheman in Mississippi, as determined by examination of surface woods trash samples in the fall and sprrig, ranged from 0.2 to 51.6% for a state avg. The numbers of weevils entering hibernation in the fall ranged from 0 to 72,149/ha. In most years percentage survival was greater at the southern end of the study than at the northern end. Several climatic factors (minimum temperature, number of days during which the minimum temperature was O°C or below, number of days during which the maximum temperature was O°C or below) were correlated with survival percentage.
Musings on the Status of Electronic Music Today

If contemporary electronic music is on par with acoustic music, why is there an imbalance between the two domains? This paper explores the question by examining ideas of early electronic music visionaries, and their relationship to what later has been termed Modernism, and scrutinizes the differences and commonalities between electronic and acoustic music, sound design and composition, scientism and humanism, and popular and contemporary music. Since divergences between acoustic and electronic music culture within the domain of contemporary music appear to be significant, speculation on strategies for achieving congruence between acoustic and electronic music in the future are proposed.
Evaluating empirical contact networks as potential transmission pathways for infectious diseases.

Networks are often used to incorporate heterogeneity in contact patterns in mathematical models of pathogen spread. However, few tools exist to evaluate whether potential transmission pathways in a...
Stars and Their k-Ramsey Numbers

For bipartite graphs F and H with Ramsey number $$R(F, H) = n$$R(F,H)=n and an integer k with $$2 \le k \le n$$2≤k≤n, the k-Ramsey number of F and H is the minimum order of a balanced complete k-partite graph G for which every red-blue coloring of G results in a subgraph of G isomorphic to F all of whose edges are colored red or a subgraph isomorphic to H all of whose edges are colored blue. A formula is presented for the k-Ramsey number of every two stars $$K_{1, s}$$K1,s and $$K_{1, t}$$K1,t$$(s, t \ge 2)$$(s,t?2) and every integer k with $$2 \le k \le R(K_{1, s}, K_{1, t})$$2≤k≤R(K1,s,K1,t).
Diophantine approximation for network information theory: A survey of old and new results

Recent developments in network information theory, such as interference alignment and compute-and-forward, have highlighted connections to the branch of mathematics known as Diophantine approximation. At a high level, Diophantine approximation is concerned with how well the reals can be approximated by rationals. This paper surveys some classical and modern Diophantine results and demonstrates their applications in establishing degrees-of-freedom and capacity bounds.
Self- and Peer-Assessment of Speaking

The research on the second language (L2) speaking assessment has been predominantly concerned with formal proficiency tests. However, with a growing interest in learning-oriented assessment (LOA), more researchers are interested in learner involvement in speaking assessment (Blanche & Merino, 1989; Luoma, 2004; Ocarson, 1989). Self- and peer-assessment of speaking, where learners evaluate the performance of their own and their peers, can be an exemplar of assessment with its primary purpose on learning (Chen, 2006, 2008; Ibersson, 2012; Saito, 2008; Topping & Ehly, 1998). Depending on the purpose, self- and peer-assessment can take various forms: a questionnaire on general speaking ability, a learning log for metacognitive reflection, or a classroom activity where learners use the same rating criteria as their teachers (Bachman & Palmer, 1989; Chen, 2008, Rivers, 2001).
Feedback 2.0 in online writing instruction: Combining audio-visual and text-based commentary to enhance student revision and writing competency

The continued increase in the number of students participating in online degree programs has led to an increase in the number of students taking online composition courses. Currently, most online writing programs replicate approaches used in face-to-face composition courses and simply transfer them to the online learning environment. However, there is a need to develop teaching practices and approaches to feedback designed specifically for online learning environments. This quasi-experimental study examined whether the use of a combination of audio-visual and text-based commentary in online writing courses was more effective in promoting substantive revision and improvement in students’ writing than the use of text-based commentary alone. The multimodal feedback group showed higher rates of improvement in areas of audience and purpose between first and final drafts than students in the text-only group. Results also indicated that receiving a combination of audio-visual and text-based feedback had a marginally statistically significant effect on categories of content (p = .08) and final draft quality (p = .06); the effect for both categories was considered medium, partial η2 = .07. While most previous studies on audio or video feedback have focused on student perceptions of the feedback, this study, by focusing on efficacy, has helped generate empirical data regarding the pedagogical usefulness of audiovisual feedback in online learning environments.
Low resistance splices for HTS devices and applications

Abstract This paper discusses the preparation methodology and performance evaluation of low resistance splices made of the second generation (2G) high-temperature superconductor (HTS). These splices are required in a broad spectrum of HTS devices including a large aperture, high-field solenoid built in the laboratory to demonstrate a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device. Several pancake coils are assembled in the form of a nested solenoid, and each coil requires a hundred meters or more of 2G (RE)BCO tape. However, commercial availability of this superconductor with a very uniform physical properties is currently limited to shorter piece lengths. This necessitates us having splices to inter-connect the tape pieces within a pancake coil, between adjacent pancake coils, and to attach HTS current leads to the magnet assembly. As a part of the optimization and qualification of splicing process, a systematic study was undertaken to analyze the electrical performance of splices in two different configurations suitable for this magnet assembly: lap joint and spiral joint. The electrical performance is quantified in terms of the resistance of splices estimated from the current-voltage characteristics. It has been demonstrated that a careful application of this splicing technique can generate lap joints with resistance less than 1 nΩ at 77 K.
Early modern actors and Shakespeare’s theatre: thinking with the body

In the last scene of Hamlet, as he is about to face off against Laertes in front of the King and court, the Danish Prince states, “I’ll be your foil, Laertes. In mine ignorance/Your skill shall, li...
Prototype Design of a 700 °C In-Vacuum Blackbody Source for In Situ Calibration of the ITER ECE Diagnostic

Two blackbody sources permanently located within the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) diagnostic shield module at equatorial port 9 will operate in conjunction with two remotely retractable mirrors to generate and direct blackbody radiation to calibrate the radial and oblique views of the ITER electron cyclotron emission diagnostic. The main calibration requirements include a high-emissivity surface heated to 700 °C or higher, the ability to perform the calibration in high vacuum and in the presence of a magnetic field, and 5000-h operational lifetime over 20 years. Major constraints include a heater current limit of 40 A, no direct fluid cooling to mitigate failure risks, small size to avoid compromising neutron shielding, and adequate structural support to mitigate vibration loads. This paper describes the preliminary design of a hot calibration source supported by analysis and test results of a calibration source test prototype developed to address the calibration source requirements and its constraints.
Reoperation for Medulloblastoma Prior to Adjuvant Therapy.

Background Surgery remains an integral part of the treatment of medulloblastoma. We present our experience with repeat surgery for this tumor before initiation of adjuvant therapy. Objective To report what was found intraoperatively and where at time of second-look surgery and detail any postoperative events or readmissions within 90 days of surgery. Methods Two separate institutional databases were queried to identify patients who underwent repeat resection of suspected residual medulloblastoma from January 2003 to January 2017. Results We identified 51 patients (36 male, 15 female) who underwent repeat surgery. Average age at diagnosis was 8.31 years (range, 1.3-21.2). Imaging prior to repeat surgery demonstrated unequivocal residual tumor in 37 patients, but indeterminate in 14 patients. All but 1 patient had histopathologically confirmed residual tumor (50/51, 98%). The fourth ventricle was the primary site in 39 (76%) cases, compared with hemispheric in 12 cases (24%). Thirty (59%) tumors were non-WNT/non-SHH. All indeterminate cases (except for 1 patient) had residual tumor. Hemostatic agents were found within the resection cavity in 80% of indeterminate cases. The most common sites of residual tumor were lateral (26/39, 67%, lateral recess and/or foramen of Luschka) and roof (25/39, 64%); the superior medullary velum was the most common region of the roof (19/25, 76%). Eight (16%) patients developed new neurological deficits: cranial nerve palsies in 5 patients and posterior fossa syndrome in 3 patients. Conclusion Meticulous inspection of the resection cavity is necessary, paying particular attention to the roof and lateral recess. Hemostatic agents can conceal residual tumor.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Hand Procedures

Peripheral Nerve Block for Hand Procedures This video shows viewers how to administer a peripheral nerve block. Its primary use, demonstrated here, is to aid the treatment of hand lacerations. This...
Horizontal “checks and balances” in the socialist regime: the party chief and mayor template

Janos Kornai's pioneering scholarship examined the mechanisms of the socialist system. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kornai's main focus was on the transition process in former socialist countries in central Eastern Europe. This paper builds on Kornai's work on the socialist system by analyzing horizontal bargaining within every political branch in contemporary China. I argue that this horizontal bargaining within the party is enhanced by the vertical bargaining. Incorporating Kornai's work on socialism, the “party chief and mayor” template extends the bargaining model from one key figure and one group in the “king and council” template to two key figures and their respective confidants. In addition, it incorporates institutional constraints into the graphical model. It also defines a “collective decision probability function,” which shows how the party chief and mayor model reaches “checks and balances” that limit the policy space, regardless of whether the policy is exogenous or endogenous.
Exchanges at the Plant-Oomycete Interface That Influence Disease.

Molecular exchanges between plants and biotrophic, hemibiotrophic, and necrotrophic oomycetes affect disease progression.
Subtotal gastrectomy for peptic ulcer; postoperative results in 177 cases.

An evaluation of the results of 177 cases of subtotal gastrectomy in the treatment of peptic ulcer is presented.
The Provenance of Philippians and Why it Matters: Old Questions, New Approaches1:

Despite a growing consensus that Paul wrote Philippians from Ephesus, there are still some who argue that he wrote the letter while imprisoned in Rome. These arguments rely on interpretations of Pa...
Outcomes of a peer mentoring program for university students with disabilities

As individuals with disabilities attend postsecondary education in greater numbers, mentoring programs are being implemented more frequently. The research objective of our exploratory study was to ...
Psychological and weight history variables as predictors of short-term weight and body fat mass loss.

Objective Identifying predictors of early weight loss may have value in predicting longer-term success in weight loss programmes. This study examined if weight history variables (ie, weight cycling history [WCH], age of onset of obesity [AOO]), and preintervention Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Power of Food Scale (PFS) scores predicted weight loss (WL) and fat mass loss (FML) following a 3-week calorie restriction intervention. Methods Thirty-two participants (19-60 y; body mass index [BMI] 30-39.9 kg/m2) participated in a 3-week calorie restriction intervention (1120 kcal/d) as part of a larger clinical trial with 28 completers included in the current analyses. Preintervention WCH, AOO, TFEQ, and PFS subscale scores were collected, and WL and FML were measured. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to predict WL and FML for relevant covariates in this study. Results WCH, AOO, preintervention TFEQ subscale scores, and PFS subscale scores did not predict WL (all Ps > .08) or FML (Ps > .06) except, PFS-food tasted scores significantly predicted WL (r = -0.40, P = .03). Conclusion Although these variables were not robust predictors, results for at least the PFS suggest there may be value in further exploring this measure using larger sample sizes.
Feasibility of a self-management intervention in adolescents with headache (SMI-AH).

Abstract Purpose This study assessed the acceptability and limited efficacy of a self-management intervention to improve lifestyle behaviors and headache outcomes among rural adolescents with recurrent headache. Design and methods Participants were randomly assigned to a self-management intervention for adolescent headache (SMI-AH, n = 13) or standard care group (n = 17). The SMI-AH group participated in goal-setting, self-monitoring, and information processing to modify lifestyle behaviors (missed meals, caffeine intake, and poor sleep). Independent samples t-test was used to compare the means of outcomes at baseline and 6-week follow-up between the treatment group and control group. Linear mixed model (LMM) was used to examine the intervention effects over time. Results The mean age was 14.8 years (sd = 1.6, range, 12–17); with female participants accounting for 80% of the sample (n = 24) and persons reporting white race were 97% (n = 29). The SMI-AH group demonstrated a greater magnitude of change in lifestyle behaviors, including increased days of eating breakfast and lunch. The multivariate LMM showed significant intervention effect of lunch intake (p = 0.042 with Cohen's d = 0.42) and borderline significant effect of breakfast intake (p = 0.064 with Cohen's d = 0.38). Participants reported the intervention was easy to use and helpful to monitor behaviors. Conclusions Among rural adolescents, a self-management intervention is a feasible approach for engaging youth. The SMI-AH provides an opportunity for the adolescents to talk about their behaviors and participate in goal setting as well as the plan of care with the provider. Challenges identified in this study are manageable and a full study is feasible with modifications.
The Study on Influence of Psychological and Socio Cultural Factor on the Share Market Operations

Stock market is an important part of the economy of a country. The stock market plays a pivotal role in the growth of the industry and commerce of the country that eventually affects the economy of the country to a great extent. That is the reason why, the government, industry and even the central banks of the country keep a close watch on the happenings of the stock market.
“We the People?” Historical Foundations of Factionalism

This chapter provides a rich, historical study of the evolution of the political party system in the United States over time and the rise of centripetal political forces that threatened the “Cold War consensus” model of bipartisan foreign policy development. Building on these historical divisions, it charts the evolution of the most important factions in U.S. politics today: the Tea Party and Freedom Caucus, and the Progressive Caucus. This chapter develops critical foundations for the case studies that follow over the next four chapters.
Stochastic Expression of Sae-Dependent Virulence Genes during Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Development Is Dependent on SaeS.

ABSTRACT The intricate process of biofilm formation in the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus involves distinct stages during which a complex mixture of matrix molecules is produced and modified throughout the developmental cycle. Early in biofilm development, a subpopulation of cells detaches from its substrate in an event termed “exodus” that is mediated by SaePQRS-dependent stochastic expression of a secreted staphylococcal nuclease, which degrades extracellular DNA within the matrix, causing the release of cells and subsequently allowing for the formation of metabolically heterogenous microcolonies. Since the SaePQRS regulatory system is involved in the transcriptional control of multiple S. aureus virulence factors, the expression of several additional virulence genes was examined within a developing biofilm by introducing fluorescent gene reporter plasmids into wild-type S. aureus and isogenic regulatory mutants and growing these strains in a microfluidic system that supplies the bacteria with a constant flow of media while simultaneously imaging developing biofilms in 5-min intervals. This study demonstrated that multiple virulence genes, including nuc, were expressed stochastically within a specialized subpopulation of cells in nascent biofilms. We demonstrated that virulence genes regulated by SaePQRS were stochastically expressed in nearly all strains examined whereas Agr-regulated genes were expressed more homogenously within maturing microcolonies. The commonly used Newman strain contains a variant of SaeS (SaeSP) that confers constitutive kinase activity to the protein and caused this strain to lack the stochastic expression pattern observed in other strain backgrounds. Importantly, repair of the SaeSP allele resulting in reversion to the well-conserved SaeSL allele found in other strains restored stochastic expression in this strain. IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen capable of colonizing diverse tissue types and inducing severe disease in both immunocompromised and otherwise healthy individuals. Biofilm infections caused by this bacterial species are of particular concern because of their persistence, even in the face of intensive therapeutic intervention. The results of the current study demonstrate the stochastic nature of Sae-mediated virulence gene expression in S. aureus and indicate that this regulatory system may function as a “bistable switch” in a manner similar to that seen with regulators controlling competence gene expression in Bacillus subtilis and persister cell formation in Escherichia coli. The results of this study provide a new perspective on the complex mechanisms utilized by S. aureus during the establishment of infections.
Evaluation of racial disparities in postoperative opioid prescription filling after common pediatric surgical procedures.

Abstract Background Racially disparate pain management affects both adult and pediatric patients, but is not well studied among pediatric surgical patients after discharge. The objectives were to evaluate racial disparities in pediatric postoperative opioid prescription filling. Methods This retrospective cohort study included black or white pediatric Medicaid patients who underwent tonsillectomy, supracondylar humeral fracture fixation, or appendectomy (2/2012–7/2016). Patients were followed for 14 days post-surgery to identify opioid prescription fills. Logistic regression models evaluated the association between race and the probability of filling an opioid prescription. Results Among 39,316 surgical patients, the proportions of patients with post-surgical opioid prescriptions were 66.0%, 83.9%, and 68.5%, among tonsillectomy, supracondylar fracture, and appendectomy patients, respectively. The proportion of black appendectomy patients with a postoperative opioid prescription was significantly lower compared to white patients (65.0% vs. 69.2% respectively, p = 0.03), but was no longer significant after adjusting for other patient and provider characteristics. There were no differences by race in opioid prescription filling among other surgical patient groups. Conclusions The present study did not identify racial disparities in opioid prescription filling in adjusted analyses. Racial differences in unadjusted postoperative opioid prescription filling among appendectomy patients may be explained in part by longer postoperative length-of-stay among black children. Type of Study Prognosis Study Level of Evidence Level II
Listening to the city

My interest in the urban soundscape dates from 1966 to 1967 when I wrote my Master of City Planning thesis at MIT on ‘The Sonic Environment of Cities’. I wanted to go beyond the visual image of the...
Physiologic, Metabolic, and Toxicologic Profile of 1,3-Butanediol.

Ketone bodies are essential energy substrates in the absence of exogenous nutrients, and more recently, they have been suggested to prevent disease and improve longevity. β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) is the most abundant ketone body. The secondary alcohol, 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BD), is commonly administered to raise βHB bioavailability in vivo and in the absence of nutrient deprivation. However, the concentration of 1,3-BD that yields a systemic concentration of βHB similar to that observed after a 24-hour fast has yet to be determined. To evaluate this knowledge gap, we administered 5%, 10%, or 20% 1,3-BD via the drinking water to adult, male Wistar-Kyoto rats for four weeks. In addition to systemic and excreted βHB concentration, physiologic, metabolic, and toxicologic parameters were measured. We report that only 20% 1,3-BD significantly elevates the systemic and urinary concentrations of βHB. Rats treated with 20% 1,3-BD had a rapid and sustained reduction in body mass. All concentrations of 1,3-BD decreased food consumption, but only the 20% concentration decreased fluid consumption. Urine volume, red blood cell count, and hematocrit suggested dehydration in the 10% and 20% 1,3-BD–treated rats. Finally, 20% 1,3-BD–treated rats presented with indicators of metabolic acidosis and sinusoidal dilation, but no evidence of fatty liver or hepatotoxicity. In summary, we report that 20% 1,3-BD, but not 5% or 10%, produces a systemic concentration of βHB similar to that observed after a 24-hour fast. However, this concentration is associated with deleterious side effects such as body mass loss, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and sinusoidal dilation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT 1,3-Butanediol (1,3-BD) is often administered to stimulate the biosynthesis of the most abundant ketone body, β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), and its purported salubrious effects. This article reports that suprapharmacological concentrations of 1,3-BD are necessary to yield a systemic concentration of βHB similar to that observed after a 24-hour fast, and this is associated with undesirable side effects. On the other hand, low concentrations of 1,3-BD were better tolerated and may improve health independent of its conversion into βHB.
Jokes About Leaving the USA Aren't Funny

This op-ed opines that Americans are too quick to joke about leaving the USA if their preferred candidate loses an election.
Retention of mechanical performance of polymer matrix composites above the glass transition temperature by vascular cooling

Abstract An actively cooled vascular polymer matrix composite containing 3.0% channel volume fraction retains greater than 90% flexural stiffness when exposed continuously to 325 °C environmental temperature. Non-cooled controls suffered complete structural failure through thermal degradation under the same conditions. Glass–epoxy composites ( T g = 152 °C) manufactured by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding contain microchannel networks of two different architectures optimized for thermal and mechanical performance. Microchannels are fabricated by vaporization of poly(lactide) fibers treated with tin(II) oxalate catalyst that are incorporated into the fiber preform prior to resin infiltration. Flexural modulus, material temperature, and heat removal rates are measured during four-point bending testing as a function of environmental temperature and coolant flow rate. Simulations validate experimental measurements and provide insight into the thermal behavior. Vascular specimens with only 1.5% channel volume fraction centered at the neutral bending axis also retained over 80% flexural stiffness at 325 °C environmental temperature.
Neurohumoral mechanisms in the brain slice.

Publisher Summary Attempts to explain the mode of action of drugs in the central nervous system (CNS) in terms of their effects on neurohumoral mechanisms depends upon an array of detailed observations under controlled conditions. Among the approaches employed to circumvent the inherent difficulties of studying the central nervous system (CNS) function in vivo is the use of the brain slice. Despite its obvious limitations, the brain slice facilitates such observations and has already contributed to the understanding of physiological and biochemical processes in cerebral tissues. The rapidly expanding application of this preparation to the investigations of drug actions on substances that may serve as mediators of central synaptic transmission is the subject of this chapter. It discusses the use of brain slices for studies of putative neurotransmitters in relation to certain stages, as the influence of pharmacological agents on compounds presumed to play a role in central neurotransmission may be studied in brain slices at one or more of these stages. These are precursor uptake, sequential biosynthesis of the substance, storage of the active compound, release of the substance upon neuronal depolarization, and termination of action of the substance by reuptake into the presynaptic neuron or by enzymatic degradation. Although a number of compounds have been implicated in the mediation of neurotransmission within the CNS, the chapter is limited to a consideration of the biogenic amines (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin), certain amino acids (especially γ-aminobutyric acid), and acetylcholine.
Persistence of Local Twitch Response With Loss of Conduction to and From the Spinal Cord

A local twitch response (LTR) is a brisk contraction of a taut band of skeletal muscle fibers elicited by snapping palpation of a trigger point (TrP) in that band. The LTR is a clinically valuable objective sign that confirms the presence of a myofascial TrP. A transient burst of electromyographic (EMG) activity can be recorded from taut band fibers when an LTR is elicited by snapping palpation of TrP. A previous study of the human extensor digitorum muscle during ischemia suggested that both central and local pathways can be involved in the propagation of LTRs. In this study, EMG activity of LTRs in the third finger extensor muscle were recorded bilaterally in a patient with a unilateral brachial plexus lesion. This patient had complete loss of nerve conduction involving the posterior cord of the right brachial plexus as confirmed by EMG and nerve conduction studies and by neurological examination at 6 months after injury. EMG activity (measured as discharge duration and maximal amplitude) on the paralyzed side was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) as compared with the unaffected side, but had not disappeared. Three more studies were done at 7, 8, and 17 months after injury when the motor and sensory functions were recovered progressively. The EMG activity of LTRs recovered on the paralyzed side in parallel with the motor and sensory recovery. These findings indicate that the transmission of LTR depends mainly on the central nervous system with a possible minor degree of local transmission.