cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VATS Lobectomy is Better than Open Thoracotomy: What is the Evidence for Short-Term Outcomes?

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with more than 200,000 new cases each year and 160,000 deaths. Surgical resection with an anatomic resection (typically a lobectomy) remains standard care for patients who have stage I and stage II non-small cell lung cancer. In the past 15 years, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been used with increasing frequency worldwide to perform anatomic resections for lung cancer. This article reviews the current VATS lobectomy series and studies published since 2000 that compare VATS to open lobectomy.
Catabolic Repression of secB Expression Is Positively Controlled by Cyclic AMP (cAMP) Receptor Protein-cAMP Complexes at the Transcriptional Level

SecB, a protein export-specific chaperone, enhances the export of a subset of proteins across cytoplasmic membranes of Escherichia coli. Previous studies showed that the synthesis of SecB is repressed by the presence of glucose in the medium. The derepression of SecB requires the products of both the cya and crp genes, indicating that secB expression is under the control of catabolic repression. In this study, two secB-specific promoters were identified. In addition, 5* transcription initiation sites from these two promoters were determined by means of secB-lacZ fusions and primer extension. The distal P1 promoter appeared to be independent of carbon sources, whereas the proximal P2 promoter was shown to be subject to control by the cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP)-cAMP complexes. Gel-mobility shift studies showed that this regulation results from direct interaction between the secB P2 promoter region and the CRP-cAMP complex. Moreover, the CRP binding site on the secB gene was determined by DNase I footprinting and further substantiated by mutational analysis. The identified secB CRP binding region is centered at the 261.5 region of the secB gene and differed from the putative binding sites predicted by computer analysis.
Population level functional diversity in a microbial community revealed by comparative genomic and metagenomic analyses

In microbial mat communities of Yellowstone hot springs, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequence diversity patterns indicate the presence of closely related bacterial populations along environmental gradients of temperature and light. To identify the functional bases for adaptation, we sequenced the genomes of two cyanobacterial (Synechococcus OS-A and OS-B') isolates representing ecologically distinct populations that dominate at different temperatures and are major primary producers in the mat. There was a marked lack of conserved large-scale gene order between the two Synechococcus genomes, indicative of extensive genomic rearrangements. Comparative genomic analyses showed that the isolates shared a large fraction of their gene content at high identity, yet, differences in phosphate and nitrogen utilization pathways indicated that they have adapted differentially to nutrient fluxes, possibly by the acquisition of genes by lateral gene transfer or their loss in certain populations. Comparisons of the Synechococcus genomes to metagenomic sequences derived from mats where these Synechococcus stains were originally isolated, revealed new facets of microbial diversity. First, Synechococcus populations at the lower temperature regions of the mat showed greater sequence diversity than those at high temperatures, consistent with a greater number of ecologically distinct populations at the lower temperature. Second, we found evidence of a specialized population that is apparently very closely related to Synechococcus OS-B', but contains genes that function in the uptake of reduced ferrous iron. In situ expression studies demonstrated that these genes are differentially expressed over the diel cycle, with highest expression when the mats are anoxic and iron may be in the reduced state. Genomic information from these mat-specific isolates and metagenomic information can be coupled to detect naturally occurring populations that are associated with different functionalities, not always represented by isolates, but which may nevertheless be important for niche partitioning and the establishment of microbial community structure.
Investigation of surface plasma resonances in small sodium clusters

Photoabsorption cross sections of small neutral sodium clusters are measured at wavelengths from 452 to 604 nm. We find that surface plasma oscillations of the valence electrons dominate the photoabsorption spectra. The experimental results are consistent with predictions based on an extended Clemenger-Nilsson model, general sum rules, and the experimental static electric polarizabilities. For Na8 a single broad resonance is observed, the peak wavelength is in excellent agreement with the model. The data for Na9 and Na10 support the prediction of double resonances.
Differential C isotope discrimination by fungi during decomposition of C(3)- and C(4)-derived sucrose.

Stable isotope analysis is a major tool used in ecosystem studies to establish pathways and rates of C exchange between various ecosystem components. Little is known about isotopic effects of many such components, especially microbes. Here we report on the discovery of an unexpected pattern of C isotopic discrimination by basidiomycete fungi with far-reaching consequences for our understanding of isotopic processing in ecosystems where these microbes mediate material transfers across trophic levels. We measured fractionation effects on three ecologically relevant basidiomycete species under controlled laboratory conditions. Sucrose derived from C3 and C4 plants is fractionated differentially by these microbes in a taxon-specific manner. The differentiation between mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi observed in the field by others is not explained by intrinsic discrimination patterns. Fractionation occurs during sugar uptake and is sensitive to the nonrandom distribution of stable isotopes in the sucrose molecule. The balance between respiratory physiology and fermentative physiology modulates the degree of fractionation. These discoveries disprove the assumption that fungal C processing does not significantly alter the distribution of stable C isotopes and provide the basis for a reevaluation of ecosystem models based on isotopic evidence that involve C transfer across microbial interfaces. We provide a mechanism to account for the observed differential discrimination effects.
Cervical secretory immunoglobulin A in adolescent girls

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether there are differences in levels of cervical secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) between adolescent girls in the secretory and proliferative phases of their menstrual cycle. Methods: Sexually active adolescent girls ( n = 117) at health maintenance organization (HMO) based adolescent medical clinic were recruited into the study. In addition to demographic and clinical data, cervical specimens were collected for sIgA measurement and gonorrhea culture, urine for chlamydia ligase chain reaction, and blood for progesterone levels. Subjects were classified as being in the proliferative phase or secretory phase of the menstrual cycle on the basis of their progesterone levels. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 17.2 years old. There was no difference in the sIgA levels between those in the proliferative phase of their cycle ( n = 45; mean sIgA level, 0.0055 mg/mL) and those in the secretory phase ( n = 40; mean sIgA level, 0.0032 mg/mL) ( p > .10). Conclusions: The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle does not appear to be associated with higher levels of sIgA in adolescent girls. These results suggest that adolescents with anovulatory cycles, i.e., those who lack a secretory phase, may not be at increased risk for genital tract infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
A case of bipolar disorder and typhoid fever.

Many medical disorders present with psychiatric symptoms. Teasing out what is caused by the medical problem and what is underlying psychopathology can be a tremendous challenge. We report the case of a young man with no documented past psychiatric history that developed symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder with mood-congruent psychotic features as well as typhoid fever. In this report, we summarize the biological, psychological, and social underpinnings of this rare and interesting case.
Earnings Comovement and Accounting Comparability: The Effects of Mandatory IFRS Adoption

We examine changes in cross-country financial statement comparability around mandatory IFRS adoption and the effects of these changes on firms’ information environments, as captured by analyst properties and bid-ask spreads. First, we show that cross-country earnings comovement is negatively associated with favorable properties of the firm-level information environment. In contrast, we show that cross-country accounting comparability is positively associated with favorable properties of the information environment. We further document that, whereas IFRS adoption increased cross-country earnings comovement, it did not increase accounting comparability relative to a control sample of non-adopting firms. Finally, we show directly that the increases in earnings comovement experienced by IFRS adopters have negative effects on firms’ information environments. This finding provides novel evidence that increases in earnings comovement associated with IFRS adoption diminished financial statement users’ ability to extract information from cross-country firm comparisons.
A Rapid Method for the Extractive Separation of Trace Level Manganese(II) from an Aquatic Environment

A rapid method has been developed for the solvent extraction separation of manganese(II). At pH 5-8, 2.5×10-3mol/l Cryptand 221 in chloroform quantitatively extracts manganese with 1.5×10-3mol/l Erythrosin as the counter ion. From the organic phase it was stripped with 0.5mol/l hydrochloric acid, and was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy at 279.5nm in an air-acetylene flame. Manganese was separated from iron(III), zinc, cadmium, lead, cobalt, nickel, thallium(I), which were generally encountered in an aquatic environment. The method was extended for analysis of manganese from aerosols, sediments and effluents.
Hypermucoviscous Phenotype Expressed by an Isolate of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: an Overlooked and Underappreciated Virulence Factor

Abstract Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are classified as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli with a special predilection for the urinary tract. Among the virulence factors enabling urinary tract invasion are fimbriae, afimbrial adhesions, siderophores, and several secreted toxins. Biofilm formation and capsular K antigens also aid colonization of the urinary tract. This report describes perhaps the first documentation of a hypermucoviscous phenotype of a UPEC strain isolated from the urine of a 54-year-old patient with chronic emphysematous pyelonephritis leading to nephrectomy of his right kidney. Culture of the patient's urine grew highly viscous colonies which rendered a "stringing" phenomenon when an inoculating needle was passed through the colonies analogous to that produced by liver-invasive strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae . Stained preparations of colony teasings emulsified in India ink and examined microscopically (×1,000) revealed two distinct halos enveloping the bacillary form. The inner halo was indicative of a capsule, while the second viscous halo enveloped the entire complex. While mucoid E. coli strains have been isolated from various clinical specimens, none have been reported to have been tested for the stringing phenomenon indicative of the hypermucoviscous phenotype, which may be a common occurrence but overlooked as a distinctive virulence characteristic of UPEC strains.
Risks and wrongs in social science research: An evaluator's guide to the IRB

Having an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and monitor the use of human subjects is now fundamental to ethical research. Yet social scientists appear increasingly frustrated with the process. This article aims to assist evaluators struggling to understand and work with IRBs. The author theorizes why IRBs frustrate and insists there is only one remedy: We must accept the legitimacy of IRB review and (a) learn more about IRB regulations, imperatives, and the new pressures on them; and (b) educate IRBs about social scientific methodologies and empirically demonstrable risks. A research agenda and tips are offered.
Work In Progress: Modeling Undergraduate Engineering Recruitment and Retention Using Classical Control Theory

In this work a model of the engineering education pathway from middle school, through high school and through the completion of the B.S. degree in engineering is proposed. The model incorporates the closed-loop infrastructure of earlier models and extends the feedback control loops which characterize external recruitment and retention efforts. A perturbation analysis of the system parameters indicates that feedback intervention at the engineering enrollment stage provides the largest increase in B.S. engineers produced. Preliminary simulation results indicate that with feedback control along the engineering education pathway, the number of B. S. level engineers produced does increase greatly. Issues of sustainability and feasibility of these efforts and the policy implications of this work are discussed.
A fast algorithm for determining the best combination of local alignments to a query sequence

Existing sequence alignment algorithms assume that similarities between DNA or amino acid sequences are linearly ordered. That is, stretches of similar nucleotides or amino acids are in the same order in both sequences. Recombination perturbs this order. An algorithm that can reconstruct sequence similarity despite rearrangement would be helpful for reconstructing the evolutionary history of recombined sequences. We propose a graph-based algorithm for combining multiple local alignments to a query sequence into the single combination of alignments that either covers the maximal portion of the query or results in the single highest alignment score to the query. This algorithm can help study the process of genome rearrangement, improve functional gene annotation, and reconstruct the evolutionary history of recombined proteins. The algorithm takes O(n2) time, where n is the number of local alignments considered. We discuss two example applications of the algorithm. The algorithm is able to provide useful reconstructions of the metazoan mitochondrial genome. It is also able to increase the percentage of a query sequence's amino acid residues for which similar stretches of amino acids can be found in sequence databases.
β-catenin Signaling and Axis Specification

This animation provides a representation of the β-catenin signaling pathway in response to fertilization and the process of axis specification that occurs early in development. The process shown is based on analysis of embryos of the amphibian Xenopus. This animation would be useful in illustrating events that occur early in embryogenesis and how embryos become polarized as a consequence of localized signaling processes.
Flow cytometric analysis of infiltrating cells in the peripheral nerves in experimental allergic neuritis

Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is an animal model that shares clinical, pathological and electrophysiological features with the human disease Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). In this study, we isolated and characterized by fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS) phenotype of the inflammatory cells infiltrating cauda equina (CE) of Lewis rats at the active stage of the disease. We found that at this stage of EAN macrophages (Mphi) and alphabeta T cells were two major populations isolated from CE. We also found that among total cell population isolated from CE, gammadelta T and NK cells composed two small but distinct populations, while B cells were negligible. We characterized phenotype of alphabeta T cells in CE as CD45RC(+)CD8(+) (activated cytotoxic lymphocytes) and CD45RC(-)CD4(+) (memory Th cells). The phenotype of gammadelta T cells was found to be consisted of only CD45RC(+)CD8(+) cells. Both alphabeta and gammadelta T cells in CE expressed a higher level of CD25, CD44 and CD54 activation markers compared to the other tissues. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that gammadelta T cells existed apart from the intense cellular infiltrate. This is the first report on the isolation and FACS analysis of CE-infiltrating cells, contributing a new and alternative approach to study the inflammatory lesions in EAN. We conclude that both alphabeta and gammadelta T cells have a unique activation/inflammatory phenotype required to traffic through and be retained in the peripheral nerves during EAN.
Globally Radical Technologies and Locally Radical Technologies: The Role of Audiences in the Construction of Innovative Impact in Biotechnology

We argue that the decision of inventors to build upon a pioneering technology is a function not just of technical merit but also of social forces. The identification of technological predecessors in the patenting process (i.e., prior art) goes beyond merely delineating legal boundaries of a technological claim; the act, we posit, also provides a roadmap for potential inventors to follow. Thus, in technologies where such a roadmap does not exist (i.e., “new to the world” technologies), innovative impact is stifled as compared to technologies where such roadmaps are preserved (i.e., “new to the firm” technologies). To build our story, we distinguish between two types of radical technologies-globally radical technologies (GRTs) and locally radical technologies (LRTs)-and juxtapose them in an exploration of the technology's cumulative impact of entrepreneurial firm invention. Results from a negative binomial regression analysis of inventions in the U.S.-based biotechnology industry show that LRTs are far more likely to be cited in the long run than GRTs, as hypothesized.
Software quality across the curriculum

This tutorial proves an overview of software quality concepts, processes, and techniques, as related to the design and implementation of undergraduate computing curricula. It provides ideas and examples of how to incorporate and integrate software quality practices into such curricula.
The Importance of Local Spirit and Sense of Place: Side Effects of the Underestimation in the Modernist Town Planning

Do the spirit and the sense of place influence the quality of life of inhabitants‘ Is it possible to find any relationship between the reactionary behavior of inhabitants of the so-called French banlieuse and the lack of sense of place‘ The social-architectural evolution of those quarters, developed in Rome by the Institute for Social Housing at the beginning of the 20th century, gives us possible answers to the problems of cities nowadays and the improvement in the quality of life. The quarters, built for the working classes, are considered as the best examples of urban-architectural composition of the 20th century. The real estate market valued houses, like the historical center, and the inhabitants are extremely proud of their neighborhoods, differently from what is happening in more recent times.
"Be True to What You Said on Paper": Penny Pether on the Positivism of Law and Language

Law too can fail and can deceive. In pointing to the failure of U.S. federal appellate courts to be true to their words, Penny Pether insists — as she maintains the common law has done and can do — on holding law to the language of its promises. Through her literary criticisms of legal positivism in depublication practices, she warns of the danger of an all-powerful positive law. She also holds, or insists with Martin Luther King on holding, language to its law: to the promise, however imperfect, of truth.
Discovering User Interactions in Ideological Discussions

Online discussion forums are a popular platform for people to voice their opinions on any subject matter and to discuss or debate any issue of interest. In forums where users discuss social, political, or religious issues, there are often heated debates among users or participants. Existing research has studied mining of user stances or camps on certain issues, opposing perspectives, and contention points. In this paper, we focus on identifying the nature of interactions among user pairs. The central questions are: How does each pair of users interact with each other? Does the pair of users mostly agree or disagree? What is the lexicon that people often use to express agreement and disagreement? We present a topic model based approach to answer these questions. Since agreement and disagreement expressions are usually multiword phrases, we propose to employ a ranking method to identify highly relevant phrases prior to topic modeling. After modeling, we use the modeling results to classify the nature of interaction of each user pair. Our evaluation results using real-life discussion/debate posts demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Electron Excitation Cross Sections for the S II Transitions 3s23p34So → 3s23p32Do,2Po, and 3s3p44P

Experimental and theoretical collisional excitation cross sections are reported for the transitions 3s23p34So → 3s23p32Do,2Po, and 3s3p44P in S II. The transition wavelengths (energies) are 6716 A (1.85 eV), 4069 A (3.05 eV), and 1256 A (9.87 eV), respectively. In the experiments, use is made of the energy-loss merged-beams method. The metastable fraction of the S II beam was assessed and minimized. The contribution of elastically scattered electrons was reduced by the use of a lowered solenoidal magnetic field and a modulated radio-frequency voltage on the analyzing plates and by retarding grids to reject the elastically scattered electrons with larger Larmor radii. For each transition, comparisons are made among experiments, the new 19 state -matrix calculation, and three other close-coupling calculations.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Victim Impact Intervention Through the Examination of Changes in Dynamic Risk Scores

The current study examines changes in assessed criminogenic needs/dynamic risk factors of juvenile offenders participating in a victim impact delinquency intervention. Three hundred twenty juvenile...
Demographics, health, and risk behaviors of young adults who drink energy drinks and coffee beverages

Objective: The present study investigates risk behaviors, sleep habits, and mental health factors associated with caffeinated beverage use in young adults. Materials and Methods: Students from a midsize private university (n = 159) completed a 15-minute anonymous questionnaire, including questions on risk behaviors, sleep habits, alcohol, and caffeine consumption. We compared behaviors between the top ∼15% ("high end") of energy drink users (≥3/month) and coffee users (≥16/month) to those with less frequent or no caffeine consumption. Results: Caffeine consumption was frequent among young adults. In the last month, 36% of students had an energy drink, 69% had coffee or espresso, and 86% reported having any caffeine; however, the majority of students were unaware of the caffeine content in these beverages. High-end energy drink consumers reported more risk-taking behaviors (increased drug and alcohol use and less frequent seat belt use), sleep disturbances (later bedtimes, harder time falling asleep, and more all-nighters), and higher frequency of mental illness diagnoses than those who consumed fewer energy drinks. In contrast, the frequency of most risk behaviors, sleep disturbances, and mental illness diagnoses was not significantly different between the high-end and general population of coffee drinkers. Conclusion: Students with delayed sleep patterns, mental illness, and higher frequency of substance use and risk behaviors were more likely to be regular energy drink users but not regular coffee drinkers. It is unclear whether the psychoactive content in energy drinks results in different behavioral effects than just caffeine in coffee, and/or different personality/health populations are drawn to the two types of beverages.
Food Insecurity and Rural Adolescent Personal Health, Home, and Academic Environments

BACKGROUND Food-insecure (FIS) adolescents struggle in school and with health and mental health more often than food-secure (FS) adolescents. Rural communities experience important disparities in health, but little is known about rural FIS adolescents. This study aims to describe select characteristics of rural adolescents by food-security status. METHODS Baseline analysis using data from a randomized trial to increase school breakfast participation (SBP) in rural Minnesota high schools. Students completed a survey regarding food security, characteristics, and home and school environments. Schools provided academic data and staff measured height and weight. Food security was dichotomized as FS vs FIS. Bivariate analysis, multivariate linear/logistic regression, and testing for interaction of food security and sex were performed. RESULTS Food-insecure adolescents reported poorer health, less exercise, had lower grades, and higher SBP (p < .01). Food-insecure adolescents reported marginally fewer barriers (p = .06) and more benefits of breakfast (p = .05). All associations except reported benefits remained significant after adjustment. Interactions were identified with girls' grade point average and with boys' caloric and added sugar intake. CONCLUSIONS Negative associations among food insecurity and positive youth development are identified in our sample. Policy and environmental strategies should address the complexities of these associations, including exploration of the role of school meals.
Simulations of fill tube effects on the implosion of high-foot NIF ignition capsules

Encouraging results have been obtained using a strong first shock during the implosion of carbon-based ablator ignition capsules. These "high-foot" implosion results show that capsule performance deviates from 1D expectations as laser power and energy are increased. A possible cause of this deviation is the disruption of the hot spot by jets originating in the capsule fill tube. Nominally, a 10 μm outside diameter glass (SiO2) fill tube is used in these implosions. Simulations indicate that a thin coating of Au on this glass tube may lessen the hotspot disruption. These results and other mitigation strategies will be presented.
Application and Comparison of the Detection Methods for SF_6 Decomposition Products

The detection of SF6 decomposition products is an effective method to identify the potential device fault,and spot the fault accurately.Experimental and comparative study on the detection methods for SF6 decomposition products helps to define their application range and illustrate their practical applications.
Hygiene situation of centralized air-conditioning ventilation systems in hospitals in Shenzhen

Objective:To understand the hygiene situation of ventilation system of centralized air conditioners in shenzhen municipal hospital and therefore provide support for the hygiene management.Methods:6 hospitals on central air-conditioning systems to investigate the situation of health management,According to "public places,central air-conditioning ventilation system health norms" requirements,sampling and detection.Results:A total of 24 sets of six hospitals in the ventilation system blowing air PM10 pass rate of 95.8%(23/24),the total number of bacteria passing rate of 81.4%(96/118),the total number of fungi pass rate 93.2%(110/118),β-hemolytic streptococcus and other pathogens were not detected;Duct amount of surface dust pass rate of95.8%(23/24),the total number of bacteria for the100% pass rate(162/162),the total pass rate of fungi100%(162/162),Pathogens were not detected;air conditioning condensation water Legionella pneumophila in a pass rate of 100%(16/16),air-conditioning cooling water Legionella pneumophila contamination rate as high as 50%(8/16).Conclusion:Shenzhen Hospitals,central air-conditioning ventilation system blowing air is polluted,The water cooling towers Legionella pneumophila detection rate is high,The doctor and the patient's health has been threatened,Should intensify supervision and management to strengthen the various components of centralized air-conditioning ventilation system cleaning and disinfection.
Current Clinical Practice: Current Management of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Historically, the mortality rate of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) approached 100%. However, by the 1980's, new therapy was instituted with a vast improvement in survival to 90%. The exact pathogenesis of TTP remains elusive. Yet, despite incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology, outcome has improved due to increased awareness of the symptomatology leading to earlier diagnosis and better supportive care, in addition to effective therapy with plasma exchange. TTP represents a disease in which prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to a critical difference in clinical outcome.
Using Fractals in Data Mining

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Intrinsic Dimensionality Applications Related Work Summary This chapter contains sections titled: Acknowledgments References ]]>
Computing the Lagrangians of the Standard Model II. The Ghost Term

We follow up an earlier attempt to compute the Yang–Mills Lagrangian density from first principles. In that work, the Lagrangian density emerged replete with a Feynman–’t Hooft gauge fixing term. In this note we find that similar methods may be applied to produce the concomitant ghost term. Our methods are elementary and entirely and straightforwardly algebraic. Insofar as one of our first principles in the earlier computation was the Schwinger Action Principle, which is a differential version of the Feynman path integral, our computation here may be viewed as a differential version of the Faddeev–Popov functional integral approach to generating the ghost Lagrangian. As such, it avoids all measure theoretic difficulties and ambiguities, though at the price of generality.
Label-Free Optical Method for Quantifying Molecular Transport Across Cellular Membranes In Vitro

We demonstrate a nonlinear optical method for the label-free quantification of membrane transport rates of small/medium size molecules in living cells. Specifically, second-harmonic generation (SHG) laser scattering permits surface-specific characterization of transport across membranes. Unfortunately, most biologically relevant molecules are SHG-inactive. In the interest of extending this methodology for characterizing transport of any molecule, we monitor the SHG produced from an SHG-active reference molecule, in the presence of an SHG-inactive target molecule-of-interest as both molecules compete to cross a membrane. Of significance, the SHG-inactive target transport rate can be deduced as a perturbation in the measured transport rate of the reference. As proof-of-principle, we examine competitive transport of the strongly SHG-active cation, malachite green (MG), in the presence of a weakly SHG-active dication, propidium (Pro), across the outer-membrane protein channels in living bacteria. Comparison o...
There’s trouble a-Brewin’: The brewing and bottling industries at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a brewery and bottling plant operated in the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Archaeological excavations recovered beer and soft drink bottles once used by these industries. Considering that the brewery was operational in Harpers Ferry for over 10 years and bottled soft drinks and beer, it was surprising that relatively few bottles attributable to the brewery were recovered from the excavations. In order to understand this phenomenon, this study examines the historical context of the brewery, its associated bottling plant, and the people who worked in these industries. The Harpers Ferry brewery bottles recovered from the excavations are described and compared with bottles from regional breweries and bottling plants. Various possibilities for the lack of bottles are considered, including financial problems of the brewery, popularity of the product, and temperance.
CoSchd: Coordinated Scheduling With Channel and Load Awareness for Alleviating Cellular Congestion

Although cellular networks can be provisioned according to the peak demand, they usually experience large fluctuations in both channel conditions and traffic load level. Scheduling with both channel and load awareness allows us to exploit the delay tolerance of data traffic to alleviate network congestion, and thus reduce the peak. However, solving the optimal scheduling problem leads to a large-scale Markov decision process (MDP) with extremely high complexity. In this paper, we propose a scalable and distributed approach to this problem, called Coordinated Scheduling (CoSchd). CoSchd decomposes the large-scale MDP problem into many individual MDP problems, each of which can be solved independently by each user under a limited amount of coordination signals from the base station (BS). We show that CoSchd is close to optimal when the number of users becomes large. Furthermore, we propose an approximation of CoSchd that iteratively updates the scheduling policy based on online measurements. Simulation results demonstrate that exploiting channel and load awareness with CoSchd can effectively alleviate cellular network congestion.
Modeling and simulation of the impacts of STATCOM control schemes on distance elements

The performance of a distance protection scheme along with related supervisory elements is investigated when a shunt connected static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is tapped to the midpoint of a transmission line. The paper examines responses for different fault types and locations while the STATCOM absorbs reactive power and is being controlled by two different control schemes. An emtp-type model has been developed to simulate the power system and the impact of the control modes of the STATCOM device. Also, a memory polarized distance relay, digital filter, supervisory element, and trip logic are modeled. Different simulation scenarios are tested and evaluated. Distance relays tend to overreach when STATCOMs are injecting inductive current. However, the simulation results also show that distance relay performance is affected by the control scheme of the STATCOM.
Sparse sampling for image-based SVBRDF acquisition

We acquire the data-driven spatially-varying (SV)BRDF of a flat sample from only a small number of images (typically 20). We generalize the homogenous BRDF acquisition work of Nielsen et al., who derived an optimal minmal set of lighting/view directions, treating a 4 degree-of-freedom spherical gantry as a gonioreflectometer. In contrast, we benefit from using the full 2D camera image from the gantry to enable SVBRDF acquisition. Like Nielsen et al, our method is data-driven, based on the MERL database of isotropic BRDFs, and finds the optimal directions by minimizing the condition number of the acquisition matrix. We extend their approach to SVBRDFs by modifying the optimal incident/outgoing directions to avoid grazing angles that reduce resolution and make alignment of different views difficult. Another key practical issue is aligning multiple viewpoints, and correcting for near-field effects. We demonstrate our method on SVBRDF measurements of new flat materials, showing that full data-driven SVBRDF acquisition is now possible from a sparse set of only about 20 light-view pairs.
“Sent into All the World” Luke’s sending of the seventy(-two): intertextuality, reception history, and missional hermeneutics

This paper explores the interrelation between New Testament studies and Missional Theology through a critical reading of Luke 10:1. I approach the text from three different yet complementary angles: (1) a narrative reading of the text, attending to its environs in Luke-Acts; (2) an evaluation of the numbers seventy and seventy-two in antiquity; (3) the reception history of Luke 10:1 with an eye toward its intertextual relation to the Table of Nations. Following this multi-perspectival approach, I synthesize the results in a set of four suggestions for the continuing mission of the Church. If missiologist David Bosch’s contention is correct—that the New Testament is fundamentally a missionary document—we should be able to see the text’s missional impact in its reception history, and a missionally-oriented meaning should naturally surface from a careful reading of the text.
Fluctuating hydrodynamics for ionic liquids

Abstract We present a mean-field fluctuating hydrodynamics (FHD) method for studying the structural and transport properties of ionic liquids in bulk and near electrified surfaces. The free energy of the system consists of two competing terms: (1) a Landau–Lifshitz functional that models the spontaneous separation of the ionic groups, and (2) the standard mean-field electrostatic interaction between the ions in the liquid. The numerical approach used to solve the resulting FHD-Poisson equations is very efficient and models thermal fluctuations with remarkable accuracy. Such density fluctuations are sufficiently strong to excite the experimentally observed spontaneous formation of liquid nano-domains. Statistical analysis of our simulations provides quantitative information about the properties of ionic liquids, such as the mixing quality, stability, and the size of the nano-domains. Our model, thus, can be adequately parameterized by directly comparing our prediction with experimental measurements and all-atom simulations. Conclusively, this work can serve as a practical mathematical tool for testing various theories and designing more efficient mixtures of ionic liquids.
Chirped Superlattices as Adjustable Strain Platforms for Metamorphic Semiconductor Devices

Chirped superlattices are of interest as buffer layers in metamorphic semiconductor device structures, because they can combine the mismatch accommodating properties of compositionally-graded layers with the dislocation filtering properties of superlattices. Important practical aspects of the chirped superlattice as a buffer layer are the surface strain and surface in-plane lattice constant. In this work we studied two basic types of InGaAs/GaAs chirped superlattice buffers; type I is compositionally modulated while type II is thicknesses modulated. For both types, we have investigated the equilibrium surface strain and surface in-plane lattice constant, and have compared the behavior to linearly-graded buffers having the same top target composition of indium.
The Evolution of Domestication

Formerly there were neither gardens nor cultivated plants. An old woman was pestered by her young nephew who was hungry and was asking for agricultural produce which did not yet exist. She had a section of forest cleared and burned and informed men of all that would grow there…And she explained when each plant should be harvested and how it should be cooked and flavored…She had herself buried in the garden and from her body sprang all of the plants.
The need for meaning and religiosity: An individual differences approach to assessing existential needs and the relation with religious commitment, beliefs, and experiences.

Abstract Meaning in life is a component of psychological health. Religion is a robust source of meaning; religiosity is positively associated with meaning and threats to meaning increase religiosity. In the present research, we extend past work by examining how individual differences in the need for meaning relate to religious beliefs and experiences. That is, we proposed that people may vary in the extent to which they desire or need to see their lives as meaningful and that these differences should be predictive of religiosity. To test this, we developed a 10-item Need for Meaning scale and across 2 studies (N = 881) explored relations with religious commitment (Studies 1 and 2), religious beliefs (Study 2) and religious experiences (Study 2). Need for meaning was associated with religiosity above and beyond related meaning measures, as well as the need for social belonging, and established cognitive correlates of religion.
Theoretical and Experimental Evaluation of Two Roadway Piezoelectric-Based Energy Harvesting Prototypes

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a theoretical and experimental study aiming to develop a stress-based roadway energy harvesting system. It describes two prototypes using piezoelectric el...
The stability of moss populations on stream banks along two first-order, temperate-forest, headwater streams

The occurrence of terrestrial mosses in temperate deciduous forests is limited by abundant leaf litter that covers almost all of the soil, except along stream banks where mineral substrates are exposed by wind. However, stream banks are also subject to erosion that is a major disturbance for moss populations. Utilizing transplants and observations over a three period (2015–2017), we examined maintenance of current populations and establishment of new ones along the banks of two headwater streams, one in Virginia (Meadowood) and one in Illinois (Vishnu). Of the 224 plots, some with and some without mosses, that we monitored at the two stream study areas, 78 (35%) were lost to erosion or stochastic events. Areas with established moss populations had similar losses than areas without mosses (43% lost vs. 39% lost); however, losses at the two sites were very different—in Illinois, 41% of the original plots were lost, compared to 29% in Virginia. These differences in losses from erosion correspond to 32% greater number of high (>2 cm) and extreme (>4 cm) precipitation events at the Illinois site. In general, areas with mosses were lost at the same rate as those with leaf-covered bare soil. Leaf cover of moss plots, measured at height of the autumn leaf fall, averaged 12% at the Illinois site and 14% in Virginia, compared to plots without mosses that averaged 56–57% leaf cover, indicating that established moss populations are associated with exposed microsites, whereas microsites without mosses have high leaf cover. We examined the potential for colonization of new sites using transplants. Mosses transplanted onto bare soil successfully established 52% of the time, with unsuccessful ones mostly lost due to high leaf cover. Bare areas that did not receive transplants were colonized only 14% of the time, while bare areas within established moss populations were recolonized 48% of the time. We conclude that: 1) stream bank bryophyte populations are limited by leaf litter on the forest-side and erosion on the stream-side—the latter influenced by high precipitation events; 2) new potential habitats are often covered by leaf litter prohibiting establishment; 3) establishment of new populations in the local area appear to also be limited by availability (or dispersal) of diaspores; and 4) despite these limitations, losses from erosion appear to be counter-balanced by persistence and slow expansion of existing populations that remain largely litter free owing to slightly raised canopy surfaces and rapid recolonization of internally disturbed microsites.
A New Species of Sandalus Knoch (Coleoptera: Rhipiceridae), with an Updated Key to the Species of the Eastern USA

A new species of Sandalus Knoch from Florida and Alabama is described and illustrated. A key to the described species of the eastern USA is provided.
Tree-barking of the ascending aorta : syphilis or systemic lupus erythematosus ?

A case of unsuspected classical aortitis with "tree-barking" of the ascending aorta in a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and inconclusive syphilitic serologic results is presented. At autopsy, no definite diagnostic clues as to syphilitic or lupic aortitis could be obtained. Although infrequent today, the possibility of complicated cardiovascular syphilis still should be considered. Involvement of the ascending aorta by other systemic diseases is well known and can imitate syphilitic aortitis. Although the possibility of two concomitant diseases cannot be ruled out, the young age of the patient, the weak syphilitic serologic result, and active systemic lupus erythematosus demonstrated in other organs favor a diagnosis of lupic aortitis of the ascending aorta.
Signal Integration and Virulence Gene Regulation in Staphylococcus aureus

In addition to the quorum-sensing two-component system (TCS) agr, three other distinct TCSs are presently known to be involved: sae, srr and arl. This chapter begins with the well-studied agr locus, ≈3 kb in length and consisting of divergent transcription units, driven by promoters P2 and P3. Indeed, agr groupings broadly correlate with strain genotypes, and analysis of several Staphylococcus aureus strain sets revealed that genotypic class, with rare exceptions, associated with a single agr group, pointing to agr group differentiation as a primary evolutionary event that preceded genotypic divergence. The role of srrAB was recently analyzed using an antisense RNA approach to repress its expression conditionally, with which it was demonstrated that this TCS differentially regulates virulence genes such as tst and spa in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It has been noted that the pore-forming Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin, associated with staphylococcal necrotizing pneumonia, has recently also been demonstrated to downregulate the expression of several exoproteins at the transcriptional level, and it is predicted that yet other variable genes encoding toxins that cause toxinoses will be shown to act in the manner described above. Transcription factors feed back to agr, establishing additional feedback loops, and probably interact similarly with the other TCSs. At least two of the superantigens (SAgs), signaling through BB-4, transmit information through the transcription factors for downregulation of the various exoprotein genes.
Mystique: Uncovering Information Leakage from Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are small JavaScript, CSS and HTML programs that run inside the browser with special privileges. These programs, often written by third parties, operate on the pages that the browser is visiting, giving the user a programmatic way to configure the browser. The privacy implications that arise by allowing privileged third-party code to execute inside the users' browser are not well understood. In this paper, we develop a taint analysis framework for browser extensions and use it to perform a large scale study of extensions in regard to their privacy practices. We first present a hybrid approach to traditional taint analysis: by leveraging the fact that extension source code is available to the runtime JavaScript engine, we implement as well as enhance traditional taint analysis using information gathered from static data flow and control-flow analysis of the JavaScript source code. Based on this, we further modify the Chromium browser to support taint tracking for extensions. We analyzed 178,893 extensions crawled from the Chrome Web Store between September 2016 and March 2018, as well as a separate set of all available extensions (2,790 in total) for the Opera browser at the time of analysis. From these, our analysis flagged 3,868 (2.13%) extensions as potentially leaking privacy-sensitive information. The top 10 most popular Chrome extensions that we confirmed to be leaking privacy-sensitive information have more than 60 million users combined. We ran the analysis on a local Kubernetes cluster and were able to finish within a month, demonstrating the feasibility of our approach for large-scale analysis of browser extensions. At the same time, our results emphasize the threat browser extensions pose to user privacy, and the need for countermeasures to safeguard against misbehaving extensions that abuse their privileges.