cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Giant injection of two-dimensional electron gas

Many modern semiconductor devices, such as field effect transistors, Charge Coupled Devices, RF switches, Quantum Photodetectors, lasers, and light emitting diodes, use two-dimensional electron (2DEG) and/or hole gas (2DHG) with the 2D concentration varying as a function of coordinate. For example, in a field effect transistor, the electron concentration under the gate and in the ungated regions can be quite different. Numerous computer models exist for analyzing such systems. However, the analytical model has been lacking, even though it can be extremely useful for the device design and parameter extraction. The results predicted by such model developed in this paper are somewhat surprising, even though they are physically clear and transparent. In a nutshell, we show that the 2DEG injected from the region with a higher concentration into the region with a lower concentration decays very slowly (compared to an exponential function) with the characteristic length of such decay being much larger than that for a three dimensional case (where it is simply a Debye length). The characteristic scale of the concentration decay from the 2DEG region with a high carrier concentration into the 2DEG low concentration region is the Bohr radius but the transition region could be s long as 10 Bohr radii. Another important result is that a passivation with high dielectric permittivity layer might dramatically increase the carrier concentration in the low doped region. Hence, such passivation can be used for large reductions in parasitic resistances of normally off FETs relying on space charge injection into the ungated regions. We refer to this effect as «giant injection» and predict that this effect will find application in designing new types of passivation to reduce parasitics in short channel 2DEG devices. A similar effect could be achieved using floating metal layer separated from the 2DEG by a thin dielectric.
Chemoprevention of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in hamster cheek pouch by a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor (Celecoxib) and a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (Zileuton).

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 2361 Previous studies have suggested an important role of aberrant arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, especially the cyclooxygenase (Cox) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox) pathways, in oral carcinogenesis. Overexpression of cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2), and overproduction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) have been clearly demonstrated in human oral cancers. Indomethacin and aspirin (non-specific Cox inhibitors) and curcumin (a dietary inhibitor of AA metabolism) exerted chemopreventive effects in the DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis in hamster cheek pouch. In this study, we studied the effects of Celecoxib (a specific Cox2 inhibitor) and Zileuton (a specific 5-Lox inhibitor) on DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis in hamsters. DMBA (0.5% in mineral oil, 0.1ml) was applied topically to the left cheek pouch of male Syrian golden hamsters 3 times/week for 6 weeks. The animals then received topical application (3 times/week) of Celecoxib (3% and 6%, 0.1ml), Zileuton (3% and 6%, 0.1ml), a combination of Celecoxib and Zileuton (both 3%, 0.1ml), or no treatment, for 18 weeks. Celecoxib (6%), Zileuton (6%) and the combination significantly decreased the tumor incidence from 84.6% (22/26) to 56% (14/25, P=0.025), 46.4% (13/28, P=0.003), and 44% (11/25, P=0.002), respectively. The number of tumor was also significantly inhibited by Celecoxib (6%, P=0.01), Zileuton (3%, P=0.02; and 6%, P=0.003) and the combination (P=0.002). All these treatments significantly reduced the tumor volume by 53% (Celecoxib 3%), 63% (Celecoxib 6%), 56% (Zileuton 3%), 74% (Zileuton 6%), and 76% (combination). Tissue levels of PGE2 and LTB4, as determined by enzyme immunoassay, were reduced by Celecoxib and Zileuton, respectively, and were well correlated with the histopathological observations. With in situ hybridization, we found overexpression of Cox2 in the DMBA-treated hamster oral mucosa. Cox2 expression was further enhanced in hyperplasia, dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. The results clearly demonstrated that Celecoxib and Zileuton had inhibitory effects against oral carcinogenesis at the post-initiation stage, and such inhibition was related to their specific effects on Cox2 and 5-Lox. (Supported by NIH grant CA101235)
An Assessment of Historical Demographic Analysis Estimates for the Black Male Birth Cohorts of 1935–39

A birth cohort consists of persons born during the same year or years. Historical Demographic Analysis (DA) estimates reveal that in census after census, Black males born in the decades after the vital registration system was established are undercounted at higher rates than Black females and non-Black males and females. A cohort pattern of coverage error by race and sex does not appear logical. One might expect certain ages to be more difficult to enumerate than other ages. One might also expect period effects to show up in data collections that occur decades apart. Age and period effects interact to create their own effects. However, it is difficult to understand how cohorts of a given race and sex are missed persistently every 10 years. The anomaly observed in the coverage estimates may stem not solely from problems of census enumeration of this subpopulation, but from aspects inherent to the DA method. This analysis includes an examination of the factors used to correct for incomplete and missing data for Black male births in the early years of the vital registration system and the sensitivity of the estimates to assumptions about completeness. Race classification errors are also discussed.
Risk-Adapted Intravenous Melphalan Followed by Adjuvant Dexamethasone (D) and Thalidomide (T) for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Systemic AL Amyloidosis (AL): Interim Results of a Phase II Study.

High-dose melphalan (M) with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is an effective therapy for AL, but treatment-related mortality (TRM) remains high, and hematologic complete responses (CR) occur in a minority of patients. In this study, we asked whether a risk-adapted approach to IV M dosing could decrease TRM, and whether adjuvant D +/− T could improve hematologic and amyloid-involved organ response rates. Other objectives of the trial are to study prospectively the prognostic significance of the serum free light chain (FLC), troponin I, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) assays. Newly diagnosed untreated AL patients are risk-stratified upon enrollment. Low-risk patients (1 or 2 major organs involved, no advanced cardiac disease) receive M 100, 140, or 200 mg/m 2 with ASCT based on age, presence of cardiac involvement, and renal function. High-risk patients (≥3 organs involved or advanced cardiac disease) receive 2 cycles of M 40 mg/m 2 without ASCT. Patients with persistent clonal plasma cell disease at 3 months receive 9 months of adjuvant D+T or D alone (if history of deep venous thrombosis or neuropathy). Since 9/02, 38 patients (median age=57.5 (range 34–73), 68% males) have enrolled. Median time from diagnosis to enrollment is 1.5 months (range 0.5 – 7). Organ involvement includes 13 (34%) cardiac, 24 (63%) renal (12 with renal only), 13 (34%) liver/GI tract, and 10 (26%) peripheral nervous system. Thirty-two (84%) had baseline elevated serum FLC with abnormal κ:λ ratio. Thirty-four patients have been treated--3 high-risk and 31 low-risk (5 at M 100, 16 at 140 and 10 at 200 mg/m 2 ). Treatment-related mortality is 7.4% (2/27) with an additional 7 patients alive
What about winter? Integrating the missing season into climate change experiments in seasonally snow covered ecosystems

Summary Ecosystem-scale climate warming experiments have provided insight into the future dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. In seasonally snow covered regions, changes in winter soil temperatures are largely mediated through shifts in depth and duration of snowpack that have implications for ecosystem processes. Despite known effects of changes in snowpack dynamics on ecosystem processes in seasonally snow covered environments, the extent to which warming experiments address winter climate change is unclear. Identifying how previous warming studies have addressed changes in winter climate is important for understanding what is known about interacting effects of climate change across seasons and to highlight gaps in our understanding of ecosystem responses to climate change throughout the year. We reviewed 64 published ecosystem-scale climate change manipulation experiments spanning three decades that were conducted in seasonally snow covered regions and simulated warmer growing season temperatures. We found that only 20% of experiments in snow covered ecosystems explicitly manipulated the winter climate to reflect projected changes in winter soil temperatures mediated through changes in snowpack over the next several decades. Experiments that manipulated both winter and the growing season climate employed a variety of passive and active warming methods. Above-ground active methods most realistically simulated projected changes in soil temperature that will be mediated through changes in snow cover. Experiments with distinct winter treatments were distributed among tundra, forest, grassland and wetland ecosystems and together show that shifts in winter climate have a strong influence on, and in some cases offset, observed responses to experimental warming in the growing season alone or across the year. By designing climate change experiments that examine the effects of winter and growing season climate change together, there is an opportunity to develop a better mechanistic understanding and more accurate projections of ecosystem responses to climate change that would not be evident from examining changes in either season alone.
Effective Information Extraction Framework for Heterogeneous Clinical Reports Using Online Machine Learning and Controlled Vocabularies

Background: Extracting structured data from narrated medical reports is challenged by the complexity of heterogeneous structures and vocabularies and often requires significant manual effort. Traditional machine-based approaches lack the capability to take user feedbacks for improving the extraction algorithm in real time. Objective: Our goal was to provide a generic information extraction framework that can support diverse clinical reports and enables a dynamic interaction between a human and a machine that produces highly accurate results. Methods: A clinical information extraction system IDEAL-X has been built on top of online machine learning. It processes one document at a time, and user interactions are recorded as feedbacks to update the learning model in real time. The updated model is used to predict values for extraction in subsequent documents. Once prediction accuracy reaches a user-acceptable threshold, the remaining documents may be batch processed. A customizable controlled vocabulary may be used to support extraction. Results: Three datasets were used for experiments based on report styles: 100 cardiac catheterization procedure reports, 100 coronary angiographic reports, and 100 integrated reports—each combines history and physical report, discharge summary, outpatient clinic notes, outpatient clinic letter, and inpatient discharge medication report. Data extraction was performed by 3 methods: online machine learning, controlled vocabularies, and a combination of these. The system delivers results with F1 scores greater than 95%. Conclusions: IDEAL-X adopts a unique online machine learning–based approach combined with controlled vocabularies to support data extraction for clinical reports. The system can quickly learn and improve, thus it is highly adaptable. [JMIR Med Inform 2017;5(2):e12]
Developing proactive defenses for computer networks with coevolutionary genetic algorithms

Our cybersecurity tool, RIVALS, develops adaptive network defense strategies by modeling adversarial network attack and defense behavior in peer-to-peer networks via coevolutionary algorithms. Currently RIVALS DOS attacks are modestly modeled by the selection of a node that is completely disabled for a resource-limited duration. Defenders have three different network routing protocols. Attack or mission completion and resource cost metrics serve as attacker and defender objectives. This work also includes a description of RIVALS' suite of coevolutionary algorithms that explore archiving as a means of maintaining progressive exploration and support the evaluation of different solution concepts. To compare and contrast the effectiveness of each algorithm, we execute simulations on 3 different network topologies. Our experiments show that it is possible to forgo the assurance of monotonically increasing results and still retain high quality results.
Microfluidic device platform for T cell fate analysis (TECH2P.907)

Microfluidic systems have enormous potential as investigational devices in biomedical research, in particular immunology. Microfluidic devices can be fabricated with the precise regulation of any number of parameters including controlled surface chemistries, geometrical dimensions, signal input and output and timing. The adjustable nature of microfluidic devices makes them an ideal platform to recreate cellular microenvironments for studying cell-cell interactions, migration, antibody and cytokine production, and differentiation in vitro. Investigations with customized microfluidic devices have the potential for elucidating the mechanism behind T lymphocyte commitment to either the αβ or γδ lineage. Both types of T cells arise from immature CD4 - CD8 - precursors in the thymus but diverge during development. Recent publications indicate that γδ T cell receptor (TCR) works in concert with ligand to direct progenitors to the γδ fate. We propose to develop a microfluidic device in which immature T lymphocytes can migrate through a thymus-like microenvironment allowing for αβ or γδ lineage commitment. As of yet, the microfluidic device fabrication protocol has been developed and preliminary cell culture experiments with the commonly used murine stromal cell line OP9 have success. Such a device would allow for analysis of specific developmental points in T cell development.
Memory, Memorial, and Mentorship

My older sister and I grew up in an intense time of feverish zine-making and journaling, when the grunge music soundtrack echoed the rawness of adolescent longing and despair. We aimed to make meaning through collages of disparate ideas and imagery, pieced together in hand-bound and hand-delivered books. We marked the untimely deaths of teen friends by crafting memory boxes and scrapbooks.
Another Look at Dollar Cost Averaging

Dollar cost averaging—spreading an investor’s stock purchases evenly over time—is widely touted in the popular press because of the mathematical fact that the average cost per share is less than the average price. The academic press has generally been skeptical and attributes dollar cost averaging’s popularity to investor naivete and cognitive errors. Yet, dollar cost averaging continues to be recommended by knowledgeable investors as a sensible way to avoid ill-timed purchases. The authors argue that dollar cost averaging is, in fact, an imperfect but helpful strategy for diversifying investment decisions across time.
Tribology of Self-Lubricating Polymer Nanocomposites

In the last few years, polymeric materials filled with different kinds of nanomaterials have attracted particular attention as useful alternatives in structural components subjected to severe friction and wear loading conditions. The intention of this chapter is to give a comprehensive picture of these nanofillers and to show their ability to improve friction and wear behavior of polymer composites. The aim is to organize the current state-of-the-art knowledge on these nanomaterials and point out on the key mechanisms governing their reinforcing effects. Despite the existing differences between literature results, there is a general agreement on the crucial role played by size, shape, concentration, and distribution of these fillers within the polymer matrix. The compatibility/interaction between filler and matrix is another important aspect in determining good filler dispersion and effective load transfer between the phases. As a consequence, the development of polymer nanocomposites showing high tribological features requires a deep selection of the nanofiller type and dimension along with its possible surface modification. Fortunately, modern technologies allow the design and the preparation of complex hybrid nanostructures able to put together the benefit of several structural factors. Although the state of the art demonstrates the potential of these materials, further researches are, however, necessary in order to definitely reach all possible improvements attainable for future high-demanding tribological applications.
The Complex Plane

The real number system consists of both the rational numbers (numbers with terminating or repeating decimal expansions) and the irrational numbers (numbers with infinite, non-repeating decimal expansions). The real numbers are denoted by the symbol ℝ. We let ℝ2 = {(x,y : x ∈ ℝ, y ∈ ℝ} (Figure 1.1).
Robot-assisted aortic valve replacement using a novel sutureless bovine pericardial prosthesis: proof of concept as an alternative to percutaneous implantation.

Objective : Percutaneous aortic valve implantation within native valve calcium has progressed to clinical use despite the absence of data proving equivalence to complete surgical excision and prosthetic valve replacement. A novel self-expanding sutureless bovine pericardial prosthesis (Sorin Perceval) derived from a proven stented valve has been successfully used in humans recently through an open transaortic approach. We sought to develop a minimally invasive technique for native aortic valve excision and sutureless prosthetic aortic valve replacement using robot assistance. Methods : The da Vinci S-HD system was used to open and suspend the pericardium anterior to the phrenic nerve in cadavers. A transthoracic cross-clamp was placed across the midascending aorta, following which a transverse aortotomy was made. The native aortic valve cusps were excised, and annular calcium was removed with robotic instruments. After placement of three guide sutures, the Perceval self-expanding pericardial prosthesis mounted on a flexible delivery system was inserted through a working port and lowered into the aortic annulus. Results : Successful implantation of all valves was possible using a 3-cm right second intercostal space working port, along with two additional 1-cm instrument ports. A standard transverse aortotomy was sufficient for examination/debridement of the native aortic valve cusps, sizing of the annulus, and deployment of the nitinol-stented, bovine pericardial prosthesis. Delivery, seating, and stability of the device were easily confirmed above and below the aortic valve annulus using the robotic camera. Conclusions : Complete excision of diseased native aortic valve cusps with robot assistance facilitates accurate and reproducible aortic valve replacement using a novel self-expanding sutureless version of a proven bovine pericardial prosthesis. This approach is comparable to the current surgical gold standard and is ready for clinical use as an alternative to percutaneous aortic valve implantation.
Organophosphorus pesticide residue levels in homes located near orchards.

AbstractOrganophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are commonly applied to agricultural crops. Families living in these communities may have higher exposure to OPs due to take home exposures and close proxi...
Helios: a programmable software-defined solar module

The declining cost and rising penetration of solar energy is poised to fundamentally impact grid operations, as utilities must continuously offset, potentially rapid and increasingly large, power fluctuations from highly distributed and "uncontrollable" solar sites to maintain the instantaneous balance between electricity's supply and demand. Prior work proposes to address the problem by designing various policies that actively control solar power to optimize grid operations. However, these policies implicitly assume the presence of "smart" solar modules capable of regulating solar output based on various algorithms. Unfortunately, implementing such algorithms is currently not possible, as smart inverters embed only a small number of operating modes and are not programmable.To address the problem, this paper presents the design and implementation of a software-defined solar module, called Helios. Helios exposes a high-level programmatic interface to a DC-DC power optimizer, which enables sotware to remotely control a solar module's power output in real time between zero and its current maximum, as dictated by the Sun's position and weather. Unlike current smart inverters, Helios focuses on enabling direct programmatic control of real solar power capable of implementing a wide range of control policies, rather than a few highly-specific operating modes. We evaluate Helios' performance, including its latency, energy usage, and flexibility. For the latter, we implement and evaluate a wide range of solar control algorithms both in the lab, using a solar emulator and programmable load, and outdoors.
Lead optimization of selective tubulin inhibitors as anti-trypanosomal agents.

Abstract Previously synthesized tubulin inhibitors showed promising in vitro selectivity and activity against Human African Trypanosomiasis. Current aim is to improve the ligand efficiency and reduce overall hydrophobicity of the compounds, by lead optimization. Via combinatorial chemistry, 60 new analogs were synthesized. For biological assay Trypanosoma brucei brucei Lister 427 cell line were used as the parasite model and for the host model human embryonic kidney cell line HEK-293 and mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 were used to test efficacy. Of the newly synthesized compounds 5, 39, 40, and 57 exhibited IC50s below 5 µM inhibiting the growth of trypanosome cells and not harming the mammalian cells at equipotent concentration. Comparably, the newly synthesized compounds have a reduced amount of aromatic moieties resulting in a decrease in molecular weight. Due to importance of tubulin polymerization during protozoan life cycle its activity was assessed by western blot analyses. Our results indicated that compound 5 had a profound effect on tubulin function. A detailed structure activity relationship (SAR) was summarized that will be used to guide future lead optimization.
Abstract 415: HDL-small RNA Gene Regulatory Networks Alter T Cell Signalling

Small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) are critical regulators of adaptive immunity and the flow of information between immune cells likely extends beyond cytokines and danger signals to sRNAs. microRNAs (mi...
Effects of chemotherapy on aging white matter microstructure: A longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging study.

Abstract Objective We aimed to use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to detect alterations in white matter microstructure in older patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Methods We recruited women age ≥60 years with stage I–III breast cancer (chemotherapy [CT] group; n = 19) to undergo two study assessments: at baseline and within one month after chemotherapy. Each assessment consisted of a brain magnetic resonance imaging scan with DTI and neuropsychological (NP) testing using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Cognition Battery. An age- and sex-matched group of healthy controls (HC, n = 14) underwent the same assessments at matched intervals. Four DTI parameters (fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity [MD], axial diffusivity [AD], and radial diffusivity [RD]) were calculated and correlated with NP testing scores. Results For CT group but not HCs, we detected statistically significant increases in MD and RD in the genu of the corpus callosum from time point 1 to time point 2 at p 0.05). Conclusions We identified alterations in white matter microstructures in older women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. These findings may potentially serve as neuroimaging biomarkers for identifying cognitive impairment in older adults with cancer.
Plant Life Forms of Warm Desert Climates

Deserts occur where the driest climates on earth prevail. If the arid zone is con-tained within the 200-mm isohyet, then the warm deserts can be identified as arid regions in the subtropics and tropics having mean monthly temperatures that exceed 20 °C in the hottest month and 9 °C in the coldest month, hence locations that experience few, if any, and very brief subzero episodes per year. In these habitats, potential evapotranspiration (PE) is exceedingly high (greater than 2800 mm yr−1 from a Class A evaporation pan), the index of aridity, as defined by Oberlander (1979), typically is greater than 85 with a year-round soil moisture deficit or with a moisture index of Thornthwaite (1948) less than −40, and the Bowen ratio (annual sums of sensible heat flux/latent heat flux) is 3–7 (Kessler 1985). Aboveground net primary productivity is low, and in extreme deserts, where rainfall may not occur for 12 or more consecutive months, vegetation is sparse or completely absent. Warm deserts as defined here fairly closely fit Zonobiome III (Arid), excluding most Zonoecotone II–III transitions, of Walter and Breckle (1984), and occupy more than one-tenth of the continental landmass (McGinnies 1979). Most narrow, maritime fog deserts also qualify as warm deserts (Amiran and Wilson 1973), although fog deserts tend to have narrower daily and annual monthly ranges of temperature (Goudie and Wilkinson 1977; Evenari et al. 1985, 1986). Both lowland inland and coastal warm deserts are inhabited by similar plant life forms, products of convergent evolution in response to the drought-prone climates.
Economic Risks from Policy Pressures in Montreal’s Real Estate Market

This chapter aims to respond to the question of: How can developers navigate the regulations so as to maximize the financial viability of a real estate project? There are many new regulations being implemented in Montreal, such as the 20-20-20 by-law and the REM Tax, explained in subsequent paragraphs in this chapter; however, this chapter will focus solely on the impacts of the social housing component of the 20-20-20 by-law. This key focus has become increasingly important for cities since the aim of such by-laws are to make cities more inclusive and accessible. However, the by-laws are developing in different ways in cities around the world. This chapter focuses only on the introduction of the social housing by-law for Montreal. We will address this in three steps. First, we briefly describe the growth experienced in the real estate market to date in Montreal. Second, we outline the new policy changes for affordable housing and transit. And finally, we explore the financial impact of three potential ways in which the social housing by-laws can be enforced. We conclude with a summary of our findings.
Stigmatization and prejudice during the COVID-19 pandemic

In the months since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has overwhelmed the world, numerous popular press articles have recounted cases of mistreatment toward others rooted in traits associated wit...
Atypical presentation of Cat Eye Syndrome in an infant with Peters anomaly and microphthalmia with cyst.

To describe a unique ocular presentation of Cat Eye Syndrome and review the ocular and systemic findings associated with the syndrome. Case report with multimodal imaging. A newborn female presente...
Point of Care Ultrasound Use by Associate Providers for Differentiating Abscess Versus Cellulitis Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in the Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a common complaint in the ambulatory setting and pose a significant burden on the health care system. Objectives We sought to determine the accuracy of ultrasound for detecting soft tissue abscesses by emergency medicine associate providers (APs). Methods This was a prospective observational study of adult patients with suspected SSTI in the emergency department of a rural tertiary care academic medical center. The AP performed and interpreted point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the suspected infected area. Ultrasound images and interpretation were reviewed by the attending emergency physician with either rejection or agreement of the image interpretation, diagnosis, and management. If incision and drainage was performed, presence or absence of purulent drainage was recorded. Results Sixty-four patients with suspected SSTI were enrolled: 29 had POCUS-proven abscesses and 33 had cellulitis; 2 were excluded. AP clinical evaluation alone for identifying abscess revealed sensitivity of 92.3 (74.9–99.1), specificity of 67.7 (49.5–82.6), positive predictive value of 68.6 (57.0–78.2), and negative predictive value of 92.0 (81.4–100). The use of POCUS by APs in addition to clinical examination demonstrated sensitivity of 96.2 (80.4–99.9), specificity of 93.9 (79.8–99.3), positive predictive value of 92.6 (76.5–98.0), and negative predictive value of 96.9 (81.9–99.5). p values were Conclusion With modest training, APs can successfully use POCUS to identify abscesses in patients in the emergency department with SSTIs. POCUS increases the ability to rule in the diagnosis and changes management in a clinically relevant number of patients with SSTIs.
Reducing Neural Network Parameter Initialization Into an SMT Problem.

Training a neural network (NN) depends on multiple factors, including but not limited to the initial weights. In this paper, we focus on initializing deep NN parameters such that it performs better, comparing to random or zero initialization. We do this by reducing the process of initialization into an SMT solver. Previous works consider certain activation functions on small NNs, however the studied NN is a deep network with different activation functions. Our experiments show that the proposed approach for parameter initialization achieves better performance comparing to randomly initialized networks.
Voices of In/Visible Minority: Homogenizing Discourse of Japaneseness in Hafu: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan

In this essay, I examine Japan’s mixed-race identity (i.e. hafu) and negotiation in Hafu: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan. This essay is concerned with Japaneseness as a theoretical and conceptu...
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Asthma

The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma is well established. Several studies have shown an increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing in children with asthma. The relationship is bidirectional, where each disorder is a risk for and can adversely influence the other. There are several risk factors that are common to both conditions such as allergic rhinitis, obesity, and gastroesophageal reflux. African American ethnicity and poor socioeconomic status are also more common in these two conditions.
Treatment of chronic primary sleep onset insomnia with Kundalini yoga: a randomized controlled trial with active sleep hygiene comparison.

Study Objectives: Prior studies have suggested a benefit of yoga for alleviating sleep disturbance; however, many studies have had methodological limitations. This trial study aimed to extend that ...
When the Silos Come Down: Helping Organizations Perceive Disciplinary Differences as They Mature Toward Interdisciplinarity

As organizations mature beyond what Richard Buchanan described as first (graphic) and second (industrial) order design into third (interaction) and fourth-order (system) design approaches, the traditional disciplinary silos come down and often create interdisciplinary project-based teams. These smaller teams develop cross-disciplinary understanding and communication, but often organizations fail to understand the disparity of perceptions and beliefs between disciplines within the organization. These disparities can fracture organizational understanding and negatively impact brand communications—causing friction between disciplines. This paper looks at research done within organizations going through a transition in three distinct industries: software development, higher education, and manufacturing. These projects utilize methods adopted from brand development, user experience design, and participatory design. The methods provide diverse approaches that might help organizations gain a greater understanding and begin to identify contradictory or complementary perceptions that exist between disciplines as they transition toward more interdisciplinary organizational models.
Enzymatic repair of UV-irradiated DNA in vitro.

Excision repair of UV-damaged Bacillus subtilis transforming DNA has been carried out by a sequential enzyme system in vitro. Incision adjacent to the pyrimidine dimer in the DNA strand by correndonuclease II-initiated excision of the damage by the 5′→3′-directed exonuclease of the Micrococcus luteus DNA polymerase. Reinsertion of nucleotides into the gap in the strand by the DNA polymerase at 10°C terminated in a single-strand break which was sealed by a polynucleotide ligase, thereby repairing the DNA strand. This restored biological activity to damaged DNA up to doses resulting in 60% inactivation of transforming activity. At higher doses, less repair was achieved, due to the development of double-strand breaks during the in vitro incision and excision steps.
FDI, Foreign Aid, Remittance and Economic Growth in Developing Countries

Using a dynamic spatial framework, this paper investigates how foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign aid and remittances impact the economic growth of 53 African and 34 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Previous growth studies examine how one factor or two of these factors impacts economic growth, which results in biased estimation because of the omitted variable(s). Separate estimation shows foreign aid and FDI affects economic growth in Africa, but when we control for all three factors, only FDI affects African economic growth. For Latin America and the Caribbean, foreign aid and remittances affect growth when estimated separately, while remittances affect growth when they are estimated simultaneously. Finally, both regions' results confirm spatial interdependence is important in explaining economic growth, as growth in one country depends on the growth of its neighboring countries.
Chapter 20 Economic Activity on Fixed Networks

Abstract A large portion of our economic interactions involves a very small portion of the population. We seem to prefer familiar venues. But the tendency to focus our attention on a few individuals or activities is an attribute that is typically omitted in our characterization of markets. In markets agents seem to interact impersonally and efficiently with countless other faceless agents. This chapter looks into the consequences of including a connection between agents, a tendency to interact with a specific few, in economic decision making. Agents are assumed to occupy the nodes of a network and to interact exclusively with agents to whom they are directly linked. We then study evolution of game strategies and the effectiveness of exchange as the topology of the underlying network is altered. We find that networks matter, that changes in a network's structure can alter the steady-state attributes of an artificial society as well as the dynamics of that system.
Protein Adsorption on Low-Temperature Isotropic Carbon: II. Effects of Surface Charge of Solids

Abstract Protein adsorption on low-temperature isotropic carbon (LTIC) and on gold electrodes was studied via changes in their double-layer capacitance. The surface charge of the electrodes was controlled by a DC potential. The more negatively charged LTIC always adsorbed more proteins from near neutral or acidic solutions, regardless of the charge on the proteins. Adsorption patterns did not change when the solution ionic strength was varied. At pH 7.4 the more negatively charged gold adsorbed the more positively charged proteins. Kinetic data indicate that higher adsorbed amounts were accompanied by higher initial adsorption rates. The electrostatic interaction did not appear to play a significant role in the interactions between the proteins and LTIC. Our hypothesis suggests hydrophobic and interfacial water properties are involved in protein adsorption on LTIC.
Effect of age on left ventricular systolic function in humans: a study of systolic isovolumic acceleration rate.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of age on left ventricular (LV) systolic function in normal healthy adults. Eighty consecutive subjects without cardiovascular disease underwent standard and tissue Doppler (TD) echocardiographic imaging. LV systolic function was assessed by load-dependent indices as ejection fraction (EF) and myocardial systolic velocities by TD as well as by the load-independent index, systolic isovolumic acceleration rate (IVA). None of the echocardiographic measurements of systolic function declined with age (mean IVA for the group, 286 +/- 123 cm s(-2); IVA vs. age, r = 0.21, P = 0.1). Likewise, LV end diastolic dimension, wall thickness, mass and left atrial maximum volume were not significantly related to age. On the other hand, as previously reported, echocardiographic indices of diastolic function showed a significant decline with age (P 0.1). However, in men, a positive correlation was noted between average IVA and age (r = 0.63, P = 0.007). In conclusion, age is not associated with a change in cardiac structure and LV systolic function, but is accompanied by a decline in echocardiographic indices of diastolic function. With respect to gender, age does not appear to influence LV systolic function in women, but is associated with an increase in IVA and septal systolic ejection in men.
The role of the PAR2-beta-arrestin signaling axis in Alternaria and cockroach-induced allergic asthma (934.3)

A common cause of asthma is the exposure to allergens such as the household fungus, Alternaria alternata (AltA), and the feces of the common cockroach, Blattella germanica (BG), which contain proteases that activate Protease-activated-receptor-2 (PAR2). In several murine models of asthma, PAR2 activation has been shown to be pro- and anti-inflammatory. Recently, our lab has shown that the pro-inflammatory pathway is mediated by beta-arrestins, which act as both terminators of GPCR signaling through G-proteins, and as scaffolding proteins that signal independently of G-proteins. In contrast, the anti-inflammatory pathway requires G-protein signaling. We hypothesize that proteases from AltA and BG extracts will promote activation of the beta-arrestin-2 dependent inflammatory pathway in murine models that we have previously observed with intranasal administration of Par2 peptidomimetic agonists. Here, we have performed flow cytometric analyses of immune cell populations and analyzed histological samples in p...
Gifted Adolescents and Suicide.

DEFINITION OF ADOLESCENCE child (cited in Farber, 1977). According to Erikson, the negative part of the Adolescence can be identified roughly conflicts in each stage builds on the as that period of a person's life from previous stage, finally and irreparably the onset of puberty to adulthood to damage the sense of competence (Ambron & Salkind, 1984); therefore, until the individual feels "at least I'm the chronological age range is from competent to do this" (cited in Farber, approximately the early teens to the 1977). The final act of suicide is basi early twenties. In most situations, by cally a resolution. Wilfred Sheed wrote this time in an individual's life, he or in The Good Word, "Suicide is about life, she has already been identified as a being in fact the sincerest form of crit gifted person. icism life gets" (cited in Stillion, 1985,
Bulimia nerviosa (Parte 2): Desde la etiología hasta la prevención

evolucion. Palabras clave: bulimia nerviosa, grupos de alto riesgo, etiologia, prevencion, tratamiento, evolucion, adolescencia. Summary An evidence based review on bulimia nervosa (Part 2) is provided for practicing pediatricians, alerting to the risk factors in the development of this condition and highlighting the existence of high risk groups. Current thoughts on ethiology are shared, as well as the different patterns that bulimia nervosa follows in each gender. We conclude reviewing recent reports on treatment, outcome and prevention.
NATO–Russia security challenges in the aftermath of Ukraine conflict: managing Black Sea security and beyond

NATO’s relationship with the Soviet Union and then Russia has been central to defining the European regional and global security configuration for decades. This article explores the potential consequences of the Ukrainian conflict for the current and future NATO–Russia relationship. The analysis focuses on defining specific challenges and risks for NATO and Russia in managing the evolving security environment of the Black Sea region. The author offers an assessment of the potential for future NATO–Russia clashes or cooperation in the Black Sea, and for broader regional and global security. Some recommendations are suggested for managing the future NATO–Russia relationship during this period of heightened uncertainty and risk.
THYMINELESS DEATH IN BACILLUS MEGATERIUM

Wachsman, J. T. (University of Illinois, Urbana), S. Kemp, and L. Hogg. Thymineless death in Bacillus megaterium. J. Bacteriol. 87:1079–1086. 1964.—Strain KM:T−, a thymine auxotroph of Bacillus megaterium strain KM, rapidly loses the ability to multiply when incubated in the absence of thymine, on an otherwise sufficient medium. At 37 C, there is a lag of approximately 60 min, prior to the onset of exponential death (decrease of 1 decade per 50 min). The extent of the decrease in viable count varies from 4 to 5 decades after 5 hr of starvation. The cells die more slowly at 30 C (decrease of 1 decade per 120 min) after a lag of approximately 90 min. Thymine starvation permits substantial net ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein synthesis, but only slight deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. In contrast with the changes occurring at 30 C, thymineless death at 37 C is eventually accompanied by a rapid hydrolysis of RNA and by cell lysis. Chloramphenicol inhibits thymineless death at 37 C. Strain T−R1, a derivative of strain KM:T−, undergoes a very low rate of thymineless death at 37 C (decrease of 1 decade per 240 min). Neither hydrolysis of RNA nor cell lysis occurs during 8 hr of thymine starvation. Strain KM:T−H− (doubly auxotrophic for thymidine and histidine) requires histidine for maximal thymineless death at 37 C. Preincubation of this strain on the basal medium supplemented with thymidine alone enables the population to become increasingly immune to subsequent thymineless death.
An Extension Of The Ruzsa-Szemerédi Theorem

We let G (r)(n,m) denote the set of r-uniform hypergraphs with n vertices and m edges, and f (r)(n,p,s) is the smallest m such that every member of G (r)(n,m) contains amember of G (r)(p,s). In this paper we are interested in fixed values r,p and s for which f (r)(n,p,s) grows quadratically with n. A probabilistic construction of Brown, Erdős and T. Sos ([2]) implies that f (r)(n,s(r-2)+2,s)=Ω(n 2). In the other direction the most interesting question they could not settle was whether f (3)(n,6, 3) = o(n 2). This was proved by Ruzsa and Szemeredi [11]. Then Erdős, Frankl and Rodl [6] extended this result to any r: f (r)(n, 3(r-2)+3, 3)=o(n 2), and they conjectured ([4], [6]) that the Brown, Erdős and T. Sos bound is best possible in the sense that f (r)(n,s(r-2)+3,s)=o(n 2). In this paper by giving an extension of the Erdős, Frankl, Rodl Theorem (and thus the Ruzsa–Szemeredi Theorem) we show that indeed the Brown, Erdős, T. Sos Theorem is not far from being best possible. Our main result is $$ f^{{{\left( r \right)}}} {\left( {n,s{\left( {r - 2} \right)} + 2 + {\left\lfloor {\log _{2} s} \right\rfloor },s} \right)} = o{\left( {n^{2} } \right)}. $$
Molecular biology approaches to control of intractable weeds: New strategies and complements to existing biological practices

Molecular genetic tools and concepts are in relentless and continuous development, affecting every field of biology. Biological control of weeds, an applied science with over a century of history, is no exception. There are many examples of successful biocontrol of weeds, in some cases quite spectacular. However, biocontrol is not applicable to every weed challenge, in large part due to the limitations of available biocontrol agents. Indeed, one cannot realistically expect that naturally occurring agents have serendipitously evolved to meet all of man's weed control needs. In cases where agents are lacking, molecular biology may be able to improve biocontrol, reduce dependence on chemical herbicides, and control intractable weed species. In theory, any biological weed control strategy could be improved through molecular biology, whether by improvement to a biocontrol agent (e.g. increased lethality, improved specificity, ability to work in concert with other pest management tactics), improvement of the crop (e.g. improved weed-inhibiting properties), by increasing knowledge about the evolution of the target and its natural enemies to assist the search for and selection of classical biocontrol agents, or even by genetic manipulation of the target weed itself. Molecular genetic technology can enable novel strategies that would not be possible in its absence, as well as allow weed researchers to adapt molecular solutions from other fields, including biocontrol of other pests or fields only remotely connected to weed biocontrol. This paper will review concepts of weed biocontrol and molecular biology applications to weed control, as well as propose novel weed-control strategies.
MULTIPLE-FLOW EXHALED NITRIC OXIDE, ALLERGY, AND ASTHMA IN A POPULATION OF OLDER CHILDREN

"Extended" (multiple-flow) measurements of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) potentially can distinguish proximal and distal airway inflammation, but have not been evaluated previously in large populations. We performed extended NO testing within a longitudinal study of a school-based population, to relate bronchial flux (J'awNO) and peripheral NO concentration (CalvNO) estimates with respiratory health status determined from questionnaires. We measured FeNO at 30, 50, 100, and 300 ml/sec in 1640 subjects aged 12–15 from 8 communities, then estimated J'awNO and CalvNO from linear and nonlinear regressions of NO output vs. flow. J'awNO, as well as FeNO at all flows, showed influences of asthma, allergy, Asian or African ancestry, age, and height (positive), and of weight (negative), generally corroborating past findings. By contrast, CalvNO results were inconsistent across different extended NO regression models, and appeared more sensitive to small measurement artifacts. Conclusions: Extended NO testing is feasible in field surveys of young populations. In interpreting results, size, age, and ethnicity require attention, as well as instrumental and environmental artifacts. J'awNO and conventional FeNO provide similar information, probably reflecting proximal-airway inflammation. CalvNO may give additional information relevant to peripheral-airway, alveolar, or systemic pathology. However, it needs additional research, including testing of populations with independently verifiable peripheral or systemic pathology, to optimize measurement technique and interpretation.