cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modelling of conductive atomic force microscope probes for scanning tunnelling microscope operation

A comprehensive model is proposed that can be used to select a proper conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) probe for use in stable scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) operation. This type of operation mode could be useful for scanning and patterning heterogeneous surfaces with both conductive and insulating parts using electrical principles in a non-contact fashion. The model includes elastic contact deformation, intermolecular forces, electrostatic attraction and tunnelling current generation between the tip and the sample and the snap-into contact criterion of the probe. Using the model, snap-into contact distances of the probes with varying stiffness values under different bias voltages are found, and is verified with experiments. It is shown that, for a given sample and tip materials, an optimal bias voltage for STM operation with CAFM cantilevers exists. The results also show that, to successfully utilise CAFM probes as STM end-effectors, there is a minimum normal stiffness limit for a given bias voltage. For operation on metal surfaces using metal-coated probes with tip radius values smaller than 50 nm, the model predicts that probes with high stiffness values (>24 N/m) enable both STM and AFM operations reliably with potential resolution reduction in AFM force sensing. The model also implies that probes with longer tips are better for minimising the electrostatic attraction between the cantilever and the substrate. The model would help researchers to select proper CAFM probes, which could enable simultaneous AFM and STM imaging and manipulation capabilities for tip-based nanofabrication applications.
A hydrologically driven model of swamp water mosquito population dynamics

We develop a swamp water mosquito population model that is forced solely by environmental variability. Measured temperature and land surface wetness conditions are used to simulate Anopheles walkeri population dynamics in a northern New Jersey habitat. Land surface wetness conditions, which represent oviposition habitat availability, are derived from simulations using a dynamic hydrology model. Using only these two density-independent effects, population model simulations of biting Anoph. walkeri correlate significantly with light trap collections. These results suggest that prediction of mosquito populations and the diseases they transmit could be better constrained by inclusion of environmental variability.
Mountain building and the shaping of continents

Figure 6.1 outlines five areas selected to demonstrate mountain-building phenomena. Area ‘A’, the southwest Pacific, is a modern laboratory where a variety of ongoing plate-tectonic processes can be observed that will ultimately result in an orogenic system along what is now the eastern margin of Asia. Features of particular interest include the accretion of volcanic island arcs onto the margins of continents, as seen in the environs of Taiwan and Timor; the amalgamation of volcanic island arcs, as observed in the Philippine archipelago; A-subduction, as imaged seismically along the north margin of Borneo; and the slivering and dispersion of continental fragments, as viewed in the Banda Sea.
Potential for suicide and aggression in delinquents at Juvenile Court in a southern city

Because juvenile delinquents rarely communicate their wishes for suicide or homicide appropriately to busy caretakers, some means to identify those juveniles at greatest risk of acting out was sought. Psychological examiners in a Southern city individually questioned 263 Juvenile Court offenders about whether they wished to be dead, to kill themselves, or to kill others; and also about their existential experiences, thoughts and feelings. Taking the data associated with each wish, we used stepwise multiple logistic regression to pinpoint experiences, such as substance abuse, that were associated with a high likelihood of verbalizing a wish for destructive behavior. These results included sexual abuse as a risk factor and the presence of a mother or grandmother as a protective factor, and led to recommending education of caretakers and forming a screening test.
Approximate methods for finding CO2 15‐μm band transmission in planetary atmospheres

Physical band models that use simplifying assumptions about the structure of the CO2 15-micron band are described and compared with the accurate line-by-line model of Fels and Schwarzkopf (1981). The methods have application to the models of the atmospheres of Venus, earth, and Mars. The narrow-band methods include a general random model and techniques employing the Malkmus (1967) line-strength distribution, and the accuracy of these models at low pressure is found to be sensitive to the line-strength distribution and the line shape. When combined with a simple Voigt parameterization, the more efficient approximate methods represented by an exponential wideband model are found to be almost as accurate as the expensive narrow-band models. Empirical logarithmic wideband models used in climate-modeling studies are found to be very efficient, but of limited range of validity.
Tense marking in children with autism

A recent large-scale study identified a subgroup of children with autism who had a language profile similar to that found among children with specific language impairment (SLI), including difficulties with nonsense word repetition, an ability that has been implicated as one clinical marker for SLI. A second clinical marker for English-speaking children with SLI is high rates of omission of grammatical morphemes that mark tense in obligatory contexts. This study used experimental probes designed to elicit third person and past tense morphology with a large heterogeneous sample of children with autism. The subgroup of children with autism who were language impaired showed high rates of omission of tense marking on the experimental tasks. In addition, some of the children with autism made performance errors that were specific to the autistic population, such as echolalia. These findings further refine the characteristics of language impairment found in a subgroup of children with autism. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is defined on the basis of symptoms in three behavioral domains: problems in social interaction, problems in communication, and restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of interests and activities (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994). Within the domain of communication, diagnostic features include delays and deficits in language acquisition, as well as qualitative impairments in discourse and other pragmatic aspects of language. The major emphasis in research on language in autism has focused on the pragmatic impairments, which are viewed as universal among individuals on the autism spectrum and are specific to this disorder (Lord & Paul, 1997; Tager‐ Flusberg, 1999). The pragmatic language impairments noted in autism include a restricted range and less frequent use of communicative functions (Landry & Loveland, 1989; Stone & Caro‐Martinez, 1990; Wetherby, Prizant, & Hutchinson, 1998; Wetherby & Prutting, 1984), difficulties with rules of discourse, such as maintaining ongoing topics of conversation, observing rules of taking turns, providing new information, or following a partner’s conversational topic
Cell adhesion modeling: effect of leukocyte rheology

Adhesion of leukocytes to the blood vessel is a critical event in inflammation and plays an important role in the immune system. Understanding the adhesion and rheological behavior of leukocytes is essential not only for the comprehension of microcirculation but also for understanding their function in health and disease. Several models have been proposed but do not combine molecular and cellular information. A multi-scale computation approach for studying the effect of leukocyte rheology on the adhesion process is presented in this paper. At the cellular level, a continuum model satisfying the momentum and mass continuity equations is used. At the receptor-ligand, a bond is mechanically represented by a spring. Communication between the macro- and micro-scale model is performed during the computation. To assess the role of the nucleus, the cell is first modeled as a liquid drop and then as compound drop. We found that cell viscosity and interfacial tension have both profound effects on the cellular adhesion.
Design of a 138 kV gas insulated substation for a large industrial cogeneration facility

The author describes the design of a 138 kV GIS (gas insulated substation) installed as part of a large industrial cogeneration facility. Special design features required to accommodate the GIS are discussed. Particular attention is given to surge protection and differential settlement criteria. It is concluded that effort expended during the design phase to ensure coordination among the suppliers of the GIS, generator step-up transformer, and 138 kV cable paid off during the installation phase. Installation of the GIS was completed on schedule, and interfacing to the cable and the transformer went smoothly. >
Dual pathways for agonist-stimulated arachidonic acid release in pancreatic acini: roles in secretion

The present experiments were performed to determine pathways responsible for arachidonic acid release stimulated by cholecystokinin (CCK) and phorbol ester, 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and the roles of pathways in the secretory response in dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas. Both CCK-octapeptide (CCK-OP) and PMA increased intracellular arachidonic acid. To determine the source of released arachidonic acid, we measured the effects of PMA and CCK-OP on cellular 1,2-diacylglycerol and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and of diglyceride lipase inhibitor RHC 80267 on [3H]arachidonic acid release. Both PMA and CCK-OP increased 1,2-diacylglycerol and LPC. RHC 80267 had no effect on LPC but inhibited the increase in [3H]arachidonic acid release with a concentration of CCK-OP that was maximal for enzyme secretion. The increase in [3H]arachidonic acid release with PMA or a supramaximal concentration of CCK-OP was not inhibited by RHC 80267. In parallel fashion, RHC 80267 inhibited amylase release caused by maximally effective concentrations of CCK-OP but not that caused by PMA or by supramaximally effective concentrations of CCK-OP. Arachidonic acid stimulated amylase release. Exogenous addition of phospholipase A2 caused increases in [3H]arachidonic acid release, LPC formation, and amylase release. The results indicate that there are at least two pathways responsible for the increase in free cellular arachidonic acid stimulated by pancreatic agonists. One is sequential action of phospholipase C and diglyceride lipase on phosphatidylinositol. The other is a phospholipase A action on phosphatidylcholine. The results also suggest a stimulatory role for both pathways in the secretory response.
Multi-class object tracking algorithm that handles fragmentation and grouping

We propose a framework for detecting and tracking multiple interacting objects, while explicitly handling the dual problems of fragmentation (an object may be broken into several blobs) and grouping (multiple objects may appear as a single blob). We use foreground blobs obtained by background subtraction from a stationary camera as measurements. The main challenge is to associate blob measurements with objects, given the fragment-object-group ambiguity when the number of objects is variable and unknown, and object-class-specific models are not available. We first track foreground blobs till they merge or split. We then build an inference graph representing merge-split relations between the tracked blobs. Using this graph and a generic object model based on spatial connectedness and coherent motion, we label the tracked blobs as whole objects, fragments of objects or groups of interacting objects. The outputs of our algorithm are entire tracks of objects, which may include corresponding tracks from groups during interactions. Experimental results on multiple video sequences are shown.
The Emergence of Career Politicians in Post-Communist Democracies: Poland and the Czech Republic

: Despite party system fluidity and high rates of electoral volatility in the first decade after the transition to democracy in Poland and the Czech Republic, career politicians are emerging. Using data on all parliamentary candidates in the last election before the fall of communism and in all elections since then, we show that, in both countries, parliamentary carryover rates have risen substantially, a growing number of incumbents are seeking reelection, and an increasing proportion of candidates for legislative office have competed in previous parliamentary elections. Moreover, we demonstrate that prior political experience has a persistent and positive effect on winning office. We argue that the rise of career politicians facilitates the consolidation and effectiveness of these new democracies.
Current Attitudes Regarding Treatment of Agitation and Psychosis in Dementia

EDITOR: The pharmacologic treatment of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) has been affected by the Food and Drug Administration’s black-box warning about the use of atypical antipsychotics (AAs) in dementia 1 and by the results of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness–Alzheimer Disease (CATIE–AD) study. 2 The Food and Drug Administration warning has identified an increased risk of all-cause mortality among patients with dementia who are treated with AAs. Although the CATIE–AD study did find minimal efficacy of AAs in dementia (26%– 32%) compared with placebo (22%), the effectiveness of drug did not differ from placebo when rates of discontinuance of medication (due to side effects or perceived ineffectiveness) were considered. To determine opinions about the ef
MiTAP for SARS detection

The MiTAP prototype for SARS detection uses human language technology for detecting, monitoring, and analyzing potential indicators of infectious disease outbreaks and reasoning for issuing warnings and alerts. MiTAP focuses on providing timely, multilingual information access to analysts, domain experts, and decision-makers worldwide. Data sources are captured, filtered, translated, summarized, and categorized by content. Critical information is automatically extracted and tagged to facilitate browsing, searching, and scanning, and to provide key terms at a glance. The processed articles are made available through an easy-to-use news server and cross-language information retrieval system for access and analysis anywhere, any time. Specialized newsgroups and customizable filters or searches on incoming stories allow users to create their own view into the data while a variety of tools summarize, indicate trends, and provide alerts to potentially relevant spikes of activity.
Foregoing Rigidity to Achieve Greater Intimacy

Interactions between the surfaces of planar and nonplanar molecules have generated considerable interest in materials chemistry as critical elements for understanding twodimensional supramolecular assembly, molecular and chiral recognition, and heterogeneous catalysis. Carbon-rich balland bowl-shaped polyaromatic molecules, such as fullerenes and fullerene fragments or buckybowls, figure prominently in these studies. Fullerenes have been found to form solid constructs with planar metalloporphyrins with remarkably close contacts but without the need for matching their convex and concave faces. Molecular self-organization of nonplanar polyaromatic bowls on a planar metal surface introduces the interesting additional factor of symmetry mismatch. Studies of ordered structures formed by weakly bound corannulene, C20H10, on the Cu(110) surface examined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) have revealed interesting insights into their molecular interactions. However, the overall effect of these interactions on the geometry of the corannulene bowl could not be evaluated by the STM method. In this work, we selected a system that allowed us to investigate the mutual structural influences of bowl-shaped polyarenes and a planar polynuclear metal unit upon their attractive interaction (Figure 1). Curving of the planar
Momentum and Autocorrelation in Stock Returns

This article studies momentum in stock returns, focusing on the role of industry, size, and book-to-market (B/M) factors. Size and B/M portfolios exhibit momentum as strong as that in individual stocks and industries. The size and B/M portfolios are well diversified, so momentum cannot be attributed to firm- or industry-specific returns. Further, industry, size, and B/M portfolios are negatively autocorrelated and cross-serially correlated over intermediate horizons. The evidence suggests that stocks covary “too strongly” with each other. I argue that excess covariance, not underreaction, explains momentum in the portfolios. Momentum is one of the strongest and most puzzling asset pricing anomalies. Jegadeesh and Titman (1993) show that past winners continue to outperform past losers over horizons of 3–12 months. For example, from 1965 to 1989, stocks in the top12-month return decile beat stocks in the bottom decile by 6.8%, on average, during the subsequent six months (t-statistic = 3� 40). Momentum is puzzling because it suggests that prices are not even weakform efficient. For it to be rational, risk would have to increase after positive returns, contrary to the intuition that risk should actually decline. Empirically Jegadeesh and Titman find that risk adjustment tends to accentuate rather than explain momentum [see also Fama and French (1996)]. This article further studies momentum in stock returns, focusing on the role of industry, size, and book-to-market (B/M) factors. The literature generally attributes momentum to firm-specific returns. It argues that investors either underreact or belatedly overreact to firm-specific news [e.g., Jegadeesh and Titman (2001)]. Barberis, Shleifer, and Vishny (1998), Daniel, Hirshleifer, and Subrahmanyam (1998), and Hong and Stein (1999) all developbehavioral models motivated in part by the same interpretation. In this article, I show that firm-specific returns, together with the behavioral models, cannot explain a significant component of momentum. The article reports two sets of tests. First, I explore the profitability of portfolio-based momentum strategies. Jegadeesh and Titman (1993) use individual firms in their tests; they find that the best-performing stocks in the
Stability and Performance of YSZ Infiltrated Platinum Electrodes for Sensors and Solid Oxide Cells

Limited electrochemical performance and microstructure instability are crucial problems in Platinum electrodes for solid state electrochemical devices. YSZ infiltration into porous YSZ skeleton is a prospective method to enhance the electrochemical performance and stabilize the microstructure. In this work, the effect of Pt skeleton microstructure on the electrochemical performance and stability of Pt-YSZ electrodes prepared by infiltration was investigated. The electrode polarization resistance of YSZ infiltrated Pt electrode sintered at 800 °C was 0.060 Ohm.cm2 per electrode at 800 °C without degradation during the operation time of 51 hours. Triple phase boundary enhancement by YSZ infiltration and YSZ infiltration into Pt skeleton with smaller particle size resulted in the suppression of the electrochemical process observed at 150 Hz.
Sirt3 Regulates Metabolic Flexibility of Skeletal Muscle through Reversible Enzymatic Deacetylation

Sirt3 is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase that regulates mitochondrial function by targeting metabolic enzymes and proteins. In fasting mice, Sirt3 expression is decreased in skeletal muscle resulting in increased mitochondrial protein acetylation. Deletion of Sirt3 led to impaired glucose oxidation in muscle, which was associated with decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, accumulation of pyruvate and lactate metabolites, and an inability of insulin to suppress fatty acid oxidation. Antibody-based acetyl-peptide enrichment and mass spectrometry of mitochondrial lysates from WT and Sirt3 KO skeletal muscle revealed that a major target of Sirt3 deacetylation is the E1α subunit of PDH (PDH E1α). Sirt3 knockout in vivo and Sirt3 knockdown in myoblasts in vitro induced hyperacetylation of the PDH E1α subunit, altering its phosphorylation leading to suppressed PDH enzymatic activity. The inhibition of PDH activity resulting from reduced levels of Sirt3 induces a switch of skeletal muscle substrate utilization from carbohydrate oxidation toward lactate production and fatty acid utilization even in the fed state, contributing to a loss of metabolic flexibility. Thus, Sirt3 plays an important role in skeletal muscle mitochondrial substrate choice and metabolic flexibility in part by regulating PDH function through deacetylation.
Heparan sulfates expressed in the distal lung are required for Fgf10 binding to the epithelium and for airway branching.

Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) 10 is a critical regulator of bud formation during lung morphogenesis. fgf10 is expressed in distal lung mesenchyme at sites of prospective budding from the earliest ...
Enhanced gene expression of Na+/Ca2+exchanger attenuates ischemic and hypoxic contractile dysfunction

Enhanced gene expression of the Na+/Ca2+exchanger in failing hearts may be a compensatory mechanism to promote influx and efflux of Ca2+, despite impairment of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). To e...
Interaction of hypertension and caloric restriction on cardiac mass and isomyosin expression

Previous studies show that elevations in blood pressure induce concomitant increases in both cardiac mass and slow beta-myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression in rodents, whereas caloric restriction of 50% (CR) causes an increase in beta-MHC while modestly lowering blood pressure in normotensive rats. The goals of this study were to 1) determine if beta-MHC expression could be independently regulated by CR and hypertension when these two interventions are combined and 2) determine if CR exerts a lowering of blood pressure in two contrasting models of rodent hypertension. Rodents were assigned to the following groups: 1) normal control (NC); 2) abdominal aortic constriction (Abcon), a model that induces hypertension via renin-angiotensin II; 3) nephrectomy-deoxycorticosterone acetate treatment (DOCA), a model that induces hypertension through increased salt retention; 4) CR; 5) Abcon+CR; 6) DOCA+CR. Results show that both Abcon and DOCA induced significant increases in systemic blood pressures, left ventricular (LV) weight/body weight, and the relative content of beta-MHC compared with NC. When applied in combination with either Abcon or DOCA, CR significantly blunted the changes observed in both systemic blood pressures and LV weight/body weight. In contrast, CR in conjunction with DOCA augmented % beta-MHC expression relative to either DOCA or CR alone. These data suggest 1) caloric restriction exerts a powerful impact on reducing experimentally induced hypertension in rodents and 2) the regulation of beta-MHC expression appears to be regulated by at least two processes, one associated with the stimulus of hypertension and the other involving an independent pathway linked to caloric restriction.
Some Early Ethics of Geoengineering: The Ethics of the Royal Society Report

The Royal Society’s landmark report on geoengineering is predicated on a particular account of the context and rationale for intentional manipulation of the climate system, and this ethical framework probably explains many of the Society’s conclusions. Critical reflection on the report’s values is useful for understanding disagreements within and about geoengineering policy, and also for identifying questions for early ethical analysis. Topics discussed include the moral hazard argument, governance, the ethical status of geoengineering under different rationales, the implications of understanding geoengineering as a consequence of wider moral failure, and the importance of ethical resistance to invasive interventions in environmental systems.
Firms In Markets Under Uncertainty

We thank MIT's Program on Innovation in Markets and Organizations for financial support. Powell thanks the NSF for financial support.
The End of the World and Architecture

Sustainability is defined as meeting our current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. The question remains, however, how far into the future must we plan for? Our universe is almost 14 billion years in age, and scientists predict that it will live on at least another 14 billion years, whereby it will approach finality in either a “Big Crunch” singularity, or continue expanding until it becomes complete darkness – “The Big Chill”. Sustainability, therefore, becomes a relative concept – even before our universe ceases to exist. From cosmic supernovas, black holes, and collisions with asteroids to earth-bound disasters such as nuclear holocaust, natural resource depletion, and biological/genetically engineered pathogens, humanity is indeed in danger of becoming extinct. Maybe our fate is inevitable and such events are simply too large for us to comprehend, and simply are “out of sight and out of mind.” Or maybe thinking on such a grand scale will make the more imminent dangers our planet faces seem more solvable. In examining disasters of such magnitude, it will become imperative for architecture to transform its pedagogy and expand its expertise in order to provide sustainable solutions that will preserve humanity’s existence. In recent times, there has been a focused concentration on designing green buildings and utilizing renewable sources of energy – all of which are in some way derived from the sun. This paper takes this a step further and asks, what will happen when there is no sun? What will happen when all of resources that we rely on to live are depleted? Although these events may be millions or even billions of years away, should we be concerned with them now? In order to truly engage sustainability, we must examine not just the “immediate” future, but also the “distant” and “very distant” future.
Fast Reconfigurable Slow Light System based on Off-resonant Raman Absorption Scheme

We present an off-resonant slow light system with fast switching dynamics based on Raman absorption. This scheme combines the low dispersion broadening of double absorption system and all optical control of Raman absorption.
Matrices in Teaching Trigonometry

(1964). Matrices in Teaching Trigonometry. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 78-81.
Observation and Analysis on Epidemic Stuation of the Disease of Hepatitis B from 2005 to 2009 in Bayannaoer City

Objective:To study the epidemic characteristic and distribution of Hepatitis B in Bayannaoer City,provide the effective basis for prevention and control measures.Methods:The epidemic data of Hepatitis B in Bayannaoer City during 2005~2009 were analyzed statistically.Results:16713 cases of Hepatitis B were reported in Bayannaoer City during 2005~2009,The annual average incidence was 191.85/lahk.On the seven counties in the city all had the cases,the annual average incidence was from 136.26/lahk to 419.78/lahk.The incidence of the males was higher than that of females.15~55 years old were more cases,accounting for84.65%.Most of the cases were farmers,accounting for 39.59%;The secend of the unemployed persons were12.06%;The third of the studends were 8.41%.Conclusion:The annual average incidence of Hepatitis B fluctuted in Bayannaoer City during 2005~2009,But it was serious of epidemic situation with the first place of all infectious diseases.We should strengthen health education of focus groups,and develop prevention and control measures to reduce the incidence of hepatitis B.
Review on Cowan WM, Gottlieb DI, Hendrickson AE, Price JL, Woolsey TA. 1972. The autoradiographic demonstration of axonal connections in the central nervous system. Brain Res 37: 21-51.

original article abstract Axoplasmically transported proteins synthesized in neuronal somata labeled by radioactively labeled amino acids (tritium), following local targeted injections for tracing of pathways in the central nervous system using autoradiography. Results from a number of neuronal systems, including: the rat olfactory bulb; cortico-thalamic projections in the mouse; commissural connections of the rat hippocampus; and retinal projections in the monkey and chick are documented. Pathway origins are clear, as the number and distribution of the labeled cells and the normal structure of the injection site is preserved. Light and electron microscopic autoradiography shows that proteins are transported, at two rates: rapid transport (>100 mm/day) of fewer proteins accumulating in axon terminals; and, slow transport (1–5 mm/day) of the bulk of labeled proteins distributed along the length of axons. Different survival times can be selected to evaluate terminal projection field(s) or pathways from origin to termination. The clarity of autoradiographic labeling of pathways and their terminations is comparable to other techniques (such as the Nauta-Gygax and the Fink-Heimer methods and the electron microscopy of terminal degeneration). Labeled amino acids do not label molecules in fibers of passage and there is no retrograde transport of labeled material from the axon terminals. The functional polarity of fiber pathways can be easily established. We summarize the merits of this technique is based upon an established physiological properties of neurons that are summarized in contrast to currently used techniques dependent upon pathological changes in neurons, axons, or axonal terminals. article abstract This article considers a heavily cited Brain Research article that reported an extremely important turning point in the ability to demonstrate neuroanatomical pathways in the central nervous system. Using radioactive leucine microinjections into the brain, neurons synthesized proteins from this amino acid that were transported down their axons to the terminal synapses on the target neurons. Tracing the transport of the labeled protein by autoradiography permitted quantitative analysis of projections and pathways. As a result, pathway analysis was transformed from studying the degenerating processes of lesioned neurons to the study of intact pathways in non-manipulated brains. The classical protocol has since been widely applied and used to investigate countless brain circuits. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:50th Anniversary Issue .
Voting, Risk, Aversion, and the NIMBY Syndrome: A Comment on Robert Nelson's 'Privatizing the Neighborhood'

Robert Nelson proposes a major change in property rights and voting rights in order to overcome the NIMBY ("Not In My Back Yard") syndrome. NIMBYs often prevent the development of efficiently high densities in the suburbs. This comment explores the source of NIMBYism in order to suggest more moderate reforms. Owner-occupied housing is an extremely risky investment. For most owners, their home is by far the largest asset they own. Although insurance can be purchased against physical destruction, the effect of other insults, such as spillovers from nearby developments, must be borne entirely by the owner. The excesses of NIMBYism are thus a rational response to this lack of insurance. The article explores ways by which the risks of homeownership might be reduced to as to assuage the anxieties of NIMBYs. Although the transaction costs of establishing homeowner equity insurance are high, recent developments in house-price indexes suggest that such markets may yet become feasible. Equity insurance, supplemented by a modest expansion of the regulatory takings doctrine, may offer a less radical path to combating NIMBYism than either Nelson's compulsory privatization proposal or proposals by others to remove local zoning to higher-level governments.
Experience with the extracardiac conduit.

A review is made of all Mayo Clinic cases wherein 468 patients have received 516 extracardiac conduits in the repair of congenital heart defects. All patients had complex defects, which are classified in 10 basic diagnostic categories. The early mortality rate (which ranged from 4% to 49%, according to diagnostic group) averaged 25%, improving with experience. The postoperative complication rate was 70%. In 1% of operations, compression of the conduit was encountered at chest closure. The conduits placed in 333 patients contained a porcine valve. The conduit diameter averaged 22 mm. At completion of the operation, the mean gradient across the conduit was 22.8 mm Hg. At late study this mean gradient remained at 26 mm Hg in patients who had received the currently employed porcine-valved conduit. The average ratio of intraoperative postrepair ventricular (RV/LV) systolic pressures was 0.68. It was lower among the group who were to survive but was not of prognostic value in individual cases. Among patients who survived the postoperative period, the late mortality rate (based on a mean of 3.6 years’ follow-up) averaged 3.5% per year. Of the long-term survivors, 18% have required reoperation, primarily for replacement of calcified aortic homograft conduits used in the earlier part of the experience. Only 0.8% of porcine-valved conduits have required reoperation. Unrestricted life-styles were possible for 90% of survivors.
SU-F-T-166: On the Nature of the Background Visible Light Observed in Fiber Optic Dosimetry of Proton Beams

Purpose: The nature of the background visible light observed during fiber optic dosimetry of proton beams, whether it is due to Cherenkov radiation or not, has been debated in the literature recently. In this work, experimentally and by means of Monte Carlo simulations, we shed light on this problem and investigated the nature of the background visible light observed in fiber optics irradiated with proton beams. Methods: A bare silica fiber optics was embedded in tissue-mimicking phantoms and irradiated with clinical proton beams with energies of 100–225 MeV at Roberts Proton Therapy Center. Luminescence spectroscopy was performed by a CCD-coupled spectrograph to analyze in detail the emission spectrum of the fiber tip across the visible range of 400–700 nm. Monte Carlo simulation was performed by using FLUKA Monte Carlo code to simulate Cherenkov light and ionizing radiation dose deposition in the fiber. Results: The experimental spectra of the irradiated silica fiber shows two distinct peaks at 450 and 650 nm, whose spectral shape is different from that of Cherenkov radiation. We believe that the nature of these peaks are connected to the point defects of silica including oxygen-deficiency center (ODC) and non-bridging oxygen hole center (NBOHC). Monte Carlo simulations confirmed the experimental observations that Cherenkov radiation cannot be solely responsible for such a signal. Conclusion: We showed that Cherenkov radiation is not the dominant visible signal observed in bare fiber optics irradiated with proton beams. We observed two distinct peaks at 450 and 650 nm whose nature is connected with the point defects of silica fiber including oxygen-deficiency center and non-bridging oxygen hole center.
The Paradox of Menemism: Party Adaptation and Regime Stability in the 1990s

This book has argued that the PJ's capacity to adapt to the opportunities and constraints of the neoliberal era was critical to its survival as a major political force. The following chapter takes the argument a step further, making the case that the Peronist adaptation contributed in an important way to the performance and stability of Argentine democracy. Argentine democracy was surprisingly successful during the 1990s. Core democratic institutions such as free elections, the protection of civil liberties, and civilian control over the military became firmly established. Indeed, these institutions proved sufficiently robust to survive a hyperinflationary crisis, radical economic reform, and the abuses of the Menem government. One of the keys to understanding this outcome lies in the transformation and survival of Peronism. The socioeconomic crisis of the 1980s and 1990s posed a fundamental threat to established parties and party systems in Latin America. This was particularly the case in what Roberts (1997a, 1998b) calls labor-mobilizing party systems, or party systems in which established labor-mobilizing parties are central actors. Where labor-mobilizing parties failed to adapt to the challenges posed by socioeconomic crisis and neoliberalism, as in Peru and Venezuela, party systems collapsed (Roberts 1997a). In theory, the collapse of established parties should lead to the emergence and consolidation of newer, more representative parties. In such a case, party decline would simply result in a realignment of the party system. In contemporary Latin America, however, the failure of established parties has more frequently led to party system fragmentation or decomposition.
Segmented targeted least squares estimator for material decomposition in multibin photon-counting detectors.

We present a fast, noise-efficient, and accurate estimator for material separation using photon-counting x-ray detectors (PCXDs) with multiple energy bin capability. The proposed targeted least squares estimator (TLSE) is an improvement of a previously described A-table method by incorporating dynamic weighting that allows the variance to be closer to the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) throughout the operating range. We explore Cartesian and average-energy segmentation of the basis material space for TLSE and show that, compared with Cartesian segmentation, the average-energy method requires fewer segments to achieve similar performance. We compare the average-energy TLSE to other proposed estimators-including the gold standard maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and the A-table-in terms of variance, bias, and computational efficiency. The variance and bias were simulated in the range of 0 to 6 cm of aluminum and 0 to 50 cm of water with Monte Carlo methods. The Average-energy TLSE achieves an average variance within 2% of the CRLB and mean absolute error of [Formula: see text]. Using the same protocol, the MLE showed variance within 1.9% of the CRLB ratio and average absolute error of [Formula: see text] but was 50 times slower in our implementations. Compared with the A-table method, TLSE gives a more homogenously optimal variance-to-CRLB ratio in the operating region. We show that variance in basis material estimates for TLSE is lower than that of the A-table method by as much as [Formula: see text] in the peripheral region of operating range (thin or thick objects). The TLSE is a computationally efficient and fast method for material separation with PCXDs, with accuracy and precision comparable to the MLE.
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Activation: A Means to Prevent Monocyte–Endothelium Engagement

This Commentary highlights the article by Rom et al which shows that selective cannabinoid receptor 2 activation in leukocytes decreases key steps in monocyte-blood brain barrier engagement suppressing inflammatory leukocyte responses and preventing neuroinflammation.
Role and Future Directions of External Beam Radiotherapy for Primary Liver Cancer

The incidence of primary liver cancers continues to increase in the United States and worldwide. The majority of patients with primary liver cancer are not candidates for curative therapies such as surgical resection or orthotopic liver transplantation due to tumor size, vascular invasion, or underlying comorbidities. Therefore, while primary liver cancer is the sixth-most common cancer diagnosis worldwide, it represents the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Radiotherapy traditionally played a limited role in the treatment of primary liver cancer due to concerns over hepatic tolerance and the inability to deliver a tumoricidal dose of radiotherapy while still sparing normal hepatic parenchyma. However, the development of modern radiotherapy techniques has made liver-directed radiotherapy a safe and effective treatment option for both hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. An increasing body of literature has demonstrated the excellent local control and survival rates associated with liver-directed radiotherapy. These data include multiple radiotherapy techniques and modalities, including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and charged particle therapy, including proton therapy. In this review, we discuss the development of liver-directed radiotherapy and evidence in support of its use, particularly in patients who are not candidates for resection or orthotopic liver transplantation. We also discuss future directions for its role in the management of primary liver cancers.
Association between the Rosén and Lundborg Score and the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale in hand functional evaluation of patients with leprosy diagnosis.

Purpose: To evaluate the association of results from the Rosen and Lundborg Score and the screening activity limitation and Safety Awareness scale for the assessment of hand in patients diagnosed w...
Large Area Nb Nanolayers with Advanced Superconducting Properties as a Base for Superconducting Spintronics

High quality Nb nanoscale films of large area (7 × 80 mm2) and constant thickness were deposited by DC-magnetron sputtering in commercial “Leybold Z400” vacuum system. Homogeneity and proper thickness of the Nb layer provided by the target-holder movement during the DC sputtering using specially constructed arrangement based on controllable DC motor with a gear. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry was used for precise thickness measurements. The increase of superconducting critical temperature (<1.5 K for films with comparable thickness) and of superconducting coherent length (up to 30–35%) in comparison with films prepared by common technique is reported.
Can components of the plasminogen activation system predict the outcome of kidney transplants

Proteolytic and antiproteolytic enzymes play a critical role in the physiology and pathology of different stages of human life. One of the important members of the proteolytic family is the plasminogen activation system (PAS), which includes several elements crucial for this review: the 50 kDa glycoprotein plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) that inhibits tissue-type (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). These two convert plasminogen into its active form named plasmin that can lyse a broad spectrum of proteins. Urokinase receptor (uPAR) is the binding site of uPA. This glycoprotein on the cell surface facilitates urokinase activation of plasminogen, creating high proteolytic activity close to the cell surface. PAS activities have been reported to predict the outcome of kidney transplants. However, reports on expression of PAS in kidney transplants seem to be controversial. On the one hand there are reports that impaired proteolytic activity leads to induction of chronic allograft nephropathy, while on the other hand treatment with uPA and tPA can restore function of acute renal transplants. In this comprehensive review we describe the complexity of the PAS as well as biological effects of the PAS on renal allografts, and provide a possible explanation of the reported controversy.
Secondary Imaging Findings Aid in Prenatal Diagnosis and Characterization of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Role of an Abnormal Orientation of Vascular Structures and Gallbladder Position.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether an abnormal orientation of the abdominal or hepatic vasculature and an abnormal gallbladder position on prenatal ultrasound (US) imaging are associated with intrathoracic liver herniation and postnatal outcomes in cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS Children who underwent prenatal US examinations and postnatal CDH repair at our institution were eligible. Prenatal US images were reviewed, and the orientation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and hepatic veins as well as gallbladder position were recorded. Findings were correlated with prenatal US measurements (lung-to-head ratio and calculated observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio) and postnatal outcomes, including intrathoracic liver herniation, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requirement, and mortality. RESULTS A total of 175 patients met inclusion criteria. The SMA was shown in 168 cases and had a cephalad orientation in 95.4% (161 of 168), which was not associated with outcome measures and represented bowel herniation. A cephalad orientation of the hepatic veins was identified in 52.6% (90 of 171) and was associated with intrathoracic liver herniation, an ECMO requirement, and mortality (P < .01). In right-sided CDH, the gallbladder was intrathoracic in 91.3% (21 of 23). In left-sided CDH, an abnormal gallbladder position was seen in 51.3% (76/152) and was associated with intrathoracic liver herniation, an ECMO requirement, mortality, and lower lung-to-head ratio and observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio values. When combined, abnormal hepatic vein and gallbladder positions showed good sensitivity and specificity in predicting intrathoracic liver herniation (area under the curve, 0.93). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal SMA, hepatic vein, and gallbladder positions can be used to improve prenatal characterization of CDH. Accurate depiction of these structures on prenatal US images may aid in patient counseling and postnatal management.
Impounded: Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment by Linda Gordon and Gary Y. Okihiro New York: W.W. Norton, 2006. 205 pp

(2007). Impounded: Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment by Linda Gordon and Gary Y. Okihiro New York: W.W. Norton, 2006. 205 pp. American Journalism: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 136-138.
Dialysis Access Catheters

A vascular access catheter is indicated when a patient requires renal replacement therapy. Common indications for renal replacement therapy in the ICU include refractory acidosis, hyperkalemia, volume overload, symptomatic uremia, or overdose with a dialyzable toxin. Risks include arterial puncture, pneumothorax, infection, venous obstruction or thrombosis, or air embolus. The right internal jugular (IJ) is the preferred site for placement of a temporary dialysis catheter, followed by the femoral vessels. Catheters in the left IJ will require two angulations on course to the superior vena cava, which can lead to difficulty achieving adequate flow for dialysis. The subclavian vessels are the least preferred site due to the potential for subclavian vein stenosis.
Historic risk and implied volatility

Abstract This study extends the volatility prediction literature with (1) new intraday realized volatility measures and (2) various implied volatility indexes for commodities, currencies, and equities. Predicting volatility is important for academics, investors, and regulators. Applications range from forecasting stock and option returns to constructing early warning systems. Using twenty-three Chicago Board Options Exchange VIX indexes, as opposed to the common S&P 100 and S&P 500 equity indexes, we find a bidirectional lead-lag relationship between implied volatility and realized volatility. The lead-lag relationships are more robust and stronger using suggested intraday volatility measures than using the interday volatility measures that are common in the literature.
Application of Cosserat-spectrum theory to the weakly compressible Stokes flow past a sphere

The Cosserat-spectrum theory, which provides an eigenfunction-expansion solution to the Navier equations of linear elasticity, has recently been applied successfully to a number of problems in elasticity, thermoelasticity and viscoelasticity. In this work the theory's extension to fluid mechanics is explored and the example problem of the weakly compressible Stokes flow past a sphere is solved in closed form.