cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
APOBEC3G expression and hypermutation are inversely associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) burden in vivo

APOBEC3G (A3G) and APOBEC3F (A3F) reduce Vif-negative HIV-1 provirus formation and cause disabling provirus G-to-A hypermutation in vitro. However, evidence conflicts about whether they negatively impact Vif-positive HIV-1, or only enhance virus genetic diversity, in vivo. We studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 19 antiretroviral-naive, HIV-infected adults: 12 long-term non-progressors (LTNP) and 7 non-controllers (NC). Cells from LTNP had higher A3G and A3F mRNA levels, lower provirus burden, and more A3G-hypermutated positions in provirus sequence than cells from NC. A3G mRNA level was directly associated with its Hypermutation Index (HI) and inversely associated with provirus burden. Plasma HIV-1 RNA levels were inversely associated with A3G expression levels and with HI only among subjects who had HI>1. A3G HI was not associated with provirus burden. These results indicate that A3G deaminase-dependent activity above a threshold level, and its deaminase-independent functions, contribute to decreasing Vif-positive virus replication in vivo.
PROTEINASE-MEDIATED INSECT RESISTANCE TO BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS TOXINS

Two Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)-resistant strains of the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella, lack a major gut proteinase that activates Bt protoxins. The absence of this enzyme is genetically linked to larval survival on Bt-treated diets. When considered with previous data supporting the existence of receptor-mediated insect resistance to Bt, these results provide evidence that insect adaptation to these toxins occurs through multiple physiological mechanisms, which complicate efforts to prevent or manage resistance to Bt toxins in insect control programs.
Visualization breaks the sound barriers

The author emphasizes that it is now necessary for a speaker to use visual aids, in addition to conventional auditory presentation tools, to get his message across to the 'new' technical audience. It is concluded that, by understanding the basics of human sensory reception, interactive imagery, and human memory, speakers can develop presentations that overcome the obstacles of language, cultural, and technological barriers. Visual aids are essential for the interactive imagery necessary to catalogue and dross-reference new data into long-term memory that ensures retrievability. Interactive imagery enhances recall and provides practically perfect visualization. >
Incidence and clinical significance of cardiac biomarker elevation during stem cell mobilization, apheresis, and intramyocardial delivery: An analysis from ACT34-CMI

Background Cell therapy is a promising therapeutic for a variety of cardiovascular conditions including refractory angina. Elevation of cardiac biomarkers during cell delivery has been frequently described, but the clinical implications have never been studied. Methods ACT34-CMI was a randomized double-blind study assessing the use of intramyocardial delivery of autologous CD34 + cells for the treatment of refractory angina. Patients (n = 167) underwent G-CSF–mediated (5 μg/[kg day] × 5 days) stem cell mobilization, apheresis, and intramyocardial injection of 1 × 10 5 /kg or 5 × 10 5 /kg CD34 + cells or placebo. Troponin and creatinine kinase MB were assessed at baseline (n = 161), after cell mobilization and apheresis (n = 153 and 143, respectively), and post-intramyocardial injection (n = 155 and 141, respectively). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included death, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, urgent revascularization, or sustained ventricular arrhythmia. Results Seven (4.3%) subjects had troponin above the upper limits of normal (ULN) at baseline. Thirty-four (22.2%) and 11 (7.2%) subjects had troponin levels > ULN or >3× ULN after cell mobilization and apheresis, whereas 72 (46.1%) and 39 (25.2%) subjects had troponin elevations > ULN or >3× ULN, respectively, after intramyocardial injections. Age, but no other preprocedural factors, was predictive of troponin elevation. Periprocedural troponin elevation was not associated with an increased risk of MACE during 1 year, especially in cell therapy–treated patients. Conclusions Troponin elevation is common during stem cell harvesting and intramyocardial administration, is usually asymptomatic, and does not appear to be associated with long-term MACE in subjects undergoing stem cell mobilization and intramyocardial injection.
OPTIMAL PRICING OF INTRADAY LIQUIDITY

Abstract This paper presents a general equilibrium model where intraday liquidity is needed because the timing of payments is uncertain. A necessary and sufficient condition for an equilibrium to be efficient is that the nominal intraday interest rate be zero, even when the overnight rate is strictly positive. Because a market for liquidity may not achieve efficiency, this creates a role for the central bank. I allow for the possibility of moral hazard and study policies commonly used by central banks to reduce their exposure to risk. I show collateralized lending achieves the efficient allocation, while, for certain parameters, caps cannot prevent moral hazard.
Implementing and testing a fiber-optic polarization-based intrusion detection system

We describe a layer-1-based intrusion detection system for fiber-optic–based networks. Layer-1-based intrusion detection represents a significant elevation in security as it prohibits an adversary from obtaining information in the first place (no cryptanalysis is possible). We describe the experimental setup of the intrusion detection system, which is based on monitoring the behavior of certain attributes of light both in unperturbed and perturbed optical fiber links. The system was tested with optical fiber links of various lengths and types, under different environmental conditions, and under changes in fiber geometry similar to what is experienced during tapping activity. Comparison of the results for perturbed and unperturbed links has shown that the state of polarization is more sensitive to intrusion activity than the degree of polarization or power of the received light. The testing was conducted in a simulated telecommunication network environment that included both underground and aerial links. The links were monitored for intrusion activity. Attempts to tap the link were easily detected with no apparent degradation in the visual quality of the real-time surveillance video.
Long-Term Outcomes of Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis in the Management of Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis

Purpose Reported outcomes of trapeziometacarpal (TM) arthrodesis have been contradictory. The purpose of this paper is to review the long-term results of TM arthrodesis for arthritis with respect to clinical outcomes, union, development of adjacent joint arthritis, and complications. Methods A retrospective review of TM arthrodeses performed between 1970 and 2003 was undertaken. Among a total of 241 arthrodeses performed, 126 thumbs in 114 patients (79 women, 35 men) treated for osteoarthritis were available for follow-up evaluation. Pre- and postoperative clinical and radiographic data were reviewed. The average age was 57 years (range 32–77). The dominant hand was involved in 76 cases. Supplemental bone graft was used in 90 thumbs. Preoperative appositional (key) pinch, oppositional (tip) pinch, and grip strengths were 3.0 kg, 2.7 kg, and 14 kg, respectively. The average pain score on a scale of 0–10 was 6.6 (range 4–10). The average follow-up was 11.2 years (range 3–28 years). Results There were 17 nonunions. No correlation existed between the incidence of nonunion and the use of supplemental bone graft. Nine of 17 thumbs had re-operation, including revision arthrodesis (6) and interposition or suspensionplasty (3). The appositional pinch, oppositional pinch, and grip strengths improved to 5.9 kg, 5.4 kg, and 23 kg, respectively (p Conclusions For most patients TM arthrodesis reduces pain, improves function and results in excellent patient satisfaction. Despite the development of metacarpophalangeal and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint arthritis, intervention for these joints was rarely warranted. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Activated CaMKII couples GluN2B and Casein Kinase 2 to control synaptic NMDA Receptors

Synaptic activity triggers a profound reorganization of the molecular composition of excitatory synapses. For example, NMDA receptors are removed from synapses in an activity- and calcium-dependent manner, via casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation of the PDZ ligand of the GluN2B subunit (S1480). However, how synaptic activity drives this process remains unclear because CK2 is a constitutively active kinase, which is not directly regulated by calcium. We show here that activated CaMKII couples GluN2B and CK2 to form a trimolecular complex and increases CK2-mediated phosphorylation of GluN2B S1480. In addition, a GluN2B mutant, which contains an insert to mimic the GluN2A sequence and cannot bind to CaMKII, displays reduced S1480 phosphorylation and increased surface expression. We find that although disrupting GluN2B/CaMKII binding reduces synapse number, it increases synaptic-GluN2B content. Therefore, the GluN2B/CaMKII association controls synapse density and PSD composition in an activity-dependent manner, including recruitment of CK2 for the removal of GluN2B from synapses.
Approximated stable inversion for nonlinear systems with nonhyperbolic internal dynamics

A technique to achieve output tracking for nonminimum phase nonlinear systems with nonhyperbolic internal dynamics is presented. The present paper integrates stable inversion techniques (that achieve exact-tracking) with approximation techniques (that modify the internal dynamics) to circumvent the nonhyperbolicity of the internal dynamics-this nonhyperbolicity is an obstruction to applying presently available stable inversion techniques. The theory is developed for nonlinear systems and the method is applied to a two-cart with inverted pendulum example.
Treatment of high imperforate anus with large omphalocele in a baby boy.

Synchronous treatment of high imperforate anus with large omphalocele is a challenge for pediatric surgeon. A case of this unusual condition in a male neonate is presented. The high imperforate anus was repaired by primary one-stage posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, and the omphalocele was treated nonoperatively. Recovery was uneventful.
Crystal structure of monoclinic hydrous wadsleyite [β-(Mg,Fe)2SiO4]

Wadsleyite [b-(Mg,Fe)2SiO4] is known to accept variable amounts of H and may be an important reservoir of H in the transition zone of the mantle. The crystal structure of Fo 94.6 hydrous wadsleyite (Mg1.730Fe0.098 Al0.008Si0.991H0.355O4) synthesized at 1400 8C and 17 GPa was refined in space groupI2/m from 1784 measured intensities of which 830 were unique, and, of these, 650 were of intensity greater than 4s. Unit cell parameters are a 5 5.6715(7), b 5 11.582(2), c 5 8.258(1) A ˚, and b5 90.397(9)8. The finalR(F) for all reflections was 0.026 (Rw 5 0.024); goodness of fit was 1.68. An H position was located on the nonsilicate O atom (O1). Partial occupancy of a normally vacant tetrahedral site adjacent to M3 was observed. This is postulated to be the result of Si moving from M3 to the adjacent tetrahedral void on decompression. Deviation from orthorhombic symmetry appears to result from ordering of H, (Mg, Fe), and possibly Si, within the two nonequivalent M3 sites.
Path delay fault diagnosis and coverage-a metric and an estimation technique

Published research on path delay fault (PDF) testing has largely focused on the PDF classification and test-vector generation problems. Little attention has been paid to the diagnosis of delay faults and in defining realistic metrics for delay-fault coverage, We present a statistical diagnosis framework to detect which parts of the circuit are likely to have caused a chip failure for a set of delay-fault tests. Under a model where distributed fabrication-process perturbations contribute to the occurrence of delay faults, we also find the associated likely fabrication-process parameter deviations from their nominal values as part of the diagnosis framework. We present results of experiments performed on some International Symposium on Circuits and Systems 1989 (ISCAS'89) benchmark circuits and also relate the slack of a path segment to its probability of contributing to the circuit failure. We also quantify the diagnosability of a PDF for a test and develop a methodology based on our statistical diagnosis framework to determine the diagnosability of each PDF detected by a given test set. We apply this approach to find the diagnosability of robust PDFs for the ISCAS'89 benchmark circuits. Furthermore, we propose a new and realistic definition of delay-fault coverage based on the percentage of fabricated faulty chips that can be detected as faulty by a given test set. This metric takes into account the probability distribution of delay-fault sizes caused by the chip manufacturing process as opposed to previously defined metrics that have been based primarily on the percentage of faults tested. We present a computationally viable scheme for using this metric to estimate the coverage of any given test set for a class of PDFs caused by distributed fabrication-process variations. We use the results for the ISCAS'89 benchmark circuits to demonstrate wide discrepancies between PDF coverage estimates for robust test sets obtained using our realistic definition and the ones obtained by using the traditional notion of coverage as the percentage of paths tested.
Benefits and costs of power-gating technique

Power-gating is a technique for saving leakage power by shutting off the idle blocks. However, without good understanding and careful design, negative effects of power gating may overwhelm the potential gain and may make the technique not worth the effort. In this paper, we report on our study of the benefits and costs of the power-gating technique in terms of power, area, and performance. We model and analyze several strongly related parameters such as sleep-transistor size, decap area, and supply voltage level. We also report on our experiments to demonstrate how the gated area, circuit behavior and power mesh granularity affect the power gating technique at the system level. Experimental results show that, by compromising 4% of the total area and 5% of the dynamic power, we can achieve 47% leakage power saving while maintaining the same performance. With technology scaling down, the saving is significant. We conclude that we can benefit from the power-gating technique in future technology nodes.
A study of fast dynamo action in chaotic helical cells

Fast dynamo action in a chaotic time-periodic flow is investigated. Chaotic motion is created by perturbing a spatially periodic array of helical cells similar to Roberts' cells, leading to an identifiable stretch-fold-shear fast dynamo mechanism. Using the stochastic Wiener bundle method to treat diffusion exactly, numerical results are presented suggesting fast dynamo action. A new numerical method for modelling the role of small magnetic diffusivity is introduced and results are compared with those calculated using the Wiener bundle method
Selection in vitro

The Qβ-polymerase-Qβ-RNA system is reviewed and the evolution of resistance to inhibitors is discussed. It is suggested that this system provides a useful model of the evolution of haploid genomes under natural selection. Consequences for theories of the origins of life are discussed.
Lewis Cliff 85332: A unique carbonaceous chondrite

Abstract— Lewis Cliff 85332 (LEW85332) is a highly unequilibrated (type 3.0–3.1) unique carbonaceous chondrite. It resembles CI and “CR” chondrites in its abundance ratios of refractory lithophiles and refractory siderophiles, but differs significantly from these groups in important ways: relative to CI chondrites, LEW85332 has low abundances of Mn, Se, Zn and most volatile siderophiles; relative to “CR” chondrites, LEW85332 has high abundance ratios of Mn and most volatile siderophiles. Although several petrologic characteristics of LEW85332 resemble those of CO chondrites, LEW85332 differs from this group in having lower abundance ratios of refractory lithophiles and higher abundance ratios of common and volatile siderophiles. Chondrules (mean diameter of 170 μm) are smaller than those in CV and CM chondrites and bigger than those in most CO chondrites. Two melilite-rich (Ak 22) fluffy type-A refractory inclusions were observed. Weathering of LEW85332 has resulted in the formation of 6.2 vol.% limonite; 3.9 vol.% metallic Fe-Ni remains. The inferred original metallic Fe-Ni abundance (13–15 wt.%) is very high for a carbonaceous chondrite and is most similar to those of Kainsaz and Colony (both CO3). LEW85332 is a breccia: the one thin section we examined contains (a) ≥ 10 primitive carbonaceous chondrite clasts (with both C1 and C2 affinities) that contain magnetite framboids and platelets, (b) two clasts containing numerous 10-μm-size clusters of troilite grains, and (c) one clast containing small needles of schreibersite embedded in fine-grained silicate matrix. The unique nature of LEW85332 underscores the wide diversity of materials produced in the solar nebula.
Fidelity of implementation in Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND): a comparison of classroom teachers and program specialists.

This paper presents the results of an effectiveness trial of Project Towards No Drug Abuse [TND], in which we compared program delivery by regular classroom teachers and program specialists within the same high schools. Within 18 schools that were randomly assigned to the program or control conditions, health classrooms were assigned to program delivery by teachers or (outside) specialists. Classroom sessions were observed by pairs of observers to assess three domains of implementation fidelity: adherence, classroom process, and perceived student acceptance of the program. Pre- and immediate posttest survey data were collected from 2331 students. Of the four composite indexes of implementation fidelity that were examined, only one (quality of delivery) showed a difference between specialists and teachers, with marginally higher ratings of specialists (p < .10). Both teachers and program specialists achieved effects on three of the five immediate outcome measures, including program-specific knowledge, addiction concern, and social self-control. Students’ posttest ratings of the program overall and the quality of program delivery failed to reveal differences between the teacher- and specialist-led classrooms. These results suggest that motivated, trained classroom teachers can implement evidence-based prevention programs with fidelity and achieve immediate effects.
IT problem solving: an implementation of computational thinking in information technology

This paper describes the implementation of information technology problem-solving constructs and scenarios designed to cultivate computational thinking in information technology education at the college level via a course entitled "IT Problem Solving." A project of Broadening Advanced Technological Connections (BATEC), these scenarios were developed by a team of researchers under the auspices of an NSF CPATH grant focusing on adapting Computational Thinking as defined by Jeanette Wing into a more applied framework in partnership with and validated by a broad set of Information Technology (IT) professionals. The methodologies used within this highly successful course at Bunker Hill Community College may be of interest to other departments with existing IT programs that would like to take advantage of the strengths of the problem solving approach.
Organic Carbon Fluxes, Degradation, and Accumulation in an Anoxic Basin: Sediment Trap Results from the Cariaco Basin

Organic carbon fluxes were measured in the anoxic water column of the Cariaco Basin under varying levels of primary productivity. Our results indicate that water column degradation of fresh organic matter in this anoxic setting is similar to what has been previously observed in the open ocean. Additionally, the rate at which carbon is consumed increases as primary productivity increases. These findings support the hypothesis that sulfate reduction is as efficient as aerobic respiration in degrading labile organic matter and that an anoxic water column does not necessarily result in an enhanced delivery of organic carbon to the sea floor. We estimate that 1‐2% of the organic carbon produced at the surface reaches the seafloor and that approximately 50% of this is preserved in the sediments. This burial efficiency is comparable to that previously reported for both oxic and anoxic settings, and with sedimentation rates similar to that in Cariaco Basin.
National Animal Identification and the Elephant in the Room

National animal identification and the elephant in the room DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v29i2_skaggs
Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Pharmacokinetics in a Critically Ill Patient on Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration

Extended-infusion ceftolozane-tazobactam treatment at 1.5 g every 8 h was used to treat multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a critically ill patient on continuous venovenous hemofiltration. Serum drug concentrations were measured at 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8 h after the start of infusion. Prefilter levels of ceftolozane produced a maximum concentration of drug (Cmax) of 38.57 μg/ml, concentration at the end of the dosing interval (Cmin) of 31.63 μg/ml, time to Cmax (Tmax) of 4 h, area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 8 h (AUC0-8) of 284.38 μg · h/ml, and a half-life (t1/2) of 30.7 h. The concentrations were eight times the susceptibility breakpoint for the entire dosing interval.
Twenty-Five Years of Wholesaling: A Revolution in Food Wholesaling:

D URING the 1910o's and the 192O's the wholesaler was said to be losing his position of prominence in our distribution system. Manufacturers were bypassing him and selling to the retailers. Chain stores were growing and doing their own wholesaling. The general dry goods wholesalers have been declining since the 1900's with the rise of resident buyers. A writer in 1910o said: "complaints arise from many quarters that the jobber is too dictatorial and that he ought to be shown that he is not the indispensable fellow he thinks he is. But efforts to oust him are sure as fate to be fought bitterly and skillfully."' Efforts have been made to oust the wholesaler and he has fought back bitterly and skillfully. We now have Census reports on wholesale operations covering the 25 years from 1929 to 1954. The wholesaler seems to be fully as important as in 1929, but in some trades there have been radical changes in methods of operations and in services performed. The wholesalers declined in im-
Characterizing concurrent tobacco product use among homeless cigarette smokers

INTRODUCTION Cigarette smoking prevalence rates are high among homeless adults (>70%); however, little is known about concurrent tobacco or other nicotine product use (i.e., concurrent use [CU]) in this population. CU may impact smoking quit rates and confer greater risk of health problems within this vulnerable population. This study characterized CU in a sample of homeless smokers and compared cigarette-only smokers (C-OS) to concurrent users (CUs) on participant characteristics and factors known to be associated with smoking cessation. METHODS Participants were 178 adult conventional cigarette smokers from a homeless shelter in Dallas, TX. Sociodemographic characteristics, number of homelessness episodes, tobacco dependence, and items characterizing use of several tobacco/nicotine products over the last 30 days including use frequency, reasons for use, and perceived health risks were described. Sociodemographic characteristics, number of homelessness episodes, tobacco dependence, stress, readiness to quit (RTQ) smoking, and number of smoking quit attempts in the last year were compared between the C-OS and CUs groups using t tests and chi-square tests. RESULTS CU was prevalent (n = 91; 51.1%), and 49.5% of CUs reported the use of ≥2 products in addition to conventional cigarettes. Compared with C-OS, CUs were younger and had more homelessness episodes, higher expired breath carbon monoxide levels, and higher stress (ps < .05). Groups did not differ on sex, race, other dependence indicators, RTQ, or previous quit attempts. CONCLUSIONS CU is common among homeless smokers. CUs and C-OS did not differ in their RTQ smoking, though greater stress among the CUs may represent a hurdle for cessation.
Canada's Constitutional Discontents

American political scientists have paid very little attention to our northern neighbor and leading trading partner. Yet as the following essays make clear, Canada poses a number of important issues of concern to scholars of American and comparative politics, including the difficulty of building coalitions for institutional reform, the development of minority group identities, and the political dynamics of direct democracy instruments such as referenda. In the following essays, three Canadian political scientists examine the constitutional crises that have repeatedly engulfed Canadian politics over the last quarter century. These crises had their most important root in efforts to find a new constitutional order that would meet the demands of the francophone-majority province of Quebec for increased autonomy, but the evolving process has attracted more participants and more demands. By the time of last October's referendum on a package of constitutional reforms known as the Charlottetown Accord, the constitutional agenda had become so overloaded that it sank under its own weight. Peter Russell's essay traces the tortuous history of Canadian negotiations over constitutional reform. Stephane Dion examines the ebbs and flows of Quebec nationalism.
Structures of 1,1′,3,3′-Tetra(2-methyl-2-nonyl)ferrocenium(1+) Oxoanion(1−) Salts. Layered Materials with Alternating Ionic and Low-Dielectric Paraffin-Like Domains Through Which Anion Diffusion is Rapid

The unprecedented interdigitated and layered structures of 1,1′,3,3′-tetra(2-methyl-2-nonyl)ferrocene (DEC) and the oxoanion ferrocenium salts DEC+NO3–, DEC+ClO4–, and DEC+ReO4– were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The four structures are similar except that the three DEC+ salts have layers of XOn– oxoanions stuffed between the layers of interdigitated ferrocenium ions. The perpendicular distances between layers of Fe atoms are 8.530, 9.108, 9.009, and 9.158 A for DEC, DEC+NO3–, DEC+ClO4–, and DEC+ReO4–, respectively. The structures also contain layers of rigorously coplanar Fe and X atoms that are tilted 65.4, 75.9, 61.9, and 61.1° from the aforementioned layers of Fe atoms for DEC, DEC+NO3–, DEC+ClO4–, and DEC+ReO4–, respectively. The local environments of the XOn– oxoanions consist of networks of C–H···O hydrogen bonds, and the structures exhibit channels through which these anions could diffuse. Facile diffusion of these anions in thin films of DEC+XOn–, with structures that appear to ...
Perceptions of Obesity Treatment Options Among Healthcare Providers and Low-Income Primary Care Patients.

Background: Primary care is a key component of medical care delivery and has a role to play in reducing obesity in the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes and perceptions about obesity in low-income primary care patients and to identify preferences for weight management interventions from the patient and healthcare provider perspectives. Methods: A convenience sample of 28 patients and 6 healthcare providers from across the state of Louisiana participated in 1 of 5 structured focus groups. Demographic information was collected from both the patients and healthcare providers using survey instruments. Results: Patients and healthcare providers were more similar than dissimilar in their perceptions of obesity in that both groups selected referral to a nutritionist, use of medication, and prescribed exercise as the top 3 strategies that would have the greatest impact on losing weight. Referral to a nutritionist was selected as the easiest strategy to implement. Conclusion: Receiv...
Walls as a Nonviolent Strategy in Armed Conflict

This paper examines walls as an intentional strategy utilized by nonviolent community activists for protection during armed conflicts. Whether constructed and enforced by state institutions, international organizations, or civilian groups, walls are more than physical barriers. Their social significance reinforces their physical presence and they can therefore be powerful symbols that demarcate physical, political, social, and humanitarian boundaries. While they can keep populations safe, they can also reinforce divisions between them. We explore the logics behind new cases of humanitarian walls that nonviolent civilian communities create and maintain within conflict zones in Buenaventura, Colombia. We contrast how these walls differ in their functions and effectiveness with those used by states and militaries as strategic tools for counterinsurgency (in Iraq) or post-conflict reconciliation (in Northern Ireland). We also examine how these physical structures are used in conjunction with armed community-based protection and resistance (in Peru and Mexico). Walls as a nonviolent strategy are still new and little studied, but with sufficient social backing and in the right settings they offer a promising approach for community activists.
Needs assessment of enteral nutrition support products.

An opinion survey of San Diego hospital health care professionals who use enteral nutrition products for patient care identified cost as an important factor but indicated that quality control, special nutrition features, and wide application of use were even more important product characteristics considered prior to purchase. There was general agreement that customer service, along with volume discounts, was a crucial aspect of successful marketing. The need for local availability of products was also stressed repeatedly. The importance of high-cost product promotions by vendors was downplayed. Health professionals want more nutrition products with specialized compositional profiles (e.g., low or high protein, low sodium, and gluten- and lactose-free), improved flavor, and convenient single-serving packaging.
Open Systems Architecture - Both Boon and Bane

As with every major social revolution, the advent of the digital age was accompanied by growing pains. Many of the methods used in the first few decades were ultimately rejected for better and more proven approaches. Complex systems such as aircraft avionics or military weapons control systems are no longer the purview of the omniscient hardware guru or software wizard. These mystics have been replaced by processes that improve productivity and enhance long-term maintainability. However, in most cases application of these processes produces its own set of problems This does not necessarily mean that the practice should be discontinued; the perfect solution may not exist. It is important that system architects select those practices that best meet their specific goals, while accounting for the associated problems. Over the past several years managers have come to accept as axiomatic that the use of open systems reduces cost, decreases schedule, and eliminates risks to a program. However, the term, "open systems architecture" invokes a variety of interpretations. To some it implies no proprietary components. To others it implies adherence to documented standards. Still others see it as implying plug-and-play features. This paper investigates several observed interpretations of the meaning of "open systems architecture". Each interpretation exhibits both positive and negative aspects, which should be considered when architecting requirements for a specific system. Particularly for complex or long-life programs such as the NASA's space exploration vision, there is a threshold beyond which the benefits of increased openness are outweighed by the associated costs. This paper concludes with a recommendation regarding the optimal placement of the open architecture threshold line for complex, long-life programs
HOWARD, Donald R. Chaucer: His Life, His Works, His World

(1989). HOWARD, Donald R. Chaucer: His Life, His Works, His World. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 62-64.
Temperature dependence of ice-on-rock friction at realistic glacier conditions.

Using a new biaxial friction apparatus, we conducted experiments of ice-on-rock friction in order to better understand basal sliding of glaciers and ice streams. A series of velocity-stepping and slide–hold–slide tests were conducted to measure friction and healing at temperatures between −20°C and melting. Experimental conditions in this study are comparable to subglacial temperatures, sliding rates and effective pressures of Antarctic ice streams and other glaciers, with load-point velocities ranging from 0.5 to 100 µm s −1 and normal stress σ n = 100 kPa. In this range of conditions, temperature dependences of both steady-state friction and frictional healing are considerable. The friction increases linearly with decreasing temperature (temperature weakening) from μ = 0.52 at −20°C to μ = 0.02 at melting. Frictional healing increases and velocity dependence shifts from velocity-strengthening to velocity-weakening behaviour with decreasing temperature. Our results indicate that the strength and stability of glaciers and ice streams may change considerably over the range of temperatures typically found at the ice–bed interface. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Microdynamics of ice’.
Head‐drop: A Frequent Feature of Late‐Onset Myasthenia Gravis

Introduction Head-drop is often encountered in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, but its frequency and clinical course have not been studied systematically. Methods In a retrospective study of a cohort of MG patients seen over a period of 11 years in a tertiary medical center, we assessed the clinical characteristics of patients who had head-drop. Results Of 146 generalized MG patients, 15 had head-drop during the course of their disease. Head-drop patients had older age of onset than those who did not have head-drop (mean age of onset 59.1 vs. 42.3 years) and were predominantly men. Head-drop was present in 23% of patients > 60 versus 6% of those < 60 years, and it improved in 9 of 11 patients with treatment directed to generalized MG. Conclusions Head-drop is a common, treatment-responsive manifestation of late-onset MG. Muscle Nerve 56: 441–444, 2017
Role of tissue eosinophils in chronic rhinosinusitis–associated olfactory loss

Background Olfactory dysfunction is 1 of the hallmark symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Eosinophilic inflammation has been implicated as a potential causative factor. However, prior studies have been limited by retrospective study designs, concomitant use of systemic corticosteroids, and other confounding factors. Methods CRS and healthy non-CRS control subjects undergoing endoscopic sinus or skull-base surgery were prospectively enrolled and completed olfactory testing utilizing the 40-item Smell Identification Test (SIT) immediately prior to surgery. Histopathological evaluation of tissue excised from the ethmoid bulla was performed by a pathologist in a blinded fashion. Disease severity and patient-reported outcomes were measured via the Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) grading system and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), respectively. The associations between olfactory function, tissue eosinophilia, and disease severity were analyzed using Spearman rank order correlation and multiple linear regression. Results Twenty-seven (27) subjects with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), 32 subjects with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and 10 healthy non-CRS controls were enrolled. CRSwNP was associated with higher mean tissue eosinophil counts (71.6 vs 28.1 eosinophils/high-power field [HPF], p < 0.05) and lower age/sex-adjusted SIT scores (−17.4 vs −6.2, p < 0.001) when compared to CRSsNP. SIT scores were strongly negatively correlated with tissue eosinophil counts in CRSwNP (r = −0.60, p = 0.0003), but not CRSsNP (r = 0.16, p = 0.42). The correlation between olfactory function and tissue eosinophilia in CRSwNP persisted after adjusting for disease severity. Conclusion Tissue eosinophilia is associated with olfactory loss in CRSwNP, independent of disease severity. These results suggest a possible role for eosinophils or eosinophil-associated cytokines in CRS-associated olfactory loss.
Oscillatory Magnetic Circular Dichroism of Free-Carrier Absorption and Determination of the Rashba Dispersions in Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites

Free-carrier absorption (FCA) in a semiconductor provides information about the band on which the free carriers reside, and in the classical limit, follows the ω–2 law with ω being the photon frequency. In hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), the colossal Rashba effect (RE) results in a new band dispersion, characterized by wavevector |k| = k0 of band extremum and effective mass m*. Here we show that the colossal RE in two-dimensional HOIPs greatly enhances phonon-assisted FCA with a modified frequency dependence and induces a direct transition between the subbands with a resonance at ℏω = 4R ≡ 2ℏ2k02/m*, which, under a magnetic field, exhibits a strong oscillatory magnetic circular dichroism (MCD). The MCD spectrum allows a complete and reliable determination of k0 and m* for conduction and valence bands in HOIPs and helps reveal the microscopic mechanism of their outstanding photovoltaic performance.
T-independent antigens induce the formation of long-lived plasma cells (132.18)

Long-lived plasma cells (PCs) are terminally differentiated B cells that reside in the spleen and bone marrow where they secrete antibody for a life-time. Although PCs are the cellular arbiters of humoral immunity, the signals required for formation of long-lived antibody secreting PCs remain poorly defined. In addition, how long-lived PCs resist apoptosis in response to ionizing radiation (IR) is also not understood. We find that resistance to IR-induced apoptosis occurs exceptionally early, within three days, during PC differentiation. IR-resistance is even established in PCs following immunization with NP-LPS, a type 1 thymus-independent (TI-1) antigen thought to generate only short-lived PCs. We have exploited this finding by administering IR in vivo to investigate the lifespan of antigen-specific NP-LPS induced PCs months after immunization. Contrary to current models, we find immunization with NP-LPS, a response which neither requires T-cell help nor elicits germinal center formation, is sufficient to drive the formation of long-lived IR-resistant PCs. Further, we find that resistance to IR-induced apoptosis is a cell intrinsic property unique to PCs and is not shared by other activated B cells. These findings establish radioresistance as a novel property of very early PCs and challenge the popular view that TI-1 antigens are unable to elicit the formation of long-lived PCs.
Elementary Quantum Metaphysics

Once upon a time, the twentieth-century investigations of the behaviors of sub-atomic particles were thought to have established that there can be no such thing as an objective, observer-independent, scientifically realist, empirically adequate picture of the physical world.
Interpersonal Relationships and Immune Function

There is increasing evidence that the central nervous system can influence the functioning of the immune system, the body’s defense against infectious and malignant disease (Ader, 1981). In this chapter we will review data linking the quality of interpersonal relationships with immunocompetence. We suggest that these data provide some insight into possible mechanisms through which interpersonal relationships might influence morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, and possibly cancer.
Candidate Rule Selection to Develop Intelligent Scheduling Aids for Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)

In this paper we propose an intelligent, real-time, computer-based decision aid to effectively schedule jobs through a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). One way to develop such an aid is to use a simulation technique to collect information about the impact of heuristic rules on the system performance. The resulting information forms the basis of an inductive learning process for choosing a given rule in a given situation. Since there are more than 100 commonly used heuristic rules, this is an impractical approach for analyzing all the rules and their combinations. This paper advocates a three step systematic approach to real-time scheduling: quick analysis to select a small number of candidate heuristics, followed by a more thorough analysis of those candidates to generate a schedule, and the development of an automated scheduling system. In this paper we concentrate on steps one and three. We utilize neural networks for candidate rule selector and trace-driven knowledge acquisition (TDKA) for developing the automated scheduling system. An example of training data for the rule selection network is given. Also, an example is provided to demonstrate the learning process through TDKA.
Characterization of Hydrangea macrophylla Cultivars by the Anthocyanin Content in their Sepals

Abstract In order to ascertain the role of anthocyanin content on the color and brightness of Hydrangea macrophylla sepals, anthocyanin contents of different colored sepals were measured for numerous commercial cultivars. Anthocyanin contents were primarily determined by extraction of the pigment, then measurement by differential spectrophotometry. Concentrations ranged from about 25 to over 400 μg delphinidin-3-glucoside per g of fresh sepal, with the magnitude roughly proportional to the perceived intensity of sepal coloration for that Hydrangea macrophylla cultivar. However, the anthocyanin content was independent of the sepal color, being the same for red, purple, or blue sepals of the same cultivar. Even though significant sepal-to-sepal variation in color intensity existed within a single inflorescence, the extractable anthocyanin content was constant for a specific cultivar. Accordingly, Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars were classified in terms of their color brightness or anthocyanin content in sep...
Neurotechnologies Cannot Seize Thoughts: A Call for Caution in Nomenclature.

Meynen (2019) offers the reader a thought exercise: Imagine a future in which neurotechnologies for detecting mental states are applied in a forensic psychiatry setting. A broad range of examples o...
The Individual-Level Origins of Congressional Corruption Scandals:

To date, the literature on corruption scandals in Congress focuses exclusively on their consequences. Using theory that directs analyses of the causes of corruption scandals at the jurisdictional l...
Development of paleolimnological inference models for pH, total nitrogen and specific conductivity based on planktonic diatoms

Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA was used to explore and identify statistically significant relationships between the distributions of planktonic diatoms and the physical and chemical properties of 50 Connecticut lakes. Six variables (pH, total nitrogen, calcium, sulfate, potassium and chlorophyll- a concentrations) were found to be significantly correlated with either or both of the first two extracted axes. The pH and calcium concentration, and to a lesser extent total nitrogen concentrations, were the most important variables controlling the distributions of planktonic diatoms in this suite of lakes. Paleolimnological inference models were developed for pH, total nitrogen (TN) and specific conductivity. Weighted averaging with (WAtol) and without (WA) tolerance downweighting, with and without bootstrap resampling techniques, and using either classical or inverse deshrinking methods were used to develop inference models for each variable. The pH and TN yielded sufficiently high λ1/λ2 ratios and a highly significant first (constrained) axis when entered as single variables in both constrained and partially constrained CCA analyses, supporting the idea that reliable inference models could be developed for these variables. The r2 and RMSE of prediction values ranged from 0.73 to 0.86 and 0.37 to 0.6, respectively for pH, and from 0.4 to 0.64 and 59 μg/l to 95 μg/l, respectively for TN. Inference models for specific conductivity also yielded significant goodness-of-fit statistics. However, because specific conductivity was removed from the CCA analysis due to its high variance inflation factor and did not yield a significant relationship when entered as the sole variable in a partial constrained CCA, inference models for this variable will probably not yield any additional environmental information. The use of only planktonic diatoms in construction of inference models is discussed.
Current Distribution of the Olive Psyllid, Euphyllura olivina, in California and Initial Evaluation of the Mediterranean Parasitoid Psyllaephagus euphyllurae as a Biological Control Candidate

The olive psyllid, Euphyllura olivina, is a newly invasive species to California with the potential to become an economical pest if it reaches the olive production regions of California’s Central Valley. Here, we report on surveys undertaken in California to assess the psyllid’s current distribution and the occurrence of parasitism. Additionally, we present results of foreign collections of its parasitoids and initial non-target studies of a possible biological control agent, the Mediterranean parasitoid Psyllaephagus euphyllurae. The current distribution of the psyllid appears to be limited to the California coast between Monterey and San Diego; there have been no reports of infestations on olives in the major production areas of central and northern California. Psyllaephagus euphyllurae was the major primary parasitoid found in our foreign collections. The potential non-target impact of P. euphyllurae was tested on three native North American psyllid species: Neophyllura arctostaphyli, Euglyptoneura nr. robusta, and Calophya nigrella. No P. euphyllurae developed on the non-target species during no-choice tests. Behavioral observations in choice tests confirmed no attack on the non-target hosts, although the parasitoid did remain longer on N. arctostaphyli-infested manzanita plants, and revealed no host feeding behavior.
Self‐concealment and suicidality: Mediating roles of unmet interpersonal needs and attitudes toward help‐seeking

OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationship between self-concealment-a tendency to hide distressing information-and suicidality, via two mediators: (a) unmet interpersonal needs and (b) help-seeking attitudes. METHOD A sample of young adults (18-25 years) was recruited online to complete a self-report survey questionnaire (n = 245). A parallel multiple mediation model was analyzed using the PROCESS macro (Hayes, 2013, Methodology in the social sciences. Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: A regression-based approach. New York, NY: Guilford Press) in SPSS. RESULTS There was a significant positive relationship between self-concealment and suicidality. This relationship was partially mediated by unmet interpersonal needs. Although self-concealment was associated with more negative attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, these help-seeking attitudes were not significantly related to suicidality. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the importance of interpersonal factors in suicide. Unmet interpersonal needs emerged as a mechanism by which self-concealment contributes to increased suicidality. We review implications for research, clinical practice, and prevention.