cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new species of Osmundacaulis (O. jonesii sp. nov.) from Tasmania, Australia

Abstract A new petrified osmundaceous axis, Osmundacaulis jonesii sp. nov. is described from alleged Tertiary, but possible mid-Mesozoic strata from southern Tasmania. Distinguishing characters of this fossil axis include an ectophloic dictyoxylic stele composed of up to 65 xylem strands (33 strands by Hewitson's method) surrounding a parenchymatous pith containing small clusters of slerenchymatous strands and medullary traces. The cortex has 15 leaf traces in transverse section. The protoxylem divides into four clusters before the leaf trace separates from the stem xylem. Only one or two cell layers of sclerenchyma intermittently line the leaf gap. These sclerenchyma strands coalesce into one to three fibrous strands in the concavity of the trace. They eventually fuse into one adaxial, crenateshaped strand in the trace as it departs the cortex. One to six groups of sclerenchyma occur in the wings of the stipulate petiole bases. Adventious roots arise in pairs.
In-Situ Temperature Estimation in Rapid Thermal Processing Systems using Extended Kalman Filtering

An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is developed to provide an improved pyrometer-based estimate of temperature in rapid thermal processing systems. Models of the heat transfer characteristics, emissivity variations, and temperature measurement equipment, are used in formulating an EKF as a closed-loop observer to filter out noise, lessen the effects of processing variations, and to infer temperature at locations where no measurements are available. Extensive simulations are conducted to analyze the robustness of the EKF.
Imperfection sensitivity of pyramidal core sandwich structures

Abstract Lightweight metallic truss structures are currently being investigated for use within sandwich panel construction. These new material systems have demonstrated superior mechanical performance and are able to perform additional functions, such as thermal management and energy amelioration. The subject of this paper is an examination of the mechanical response of these structures. In particular, the retention of their stiffness and load capacity in the presence of imperfections is a central consideration, especially if they are to be used for a wide range of structural applications. To address this issue, sandwich panels with pyramidal truss cores have been tested in compression and shear, following the introduction of imperfections. These imperfections take the form of unbound nodes between the core and face sheets—a potential flaw that can occur during the fabrication process of these sandwich panels. Initial testing of small scale samples in compression provided insight into the influence of the number of unbound nodes but more importantly highlighted the impact of the spatial configuration of these imperfect nodes. Large scale samples, where bulk properties are observed and edge effects minimized, have been tested. The stiffness response has been compared with finite element simulations for a variety of unbound node configurations. Results for fully bound cores have also been compared to existing analytical predictions. Experimentally determined collapse strengths are also reported. Due to the influence of the spatial configuration of unbound nodes, upper and lower limits on stiffness and strength have been determined for compression and shear. Results show that pyramidal core sandwich structures are robust under compressive loading. However, the introduction of these imperfections causes rapid degradation of core shear properties.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for head and neck melanomas.

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for head and neck (H&N there were no facial nerve injuries. SLN biopsy for H&N P &< .001) compared with truncal and extremity melanoma. Blue dye was visualized less frequently in SLN of H&&N melanoma patients compared with those with trunk or extremity melanomas. Conclusions: Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and meticulous intraoperative search for blue/radioactive nodes may improve results in H&&N melanomas.
Gandhian Economic Philosophy

IT IS GENERALLY assumed that Mohandas K. Gandhi was solely a politician, philosopher, and religious leader and that he did not have any economic goals. But surprisingly all of Gandhi's political ideals seem to be woven around the economic problems that were then of great public concern. So, one seems to be in a position to state that Gandhian thinking can also be classified as Gandhian economic philosophy. Although Gandhi did not have any formal training in economics, his personal experiences in South Africa enabled him to make a deep study of the social, economic and political conditions of the Indians there and at home. Gandhi did not claim for himself much book knowledge; but whatever he read, he studied and digested. Gandhi said that he could count the books he had read on the tips of his fingers, yet some research workers have listed about three hundred books read by him. The list includes gospels of almost all religions, many ethical treatises, and some books on history, politics and economics (1). It appears that his economic thinking was influenced by the writings of Marx (Handbook of Marxism), Adam Smith (Wealth of Nations), and Snell (Principles of Equity) (2). Of all his economic concepts, prominent among them are: the ideal structure of Indian economy, socialism, industrialization, the concept of labor, and industrial relations. In the paragraphs to follow, an attempt has been made to present these concepts as interpreted and explained by Gandhi together with their critical evaluations.
The Dorsal Raphe Nucleus as a Site of Action of the Antinociceptive and Behavioral Effects of the α4 Nicotinic Receptor Agonist Epibatidine

The mechanisms and sites of action of epibatidine-induced antinociception and side effects are poorly understood. The present study tested the hypothesis that the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus is a site of action of epibatidine. Behavioral responses of rats to hindpaw formalin injection were compared after direct administration of epibatidine into the dorsal raphe and after subcutaneous administration. Different groups of rats were injected with formalin into the rear paw after administration of either epibatidine (0.01, 0.015, 0.03, and 0.06 μg) in the dorsal raphe or epibatidine (2.5–5 μg/kg) subcutaneously. Assessment of pain related behavior was done evaluating the incidence of favoring, lifting, and licking of the injected paw in the different groups. Abnormal behavior (freezing) was also recorded. Epibatidine was at least 100 times more potent when administered into the dorsal raphe nucleus versus systemically, implicating this nucleus as a site of action of the analgesic effects of epibatidine. Thus, epibatidine (0.015, 0.03, and 0.06 μg) in the dorsal raphe resulted in a significant lower pain score in the second phase of the formalin test compared with control rats and was as effective as subcutaneous epibatidine. The analgesic effects of epibatidine were regionally selective in that administration of epibatidine within the periaqueductal gray area but outside the dorsal raphe area was not analgesic. The highest doses of intraraphe epibatidine (i.e., 0.03–0.06 μg) also produced “freezing” behavior immediately after injection, which was relatively short-lived compared with the analgesic effect. Together, the results implicate the dorsal raphe nucleus as a target for the analgesic and perhaps anxiogenic effects of epibatidine.
On the serializability theorem for nested transactions

Abstract The fundamental theorem of the classical serializability theory states the necessary and sufficient conditions for the conflict serializability of an execution. In this paper, we extend the correctness Ucriteria of the classical theory by presenting a definition of conflict serializability for concurrency control of nested transactions. We define a serialization graph for nested transactions and we prove that its acyclicity is a sufficient and necessary condition for conflict serializability.
Early and Late Results of Isolated and Combined Heart Valve Surgery in Patients ≥80 Years of Age

We present a series of 405 consecutive patients aged ≥80 years who underwent isolated or combined valve surgery over a 5-year period. Our results demonstrate that valve surgery in the elderly can be performed with acceptable early mortality, good late survival, and excellent late functional outcome.
CD4 T Cells Promote CD8 T Cell Immunity at the Priming and Effector Site during Viral Encephalitis

CD4 T cell activation during peripheral infections not only is essential in inducing protective CD8 T cell memory but also promotes CD8 T cell function and survival. However, the contributions of CD4 T cell help to antiviral CD8 T cell immunity during central nervous system (CNS) infection are not well established. Encephalitis induced by the sublethal coronavirus JHMV was used to identify when CD4 T cells regulate CD8 T cell responses following CNS infection. Peripheral expansion of virus-specific CD8 T cells was impaired when CD4 T cells were ablated prior to infection but not at 4 days postinfection. Delayed CD4 T cell depletion abrogated CD4 T cell recruitment to the CNS but only slightly diminished CD8 T cell recruitment. Nevertheless, the absence of CNS CD4 T cells was associated with reduced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and granzyme B expression by infiltrating CD8 T cells, increased CD8 T cell apoptosis, and impaired control of infectious virus. CD4 T cell depletion subsequent to CD4 T cell CNS migration restored CD8 T cell activity and virus control. Analysis of γc-dependent cytokine expression indicated interleukin-21 (IL-21) as a primary candidate optimizing CD8 T cell activity within the CNS. These results demonstrate that CD4 T cells play critical roles in both enhancing peripheral activation of CD8 T cells and prolonging their antiviral function within the CNS. The data highlight the necessity for temporally and spatially distinct CD4 T cell helper functions in sustaining CD8 T cell activity during CNS infection.
Identification of Disease-Associated DNA Methylation in B Cells from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Changes in the methylation status of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated genes could significantly alter levels of gene expression, thereby contributing to disease onset and progression. We previously identified seven disease-associated DNA methylation loci from intestinal tissues of IBD patients using the Illumina GoldenGate BeadArray assay. In this study, we extended this approach to identify IBD-associated changes in DNA methylation in B cells from 18 IBD patients [9 Crohn’s disease (CD) and 9 ulcerative colitis (UC)]. B cell DNA methylation markers are particularly favorable for diagnosis due to the convenient access to peripheral blood. We examined DNA methylation profiles of B cell lines using the Illumina GoldenGate BeadArray assay. Disease-associated CpGs/genes with changes in DNA methylation were identified by comparison of methylation profiles between B cell lines from IBD patients and their siblings without IBD. BeadArray data were validated using a bisulfite polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. To verify that observed changes in DNA methylation were not due to virus transformation, we compared specific CpG DNA methylation levels of GADD45A and POMC between B cell lines and matching peripheral blood B lymphocytes from five individuals. Using this approach with strict statistical analysis, we identified 11 IBD-associated CpG sites, 14 CD-specific CpG sites, and 24 UC-specific CpG sites with methylation changes in B cells. IBD- and subtype-specific changes in DNA methylation were identified in B cells from IBD patients. Many of these genes have important immune and inflammatory response functions including several loci within the interleukin (IL)-12/IL-23 pathway.
The antitumor function of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), I. Therapeutic action of TNF against an established murine sarcoma is indirect, immunologically dependent, and limited by severe toxicity.

The ability of murine recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF) and natural TNF in tumor-necrotizing serum (TNS) to cause regression of the SA1 sarcoma was investigated. We found that to cause regression of a 9- d SA1 sarcoma, near lethal quantities of rTNF and TNS had to be given to the host. However, even at these highly toxic doses, rTNF was not reliable at causing complete tumor regression. On the other hand, both types of TNF were reliable at causing a tumor hemorrhagic reaction that resulted in the destruction of greater than 75% of the tumor's center in 24 h. The TNF-induced hemorrhagic reaction involved the development of numerous petechial hemorrhages in the tumor's vascular bed, which apparently resulted from destruction of the tumor's blood vessels. It was possible to follow the development of the hemorrhagic reaction against time after giving rTNF or TNS by measuring the intratumor extravasation of 51Cr-labeled syngeneic red cells. According to this method, TNF-induced intratumor hemorrhaging was in progress within 1 h of giving TNF and continued for about a 6-h period. However, the hemorrhagic reaction was greatly reduced and complete regression of the rim of the living tumor tissue that survived hemorrhagic necrosis failed to occur, if SA1 sarcoma was growing in T cell-deficient (TXB) mice. This indicates that the TNF-induced hemorrhagic reaction is partly dependent, and the tumor regression that follows is completely dependent on host immunocompetence. This suggests in turn, that rTNF does not directly destroy SA1 tumor cells in vivo, even though it was shown that it can destroy SA1 tumor cells in vitro. This interpretation is supported by the additional findings that rTNF was no more therapeutic against a 3-d (3-mm) SA1 than against a 9-d (8-mm) SA1, and was no more therapeutic when injected directly into the tumor than when injected intravenously. Lastly it was possible to completely inhibit the ability of rTNF and TNS to cause tumor hemorrhagic necrosis and regression by infusing the host with a monospecific, polyvalent anti- rTNF antibody that neutralized the cytotoxic action of rTNF in vitro.
Optical dithering of focal plane arrays in passive millimeter-wave imaging

Passive millimeter-wave (PMMW) imagery has tremendous potential for imaging in adverse conditions. However, poor resolution and long acquisition times pose serious limitations to this potential. Therefore, an important issue is the optimization of the sampling pattern. Ordinarily, a focal plane sensor array has sensors placed in a rectangular grid pattern at subNyquist density, and the array must be dithered to sample the image plane at the Nyquist density in each dimension. However, the Nyquist density oversamples the image due to the usually circular support of the diffraction-limited image spectrum. We develop an efficient algorithm for optimizing the dithering pattern so that the image can be reconstructed as reliably as possible from a periodic nonuniform set of samples, which can be obtained from a dithered rectangular-grid array. Taking into account the circular frequency support of the image, we sequentially eliminate the least informative array recursively until the minimal number of arrays remain. The resulting algorithm can be used as a tool in exploring the optimal image acquisition strategy.
Supporting command and control training functions in the emergency management domain using cognitive systems engineering

The design and implementation of MERMAIDS, a computer-based training system in the domain of emergency command and control, is described. The research investigates the use of cognitive systems engineering and information management tools for modelling and representing training knowledge of emergency system operators. We propose a decision-centric human-computer interface as a new method of supporting computer-based modelling in the domain of emergency systems. Several interacting themes in information management relevant to emergency response planning are discussed.
(Inter)subjectification, Japanese syntax and syntactic scope increase

This paper investigates the correlation between semantic-pragmatic change of (inter)subjectification and its syntactic effects. It points out that the diachronic change of subjectification > intersubjectification (Traugott 2003) finds its synchronic counterpart in the rigid predicate order of Japanese. Furthermore, paying closer attention to a layered model in Japanese traditional linguistics, it claims that Japanese episodes of (inter)subjectification display core to peripheral positional shifts of grammaticalized items. In contrast, the opposite directionality is exhibited with the case of possible desubjectification (imperative > conditional). Putting these issues all together, the paper questions syntactic scope decrease as a parameter of grammaticalization, and supports instead structural scope increase, as in “C-command scope increase” (Tabor and Traugott 1998), “raising/upwards movement” (Roberts and Roussou 2003) and “syntactic impoverishment” (Company forthcoming a, b). Aside from this specific focus, this paper is also an attempt to synthesize the rich tradition of Japanese linguistic studies on subjectivity with their Western counterparts.
Analysis of polarity effects in the electrical breakdown of liquids

Electrical breakdown simulations are carried out for liquids in response to a sub-microsecond (~100?200?ns) voltage pulse. This model builds on our previous analysis and focuses particularly on the polarity effect seen experimentally in point?plane geometries. The flux-corrected transport approach is used for the numerical implementation. Our model adequately explains experimental observations of pre-breakdown current fluctuations, streamer propagation and branching as well as disparities in hold-off voltage and breakdown initiation times between the anode and cathode polarities. It is demonstrated that polarity effects basically arise from the large mobility difference between electrons and ions. The higher electron mobility leads to greater charge smearing and diffusion that impacts the local electric field distributions. Non-linear couplings between the number density, electric field and charge generation rates then collectively affect the formation of ionized channels and their temporal dynamics.
Penalties associated with dispersion parameter mismatch and limited steps-per-span in Transmission-Side Digital Back Propagation

The effects of dispersion parameter mismatch and limited steps-per-span are investigated in a system employing Transmitter-Side Digital Back Propagation with Frequency Referenced Carriers.
European Wet Grasslands: Biodiversity, Management, and Restoration

Partial table of contents: Wet Grasslands: A European Perspective (C. Joyce P. Wade). STATUS. The Conservation of Lowland Wet Grassland in England (R. Jefferson P. Grice). The Ecology of Floodplain Grasslands in Estonia (L. Truus A. Tnisson). BIODIVERSITY. The Formation, Vegetation and Management of Sea-Shore Grasslands in West Estonia (E. Puurmann U. Ratas). The Important Habitats and Characteristic Rare Invertebrates of Lowland Wet Grassland in England (M. Drake). MANAGEMENT. Dynamics of Plant Litter in Riparian Meadows: Setting a Reference for Management (S. Xiong C. Nilsson). Managing Water for Wetland Ecosystems: A Case Study (A. Armstrong S. Rose). RESTORATION. Residual Effects of Phosphorus Fertilization on the Restoration of Floristic Diversity to Wet Grassland (J. Tallowin, et al.). Restoration of a Target Wet Grassland Community on Ex-Arable Land (S. Manchester, et al.). Glossary. Vascular Plant Nomenclature. Index.
Impact of a 360-degree Professionalism Assessment on Faculty Comfort and Skills in Feedback Delivery

Background Professionalism is identified as a competency of resident education. Best approaches to teaching and evaluating professionalism are unknown, but feedback about professionalism is necessary to change practice and behavior. Faculty discomfort with professionalism may limit their delivery of feedback to residents.
Learning Lightness Algorithms

Lightness algorithms, which recover surface reflectance from the image irradiance signal in individual color channels, provide one solution to the computational problem of color constancy. We compare three methods for constructing (or "learning") lightness algorithms from examples in a Mondrian world: optimal linear estimation, backpropagation (BP) on a two-layer network, and optimal polynomial estimation. In each example, the input data (image irradiance) is paired with the desired output (surface reflectance). Optimal linear estimation produces a lightness operator that is approximately equivalent to a center-surround, or bandpass, filter and which resembles a new lightness algorithm recently proposed by Land. This technique is based on the assumption that the operator that transforms input into output is linear, which is true for a certain class of early vision algorithms that may therefore be synthesized in a similar way from examples. Although the backpropagation net performs slightly better on new input data than the estimated linear operator, the optimal polynomial operator of order two performs marginally better than both.
Comparison of Electrocardiographic QTc Duration in Patients With Supravalvar Aortic Stenosis With Versus Without Williams Syndrome

Cardiovascular abnormalities in Williams syndrome (WS) are largely attributable to elastin haploinsufficiency resulting from a large deletion of the elastin-containing region on chromosome 7q11.23. The risk of sudden death in patients with WS is 25- to 100-fold greater than that in the general population. The corrected QT (QTc) interval is prolonged in 14% of patients with WS. Patients with nonsyndromic supravalvar aortic stenosis (NSVAS) have elastin mutations resulting in elastin haploinsufficiency and a vascular phenotype nearly identical to that of WS. No previous studies have evaluated the QTc duration in NSVAS. A retrospective review of all electrocardiograms (ECGs) performed on consecutive patients with NSVAS at Arkansas Children's Hospital from January 1, 1985 to January 1, 2012 was completed. ECGs with nonsinus rhythm or unmeasurable intervals were excluded. The ECGs were read by 1 reader who was unaware of previous readings. A QTc interval of ≥460 ms was defined as prolonged. The NSVAS cohort was compared to previously published WS and control groups using the mixed model for continuous electrocardiographic variables and the generalized estimating equation for binary indicators for prolonged QTc. The generalized estimating equation used bootstrapping with 1,000 replicates. A total of 300 ECGs (median 6, range 1 to 27) from the 35 identified patients with NSVAS met the inclusion criteria. A total of 482 ECGs from patients with WS and 1,522 ECGs from controls were included. The mean age of the patients with NSVAS at ECG was 7.3 ± 6.9 years; 64% were male. The mean QTc duration was 409 ± 20 ms in the NSVAS group, 418 ± 17 ms in the control group (p
Stability of orthotropic rectangular plates

An analytical method of solution is presented for the problem of elastic buckling of orthotropic rectangular plates. Uniaxially compressed plates are treated for different boundary conditions along the loaded and unloaded edges. The advantage of the proposed method lies in the introduction of a unified analytical solution technique for a multitude of combinations of boundary conditions. For some combinations, only numerical solution techniques were available in the literature.
Risk factors for aspiration.

Background There are numerous risk factors for aspiration in tube-fed critically ill patients. However, there is confusion about the extent to which these factors actually contribute to aspiration. The purpose of this literature review was to summarize findings from selected research studies. Methods A nonexhaustive literature search was conducted to identify risk factors for aspiration in tube-fed, critically ill patients. The most commonly cited factors were decreased level of consciousness, supine position, presence of a nasogastric tube, tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, bolus or intermittent feeding delivery methods, high-risk disease and injury conditions, and advanced age. Results Many studies of aspiration risk factors have relatively small sample sizes and used equivocal definitions of aspiration. Although some addressed aspiration as an outcome, others considered gastroesophageal reflux or pneumonia as outcomes. Despite these variations, authors almost uniformly agree that a decreased level of consciousness and a sustained supine position are major risk factors for aspiration. There is less agreement regarding the effect of a nasogastric tube (or its size) on aspiration and on the effect of various formula delivery methods. Conclusions A decreased level of consciousness is a major risk factor for aspiration, as is a sustained supine position. Although some authors favor using small-bore feeding tubes to prevent aspiration, there seems to be insufficient data to warrant this action. Although strong data are lacking regarding feeding delivery methods, there are more data to support continuous feedings than bolus/intermittent feedings in high-risk patients.
Potassium channels in squid neuron cell bodies: comparison to axonal channels

The squid giant axon is formed from the fusion of many axons whose cell bodies are located in the giant fiber lobe (GFL) of the stellate ganglion. We measured macroscopic potassium channel currents in both squid giant axons and in the cell bodies. These currents appear similar in many ways, but were differently affected by the amino group modifying reagent, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS increased the steady-state amplitude of the axonal currents but decreased the somal currents. We also studied single K channel currents in the giant fiber lobe cells, for comparison with single K channel currents measured previously in the axons. We found two common classes of K channels, distinguished by their conductances (11 and 25 pS) and kinetic properties. The two channel types resemble the 10 and 20 pS channels that have been described in squid giant axons. These results suggest that the cell bodies and axons express fundamentally similar K channel types. The different effects of amino group modification on macroscopic K currents in the two regions may arise from small (perhaps posttranslational) modifications of the core proteins.
The influence of presumptive limb connective tissue on motoneuron axon guidance.

Abstract During embryogenesis in the chick, the lumbosacral (LS) somatopleure gives rise to the connective tissue and the epidermis of the limb. We wished to determine if the LS somatopleure was a primary source of guidance cues for motoneuron pathway choices along the anteroposterior axis of the limb. At stage (st) 15, prior to its population by muscle cell precursors and the neural crest, the LS somatopleure was shifted anteriorly. This surgery resulted in the development of limbs that were shifted one to four segments into the thoracic region. Muscles within the anterior thigh of the shifted limb were normally patterned and of composite origin: connective tissues were of LS origin, while muscle cells were of LS and thoracic origin. Retrograde HRP labeling at st 35–37 indicated that motoneuron pools to these anterior thigh muscles were located within LS rather than thoracic cord segments. Pools to individual muscles were smaller than normal but occupied segmental and transverse positions in the LS cord that generally matched those of normal embryos. These findings suggest that individual muscles within somatopleure-shifted limbs are innervated specifically and are in accord with their connective tissue (and epidermal) level of origin. Reconstructions of nerve patterns at st 28–31 suggested that LS motoneurons corrected for the shift by altering their pathways at midthigh regions. We conclude that the somatopleure, and most likely its connective tissue component, contains the information for setting up a specific axon guidance system in the developing limb.
Family values and antipathy toward gay men

The role of family values in promoting prejudice toward gay men was examined. Participants high and low in support for family values were primed with family-relevant or neutral cues and were exposed to either a gay or a straight father who was described as a good or a bad parent. Both individual differences in family value support and situational primes of family values produced derogation of the gay father. Sympathy for the father in a child custody loss was also markedly low when family values were both endorsed and primed, and when the gay father was explicitly depicted as a bad parent. The findings have implications for Rokeach's (1972) belief congruence perspective, and for models that depict values as part of a mental associative network (Biernat, Vescio, & Theno, 1996; Feather, 1990).
Use of Leukoreduced Blood Does Not Reduce Infection, Organ Failure, or Mortality Following Trauma

Background Leukoreduced (LR) blood has been demonstrated to reduce morbidity and mortality in high-risk surgical patients, but not in trauma patients. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of LR blood on morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that the use of LR blood does not improve outcome in trauma patients.
Herpes simplex encephalitis: A review

Patients with herpes simplex encephalitis generally have altered mental function and are rarely able to provide a good medical history. Failure to diagnose this serious disease may result in permanent neurologic damage or death of the patient. Rapid institution of newer diagnostic tests such as polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus is essential for proper diagnosis. Parenteral acyclovir therapy is efficacious but, clearly, improvements in prevention and therapy are still important research goals. This review is meant to inform physicians and nurses concerning the current diagnosis and management of this treatable but potentially fatal illness.
Political Islam and Foreign Policy in Europe and the United States

This paper is about the epistemological underpinnings of European and American foreign policy toward political Islam. European and American approaches to political Islam rely upon commonly held secular assumptions about religion and politics that have significant effects on foreign policy in Europe and the United States. Secularist epistemology produces an understanding of “normal politics” that lends a particular coloring to the politics of Muslim-majority societies. These secularist understandings affect foreign policy in two ways: first, the appearance of Islam in politics is equated with fundamentalism and intolerance, and second, the forms and degrees of separation between Islam and politics that do exist in contemporary Muslim-majority societies either do not appear at all or appear as ill-fitting imitations of a Western secular ideal. Rather than a backlash against modernity or a return to tradition, political Islam is a modern language of politics that challenges and, at times, overturns fundamental assumptions about religion and politics embedded in Western forms of secularism.
Photoelectrochemical properties of n-type KTaO3 single crystals in alkaline electrolytes

Semiconducting KTaO3 single crystals were investigated as a model potential photoanode for hydrogen production using photoelectrochemical cells. To modify the electronic properties of KTaO3 by reducing the band gap and thereby increasing the absorption of light at longer wavelengths, the crystals were doped during growth. A wide range of dopant elements was used that consisted primarily of transition metal atoms. Most of the crystals exhibited n-type behavior with carrier concentrations from 4 × 1018 to 2.6 × 1020 cm–3. The position of the band edges indicated that the crystals were thermodynamically capable of water dissociation. External quantum yield measurements revealed that the samples were photoactive up to a wavelength of ~350 nm. The indirect band gap and a parameter denoted as E1 that is related to the direct band edge of the semiconductor, were found to be essentially the same for all of the samples. These results indicate that the various dopants and treatments did not produce changes in the KTaO3 electronic structure that were sufficient to significantly modify the behavior of KTaO3 in a PEC cell.
Adult Education and Teilhardian Thought: Contextualizing Socialization into Globalization

Globalization is defined as the compression of the world internationally and the intensification of consciousness globally. There is much to reorient adult learners toward the emerging reality of globalization who hold mental models formed from previous educational experiences. Nothing less than a transformation of their social literacy is required so that many adults do not to become future dysfunctional global citizens. Global education is the socialization process into globalization. The challenge for adult educators is to develop innovative global education programs to meet the challenges of socialization of adult learners into globalization. The central thesis of this article is that avant-garde French intellectual Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's (1881–1955) philosophy of evolution is congruent with a globalization conceptualization. As such, Teilhardian thought can effectively serve as the theoretical foundation that contextualizes adult global education and learning experiences.
Prosthetic restoration of the anterior edentulous space.

Abstract The dentition of partially edentulous patients with an anterior modification space may be restored in several ways. If a removable partial denture is selected as the treatment of choice, denture tooth selection, direct retainer display, and anteriorposterior rotation may be sources of concern for the patient and dentist. A way to overcome the treatment problems associated with these partially edentulous patients is use of a Hader bar and clip-retained removable partial denture with the attachment of an anterior porcelain-fused-to-metal facade. This article describes this treatment option and the technique for fabrication.
Controllable ‘somersault’ magnetic soft robotics

This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of magnetic soft robotics with controllable somersault linear motion. The structures consist of polymeric magnet discs embedded in an elastomer and cut into various shapes. A cyclic magnetic field induces linear motion of the actuators on an inclined acrylic surface (0–90°). We investigate the effect of friction, geometry, and mass distribution on the controllability of their trajectory. The optimized actuator exhibits controllable linear movement in a flip-and-forward manner for an extended distance of 260 mm on horizontal surfaces and 80 mm on vertical surfaces.
Analysis of Energy-Optimal Aircraft Landing Operation Trajectories

This paper presents a method for the energy-optimal operation of a fixed-wing aircraft tracking a prescribed landing path in the three-dimensional space with a fixed time of arrival. The problem is converted to an optimal control problem with one state variable, which is subject to state and control input constraints along the path. It is shown that the solution to this energy-optimal tracking problem provides a good approximation to the minimum-fuel problem. The switching structure of the optimal solution is analyzed, and a semi-analytical method is proposed for computing the optimal solution. Compared to standard numerical optimization methods the proposed method is guaranteed to converge to the optimal solution, and it is computationally much more efficient. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach. As verified by these numerical results the proposed energy-optimal solution can help improve aircraft fuel efficiency during the landing phase.
Helical reconstruction of frozen-hydrated scallop myosin filaments.

Abstract Native myosin filaments from scallop striated muscle that have been rapidly frozen in relaxing solutions appear to be well preserved in vitreous ice. Electron micrographs of samples at −177 °C were recorded with an electron dose of 10 e/A 2 at 1.5 μm defocus. After filament images were straightened by spline-fitting, several transforms showed well-defined layer-lines arising from the helical structure of the filament. A set of 17 near-meridional layer-lines has been collected and corrected for background and for phase and amplitude contrast functions. Preliminary helical reconstructions from this still incomplete data set reveal aspects of structure that were not apparent from earlier analysis of negatively stained filaments from scallop muscle. Individual pear-shaped myosin heads now appear to be well resolved from each other and from the filament backbone. The two heads of each myosin molecule appear to be splayed apart axially. The reconstructions also reveal that the filament backbone has a polygonal shape in cross-section, and that it appears to contain seven peripherally located subfilaments.
Identification of lactobacillus as the source of bacterial histidine decarboxylase in rat stomach.

Abstract Lactobacillus was identified as the source of bacterial histidine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.22) in rat stomach. Lactobacilli were found in large numbers in the membranous part of rat stomach and in lesser numbers in the glandular part. Histological studies showed that the bacilli were present in a tenacious layer of much-like material on the epithelial surface of the membranous part of the stomach. The lactobacilli were identified as several closely related strains of L. acidophilus . Some of these strains contained histidine decarboxylase and produced histamine. Conditions such as fasting, neomycin or reserpine treatment, which led to a decrease in the number of gastric lactobacilli, led to a corresponding decrease in the amount of bacterial histidine decarboxylase activity in stomach and to a decrease in gastric histamine. Stomachs of germ-free rats were rapidly colonized by lactobacilli when the rats were exposed to a non-sterile environment, which suggested that rat stomach is a normal habitat for the lactobacilli. Histamine in gastric juice appeared to be largely of bacterial origin; gastric juice of normal rats contained 3.3 μg histamine/ml whereas the juice of germ-free rats had less than 0.1 μg histamine/ml.
Digital Systems, Partnership Networks, and Competition: The Co-Evolution of IOS Use and Network Position as Antecedents of Competitive Action

This study examines and tests a holistic model of relationships among interorganizational systems (IOS), partnership networks of firms, and firms' competitiveness. The model integrates concepts from these three areas of study to give a basis for more fully understanding and investigating issues inherent in IOS-intensive coopetition networks. Introducing social network analysis and competitive dynamics research into this study, we test the model using an automotive network comprised of the world's major competing sports car makers and their many value/supply chain partners. We collect and analyze data about these firms' network structures, usage of IOS, and competitive actions. Results support the holistic view that there are systematic associations between IOS use, competitive action, and network structure. Based on this view, we introduce a framework characterizing the roles of IOS in achieving firm competitiveness.
On the Rate of Abundance Modifications versus Time in Active Region Plasmas

Four emerging and developing active regions observed on Skylab spectroheliograms (300-600 A) have been studied over intervals of 3 to 7 days to determine the change in their Mg/Ne abundance ratio. The Mg/Ne abundance ratio is used as a measure of the FIP effect on element abundances in the solar upper atmosphere. Mg/Ne abundance ratios were derived from diagnostic intensity ratios of Mg VI lines at 400 A relative to adjacent Ne VI lines. Intensity ratios were estimated from the active region images in the Skylab Atlas of Extreme-Ultraviolet Spectroheliograms. The resulting abundance ratios expressed in terms of the FIP bias β (see text) are plotted as a function of elapsed time since emergence. After emergence the newborn region shows photospheric composition: i.e., the abundance ratio of Mg/Ne = 0.296, β = 1. Thereafter, the developing regions show a progressive increase in the Mg/Ne abundance ratio with the value of β reaching after 2 days coronal-type abundances: Mg/Ne = 1.43, β ≈ 4.8. In the later stages, the bias increases to values between 7 and 9 after 3 to 7 days. Some implications of the abundance modifications are briefly discussed.
Local policing—a three dimensional task analysis

An attempt is made to provide a usable and comprehensive analysis of the local policing task. Prior attempts to discuss the nature of police work are summarized and a descriptive model is developed, based on a matrix analysis involving three dichotomies: public need (individual victimization, community need), official response (control, service), and process (incident, issue). The result of the analysis is a three-dimensional model of the police task as consisting of four distinct and mutually exclusive elements: victimizing crime, victimizing emergency, regulation, and community service. Each element is further considered in terms of the potentials of the process (incident ⇌ issue) dimension.
Chemically Diverse Toxicants Converge on Fyn and c-Cbl to Disrupt Precursor Cell Function

Identification of common mechanistic principles that shed light on the action of the many chemically diverse toxicants to which we are exposed is of central importance in understanding how toxicants disrupt normal cellular function and in developing more effective means of protecting against such effects. Of particular importance is identifying mechanisms operative at environmentally relevant toxicant exposure levels. Chemically diverse toxicants exhibit striking convergence, at environmentally relevant exposure levels, on pathway-specific disruption of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling required for cell division in central nervous system (CNS) progenitor cells. Relatively small toxicant-induced increases in oxidative status are associated with Fyn kinase activation, leading to secondary activation of the c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase. Fyn/c-Cbl pathway activation by these pro-oxidative changes causes specific reductions, in vitro and in vivo, in levels of the c-Cbl target platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α and other c-Cbl targets, but not of the TrkC RTK (which is not a c-Cbl target). Sequential Fyn and c-Cbl activation, with consequent pathway-specific suppression of RTK signaling, is induced by levels of methylmercury and lead that affect large segments of the population, as well as by paraquat, an organic herbicide. Our results identify a novel regulatory pathway of oxidant-mediated Fyn/c-Cbl activation as a shared mechanism of action of chemically diverse toxicants at environmentally relevant levels, and as a means by which increased oxidative status may disrupt mitogenic signaling. These results provide one of a small number of general mechanistic principles in toxicology, and the only such principle integrating toxicology, precursor cell biology, redox biology, and signaling pathway analysis in a predictive framework of broad potential relevance to the understanding of pro-oxidant–mediated disruption of normal development.
Predictors of various facets of sustainability of nations: The role of cultural and economic factors

Abstract This study examines the influence of national culture on various facets of a country's sustainability indicators, namely environmental performance, human development, and the avoidance of corruption. At the outset, using exploratory factor analysis from data from 57 countries from the GLOBE cultural practices, we identify three dimensions of culture: performance based culture (PBC), socially supportive culture (SSC) and gender egalitarianism culture (GEC). Then, using hierarchical regression analyses, we explore the role of cultural and economic factors on the various facets of sustainability. Specifically, we find that both PBC and GEC positively influence the environmental performance, even after controlling for wealth of a nation, i.e., GDP. GEC interacts with economic freedom in positively influencing environmental performance. GEC also positively influences human development as does GDP and economic growth rate. Interaction effects are also explored. We finally summarize the implications of the dimensions of culture and economic factors on the sustainability factors, and provide suggestions for future research.
Electrical aging of 15 kV EPR cable energized by AC voltage with switching impulses superimposed

Aging phenomenon of polymeric power cables have been extensively studied during last several decades. Despite the great achievement in single aging mechanism, much less was known about the aging phenomenon of cables under multi-stress conditions. This study focused on the electrical aging of 15 kV Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) power cables aged by switching impulses superimposed with ac voltage in wet condition. The experiments aimed at better understanding of the electrical aging phenomenon of EPR cable insulation in wet condition. It also helped to assess the reliability of EPR cable used under such circumstances.
Thermal, power, and co-location aware resource allocation in heterogeneous high performance computing systems

The rapid increase in power consumption of high performance computing (HPC) systems has led to an increase in the amount of cooling resources required to operate these facilities at a reliable threshold. The cooling systems contribute a large portion of the total power consumption of the facility, thus driving up the costs of providing power to these facilities. In addition, when cores sharing resources (e.g., last-level cache) execute applications at the same time, they can experience contention and therefore performance degradation. By taking a holistic approach to HPC facility management through intelligently allocating both computing and cooling resources, the performance of the HPC system can be maximized by considering co-location while obeying power consumption and thermal constraints. The performance of the system is quantified as the total reward earned from completing tasks by their individual deadlines. We propose three novel resource allocation techniques to maximize performance under power and thermal constraints when considering co-location effects: (1) a greedy heuristic, (2) a genetic algorithm technique used in combination with a new local search technique that guarantees the power and thermal constraints, and (3) a nonlinear programming based approach (from previous work), adapted to consider co-location effects.
Quality control in the in vitro fertilization laboratory

Abstract Viability of gametes and embryos is explored as it relates to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture (EC): exposure to cytotoxic materials, water quality, gas composition, temperature, hydrogen ion concentration and osmolality of media, and light exposure. The use of various assay techniques to strengthen quality control procedures in the IVF/EC laboratory is evaluated. In addition, original data concerning embryo toxicity of plasticware, changes in osmolality of culture medium over time, potential hazards of cleaning and sterilizing reusable labware and comparisons of 1-cell versus 2-cell embryo assays are discussed. Suggestions are then made concerning techniques to improve quality control in the IVF/EC laboratory.