cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
35 Tesla hybrid magnet

Abstract A superconducting magnet, consisting of concentric Nb 3 Sn and NbTi coils, will operate in a bath of subcooled helium at 1.8 K in a quasi-adiabatically stable mode. Water-cooled 10 MW insert magnets which fit within the 36 cm cryostat bore are based upon a design which has proven very successful. The system will provide researches with ultrahigh continuous magnetic fields.
Advanced Optical Overlay Measurement System

The successful implementation of advanced lithographic systems into high volume semiconductor fabrication has been hampered by the inability to monitor overlay using actual production wafers. While electrical probe techniques provide the necessary precision to characterize a lithographic system, special wafers and masks or reticles are required. This paper describes a new overlay measurement system (hereafter referred to as OMS) developed to use small targets placed on actual production wafers and masks or reticles. Using a simple detection scheme and a standard microscope, the system can rapidly measure up to 1000 sites per wafer. The system is designed for a precision of better than 0.05 microns (3σ) and measurement time between 1.5 and 3 seconds (including travel) per site. The system software can present vector plots as well as individual error coefficients. Resultant distortion, alignment, and magnification errors are calculated to aid in the optimization of the stepper or scanner system overlay.
The Long‐Term Effects of Military Service on Quality of Life: The Vietnam Experience1

In this study, we examined the effects of military service during the Vietnam War on the quality of life in middle adulthood for a cohort of men characterized by a privileged socioeconomic status. The final sample included 374 men who, upon graduating from an Ivy League college in 1966, performed military service in Vietnam, engaged in military service during this time in regions other than Vietnam, or did not serve in the military. As indices of quality of life in the middle years, we used a set of health-related behaviors, a series of life transitions experienced after the age of 40, and satisfaction with various components of life, as well as life as a whole. Multivariate analyses of variance and chi-square analyses revealed significant differences among the sample subgroups on several quality-of-life indices. The subgroup of Vietnam veterans reported more frequent alcohol use than the nonveterans. In terms of midlife transitions, the Vietnam veterans were most likely to have changed careers and to have moved residence, and the least likely to feel lonely in middle adulthood. Compared to the Vietnam veterans and the Vietnam-era veterans, the nonveteran group was least likely to have questioned their values, experienced depression, or to have moved to a new home. Finally, the Vietnam veterans were significantly less satisfied with their careers, finances, and with life in general, compared to their nonveteran counterparts; however, they reported more satisfaction with their male friendships than did Vietnam-era veterans. These findings suggest that the Vietnam War experience is associated with lower quality of life during middle adulthood in certain domains, even among a select group of individuals, of high socioeconomic status, whose privileged background could have presumably protected them from the adversities of the Vietnam War.
EGFR signaling through an Akt-SREBP-1-dependent, rapamycin-resistant pathway sensitizes glioblastomas to antilipogenic therapy.

Glioblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor, is among the most lethal and difficult cancers to treat. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are frequent in glioblastoma, their clinical relevance is poorly understood. Studies of tumors from patients treated with the EGFR inhibitor lapatinib revealed that EGFR induces the cleavage and nuclear translocation of the master transcriptional regulator of fatty acid synthesis, sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1 (SREBP-1). This response was mediated by Akt; however, clinical data from rapamycin-treated patients showed that SREBP-1 activation was independent of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, possibly explaining rapamycin’s poor efficacy in the treatment of such tumors. Glioblastomas without constitutively active EGFR signaling were resistant to inhibition of fatty acid synthesis, whereas introduction of a constitutively active mutant form of EGFR, EGFRvIII, sensitized tumor xenografts in mice to cell death, which was augmented by the hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor atorvastatin. These results identify a previously undescribed EGFR-mediated prosurvival metabolic pathway and suggest new therapeutic approaches to treating EGFR-activated glioblastomas.
Multiple operation memory structures

This paper describes architectures based on a new memory structure. Memory systems which can perform multiple transfers are described and issues in processor architecture are considered. A general model for memory operations is given, and the classical single transfer memory structures are described. Based on the generalized model, new structures which allow multiple transfers to be performed as a single processor operation are developed. Some architectural considerations at the processor level to support these kinds of memory systems are then discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of these new structures as compared to conventional memories are also discussed and a preliminary performance evaluation is done. This discussion generally refers to the random access, physical, main memory in the system, although many of the results are applicable to other storage devices.
Evaluating Differential Item Functioning of the PRIME-MD Mood Module Among Impoverished Black and White Women in Primary Care

Background Appropriate treatment of depression requires accurate screening and diagnosis. It is important to evaluate depression screening instruments for differential item functioning (DIF) across diverse populations. The PRIME-MD is commonly used in primary care settings to screen for the most common psychiatric disorders, including depression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether items in the mood module of the PRIME-MD perform similarly in 2 high-risk populations: impoverished black and white women. Methods Data were collected during screening for a randomized controlled trial of treatment for depression in women receiving county health and welfare services. Analyses are based on a sample of 3,506 black ( n = 3,191) and white ( n = 315) women who completed the PRIME-MD mood module. Responses were compared using an item response theory approach to DIF assessment. Mean scores, missing data, and internal consistency reliability were also compared. Results None of the 9 items exhibited significant DIF. Missing data rates and internal consistency reliability did not differ for the 2 groups. Mean comparisons indicated that white women endorsed higher levels of depression compared with black women on 6 of the 9 items ( p Conclusions These results suggest that all items of the mood module of the PRIME-MD performed similarly for white and black women. Differences in endorsed depressive symptomatology on the mood module may be attributed to actual differences in DSM-IV depression symptoms between white and black women.
Large-Area Microcalorimeter Detectors for Ultra-High-Resolution X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy

We discuss recent developments in using cryogenic microcalorimeter detectors for x- and gamma-ray spectroscopy. We are currently operating a detector array consisting of thirteen pixels with time-domain multiplexed readout. With a single pixel from this detector, we have measured 97.43-keV gamma rays from 153-Gd with 22-eV resolution (FWHM). We have also made the first multiplexed array measurements of plutonium x- and gamma-rays with 45-eV resolution. We are currently testing a 66-pixel next-generation detector chip. Preliminary measurements with the new detector indicate improved energy linearity and single-pixel energy resolution of 50-100 eV at 100 keV. We present preliminary calibration data from this chip, and a high-statistics multiplexed 21-pixel spectrum of the Pu x-ray region between 90 and 130 keV.
Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies are not markers for genetic susceptibility or indicators of genetic heterogeneity in familial ulcerative colitis.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Autoantibodies that bind to the perinuclear region of neutrophils have been suggested to represent subclinical markers of genetic susceptibility and indicators of genetic heterogeneity in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, results from more recent studies have contradicted this statement. To address this discrepancy, we assayed perinuclear neutrophil antibodies in the UC-affected members of 53 families with at least one relative pair affected with UC. METHODS: Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies were detected using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies were present in 53% of the study subjects with ulcerative colitis (UC). In 15 families (28%), all members with UC were positive for perinuclear neutrophil antibodies, whereas in 12 families (23%), none of the UC-affected members were positive. In the remaining 26 families (49%), the results for the UC-affected relatives were discordant. Similar results were found when only sibling pairs were evaluated. Statistical analysis revealed that for all affected relative pairings, observed concordance did not significantly exceed expected concordance. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the degree of relationship was not enough to predict concordance for perinuclear neutrophil antibodies, and that these antibodies are not markers of genetic heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies are not markers for genetic susceptibility or indicators of genetic heterogeneity in UC.
Reverse mathematics of separably closed sets

This paper contains a corrected proof that the statement “every non-empty closed subset of a compact complete separable metric space is separably closed” implies the arithmetical comprehension axiom of reverse mathematics.
Physical and Optical Characterization of GaN Doped with Neodymium grown by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epixaty

Solid state laser applications using crystals doped with Nd have been quite successful and/or very promising (e.g., Nd:YAG). What these crystals lack is the ability to dissipate thermal energy, with thermal conductivities on the order of 5-15 W/m-K, which limits their high power operation. By changing the matrix to a wide bandgap semiconductor such as GaN (or AlGaN), with a thermal conductivity of 100-300 W/m-K, the improvement in heat extraction could allow for major gains in solid state laser technology. It has been shown previously that rare-earth (RE) dopants such as Er, Pr, Tm, and Eu are well-suited to III-nitride semiconductors [1-4]. Although there have been difficulties in preserving optical quality while achieving adequate concentrations, light emission from RE-doped GaN has been demonstrated by photoluminescence (PL), electroluminescence (EL), and cathodoluminescence (CL). Two techniques exist for the introduction of RE-dopants into the semiconductor matrix: ion implantation and in situ doping during growth. Ion implantation imparts damage to the matrix that can not be removed by annealing, and it creates a doping profile due to the depth limitations for implanting RE species. Kim and Holloway report the EL properties of GaN doped with Nd by in situ reactive sputtering.
The Primal Vision: The Psychological Effects of Creation Myth

This article examines the structure and psychological effects of a three-part primal vision monomyth. This monomyth is a common pattern at the heart of many of the world’s creation stories. The primal vision paints a vivid picture of cosmic harmony, gives an account as to why this original harmony was disrupted, and describes a concrete path toward the restoration of the original universal order. The article then explores the principal psychological effects of the primal vision monomyth on those who actively participate in it. The article concludes with a comparative analysis of modern versus pre-modern approaches to myth and then provides suggestions for how modern psychologists might use the primal vision structure in their own work.
Vaginal Flap Reconstruction of the Urethra and Vesical Neck in Women: A Report of 49 Cases

AbstractPurpose: A retrospective study was done to evaluate the results of a 1-stage urethral reconstruction in women.Materials and Methods: Of 49 consecutive women who presented with anatomical damage to the urethra or vesical neck 48 underwent urethral and/or vesical neck reconstruction with vaginal flaps. A Martius labial fat pad flap was used in 47 patients, a gracilis flap in 1 and an anterior bladder tube in 1. In 41 patients the anti-incontinence procedure consisted of a fascial pubovaginal sling placed over the labial fat pad flap without tension. In 5 patients a modified Pereyra operation was done and 1 underwent a Kelly plication. Followup ranged from 1 to 11 years.Results: Postoperatively continence was obtained in 42 of 49 patients (87 percent). The initial procedure failed in 7 patients and a secondary procedure was successful in 6. Of the 5 initial patients who underwent a modified Pereyra operation 3 had postoperative stress incontinence and all were cured subsequently by a pubovaginal slin...
Chemical, Electronic, and Electrical Properties of Alkylated Ge(111) Surfaces

The use of Ge in semiconductor electronics has been constrained by the lack of a simple method of passivating the crystal surface. Toward that end, we have explored the utility of chemically bonded hydrocarbon monolayers. Alkylated Ge(111) surfaces have been prepared by addition of 1-alkenes to the H-terminated Ge(111) surface as well as by a two-step halogenation/alkylation procedure. The chemical compositions of the resulting methyl-, ethyl-, and decyl-terminated surfaces have been evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermal addition of 1-decene produced hydrophobic surfaces with 0.3 ± 0.1 monolayer of Ge oxide detected by XPS, whereas no oxide was observed on the methyl-, ethyl-, or decyl-terminated surfaces that were prepared using the two-step halogenation/alkylation method. Methyl-terminated Ge(111) surfaces prepared by the two-step method displayed a well-resolved C 1s XPS peak at a binding energy of 284 eV, consistent with carbon bonded to a less electronegative element such as...
Water lamp and pinwheels: ambient projection of digital information into architectural space

We envision that the architectural spaces we inhabit will be an interface between humans and online digital information. This paper introduces ambient fixtures called Water Lamp and Pinwheels: a new approach to interfacing people with online digital information. The Water Lamp projects water ripple shadow created by a “rain of bits.” The Pinwheels spin in a “bit wind.” These ambient fixtures present information within an architectural space through subtle changes in light, sound, and movement, which can be processed in the background of awareness. We describe the design and implementation of the Water Lamp and the Pinwheels, and discuss their potential applications as well as design issues.
The Post-Soviet Treasure Hunt: Time, Space, and Necropolitics in Siberian Buddhism

In September 2002, Buddhist lamas of the Ivolginsk monastery in the post-Soviet Republic of Buryatia in southern Siberia accompanied by independent forensic experts performed an exhumation of the body of Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov, the last head lama from the time of the Russian empire, who died in 1927. The body of the lama, found in the lotus position, allegedly had not deteriorated, and soon rumors spread that the lama was alive and had returned to Buryatia, as he had promised he would. According to the stories told by senior monks, before his death Itigelov asked to have his body exhumed thirty years after. He was first exhumed in 1955 (a little short of thirty years) by his relatives and lamas, in secret for fear of being discovered by the Soviet authorities. As expected, the body was intact, so they reburied him. It was only after the final exhumation in 2002 that the lamas installed the body in a glass case in the Ivolginsk monastery, which very soon became an international and domestic sensation, with articles appearing in The New York Times , and Russian politicians and oligarchs rubbing shoulders with droves of pilgrims and tourists to catch a glimpse of the lama.
Book-to-Market Decomposition and the Accrual Anomaly

We decompose book-to-market (BP) ratio into book-to-intrinsic value (BV) ratio and intrinsic value-to-market (VP) ratio to shed further light on the debate of whether accruals and accrual anomaly are associated more with the risk/growth component (BV) or with the mispricing component (VP). Using both portfolio and regression approaches, we provide evidence that the accruals are mainly driven by the risk/growth component. We also find that BV and VP can at least partially explain the accrual anomaly and the explaining power is mainly attributable to the risk/growth component. Our results also confirm the advantage of BP decomposition. The explaining power of the accrual-return relation is significantly enhanced using both the BV and the VP components compared to using BP alone. Overall, our evidence supports the risk/growth argument in prior literature (e.g. Zhang 2007 and Wu et al. 2010). In addition, our results complement Resutek (2010) who finds that accrual anomaly is mainly driven by intangible returns rather than tangible returns. Additional validation analysis shows that our BV measure indeed reflects firm risk and growth characteristics.
B2B integration technology architecture

This paper presents a conceptual model as well as a system architecture of B2B integration technology that supports application-to-application (A2A) as well as business-to-business (B2B) integration concurrently in one uniform conceptual integration model. The conceptual integration model is managed by a design time repository. Designed integration models (for example, the exchange of purchase orders with trading partners) are stored in the design time repository as meta data. The runtime execution paradigm of the B2B integration technology that executes actual business events going back and forth between applications and/or trading partners follows the interpretation approach. The run time engine instantiates actual integration instances as data instance in the runtime repository according to the integration models stored in the design time repository.
Hydrogen bond formation between the naturally modified nucleobase and phosphate backbone

Natural RNAs, especially tRNAs, are extensively modified to tailor structure and function diversities. Uracil is the most modified nucleobase among all natural nucleobases. Interestingly, >76% of uracil modifications are located on its 5-position. We have investigated the natural 5-methoxy (5-O-CH(3)) modification of uracil in the context of A-form oligonucleotide duplex. Our X-ray crystal structure indicates first a H-bond formation between the uracil 5-O-CH(3) and its 5'-phosphate. This novel H-bond is not observed when the oxygen of 5-O-CH(3) is replaced with a larger atom (selenium or sulfur). The 5-O-CH(3) modification does not cause significant structure and stability alterations. Moreover, our computational study is consistent with the experimental observation. The investigation on the uracil 5-position demonstrates the importance of this RNA modification at the atomic level. Our finding suggests a general interaction between the nucleobase and backbone and reveals a plausible function of the tRNA 5-O-CH(3) modification, which might potentially rigidify the local conformation and facilitates translation.
High-speed architectures for dynamic programming problems

Concurrent fine-grain pipelined VLSI architectures for dynamic programming (DP) problems are presented. Look-ahead is used to obtain finer-grain pipelining, and a novel precomputation sequence is used to design DP computation architectures with square to linear add-compare-select (ACS) processor complexity (in number of states in the DP problem). Use of nonuniform pipelining and nonuniform implementation methodologies in dedicated DP architectures is introduced; this results in a saving of hardware modules with no loss in speed. A two's complement least-significant-bit-first bit-serial architecture is also presented for the compare-select operation. >
Upper Airway Length is Predictive of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Syndromic Craniosynostosis

Purpose Midfacial hypoplasia is a characteristic feature of the syndromic craniosynostoses and predisposes these patients to developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to identify anatomic factors associated with airway obstruction in patients with syndromic craniosynostoses. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. The authors enrolled a study sample composed of patients with syndromic craniosynostoses. The predictor variables were age, gender, body mass index (BMI), syndromic diagnosis, and parameters of upper airway length and size measured on lateral cephalograms. To control for age, upper airway length was corrected for differences in patient height. The outcome variable was OSA status (present or absent). Descriptive, bivariate, and regression statistics were computed. For all analyses, a P value less than or equal to .05 was considered statistically significant. Results The sample was composed of 50 patients with a mean age of 10.3 ± 0.6 years, 50% were boys, and 24 (48%) had OSA. Patients with and without OSA did not differ statistically in age, gender, BMI, or syndromic diagnosis. Those with OSA had increased upper airway length ( P = .016), decreased posterior airway space ( P = .001), and more severe midfacial retrusion ( P = .022) compared to patients without OSA. After adjusting for covariates, the odds ratio for OSA was 32.9 in patients with an upper airway longer than 45.3 mm per meter of height ( P = .018), and for every 1-mm decrease in posterior airway space, the risk of OSA increased by 30% ( P = .022). Conclusions Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis and OSA have a longer upper airway, smaller posterior airway space, and more severe midfacial retrusion than those without OSA.
Are the Catholic Epistles a canonically significant collection?: a status quaestionis

Should the Catholic Epistles be read in isolation from each other, taking their individual historical situations as the guiding principle for their interpretation, or rather, do their literary and ...
Political Field Dynamics and the Elite’s Interest in Democracy: Insights from the Political Elite’s Role in Consolidating Indian Democracy

In this article, I argue that democracy scholars cannot explain the political elite’s interest in democracy consolidation processes because they have yet to conceptualize the relation between the political elite and structure. This shortcoming can be rectified by using Bourdieu’s field theory insight that subjectivity and structure are constructed, reproduced, or altered due to contests among field actors over the symbolic capital of their field. I illustrate the significance of this solution by using it to explain the stability of Indian democracy during the early postcolonial period. Using data on the Indian political elite’s trajectories in institutional politics and observations on their everyday politics, I show that their differing interest in democracy during the early transition period was shaped by their unique political habitus, which was structured by their conflicts since the late colonial period to establish their respective political capital as the symbolic capital of the Indian political field. The general lesson to be learned from this study is that in order to comprehend democracy consolidation processes, it is important to shift attention from static, disjointed models of the political elite’s subjectivity and structure to the history of contests among the political elite over the symbolic capital of the political field, which couples the political elite’s subjectivity and structure.
Transitory Diminution of Blood Pyruvate in vitro.

Conclusions1. The disappearance of pyruvate added to blood in vitro is caused by the blood cells and not the serum. 2. Hemolysis of the cells by saponin or freezing increases the speed and extent of this reaction. 3. The extent and rapidity of the reaction is not altered by Vitamin B1 deficiency of the cell donor, nor by the addition of cocarboxylase to the cells in vitro. 4. Anaerobiosis has no effect on the reaction. 5. The reported effect of cyanide upon the reaction is due to an artefact. 6. The pyruvate which disappears is neither decarboxylated nor changed to other ketonic acids or lactic acid.
Thermochemical Characterization of Materials using a Novel Laser-Heating Technique

This article reviews the application of a novel rapid laser-heating technique (referred to as the laserdriven thermal reactor) for characterizing multiphase, multicomponent substances. The technique provides quantitative measurements of various relevant thermochemical properties, including sample heat release rate, chemical kinetics rates, total heat value, specific heat release, and chemical reaction byproduct identification. The technique is currently being used to measure the absorption coefficient of particle-coated filters for atmospheric aerosol research. The optical properties of individual particle-laden droplets are also being studied in the laboratory under tropospheric conditions. In addition, a forensic science investigation of energetic materials is underway to develop a database of their thermal and chemical signatures. Past studies include characterization of simulant hazardous organic wastes and propellants for improving storage safety, and planned future studies are to focus on thermochemical characterization of biomass/biofuels/biodiesel. Results presented demonstrate the capability of this technique to address different thermochemical-related issues associated with a wide variety of applications.
No Drain Abdominoplasty with Progressive Tension Suture: The Logic, Simplicity, and Aesthetics

Traditional abdominoplasty techniques have been plagued with an unacceptably high seroma rate, and attempts to control seroma with drains and immobilization have only been marginally effective and poorly accepted by patients and can potentially lead to other complications. Progressive tension sutures are a simple adjunctive step that can be added to most abdominoplasty techniques that nearly eliminate seromas as well as the need of drains, immobilization, or tight compressive garments. The authors have used this suturing technique in abdominoplasty for over 40 years without drains and have seen near eradication of seromas. Many others have confirmed their effectiveness through studies of their own. This chapter explains the logic of the progressive tension sutures concept and describes technical details of our drain-free abdominoplasty technique utilizing these sutures. Benefits of PTS include reduced complications, especially seromas, and the improvement in the patient’s postsurgical experience related to upright ambulation, improved mobility, and especially the elimination of drains. Theoretical benefits like decreasing VTE risk and improved distal flap circulation have been observed clinically but await further scientific documentation.
Design of Vibration Monitoring System of Coal Mine Equipments Based on DSP and ARM

In order to solve problems of high cost,large volume and poor flexibility of collecting card and IPC scheme commonly used in vibration monitoring of coal mine equipments,the paper introduced a design scheme of vibration monitoring system of coal mine equipments which takes dual-CPU of TMS320C6713B DSP and LPC2468 ARM as core and combines with AD converter and dual-port RAM.The system uses DSP to analyze spectrum and Hilbert spectrum of collected vibration signal,and ARM to realize functions of parameter configuration,data storage and data transmission.The experiment result showed that the system's error of vibration test is less than 5% and can meet with real-time requirement of vibration monitoring of coal mine equipments.
Comparative oral dose toxicokinetics of sodium selenite and selenomethionine.

Selenium (Se) poisoning by different forms of Se occurs in the United States. However, the toxicokinetics of different selenocompounds after oral ingestion is not well documented. In this study the toxicokinetics of Se absorption, distribution and elimination were determined in serum and whole blood of lambs that were orally dosed with increasing doses of Se as sodium selenite (inorganic Se) or selenomethionine (SeMet, organic Se). Thirty-two lambs were randomly assigned to eight treatment groups, with four animals per group. Se was administered at 1, 2 or 3 mg kg-1 body weight, as either sodium selenite or SeMet with proper control groups. Blood and serum were collected at predetermined time points for 7 days post-dosing. Resulting Se concentrations in both serum and whole blood from SeMet treatment groups were significantly greater than those given equimolar doses of Se as sodium selenite. Se concentrations in serum and whole blood of lambs dosed with SeMet peaked at significantly greater concentrations when compared with lambs dosed with equimolar doses of sodium selenite. Based on the serum and whole blood kinetics, the rate of Se absorption was greater for SeMet than for sodium selenite although rates of absorption for both Se forms decreased with increasing dose. The rates of Se elimination increased with dose. These results demonstrate that SeMet has a greater absorption rate and a similar retention time resulting in a greater area under the curve and thus bioavailability than sodium selenite, which must be considered in both overdose and nutritional exposures. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
On the convergence of an algorithm for discreteLp approximation

The convergence properties of an algorithm for discreteL p approximation (1?p<2) that has been considered by several authors are studied. In particular, it is shown that for 1<p<2 the method converges (with a suitably close starting value) to the best approximation at a geometric rate with asymptotic convergence constant 2-p. A similar result holds forp=1 if the best approximation is unique. However, in this case the convergence constant depends on the function to be approximated.
Dark Side of the Tune: Popular Music and Violence

(2015). Dark Side of the Tune: Popular Music and Violence. Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa: Vol. 12, No. 1-2, pp. 107-110.
Detection of nuclear sources in search survey using dynamic quantum clustering of gamma-ray spectral data

In a search scenario, nuclear background spectra are continuously measured in short acquisition intervals with a mobile detector-spectrometer. Detecting sources from measured data is difficult because of low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N of spectra, large and highly varying background due to naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), and line broadening due to limited spectral resolution of nuclear detector. We have invented a method for detection of sources using clustering of spectral data. Our method takes advantage of the physical fact that a source not only produces counts in the region of its spectral emission, but also has the effect on the entire detector spectrum via Compton continuum. This allows characterizing the low S/N spectrum without distinct isotopic lines using multiple data features. We have shown that noisy spectra with low S/N can be grouped by overall spectral shape similarity using a data clustering technique called Dynamic Quantum Clustering (DQC). The spectra in the same cluster can then be averaged to enhance S/N of the isotopic spectral line. This would allow for increased accuracy of isotopic identification and lower false alarm rate. Our method was validated in a proof-of-principle study using a data set of spectra measured in one-second intervals with sodium iodide detector. The data set consisted of over 7000 spectra obtained in urban background measurements, and approximately 70 measurements of 137Cs and 60Co sources. Using DQC analysis, we have observed that all spectra containing 137Cs and 60Co signal cluster away from the background.
Now that LAAM’s Here, Is Take Home Methadone Desirable?

It seems fitting that this introductory paper to the LAAM session should briefly review the status of Methadone--including long acting Methadone-therapy before turning to reports from individual princi­pal investigators.
Why Can’t You Just Follow the Rules? Volunteer Rule Breaking and Disruptive Behavior

While the benefits volunteers offer nonprofit organizations are substantial, they can also cause problems for these groups. In an environment where people willingly donate their time and energy to a cause that they ostensibly support, why is disruptive behavior so common? This ethnographic study of volunteers at an animal shelter identifies the factors that lead to problematic behavior. The paper argues that disruptions occur when there is a mismatch between the needs of the volunteer and the needs of the organization and because of structural conditions that lead to uncertainty among volunteers. These findings shed light on volunteer behavior broadly and present the opportunity to address disruptive behavior. As a result, the benefits volunteers provide for an organization can be maximized.
Changing Incidence, Outcome and Management of Myelomeningocele

Pediatric neurosurgeons at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, review their long-term experience and the evolution of the etiology, diagnosis and management of patients born with myelomeningocele (MM) in 1975-1979 and followed for 25 years in a multi-disciplinary spina bifida clinic.
Combining logic and probability: P-log perspective

My research focuses on investigation and improvement of knowledge representation (KR) language P-log which was designed to reason about both logical and probabilistic knowledge. In particular, I aim to extend P-log with new constructs, clarify its semantics, develop a new efficient inference engine for it and establish its relationship with other related formalisms. Successful completion of this work will greatly increase the scope of practical applications of the language.
Fundamentals and Techniques

Photoelectron spectroscopy makes use of the photoelectric effect, which was discovered in 1887 by Hertz and explained by Einstein in 1905 [1]. When a material is irradiated with light whose energy hν exceeds the material’s work function (usually a few electron volts, depending on the sample material), electrons are ejected from the material.
Distraction and Daydream, Rhythm and Repetition, in Time and Tide and E.M. Delafield’s “Diary of a Provincial Lady”

This chapter moves to the interwar period to explore the “Diary of a Provincial Lady,” E. M. Delafield’s serialized fiction written for Time and Tide, in relation to the rituals, repetitions, and rhythms of domestic routines. Using Lefebvre’s rhythmanalysis, that is, a focus of the rhythms of daily life and modern media forms, this chapter highlights the counterpoint built into Delafield’s work between the rhythm of the diary form and the periodicity of modern media forms like the weekly paper.
Near-optimal stopping rules for two-time-scale Markovian systems

Many stochastic systems in various applications are large and complex. It is difficult to find closed-form optimal control policies. In this paper, a representative of such systems is considered, namely, an optimal stopping problem driven by a finite state Markov chain. Although the state space is finite, it is large containing many elements resulting in computational complexity. To overcome the difficulty, we divide the states into a number of groups so that the chain jumps frequently within each group and jumps over to other groups only occasionally. Based on this model, we use a singular perturbation approach to reduce the overall dimensionality and design near-optimal strategies for the original problem. Examples will be provided to illustrate the results.
Exact two-dimensional scattering from a slot in a ground plane backed by a semielliptical cavity and covered with an isorefractive diaphragm

[1] A semielliptical channel flush mounted under a metal plane and slotted along the interfocal distance of its cross section is separated from the half-space above by a diaphragm. The cavity, the diaphragm, and the half-space are all isorefractive to each other. Both the cavity and the diaphragm are filled with materials isorefractive to the medium in the half-space above. This is a two-dimensional geometry where the source is invariant with respect to the axial variable. The resulting electromagnetic boundary value problem is solved exactly using series expansions containing Mathieu functions, when the excitation source is either a plane wave or a line source. For plane wave incidence, the polarization is with either the electric or the magnetic field parallel to the axis of the structure and the direction of incidence is arbitrary in a plane perpendicular to the axis. For line source excitation, the polarization is with either the electric or the magnetic field parallel to the axis of the structure and the source is arbitrarily located. Numerical results are also provided.
Phase Space Methods and Path Integration: The Construction of Numerical Algorithms for Computational Acoustics

Phase space, or “microscopic,” methods and path (functional) integral representations provide the appropriate framework to extend homogeneous Fourier methods to inhomogeneous environments. Applied to the n-dimensional scalar Helmholtz equation, these techniques directly result in numerical algorithms appropriate for computational acoustics. Two complementary approaches to this representation and computation of the Helmholtz propagator are presented and examined numerically.
Optical Coherence Tomography for Cancer Detection

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging high-resolution medical and biological imaging technology that is currently making the transition from the research lab into clinical practice. OCT is analogous to ultrasound B-mode imaging except that reflections of light are detected rather than sound. This technique is attractive for medical imaging because it permits real-time in situ imaging of tissue microstructure with resolution approaching that of conventional histology, but without the need for excision and histological processing. Although OCT penetration depth is on the order of 1–2 mm (Schmitt 1999), its fiber-optic implementation enables the use of compact endoscopic probes that facilitate internal access within the body, including epithelial layers, where 85% of all cancers originate (Gurjar et al. 2001).
A Classification of Municipal Governance

Research examining the relation between municipal governance and expenditures and accounting outcomes has found competing results as to whether governance matters. These competing results may be driven by inadequate measures of municipal governance. Using a sample of over 1,700 cities from a survey on municipal governance and eight measures of municipal governance mechanisms (e.g. form of government, the presence of a chief administrative official, whether budget setting authority is shared or not between the chief elected officer and other officials, voter oversight, separation of power, and board terms) my latent class analysis suggests that there are four classes of governance in municipalities compared to the two classes (form of government – mayor council or council manager) currently used in the literature. These governance classes are driven by the interplay between governance mechanisms, incentives, monitoring, and organizational goals. I show that the conditional probability of governance class membership is associated with total expenditures, park and recreational expenditures, and cash holdings. These findings are in contrast to prior literature that has used a dichotomous measure of municipal governance. The variance in governance types also shows that municipal agents face different incentives than agents in corporations which creates a need to provide multiple incentive structures to government bureaucrats and elected officials depending on voter preferences. These results are timely in light of recent scandals, problems with corruption, and financial distress in municipalities and may enlighten policymakers, academics, and constituents of what governance mechanisms provide the right incentives to municipal employees, managers, and elected officials.
Alignment for Learning: Reorganizing Classrooms and Campuses.

In the previous issue, John Tagg explored the real possibility that our policies and processes may be encouraging grade-grubbing careerism among students. Here he offers a powerful approach to real...
Understandability, actionability, and readability of online patient education materials about diabetes mellitus.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the understandability, actionability, and readability of online diabetes education materials. Summary This was a descriptive study that identified printable diabetes education materials through an online search. Materials were included from the following sources: national organizations with materials approved by expert panels, corporations with materials subject to FDA approval, and not-for-profit organizations with inter-professional advisory boards to approve materials. Topics included were basic knowledge of diabetes, hypoglycemia, insulin, and blood sugar goals. Materials were excluded if they were non-printable, contained active links, had a publication date prior to January 2011, were greater than 2 pages in length, or were pediatric focused. Understandability and actionability of the patient education materials were evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Descriptive statistics and inter-rater reliability analysis using the kappa statistic were utilized. Readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) formula. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationship between reading grade level and PEMAT scores. In total, 25 websites were identified, 5 of which met the inclusion criteria; 13 patient education materials were included, PEMAT scoring revealed that 4 of these met the criteria for understandability and only 1 met the criteria for actionability. There was no correlation found between PEMAT scores and reading grade levels (Pearson correlation coefficient = -0.30, p = 0.325). Conclusion The majority of diabetes patient education materials reviewed scored poorly using the PEMAT. Future development of diabetes patient education materials should be designed with the goal of increasing understandability and actionability.
Beyond tokenism: How strategic leaders influence more meaningful gender diversity on boards of directors

Research Summary: We employ an exploratory approach to understand what differentiates boards that retain limited, potentially tokenistic, gender diversity (i.e., a single female director), and boards that more genuinely diversify their composition by appointing additional female directors. Previous studies have speculated that strategic leaders responsible for board appointments may influence this occurrence. Using longitudinal data on U.S. firms, we find that more female top managers and having the sole female director serve on the nominating committee increase the likelihood of additional female director appointments. Boards and nominating committees with younger members amplify these effects, respectively. We use interviews with board members and professional corporate governance consultants to discuss the probable causal mechanisms that underpin these relationships, highlighting novel theoretical insights related to gatekeeping and social psychology. Managerial Summary: We explore what compels firms to appoint additional female directors after the first one, as only one female director could be considered a token. Using data on U.S. firms, we find that more female top managers and having the sole female director serve on the nominating committee make firms more likely to appoint additional female directors. These likelihoods are highest when younger directors make up the board at large and/or nominating committee. Chief executive officers can be change agents for gender diversity in their organizations by hiring female top managers and pushing for better representation of women on boards. Likewise, younger directors appear to enhance board gender diversity. These findings can inform the director selection process.
Pain and Pruritus: a study of their similarities and differences

Pruritus is one of the most common dermatologic complaints and, as the most common dermatologic symptom, is a major contributor to frequent dermatology visits. Chronic pruritus mirrors another major medical condition faced by millions of Americans each year - chronic pain. In older literature, pain and pruritus were thought to have been conveyed by the same C fiber, and the proportion contributing to pruritus was just a small subset of this general fiber. Overall, pain and pruritus share many integral similarities. Although these sensations both initiate the body's awareness to injury, pain and itch may have evolved for sensing different damages such as a burrowing parasite or a noxious stimulus, respectively. This seems to have been validated through analyses of their pathophysiology, acute and chronic conditions, and treatment modalities. However, their symptoms and intrinsic mechanisms vary considerably. It is important to view pruritus in more of an overall, whole body experience, rather than just the sensory aspect. Future studies should investigate the psychological treatment of chronic pruritus, considering the immense similarities with its chronic pain counterpart.