cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Fluctuation Sensing in a Bistable Phosphatidylinositol-Based Reaction Diffusion System

Bistability is an underlying principle of many cellular processes including: signaling transduction, gene expression, and cell polarity. One important class of membrane constituents that act as master regulators of signal transduction is the large family of phosphatidylinositol lipids, which selectively recruit cytosolic proteins to intracellular membranes and locally control their activity. Although many regulators and downstream effectors of phosphatidylinositol synthesis pathways have been identified, it remains unclear how bistability emerges from the competition between opposing lipid kinases and phosphatases. To better understand this fundamental cellular process, we biochemically characterized the emergent properties of a simple two-component reaction diffusion system based on the synthesis of PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2 lipids. Using supported lipid bilayers as a mimetic to cellular membranes, we demonstrate that competition between lipid kinases and phosphatases with either intrinsic or engineered positive feedback loops is sufficient to generate bistability in phosphatidylinositol lipid synthesis. Using single particle tracking of fluorescently labeled enzymes we demonstrate that bistability emerges from ultrasensitivity to phosphatidylinositol lipid densities and stochastic fluctuation sensing. We purpose a model for fluctuation sensing using stochastic chemical kinetics.
The vit Gene Maps to the mi (Microphthalmia) Locus of the Laboratory Mouse

The murine model for human vitiligo (the vit/vit mouse) develops progressive depigmentation of the pelage, skin, and eyes. The vit gene is inherited as an autosomal recessive. We have used classical breeding and isozyme marker analysis to map this vit gene that produces a vitiligo-like condition in the mouse. Crossbreeding the C57BL/6J-vit/vit mice with C57BL/6J mice carrying the Miwh and/or miws alleles at the microphthalmia locus resulted in mutant phenotypes, demonstrating absence of complementation. When vit is heterozygous with the Miwh allele, a "blotched" pigment pattern results. When it is heterozygous with the miws allele, a novel expression of the vitiliginous phenotype results. Further mating analysis of these crossbred populations demonstrates allelic inheritance between vit and the alleles at the microphthalmia locus. Other breeding studies using alleles at the agouti, belted, brown, dominant spotting, extension, mahogany, patch, and piebald loci did not demonstrate pigmentation explainable by allelic inheritance with the vit gene. Also, vit was tested for linkage with isozyme markers located on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, and results were negative. Therefore, the vit (vitiligo) gene of the laboratory mouse has been mapped to the mi (microphthalmia) locus on chromosome 6. The gene properly should be designated as mivit.
Dual excitatory of acetylcholine in the mouse vas deferens.

SummaryRelatively low concentrations of acetylcholine ( 10-4M) may be due to release of norepinephrine following interaction of acetylcholine with nicotinic receptors on adrenergic nerve terminals.
Uv-Curable Epoxy Based Second Order Nonlinear Optical Material

Epoxy based material incorporating 4-(4’-nitrophenylazo) phenylamine has been synthesized and subsequently functionalized with cinnamoyl groups. These materials can be easily solution-processed into thin films by spin-coating. The uncrosslinked polymer has excellent thermal and linear optical properties. Glass transition temperature of 115°C and degradation temperature (air) of 278°C were recorded. p]This material exhibits large second order nonlinear optical (NLO) effects subsequent to poling. In a poled film sample, second harmonic generation coefficient, d33, of 34 pm/V was observed at 1.06 μm. Crosslinking is brought about by exposure to UV radiation at 254 nm wavelength. In a poled and crosslinked film sample, a d33 of 22 pm/V was observed. This d33 value is less than the d33 value of the poled and uncrosslinked film sample due to photo-induced cis-trans isomerization and partial degradation of the NLO chromophores. Nevertheless, the poled and crosslinked film shows a much more stable second order response at ambient conditions compared to the poled film which has not been crosslinked.
Understanding, evaluating, and producing arguments: Training is necessary for reasoning skills

This commentary suggests that the general population has much less reasoning skill than is claimed by Mercier & Sperber (M&S). In particular, many studies suggest that the skills of understanding, evaluating, and producing arguments are generally poor in the population of people who have not had specific training.
Gamma Irradiation of Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Eggs as a Quarantine Treatment

Exposure of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), eggs to gamma irradiation at a rate of 14.3-14.5 Gy/min showed that younger eggs were more radiosensitive than older eggs. Eggs that were 0-1 d old hatched when treated at 50 Gy, but not at 100 Gy. Eggs that were 3-4 d old hatched when treated at 200 Gy, but not at 400 Gy. Radiation injury to eggs was also measured by the stage in which mortality occurred in embryonated and unhatched eggs. Most of the 0- to 1-d-old eggs died in the preblackhead stage at all doses. Most of the 3- to 4-d-old eggs died in the blackhead stage. The minimum dose that prevented hatch of 5- to 6-d-old eggs (the most radioresistant egg stage) was 1,400 Gy. Application of doses sublethal to 5- to 6-d-old eggs showed that neonate larvae apparently did not develop beyond the first instar at 400 Gy. No pupation occurred at 200 Gy, and only males developed to pupae at 100 Gy. None of these emerged as adults. At 50 Gy, reduced numbers developed to adults, and single-pair reciprocal crosses of moths from treated and untreated eggs resulted in no mating based on absence of spermatophores. Gamma irradiation is a potential quarantine h’eatment for disinfesting fruit of codling moth eggs.
Small Mammal Community Structure in the Postoak Savanna of East-Central Texas

Structure de cette biocenose dans un champ abandonne etudiee sur 6 ans. Relation entre les fluctuations de densite de chaque espece d'une part, les fluctuations de densite des autres especes et divers indices climatiques d'autre part
Human leukocyte antigen-DR13 and DR15 are associated with short-term lung transplant outcomes.

Abstract Background Lung transplantation outcomes are among the least favorable, with most recipients eventually developing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and subsequent graft failure. The presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR has been implicated in the pathogenesis of BOS and may play a role in these poor outcomes. Methods Lung transplant donor and recipient data were retrospectively gathered from the United Network for Organ Sharing database from January 2006 to June 2013. Donor and recipient characteristics, proportion of recipients treated for first year rejection, and 5-y rates of survival and freedom from BOS were determined according to HLA-DR1, -DR7, -DR13, and -DR15 status in both donor and recipient. Each HLA-DR allele was stratified by donor–recipient pair positivity status. Results A total of 7402 lung transplant recipients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were significant but small differences in donor and recipient characteristics for each HLA-DR group. The recipients in the D−R+ pairing for HLA-DR13 and those in the D+R− pairing for HLA-DR15 had significantly higher rates of receiving treatment for rejection within the first year after transplant (P = 0.024 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in 5-y survival or freedom from BOS for any of the four HLA-DR alleles studied. Conclusions There are higher rates of patients treated for rejection within the first year who are either negative for the HLA-DR15 allele but received a donor-positive lung or positive for the HLA-DR13 allele but received a donor-negative lung for that allele. However, these differences do not appear to affect long-term outcomes.
Improving experiment teaching of hydraulics and pneumatics by information technology

The teaching process from listening,observing,thinking to practice used for engineering course is put forward.The necessity and feasibility of virtual experiment introduced to hydraulics and pneumatics experiment teaching by means of information technology is explained.Computer simulation experiment incorporates real experiment that is used for hydraulics and pneumatics experiment teaching is proved to be all right.
Neighboring zipcodes with a new distance mapping method for better accuracy

The basis for this project was to attempt to improve upon searches for neighboring “zipcodes”. Simple search algorithms lack the granularity to properly determine nearby “zipcodes”. In this paper, we include data concerning the boundaries of each zip code area which are then indexed using a new grid-based distance mapping approach to answer neighboring searches. Searches with this method become significantly more accurate at the expense of time. Furthermore, several methods of optimization are examined to demonstrate how they can bring the search time down to more reasonable threshold.
Charged Termini on the Trp-Cage Roughen the Folding Energy Landscape.

We study the energy landscape and thermodynamics of the zwitterionic variant of the widely studied TC5b Trp-cage protein using replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. We show that the addition of two charge groups at the termini has dramatic consequences to the folding landscape. First, the addition of charged ends increases the equilibration time of the simulation by a factor of 2.5 over a variant with terminal capping. Second, we identify the formation of two long-lived metastable states not present in the capped ends variant structural ensemble. The population of these metastable states is higher at lower temperatures; furthermore, these states are determined to be low energy states, relative to the folded state. The first of the metastable states is a folding intermediate structure which is characterized by a non-native charge pair. The second is characterized by significant β sheet content. We show through potential of mean force (PMF) calculations that the PMF between two charge groups is a...
Abstract 4128: Anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activities of juglone in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths in the US. The late diagnosis, early metastasis and poor survival rate make this disease lethal. This current study was designed to examine the effect of juglone, 5 hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone in modulating the angiogenic and metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, using the MIA Paca-2 human pancreatic cancer cell line. Juglone is a natural quinoid abundantly found abundantly in plants of Juglandacea family. To understand the anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic properties of juglone, expression of markers related to angiogenesis were measured by Western blot or ELISA and the effect on ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade after treatment was analyzed by transwell invasion and migration assay, wound healing assay, and in vitro tube formation assay in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The Akt pathway is highly upregulated and is responsible for the regulation of various biological processes in pancreatic cancer cells including proliferation, growth, survival and angiogenesis. Akt activation is also associated with regulation of key angiogenic markers such as, VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and HIF-1 (Hypoxia Inducible Factor). Upon treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with juglone, reduced expression of serine-phosphorylated Akt expression was observed. Juglone inhibited metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells as indicated by the results of cell migration, invasion and wound healing assay. Juglone treatment also downregulated the levels of VEGF and HIF-1α. Significantly, it was found that juglone inhibited pancreatic cancer cell motility, migratory and invading capabilities. These findings suggest that Akt inhibitors such as juglone possess ability to attenuate the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer cells and can be used as a novel anti-cancer agent to prevent metastasis of highly invasive pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Citation Format: Namrata Karki, Frank Greenway, William Hansel, Sita Aggarwal, Jack N. Losso. Anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activities of juglone in pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4128.
Workers and Political Alienation

One would expect workers and communist regimes to ‘get along’, but they do not. From Gdansk to Shanghai, evidence mounts that communist parties find their most consistent opposition among the people they rule to arise from the supposedly revolutionary stratum of industrial labor. This development needs to be investigated. In this chapter, I undertake a comparison of workers in the politics of Romania, Poland and Yugoslavia — notwithstanding their historical, socio-economic and political differences — with the goal of enlarging our understanding of labor’s political alienation in communist Europe.
Youth Sport Development through Soccer: An Evaluation of an After-School Program Using the TPSR Model.

The Soccer Coaching Club program used the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model in an after-school soccer program for sixth grade boys between 11 and 12 years old in a local middle school. Soccer, as the featured physical activity, provided the “hook” for regular attendance. Desired outcomes included improved self-control, respect, and cooperation with others. Research efforts included formative program evaluation, focusing on fidelity to the TPSR model, and summative evaluations of immediate effects on participant understanding of TPSR concepts and participant behavior as part of the program evaluation. The population was of particular interest. The program participants were predominantly Latino, a population for which the TPSR model has not been extensively researched. A mixed methods approach was used, and data were gathered through a validated survey instrument, a program narrative, and postprogram interview with the participants’ classroom teachers.Program evaluation using the two-factor model of analysis of the survey data yielded statistically significant improvements in the factor of social responsibility, although no statistically significant change was measured in the second area, personal responsibility. The observational data including the program narrative and the data gathered through field notes provided evidence of frequent use of the strategies associated with fidelity in implementing a TPSR program and participant behaviors consistent with TPSR learning. The postprogram interview with the participants’ classroom teachers yielded observations that indicated some element of transference of program principles to the classroom, as well as strong support for the program’s return, another indicator of a successfully executed program.
Rabbit appendix: a site of development and selection of the B cell repertoire

As early as 1963, it was proposed that the rabbit appendix was a homologue of the chicken bursa of Fabricius (ARCHER et al. 1963). The finding that the young rabbit appendix was thymus independent contributed to the concept of central primary lymphoid tissue. Today we know that appendix is a site that generates the high copy number primary repertoire through diversification of rearranged VH genes by gene conversion-like and somatic hypermutation mechanisms. Thus the appendix of young rabbits functions as a mammalian bursal equivalent. In the appendix, newly generated B cells also undergo selection processes involving self and foreign antigens and superantigens. Preferential expansion and survival of B cells in normal and mutant ali rabbits based on FR1 and FR3 expression may involve "superantigen"-like interactions with endogenous and exogenous ligands. One endogenous ligand appears to be CD5. Additional ligands may be produced by gut flora. Further studies in the rabbit model are needed to determine the fates of emigrants from primary GALT, their sites of postulated self-renewal in the periphery, and the nature of secondary diversification in secondary germinal centers where populations of B lymphocyte memory cells may develop. These data may also be helpful in understanding how the repertoire of human B cells is formed and how this repertoire might be manipulated for clinical benefit.
In situ surface protection for enhancing stability and performance of conversion-type cathodes

The use of in situ formed protective layer on conversion cathodes was introduced as a cheap and simple strategy to shield these materials from undesirable interactions with liquid electrolytes. Conversion-type cathodes have been viewed as promising candidates to replace Ni- and Co-based intercalation-type cathodes for next-generation lithium (Li) and Li-ion batteries with higher specific energy, lower cost, and potentially longer cycle life. Typically, in conversion reactions two or three Li ions may be stored per just one atom of chalcogen (e.g., S or Se) or transition metal (e.g., Fe or Cu used in halides). Unfortunately, in conversion chemistries the active materials or intermediate charge/discharge products suffer from various unfavorable interactions and dissolution in organic electrolytes. In this mini-review article, we discuss the current interfacial challenges and focus on the protective layers in situ formed on the cathode surface to effectively shield conversion materials from undesirable interactions with liquid electrolytes. We further explore the mechanisms and current progress of forming such protective layers by using various salts, solvents, and additives together with the insight from molecular modeling. Finally, we discuss future opportunities and perspectives of in situ surface protection.
Time-to-event analysis of surgically treated posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants: a single-institution retrospective study

The purpose of this study is to report time points relevant to the neurosurgical management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). Data were collected retrospectively on 104 preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) who received neurosurgical intervention for PHH at St. Louis Children’s Hospital from 1994 to 2016. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for various endpoints. IVH grade on head ultrasound obtained through routine clinical care was II, III, and IV in 5 (4.8%), 33 (31.7%), and 66 (63.5%) of the patients, respectively. Neither IVH size nor location appeared to affect development of PHH. Days from birth to IVH, ventriculomegaly, temporizing neurosurgical procedure (TNP), and permanent neurosurgical intervention were 2.0 (95% CI 1.7–2.3), 3.0 (2.5–3.5), 24.0 (22.2–25.8), and 101.0 (90.4–111.6), respectively. Grades III and IV IVH did not differ in age at IVH diagnosis (Χ 2 (1 d.f.) = 1.32, p = 0.25), ventriculomegaly (Χ 2 = 0.73, p = 0.40), TNP (Χ 2 = 0.61, p = 0.43), or permanent intervention (Χ 2 = 2.48, p = 0.17). Ventricular reservoirs and ventriculosubgaleal shunts were used in 71 (68.3%) and 30 (28.8%), respectively. Eighty (76.9%) of the patients ultimately received a VPS. Five (4.8%) underwent a primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and two (1.9%) had ETV for a revision procedure. Four of the seven ETVs had choroid plexus cauterization. Although most infants who develop IVH and ventriculomegaly will do so within a few days of birth, at-risk infants should be observed for at least 4 weeks with serial head ultrasounds to monitor for PHH requiring surgery.
Observing Exoplanets with the James Webb Space Telescope

The census of exoplanets has revealed an enormous variety of planets or- biting stars of all ages and spectral types: planets in orbits of less than a day to frigid worlds in orbits over 100 AU; planets with masses 10 times that of Jupiter to planets with masses less than that of Earth; searingly hot planets to temperate planets in the Habitable Zone. The challenge of the coming decade is to move from demography to physical characterization. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is poised to open a revolutionary new phase in our understanding of exoplanets with transit spectroscopy of relatively short period planets and coronagraphic imaging of ones with wide separations from their host stars. This article discusses the wide variety of exoplanet opportunities enabled by JWSTs sensitivity and stability, its high angular resolution, and its suite of powerful instruments. These capabilities will advance our understanding of planet formation, brown dwarfs, and the atmospheres of young to mature planets.
Using Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method for determining product temperature-dependent sensory-attribute variations: A case study of cooked rice.

Abstract Temperatures of most hot or cold meal items change over the period of consumption, possibly influencing sensory perception of those items. Unlike temporal variations in sensory attributes, product temperature-induced variations have not received much attention. Using a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method, this study aimed to characterize variations in sensory attributes over a wide range of temperatures at which hot or cold foods and beverages may be consumed. Cooked milled rice, typically consumed at temperatures between 70 and 30 °C in many rice-eating countries, was used as a target sample in this study. Two brands of long-grain milled rice were cooked and randomly presented at 70, 60, 50, 40, and 30 °C. Thirty-five CATA terms for cooked milled rice were generated. Eighty-eight untrained panelists were asked to quickly select all the CATA terms that they considered appropriate to characterize sensory attributes of cooked rice samples presented at each temperature. Proportions of selection by panelists for 13 attributes significantly differed among the five temperature conditions. "Product temperature-dependent sensory-attribute variations" differed with two brands of milled rice grains. Such variations in sensory attributes, resulted from both product temperature and rice brand, were more pronounced among panelists who more frequently consumed rice. In conclusion, the CATA method can be useful for characterizing "product temperature-dependent sensory attribute variations" in cooked milled-rice samples. Further study is needed to examine whether the CATA method is also effective in capturing "product temperature-dependent sensory-attribute variations" in other hot or cold foods and beverages.
[Incidence rates of HIV-1 epidemics among 4 high risk groups in Sichuan province during 2011-2015].

Objective Data from the HIV/AIDS surveillance sentinel sites was used to identify the recent HIV-1 infections and to estimate the HIV-1 incidence and epidemic trends among intravenous drug users (IDU), MSM, female sex workers and men attending the sexually transmitted disease clinics in Sichuan province. Methods Specimens collected from IDUs, MSM, female sex workers and men attending the sexually transmitted disease clinics sentinel sites were confirmed as HIV-1 positive and tested with BED-CEIA. Annual HIV-1 prevalence and incidence rates were calculated and the incidence was adjusted by McNermar method. Results A total number of 194 223 serum specimens were collected and HIV antibody tested, with 5 297 HIV-1 positive. 4 640 of the positives underwent BED-CEIA, with 749 identified as recent infections. During 2011-2015, HIV-1 incidence rates of the four types of population appeared as 5.16% (95%CI: 4.65-5.66), 0.22% (95%CI:0.16-0.28), 0.57%(95%CI: 0.45-0.69), 7.53% (95%CI: 6.06-9.01) and 0.44% (95%CI: 0.36-0.53) respectively. Significant differences were seen in the HIV-1 incidence rates. Conclusions The HIV-1 incidence rates of IDUs from other sentinel sites in Sichuan province, female sex workers and men attending the sexually transmitted disease clinics appeared low, showing that the AIDS prevention and control activities worked effectively. However, the HIV-1 incidence of MSM was still at high level and even rising, suggesting that HIV-1 transmission between MSM and IDUs was possible. Key words: HIV-1; Incidence; High-risk group
Utility of venous Ultrasound to Diagnose Deep venous Thrombosis when the Primary Indication is Pulmonary Embolus

IntroductionWith increasing frequency, physicians are requesting a duplex ultrasound (US) to detect lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the face of suspected pulmonary embolus (PE), even when leg symptoms are absent. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and the prevalence of DVT detected by duplex ultrasonography in patients with suspected PE in the presence or absence of leg symptoms.MethodsMedical records for the calendar years 2000 and 2001 were examined from inpatients referred for lower extremity venous US. Basic demographic information, comorbidities, and indications for the test were retrieved from the records. Subjects were categorized into groups on the basis of risk factors and/or symptoms of DVT. For positive studies, the location of the DVT was also recorded.ResultsOf the 740 patients, 143 patients were suspected of having PE, whereas the remaining 597 subjects were suspected of having a DVT alone. Among subjects with suspected PE, 2 (2%) of the 110 ...
Quantitative Investigation of the Role of Intra-/Intercellular Dynamics in Bacterial Quorum Sensing.

Bacteria utilize diffusible signals to regulate population density-dependent coordinated gene expression in a process called quorum sensing (QS). While the intracellular regulatory mechanisms of QS are well-understood, the effect of spatiotemporal changes in the population configuration on the sensitivity and robustness of the QS response remains largely unexplored. Using a microfluidic device, we quantitatively characterized the emergent behavior of a population of swimming E. coli bacteria engineered with the lux QS system and a GFP reporter. We show that the QS activation time follows a power law with respect to bacterial population density, but this trend is disrupted significantly by microscale variations in population configuration and genetic circuit noise. We then developed a computational model that integrates population dynamics with genetic circuit dynamics to enable accurate (less than 7% error) quantitation of the bacterial QS activation time. Through modeling and experimental analyses, we sh...
Spanish female writers and the freethinking press, 1879–1926

Spanish Female Writers and the Freethinking Press, 1879–1926 presenta una investigacion concienzuda e iluminadora sobre tres mujeres escritoras y activistas politicas en la Espana de fines del XIX ...
Advances in soil mechanics of structured agricultural soils. The North American perspective

During the last decade, research in soil mechanics has concentrated on engineering practice with little attention to theory. This is especially true in the mechanics of structured soils. Progress has been made in describing soil loosening and compaction processes and in measuring strength in structured soils. Relating soil mechanics principles to soil erosion processes, however, is in its infancy. The objective of this paper was to review recent advances in soil mechanics of structured agricultural soils.
Simulation of pollutant emission near lean-blowout in gas turbine engines

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a large-eddy simulation approach using a thin-flame model combined with a flamelet library, to study emission in a premixed gas turbine combustor. Comparison of the emission prediction with data shows very good agreement. Results also show that as the equivalence ratio is decreased the CO emission goes up rapidly. This phenomenon is followed by or related to combustion instability during which the flame undergoes rapid oscillations and eventually blows out. This is known as lean-blowout (LBO). Prediction of the pollutant (CO, NO and UHC) emission in lean-premixed combustion system near the LBO limit is critical to the development of next generation low-emission gas turbine engines. A modified RANS approach using a flamelet model has been carried out at GEAEC, where reasonable agreement with experimental data for the pollutant emission was demonstrated for a GE LM6000 combustor.
Pattern Formation in Regenerating Tissues

To understand the concept of pattern formation and its role in regeneration, the basic differences between repair and regeneration needs to be explained. Repair is defined as tissue restoration of a damaged tissue, without organized patterning. For example, vertebrates including humans are capable of reconstituting a functional liver following removal of up to 70 % of the original liver mass [1, 2]. Thus, liver repair includes reconstitution of the same volume but it lacks reconstruction of the same tissue pattern. Similarly, wound healing of the skin includes tissue repair by formation of a scar tissue that lacks some of the characteristic features of the original tissue. These are both examples for tissue repair that lack true regeneration or patterning. When looking at regeneration of whole body parts in salamanders, the whole limb is restored into its original form. In this case, the re-establishment of patterns is necessary because otherwise regeneration is meaningless.
Nuclear and subnuclear boiling

Can nuclear material, compressed hard enough, turn into a still denser substance known as quark matter? We may be able to find out using existing particle accelerators, according to a study that applies the theory of phase changes to Bohr's liquid drop model of the nucleus.
ACTH-induced internalization of plasma membrane in xanthophores of the goldfish, Carassiusauratus L☆

Abstract The ACTH-induced pigment dispersion in primary cultures and in suspensions of xanthophores of the goldfish, Carassius auratus L., has been shown to include the formation of rosette-like membranous structures and plasma membrane invaginations (pits). The rosettes and pits are probably similar structures sectioned at different angles. Horseradish peroxidase studies demonstrate that these structures are eventually converted into small spherical vesicles and long smooth elements, similar in appearance to spherical and “tubular” endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. In addition, these studies show that once vesicles are formed they are no longer continuous to the outside of the cell.
The Narrative Writing Toolkit: Using Mentor Texts in Grades 3-8

In order for students to write effective narratives, they need to read good narratives. In this practical book, you’ll find out how to use mentor texts to make narrative writing instruction more meaningful, authentic, and successful. Author Sean Ruday demonstrates how you can teach elementary and middle school students to analyze the qualities of effective narratives and then help them think of those qualities as tools to improve their own writing. You’ll learn how to: Introduce your students to the key features of a successful narrative, such as engaging the reader, organizing an event sequence, and crafting a strong conclusion. Assess students’ writing by evaluating the specific attributes of an effective narrative. Make narrative writing an interactive, student-driven exercise in which students pursue their own writing projects. Use mentor texts to help students learn the core concepts of narrative writing and apply those skills across the curriculum. Encourage students to incorporate technology and multimedia as they craft their narratives. The book is filled with examples and templates you can bring back to the classroom immediately, as well as an annotated bibliography with mentor text suggestions and links to the Common Core. You’ll also find a study guide that will help you use this book for professional development with colleagues.Bonus: Blank templates of the handouts are available as printable eResources on our website (http://www.routledge.com/9781138924390).
Characterization of the antibacterial activity of Bald's eyesalve against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bald’s eyesalve is an Anglo-Saxon medicinal remedy that has been used through ancient times to treat eye sty infections and may represent a source of ancientbiotics. This study assessed the efficacy of Bald’s eyesalve against several strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including a multi-drug resistant phenotype, and identified the principal compound conveying antibacterial activity. Bald’s eyesalve formulations were produced by combining garlic, onion or leek, wine, bovine bile, and brass, with specific ingredient omissions in several formulations, followed by incubation at 4 °C for 9 days. Bald’s eyesalve formulation ES-GBBr exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Fractionation of ES-GBBr using molecular size exclusion and organic solvent partitioning isolated its antibacterial activity to the small molecule nonpolar fraction, and 1D 1H NMR revealed the identity of the antibacterial agent to be allicin. Depletion of allicin from this fraction by addition of exogenous cysteine established that all observable growth inhibition originated from allicin. Quantification of allicin demonstrated that its concentration was significantly greater in ES-GBBr compared to the ES-O formulation; however, this was not due to greater yield. The antibacterial activity of allicin against S. aureus was antagonized by other ingredients within Bald’s eyesalve, whereas they were additive or synergistic against P. aeruginosa. These results suggest that neither leek nor onion is necessary for the antibacterial efficacy of Bald’s eyesalve against S. aureus or P. aeruginosa, and while allicin was identified as the principal antibacterial agent present, its activity is influenced differentially in the presence of additional Bald’s eyesalve ingredients when used against S. aureus compared to P. aeruginosa. Ancientbiotics may provide a source of promising antibacterials; however, identifying the source of activity and assessing distinct formulations for cooperative effects are essential to using ancient remedies, such as Bald’s eyesalve, effectively against drug resistant pathogens.
ISIS Cohort Transnational Travels and EU Security Gaps: Reconstructing the 2015 Paris Attack Preplanning and Outsource Strategy

We explore the underappreciated role of organizational tactics in terrorist violence in an understudied single case: ISIS’s execution of the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks. It is one of the first ...
Ellipsoidal Techniques: Reachability and Control Synthesis

This chapter describes the ellipsoidal techniques for control problems introduced in earlier chapters. We derive formulas for reachability sets using the properties of ellipsoids and relations from convex analysis. The formulas are derived through inductive procedures. They allow calculation of both external and internal ellipsoidal approximations of forward and backward reachability sets with any desired level of accuracy. The approximations are illustrated on examples explained in detail, then followed by ellipsoid-based formulas for problems of reachability and control synthesis.
Zirconium Phosphate: The Pathway from Turbostratic Disorder to Crystallinity

We show how the structural order of nanocrystalline zirconium phosphates (ZrP) is tuned by the synthetic methods and conditions through the use of synchrotron X-ray atomic pair distribution function analysis. With different synthetic route and different phosphoric acid concentrations in the synthesis, the product zirconium phosphates vary from turbostratically disordered nanoscale structures to fully ordered ones. We show that a change in the structural order leads to different ion-exchange properties. The samples are characterized using multiple techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, ion exchange, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, fast neutron activation analysis, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
In Vitro Differentiation of CD4+ T Cell Effector and Regulatory Subsets.

In vitro differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into effector and regulatory subsets offers a means to acquire large numbers of relatively homogeneous cell populations for experimentation. However, culture systems for T cell differentiation described in the literature vary widely in efficiency and complexity, limiting their comparison across studies. Here, we present a standardized and robust method for the isolation and in vitro differentiation of six CD4+ T cell subsets from mouse naive T cells.
Improving Utilization of Lung Cancer Screening Through Incorporating a Video-Based Educational Tool Into Smoking Cessation Counseling

Abstract Background Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) reduces lung cancer mortality in high-risk patients, but most of those eligible are not referred for screening, and most eligible smokers are not aware of LCS. Smoking cessation counseling may be an opportune time to educate smokers about LCS. Here we investigate the effect of LCS educational information on LDCT utilization and smoking cessation in LCS-eligible patients receiving smoking cessation counseling. Patients and Methods We randomized 1281 smokers aged 55-80 who underwent smoking cessation services to view a web-based educational video about LCS (n = 1026) or to receive usual care (n = 255). Outcomes included the utilization of chest computed tomographic (CT) scan during 6 months of follow-up, responses to survey questions, and patient-reported abstinence from smoking at 6 months. Results One hundred forty-six participants (14%) watched the video. Overall, 87 participants (8.5%) in the intervention group underwent any chest CT and 37 (3.6%) underwent LDCT compared to 22 (8.6%) and 11 (4.3%) in the control group during the 6-month follow-up period (P = .94 and .59, respectively). Among participants who completed watching the video, 27 (18.5%) underwent any chest CT and 13 (8.9%) underwent LDCT, compared to 22 (8.6%) and 11 (4.3%) in controls during follow-up (P = .0037 and .062, respectively). There was no difference in abstinence from smoking between groups. Conclusion An LCS educational intervention may be effective in improving utilization of LDCT in eligible individuals who currently smoke at the time of smoking cessation counseling. Further research on the effect of LCS education in the context of smoking cessation counseling is needed.
All Academics, Especially Philosophers and Economists, Need to Stop Citing Ramsey’s January, 1922 Paper in the Cambridge Magazine: Ramsey’s ‘My Carpet Is Blue’ and ‘Napoleon Was a Great General’ Example Is Simply Nonsense

Page 1 of Ramsey’s 1922 very brief note(see also Mellor’s republication in the Brit. J. Phil. Sci. 40 (1989), 219-222) attempted to review Keynes’s A Treatise on Probability in the January 1922 issue of Cambridge Magazine on pp.3-5, contains a silly, stupid, and foolish example of what Ramsey claims is an application that follows from Keynes’s logical theory of probability as contained in the A Treatise on Probability. In fact, Ramsey’s example has absolutely nothing to do with anything written by Keynes on probability or in the A Treatise on Probability in his lifetime. The Ramsey example consists of two propositions. My carpet is blue and Napoleon was a great general. Neither proposition contains any relevant evidence,h, that could be used to support a conclusion,a, with regard to the other. Ramsey presents an analysis that “…, for example between 'My carpet is blue' and 'Napoleon was a great general'…”(Ramsey,1922,p.3;1989, pp. 219-220) makes no sense and is certainly not brilliant. Keynes’s theoretical exposition of propositions for use in his logical theory of probability, as detailed on pages 4, 11,40,119, and in axiom (i) on page 135 of the A Treatise on Probability, is that there exists a logical relation, P, between propositions h, which contain the relevant evidence that serves as the premises of our(Keynes’s italics,p.4) argument, and proposition a, which is the conclusion of the argument based on the h propositions that can be written as P(a/h)=α, where α is between 0 and 1,0≤α≤1. Keynes also uses the notation (a/h)=α, suppressing P which stands for probability relation. See his discussion on p.119. We will show that Ramsey’s discussion of this example will establish that he probably read-only paragraph two on page 11 of the A Treatise on Probability.
Broad-scale variation in human genetic diversity levels is predicted by purifying selection on coding and non-coding elements

Abstract Analyses of genetic variation in many taxa have established that neutral genetic diversity is shaped by natural selection at linked sites. Whether the source of selection is primarily the fixation of strongly beneficial alleles (selective sweeps) or purifying selection on deleterious mutations (background selection) remains unknown, however. We address this question in humans by fitting a model of the joint effects of selective sweeps and background selection to autosomal polymorphism data from the 1000 Genomes Project. After controlling for variation in mutation rates along the genome, a model of background selection alone explains ∼60% of the variance in diversity levels at the megabase scale. Adding the effects of selective sweeps driven by adaptive substitutions to the model does not improve the fit, and when both modes of selection are considered jointly, selective sweeps are estimated to have had little or no effect on linked neutral diversity. The regions under purifying selection are best predicted by phylogenetic conservation, with ∼80% of the deleterious mutations affecting neutral diversity occurring in non-exonic regions. Thus, background selection is the dominant mode of linked selection in humans, with marked effects on diversity levels throughout autosomes.
Alterations in corneal nerves in different subtypes of dry eye disease: An in vivo confocal microscopy study.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate corneal subbasal nerve alterations in evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye disease (DED) as compared to controls. Methods In this retrospective, cross-sectional, controlled study, eyes with a tear break-up time of less than 10 s were classified as DED. Those with an anesthetized Schirmer's strip of less than 5 mm were classified as aqueous-deficient DED. Three representative in vivo confocal microscopy images were graded for each subject for total, main, and branch nerve density and numbers. Results Compared to 42 healthy subjects (42 eyes), the 70 patients with DED (139 eyes) showed lower total (18,579.0 ± 687.7 μm/mm2 vs. 21,014.7 ± 706.5, p = 0.026) and main (7,718.9 ± 273.9 vs. 9,561.4 ± 369.8, p Conclusions Patients with DED demonstrate compromised corneal subbasal nerves, which is more pronounced in aqueous-deficient DED. This suggests a role for neurosensory abnormalities in the pathophysiology of DED.
Post Pediatric Portal Program

As the demand for pediatric mental health continues to rise, pediatricians now have an alternative path to become trained child and adolescent psychiatrists. This track opens the door to a plethora of fulfilling and diverse career opportunities.
First and Second Inaugural Addresses of Modern and Traditional U.S. Presidents: An Analysis of Self- Presentational Strategies

The present study examines the self-presentational strategies modern and traditional U.S. presidents employed in their first and second inaugural addresses. Specifically, we examined the presidents’ use of the strategies of ingratiation, self-promotion, exemplification, ingratiation, and supplication. We predicted that modern presidents would use more ingratiation than would their traditional counterparts in the first but not the second inaugural address. This prediction derives from an analysis of the president’s dependency on the public at the time of the inaugural address. In particular, the president is not as dependent on the public at the time of the second inaugural as compared with the first inaugural. We also predicted that modern presidents would use more self-promotion than would traditional presidents in the second but not the first inaugural address. And, finally we predicted that modern presidents would use more exemplification and intimidation than would traditional presidents. Our results supported several predictions.
The function field sieve

The fastest method known for factoring integers is the ‘number field sieve’. An analogous method over function fields is developed, the ‘function field sieve’, and applied to calculating discrete logarithms over GF(pn). An heuristic analysis shows that there exists a ce ℜ>0 such that the function field sieve computes discrete logarithms within random time: L p n [1/3, c] when log(p) ≤ n9(n) where g is any function such that g: N → ℜ >0 <.98 approaches zero as n → ∞.
Weak Harnack’s Inequality for non-negative solutions of elliptic equations with potential

We present an alternative and shorter proof to a weak Harnack inequality for non-negative solutions of divergence structure elliptic equations with potentials from the Kato class.
Colombia : Seeking prosperity through peace

This paper looks at the progress Colombia has made in terms of economic development. It examines political and economic obstacles to further development including war and illegal economic activity.
La ansiedad y la presencia de un desconocido en una clase de lenguas extranjeras

Despite a plethora of information on the topic of anxiety in academic settings, the ways that anxiety affect student performance remains unclear, especially in the foreign language classroom. The present paper describes a study that was conducted in which American students in a university-level Spanish class gave insight into various aspects of their anxiety. Results reveal that students who admit to having both high and low levels of anxiety performed worse on a grammar test than students who admitted to feeling “normal.” Students also proved to be poor judges of their own performance as their accuracy was compared to a post-task questionnaire. The presence of a person other than the teacher did not affect the students’ performance. Finally, despite its reputation for being anxiety inducing, the students surveyed ranked foreign languages as less stressful than other academic subjects. Results indicate that instead of aiming to remove all anxiety in a foreign language class, instructors might aspire to make students feel as normal as possible.
Paul Ryan's Roadmap to Inequality

The purest articulation of Paul Ryan’s fiscal belief system is his 2010 Roadmap for America’s Future. The tax provisions of this extensive proposal would convert the current personal and corporate income taxes into two consumption taxes, and repeal the gift and estate tax. This report explains how the Roadmap, like Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 Plan, would operate in practice like a large new payroll tax. The Roadmap would directly immunize the highest labor income earners from this tax through a large reduction in the top rate of the Roadmap’s labor earnings tax, compared with current law or policy. Unlike the 9-9-9 Plan the Roadmap further would largely immunize “old” capital from the efficient (if arguably unfair) imposition of consumption tax when that capital was consumed, by providing a write-off of existing depreciable basis. And finally the Roadmap would reduce the tax burdens on the most affluent capital owners further by eliminating the gift and estate tax. For these reasons, it is not surprising that the Roadmap contemplates an extraordinarily large redistribution of tax burdens from the affluent to middle-class and lower income Americans. For middle-class families, tax burdens would increase on the order of 50 percent. At the same time, the Roadmap’s reprioritization of government spending also would be regressive in its impact. Proponents of the Roadmap or plans like it must explain how any projected increase in economic growth will compensate the majority of Americans for shouldering more tax burdens while receiving smaller government benefits.