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Manual for Independence: How Democratic-Republicans Used the Memory of the Revolution to Start the War of 1812
Full text linkIn its earliest form, the memory of the American Revolution was far from pure, riddled with partisan jabs and purposeful currents of present events. This, however, has received little attention even with the rise of memory studies within professional history. Scholars have addressed the popular memory of a variety of other pivotal moments from the Civil War to both World Wars. Revolutionary memory has been studied within the contexts of later eras, but almost never in the era immediately following the end of the war. Other scholars such as Alfred Young, Margot Minardy, and Michael McDonnell have all done work on Revolutionary memory, but only begin their stories no earlier than the 1820s, fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Americans, though, began building the memory of the Revolution almost immediately following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and battles over the war’s memory were at the core of politics in the early Republic.
This work seeks to fill in this surprising gap in the literature, focusing on Revolutionary memory in the first decade of the nineteenth century, in the years directly preceding the War of 1812. It is no coincidence that popular discussion of the Revolution increased precipitously in these years, as Americans began to face the overwhelming odds of another war with England
EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL OF DOUBLE STRANDED RNAs (dsRNAs) IN REDUCING Aspergillus flavus GROWTH AND AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION
No full textAspergillus flavus is a major pathogen of cotton, maize, peanut, and other oilseed crops, capable of producing mycotoxins both in the field and during post-harvest storage. Among these mycotoxins, aflatoxins (AFs) are the most potent carcinogens and immunosuppressants, posing a significant threat to global food safety, with over 4.5 billion people estimated to be exposed to unmonitored levels of AFs. The effectiveness of using traditional methods to manage A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination is limited due to environmental toxicity of fungicides, inconsistent field efficacy of atoxigenic biocontrol strains, and difficulty in developing resistant cultivars. To address these challenges, this study explores the potential of RNA interference (RNAi), a mechanism of gene silencing, as an alternative strategy for suppressing aflatoxin production in A. flavus. In this study, eleven double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) constructs were designed to suppress the expression of aflN, aflR, aflV, aflO, 2,3- Dihydroxybenzoic Acid Decarboxylase (2,3 DHBD,) Translation Elongation Factor-1 (TEF-1), aflJ, aflE (norA), aflP (omtA), nucleoside hydrolase protein, and alk genes, which are involved key biological processes in A. flavus, such as protein and aflatoxin biosynthesis, to evaluate the potential of employing RNAi for reducing aflatoxin production by A. flavus. It was found that dsRNA treatments targeting aflN, aflR, aflV and TEF-1 genes led to a significant inhibition of germ tube elongation of A. flavus at 10 hrs post inoculation, and dsRNAs targeting aflN and aflR genes also significantly reduced spore germination compared to the control treated with dsRNA targeting a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. Further, treatment of A. flavus conidia with dsRNA targeting nucleoside hydrolase protein gene reduced not only spore germination, but also subsequent hyphal development up to 20 hours after inoculation in potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium. This study further showed that the application of aflR-targeting dsRNA at the time of A. flavus inoculation resulted in a significant reduction in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels compared to the negative control (treated with dsRNA targeting GFP gene at day 0). Similarly, the addition of aflN- and aflV-targeting dsRNAs three days post-inoculation also significantly decreased AFB1 production when compared to the same control. Furthermore, aflatoxin levels were significantly reduced in liquid cultures treated with dsRNAs targeting aflJ, aflE (norA), and aflP (omtA) in vitro compared to the control containing only inoculum in A & M media with glucose. In addition, treating A. flavus cultures with all dsRNA led to a significant reduction in fungal biomass when compared to the control, which was treated with dsRNA targeting GFP. Overall, this study highlights the advantages of RNAi-based strategies over traditional approaches by offering a targeted, environmentally friendly, and effective means of reducing both aflatoxin production and A. flavus growth
Dose Characterization of Galactic Cosmic Rays In The Human Brain: A PHITS-Based Study With a Segmented Anatomical Phantom
Full text linkAstronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are chronically exposed to a complex space radiation environment composed of galactic cosmic rays (GCR), solar particles, and Earth\u27s trapped radiation. These high-energy particles interact with spacecraft shielding, producing secondary particles that can penetrate inside and deposit energy in sensitive tissues. Although animal studies have been useful in assessing space radiation risks, anatomical and physiological differences limit their applicability to human anatomy especially neuroanatomy. To address this gap, we developed a computational framework to model radiation dose distribution within the human brain using Monte Carlo simulations in Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS). This study consists of three major components: (1) construction of an intravehicular (IV) radiation environment using an simplified shielding configuration and validated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) GCR spectrum; (2) simulation of dose deposition in both water and ICRP reference phantoms to assess spatial distribution; and (3) estimate the mean absorbed dose delivered to the sub-regions of the brain. By integrating accurate radiation transport physics with anatomically segmented geometry, this work enables region specific mapping of dose accumulation within the brain. The results will improve understanding of how radiation is distributed across different neural structures, serving as a foundation for future biological and risk-based evaluations
Continental hydroclimate during the late Paleocene-early Eocene in the central Rockies: insights from sedimentological and geochemical records preserved in the greater Green River Basin, southwestern Wyoming, U.S.A.
No full textThe late Paleocene to early Eocene (LPEE, ∼59–50 Ma) greenhouse condition is the most recent geologic analogue for future climate change induced by increased atmospheric CO2 partial pressure (pCO2). Recognition of the hyperthermals and reconstruction of the continental hydroclimate and atmospheric pCO2 during this warm period are fundamental to the understanding of Earth’s surface responses to high atmospheric pCO2. Here we study paleosol morphology, bulk organic matter δ13Corg, leaf wax n-alkanes δ13Cn-alk and δDn-alk, and reconstruct mean annual precipitation (MAP) and atmospheric pCO2 from the fine-grained floodplain deposits in the greater Green River Basin, western U.S.A., to examine the hydroclimate evolution in the continental interior during the LPEE. The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was identified as a ∼4‰–5‰ negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) in the bulk organic δ13Corg record and leaf wax n-alkanes δ13Cn-alk record, and a 30‰–50‰ increase in leaf wax n-alkanes δDn-alk record. Well drained green paleosols and water-logged histosols dominated the floodplain deposition during the LPEE, and poorly drained red paleosols and carbonate-rich calcisols characterized the hyperthermal. Our reconstructed MAP is generally high (800–1,500 mm) during the LPEE and does not show significant change during the PETM. Our estimated atmospheric pCO2, by integrating bulk organic δ13Corg and paleosol carbonate δ13Cc values, is generally in the range of 600–900 ppm during the early Eocene, 1–2 times higher than the preindustrial level. These records suggest that the continental hydroclimate was generally humid and warm during the LPEE, and transient drying likely happened during the PETM
Unavoidable induced subgraphs of infinite 2-connected graphs
No full textIn 1930, Ramsey proved that every infinite graph contains either an infinite clique or an infinite independent set. König proved that every connected infinite graph contains either a ray or a vertex of infinite degree. In this paper, we establish the 2-connected analog of these results
The Work of an Hour: A Case Study of Propaganda
No full textThis research paper discusses the messaging of United States President George W. Bush and his administration regarding the U.S. led invasion of Iraq. Transcripts of presidential communications, national news programs, and public opinion polls from 2001-03 were analyzed to identify patterns in these communications. This review demonstrated techniques similar to those used in historical propaganda campaigns to sway public opinion. The introduction and repetition of key terminology from the government was followed by magnification by television news programs. These messages were broadcast despite lack of evidence of Iraq’s involvement with the 9/11 attacks or their possession of weapons of mass destruction. This case study demonstrates the need for instruction of information and media literacy to include recognizing propaganda
Multiwavelength analysis of AT 2023sva: a luminous orphan afterglow with evidence for a structured jet
Full text linkWe present multiwavelength analysis of ZTF23abelseb (AT 2023sva), an optically discovered fast-fading (∆mr = 2.2 mag in ∆t = 0.74 d), luminous (Mr ∼ −30.0 mag), and red (g − r = 0.50 mag) transient at z = 2.28 with accompanying luminous radio emission. AT 2023sva does not possess a γ -ray burst (GRB) counterpart to an isotropic equivalent energy limit of Eγ,iso \u3c 1.6 × 1052 erg, determined through searching γ -ray satellite archives between the last non-detection and first detection, making it the sixth example of an optically discovered afterglow with a redshift measurement and no detected GRB counterpart. We analyse AT 2023sva’s optical, radio, and X-ray observations to characterize the source. From radio analyses, we find the clear presence of strong interstellar scintillation (ISS) 72 d after the initial explosion, allowing us to place constraints on the source’s angular size and bulk Lorentz factor. When comparing the source sizes derived from ISS of orphan events to those of the classical GRB population, we find orphan events have statistically smaller source sizes. We also utilize Bayesian techniques to model the multiwavelength afterglow. Within this framework, we find evidence that AT 2023sva possesses a shallow power-law structured jet viewed slightly off-axis (θv = 0.07 ± 0.02) just outside of the jet’s core opening angle (θc = 0.06 ± 0.02). We determine this is likely the reason for the lack of a detected GRB counterpart, but also investigate other scenarios. AT 2023sva’s evidence for possessing a structured jet stresses the importance of broadening orphan afterglow search strategies to a diverse range of GRB jet angular energy profiles, to maximize the return of future optical surveys
INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING RICE DISEASES: PATHOGEN CHARACTERIZATION, HOST RESISTANCE, AND SUSTAINABLE CONTROL STRATEGIES
No full textGlobal rice production continues to face significant challenges from destructive diseases such as bacterial panicle blight (BPB) and sheath blight (ShB) disease of rice caused by Burkholderia glumae and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the virulence regulation of B. glumae through in-depth characterization of the regulatory factor, QsmR. Molecular and microscopy revealed that QsmR plays a crucial role not only in the expression of virulence factors but also in regulation of the pathogen\u27s overall physiological state. Furthermore, candidate molecules with high affinity to QsmR were predicted and identified, which modulated the toxoflavin production. These findings offer promising insights into the potential of targeting QsmR for antivirulence-based disease management strategies in rice. In response to rising global temperatures and increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions that accelerate pathogen evolution, this study also identified emerging bacterial pathogens affecting rice in Louisiana and the United States. Specifically, Pantoea ananatis and Xanthomonas sacchari were confirmed as causal agents of bacterial leaf blight and panicle blight. Their emergence underscores the need for ongoing pathogen surveillance and rapid characterization to mitigate the risks posed by newly evolving threats in rice growing areas especially in the USA. Despite the continued reliance on conventional chemical control and host genetic resistance, these strategies alone remain insufficient due to environmental concerns and the limited availability of resistant rice cultivars. Thus, this research evaluated a range of seed-priming agents including the biological control agent A257, its mutant derivative A257ΔqsmR, and other materials such as BTH (1 mM) and chitosan. These treatments, especially the A257, were validated as effective in suppressing BPB and ShB under both field and greenhouse conditions across three consecutive years (2022–2024), offering sustainable and practical alternatives for disease control. Finally, transcriptomic analysis elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease-suppressive effects of A257. Seed priming with A257 induced a primed state in rice, resulting in transcriptional reprogramming and activation of defense-related pathways associated with resistance to BPB. These findings demonstrate the capacity of A257 to elicit durable and broad-spectrum resistance, providing new insights into the defense mechanisms operative in rice panicles during pathogen attack
Broken Rituals: Contending Gods and Sacred Cows in Religious Racial Reconciliation and Race Relations
Full text linkRace remains one of the most important determinants of a host of sociological outcomes despite claims that social characteristics such as class matter more. For example, racial inequalities are apparent in educational outcomes and regarding to asset-ownership. Perhaps the most troubling evidence of persistent racial inequities is the killing of Black people by law enforcement officials or civilians while they are engaged in such mundane activities, such as jogging in a neighborhood or selling compact discs (CDs). In the aftermath of these unnatural killings, there are often calls for racial reconciliation, faith based racial reconciliation. In times where it appears that the worst of humanity is on full display, many people, including many Americans, look to religious institutions, religious tradition, and religious leaders for guidance. Many sociologists have expressed an interest in understanding why Americans look to religion, how religious groups and institutions have responded, and what are some best practices. This research has been limited in important ways. For example, in the last quarter century, sociologists and other scholars studying religious, racial reconciliation and race relations have regarded both Black and White “racial” groups as homogenic groupings, and consequently ignore variations in the American religious universe, especially among American Blacks. The question of whether current religious sociological frames can accurately describe, explain, or make predictions about the successes or failures of racial, religious reconciliation then arises. Sociological research on racial and religious reconciliation is also limited by a conventional definition of religion. To address that limitation, I use Charles Long’s definition, where religion is understood as an orientation. I engaged in a longitudinal qualitative study focused on groups and individuals attempting to implement religious remedies in areas of high impact racial events. The primary group in which I was embedded included up too 1100 residents in Baton Rouge, with a focus on v responses to the killings of unarmed Black people from Trayvon Martin to George Floyd. It is anticipated that what I call the hidden gods and “sacred cows,” govern issues of race in modern America that impact whether racial, religious reconciliation is possible. The theoretical, methodological, and public policy implications of the proposed study are identified here