cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Middle East as a Subordinate International System

Recent developments in the study of international politics reflect two major emphases. One comprises a variety of attempts at systematization and stresses the “frame of reference” approach; the other seeks specific knowledge of national policies in greater detail and stresses the “area studies” approach. Theoretically, the first explains international politics in terms of broad generalizations applicable to all international actors insofar as they conform to an ideal model or depart therefrom in a calculable manner. The second seeks to understand international politics in terms of the relationship of foreign policy to the total social and historical context from which it emerges. This article is an attempt to find a middle ground between these two emphases.
Interactions between grain boundaries and magnetic domains of Ferrites

The magnetostatic energy E m in bulk materials containing inhomogeneities cannot be neglected. Its significance suggests an approach similar to the domains in magnetic thin films. As a first approximation, the domain wall is assumed to be planar and its propagation one-dimensional. Examples of grain boundary parallel and perpendicular to the domain wall were illustrated. Next, the planar constraint on the domain wall was relaxed. The domain subwalls were assumed to move sinusoidally in its length. For an assumed path of domain wall movement, the energetics of the energy terms E EX , E AN , and E m were evaluated. The motion is similar to the recently proposed new mode of Neel wall motion by Slonczewski, namely, the Neel-wall breathing. The motion becomes two-dimensional in its propagations.
Evaluation of ibuprofen loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and its combination regimens for pancreatic cancer chemoprevention

The objective of the present study was to establish the individual and combined chemopreventive potential of a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen (IBU), encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for the chemoprevention of pancreatic cancer. The IBU SLNs were optimized using various lipids (Stearic acid, Compritol 888 ATO and Tripalmitin) and surfactants (Poloxamer 188, Tween-80). The synergistic effect of combination of IBU with sulforaphane (SFN) was also evaluated. Cell viability studies were conducted followed by colony formation and NF-κB DNA binding assays. The IC50 concentration of free IBU in human pancreatic cancer Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells were 1.25 and 1.26 mM, respectively. SLN optimization study of IBU revealed stearic acid (1:2 drug to lipid ratio) formulated with Poloxamer 188 to be the most efficacious in cell viability study. Upon encapsulation in SLNs, IC50 concentration of IBU-SLN was 113.8 and 122.6 µM for Panc-1 and MIA PACa-2 cells, respectively, reflecting a 10-fold reduction compared to free IBU. Combinations of low doses of free IBU (250 µM) and SFN (5 µM) reduced cell viability by ~55% (P<0.01), whereas a lower dose of encapsulated IBU-SLN (62.5 µM) and free SFN (5 µM) reduced cell viability by ~80% (P<0.001) for both Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells. These results reflect 4-fold reduction in IBU-SLN dose in combination compared to free IBU. Moreover, IBU-SLN and free SFN combination reduced number of colonies by ~50% (P<0.01). Further, IBU-SLN and SFN combinations showed down-regulation of DNA binding activity of the p50 subunit of NF-κB. In conclusion, these preliminary results demonstrate the potential of IBU as a chemopreventive agent against pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, when encapsulated in nanotechnology-based SLN delivery systems and delivered in combination with SFN provide evidence of a promising approach for pancreatic cancer prevention and therapy.
Seed Viability and Seed Dormancy of Non-Native Phragmites australis in Suburbanized and Forested Watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay, USA

The non-native, invasive haplotype of Phragmites australis is rapidly invading tidal and non-tidal wetlands across North America. Phragmites has the potential to spread by seeds and rhizomes. Seed viability and dormancy differences were quantified among 18 patches of non-native Phragmites in subestuarine wetlands in developed (i.e., suburbanized) vs. forested watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay. We used tetrazolium and germination assays to assess seed viability and compared germination percentages and rate of germination among fresh seeds, cold–moist treated seeds, and warm–dry treated seeds to evaluate seed dormancy. Seed viability was <1% in most patches but a few patches produced abundant viable seeds (5–21%). Seed viability, however, did not differ significantly between wetlands in forested vs. developed watersheds. Contrary to studies of Phragmites seed dormancy in European populations, some Phragmites seeds were dormant at maturity; cold–moist treated seeds germinated faster and to higher percentages than fresh seeds or warm–dry treated seeds.
Mouse model of muscleblind-like 1 overexpression: skeletal muscle effects and therapeutic promise

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a multisystemic disease caused by CTG or CCTG expansion mutations. There is strong evidence that DM1 CUG and DM2 CCUG expansion transcripts sequester muscleblind-like (MBNL) proteins and that loss of MBNL function causes alternative splicing abnormalities that contribute to disease. Because MBNL1 loss is thought to play an important role in disease and localized AAV delivery of MBNL1 partially rescues skeletal muscle pathology in DM mice, there is strong interest in MBNL1 overexpression as a therapeutic strategy. We developed the first transgenic MBNL1 overexpression mouse model (MBNL1-OE) to test the safety and efficacy of multisystemic MBNL1 overexpression. First, we demonstrate that MBNL1 overexpression is generally well-tolerated in skeletal muscle. Second, we show the surprising result that premature shifts in alternative splicing of MBNL1-regulated genes in multiple organ systems are compatible with life and do not cause embryonic lethality. Third, we show for the first time that early and long-term MBNL1 overexpression prevents CUG-induced myotonia, myopathy and alternative splicing abnormalities in DM1 mice. In summary, MBNL1 overexpression may be a valuable strategy for treating the skeletal muscle features of DM.
Analysis of flared slot antennas for phased array applications

The application of the transmission line matrix (TLM) method to analyzing flared notch elements in an infinite array environment is presented. The correlation between measured and computed return loss data is examined and shown to be excellent. It is concluded that generalized electromagnetic simulation tools such as TLM are allowing analysis of complex antenna element types such as printed circuit flared notch elements. By imposing appropriate periodic boundary conditions, phased array environments can be simulated. Since the analysis is performed in the time domain, broadband frequency response is obtained in one computer run. The code also allows improved understanding of the complex behavior of radiating elements in an array environment. >
Derivation of equivalent circuits for receiving antenna

An equivalent circuit for receiving antenna has been derived to solve a longstanding paradox in antenna theory.
General Formulation of Fault Covering Problems

The relationship between faulty elements and spare elements varies for different classes of reconfigurable chips. In general, this relationship could be very complicated. For example, several spare elements may be required to replace a single faulty element or a spare element may be used to replace several faulty elements in a covering assignment. We begin with an example of a reconfigurable chip illustrating some of the possible relationships between faulty elements and spare elements.
Abstract 11291: Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in Place of Repeat Echocardiography: Reliability and Cost Implications

Objectives: We sought to determine the reliability and potential cost savings of using expert focused cardiac ultrasound (eFCU) in place of repeat transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in selected inpatients. Background: Rates of repeat echocardiography (two TTEs performed in close proximity) remain high despite attempts by professional societies to curb inappropriate and repeat testing. The healthcare cost of repeat imaging is substantial. Certain findings from handheld ultrasound scans performed by echocardiographers (eFCU) have been shown to correlate well with TTE findings. It therefore may be feasible and cost-effective to use eFCU in place of repeat TTE in certain settings. Methods: We prospectively enrolled inpatients that had a repeat TTE (prior TTE within 30 days) ordered for the assessments of ventricular function, pericardial effusions, or intravascular volume status. Subjects underwent eFCU in addition to TTE, and results were compared for correlation with the weighted kappa statistic (k). The potential cost savings of using eFCU in place of TTE was modeled both from the perspective of payers (i.e., Medicare) based on reimbursement rates, and providers (i.e., physicians and hospitals) based on purchase price, usage, and depreciation of the devices, as well as cardiologist, sonographer, and transport time for exam performance and interpretation. Results: Over 45 days, 105 patients were enrolled. The majority of scans were performed for assessment of left ventricular (LV) function and pericardial effusions. eFCU showed excellent correlation with TTE for most parameters including LV systolic function (k = 0.80, p Conclusions: Findings from eFCU correlate well with TTE when used in the setting of repeat testing for assessment of ventricular function, pericardial effusion, and volume status. Use of eFCU in place of repeat inpatient TTE may improve the efficiency of imaging resources and decrease healthcare costs.
Inter- and intravariability of motor performance.

Abstract Fifty-one subjects performed three motor tasks requiring the regulating or the timing of the responses so that its completion would achieve “coincidence” with a moving object. An analysis of the data by the use of conventional methods indicated that practice did not change variability. When the variability was divided into inter-and intravariability, the data indicated a reduction of intravariability.
Modes of domestic incorporation of international law

While political science scholarship recognizes that the effectiveness of international law often rests on its domestic implementation, relatively little attention has been given to the national legal rules that govern this process. These rules, which govern matters such as treaty-making, how treaties and custom are received and interpreted, and their status vis-a-vis other sources of domestic law, differ substantially across countries and over time. In this paper, we examine these rules and their role in shaping the state’s engagement with international law by allocating authority among political actors and institutions. We incorporate empirical insights from an original dataset, which captures in detail the domestic rules that govern the creation, implementation and interpretation of international law for 101 countries for the period 1815-2013. We contrast our data with existing proxies used in the literature, such as legal traditions, explicit constitutional provisions, and the monist-dualist classification, and show that our dataset offers more fine-grained and precise information on international law’s place in national legal orders.
A Mathematical and Experimental Simulation of Haidinger's Brushes

Haidinger’s brushes are the perception of polarized light with the unaided eye. We experimentally confirmed a computer model of Haidinger’s brushes, extended the empirical findings, and modeled the percept using the Poincare sphere.
Using the Ideal Gas Law and Heat Release Models to Demonstrate Timing in Spark and Compression Ignition Engines

Analysis techniques of internal combustion engines range from thermodynamic methods to complex engine design programs. Thermodynamic analyses preclude engine timing while the details of engine design programs are beyond the level of undergraduate courses. This article combines the ideal gas law with heat release models and an engineering equation solver to demonstrate timing in spark and compression ignition internal combustion engines in a manner that can be used in undergraduate courses.
Improved forecast with a combination of mechanistic and statistical predictive models

Predictive models based on past data could be good predictors of the future outcomes; however, they usually don't explain the causal and feedback relationships leading to the outcome. Conversely, mechanistic models could uncover complex interaction between underlying processes, but sometimes their calibration and validation could be unrealistic. Combining the two approaches into a semi-mechanistic model can lead to a winning combination. We present examples of historic epidemic data as well as simulated data, where a combination of neural networks with a mechanistic Susceptible, Exposed, Infected and Recovered (SEIR) model produces more reliable predictions with less parameterization.
Living in the danger zone: Exposure to predators and the evolution of spines and body armor in mammals.

Mammals have independently evolved a wide variety of morphological adaptations for use in avoiding death by predation, including spines, quills, dermal plates, and noxious sprays. Although these traits appear to protect their bearer from predatory attack, it is less obvious why some species evolved them and others have not. We investigated the ecological correlates favoring the evolution of specialized defenses in mammals, focusing on conspicuousness to predators due to body size and openness of habitat. We scored species for the degree to which they are protected by spines, quills, dermal plating, and sprays and used phylogenetic comparative analyses to study the morphological and ecological factors that may favor their evolution. We show that medium-sized insectivorous mammals (∼800 g to 9 kg) that live in open habitats are more likely to possess one of these defensive traits to reduce predation. Smaller species ( 10 kg) are less susceptible to predation by most small- to medium-sized predators. We discuss how diet, metabolic rate, and defensive strategy evolve in concert to allow species to exploit this ecomorphological "danger zone" niche.
B Cell Mechanisms Underlying Vaccine Efficacy Against Drugs of Abuse

Therapeutic vaccines against drugs of abuse have shown encouraging preclinical proof of efficacy. In contrast, clinical trials did not meet expectations because of the variability of serum antibody concentrations reported in immunized subjects. Active immunization with conjugate vaccines stimulates T cell-dependent B cell activation to generate anti-drug antibodies that block drug distribution to the brain and reduce drug-induced behaviors. The mechanism(s) underlying individual variability in the magnitude and duration of serum antibody levels is not well understood because there is a limited understanding of the role of B and T cells in the generation of antibodies against drugs of abuse. It is not clear the extent to which the lack of efficacy observed in the large portion of immunized subjects may be due to vaccine design or to the immune system of the host. Analysis of B cells before and after immunization with vaccines targeting the highly abused prescription opioid oxycodone suggested that the quantity and quality of the hapten-specific B cell response underlie differences in vaccine efficacy. Hapten-specific B cells provide predictive markers of vaccine efficacy that are expected to facilitate screening of new vaccines and personalized vaccine-based therapy. This chapter will review the current understanding of antigen-specific B cell responses, discuss the proposed B cell biology underlying vaccine efficacy, and describe preclinical studies of the role of B cells in relationship to immunization against drugs of abuse.
PREP: Outreach to Online Learners through Admissions

ABSTRACTLibrarians have collaborated with academic departments within their institutions for decades now, working with professors and administrators to bring information literacy skills to students. The librarians at National American University decided to extend this collaboration to a non-academic unit, the admissions department of the university. The admissions department had never worked closely with NAU librarians and many admissions advisors did not see the library as relevant to their role in the organization. Librarians worked with administrative stakeholders to create a tool for admissions advisors to use, aimed at increasing retention and academic success, as well as creating better relationships between admissions advisors, new students, and the library. This tool has increased the library's visibility with new students, admissions, and administrative personnel, as well as built deeper relationships that the library can leverage in future projects. This article offers a way for libraries to bui...
Competitive Implications of Consumer Fairness Concerns

When consumers perceive that a firm’s price or markup is unfairly high, they become less willing to purchase that firm’s product. Hence, one might intuit that the existence of fair-minded consumers would tend to induce firms to reduce their prices, lowering their profits and increasing the consumers’ surplus. Contrary to this conventional wisdom, our analysis reveals that having a segment of fair-minded consumers in the market has a non-monotonic effect on the firms’ profits. More specifically, if the fraction of consumers having fairness concerns is small, consumers’ fairness concerns can actually alleviate price competition, making firms better off and consumers worse off. Within that range, an increase in the fraction of fair-minded consumers can increase the firms’ profits and reduce the consumers’ surplus. But when the fraction of fair-minded consumers is sufficiently high, the firms will compete more aggressively, in which case consumers’ fairness concerns will benefit consumers and reduce the firms’ profits.
Parental Alcohol Use, Parenting, and Child On-Time Development.

This study examined whether parental alcohol use in adolescence, adulthood, and for mothers, during pregnancy, was related to their young children's functioning in terms of their on-time development as indicated by the number of developmental areas in which children experienced delay. Observed parenting practices and family socioeconomic status were tested as potential explanatory mechanisms of these links. Data came from the surveys and videotaped observations of a community sample of 123 biological parents and their 1- to 5-year-old children followed longitudinally. Results suggest that the negative association between parental alcohol use and children's development operates primarily through fathers' alcohol use. Additionally, father's adolescent regular alcohol use predicted the family's low socioeconomic status, which in turn predicted less skilled maternal parenting practices and children's developmental delay. Highlights This study examined whether parental alcohol use in adolescence, adulthood, and, for moms, during pregnancy was related to their young childrens' functioning in terms of their developmental functioning. Observed parenting practices and family socioeconomic status were tested as potential explanatory mechanisms of these links. There was a negative association between parental alcohol use, and children's development operates primarily through fathers = 92 alcohol use. Additionally, father's adolescent regular alcohol use predicted the family's low SES, which in turn predicted less skilled maternal parenting practices and children's developmental delay. Findings highlight the importance of prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing alcohol misuse both in adolescence, even before the young people have children, and in young adulthood. Furthermore, prevention and treatment programs providing support and education in parenting skills to families with a history of alcohol misuse could show benefits across generations.
Cardiac Catheterization: Right and Left Heart Catheterization

Myocardial performance is determined by the combined effects of preload, afterload, and contractility [1]. In vivo myocardial performance is represented by the cardiac output while loading conditions are defined by the interplay between volume, pressure, and vascular resistance within the cardiac chambers and great vessels. As clinicians we often base clinical decision-making on our best estimate of these central hemodynamic measures, relying on the physical examination and a variety of biochemical and noninvasive tools to guide us. This approach is often successful; however we have all encountered patients who have defied our best clinical judgment or who have features that greatly limit noninvasive assessment such as morbid obesity. In these individuals direct assessment of cardiovascular hemodynamics may provide the only route to a clear diagnosis or a thoughtful treatment plan.
Exposure to ambient dichloromethane in pregnancy and infancy from industrial sources and childhood cancers in California.

Abstract Background The incidence of childhood cancers has been increasing and environmental exposure to air toxics has been suggested as a possible risk factor. This study aims to explore ambient exposure to dichloromethane (methylene chloride). Methods We frequency matched by birth year approximately 20 cancer-free controls identified from birth records to all childhood cancers ages 0–5 in the California Cancer Registry diagnosed from 1988 to 2012; i.e. 13,636 cases and a total of 270,673 controls. Information on industrial releases of dichloromethane within 3 km of birth addresses was retrieved from mandatory industry reports to the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). We derived exposure to dichloromethane within close vicinity of birth residences using several modeling techniques including unconditional logistic regression models with multiple buffer distances, inverse distance weighting, and quadratic decay models. Results We observed elevated risks for germ cell tumors [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.11, 2.08], particularly teratomas (OR: 2.08, 95% CI 1.38–3.13), and possible increased risk for acute myeloid leukemias (AML) (OR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.15–2.32 in the quadratic decay model). Risk estimates were similar in magnitude whether releases occurred in pregnancy or the child’s first year of life. Conclusion Our findings suggest that exposure to industrial dichloromethane releases may be a risk factor for childhood germ cell tumors, teratomas, and possibly AML.
Manipulation and control of microrobots using a novel permanent magnet stage

Controlling microrobots in the past have required the used of heavy coil systems and large power supply units, in this paper we show that a strong permanent magnet is sufficient for the control scheme. The development of a controlling stage was deemed to be a priority and allowed for the manipulation of microrobots, otherwise known as alginate particles or artificial cells, in the xy-plane. We show that the permanent magnet stage can manipulation both single microrobots and swarms. The permanent magnet stage, has the dimensions of 22.86 × 35.56 cm2, by 15.26 cm in height. This allows for a permanent magnet to move in the xy-plane a total area of 12 × 24 cm2. Additionally, the permanent magnet to be interchangeable introduces the possibility to investigate different type of magnetic fields. Our experiments were performed using a NdFeB, Grade N52 permanent magnet which provides a maximum magnet flied of 14.8 T.
Aerogel-based solar thermal receivers

Abstract In any solar thermal application, such as solar space heating, solar hot water for domestic or industrial use, concentrating solar power, or solar air conditioning, a solar receiver converts incident sunlight into heat. In order to be efficient, the receiver must ideally absorb the entire solar spectrum while losing relatively little heat. Currently, state-of-the-art receivers utilize a vacuum gap above an absorbing surface to minimize the convection losses, and selective surfaces to reduce radiative losses. Here we investigate a receiver design that utilizes aerogels to suppress radiation losses, boosting the efficiency of solar thermal conversion. We predict that receivers using aerogels could be more efficient than vacuum-gap receivers over a wide range of operating temperatures and optical concentrations. Aerogel-based receivers also make possible new geometries that cannot be achieved with vacuum-gap receivers.
Contact guidance and collective migration in the advancing epithelial monolayer.

At the edge of a confluent cell layer, cell-free empty space is a cue that can drive directed collective cellular migration. Similarly, contact guidance is also a robust mechanical cue that can dri...
On multivariate asymmetric dependence using multivariate skew-normal copula-based regression

Abstract In this paper we propose a procedure to study the asymmetric dependence of the multivariate data. The proposed procedure comprises methodologies that have not been considered in the analysis of multivariate asymmetric dependence. We first utilize the asymmetric multivariate copula-based regression to capture the asymmetric dependence among multiple variables. We then introduce the multiple asymmetric dependence measure to quantify the asymmetry in the predictive power of the tentative predictors for a tentative response variable. We demonstrate the proposed methods using a class of asymmetric multivariate skew normal copulas. An application example on the asymmetric comovements of financial assets illustrates the benefits of the proposed methods.
Reference Quality Genome Assemblies of Three Parastagonospora nodorum Isolates Differing in Virulence on Wheat

Parastagonospora nodorum, the causal agent of Septoria nodorum blotch in wheat, has emerged as a model necrotrophic fungal organism for the study of host-microbe interactions. To date, three necrotrophic effectors have been identified and characterized from this pathogen, including SnToxA, SnTox1, and SnTox3. Necrotrophic effector identification was greatly aided by the development of a draft genome of Australian isolate SN15 via Sanger sequencing, yet it remained largely fragmented. This research presents the development of nearly finished genomes of P. nodorum isolates Sn4, Sn2000, and Sn79-1087 using long-read sequencing technology. RNAseq analysis of isolate Sn4, consisting of eight time points covering various developmental and infection stages, mediated the annotation of 13,379 genes. Analysis of these genomes revealed large-scale polymorphism between the three isolates, including the complete absence of contig 23 from isolate Sn79-1087, and a region of genome expansion on contig 10 in isolates Sn4 and Sn2000. Additionally, these genomes exhibit the hallmark characteristics of a "two-speed" genome, being partitioned into two distinct GC-equilibrated and AT-rich compartments. Interestingly, isolate Sn79-1087 contains a lower proportion of AT-rich segments, indicating a potential lack of evolutionary hotspots. These newly sequenced genomes, consisting of telomere-to-telomere assemblies of nearly all 23 P. nodorum chromosomes, provide a robust foundation for the further examination of effector biology and genome evolution.
Impact of Leadership on Identifying Right Organizational Designs for Turbulent Times

Organizations of all sizes, types across various industries are experiencing turbulent forces of change from the environment in the business world, both nationally and internationally. We are in an era of global business - a ‘one world market’. The traditional orientation of companies working just within national boundaries is declining worldwide. The ability of business to respond to the newer challenges of globalization requires clarity of vision and understanding about the behavioral role of management and organizations in this constantly changing new world (Brake et al.,1995). It is up to the leaders and followers alike to position the organization to compete and win in the face of increasing external global market pressures. The expressed purpose of this paper is to add new insights and foresight to an existing body of knowledge on the role and impact of leaders to identify and implement the right organizational design(s) to fit the culture, strategy, people, and unique challenges facing each organization. Equally important this paper is intended to articulate the necessary prerequisites that must be in place to ensure that the design(s) is sustainable to achieve the desired outcomes for the organization.
Immunoregulatory Defects in Leprosy

It was over one hundred years ago that the causative organism of human leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae was recognized by the Norwegian investigator, Armauer Hansen. Since that time our knowledge of this disease has advanced but little. M. leprae is an obligate intracellular parasite growing in the cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system with a special affinity for those tissue macrophages found in association with the skin, nerves, and lymphoreticular system. The organism has a very long generation time, estimated to be 10 to 15 days, which stands in comparison to M. tuberculosis that divides approximately every 20 hours, and coliform bacteria which divide every 20 to 30 minutes. To date the cultivation of M. leprae in vitro has proved elusive, thus hampering studies of the basic biology of the organism as well as the development of a potential vaccine against leprosy. For twenty years the principal method of studying the growth kinetics of the organism, the pharmacology of anti-leprous drugs, and the local pathology and immunity to the bacillus has been the mouse footpad model (1). However, in 1971, it was discovered that armadillos were susceptible to M. leprae and will support its multiplication in enormous numbers in vivo (2).
Cerebrovascular Regulation and Sleep Apnea

The brain relies on a constant blood flow to match nutrient delivery with the local metabolic demands. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation is particularly important under hypoxic conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to prevent brain hypoxia. We aim to give a brief overview of cerebral blood flow regulation and evaluate the current evidence for cerebrovascular sensitivity to hypoxia, the capacity of cerebral arteries to respond to reduced oxygen supply during normal sleep and OSA. In clinical conditions such as intermittent hypoxia as well as untreated OSA, cerebrovascular system becomes less reactive to CO2 and impaired autoregulation, and makes the brain more susceptible to ischemic stroke. Results from studies in patients with OSA indicate worse clinical outcome including higher chance of cerebrovascular events, impaired functional capacity and cognition. Early treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), resulting in reversal of cerebral autoregulation.
Quasi-Realization

Justification logics connect with modal logics via Realization Theorems. The first such theorem was proved constructively by Artemov, [1]. It showed how to translate an S4 sequent proof, as a whole, into an LP proof. We present a different algorithmic Realization proof for LP/S4, proceeding step by step instead of working on the entire proof, and dividing the argument into two natural parts, one specific to LP/S4, the other widely applicable to justification/modal pairs. This structure makes an implementation easier, and we provide a link to one in Prolog.
How Smart is your Manufacturing? Build Smarter with AI

The age of artificial intelligence (AI) is upon us. Its impact can be ambiguous until undressed from Hollywood assumptions. Public perception is that people's jobs are at stake. AI is a major disrupter in every industry, as it has the ability to augment large volume repetitive tasks. Understanding what AI is and the solutions it provides, is as critical today as was understanding the benefits of the cotton gin, the horseless carriage, and AC current. Currently in manufacturing, AI is being utilized at many stages, from the initial design to the marketing and to accomplish lean and six-sigma methodology goals. The objective of this paper is to give an applicable understanding of artificial intelligence, acknowledge the creative places it is applied, and demonstrate how it allows more time for creative problem solving, which is where humans thrive.
You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, but You Still Have a Long Way to Go: Gender-Based Pay Inequality in U.S. State Bureaucracies, 1995-2015:

Previous research on gender-based inequality in public-sector state-level bureaucracies finds evidence of glass ceilings and glass walls; however, previous research does not evaluate these factors ...
Predicting Rearrangement-Competent Terpenoid Oxidation Levels

Results of density functional theory calculations on rearrangements of potential biosynthetic precursors to the sesquiterpenoid illisimonin A reveal that only some possible precursors, those with c...
TABLE OF ISOTOPES

A table is presented of a complete list of the radioactive and stable isotopes, with a number of their salient features, as recorded in the literature or by private communications up to February 1958. (W.D.M.)
Are College Students’ Perceptions of the Developmental Features of Emerging Adulthood Associated with Motivations for Sex? Implications for Research and Policy

Sexual activity among emerging adults (ages 18–25) is well documented; however, few studies have examined associations between perceptions of the developmental features of this period (identity exploration, experimentation, feeling in-between, self-focus, and instability) and motivations for sex (enhancement, intimacy, and coping). Data were collected and combined from undergraduate students in Fall 2014 and Spring 2015. We examined how students’ (N = 1109) perceptions of the features of emerging adulthood were associated with enhancement, intimacy, and coping motivations for sex, controlling for demographic factors and known correlates. Participants with higher scores on the identity exploration, experimentation, and instability subscales reported greater enhancement motivations, whereas higher scores on the identity exploration subscale was positively associated with intimacy motivations. Participants with higher instability scores reported greater coping motivations, whereas higher self-focus and feeling in-between subscale scores were negatively associated with coping motivations. Findings indicate that perceptions of certain characteristics of emerging adulthood are associated with sexual motives (beyond demographic factors and other correlates) and should be examined in future research and considered when developing sexual health education policies. Our findings suggest that universities should incorporate sexual health education policies that address these connections. Educators should consider the developmental perceptions of students and how these may intersect with their motivations for sex. We specify how findings can be incorporated into college sexual health education.
Traditional Diagnostics versus Disruptive Technology: The Role of the Pathologist in the Era of Liquid Biopsy.

Precision medicine in cancer care is predicated on access to several fundamental pieces of data: (i) a precise tumor diagnosis, (ii) accurate stage classification, and (iii) protein or molecular biomarkers that predict efficacy of targeted therapies. For all patients with cancer, these data points are generated by obtaining a tumor sample and subjecting it to analysis by a pathologist and, when appropriate, a molecular pathologist. While tumor diagnosis and pathologic staging (gross and microscopic examination of the primary tumor and draining lymph nodes) require the infrastructure and expertise of an anatomic pathology program, the advent of “liquid biopsy” has driven a shift in molecular biomarker testing away from local pathology laboratories and into high-throughput, centralized (and often for-profit) laboratories. What does this mean for patient care? How is the role of the pathologist affected? What are the implications for integration of diagnostic information and ultimately for appropriate therapy selection? This article will consider the current testing landscape, address current challenges in the use of liquid biopsy in clinical practice, and consider ways the pathologist should be involved in interpreting liquid biopsy data in the context of the patient9s cancer diagnosis and stage.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Bridging to Heart Transplantation: Impact of the 2018 Allocation Change.

Background: This study evaluates the impact of the 2018 allocation policy change on outcomes of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) in patients bridged with intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs). M...
Experimental error examination and its effects on the aerodynamic properties of wind turbine blades

Abstract Uncertainties associated with aerodynamic properties of wind turbine blades, such as the lift coefficient and its first derivative with respect to the angle of attack, measured in the wind tunnel, are not negligible. Uncertainties are due to random experimental laboratory errors. Uncertainties are examined by high frequency force balance tests in Northeastern University's wind tunnel. Experiments are conducted on various scale models of airfoil sections, derived from a benchmark wind turbine blade. Effects of angle of attack, Reynolds number and incoming turbulent flow conditions are considered. First, basic statistical descriptors and statistical inference are utilized to characterize experimental errors in lift coefficients and their first derivative. Second, two methods, based on polynomial representation and linear interpolation of empirical histograms, are investigated to synthetically generate random samples of the lift coefficient derivative. Suitability is verified by hypothesis testing. Finally, samples are employed for Monte-Carlo-based stochastic flutter analysis of a full-scale blade.
Experimental and modeling analysis of detonation in circular arcs of the conventional high explosive PBX 9501

Abstract We examine the diffraction dynamics of a two-dimensional (2D) detonation in a circular arc of the conventional HMX-based, high performance, solid explosive PBX 9501, for which the detonation reaction zone length scale is estimated to be of the order of 100–150 µm. In this configuration, a steady propagating detonation will develop, sweeping around the arc with constant angular speed. We report on results from three PBX 9501 arc experiments, exploring the variation in linear speed on the inner and outer arc surfaces for the steady wave along with the structure of the curved detonation front, as a function of varying inner surface radius and arc thickness. Comparisons of the properties of the motion of the steady wave for each arc configuration are then made with a spatially-distributed PBX 9501 reactive burn model, calibrated to detonation performance properties in a 2D planar slab geometry. We show that geometry-induced curvature of the detonation near the inner arc surface has a significant effect on the detonation motion even for conventional high explosives. We also examine the detonation driving zone structure for each arc case, and thus the subsonic regions of the flow that determine the influence of the arc geometry on the detonation propagation. In addition, streamline paths and reaction progress isolines are calculated. We conclude that a common approximation for modeling conventional high explosive detonation, wherein the shock-normal detonation speed is assumed equal to the Chapman–Jouguet speed, can lead to significant errors in describing the speed at which the detonation propagates.
Psychometric Testing of a Cardiovascular Disease Fatalism Instrument Among Adults With Cardiovascular Disease Risks.

BACKGROUND We modified a general health fatalism instrument to examine cardiovascular disease (CVD) fatalism because there is no specific CVD fatalism instrument (CVD-FI). METHODS Adults with two or more CVD risk factors completed a 20-item CVD-FI rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Higher scores indicated higher CVD fatalism. Reliability and construct validity of the CVD-FI were examined using Cronbach's alpha, factor analysis, and hypothesis testing using correlation respectively. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha was 0.89 supporting internal consistency. Hypothesis that individuals with lower adherence to healthy lifestyle will have high fatalism score was supported (Pearson's r = -0.151; p = .001), and factor analysis yielded a 4-factor solution. CONCLUSIONS CVD-FI is a reliable and valid measure of CVD fatalism. More research is needed to confirm the emergent 4-factor solution of CVD fatalism.
Genome-wide toxicogenomic study of the lanthanides sheds light on the selective toxicity mechanisms associated with critical materials

Lanthanides are a series of critical elements widely used in multiple industries, such as optoelectronics and healthcare. Although initially considered to be of low toxicity, concerns have emerged during the last few decades over their impact on human health. The toxicological profile of these metals, however, has been incompletely characterized, with most studies to date solely focusing on one or two elements within the group. In the current study, we assessed potential toxicity mechanisms in the lanthanide series using a functional toxicogenomics approach in baker's yeast, which shares many cellular pathways and functions with humans. We screened the homozygous deletion pool of 4,291 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with the lanthanides and identified both common and unique functional effects of these metals. Three very different trends were observed within the lanthanide series, where deletions of certain proteins on membranes and organelles had no effect on the cellular response to early lanthanides while inducing yeast sensitivity and resistance to middle and late lanthanides, respectively. Vesicle-mediated transport (primarily endocytosis) was highlighted by both gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses as one of the main functions disturbed by the majority of the metals. Protein-protein network analysis indicated that yeast response to lanthanides relied on proteins that participate in regulatory paths used for calcium (and other biologically relevant cations), and lanthanide toxicity included disruption of biosynthetic pathways by enzyme inhibition. Last, multiple genes and proteins identified in the network analysis have human orthologs, suggesting that those may also be targeted by lanthanides in humans.
Centrosome functions and remodeling during neuronal development and centrosome abnormalities in neuronal disorders, disease, and in aging

Abstract The role of centrosomes in neuronal development, disorders, disease, and aging has gained increased attention with new insights into the centrosome not only as primary microtubule organizing center but also as a major communication center for signal transductions and proteolytic activities. Centrosome functions are critical for neuronal migration during development and neuronal cell polarization while centrosome dysfunctions have been implicated in neuronal diseases and disorders including Alstrom syndrome, Bardet–Biedl syndrome, microcephaly disorders, Huntington disease, lissencephaly, schizophrenia, and several other diseases and disorders. The present review will cover the following four topics: (1) Structure and functions of centrosomes in mammalian somatic cells; (2) The role of centrosomes in neuronal development; (3) Centrosome dysfunctions in neuronal diseases/disorders; (4) Centrosomes in neuronal cells of the aging brain.
Retrospective evaluation of fluid production at the time of thoracostomy tube removal following elective and emergency surgery in dogs (2010-2017): 185 cases.

Objective To report the rate of fluid production at the time of removal of thoracostomy tubes placed intraoperatively and to determine the association of this rate with specific patient factors, surgical factors, or clinical diagnosis. The secondary objective was to determine whether identification of pleural effusion within 2 weeks of thoracostomy tube removal was associated with the same variables. Design Retrospective study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals One hundred eighty-five client-owned dogs with thoracostomy tubes placed intraoperatively between January 2010 and March 2017. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Thoracostomy tubes were removed at a median fluid production of 0.09 mL/kg/h (range, 0-7.0 m L/kg/h). Median fluid production at the time of thoracostomy tube removal was significantly higher in dogs with preoperative pleural effusion compared to dogs without preoperative pleural effusion (0.21 vs 0.05 mL/kg/h; P = 0.0001) and in dogs that had a median sternotomy compared to dogs that had a lateral thoracotomy (0.14 vs 0.09 mL/kg/h; P = 0.04). Of the 169 dogs available for follow-up, 12 (7.1%) had pleural effusion within 2 weeks of removal of the thoracostomy tube. Detection of pleural effusion during the follow-up period was significantly associated with the presence of preoperative pleural effusion (P = 0.0019) and the diagnosis (P = 0.01). A greater proportion of dogs with a lung lobe torsion (4/9, 44.4%) and idiopathic chylothorax (2/7, 28.5%) had pleural effusion within 2 weeks compared to other diagnoses. Reintervention was performed in 4.7% of dogs. Conclusions Thoracostomy tubes were removed at pleural fluid production rates that frequently exceeded current veterinary guidelines. However, the fluid production rate at the time of thoracostomy tube removal was not associated with the detection of pleural effusion within 2 weeks of thoracostomy tube removal, and the overall need for reintervention following thoracostomy tube removal was low (4.7%).
Urban site modeling from LiDAR

This paper presents a complete modeling system that extracts complex building structures with irregular shapes and surfaces. Our modeling approach is based on the use of airborne LiDAR which offers a fast and effective way to acquire models for a large urban environment. To verify and refine the reconstructed ragged model, we present a primitive-based model refinement approach that requires minor user assistance. Given the limited user input, the system automatically segments the building boundary, does the model refinement, and assembles the complete building model. By adapting a set of appropriate geometric primitives and fitting strategies, the system can model a range of complex buildings with irregular shapes. We demonstrate this system's ability to model a variety of complex buildings rapidly and accurately from LiDAR data of the entire USC campus.