cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategic stability in the twenty-first century: The challenge of the second nuclear age and the logic of stability interdependence

ABSTRACTStrategic stability has been a core pillar of nuclear-armed states since the Cold War. Despite remaining an explicit policy preference, challenges posed by the second nuclear age make it increasingly difficult for states to establish and maintain strategic stability. These challenges are based on the growing number of nuclear-armed actors and these states' different motivations and capabilities. Additionally, new conventional weapons systems have added a new layer of complexity. The diversification of ballistic missile roles into the realm of conventional strike platforms coupled with the development of ballistic missile defense, challenges two core components of strategic stability: second-strike capability and mutual vulnerability.This article addresses these challenges and contends that strategic stability cannot be established through traditional bilateral mechanisms. It argues that states are more strategically interdependent in the second nuclear age. Therefore, they must recognize that deve...
tFUTURES: Computational Steering for Geosimulations

Geographic modeling using geosimulations is a popular approach to explore outcomes from interacting geographic processes in a region. Geosimulations account for space, time, and complex spatial and spatiotemporal relationships to explore "what-if" scenarios and their potential impact in a region. However, current approaches to geosimulation limit manipulating model input and exploring alternative scenarios by controlling the simulation at runtime. Furthermore, lack of runtime support for visualization hinders the ability to view the current state of a simulation to provide meaningful steering input. In this paper, we propose a computational steering system for geosimulations, called tFUTURES, that allows users to specify steering input and execute steering actions at runtime. The core of the proposed system includes: (i) Visualization Service that provides a minimal web-based user interface; (ii) Monitoring Server that receives and handles user-initiated steering actions; and (iii) Steering Client that executes the steering actions by altering the control flow of the geosimulation at runtime. Further, we develop versioning and checkpointing features for the system to support: (i) concurrent execution paths of a geosimulation based on varying inputs in a time-step; and (ii) controlled execution with the ability to pause, advance or rollback a geosimulation. To evaluate our computational steering system, we modify the FUTURES Urban Growth Model (UGM) geosimulation to support user-initiated steering input and steering actions from a web browser. Experimental results demonstrate minimal system overhead with observed end-to-end steering latency of about 5 and 11 seconds for a single time-step of the simulation when measured in a local and distributed computing environment, respectively.
Utility and bias in a Korean standardized test of English: the case of i-TEPS (Test of English Proficiency developed by Seoul National University)

This article examines to what extent i-TEPS (Test of English Proficiency developed by Seoul National University) incorporates perspectives of English as a lingua franca into its construction and ac...
A high efficient synchronous rectifier for next generation automotive alternator applications

For the demand of new energy vehicles, the market is driving the car brands especially in European Union, China and the United States, and their tier suppliers to develop the key components of the powertrain and electric systems for 12V micro-hybrid (start-stop) and 48V mild-hybrid electric vehicles. An automotive-grade synchronous rectifier composed of Si Power MOSFET and gate driver was developed to replace the conventional rectifer diodes for the improvement of the efficiency of AC-DC converting. Two synchronous rectifier modules were then integrated with an alternator system, the efficiency of AC-DC converting was found as high as 97% and the efficiency of the alternator system was determined to be 78%. The synchronous rectifier has been qualified the automotive-grade reliability tests including temperature cycling test (TCT), highly accelerated stress test (HAST), high temperature reverse bias (HTRB) and power cycling test (PCT) according to the AEC-Q101 standard, and could be adopted for the applications of 12V start-stop system and 48V belt-alternator starter generator (BSG) systems.
The Use of Thermal Evolution Analysis (TEA) for the Determination of Vapor Pressure of Agricultural Chemicals

The title of this paper is listed as “The Use Of Thermal Evolution Analysis for the Determination of Vapor Pressures of Agricultural Chemicals ”. The phrase “agricultural chemicals” includes an extremely broad range of chemicals including insect repellents and att-ractants, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and many other products. Such a broad field would be extremely difficult to cover in the space of this paper and so I will, of necessity, limit my remarks to one, much smaller area, that of insect repellents. The techniques used in this study are perfectly general, however, and I leave it to the imagination of the reader to extend this work to the general case.
Initiation into Kaaras World: An Engagement of Esoteric Knowledge in Fulani Tradition

Limited access to esoteric traditions because of the oral character of transmission is especially relevant to the Fulani tradition in West Africa. Beyond overarching Islamic influences, the rich Fulani pastoralist culture includes traditional religious practice and initiation which cannot be readily communicated to the outsider due to its oral nature. Fortunately, Amadou HampatB a Fulani traditionalist and scholar of the twentieth century, was able to provide certain aspects of this tradition in writing. His publication of Kaidara, a timeless Fulani tale of initiation, harbors, within its covers, the secrets of a complex esoteric knowledge made available to a general audience. Although certain truths will never be accessible to the uninitiated, others are elucidated by the story and its lessons. As with many esoteric traditions, Kaidara addresses three main facets: the role of the person in search of self-fulfillment, the role of communication between the human being and the world, and role of the universe as a medium for understanding our ultimate oneness.
On the Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund Strong Law for U-Statistics

Sen (when 0<p<1) and Gine and Zin (1<p<2) have given sufficient conditions for a Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund type SLLN to hold for U-statistics. As demonstrated by the latter authors, their requirement is not necessary when U is completely degenerate or 0<p<1. Here, for p in (1, 2), a simplified proof of sufficiency is obtained which weakens their integrability condition and in the nondegenerate case also extends the permissible values of p. This, in turn, leads to improved conditions for Hoeffding's CLT (likewise for the LIL) in the non-degenerate case. Moreover, nonnecessity is shown to hold in the SLLN when U is degenerate but not completely so.
Dispersal Records of the Sugarcane Aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), through the Midwest Suction Trap Network

Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the sugarcane aphid, is an invasive species in the United States. This species is a threat to crops of economic importance including sorghum and sugar cane. Therefore, monitoring dispersal of this pest is necessary to document its geographic expansion. Based on trap catches obtained from the Midwest Suction Trap Network during 2015 to 2017, sugarcane aphids arrived late in the growing season as far as northern Wisconsin. We will continue to monitor the dispersal of this aphid species through the Midwest Suction Trap Network in order to provide information to researchers, extension agents, and producers regarding this agronomically important pest. Sumario Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), el pulgon de la cana de azucar, es una especie exotica en los Estados Unidos. Esta especie es una amenaza para cultivos de importancia economica como el sorgo y la cana de azucar. Por lo tanto es necesario monitorear su dispersion para documentar su expansion geografica. Basados en los individuos colectados a traves de la red de trampas de succion del medio oeste de Estados Unidos, desde 2015 hasta 2017, el pulgon de la cana de azucar llego tard i amente en la epoca de crecimiento en los estados nortenos incluyendo los conteos del norte de Wisconsin. Vamos a continuar monitoreando esta especie a traves de la red de trampas de succion del medio oeste de Estados Unidos y mantendremos informados a investigadores, agentes de extension, y productores acerca de la dispersion de esta especie de pulgon que es una amenaza para los cultivos. View this article in BioOne
Law Enforcement Interactions: The Role of Communication Sciences and Disorders Professionals:

Issues related to law enforcement interactions with individuals with disabilities, communication impairments, and/or limited English language proficiency can have deleterious effects due to possibl...
Integrity of clinical information in computerized order requisitions for diagnostic imaging.

Objective Assess information integrity (concordance and completeness of documented exam indications from the electronic health record [EHR] imaging order requisition, compared to EHR provider notes), and assess potential impact of indication inaccuracies on exam planning and interpretation. Methods This retrospective study, approved by the Institutional Review Board, was conducted at a tertiary academic medical center. There were 139 MRI lumbar spine (LS-MRI) and 176 CT abdomen/pelvis orders performed 4/1/2016-5/31/2016 randomly selected and reviewed by 4 radiologists for concordance and completeness of relevant exam indications in order requisitions compared to provider notes, and potential impact of indication inaccuracies on exam planning and interpretation. Forty each LS-MRI and CT abdomen/pelvis were re-reviewed to assess kappa agreement. Results Requisition indications were more likely to be incomplete (256/315, 81%) than discordant (133/315, 42%) compared to provider notes (p < 0.0001). Potential impact of discrepancy between clinical information in requisitions and provider notes was higher for radiologist's interpretation than for exam planning (135/315, 43%, vs 25/315, 8%, p < 0.0001). Agreement among radiologists for concordance, completeness, and potential impact was moderate to strong (Kappa 0.66-0.89). Indications in EHR order requisitions are frequently incomplete or discordant compared to physician notes, potentially impacting imaging exam planning, interpretation and accurate diagnosis. Such inaccuracies could also diminish the relevance of clinical decision support alerts if based on information in order requisitions. Conclusions Improved availability of relevant documented clinical information within EHR imaging requisition is necessary for optimal exam planning and interpretation.
Validated Extraction and Cleanup Procedures for Polychlorinated Biphenyls and DDE in Human Body Fluids and Infant Formula

As part of an epidemiology study, extraction methods and extract cleanup procedures were developed and validated for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDE, an ubiquitous metabolite of DDT, in human milk, blood serum, and infant formula. Studies included quantitative and reproducible recovery of total lipids, and reproducible and reasonably high recoveries of these chlorinated compounds from the human body fluids and infant formula, including levels of environmental health interest. An extensive quality control and assurance program was designed for use with these methods. Some validation work on serum was done using radiolabeled 14C-Aroclor 1254. Dilution assays were developed to permit use of a constant procedure, which should minimize variability in results. Methods are based on selected organic solvent extraction and column chromatographic cleanup techniques and quantitation by electron capture gas chromatography (EC/GC). Using these extensively researched extraction and cleanup methods, the limits of detection for GC measurements were 10.0 and 2.00 ppb for PCBs and DDE, respectively, in milk and 4.00 and 0.80 ppb in serum.
2027 - SIMULTANEOUS LINEAGE AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL ANALYSIS OF SINGLE HSCS IDENTIFIES MECHANISMS OF FUNCTIONAL HETEROGENEITY

The hematopoietic system follows a hierarchical organization, with long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) occupying the top tier. Application of systems-level single cell methods has revealed a remarkable functional and transcriptional heterogeneity within stem cells. To elucidate the molecular underpinnings of this functional heterogeneity, we developed a technique to barcode hematopoietic cells at the RNA level in order to simultaneously capture the lineage relationships and transcriptional states of HSCs with unprecedented robustness. Using a droplet-based single cell RNAseq platform, we analyzed the total fraction of engrafted hematopoietic stem cells together with a sufficiently significant representation of downstream progenitor cells to estimate HSC output. Inspection of the resulting stem cell state maps revealed a variety of clonal behaviors, including cell quiescence, asymmetric and symmetric divisions, and clonal competition. We also correlated these behaviors with some of the previously observed heterogeneity during transplantation, including lineage bias and clonal dominance. Importantly, comparison of single HSC expression profiles revealed significant differences in the transcriptional programs related with some of these behaviors, which illuminated the molecular machineries that operate at the stem cell level to define this heterogeneity. Finally, a loss-of-function in vivo screening for clonal quiescence/expansion regulators identified several novel candidates of this process. Thus, our work has harnessed the power of combined functional/transcriptional single cell readouts to discover novel mechanisms that orchestrate the in vivo complexity of stem cell activities.
Depressive symptoms after stroke are associated with worse recovery

ObjectiveMore studies are needed on how depressive symptoms in stroke patients can impact outcomes. We evaluated the relationship between depression symptom severity and motor outcomes in a cohort ...
Geography of Hunger: Demographic and Socioeconomic Determinates of Large-scale Severe Hunger Rates in Fresno, California

Very low food security (VLFS) is a public health concern requiring identification of social risk characteristics within communities. This study used spatial regression to identify social vulnerabil...
8 – Input/Output

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the way in which real constants are printed using F format. The general form of F format is Fw.d where w is the field width and d is the number of digits that appears to the right of the decimal point. Therefore, in F9.2, the field width is 9, and 2 digits appears to the right of the decimal point when a REAL value is printed in the field. The chapter describes the way in which constants are read using I format. The computer assumes that they are punched right-justified in the field. When an INTEGER constant is printed using I format, the field width should be large enough to accommodate the number of digits in the constant, plus one space for the sign. If the sign is negative, a minus sign is printed; if the sign is positive, the space is left blank. On many systems, if the sign of the constant is positive, one only has to provide space for the digits in the constants.
Accountability for sexual and reproductive health and rights in development practice: building synergies.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the culmination of 25 years of global efforts to embed human rights in the development discourse. Epitomising the principle of Leaving No-one Behind, ...
Brain penetrating peptides and peptide–drug conjugates to overcome the blood–brain barrier and target CNS diseases

Nearly one in six people worldwide suffer from disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). There is an urgent need for effective strategies to improve the success rates in CNS drug discovery and development. The lack of effective technologies for delivering drugs and genes to the brain due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a structural barrier that effectively blocks most neurotherapeutic agents from reaching the brain, has posed a formidable hurdle for CNS drug development. Brain-homing and brain-penetrating molecular transport vectors, such as brain permeable peptides or BBB shuttle peptides, have shown promise in overcoming the BBB and ferrying the drug molecules to the brain. The BBB shuttle peptides are discovered by phage display technology or derived from natural neurotropic proteins or certain viruses and harness the receptor-mediated transcytosis molecular machinery for crossing the BBB. Brain permeable peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs), composed of BBB shuttle peptides, linkers, and drug molecules, have emerged as a promising CNS drug delivery system by taking advantage of the endogenous transcytosis mechanism and tricking the brain into allowing these bioactive molecules to pass the BBB. Here, we examine the latest development of brain-penetrating peptide shuttles and brain-permeable PDCs as molecular vectors to deliver small molecule drug payloads across the BBB to reach brain parenchyma. Emerging knowledge of the contribution of the peptides and their specific receptors expressed on the brain endothelial cells, choice of drug payloads, the design of PDCs, brain entry mechanisms, and delivery efficiency to the brain are highlighted. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease.
Judicial Courage: Justice Gorsuch Ventures Out on His Own While Preserving Scalia’s Principles

Over these last two terms, Justice Neil Gorsuch has proved himself a fitting replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia. He shares Scalia’s concern that unrestrained judicial power is undemocratic, and so he shares Scalia’s commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to its text and original meaning—rather than his own personal preferences. The two have much in common: a devotion to the Constitution’s text, a belief that legal principles trump facts, and a commitment to protect the rights of even the least sympathetic criminal defendants. But Gorsuch’s uniqueness, too—his confident independence and liberty-centric focus—shows he's the right justice for the seat.
Solution of the inverse jet in a crossflow problem by a predictor–corrector technique

Abstract A predictor–corrector method, developed early, was modified to suit the inverse jet flow in a crosswind problem. The methodology was tested against both numerical and experimental data. The jet was generated by heating compressed air with a velocity range of 0–5 m/s and temperatures up to 425 K. The method attempts to predict the jet velocity, temperature, inlet axial location, and elevation with a self imposed limitation on the number of sample points within the domain. The case where all four of the parameters are unknown led to inaccurate and unacceptable results with 9 sample points. The thermal self-similarity of the problem results in an infinite number of solutions to the problem, with no possibility of narrowing the solution count without more information. Knowing the elevation of the jet results in a maximum error of 9%, but typically much better. Experimental tests indicate the methodology is sensitive to error in the sampling data with a few cases reaching an error over 20%. This technique may be extended to applied areas such as exhaust stacks and fuel injection systems.
Expression of endothelin receptors in the progression to aggressive phenotype of prostate adenocarcinoma

3003 Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, acts as a mitogen and survival factor in prostate cancer cells and exerts its action via two receptor subtypes, ET A and ET B . This study investigated ET receptor expression with increasing aggressive phenotype in the Dunning rat prostate cancer model and determined the effect of combination therapy in vivo using highly selective ET A inhibitor (atrasentan) with paclitaxel (chemotherapeutic agent). The prostate cancer cell lines used in this study ranged in aggressiveness from nontumorigenic (G), to tumorigenic, nonmetastatic (AT-1), to highly tumorigenic and metastatic (MLL). Saturation and competitive binding assays were carried out on the Dunning cell lines using 125 [I]-ET-1 with ET A and ET B antagonists for the competitive binding. Endothelin receptor expression in the cell lines was comfirmed using RT-PCR. ET-1 secretion by the MLL, AT-1 and G cells was quantified using an ET-1 ELISA assay. Subcutaneous injection of MLL cells into the flanks of nude mice was carried out prior to 3 weeks treatment with (a) vehicle alone (b) atrasentan (c) paclitaxel and (d) paclitaxel+atrasentan. The effects of combination therapy were assessed by tumor volume measurements and analysis of lung metastases. Saturation binding studies were carried out and receptor density of MLL and AT-1 cells were 7-fold and 3-fold higher than G cells respectively. The B max for each cell line was consistent with the receptor density (G=11.48, AT-1=40.0, MLL=130.7 fmol/mg) and indicated an increase in ET-1 binding with the aggressive phenotype. Competitive binding assays demonstrated ET A expression and no apparent ET B expression. RT-PCR confirmed ET A mRNA expression in the cell lines while no ET B expression was observed. Since prostate cancer cells are expressing the ET A subtype, combination therapy using atrasentan and paclitaxel were used for in vivo experiments. Combination therapy using atrasentan+paclitaxel had a greater effect on reduction of tumor volume than paclitaxel or atrasentan alone in comparison with vehicle treated animals. No statistically significant effect on tumor cell metastasis was observed with any treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that increased ET A expression is associated with tumor aggressiveness. ET A receptor antagonist combined with chemotherapeutic agents may be helpful in reducing tumor growth in advanced prostate carcinoma.
Transfer of Learning from Illustration-Dependent Text

The use of illustrations in relation to text characteristics and instructional conditions was studied. Seventh grade subjects were asked to recall information from transfer passages of texts varyin...
Inhibition of Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis by Nalidixic Acid in Escherichia coli

The effect of low concentrations of nalidixic acid on ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in Escherichia coli was examined. It was observed that RNA synthesis in exponentially growing cells was not significantly affected, in harmony with previous studies. However, RNA synthesis was markedly depressed by nalidixic acid during starvation for an amino acid or during chloramphenicol treatment. This effect was not caused by increased killing or inhibition of nucleoside triphosphate synthesis by nalidixic acid. The pattern of radioactive uracil incorporation into transfer RNA or ribosomes was not changed by the drug. The sensitivity of RNA synthesis to nalidixic acid in the absence of protein production may be useful in probing the amino acid control of RNA synthesis.
Optimum discrete information systems

Optimum discrete information system and relations between measurement quality, decisions and system performance
Shape Factors in Bearing Capacity Equation

The extension of the classical bearing capacity equation to inclined loads, or to loading a sloping surface raises the question whether shape factors established for vertical loading and horizontal surfaces remain valid when the loading is not perpendicular to the surface. In this respect, the note offers some considerations that may be helpful.
OH masers and bipolar molecular outflows associated with massive star formation

I present observations of the OH maser emission from G5.89−0.39 (W28A2), the most massive bipolar molecular outflow in the Galaxy. Together with recombination line and molecular line observations, these data suggest that a massive star is embedded in a dense disk of molecular gas. The star ionizes the inside of the disk and powers the bipolar outflow. OH masers form in the shocked regions just outside the ultra compact HII region. G5.89−0.39 represents an important link between the phenomena of low and high mass star formation as well as a chance to study the engine of a bipolar outflow in great detail.
Oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration in patients with noncardiac chest pain.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 1194–1201 Summary Background Eosinophilic oesophagitis clinically presents with recurrent episodes of dysphagia and food impaction. Recently, we observed patients with noncardiac chest pain and eosinophilic oesophagitis. Aims To estimate the prevalence of abnormal eosinophilic infiltration in noncardiac chest pain patients and examine diagnostic utility of demographic, clinical and endoscopic variables to predict eosinophilic oesophagitis. Methods Retrospective study of 171 consecutive patients referred for EGD evaluation of noncardiac chest pain. Endoscopic signs consistent with eosinophilic oesophagitis were recorded. The histological findings were grouped as normal: 0–5 eosinophils/high power field (e/hpf), indeterminate: 6–20 e/hpf, and eosinophilic oesophagitis: ≥21 e/hpf. Abnormal eosinophilic infiltration was defined as ≥6 e/hpf. Results Abnormal eosinophilic infiltrate was noted in 24 patients (14%). Thirteen (8%) had indeterminate counts, while 11 (6%) had eosinophilic oesophagitis. Compared with normal, those with abnormal oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration were more likely to be male (71% vs. 34%, P = 0.001), have allergies (29% vs. 12%, P = 0.050), have current GER symptoms (42% vs. 18%, P = 0.013), rings (54% vs. 22%, P = 0.002), furrows (21% vs. 1%, P < 0.001) and abnormal eosinophilic oesophagitis findings on endoscopy (67% vs. 32%, P = 0.001). Of the 24 abnormal patients, 23 (96%) were either male or had rings, furrows, or white specs. Conversely, 68 of 69 patients (99%) who were female did not have rings, furrows, or white specs, and endoscopy was normal. Eight patients (33%) with abnormal eosinophilic infiltration had a normal endoscopy. Conclusions Eosinophilic oesophagitis should be considered in the evaluation of noncardiac chest pain. Our findings suggest that oesophageal biopsies should be obtained particularly in males with recurrent unexplained chest pain, whether endoscopy is normal or abnormal.
EGOMiner: a genomics and proteomics data computation and interpretation system for biomedical applications

EGOMiner, stands for enhanced gene ontology mining system, is a CORBA based tool developed for genomic and proteomic data analysis. One key function of EGOMiner is to provide biological data interpretation based on gene ontology with quantitative and statistical analysis and visualization by direct acyclic graph. Cross comparison of multiple experimental studies is supported. The other function is quality analysis of microarray chip images. The input is raw chip data and output is visualization of the data quality of the chip image. This is system significantly improves the GoMiner system that was designed and developed by the authors.
Did geomagnetic activity challenge electric power reliability during solar cycle 23? Evidence from the PJM regional transmission organization in North America

[1] During solar cycle 22, a very intense geomagnetic storm on 13 March 1989 contributed to the collapse of the Hydro-Quebec power system in Canada. This event clearly demonstrated that geomagnetic storms have the potential to lead to blackouts. This paper addresses whether geomagnetic activity challenged power system reliability during solar cycle 23. Operations by PJM Interconnection, LLC (hereafter PJM), a regional transmission organization in North America, are examined over the period 1 April 2002 through 30 April 2004. During this time PJM coordinated the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia in the United States. We examine the relationship between a proxy of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) and a metric of challenged reliability. In this study, GICs are proxied using magnetometer data from a geomagnetic observatory located just outside the PJM control area. The metric of challenged reliability is the incidence of out-of-economic-merit order dispatching due to adverse reactive power conditions. The statistical methods employed make it possible to disentangle the effects of GICs on power system operations from purely terrestrial factors. The results of the analysis indicate that geomagnetic activity can significantly increase the likelihood that the system operator will dispatch generating units based on system stability considerations rather than economic merit.
Generation of three-dimensional body-fitted coordinates using hyperbolic partial differential equations

An efficient numerical mesh generation scheme capable of creating orthogonal or nearly orthogonal grids about moderately complex three dimensional configurations is described. The mesh is obtained by marching outward from a user specified grid on the body surface. Using spherical grid topology, grids have been generated about full span rectangular wings and a simplified space shuttle orbiter.
Remediation Strategies for Contaminated (Former) Military Sites

The potential cost of contaminated sites remediation at (former) military bases in Eastern and Western Europe is enormous. Most countries can afford the remediation of only a small fraction of their contaminated military sites each year. Consequently, many contaminated (former) military sites will not be remediated in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, contaminants are migrating in the environment with rain- and groundwater movement, continuously expanding the area of contamination and increasing the cost of future remediation.
Earnings versus Cash Flow as a Predictor of Future Cash Flow Measures

The FASB has asserted, without proof, that information about an enterprise's earnings based on accrual accounting generally provides a better indication of a company's ability to generate favorable cash flows than information about cash flows themselves. This study tests that assertion, empirically. The test results provide empirical evidence supporting the FASB's contention.
Polarization of the zodiacal light: first results from skylab

A brief description is given of the Skylab ten color photoelectric photometer and the programs of measurements made during Skylab missions SL-2 and SL-3. Results obtained on the polarized brightness of zodiacal light at five points on the antisolar hemisphere are discussed and compared with other published data for the north celestial pole, south ecliptic pole, at elongation 90 degrees on the ecliptic, and at two places near the north galactic pole.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF TWIN BOUNDARIES IN YBA2CU3O7

The electronic structure of a twin boundary (TB) in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ is evaluated from ab initio band-structure calculations. Two models are considered: The first assumes the ideal TB atomic configuration. The oxygen-disordered TB model, on the other hand, assumes that in proximity to the TB the oxygen atoms relocate randomly to vacant lattice sites such that the Cu-O bond length is preserved. The calculations have been carried out using 52-atom and 78-atom supercells. For the ideal TB model, the TB presence gives rise to a quasicontinuum of localized states near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$. These states do not contribute to the conductivity. For the oxygen-disordered TB model, two representative oxygen dislocations are considered: One in which a chain oxygen [O(1)] is displaced in the basal plane, and the other in which a Cu-plane oxygen [O(2), O(3)] is up-displaced into the yttrium plane. For both configurations we find conductive pathways with energy near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$. These pathways are comprised of zigzag Cu-O chains, oriented in all directions parallel to the TB plane. This model implies, in particular, percolative conduction in the c-axis direction parallel to the TB planes.
Kite Flying at Midnight

Our belief in memoir is part of the pathos of our time. We hope to plunder our pasts, representing people there as we wish, with the hope that the resulting voice will drown out all the other voices hop ing to be the voice, though the voice alone will hardly save anything. Glory and immortality through sentence and paragraph become the ultimate consumable, the final testimony to our look back amid material plenitude. It seems we must make our time on this earth into material. It's the one material we can't buy. And yet we hope to sell it. We want it to stand for others, for the unattainable.
Optimal management of adults with pharyngitis – a multi-criteria decision analysis

Current practice guidelines offer different management recommendations for adults presenting with a sore throat. The key issue is the extent to which the clinical likelihood of a Group A streptococcal infection should affect patient management decisions. To help resolve this issue, we conducted a multi-criteria decision analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. We defined optimal patient management using four criteria: 1) reduce symptom duration; 2) prevent infectious complications, local and systemic; 3) minimize antibiotic side effects, minor and anaphylaxis; and 4) achieve prudent use of antibiotics, avoiding both over-use and under-use. In our baseline analysis we assumed that all criteria and sub-criteria were equally important except minimizing anaphylactic side effects, which was judged very strongly more important than minimizing minor side effects. Management strategies included: a) No test, No treatment; b) Perform a rapid strep test and treat if positive; c) Perform a throat culture and treat if positive; d) Perform a rapid strep test and treat if positive; if negative obtain a throat culture and treat if positive; and e) treat without further tests. We defined four scenarios based on the likelihood of group A streptococcal infection using the Centor score, a well-validated clinical index. Published data were used to estimate the likelihoods of clinical outcomes and the test operating characteristics of the rapid strep test and throat culture for identifying group A streptococcal infections. Using the baseline assumptions, no testing and no treatment is preferred for patients with Centor scores of 1; two strategies – culture and treat if positive and rapid strep with culture of negative results – are equally preferable for patients with Centor scores of 2; and rapid strep with culture of negative results is the best management strategy for patients with Centor scores 3 or 4. These results are sensitive to the priorities assigned to the decision criteria, especially avoiding over-use versus under-use of antibiotics, and the population prevalence of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis. The optimal clinical management of adults with sore throat depends on both the clinical probability of a group A streptococcal infection and clinical judgments that incorporate individual patient and practice circumstances.
pKC modulates integrin expression that contributes to fibrotic changes in irradiated thyroid tissue.

AIM We hypothesized that radiation-induced fibrosis was, in part, a result of altered signal transduction that directly modulates integrin expression and may indirectly affect the extracellular matrix (ECM). Major focus was given on protein kinase C (pKC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat FRTL-5 and primary thyroid cells were exposed to proton radiation (5 and 10 Gy). Hours to days after exposure, a series of assays were performed. In addition, the neck region of Lewis rats was proton-irradiated to 40 Gy (5 Gy/day or 10 Gy/day). At 11 weeks after exposure, thyroid tissue was evaluated. RESULTS Accumulation of ECM in irradiated FRTL-5 and primary thyroid cells was coincident with loss of tissue organization and follicularization at one or more doses and time points. Several pKC isoforms increased post-irradiation, which coincided with modulated integrin expression; fibronectin, laminin and collagen were also altered (p<0.05 vs. 0 Gy). Modulation of thyroid cells in culture with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)±calphostin C supported a direct role of pKC in these altered properties. Thyroid tissue from irradiated rats had significantly more fibrotic lesions and increases in several pKC isoforms, integrins and fibronectin compared to 0-Gy (p<0.05). CONCLUSION pKC is a likely contributor to alteration of key players associated with radiation-induced fibrosis.
Chapter 36 Laboratory Tests of Job Search Models

Publisher Summary This chapter is concerned with laboratory tests of job search models. Formal models of job search specify certain common elements, i.e., the length of the search horizon, the searcher's discounting rate of interest, the net costs (subsidies) to search in each period of the search horizon, and the searcher's knowledge about the wage offer distribution he or she faces. Because these factors are difficult, if not impossible, to observe in the naturally-occurring economy, controlled laboratory tests of the search model offer the only practical means for formally testing search models. A basic job search model of interest to economists specifies a finite search horizon. Searchers know the (discrete) wage offer distribution and must accept or decline an offer when it is received. The search model has sharp predictions for a utility maximizing, risk neutral agent. In this case the agent seeks to maximize the expected present value of the income from search. This can be accomplished by choosing an appropriate (minimally acceptable) reservation wage each period.
Genes, microbiome, diet and inflammatory bowel disease

Background The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing worldwide [1]. These diseases result in chronic, relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of IBD is currently thought to involve an inappropriate and persistent inflammatory response to commensal gut microbes in genetically susceptible individuals. Advances in DNA sequencing technology have led to the association of > 163 genetic polymorphisms with risk for IBD. . However, in total, these loci only account for about 13% of CD and 7% of UC disease variance. Therefore, it appears that environmental factors make the largest contributions to IBD risk. Among the environmental factors associated with IBD, diet and the intestinal microbiota are the most likely to be modifiable making them targets for prevention and treatment of IBD. While nutritional therapy has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of CD, the mechanism of action has not been well characterized. Some hypotheses involve reduction in luminal antigens and food exclusion, a direct anti-inflammatory effect of the formula, improved nutrition, and changes in the gut microbiota [2-5]. The discovery that formula composition does not impact outcome somewhat opposes the hypothesis that enteral nutritional therapy is delivering a substance that is beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract. A recent study completed at our institution showed exclusive enteral nutrition was similar to anti-TNF therapy for induction of remission but partial enteral nutrition was inferior to these therapies. Our data suggest that EEN is likely effective based on exclusion of a “harmful” factor rather than through more effective delivery of as pecific nutrient. Modulation of the gut microbiota composition is a proposed mechanism of action of enteral nutritional therapy, although the current data are sparse [6]. The available literature on this subject suggests that there is a profound change in the fecal microbiota following EEN therapy [3,6]. Conclusions In summary, it is clear that enteral nutritional therapy is a safe and effective approach to the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Induction of remission and healing of the intestinal mucosa can be accomplished with enteral nutritional therapy. Enteral nutritional therapy may also be effective in maintaining remission and preventing post-operative recurrence of disease following resection. An enhanced understanding of the mechanism of action may allow for the development of less restrictive protocols which achieve the same effect. Additionally, mechanistic studies may help to identify patient populations who may be more likely to respond.
Longitudinally Independent Matching and Arbitrary Wave Patterning Using $\varepsilon$ -Near-Zero Channels

We experimentally verify the unusual radiation properties of sources placed inside and in the neighborhood of effective $\varepsilon$ -near-zero narrow (ENZ) channels. By utilizing the unique properties of a narrow waveguide channel operated at cutoff, a static-like uniformly enhanced electric field distribution can be induced at microwave frequencies over long distances. First, we show how this field uniformity provides a mechanism for position-invariant impedance matching for localized sources placed within the channel, enabling a unique coaxial-to-waveguide matching highly invariant to discontinuities. We then extend these concepts to sources placed outside the ENZ channels, realizing a microwave lens with unique radiation patterning properties. The realized ENZ lens is experimentally demonstrated under several excitation conditions, highlighting the possibility of tailoring the impinging wavefront with large flexibility.
Synthesis of porous silicon through interfacial reactions and measurement of its electrochemical response using cyclic voltammetry

Porous silicon, an excellent material with fascinating physical and chemical properties, is usually formed by anodic polarization of single crystalline silicon in HF based solutions. Here, we show fabrication of porous silicon films ∼0.5–250 μm thick consisting of macropores and mesopores using a contactless electrochemical approach, where the silicon substrate is not under any external bias. Pore dimensions and porosity have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while subsequent cyclic voltammetry (CV) investigations delineate the underlying topographical differences between blanket and porous silicon surfaces. Our work not only offers a new scalable means of fabricating porous silicon structures but also questions the reliability of existing theories that depend on localized collection of electronic hole carriers through anodization of silicon for pore formation. We believe our results will open pathways for development of realistic models for porous silicon formation.
First-principles investigation of sodium and lithium alloyed alanates

Abstract We present a first-principles investigation to study the possible alloy phases of sodium and lithium alanates. Structural and energetics properties of alloy systems Na1−xLixAlH4and Na3(1−x)Li3xAlH6 are studied via phase interpolation. Alloy system Na1−xLixAlH4 is found to have a small mixing energy ( x = 0.25 and 0.5. Within each structure the cell volume decreases with increasing x, which can be explained by Li having a smaller ion size than Na. Alloy system Na3(1−x)Li3xAlH6 is also studied, and one intermediate composition Na2LiAlH6 is found to be stable in agreement with experimental findings.
Isolation of naturally occurring inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase.

Ribonucleotide reductase activity was markedly inhibited by components isolated from Ehrlich ascites cells. These components were much more inhibitory to ribonucleotide reductase than to DNA polymerase from these cells. 14C-Thymidine incorporation studies showed that in general, there was a correlation between the degree of inhibition of reductase activity and the degree of inhibition of 14C-Thymidine incorporation into DNA of intact cells. Preliminary studies showed that this inhibitory fraction was also capable of retarding Ehrlich ascites tumor cell growth in mice.
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.) restoration in southeast Louisiana: The relative effects of herbivory, flooding, competition, and macronutrients

In the early 1900s, old-growth baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) was completely logged out of what is now the Manchac Wildlife Management Area, located in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, Louisiana. Natural regeneration of swamp did not occur; the area is currently dominated by bulltongue (Sagittaria lancifolia) marsh. This study was conducted to isolate the major factors prohibiting cypress restoration. Specifically, four hundred baldcypress seedlings were planted in a three-way factorial treatment arrangement that included nutrient augmentation (fertilized vs. unfertilized), management of entangling vegetation (managed vs. unmanaged), herbivore protection (Tubex tree shelters, PVC sleeves, Tanglefoot), and elevation (included as a covariable). Highly significant differences in diameter growth were found for all main effects. For the herbivore protection treatment, relatively inexpensive PVC sleeves were as effective as Tubex Tree Shelters; unprotected trees experienced 100% mortality. Seedlings that received Osmocote 18-6-12 fertilizer showed nearly a two-fold increase in diameter growth. Similarly, seedlings that were managed grew nearly two times greater in diameter than unmanaged seedlings. However, seedlings that wereunmanaged grew nearly two times greater in height than managed seedlings. This study indicates that biotic factors are primarily responsible for the lack of cypress regeneration in southeastern Louisiana, not the prevalent, but largely untested, hypothesis of salt-water intrusion. Moreover, it is likely that, with a combination of management techniques, it is possible to restore swamp habitat in this area. Though labor intensive in the short run (i.e., first few years), once established, these trees may survive for hundreds of years.
Some problems in queueing with dynamic priorities

This paper presents some mathematical and numerical results concerning certain one-machine discrete-time queueing models, subject to various queue disciplines. Interest is focused upon systems in which service order is governed by “dynamic priorities,” under which a customer's relative priority is in effect upgraded with the passage of waiting time, so that the proportion of newcomers who can “step in front of him” becomes smaller and smaller as he waits.
Spin Relaxation Time of Conduction Electrons in Bulk Sodium Metal

A remeasurement of the temperature dependence of the conduction-electron spin relaxation time in sodium is reported. These experiments were made using high-purity bulk sodium. They agree with previous data suing dispersions of small particles but extend the results to much lower temperatures.
CSIUI 2009: story understanding and generation for aware and interactive interface design

In order to be helpful to people, the intelligent interfaces of the future will have to acquire, represent, and infer simple knowledge about everyday life and activities. While much work in AI has represented this knowledge at the word, sentence, and logical assertion level, we see a growing need to understand it at a larger granularity, that of stories. The workshop, like its predecessors, had the goal of bringing together researchers in common sense reasoning with researchers in intelligent interfaces. Each year our workshop has a different focus in addition to these two areas and this year's workshop focused on the acquisition, understanding and creation of stories.
Law and Local Society in Late Imperial China: Northern Taiwan in the Nineteenth Century

1. Introduction: history and law 2. Danshui and Xinhu during the Qing dynasty: the geographical and historical context 3. The frontier heritage 4. Land relations 5. The export economy 6. Lineage division and inheritance disputes 7. The petition 8. Search and arrest: the warrant 9. Hearing and verdict 10. Conclusion: law and society.