cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Islam and Security in Russia

Ṭhis chapter provides an in-depth discussion of the definition of Russia’s traditional Islam, which has become the conceptual basis of the Russian official approach to Islam, domestically and internationally, and its influence on processes of (de)securitization of Islam, of inclusion and exclusion of Muslims, and national identity formation (patriotism, education).
Moral Reasoning about Ending Life Revisited: Influences of Religiosity and Resilience

ABSTRACT This study examined religiosity, resilience, and age across generation as predictors of moral reasoning and judgments about certain ending of life situations: suicide, physician-assisted suicide (PAS), active euthanasia (AE), and mercy killing (MK). Data was collected from undergraduate students attending a conservative Christian university in the Midwest as well as from an online community forum (N= 153). This study is a replication and expansion of a previous study.1 Measures included the questionnaire developed for Anstee's study, as well as the Christian Religious Internalization Scale, Response to Stressful Experiences Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Linear regression analysis found identified (autonomous) religiosity as a predictor of moral reasoning and judgments, to the extent that ending of life scenarios are morally wrong. Resilience was found to be a predictor of moral judgments to the extent that MK is morally right. These findings suggest that the internalization of beliefs p...
Sequencing and De Novo Assembly of the Toxicodendron radicans (Poison Ivy) Transcriptome.

Contact with poison ivy plants is widely dreaded because they produce a natural product called urushiol that is responsible for allergenic contact delayed-dermatitis symptoms lasting for weeks. For this reason, the catchphrase most associated with poison ivy is “leaves of three, let it be”, which serves the purpose of both identification and an appeal for avoidance. Ironically, despite this notoriety, there is a dearth of specific knowledge about nearly all other aspects of poison ivy physiology and ecology. As a means of gaining a more molecular-oriented understanding of poison ivy physiology and ecology, Next Generation DNA sequencing technology was used to develop poison ivy root and leaf RNA-seq transcriptome resources. De novo assembled transcriptomes were analyzed to generate a core set of high quality expressed transcripts present in poison ivy tissue. The predicted protein sequences were evaluated for similarity to SwissProt homologs and InterProScan domains, as well as assigned both GO terms and KEGG annotations. Over 23,000 simple sequence repeats were identified in the transcriptome, and corresponding oligo nucleotide primer pairs were designed. A pan-transcriptome analysis of existing Anacardiaceae transcriptomes revealed conserved and unique transcripts among these species.
Amplification of localized body forces in channel flows of viscoelastic fluids

Abstract The study of nonmodal amplification of distributed body forces in channel flows of viscoelastic fluids has provided useful insights into the mechanisms that may govern the initial stages of transition to elastic turbulence. However, distributed body forces are not easy to implement in experiments and so there is a need to examine amplification of localized body forces. In this work, we use the linearized governing equations to examine such amplification in Poiseuille flow of FENE-CR fluids. We first identify the wall-normal location at which the impulsive excitations experience the largest amplification and then analyze the kinetic energy of the fluctuations and the resulting flow structures. For both a Newtonian fluid at high Reynolds numbers and a viscoelastic fluid at low Reynolds numbers, the largest amplification occurs for disturbances that are located near the channel wall. Our analysis of the energy evolution shows that a localized body force in the spanwise direction has the largest impact and that the streamwise velocity component is most affected. For viscoelastic fluids we observe the development of vortical structures away from the source of impulsive excitation. This feature is less prominent in Newtonian fluids and it may provide a mechanism for triggering the initial stages of transition to elastic turbulence.
Integrative thermodynamic optimization of a vapor compression refrigeration system based on dynamic system responses

Abstract We optimized the internal structure (heat exchanger areas) of a dynamic vapor compression refrigeration system for maximum global system performance described by the coefficient of performance (COP), refrigeration rate, second law efficiency, and pull-down time. The numerical optimization was subjected to fixed system heat transfer surface, and the relative sizes of condenser and evaporator were selected optimally via parametric sweeps. Optimization results demonstrated the existence of distinct optimal area allocation for each objective function considered herein while higher evaporator to condenser global heat transfer ratio was preferred in all cases. Maximum COP was achieved, for instance, with smaller evaporator area than maximum second law efficiency that yielded shorter pull-down time and lower refrigerated space temperature in exchange for slightly higher compressor power and total exergy destruction. In summary, this work provides insights into the selection of an optimal refrigeration system design based on its dynamic responses and physical implications.
“Just the Type with whom I Like to Work”: Two Correspondence Field Experiments in an Online Mental Health Care Market:

Two field experiments investigated discrimination in an online mental health care market. The subjects were 908 mental health care providers (MHPs) who advertise for clients on a website through wh...
Team Medicine in The NICU: Ship or Flotilla of Lifeboats?

The image of a majestic ocean liner plowing the Atlantic, a square-jawed captain firmly gripping the wheel, does not fit the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). All the NICUs in which I have worked have been small and overcrowded, not at all majestic. The lives that hang in the balance there are also small and fragile. Clearly, the physical symbolism of a ship is not appropriate. What about the organizational metaphor? Is the physician truly, captain of the NICU ship? If there is indeed a captain, who are the crew members, who the passengers, and what is their destination? Is the NICU really a ship, or a flotilla of lifeboats?
Issues Related to the Growth of Electricity in Global Energy Demand

Since the subject of this international conference is “Global Energy Demand in Transition: The New Role of Electricity,” it is most appropriate that the first technical sessions deal with the foreseeable expansion of the global market for electricity and the factors that drive the evolution of the market shares of energy sources and uses (which are different, though related, issues).
College-for-All: Alternative Options and Procedures

This chapter discusses how the status attainment model has been integral to our understanding of the factors affecting average educational attainment, but it poorly describes institutional procedures and individual strategies that lead to academic success. We pose new issues for understanding the experiences of the growing populations of disadvantaged students in open-admissions 2-year colleges. We describe the experiences of individuals from a small study to provide evidence of how disadvantaged students manage to beat the odds and attain educational success. While we cannot address issues of generalizability, we describe alternative sequences and pathways to educational attainment, institutional supports and procedures, and their self-identified sources of direction, despite the major obstacles and setbacks. We situate our cases in prior extensions of the status attainment model to consider alternative mechanisms to educational attainment. These analyses are crucial if we are to understand the dynamic processes that drive educational attainment despite major obstacles.
Generation Expansion Analysis in Low Data Settings

There are over 600 million people without access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The design of sustainable electricity systems needed to fuel development in the region requires context-specific power system modeling. Modeling data requirements however can be challenging for researchers and other stakeholders to access. To address this, an open-access cost optimization capacity expansion model, known as PROGRESS (Programmable Resource Optimization for Growth in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Systems), has been built to explore generation expansion pathways for countries with low availability and access to power systems data. The model has relatively low data requirements and is easily adaptable to enable comparative scenario analysis. This paper focuses on a first order proof-of-concept to show how PROGRESS works and then presents preliminary results for generation capacity expansion using the case of Kenya.
High Structural Complexity of Potassium Uranyl Borates Derived from High‐Temperature/High‐Pressure Reactions.

K12 [(UO2)19(UO4) (B2O5)2(BO3)6 (BO2OH)O10]·nH2O (I), K4 [(UO2)5(BO3)2O4] ·H2O (II), and K15 [(UO2)18(BO3)7O15] (III) are synthesized by high-pressure solid state reaction of KNO3, H3BO3, SiO2, Al2O3, and UO2(NO3)2·6H2O in molar ratios of K:B:Si:Al:U = 2:6:5:5:1 and KOH solution for (I) and K:B:Si:U = 2:6:5:1 without Al2O3 and KOH addition for compounds (II) and (III) (Au capsule, 650 °C, 200 MPa, 7 d).
Helicopter versus ground ambulance: review of national database for outcomes in survival in transferred trauma patients in the USA.

Background Trauma care has improved substantially in the last decade. The emphasis of the Golden Hour in trauma care has encouraged the creation of faster transport and earlier prehospital intervention. Despite the clear time-saving advantage helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) held over ground ambulances (GAs) in the past, advances in prehospital care over the last decade have created uncertainty as to whether HEMS transport is still associated with improved patient outcomes. We aimed to determine whether air transportation was associated with better outcomes compared with ground transportation. We hypothesized that air transportation is associated with better patient outcomes. Methods A retrospective review was performed on the National Trauma Data Bank in 2014 on patients transferred either by helicopter or ground ambulance. Demographic information, mean length of stay, mean ventilator days, and mortality rate was abstracted. All transferred patients and patients with missing information were excluded. χ2 test was performed to analyze categorical variables and independent t-test was performed to analyze continuous variables. A logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of Glasgow Coma Scale score, mechanism of injury (blunt vs penetrating), age, gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and method of transportation (HEMS vs GA) on the likelihood of mortality. Results A total of 469 407 transferred trauma patients were analyzed. Mortality appeared to be increased in trauma patients transported by helicopter ambulance (6.0%) versus GA (2.9%) (p Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that despite improvements in trauma care, patients have improved survival if transported by helicopter ambulance. Level of evidence and study type Level IV; Therapeutic/Care Management.
Heat stress impairs in vitro development of preantral follicles of cattle

Abstract Although detrimental effects of heat stress on antral follicle development have been well studied, long-term effects - affecting the preantral follicle pool – are still largely unknown. The goal of this study was to evaluate effects of heat stress on growth, viability, gene expression and ATP production of preantral follicles of cattle. Follicles at the primary, early secondary and secondary stages were isolated from cattle ovaries and individually cultured while imposing physiological (CON; 38.5 °C) or intermittent heat stress (HS; 38.5 °C for 16 h and 41 °C for 8 h daily) conditions for 7 days. Individual follicles were subjected to real-time qPCR for determination of relative abundance of BAX, HSPA1A and SOD1 mRNA transcripts and evaluated for ATP production. Treatment for 7 days with intermittent HS decreased viability (P = 0.01) and diameter (P = 0.03) of preantral follicles. Relative abundances of BAX and HSPA1A mRNA transcripts were greater in follicles of the CON and HS groups that became non-viable during culture (P
Learner Perceptions of Electronic End-of-shift Evaluations on An Emergency Medicine Clerkship.

Objectives As students on an emergency medicine (EM) rotation work with different faculty on a daily basis, EM clerkships often incorporate an end-of-shift evaluation to capture sufficient student performance data. Electronic shift evaluations have been shown to increase faculty completion compliance. This study aimed to examine learner perceptions of their individualized feedback during an EM clerkship following the adoption of an electronic evaluation tool. Methods This retrospective study examined end-of-rotation surveys that students complete at the conclusion of their EM rotation. Survey respondents used a standard Likert scale (1-5). This study examined responses to the question: "The feedback I received on this rotation was adequate." The study period included the 3 academic years prior to and subsequent to the adoption of an electronic evaluation system (replacing paper end-of-shift evaluations). The primary outcome was the mean Likert score and the secondary outcome was the percentage of students who rated their feedback a "5" or "strongly agree." Results A total of 491 students responded (83.9% response rate) to the survey during the paper evaluation period, while 427 responded (80.7% response rate) in the electronic period. The mean response improved from 4.02 (paper evaluations) to 4.22 (electronic evaluations; mean difference = 0.20, p < 0.05). The percentage of students who responded with a 5 improved (31% with paper evaluations vs. 41% with electronic evaluations, p < 0.05). Conclusions The adoption of an electronic end-of-shift evaluation system was associated with improved learner perception of their feedback as compared to paper evaluations. Electronic evaluations are a useful tool to gather just-in-time data on learner performance.
Nuclear Morphology and the Biology of Cancer Cells.

Background: For more than a century, diagnostic pathologists have used morphologic abnormalities of the nucleus as essential diagnostic features to distinguish benign from malignant cells. These features include nuclear enlargement and increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear membrane irregularities, hyperchromasia, and abnormal chromatin distribution. As our knowledge about the genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of cancer cells has increased in recent decades, the pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie these morphologic abnormalities remain incompletely understood. Summary: This review attempts to summarize biologic abnormalities in malignant cells related to these morphologic changes. The molecular anatomy of the nuclear envelope in normal and malignant cells is discussed as well as regulation of nuclear size and shape, regulation of signal transduction pathways by molecules of the nuclear envelope, chromatin distribution, and the effects of HPV infection on dysplastic cells in the uterine cervix. Key Message: Causes of morphologic nuclear abnormalities in malignant cells are likely multifactorial. They probably include mutations, dysregulation of signal transduction pathways, abnormal gene expression patterns, alterations of nuclear envelope proteins and chromatin, and aneuploidy.
X-cut LiNbO 3 Coupled Resonators for Narrow-band Filtering Applications

This paper reports the first implementation of a narrow-band filter exploiting two electrically coupled high performance X-cut Lithium Niobate (LiNbO 3 or LN) Laterally Vibrating Resonators (LVRs) operating around 108 MHz. By selecting the proper coupling capacitance at the common node, the series of identical resonators attains a bandpass response with insertion loss of 2.8 dB and an average return loss of 10 dB in 300 kHz with $50\ \Omega$ terminations. The group delay is approximately $1.8\ \mu\mathrm{s}$ and it varies less than 7% inside a 0.09% fractional bandwidth (BW%). The out-of-band rejection is > 60 dB and the 20dB-shape factor is 2.33. This filter topology is a perfect candidate for spectral sensing and interferes removal in new Radio Frequency (RF) modules, as the channel selective filter exhibits low losses and narrow-band response combined with constant group delay and high rejection, within a simple 2-mask process fabrication and small form factor. The overall performances can be further improved through a monolithic integration of the filter, drastically reducing the impact of parasitics coming from the test board. Simulated and measured results are shown along with an even-odd mathematical analysis.
Agri/Bioinformatics: Shaping Next-Generation Agriculture

Bioinformatics is a relatively new discipline focused on biological science and information technology. Due to the advances made in biology, especially in genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, we have a significant amount of knowledge for biological systems. Parallel growth in the field of information technology (IT) strengthens our capacity to handle such vast data in order to make a significant finding that is important to solve complex biological problems, either we are facing now and/or will face in the near future. Furthermore, the advantages and end results that new omic technologies can exhibit are promising. Since the past decades genetic makeup of various organisms has been captured in form of sequences and thus a large amount of raw genomic data collected which are of extreme value if proper annotation is performed. The new IT resource that involves mathematical algorithms and computer science, facilitate the advanced level of annotation that has never been possible before. Apparently, the creation and application of all tools that help in sequencing, assembling, annotating, and making some meaningful inferences from the biological samples taken from different conditions are considered to be an area that could be included in bioinformatics. Advances in computational biology allow the conceptualization of the exact circumstances, better planning, experimental design, real-time simulations, and virtual data analysis to get a deeper understanding of biological problems and their solutions long before the conventional laboratory experiment begins. Research in this field opens up a new area called agri-informatics, where all these methods concentrate on enhancing agricultural sustainablity and crop improvement. The greater potential and accessibility of these tools and knowledge generated by combining various aspects of biological, mathematical, computer science, and data technology has enormous potential for an impact on agricultural yield by increasing plant productivity and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and could have huge value for agriculture prospects in the near future.
Detecting word-level stress in continuous speech: A case study of Brazilian Portuguese

This study discusses the detection of primary stress in continuous speech in Brazilian Portuguese (BP) using the West Point corpus (Morgan et al. 2008), and compressed representations of the speech signal (MFCCs, modelled by HMM-GMMs), as implemented in the toolkit Kaldi (Povey et al. 2011). An acoustic model of BP was trained using 5-fold cross validation and tested in three experimental conditions. Fairly high measures of accuracy were achieved in all conditions tested, yielding high MCCs and Kappas, indicating that the results are neither an effect of imbalanced data sets, nor of chance classification. These results, along with metrics obtained for vowels in pre- and posttonic positions indicate (i) that stress in BP is captured fairly well across speakers and genders by representations of the speech signal that encode spectral features and energy information but which do not directly compute duration or F0; (ii) as captured by the models used herein, there is an asymmetry between pretonic and posttonic vowels; (iii) in a preliminary analysis, Unstressed word tokens tend to cluster in prosodically weak positions of the utterance, raising the question of whether stress is consistently realized in these positions; (iv) pending further studies, there is an asymmetry between ultimate, penultimate and antepenultimate words as to how successfully stress is captured by the models used herein.
Participant-Reported Experiences of Conversations about Sexually Transmitted Infections with Romantic Partners: Perceptions of Ownership and Privacy.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions of people annually, costing $16 billion in direct costs each year. Young adults often avoid communicating with their romantic partners about S...
Deep AUC Maximization for Medical Image Classification: Challenges and Opportunities.

In this extended abstract, we will present and discuss opportunities and challenges brought about by a new deep learning method by AUC maximization (aka \underline{\bf D}eep \underline{\bf A}UC \underline{\bf M}aximization or {\bf DAM}) for medical image classification. Since AUC (aka area under ROC curve) is a standard performance measure for medical image classification, hence directly optimizing AUC could achieve a better performance for learning a deep neural network than minimizing a traditional loss function (e.g., cross-entropy loss). Recently, there emerges a trend of using deep AUC maximization for large-scale medical image classification. In this paper, we will discuss these recent results by highlighting (i) the advancements brought by stochastic non-convex optimization algorithms for DAM; (ii) the promising results on various medical image classification problems. Then, we will discuss challenges and opportunities of DAM for medical image classification from three perspectives, feature learning, large-scale optimization, and learning trustworthy AI models.
Engineering and Manufacturing Development of a New Metric Fastener — 12-Spline Flange Bolt

This paper discusses the engineering and manufacturing development of metric 12-spline flange bolts from "blue sky" ideas through final stages of analysis, testing, and manufacturing. This fastener was developed in the course of a program to study the development of an Optimum Metric Fastener System (OMFS). Finite element techniques, photoelastic tests, and extensive structural as well as wrenching tests were used to establish a final configuration commensurate with preselected engineering and economic criteria. The developed and manufactured 12-spline flange bolt performance characteristics can be described by lower bearing pressures, lower head stress concentration factors, and lower head spring rates than those found in existing hexagon head designs. Additionally, substantial raw material savings are predicted. Metric 12-spline flange bolts are documented in OMFS-9 (also under consideration as ANSI B18.2.5).
Power Renewables - Low-Carbon Future

This article discusses about the climate change that is continuing to grab the media headlines it is vital that electric utility companies have a low-carbon strategy. There is very little argument that fossil fuels used in power generation contribute substantially to global carbon dioxide emissions. This impact is compounded by rapidly growing global demand for electricity in the face of economic development in emerging countries. Changes in the political and public mindset have left electricity utilities facing a future where continued high levels of carbon emissions are untenable. Understanding the drivers that lead or force utilities to reduce carbon emissions is vital to help leaders of today's global utilities make difficult and long-lived investment decisions.
Large-Eddy Simulation of Air Pollution Dispersion in the Nocturnal Cloud- Topped Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Effects of stratocumulus clouds on the dispersion of contaminants are studied in the nocturnal atmospheric boundary layer. The study is based on a large-eddy simulation (LES) model with a bulk parametrization of clouds. Computations include Lagrangian calculations of atmospheric dispersion of a passive tracer released from point sources at various heights above the ground. The results obtained show that the vertical diffusion is non-Gaussian and depends on the location of a source in the boundary layer.
Stochastic Resonance in Bistable Systems

The phenomenon of stochastic resonance1 has recently been observed in two systems, the Schmitt trigger2 and the bistable ring laser3. A bistable system is subject to a periodic modulation of the input. The power spectrum of the system output is determined and the response of the system to the modulation is measured by the signal to noise ratio at the modulation frequency. In stochastic resonance, the signal to noise ratio is enhanced by the addition of noise to the input.
The mechanism of action of rat liver DNA methylase. 3. Nucleotide requirements for binding and methylation.

Abstract The interaction of rat liver DNA-cytosine methylase with a variety of naturally-occurring, chemically-modified and synthetic nucleic acid polymers was studied. Binding of the enzyme was affected by the base composition of the synthetic polymers and by alkylation or depurination of naturally-occurring DNAs. It was not affected by deamination of naturally-occurring DNA. Although the rate of methylation of naturally-occurring DNAs to some degree could be correlated with GC content, these differences in rate could not be accounted for by differences in the affinity of binding of enzyme to DNA.
The impact of surgical timing and intervention on outcome in traumatized dogs and cats

Objective To review the relevant human and veterinary literature regarding the timing of surgical intervention for trauma patients and the impact on outcome. Data Sources Original research, clinical studies, and review articles with no date restrictions from both human and veterinary literature. Human Data Synthesis Despite extensive research into the ideal timing of surgical intervention for human trauma victims, debate is ongoing and views are still evolving. Prior to the 1970s, the standard of care consisted of delayed surgical treatment, as these patients were considered too ill to undergo surgery. Beginning in the 1970s, and continuing for nearly 2 decades, early definitive surgical treatment was recommended. The most recent evolution of human trauma management incorporates the concept of damage control surgery, which acknowledges the importance of early skeletal stabilization or laparotomy for reducing morbidity while attempting to avoid complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Veterinary Data Synthesis Despite a relatively large amount of literature available regarding veterinary trauma, no evidence exists to provide the clinician guidance as to the ideal timing of surgery for trauma patients. With the exception of diaphragmatic hernia, no studies were identified that attempted to evaluate this variable. Conclusions Veterinary-specific studies are needed to evaluate the impact of surgical timing on outcome following trauma. The information that can be obtained from studies in this area can improve veterinary trauma care and may be used as models for human trauma care through translational applications.
International protection of underwater cultural heritage

Ultimately much UCH will be discovered beyond the regulatory competence of any State. Hopefully, if the political will exists, the provisions of the UNESCO Convention that were adopted without consensus, can be renegotiated so that its Rules can be applied to a significantly broader range of underwater cultural heritage than is possible under unilaterally applied domestic laws and State practice. However, the United States is prepared to consider the development of smaller multi-lateral, regional and bi-lateral agreements to protect UCH, and we are certain that other States with advanced underwater technology would be equally interested. We believe that the Titanic and La Belle Agreements contain elements that could be a model for such other agreements.
See One, Do One, Order One: a study protocol for cluster randomized controlled trial testing three strategies for implementing motivational interviewing on medical inpatient units.

General medical hospitals provide care for a disproportionate share of patients who abuse or are dependent upon substances. This group is among the most costly to treat and has the poorest medical and addiction recovery outcomes. Hospitalization provides a unique opportunity to identify and motivate patients to address their substance use problems in that patients are accessible, have time for an intervention, and are often admitted for complications related to substance use that renders hospitalization a “teachable moment.”
Thermal Analysis of Semi-Dilute Hyaluronan Solutions

The freezing and melting of water in semi-dilute (0.5–3.0%) solutions of the polysaccharide hyaluronanhave been investigated by modulated differential scanning calorimetry. High molecular weight hyaluronan inhibited nucleation of ice and significantly depressed thefreezing temperature in a dynamic scan conducted at −3.0°C min−1. Low molecular weight hyaluronan had a weaker and more variable effect on nucleation. Theeffects on nucleation, especially by the high molecular weight hyaluronan, are attributed tothe influence of a hyaluronan network on the formation of critical ice nuclei. Both high and low molecular weight hyaluronan reduced the melting temperature of ice by 0.4–1.1°C, depending on concentration. The enthalpy change associated with this transitionwas significantly reduced. If all of the enthalpy difference is attributed to the presence of non-freezing water, approximately 3.65 g water/g hyaluronan would be non-freezing. This result appears incompatible with published studies on hyaluronan samples of low water content. An alternative hypothesis and quantitative approach to analysis of the data are suggested. The data are interpreted in terms of a small amount of non-freezing water, and amuch larger boundary layer of water surrounding hyaluronan chains, which has slightly altered thermodynamic properties relative to those of bulk water. The boundary layer water behaves similarly to water trapped in small pores in solid materials and hydrogels.
Global Equity Markets and International Diversification

Interest in global investing has increased tremendously over the last several years. U.S. investors seek to reduce risk by diversifying globally. The risk reduction benefits hinge upon the relationships between U.S. stock market indexes and other international stock market indexes. Portfolio research studies have shown that adding new assets that have low correlation with those already held will enhance the risk to return ratio for the new portfolio. Global diversification may provide a similar risk reduction when an investor’s portfolio is expanded to include foreign securities. This study examines relationships between U.S. stock markets and world equity markets to investigate whether international diversification provides additional diversification benefits to U.S. investors. The data for this study include the annualized equity returns and standard deviations computed for 61 indexes (11 Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Indexes and 50 national market indexes that were calculated for the period January 1988 to November 2001. Nine portfolio diversification strategies are examined to obtain efficient frontiers. These portfolios are constructed based upon risk-reward ratios (coefficients of variation), systematic risk (beta) and using different MSCI International Market Indexes. Our analysis suggests that: (1) a portfolio constructed based on coefficients of variation of less than 2 (no index had a ratio of less than 1) as a criterion had the best result; (2) the domestic portfolio (SP (3) among MSCI Indexes, FAREAST indexes had the worst performance as did China among the 50 countries; (4) the presumption that low correlations (less than 0.5) would be an attractive means of reducing the portfolio risk did not produce the best risk-return trade off; and (5) the size of the coefficients and long-term stability of the correlations between country indexes have increased. Finally, the efficient frontier’s point of inflection for this study (January 1988-November 2001) for most of the portfolios occurred at more than 45 percent investment in U.S. market. This result is consistent with prior studies that found the point of inflection for a portfolio consisting of U.S. and foreign stock markets generally occurs at about 40 percent. Our result is dramatically different from the Sharma, Obar, and Moser (1996) study that concluded the point of inflection for their four portfolios occurred with only 10 percent invested in the U.S. market.
Modeling Nicotine Dependence: An Application of a Longitudinal IRT Model for the Analysis of Adolescent Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale

Introduction Measures of nicotine dependence typically use the item average or total score from rating scales, such as the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS). Alternatively, item response theory (IRT) methods can provide useful item-specific information. IRT methods developed for longitudinal data can additionally provide information about item-specific changes over time. Methods We describe a longitudinal 2-parameter ordinal IRT model, and compare the results from this model with those from an IRT model for only the baseline item responses, and a conventional longitudinal analysis of the item-average NDSS score. We examined a 10-item, adolescent version of the NDSS at baseline, 6, 15, and 24 months for 1,097 9th or 10th graders. Results IRT analysis of the baseline data revealed that the items "willing to go out of the house in a storm to find a cigarette," "choose to spend money on cigarettes than lunch," "function better after morning cigarette," and "worth smoking in cold or rain," were good items at distinguishing individuals' levels of nicotine dependency. While the analysis of the averaged NDSS score indicated linear growth over time, the longitudinal IRT method revealed that only 5 out of the 10 items showed statistical increase over time. Conclusions Infrequently endorsed NDSS items were generally better able to distinguish higher levels of dependency. The endorsement of such items increased over time. Items that changed significantly over time reflected the general drive concept of dependence, as well as the total first overarching dimension of dependence.
On Whitehead, Marx, and the Nature of Political Philosophy

In this essay2 I intend to draw out something of the conceptions of the nature of political philosophy that are explicit or implied in the writings of A. N. Whitehead and Karl Marx. Such exposition is not meant to be exhaustive in detail but is offered as thematically sound. The end is a critical comparison upon which further suggestions can be based concerning the nature of political philosophy.
Exact two-phase coexistence surface for a three-component solution on a Bethe lattice

Abstract A model three-component system is considered in which the bonds of a lattice are covered by rodlike molecules of types AA, BB, and AB. The ends of molecules near a common lattice site interact with energies ϵ AA , ϵ BB , and ϵ AB . The exact two-phase coexistence surface in temperature-composition space, corresponding to phase separation into an AA-rich and a BB-rich phase, is obtained for the model on a Bethe lattice of coordination number three.
Attenuated multi-mutated herpes simplex virus-1 for the treatment of malignant gliomas

We have created a double mutant of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (termed G207) with favourable properties for treating human malignant brain tumours: replication–competence in glioblastoma cells (and other dividing cells), attenuated neurovirulence, temperature sensitivity, ganciclovir hypersensitivity, and the presence of an easily detectable histochemical marker. G207 has deletions at both γ34.5 (RL1) loci and a lacZ gene insertion inactivating the ICP6 gene (UL39). G207 kills human glioma cells in monolayer cultures. In nude mice harbouring subcutaneous or intracerebral U–87MG gliomas, intraneoplastic inoculation with G207 causes decreased tumour growth and/or prolonged survival. G207 is avirulent upon intracerebral inoculation of mice and HSV–sensitive non–human primates. These results suggest that G207 should be considered for clinical evaluation in the treatment of glioblastomas.
On the possibility of accurate public prediction

Abstract Henshel's (1995) challenge to practical applicability of the theorem demonstrating the possibility of public predictions of social behavior fails, for his examples do not show discontinuity of the public behavior to the magnitude of the prediction of behavior.
Dynamical Diagnosis: A Comparison of Quasigeostrophy and Ertel Potential Vorticity

Advances in computer power, new forecasting challenges, and new diagnostic techniques have brought about changes in the way atmospheric development and vertical motion are diagnosed in an operational setting. Many of these changes, such as improved model skill, model resolution, and ensemble forecasting, have arguably been detrimental to the ability of forecasters to understand and respond to the evolving atmosphere. The use of nondivergent wind in place of geostrophic wind would be a step in the right direction, but the advantages of potential vorticity suggest that its widespread adoption as a diagnostic tool on the west side of the Atlantic is overdue. Ertel potential vorticity (PV), when scaled to be compatible with pseudopotential vorticity, is generally similar to pseudopotential vorticity, so forecasters accustomed to quasigeostrophic reasoning through the height tendency equation can transfer some of their intuition into the Ertel-PV framework. Indeed, many of the differences between pseudopotential vorticity and Ertel potential vorticity are consequences of the choice of definition of quasigeostrophic PV and are not fundamental to the quasigeostrophic system. Thus, at its core, PV thinking is consistent with commonly used quasigeostrophic diagnostic techniques.
Achieving superplastic behavior in fcc and hcp metals processed by equal-channel angular pressing

Processing through the application of severe plastic deformation provides an opportunity for producing polycrystalline metals with ultrafine grain sizes in the submicrometer or nanometer ranges. If these small grains are reasonably stable at elevated temperatures, the materials will exhibit large elongations to failure when tested in tension without the development of any significant necking within the gauge lengths. Examples of superplastic flow are presented for ultrafine-grained aluminum and magnesium alloys. The results available to date reveal several similarities with conventional superplastic materials in terms of both the mechanical properties and the development of internal cavities during deformation. An important difference visible especially for Al-based alloys is that, because of the exceptionally small grain size after processing, optimum superplastic flow occurs at strain rates which are significantly faster than in conventional alloys.
Context-dependent feature selection for landmine detection with ground-penetrating radar

We present a novel method for improving landmine detection with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) by utilizing a priori knowledge of environmental conditions to facilitate algorithm training. The goal of Context-Dependent Feature Selection (CDFS) is to mitigate performance degradation caused by environmental factors. CDFS operates on GPR data by first identifying its environmental context, and then fuses the decisions of several classifiers trained on context-dependent subsets of features. CDFS was evaluated on GPR data collected at several distinct sites under a variety of weather conditions. Results show that using prior environmental knowledge in this fashion has the potential to improve landmine detection.
Stress analysis of an elastic layer attached to an elastic half space of the same material

Abstract The problem of an elastic layer attached to a half space of the same material by a spot weld is formulated for the case when the loading is tension shear. The problem is reduced to the solution of three simultaneous Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. Solution is obtained to integral equations for several values of the ratio of radius of weld to thickness of layer and quantities of physical interest are calculated.
Theory of collisional quenching of fast metastable ions

A perturbation theoretic calculation of the quenching of fast metastable ions by collision with rare-gas atoms is developed. The quenching is caused by transitions resulting from the interaction with the electrostatic potential of the target atom. A comparison with experimental data is given.
Nonmigrating tides in the thermosphere of Mars

[1] The vertical propagation of nonmigrating (i.e., longitude-dependent or non–Sun-synchronous) solar diurnal and semidiurnal tides into the thermosphere of Mars is investigated through numerical simulation. The waves are generated in the NASA Ames Mars general circulation model (MGCM) through solar radiative, topographic, and nonlinear processes using a comprehensive physics package and including a diurnal cycle. At an altitude near 70 km, zonal wave number decompositions of the diurnal and semidiurnal tidal fields are performed, and each wave component is extended from 70 to 250 km using a linear steady state global scale wave model for Mars (Mars GSWM). Conditions representative of aerocentric longitudes Ls = 30 (near equinox) and Ls = 270 (Southern Hemisphere summer solstice) are considered. Modeled total relative density variations of order ±10–40% near 125 km are analyzed in terms of the zonal wave numbers (ks) seen from the Sun-synchronous perspective of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) accelerometer experiment, and yield reasonable agreement in amplitude and phase with the density measurements. The model indicates the two most important waves responsible for ks = 3 to be the eastward-propagating diurnal and semidiurnal oscillations with zonal wave numbers s = 2 (∼15–40%) and s = 1 (∼8%), respectively. The eastward-propagating diurnal component with s = 1 (∼15%) and the semidiurnal standing (s = 0) oscillation (∼4–23%) are concluded to be the main contributors to the ks = 2 longitudinal density variation seen from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS). The standing (s = 0) diurnal oscillation (∼4–5%) and the westward-propagating semidiurnal component with s = 1 (∼5–8%) emerge as the most likely contributors to ks = 1. Other waves that may make important secondary contributions include the westward-propagating semidiurnal oscillations with s = 3 (∼4–6%) and s = 4 (∼3–9%). In addition, above 100 km the wind and temperature fields associated with the above waves represent ∼15–30% perturbations on the Sun-synchronous wind and temperature fields driven in situ by EUV and near-IR solar radiation absorption. Nonmigrating tides primarily arise from zonal asymmetries in wave forcing associated with Mars' topography; our results show for the first time that the dynamical effects of Mars' topography extend throughout the atmospheric column to Mars' exobase (∼200–250 km).
Feasting on Minerals

Far up in the Chilean Andes, in remote arid regions seemingly inhospitable to life, intrepid microorganisms thrive on a diet of rocks and air. Unfazed by long periods of desiccation or high ultraviolet energy flux, they grow in baths of sulfuric acid replete with toxic metals. The microbes fix carbon dioxide into biomass by exploiting the energy to be gained by "eating" (oxidizing) minerals that contain reduced forms of iron and sulfur, such as chalcopyrite (CuFeS_2). Through their metabolism, these microbes mobilize precious metals from ore deposits into solution, making them powerful catalysts for biomining (see the first figure) (1). Recent research has begun to elucidate how they achieve this remarkable feat.
Continuing the Dialogue: Interior Design Graduate Education Inquiry and Scholarly Cultures

Joy H. Dohr, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she was also an Associate Dean. She presents, writes and consults on interior design education, the creative design process, design and civility, and color. Joy is a Past President and Fellow of IDEC and has served on boards of the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research) and the International Interior Design Association Foundation, among others. She is a recipient of numerous awards from her field and institution.
Some E and MV-optimal row-column designs having equal numbers of rows and columns

In this paper we consider experimental situations in whichv treatments are to be tested using a row-column design consisting ofb columns andb rows and wherev does not divideb 2. Some sufficient conditions are obtained for a design to beE orMV-optimal in such an experimental setting and methods for constructing row-column designs satisfying the sufficient conditions obtained are also given.
Relationship Between Structure and Solubility of Thiol-Protected Silver Nanoparticles and Assemblies

The solubility of alkylthiol-coated silver nanoparticles and the energetics of the ligand disordering have been investigated. Calorimetry measurements have provided correlations between the nature of the ligands and the enthalpy of the ligand disordering, which have guided the improvement of nanoparticle solubility and dispersion in organic media.
The effects of quadratic AM-PM conversion in FDM multiple access communication satellite systems

A travelling wave tube amplifier such as those employed in FDM multiple access communication satellite repeaters is considered in this paper. The amplifier nonlinearity is assumed to follow an error-function characteristic and the AM-PM conversion is taken to be a quadratic function of the envelope of the input signal. A closed form expression, allowing for both arbitrary amounts of amplifier saturation and AM-PM conversion, is derived for the autocorrelation function of the amplifier output when the input is a Gaussian band-pass process.
Ligand effect on the stereoselectivity and catalyst activity in a rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of 1,4-hexadiene from ethylene and butadiene

Abstract Two types of donor ligands are differentiated in their effect on the rhodium-catalyzed codimerization of ethylene and butadiene to form trans -1,4-hexadiene. Weak oxygen donors, with p K a of −5 to −2, such as ethers, ketones, and esters, will increase the rate ofreaction but have no effect on the ratio of trans to cis isomers. Stronger donors, with p K a of −2 to 0 such as alcohol, water, DMF and phosphorus oxides increase the reaction rate and also give in creased stereoselectivity in formation of the trans isomer; these donors all inhibit catalyst activity at high donor/Rh ratio.