cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can Baseline Computed Tomography Scans Be Used to Identify Patients at High Risk of Vision Loss due to Terson Syndrome

Purpose To determine if routinely performed computed tomographic (CT) scanning in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAHs) is sufficient to identify patients at high risk of vision loss due to Terson syndrome (TS). Methods Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of aSAH admitted to the neurologic intensive care unit of a regional referral hospital over a 3-year period were prospectively evaluated. Head CT scans performed in the emergency department were assessed for the presence of a “crescent sign” (evidence of significant subinternal limiting membrane hemorrhage). Dilated funduscopic examinations were performed by an ophthalmologist, masked to the results of the CT scan, to identify retinal and vitreous hemorrhages consistent with TS. Retinal hemorrhages were categorized according to size—those smaller than 2 mm in diameter were deemed low risk (lrTS) for vision loss and those larger than 2 mm in diameter were deemed high risk (hrTS) for vision loss. Results One hundred seventeen patients with aSAH were enrolled in the study. The overall incidence of TS was 24.9% (29 of 117 patients; 12 were bilateral). Compared to patients without TS, those with TS had a higher Fisher Hemorrhage Grade and a lower mean (±standard deviation) GCS score (8.66 ± 4.97 vs 12.09 ± 1.10; P Conclusion The CT crescent sign is a highly sensitive and specific marker for hrTS. CT scanning may replace routine ophthalmologic examinations to identify patients at risk of vision loss due to aSAH.
Using and Customizing Ebooks for Computing Courses with Runestone Interactive

Runestone Interactive is an open-source ebook platform (http://runestoneinteractive.org). Runestone supports executable and editable examples in Python, Java, C, C++, JavaScript, HTML, Processing, and SQL. It also includes code visualization/stepping and a wide variety of practice activities, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, clickable-code, and mixed-up code (Parsons) problems. A new practice tool reuses ebook content to provide spaced, retrieval-based, and interleaved practice. Free textbooks have been created for CS1, CS2, web development, data science, and Advanced Placement (AP) CS (both CSP and CSA). Over 25,000 people a day use Runestone ebooks. Several studies have demonstrated positive learning and attitude outcomes from the use of interactive ebooks versus static ebooks. The goal of this workshop is to introduce computing teachers (both secondary and post-secondary) to Runestone ebooks. The hands-on session will lead participants through use of the ebooks as if they were students to familiarize them with the interactive features. Participants will next create a custom course from an existing ebook in the library and will use the instructor's dashboard to review student activity, modify the course, grade students, and set up the practice tool. Participants will create their own assignments using existing material in the ebooks. Participants will also be shown how to create new problems for assignments, such as multiple-choice questions for a quiz. The presenters have several years of experience creating, using, and conducting research with Runestone ebooks. Laptop required.
Molecular Controls on Regulated Neurotransmitter and Neurohormone Secretion

The neurosecretion of chemical messengers via Ca2+-dependent exocytosis is fundamental to the survival of multicellular organisms and to the induction of physiological changes that may underlie learning and behavior. These processes involve ensembles of molecular interactions or ‘nanomachines’, which continuously modulate vesicle cycling and membrane fusion. The formation and disassembly of molecular complexes directing the secretory pathway principally define the (1) the number of exocytotic sites for release-ready vesicles at the plasma membrane; (2) the relative occupancy of the sites; (3) the probability of stimulus-dependent exocytotic release at each site; and (4) the degree to which renewal processes are engaged to support highly repetitive and/or sustained secretion. In this chapter, we focus on classes of proteins that have been considered “clamps” within the Ca2+-regulated release process.
Coupled cluster spectroscopic properties of the coinage metal nitrosyls, M–NO (M = Cu, Ag, Au)

Ab initio near-equilibrium potential energy and dipole moment surfaces for the bent CuNO, AgNO, and AuNO molecules have been calculated under the Feller–Peterson–Dixon (FPD) composite framework at the coupled cluster level of theory including complete basis set extrapolation, outer-core correlation, scalar relativistic effects, and spin–orbit coupling. The Brueckner coupled cluster doubles with perturbative triples method, BCCD(T), was used to greatly improve upon CCSD(T), which was particularly problematic for CuNO. In the latter case, the BCCD(T) vibrational frequencies showed significant differences compared to CCSD(T), e.g., nearly 65 cm−1 for the NO stretching frequency, and BCCD(T) also resulted in much better agreement with the available experimental frequencies. A full range of ro-vibrational spectroscopic constants are given for all three molecules of this study using the accurate composite potential energy functions and employing second-order vibrational perturbation theory.
Analysis of Soft Mechanisms Using a Homogenized Strain Induced Model

Modeling soft robots that constitute the deliberate arrangement of fundamental soft actuators oriented in spatial architectures can be computationally intensive. This may restrict the designer’s ability to quickly ideate and evaluate potential solutions. This paper presents a homogenized strain induced model (HSIM) to capture the static response characteristics of a Fiber Reinforced Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (FRPAM). The HSIM approximates a FRPAM as nonlinear beam with stepped cross section whose geometric parameters are tuned by either experimental data or high-fidelity finite element analysis. The efficacy of the tuned model is demonstrated in a variety of applications in simulation and more importantly from experiments carried out on two prototypes made entirely from FRPAMs arranged in a bio-inspired pennate architecture. The model is implemented in a commercial finite element package (ABAQUS) and primarily serves as an ideation tool, where designers can sketch different architectures composed of FRPAMs and analyze their force-deformation characteristics. Furthermore, such a model can also be useful in integrating with topology optimization routines to synthesize optimal spatial arrangement of actuators.
Complex Management of Hydrocephalus Secondary To Choroid Plexus Hyperplasia.

Background Hyperplasia of the choroid plexus represents a rare cause of communicating hydrocephalus in children. Recent work has associated such disease with genetic abnormalities (such as perturbations in chromosome 9). Given such extensive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overproduction, patients with choroid plexus hyperplasia often fail CSF diversion and therefore require adjuvant interventions. Case Description We present the case of a male infant with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and radiographic choroid hyperplasia who presented to our institution with a massive abdominal hydrocele caused by an inability to absorb the significant amount of CSF drainage into the abdomen. Conclusion The child was treated with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus coagulation; however, he still required CSF diversion via a ventriculoatrial shunt. A genetic workup showed tetraploidy of chromosome 9. We discuss criteria for selection of treatment strategies, including endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus coagulation and/or CSF diversion, that may prevent the need for re-operation in select patients with hydrocephalus due to choroid plexus hyperplasia.
Ritual refashioned: Buddhism, Lingbao and the adaptation of vows (yuan 願)

This article examines the influence of the early third century ce Foshuo pusa benye jing 佛說菩薩本業經 (T no. 281), translated by Zhi Qian 支謙 (fl. 222–252), on a formative scripture in the Daoist Lingbao...
Examining academic, non-academic, and college readiness outcomes of urban immigrant and refugee youth (IRY) in full-service community schools

Abstract Despite recent caps to refugees admitted to the US, some states and urban communities continue to support large populations of immigrant and refugee youth (IRY) and their families. IRY often experience academic and non-academic challenges while integrating into new societies. This study focusses on three middle schools in an urban community, one of which has adopted community school practices, meaning they provide wraparound academic, social, health, and immigration services for IRY and their families. This study examines the impact of community school (CS) and refugee center programming on CS middle school students broadly (n = 1,045) compared to a sample of non-CS middle school students (n = 2,381) from the same school district. Additionally, this study takes a more narrow look at CS programming impact on IRY student outcomes. Results reveal positive significant differences on academic outcomes variables (GPA, mathematics, science, English, and social studies grades) and non-academic outcome variables (attendance rate and behavior incidents) for students attending the community school, and CS students performed statistically better on all academic indicators of college readiness (overall 8th grade GPA, 8th grade course failures, attendance rate, and behavior incidence). This study contributes to an improved understanding of the pragmatic influence integrated student supports found in a community school setting can have on students, specifically IRY.
Ecological drivers of avian community assembly along a tropical elevation gradient

Author(s): Montano-Centellas, FA; Loiselle, BA; Tingley, MW | Abstract: Community assembly theory hypothesizes that two main niche-based processes act to shape composition and organization of biological assemblages: abiotic filtering and biological interactions. Here, we conducted repeated surveys of bird abundance along an undisturbed elevational gradient in the tropical Andes to investigate 1) signals of deterministic processes driving community assembly and 2) potential mechanisms by which these forces operate (temperature, habitat complexity, fruit and insect availability), while correcting for imperfect detection and modeling species abundances with N-mixture models. We observed strong signals of abiotic filtering driving functionally and phylogenetically clustered assemblages towards higher elevations, and a weaker signal of limiting similarity resulting in few overdispersed assemblages at lower elevations. Whereas the decay in species richness with increasing elevation was explained by temperature, trait and phylogenetic dispersion were explained by both temperature and vegetation structure, implying that an interplay of abiotic and biotic mechanisms determines abundance-based community structure in our montane assemblages. Interestingly, trait and phylogenetic dispersion consistently decreased until ~3000 m but increased above this elevation, highlighting a potential role of competition in resource-scarce habitats. Combined, our findings suggest abiotic filters are still the main process shaping montane biotas across elevations, whereas resource availability might act locally upon assemblages further modifying them. Our study challenges recent studies in tropical mountains that suggest that biotic filters are a stronger force than abiotic filters in shaping tropical montane assemblages, and exemplifies how accounting for imperfect detection might overcome potential biases in detecting environmental filtering signals in community assembly studies.
Single Women's Labor Supply Elasticities: Trends and Policy Implications

This paper uses CPS data to examine changes in single women’s labor supply elas­ticities in recent decades. Specifically, the authors investigate trends in how single women’s hours of work and labor force participation rates responded to both wages and income over the years 1979–2003. Results from the base specification suggest that over the observation period, hours wage elasticities decreased by 82%, participation wage elasticities by 36%, and participation income elasticities by 57%. These results imply that changes in tax policy had a much larger effect on the labor supply and labor force participation behavior of women in this subpopulation in the early 1980s than in recent years.
Crab GeV flares from the corrugated termination shock

Very high energy gamma-ray flares from the Crab nebula detected by the AGILE and Fermi satellites challenge our understanding of the pulsar wind nebulae. The short duration of the flares, only a few days, is particularly puzzling since it is much shorter than the dynamical time-scale of the nebula. In this work we investigate analytically and via numerical simulations the electromagnetic signatures expected from the large-amplitude low-frequency magnetosonic waves generated within the Crab nebula which induce the corrugation perturbations of the termination shock. As a result, the oblique termination shock produces a time-dependent, mildly relativistic post-shock flow. Using the relativistic magnetohydrodynamic version of the riemann code, we simulate the interaction of the termination shock with downstream perturbations. We demonstrate that mild Doppler boosting of the synchrotron emission in the post-shock flow can produce bright, short time-scale flares.
Point-of-Care Quantification of Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein for Screening Birth Defects in Resource-Limited Settings: Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background: Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) concentration typically increases during pregnancy and is routinely measured during the second trimester as a part of screening for fetal neural tube defects and Down syndrome. However, most pregnancy screening tests are not available in the settings they are needed the most. A mobile device–enabled technology based on MSAFP for screening birth defects could enable the rapid screening and triage of high-risk pregnancies, especially where maternal serum screening and fetal ultrasound scan facilities are not easily accessible. Shifting the approach from clinic- and laboratory-dependent care to a mobile platform based on our point-of-care approach will enable translation to resource-limited settings and the global health care market. Objective: The objective of this study is to develop and perform proof-of-concept testing of a lateral flow immunoassay on a mobile platform for rapid, point-of-care quantification of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, from a drop of human serum, within a few minutes. Methods: The development of the immunoassay involved the selection of commercially available antibodies and optimization of their concentrations by an iterative method to achieve the required detection limits. We compared the performance of our method with that of commercially obtained human serum samples, with known AFP concentrations quantified by the Abbott ARCHITECT chemiluminescent magnetic microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Results: We tested commercially obtained serum samples (N=20) with concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 446 ng/mL to compare the results of our point-of-care assay with results from the Abbott ARCHITECT CMIA. A correlation of 0.98 (P<.001) was observed on preliminary testing and comparison with the CMIA. The detection range of our point-of-care assay covers the range of maternal serum AFP levels observed during pregnancy. Conclusions: The preliminary test results from the AFP test on the mobile platform performed in this study represent a proof of concept that will pave the way for our future work focused on developing a mobile device–enabled quad-screen point-of-care testing with the potential to enable the screening of high-risk pregnancies in various settings. The AFP test on the mobile platform can be applied to enable screening for high-risk pregnancies, within a few minutes, at the point of care even in remote areas where maternal serum tests and fetal ultrasound scans are not easily accessible; assessment of whether clinical follow-up and diagnostic testing may be needed after a positive initial screening evaluation; and development of surveillance tools for birth defects.
An online group for young women with breast cancer: sparking online engagement

Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer express more psycho-emotional concerns than older women because younger women are facing problems with fertility, disruption to their young families, disruption to their careers, and lower libido during a time of higher sexual activity. Support groups create a place for younger women diagnosed with breast cancer to give and receive mutual aid. To meet the needs of younger women with breast cancer, an online support group was created by the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program. A SPARC grant from the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG) helped the program reduce technology barriers to the online group, and help the program promote the group to community partners. The author, in the role of the support group facilitator, created a comfortable and confidential group space by embracing the needs of the clients, including the need for a flexible virtual meeting space. The ongoing facilitation of the online group impacted the support services provided by the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, encouraging additional psychoeducational groups to be developed, and contributing to expanding online group services to meet the specific needs of all program clients when the program was forced to transition to online services due to the COVID-19 crisis striking the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Social Work with Groups is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Anterior "W" Tongue Reduction for Macroglossia in Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome.

Introduction Macroglossia occurs in 80% to 99% of patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and a variety of surgical techniques for tongue reduction are offered by surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of the anterior "W" tongue reduction technique in patients with BWS. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all patients diagnosed with BWS that underwent an anterior "W" tongue reduction for macroglossia in the past 7 years, performed by 2 surgeons. Demographics, procedural characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and complications were assessed. Results A total of 19 patients met inclusion criteria consisting of 8 male and 11 female patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 405 days, mean surgeon operating time was 1.06 h, and mean length of follow-up was 467 days. Postoperative oral competence was observed in 100% of patients. There was no reported history of sleep apnea or airway compromise. Speech delay was seen in 4 patients pre- and postoperatively. Feeding issues decreased from 7 patients preoperatively to 1 patient postoperatively. Preoperative prevalence of class III malocclusion (53%) and isolated anterior open bite (26%) decreased postoperatively to 37% and 16%, respectively. The only reported complications were superficial tip wound dehiscence in 3 patients treated with nystatin antifungal therapy. None of the patients required revisional surgery. Conclusion Patients treated with the anterior "W" tongue reduction technique had low rates of perioperative complications and significant improvements in oral competence. Anterior "W" tongue reduction is safe and effective for the correction of macroglossia in patients with BWS.
Spinal Cord Malignancies

The spinal cord malignancies are presumed to have the same spectrum of causes as brain malignancies such as ionizing radiation. These rare tumors occur with equal frequency in Los Angeles County and elsewhere, among persons of either sex, at all ages, and among people of all racial/ethnicity groups and all social classes. Incidence does not change dramatically with age and the rate of occurrence has been rather constant over the time period. No systematic pattern of occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation is proposed.
Courting Democracy in Mexico: Party Strategies and Electoral Institutions

Figures and tables Acknowledgements 1. Electoral courts and actor compliance: opposition-authoritarian relations and protracted transitions 2. Ties that bind and even constrict: why authoritarians tolerate electoral reforms 3. Mexico's national electoral justice success: from oxymoron to legal norm in just over a decade 4. Mexico's local electoral justice failures: gubernatorial (s)election beyond the shadows of the law 5. The gap between law and practice: institutional failure and opposition success in postelectoral conflicts, 1989-2000 6. The National Action Party: dilemmas of rightist oppositions defined by authoritarian collusion 7. The party of the democratic revolution: from postelectoral movements to electoral competitors 8. Dedazo from the center to finger pointing from the periphery: PRI hard-liners challenge Mexico's electoral institutions 9. A quarter century of 'Mexicanization': lessons from a protracted transition Appendices Bibliography Index.
Projection neurons in Drosophila antennal lobes signal the acceleration of odor concentrations

Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of rotting fruit, and use it to guide them to nearby food sources. However, this task is made more challenging by the fact that the distribution of scent or odor molecules in the air is constantly changing. Fruit flies therefore need to cope with, and exploit, this variation if they are to use odors as cues. Odor molecules bind to receptors on the surface of nerve cells called olfactory sensory neurons, and trigger nerve impulses that travel along these cells. The olfactory sensory neurons are connected to other cells called projection neurons that in turn relay information to the higher centers of the brain. While many studies have investigated how fruit flies can distinguish between different odors, less is known about how animals can use variation in the strength of an odor to guide them towards its source. Kim et al. have now addressed this question by devising a method for delivering precise quantities of odors in controlled patterns to fruit flies, and then measuring the responses of olfactory sensory neurons and projection neurons. These experiments revealed that olfactory sensory neurons—which are found mainly in the flies' antennae—responded most strongly whenever an odor changed rapidly in strength, and showed relatively little response to constant odors. An independent study by Schulze, Gomez-Marin et al. found that olfactory sensory neurons in fruit fly larvae also respond in a similar way. Kim et al. also found that the response of the projection neurons depended on both the rate of nerve impulses in the olfactory sensory neurons and on how quickly this rate was changing. But, unlike the olfactory sensory neurons, projection neurons showed their strongest responses immediately after an odor first appeared. Thus, in contrast to organisms such as bacteria and worms, which are highly sensitive to the local concentration gradients of odors, fruit flies instead appear to be more responsive to the sudden appearance of an odor in their environment. Kim et al. suggest that this difference may reflect the fact that for ground-based organisms, local gradients are generally reliable predictors of the location of an odor source. However, for flying insects, continually changing air currents mean that predictable local gradients are less common. Therefore, the ability to detect a hint of an odor before the wind changes is a more useful skill.
Effects of obesity on development of oxidative stress and DNA damages in liver of the obese Zucker rat (643.1)

The obesity epidemic is continuing in the United States for two decades. Obesity leads to significant change in redox balance, targeting both systemic and targeted organs/tissues. Previously, we reported obesity promotes DMBA-induced mammary tumor development using the obese Zucker rat model. This study’s objective was to investigate the effects of obesity on oxidative stress development and oxidative DNA damage in the rat liver. Female lean and obese Zucker rats (n=8/group) at 5 weeks of age were fed AIN-93-G diet for 8 weeks. Liver sample metabolites were measured using HPLC-electrochemical detection or LC-MS. We found lean rats have significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of reduced free Glutathione (GSH), significantly (P<0.04) lower levels of oxidized Glutathione (GSSG) and 20% lower (P<0.03) GSH/GSSG oxidative ratio compared to the obese group. Also, an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, 8-hydroxy-Guanosine (8-OH-G), was 25% (P<0.03) higher in obese rats compared to the lean group and there was a signi...
A Cross-National Test of the Linkage Between Economic Inequality and Political Violence:

This study brings together for empirical testing three theoretical perspectives on the relationship between economic inequality and political violence. Using newly-available cross-national data on personal income inequality, we discover a moderate linear relationship between inequality and violence; neither curvilinear perspective on the inequality-violence linkage (the "V-curve" and the "inverse V-curve" hypotheses) receives even moderate support. Introducing four additional explanatory variables-relating to affluence, heterogeneity, social mobility, and rate of social change-does nothing whatsoever to bolster the explanatory power of income inequality.
Oestrogen receptors, receptor variants and oestrogen actions in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Information on oestrogen action has grown exponentially in the past decade, and recent studies have begun to define the mechanism of ligand-dependent activation and cell-specific effects. Oestrogen-mediated gene transcription in a specific tissue depends on several factors, the most important of which is the presence of at least one of the two nuclear oestrogen receptor (ER) isoforms, ERα and ERβ. The presence and levels of specific ER isoform variants, along with receptor coactivator, corepressor and integrator proteins, directly modulate overall nuclear ER activity. The structure of the ligand, including both physiological oestrogens and synthetic oestrogen receptor modulators, influences ER interactions with these other proteins and thus determines the biological response. Furthermore, peptide and neurotransmitter-stimulated intracellular signalling pathways activate specific enzyme cascades and may modify the receptors and their interacting proteins, resulting in either independent or ligand-enhanced ER-mediated responses. Finally, several rapid effects of oestrogen probably occur at the membrane through nongenomic pathways that may or may not require the same ER proteins that are found in the nucleus. This review concentrates on the pituitary-hypothalamic axis and the genomic effects of oestrogen, and discusses the current knowledge of each of these factors in determining oestrogen actions in the neuroendocrine system.
A class of genes in the HER2 regulon that is poised for transcription in breast cancer cell lines and expressed in human breast tumors

HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for 25% of all cases and has a poor prognosis. Although progress has been made in understanding signal transduction, little is known of how HER2 achieves gene regulation. We performed whole genome expression analysis on a HER2⁺ and HER2⁻ breast cancer cell lines and compared these results to expression in 812 primary tumors stratified by their HER2 expression level. Chip-on-chip with anti-RNA polymerase II was compared among breast cancer cell lines to identify genes that are potentially activated by HER2. The expression levels of these HER2-dependent POL II binding genes were determined for the 812 HER2+/- breast cancer tissues. Genes differentially expressed between HER2+/- cell lines were generally regulated in the same direction as in breast cancer tissues. We identified genes that had POLII binding in HER2⁺ cell lines, but without significant gene expression. Of 737 such genes "poised" for expression in cell lines, 113 genes were significantly differentially expressed in breast tumors in a HER2-dependent manner. Pathway analysis of these 113 genes revealed that a large group of genes were associated with stem cell and progenitor cell control as indicated by networks centered on NANOG, SOX2, OCT3/4. HER2 directs POL II binding to a large number of genes in breast cancer cells. A "poised" class of genes in HER2⁺ cell lines with POLII binding and low RNA expression but is differentially expressed in primary tumors, strongly suggests a role of the microenvironment and further suggests a role for stem cells proliferation in HER2-regulated breast cancer tissue.
An Analysis of Fifty-Five Bright Southern Clusters of Galaxies

We present the results of an analysis of fifty-five bright clusters clusters of galaxies as a homogeneous sample taken from a new effort to catalogue galaxy clusters in the Southern Hemisphere. The positions of some 21,000 galaxies in clusters have been catalogued along with visual magnitudes, morphological types, position angles of extended objects and pertinent remarks. For all of the clusters, various cluster parameters have been determined and form the basis of comparative studies for these fundamental aggregates of matter in the universe.
Power electronics transforms aircraft systems

This paper describes the secondary power sources available on a large transport aircraft and discusses expectation that power electronics will enable the transforming of present aircraft systems into new highly integrated systems. The benefits expected from integrating all of the engine-based hydraulic and pneumatic power sources into a single electrical system are identified in qualitative terms. The estimated capacity of an all-electric secondary power system for a tri-jet and a new large transport are compared. A power system architecture that eliminates the need for a pneumatic and hydraulic power distribution system is illustrated. Particular emphasis is given to the flight control system and the electrical power system needs to ensure integrity of power and data for critical flight control functions. The data bus and power source redundancy for flight control actuation is discussed using an integrated power and cable concept in conjunction with an intelligent power controller. >
Cambio institucional en América latina: modelos externos y consecuencias no previstas

Influyentes teorias aseguran que las instituciones moldean el comportamiento de los actores, pero estan fundamentadas en el comportamiento de estos mismos actores. ?Como evitan los academicos esta trampa de endogeneidad? Este articulo resalta la relevancia de un factor parcialmente exogeno: los modelos institucionales y sus disenos. Dado que estos esquemas conceptuales no emergen de las preferencias de los actores, juegan un papel independiente, irreducible en la creacion institucional. De hecho, America Latina ha tomado prestados muchos disenos del «Primer Mundo». Sin embargo, una vez importados a un escenario distinto, estos modelos frecuentemente fracasan a la hora de garantizar un cumplimiento confiable y firme, por lo que no operan bien. Asi, aparecen mecanismos informales que guian el comportamiento de los actores. El prestamo externo produce, de esta manera, fracturas persistentes en el desarrollo institucional.
Higher-Order Covariant Feynman Diagrams

In this final chapter we investigate the consequences of higher-order loop diagrams, first justifying their necessity and describing a pragmatic “regularization” procedure for circumventing unphysical infinities inherent in many loop integrals. Next we work out in detail the finite second-order anomalous-magnetic-moment radiative corrections for the electron and point out where other finite triangle-type loop diagrams lead to interesting results. Then we compute all of the second-order QED self-energy and vertex-modification loop integrals, showing how the resulting infinities cancel in the final form for the O(e 2) dressed-electron form factors and applying the latter to calculate the Lamb shift in atomic hydrogen. To give the reader a feeling for the rigor required to handle properly loop infinities, we briefly survey the renormalization program in field theory and also develop an alternate dispersion-theoretic interpretation of Feynman diagrams in general and QED loop graphs in particular. Finally we use dispersion theory to investigate the strong-interaction S-matrix, presumably corresponding to summing over large classes of Feynman diagrams. Dispersion relations for proton Compton and pion—nucleon scattering reveal the method, with the additional formalisms of current algebra and Regge poles describing the low- and high-energy behavior of dispersion integrals.
Proteomics and genomics signal processing

Genomics and Proteomics engineering is an emerging field and involves with the biology, medicine, computer science and engineering. It is an interdisciplinary field and focus on the understanding of the structural and functional relationship among gene sequences. The related computational technologies can be classified as the DNA sequence and DNA mircoarray analysis methods. The DNA sequence analysis methods have been used to extract the useful information related to the sequence structure including the detection of the coding and non-coding regions in DNA sequence and the detection of the similarity among DNA sequences. But, the DNA microarray technology based on the parallel processing has been used to monitor the large scale gene expressions simultaneously. These two technologies have revolutionized the computational biology and biomedical informatics. In this paper, we will discuss the traditional and advanced signal and image processing methods to analyze, model and interpret the DNA, RNA and protein sequences to gain insights into the dynamics of genomic functions for the early diagnosis of diseases and the development of more targeted drugs. We will mainly review the widely used statistical and nonstationary and stationary signal and image processing methods for the DNA structure prediction, detection, feature extraction, and classification of differentially expressed genes. We will mainly discuss the wavelet transform applications in DNA sequence analysis, and on cellular neural network in microarray image analysis, which can have a potentially large impact on the real-time realization of DNA analysis.
How a naturalist found safe colours for soldiers

If the British had been quicker to react to the findings of naturalist and British Army colonel Charles Hamilton Smith, the course of history might have been different. His field research, carried out in 1800, showed that soldiers wearing red were more than twice as likely to receive a bullet than those in grey. And he also gets credit in Darwin's Origin of Species for his work on the colouring of horses.
Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Distortion Measurements Made on the Nodal Slide Optical Bench

In evaluating distortion with the visual nodal slide optical bench, the transverse displacements to right and left of center upon which the values of distortion are based are likely to be asymmetric with respect to the initial setting made at the axial focus. Several factors that contribute to this condition are (1) transverse displacement of the rear nodal point of the lens with respect to the center of rotation of the nodal slide, (2) misalignment of the collimator, and (3) prism effect on the lens. The manner in which these factors affect the observations are discussed. It is shown that the accuracy of the values of distortion are not adversely affected provided proper care is taken. A test for consistency of observations is developed and demonstrated. Results of measurements on several lenses are given that demonstrate the effect of the various factors.
Phenology and resource use in three co-occurring grassland annuals.

Water resource partitioning among three co-occurring species of the California annual grassland was investigated. Plantago erecta, Clarkia rubicunda and Hemizonia luzulifolia differ in lifespan. The lifespan of Plantago is coincident with the October–May rainy season, but the other two species reproduce during summer when no precipitation occurs, and thus depend on stored water. Field studies indicated differential access to stored water commensurate with the phenology of each species. Studies of artificial stands under controlled conditions showed no difference in the species' ability to exploit stored water in the soil. However there was a striking difference in root behavior between Plantago and Hemizonia when plants were grown in a soil layer above a non-nutritive, waterstoring substrate. We concluded that Hemizonia, the longest lived species, survives on water stored in decomposed rock below the soil layer. Clarkia is restricted to cooler slope faces where a slightly longer growing season appears just suficient to complete reproduction. Productivity is enhanced by addition of later blooming species to the community, but there is no indication that the mixture is the most productive system.
Despite Having a Common P1 Leu, Eglin C Inhibits α-Lytic Proteinase a Million-fold More Strongly than Does Turkey Ovomucoid Third Domain†

Results of the inhibition of α-lytic proteinase by two standard mechanism serine proteinase inhibitors, turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3) and eglin C, and many of their variants are presented....
Topical Delivery of a Model Phenolic Drug: Alkyloxycarbonyl Prodrugs of Acetaminophen

Purpose. To determine whether the delivery of a phenolic parent drug by its alkyloxycarbonyl (AOC) prodrugs through hairless mouse skin would show similar dependencies on water and lipid solubilities that similar prodrugs of more polar heterocyclic amide and imide parent drugs have shown.
Maintenance of neurons isolated in bulk from rat brain: incorporation of radiolabeled subtrates

Abstract Neurons isolated in bulk from 10- to 15-day-old rat brain can be maintained for 18–24 h. Phase microscopy shows that the cells remain morphologically intact during this time. As a criterion of viability, the incorporation of radiolabeled amino acids and uridine into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble material was selected. The cells are capable of the incorporation both after isolation and after maintenance. The uptake is constant with time, is proportional to substrate concentration, and is inhibited by puromycin and cycloheximide, but not by chloramphenicol. Thus the cells remain viable during this maintenance period. This system may provide a model for the study of the synthesis of specific neuronal components.
Algerians Without Borders: The Making of a Global Frontier Society. By Alan Christelow. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2012. CCLXVI, 266. $74.95.

The article reviews the book "Algerians Without Borders: The Making of a Global Frontier Society," by Alan Christelow.
Device-Under-Test Jones Matrix Extraction Algorithm With Device TE/TM Reference Frame

The Jones matrix measured with an optical vector analyzer (OVA) is the result of a cascade of individual Jones matrices representing the input fiber path, device under test (DUT), and output fiber path. To extract the DUT matrix, compensation of the random polarization rotation on the Poincare sphere caused by the input and output fiber is necessary. In this letter, we present a novel algorithm that factors out the Jones matrix of the fiber pigtails and enables the DUT matrix to be resolved in a convenient reference frame. A mathematical description of the algorithm is presented and the algorithm is verified by measuring a wave plate and a polarization converter. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated through characterization of a microring resonator (MRR) including round-trip loss, ring-bus coupling coefficient, and group delay of each polarization beyond the magnitude response represented by Q-factor.
Snow blowing and shoveling in normal and asymptomatic coronary artery diseased men.

Abstract We evaluated the oxygen uptake and heart-rate responses to self-paced snow blowing and snow shoveling in 10 men with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, 10 older normal men, and six younger normal men. Mean peak treadmill oxygen uptake in the three groups ranged from 26.4 ± 1.1 to 47.3 ± 3.9 ml/kg per min ( P P P = NS) from snow blowing in the coronary artery disease group but were lower ( P
Surface and Buried Landmine Scene Generation and Validation Using the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation Model

Detection and neutralization of surface-laid and buried landmines has been a slow and dangerous endeavor for military forces and humanitarian organizations throughout the world. In an effort to make the process faster and safer, scientists have begun to exploit the ever-evolving passive electro-optical realm, both from a broadband perspective and a multi or hyperspectral perspective. Carried with this exploitation is the development of mine detection algorithms that take advantage of spectral features exhibited by mine targets, only available in a multi or hyperspectral data set. Difficulty in algorithm development arises from a lack of robust data, which is needed to appropriately test the validity of an algorithm’s results. This paper discusses the development of synthetic data using the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) model. A synthetic landmine scene has been modeled after data collected at a US Army arid testing site by the University of Hawaii’s Airborne Hyperspectral Imager (AHI). The synthetic data has been created and validated to represent the surrogate minefield thermally, spatially, spectrally, and temporally over the 7.9 to 11.5 micron region using 70 bands of data. Validation of the scene has been accomplished by direct comparison to the AHI truth data using qualitative band to band visual analysis, Rank Order Correlation comparison, Principle Components dimensionality analysis, and an evaluation of the R(x) algorithm's performance. This paper discusses landmine detection phenomenology, describes the steps taken to build the scene, modeling methods utilized to overcome input parameter limitations, and compares the synthetic scene to truth data.
Sand-seawater interactions in Bermuda beaches☆

Abstract Surface seawater off several Bermuda beaches and in the upper few inches of intertidal sands is several-fold supersaturated with calcium carbonate. Precipitation of calcium carbonate and cementation of these sands is prevented by protective coatings. The depression of the pH by the oxidation of organic matter causes solution of calcium carbonate from deeper sands of the intertidal zone.
Interpretation of experimentally observed C- t responses for copper contaminated devices

Abstract S-PISCES simulations, in conjunction with the Zerbst technique, were used to examine three different shapes of capacitance-time (C-t) responses obtained from pulsed metal-oxide-semiconductor measurement of capacitors contaminated with copper. The three shapes of the C-t curves can be explained by using regions with different lifetimes in the simulations. The low minority carrier lifetime region near the Si SiO 2 interface correlates with the reported copper secondary ion mass spectrometry profiles.
PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY IN PELARGONIUM: EFFECTS ON NITRATE AND AMMONIUM UPTAKE AND ACIDITY GENERATION

A sudden pH decline (SPD) of the substrate is an increasing problem in geranium growth systems, and the cause is unknown. In this study, we investigate whether a phosphorus (P) deficiency can cause SPD, and whether the effect is related to inhibition of ammonium (NH4 +) and nitrate (NO3 −) uptake and a corresponding shift in the cation to anion uptake balance. Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum Bailey ‘Designer Dark Red’) were grown in hydroponic solutions with or without P, and the hydroponics systems were located in a growth chamber programmed for light/dark temperatures of 22/18 or 26/22°C. Acidification potential was measured by the amount of base required to maintain pH at 5.8. The results indicated that much greater amounts of base were required to maintain a stable pH with P-limited plants. Using periodic exposures to 15NH4 + or 15NO3 −, it was found that NO3 − uptake was strongly inhibited as plants became P stressed. Tissue nutrient profiles showed that the NO3 − uptake inhibition was accompanied ...
Level set estimation on the sphere

We investigate a technique for estimating level sets of functionals on the 2-sphere. The surface of the sphere is finely partitioned using a tree decomposition and a candidate level set is obtained by minimizing a regularized cost on the tree. A cycle spinning scheme, implemented as an ensemble classification method, is developed to decrease the variance of the tree-based estimate. Both constructions are compatible with many existing hierarchical discretizations of the 2-sphere, e.g. HEALPix and HTM. We present simulation results of a synthetic data set and an fMRI data set.
Effect of Storage Conditions on Albumen pH and Subsequent Hard-Cooked Egg Peelability and Albumen Shear Strength

Abstract Three trials were conducted to study the effects of storage conditions on albumen pH, hard-cooked egg peelability, and cooked albumen shear strength. The storage conditions were 4 C, 24 C (ambient and flowing air), and 38 C. The shear strength and ease of peeling of hard-cooked eggs was dependent on the elapsed time, air movement, and temperature of storage. The pH of the raw egg albumen was a good predictor of the ease of peeling, with a pH above 8.9 yielding easy-to-peel eggs. The warmer the storage temperature, the faster the pH of the eggs increased. One day at 38 C, 3 days at 24 C, and 5 days at 4 C were the minimum lengths of time required to produce easy-to-peel eggs. For 4 C and 24 C treatments, the pH reached stable, temperature-dependent values after 6 days.
Electronic structure of donor-spacer-acceptor molecules of potential interest for molecular electronics. IV. Geometry and device properties of P3CNQ and Q3CNQ

Z-β-(1-hexadecyl-4-quinolinium)-α-cyano-4-styryldicyanomethanide (C16H33-Q3CNQ) and the pyridinium analogue Z-β-(1-hexadecyl-4-pyridinium)-α-cyano-4-styryldicyanomethanide (C16H33-P3NCQ) are two very promising candidates for molecular device design. We obtain the geometry of the ground and excited state of these systems using the PM3 quantum mechanical model. The absorption spectra in vacuum and in solution are calculated using the INDO/Cl model, and compared to experimental spectra. The solvatochromic shift of the absorption spectra was calculated using a self-consistent reaction field approach. The observed bleaching of Langmuir-Blodgett films and solutions of C16H33-Q3CNQ and C16H33-P3CNQ is explained as resulting from a twisted configuration formed without barrier upon absorption into a twisted intramolecular charge transfer state. The observed rectification is explained from a ground state potential energy surface with two minima, one of which is characterized by a very large dipole moment. The relative energy of these minima is easily shifted by an electric field. The overall electron transport rate is found to be very small due to the small electronic coupling between the mono-layers of the L-B film. Thus, the electron transport through the sample is likely through defects of the L-B film. A way to increase the electronic coupling between the mono-layers is also discussed.