cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A process model for direct correlation between computed tomography and histopathology application in lung cancer.

Rationale and Objectives Multimodal imaging techniques for capturing normal and diseased human anatomy and physiology are being developed to benefit patient clinical care, research, and education. In the past, the incorporation of histopathology into these multimodal datasets has been complicated by the large differences in image quality, content, and spatial association. Materials and Methods We have developed a novel system, the large-scale image microtome array (LIMA), to bridge the gap between nonstructurally destructive and destructive imaging such that reliable registration between radiological data and histopathology can be achieved. Registration algorithms have been designed to align the multimodal datasets, which include computed tomography, computed micro-tomography, LIMA, and histopathology data to a common coordinate system. Results The resulting volumetric dataset provides an abundance of valuable information relating to the tissue sample including density, anatomical structure, color, texture, and cellular information in three dimensions. An image processing pipeline has been established to register all the multimodal data to a common coordinate system. Conclusion In this study, we have chosen to use human lung cancer nodules as an example; however, the flexibility of the image acquisition and subsequent processing algorithms makes it applicable to any soft organ tissue. A novel process model has been established to generate cross registered multimodal datasets for the investigation of human lung cancer nodule content and associated image-based representation.
Accelerating Monte Carlo forward model with structured light illumination via “photon sharing” (Conference Presentation)

With the rapid development of spatial light modulators, structured light strategies have been readily implemented for efficient diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and fluorescent molecular tomography (FMT) applications. Compared to traditional pencil-beam sources, wide-field illumination enables larger imaging field-of-view (FOV), higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and faster data acquisition speed, making it attractive for small-animal whole-body imaging. As the gold-standard for simulating photon propagations inside complex biological tissues, the Monte Carlo (MC) method is one of the most accurate approaches for imaging general media. Recently, thanks to parallel hardware such as graphics processing units (GPUs), MC simulations can be computed with high efficiency even with personal computers. While we have added support for wide-field illumination patterns in our widely distributed MC platform (http://mcx.space), the computation for multiple patterns is currently performed sequentially. To further accelerate forward modeling of large number of wide-field patterns, we propose a new method, referred to as “photon sharing”, to simultaneously simulate multiple structure-light sources. We demonstrate a 5- to 10-fold reduction of the MC simulation time. This technique is particularly valuable in DOT or FMT applications using structured light illumination and/or single-pixel-camera based systems. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in our open-source MC simulation platforms, supporting both CPUs and GPUs.
Influence of normal velocity on microstructure and density of films produced by nanoparticle impact

We describe the use of the laser ablation of microparticle aerosol process to deposit patterned thick films of Ag by impacting nanoparticles with a mean size of 6 nm at high velocities and systematically study the effects of varying the nanoparticle impact velocity, while fixing the nanoparticle size. A positive relationship between impact velocity and relative density of the deposits is observed, but it is shown that the geometry of the deposits also influences the deposit density, with taller, narrower deposits resulting in lower relative densities. Scanning electron microscopy of film cross-sections shows that there are spatial variations in the relative density, with lower densities near the deposit surfaces. Using molecular dynamics simulations of the impact process for 6 nm particles, it is shown that a critical normal impacting velocity of 600-750 m/s exists for obtaining dense deposits. Normal velocities less than the critical velocity do not result in sufficient plastic deformation to fill interstices between the impacted particles. A geometric model based on this critical normal velocity and the relative deposit height is developed to explain the influence of relative heights and impacting velocity on porosity. Good qualitative agreement between the geometric model and experiments is demonstrated.We describe the use of the laser ablation of microparticle aerosol process to deposit patterned thick films of Ag by impacting nanoparticles with a mean size of 6 nm at high velocities and systematically study the effects of varying the nanoparticle impact velocity, while fixing the nanoparticle size. A positive relationship between impact velocity and relative density of the deposits is observed, but it is shown that the geometry of the deposits also influences the deposit density, with taller, narrower deposits resulting in lower relative densities. Scanning electron microscopy of film cross-sections shows that there are spatial variations in the relative density, with lower densities near the deposit surfaces. Using molecular dynamics simulations of the impact process for 6 nm particles, it is shown that a critical normal impacting velocity of 600-750 m/s exists for obtaining dense deposits. Normal velocities less than the critical velocity do not result in sufficient plastic deformation to fill inters...
La bibliothèque n’a pas détruit le français (mais elle va le faire revivre): Roles for Louisiana’s academic libraries in French revitalization

Amidst the State government's multi-pronged effort to preserve and develop the French language in Louisiana, libraries and library services are notable by their absence. The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) operates no programs based in or on libraries, lists no libraries among its consortial partners, and doesn't even provide a clear option for nominating libraries as “French Friendly” locations. This paper offers proposals for expanding the role of Louisiana’s academic libraries in French revitalization efforts, highlighting ways in which they can fill longstanding gaps in CODOFIL's school-centered programs and thereby facilitate a broader spectrum of language use across the lifespan of French learners, a greater engagement with minority communities in the opportunities afforded by French, and a deeper appreciation for the French language “as found in Louisiana”.
The role of maintenance strategy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

3524Background: In mCRC, induction combination chemotherapy with targeted agents is considered the mainstay of treatment. This is typically followed by maintenance therapy vs. observation which had...
Applications to Special States of Thermodynamic Equilibrium: Gibbsian Thermodynamics for Physical and Chemical Applications

Gibbs demonstrated in 1878 that the entropy principle (introduced 1865) can be a foundation for the general theory of thermodynamic equilibrium as he noted, “…the general increase of entropy which accompanies the changes occurring in any isolated material system [suggests] that when the entropy of the system has reached a maximum, the system will be in a state of equilibrium.” Such extreme principle has already been discussed in Chap. 7. This chapter provides a more complete but condensed treatment of Gibbsian equilibrium thermodynamics. Though this chapter is not the core of this book, it is noted that its material is easy to grasp due to the mathematical elegance of the content and every engineer (target reader of the book) can benefit from its mastery.
An ordinary state based peridynamic correspondence model for metal creep

Abstract Creep is a major failure mode of metal components that operate for long periods at elevated temperatures under high loads. Accurate prediction of the creep damage is very important for the structural integrity of such components. Current techniques for modeling creep are based on using fracture mechanics or damage mechanics in conjunction with finite element methods. Using the finite element method for tracking the crack path can be cumbersome. In this paper, to alleviate tracking the creep crack path, we propose an ordinary state-based peridynamic correspondence model using the Liu-Murakami damage model for modeling the creep. The peridynamics formulation of the Liu-Murakami model is derived. The influence function of peridynamics is modified to incorporate classical creep damage parameter from the Liu-Murakami model into the peridynamics formulation. To demonstrate the capability of the proposed method, the results obtained from the proposed methodology are compared with those obtained using finite elements.
SRC-2 Coactivator: a role in human metabolic evolution and disease.

The large family of transcriptional coactivators originated with the cloning of the subfamily of Steroid Receptor Coactivators (SRC-1,2,3). These 3 coactivators serve as primary ‘master genes’ to direct the coordinate transcription of multiple genes required for physiological goals in cells, specifically, carbohydrate, lipid, or anabolic growth metabolisms. SRC-2 is of special interest in terms of lipid metabolism and energy accrual and is the topic of a collection of our research discoveries and publications described in this Perspective.
Decentralized governance may lead to higher infection levels and sub-optimal releases of quarantines amid the COVID-19 pandemic

The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has lead countries worldwide to administer quarantine policies. However, each country or state decides independently what mobility restrictions to administer within its borders, while aiming to maximize its own citizens' welfare. In turn, since individuals travel between countries and states, at least during periods when quarantines are less restrictive, the policy in one country may ultimately affect the infection level in other countries. Therefore, major questions are whether the policy dictated by a decentralized government is efficient, and if not, how the governments can coordinate a better policy. Here, we focus on the decision regarding the timing of releasing the quarantines. We consider a game theory model in which each of two governments decides when to switch from a restrictive to a non-restrictive quarantine and vice versa. We used parameter values driven by the literature and publically available data. We show that, if travel is sufficiently frequent during the non-restrictive quarantine periods, then the strategies are sub-optimal: Each governor tends to release the quarantine sooner, which ultimately leads to longer periods of restrictive quarantines and a higher prevalence of the disease. In turn, if the governments restrict international and interstate travel to a low level even when the quarantines are non-restrictive, the policy dictated by the decentralized governance may become optimal.
Characterization of white and red sorghum flour and their potential use for production of extrudate crisps

In the human food industry, the wheat-free market sales have increased over the years due to awareness of wheat gluten allergy and celiac disease. Sorghum is a gluten-free grain with great potential to address shortcomings in this market. The aim of this study was to evaluate the milling process and flour quality of one white and one red sorghum varieties and evaluate extrusion as a potential process to produce sorghum crisps. The white and red sorghum grains were milled into flour in three production cycles. Flour quality was evaluated by determination of nutritional composition, pasting, and thermal profile. Extrusion processing of white and red sorghum flour was performed, and macrostructure of final product was evaluated. The white and red sorghum used in this study yielded similar flour content (P > 0.05). Chemical analyses revealed a higher protein and lower starch content for white sorghum than red sorghum flour (P < 0.05); however, their pasting properties did not differ. Initial and peak gelatinization temperatures were higher (P < 0.05) for red sorghum compared to white sorghum flour. Regarding particle size, white sorghum flour presented lower d10 and d50 compared to the red sorghum flour (P < 0.05). However, these differences did not impact the extrusion conditions, and white and red sorghum crisps had similar macrostructure characteristics. In conclusion, although differences in nutritional, thermal, and particle size properties were observed between the sorghum flours used in this study, changes in extrusion parameters were not needed in order to produce sorghum crisps with similar characteristics.
Anthropological Engagement in Medical Education: An Introduction

This peer-reviewed book emphasizes the important role of anthropology in educating physicians throughout the world to improve patient care and population health. We reflect on how anthropologists have engaged in medical education to date and how to positively influence the careers of future anthropologists in medicine. Anthropologists working to prepare future physicians must not only be familiar with the culture of biomedicine, but also aware of the culture of medical education as well as the health systems in which medical students work. In this book, we describe the past and current experiences of anthropologists in medical schools, the modes and magnitude of this engagement, and reflect on these experiences from diverse settings in medical education globally. In this chapter, we introduce the scope of work of this book and its contributing chapters which is organized in four sections: (1) medical school culture, (2) beyond cultural competency, (3) ethics and humanities, and (4) addressing the socio-cultural determinants of health and health disparities.
Deletion of Kvβ2 (AKR6) Attenuates Isoproterenol Induced Cardiac Injury with Links to Solute Carrier Transporter SLC41a3 and Circadian Clock Genes

Kvβ subunits belong to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily, which plays a significant role in ion channel regulation and modulates the physiological responses. However, the role of Kvβ2 in cardiac pathophysiology was not studied, and therefore, in the present study, we hypothesized that Kvβ2 plays a significant role in cardiovascular pathophysiology by modulating the cardiac excitability and gene responses. We utilized an isoproterenol-infused mouse model to investigate the role of Kvβ2 and the cardiac function, biochemical changes, and molecular responses. The deletion of Kvβ2 attenuated the QTc (corrected QT interval) prolongation at the electrocardiographic (ECG) level after a 14-day isoproterenol infusion, whereas the QTc was significantly prolonged in the littermate wildtype group. Monophasic action potentials verified the ECG changes, suggesting that cardiac changes and responses due to isoproterenol infusion are mediated similarly at both the in vivo and ex vivo levels. Moreover, the echocardiographic function showed no further decrease in the ejection fraction in the isoproterenol-stimulated Kvβ2 knockout (KO) group, whereas the wildtype mice showed significantly decreased function. These experiments revealed that Kvβ2 plays a significant role in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Furthermore, the present study revealed SLC41a3, a major solute carrier transporter affected with a significantly decreased expression in KO vs. wildtype hearts. The electrical function showed that the decreased expression of SLC41a3 in Kvβ2 KO hearts led to decreased Mg2+ responses, whereas, in the wildtype hearts, Mg2+ caused action potential duration (APD) shortening. Based on the in vivo, ex vivo, and molecular evaluations, we identified that the deletion of Kvβ2 altered the cardiac pathophysiology mediated by SLC41a3 and altered the NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)-dependent gene responses.
A simulation-based evaluation of machine learning models for clinical decision support: application and analysis using hospital readmission.

The interest in applying machine learning in healthcare has grown rapidly in recent years. Most predictive algorithms requiring pathway implementations are evaluated using metrics focused on predictive performance, such as the c statistic. However, these metrics are of limited clinical value, for two reasons: (1) they do not account for the algorithm’s role within a provider workflow; and (2) they do not quantify the algorithm’s value in terms of patient outcomes and cost savings. We propose a model for simulating the selection of patients over time by a clinician using a machine learning algorithm, and quantifying the expected patient outcomes and cost savings. Using data on unplanned emergency department surgical readmissions, we show that factors such as the provider’s schedule and postoperative prediction timing can have major effects on the pathway cohort size and potential cost reductions from preventing hospital readmissions.
A Case for Better Language and Compiler Support for Real-Time Database Systems

For all the research activity in systems, one tends to think of the basics in systems areas as well-understood. Neither programming languages, nor database systems, nor compilers can be considered new disciplines. Language paradigms, relational databases, and compiler construction, for example, have been part of undergraduate syllabi for years.
FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF COROTATING INTERACTION REGIONS AND THEIR THREE DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE

Corotating interaction regions are a consequence of spatial variability in the coronal expansion and solar rotation, which cause solar wind flows of different speeds to become radially aligned. Compressive interaction regions are produced where high-speed wind runs into slower plasma ahead. When the flow pattern emanating from the Sun is roughly time-stationary these compression regions form spirals in the solar equatorial plane that corotate with the Sun, hence the name corotating interaction regions, or CIRs. The leading edge of a CIR is a forward pressure wave that propagates into the slower plasma ahead, while the trailing edge is a reverse pressure wave that propagates back into the trailing high-speed flow. At large heliocentric distances the pressure waves bounding a CIR commonly steepen into forward and reverse shocks. Spatial variation in the solar wind outflow from the Sun is a consequence of the solar magnetic field, which modulates the coronal expansion. Because the magnetic equator of the Sun is commonly both warped and tilted with respect to the heliographic equator, CIRs commonly have substantial north-south tilts that are opposed in the northern and southern hemispheres. Thus, with increasing heliocentric distance the forward waves in both hemispheres propagate toward and eventually across the solar equatorial plane, while the reverse shocks propagate poleward to higher latitudes. This paper provides an overview of observations and numerical models that describe the physical origin and radial evolution of these complex three-dimensional (3-D) heliospheric structures.
Impact of nesiritide on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and pre-existing renal dysfunction a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Objectives Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of nesiritide on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and baseline renal dysfunction. Background Although nesiritide is approved for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, retrospective analyses have raised concerns that it may cause worsened renal function. To date, no randomized clinical trials have prospectively evaluated this issue. Methods Consecutive patients with acute decompensated heart failure and baseline renal dysfunction were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomized to receive nesiritide (0.01 μg/kg/min with or without a 2-μg/kg bolus) or placebo (5% dextrose in water) for 48 h in addition to their usual care. Predefined primary end points of the trial were a rise in serum creatinine by ≥20% and change in serum creatinine. Results Seventy-five patients were enrolled (39 nesiritide, 36 placebo). The groups had similar baseline age (74.9 vs. 75.5 years, respectively), blood pressure (123/64 vs. 125/64 mm Hg) and serum creatinine (1.82 vs. 1.86 mg/dl). There were no significant differences in the incidence of a 20% creatinine rise (23% vs. 25%) or in the change in serum creatinine (−0.05 vs. +0.05 mg/dl). There were no significant differences in the secondary end points of change in weight (−2.19 vs. −1.58 kg), intravenous furosemide (125 vs. 107 mg), discontinuation of the infusion due to hypotension (13% vs. 6%), or 30-day death/hospital readmission (33% vs. 25%). Conclusions In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, nesiritide had no impact on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. (BNP-CARDS trial; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00186329?order=1 ; NCT00186329 )
Lessons from First-Generation Climate Science Integrators

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for climate science that decision-makers can readily use to address issues created by climate variability and climate change. To be usable, the science must be relevant to their context and the complex management challenges they face and credible and legitimate in their eyes. The literature on usable science provides guiding principles for its development, which indicate that climate scientists who want to participate in the process need skills in addition to their traditional disciplinary training to facilitate communicating, interacting, and developing and sustaining relationships with stakeholders outside their disciplines. However, the literature does not address questions about what specific skills are needed and how to provide climate scientists with these skills. To address these questions, this article presents insights from interviews with highly experienced and respected "first generation” climate science integrators from across the United States. The term “...
Colorectal Cancer Mortality Among Hispanics in California: Differences by Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Nativity

BACKGROUND Socioeconomic status (SES) plays an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, although the independent and joint effects with nativity and neighborhood factors have yet to be evaluated. METHODS With nearly one-third of all US Hispanics residing in California, the authors obtained information from the California Cancer Registry to examine the associations between neighborhood SES and mortality in all 33,146 Hispanic individuals diagnosed with CRC from 1988 through 2010, with a particular focus on associations among US-born and foreign-born Hispanics. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for overall and CRC-specific mortality. RESULTS Hispanics residing in lower SES neighborhoods demonstrated a higher rate of overall and CRC-specific mortality than those residing in high SES neighborhoods (SES quintile 1[low] vs quintile 5 [high]: HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.05-1.26] and HR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.03-1.30], respectively). Nativity modified the associations between SES and mortality (P for interaction, .02 for overall and P for interaction, .01 for CRC-specific mortality) such that the SES associations were observed only among US-born (P for trend < .01 for overall and CRC-specific mortality) but not among foreign-born Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS Neighborhood SES demonstrates significant differential effects on overall and CRC-specific mortality between US-born and foreign-born Hispanics. Future efforts should investigate the underlying contextual and individual-level factors that could account for these differential associations by nativity. Cancer 2014;120:3510–3518. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Paramyotonia congenita and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis map to the same sodium-channel gene locus.

Abstract Paramyotonia congenita (PC), an autosomal dominant muscle disease, shares some clinical and electrophysiological similarities with another myotonic muscle disorder, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). However, clinical and electrophysiologic differences allow differentiation of the two disorders. The HYPP locus was recently shown to be linked to a skeletal muscle sodium-channel gene probe. We now report that PC maps to the same locus (LOD score 4.4, theta = 0 at assumed penetrance of .95). These linkage results, coupled with physiological data demonstrating abnormal sodium-channel function in patients with PC, implicate a sodium-channel gene as an important candidate for the site of mutation responsible for PC. Furthermore, this is strong evidence for the hypothesis that PC and HYPP are allelic disorders.
Factors Affecting Early Services for Children Who Are Hard of Hearing.

Purpose To describe factors affecting early intervention (EI) for children who are hard of hearing, we analyzed (a) service setting(s) and the relationship of setting to families' frequency of participation, and (b) provider preparation, caseload composition, and experience in relation to comfort with skills that support spoken language for children who are deaf and hard of hearing (CDHH). Method Participants included 122 EI professionals who completed an online questionnaire annually and 131 parents who participated in annual telephone interviews. Results Most families received EI in the home. Family participation in this setting was significantly higher than in services provided elsewhere. EI professionals were primarily teachers of CDHH or speech-language pathologists. Caseload composition was correlated moderately to strongly with most provider comfort levels. Level of preparation to support spoken language weakly to moderately correlated with provider comfort with 18 specific skills. Conclusions Resu...
Ergodicity of networks with blocking

The authors consider closed networks of first-come first-serve GI/GI/1 queues with the assumption that all service times satisfy a strong Cramer condition. They prove that the distribution of the state of the network at time t converges as t to infinity to a proper steady-state distribution. The method used is the construction of regenerative points. >
Addition of substitution of simian virus 40 enhancer sequences into the Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) long terminal repeat yields infectious M-MuLV with altered biological properties.

Abstract Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) is a replication-competent retrovirus which induces T-cell lymphoma in mice. The enhancer sequences present within the M-MuLV long terminal repeat (LTR) region of the proviral genome have been shown to influence the disease specificity of the virus strongly. We examined the contribution of the M-MuLV enhancers to the transcriptional activity and pathogenesis of M-MuLV by constructing LTRs containing heterologous enhancer elements. The simian virus 40 enhancer region (72- and 21-base-pair repeats) was inserted into the U3 region (at -150 base pairs) of the M-MuLV LTR (Mo + SV) and also into a deleted form of the LTR which lacks the M-MuLV enhancer sequences (delta Mo + SV). These chimeric LTRs were used to generate infectious M-MuLVs by transfection of corresponding proviral plasmids into mouse fibroblasts. The relative infectivities of Mo + SV and delta Mo + SV recombinant viruses as determined by rat XC cell plaque assay and reverse transcriptase assay were 60 to 70% of wild-type M-MuLV levels. To study the pathogenicity of these two recombinant viruses, we inoculated newborn NIH Swiss mice with either Mo + SV or delta Mo + SV M-MuLV. Both viruses induced disease more slowly than M-MuLV, which induces disease 2 to 4 months postinoculation. Mo + SV M-MuLV-inoculated animals became moribund at 3 to 13 months postinoculation, whereas delta Mo + SV M-MuLV-inoculated animals became moribund at 6 to 24 months postinoculation. The tumors induced by the two viruses were characterized histologically and molecularly. Mo + SV M-MuLV-induced tumors were primarily T-cell-derived lymphoblastic lymphomas containing extensive rearrangements of the T-cell receptor beta gene. In contrast, delta Mo + SV M-MuLV induced pre-B- and B-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas, B-cell-derived follicular-center cell lymphomas, and acute myeloid leukemia. The delta Mo + SV tumor DNAs from B-lineage tumors were typically rearranged at the immunoglobulin gene loci and contained germ line configurations of the T-cell receptor beta gene. Southern blot hybridization confirmed that the tumor DNAs contained the predicted Mo + SV M-MuLV or delta Mo + SV M-MuLV provirus.
Curriculum, program, and infrastructure development for Bachelor of Science in Optical Science and Engineering

University of New Mexico has developed a comprehensive plan for a new B.S. degree in Optical Science and Engineering, accompanied by teacher training and enhancement of K-12 optics education. The plan incorporates curriculum development, creation of new laboratories, development of optics courses for teachers, creation of outreach programs, and involvement of industry and government laboratories.
A remarkable inversion in configuration of the product alcohols from theasymmetric reduction of ortho-hydroxyacetophenones with B-chlorodiisopinocampheylborane☆

Abstract Asymmetric reduction of o -hydroxyacetophenones with B -chlorodiisopinocampheylborane provides product alcohols with the opposite configuration compared to those produced in the reduction of the corresponding o -methoxyacetophenones. The implications of this result for organic synthesis are discussed.
Optical guiding measurements on the Mark III free electron laser oscillator

Abstract It has been predicted for several years that light is focused (optically guided) as well as amplified by the electron beam in a free electron laser (FEL). The degree of focusing depends strongly on both electron beam and optical beam characteristics. In an FEL oscillator the degree of focusing varies with intracavity optical power during the macropulse. We report the first direct measurements of the evolution of transverse optical mode size and shape between small signal and saturation in a short wavelength (Compton regime) FEL oscillator. The mode measurements on the Mark III FEL oscillator are shown to be consistent with theory, requiring both refractive and gain contributions to guiding.
Reconceptualizing, Measuring, and Evaluating Distance and Context in the Study of Conflicts: Using Survey Data from the North Caucasus of Russia

How does political violence affect the attitudes and beliefs of affected populations? This question remains of central concern to the discipline of conflict studies. In response, we make the case (by empirical example) that the choice of spatial and temporal ranges of analysis influences conclusions about the associations between exposure to political conflict and subsequent opinions. Using 2005 survey data from Russia's North Caucasus and georeferenced conflict data for the preceding 2 years, we find that violence affects levels of ethnic pride, trust in public institutions, and preferences for ethno-territorial separation, as well as other postwar attitudes. By designating a wide range of distance and time boundaries for capturing a conflict/attitude relationship, we argue for a more inductive style of analyzing theoretical propositions than is usually found in the field of conflict research. Our research is framed within the theoretical and empirical discussions of contextual-, neighborhood-, and community-level drivers of individual-level outcomes from the political geography and conflict studies literatures.
Prognostics of Power Electronics, methods and validation experiments

Failure of electronic devices is a concern for future electric aircrafts that will see an increase of electronics to drive and control safety-critical equipment throughout the aircraft. As a result, investigation of precursors to failure in electronics and prediction of remaining life of electronic components is of key importance. DC-DC power converters are power electronics systems employed typically as sourcing elements for avionics equipment. Current research efforts in prognostics for these power systems focuses on the identification of failure mechanisms and the development of accelerated aging methodologies and systems to accelerate the aging process of test devices, while continuously measuring key electrical and thermal parameters. Preliminary model-based prognostics algorithms have been developed making use of empirical degradation models and physics-inspired degradation model with focus on key components like electrolytic capacitors and power MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistor). This paper presents current results on the development of validation methods for prognostics algorithms of power electrolytic capacitors. Particularly, in the use of accelerated aging systems for algorithm validation. Validation of prognostics algorithms present difficulties in practice due to the lack of run-to-failure experiments in deployed systems. By using accelerated experiments, we circumvent this problem in order to define initial validation activities.
Mastery learning, rewriting assignments and student learning of criminal justice research methods

This research examines the application of mastery learning theory to the teaching of criminal justice research methods. Mastery learning has students learn each module before proceeding to the next one. Criminal justice research methods is amenable to mastery learning because the course content is cumulative; students need to know each step before proceeding to the next one. Mastery learning was implemented by having students rewrite exercises until they obtained perfect scores. It was tested in three classes taught by the same instructor. Student learning was measured by comparing the difference in scores on a pretest examination with scores on a post-test examination. The results indicated that the better students performed on the exercises, the more they improved on the final examination over the initial examination. The more students rewrote assignments, the better they performed on the assignments and subsequently, the more they improved on the final examination. Students who averaged between one and...
Molecular voids formed from effective attraction in submonolayer DNA deposited on Au(111).

The development of DNA-based biosensors requires a deep understanding of how DNA molecules adsorb and organize on solid state surfaces as well as the electronic properties of individual and aggregates of DNA molecules. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we have successfully characterized an attractive force driven molecular void formation for DNA chemically adsorbed on Au(111) as a function of strand length and deposition conditions. Here we report the observation of these void structures formed on the Au(111) surface by adsorption of both 45 and 90 base pair long, thiolated double-stranded DNA. We found that the average void diameter decreases when increasing the number of base pairs exposed to the surface. The critical determinant in the molecular void formation is the total charge delivered to the surface via the adsorption of the DNA strands and the related counterions, which can ultimately be quantified by the number of base pairs in each adsorbed DNA molecul...
Exchange narrowing in correlated spin systems: local field contributions

Abstract The theory of exchange narrowing is extended to include spin correlations, arising from the isotropic exchange J 0 , which are particularly important in low-dimensional spin systems. Exact corrections are found in s = 1/2 lattices for the second moment M 2 ( J 0 / kT ) of a general nearest-neighbor perturbation H ′. The different temperature dependence of spin symmetric and antisymmetric contributions to H ′ is pointed out and illustrated for the square-planar ferromagnet.
Strategic redox relay enables a scalable synthesis of ouabagenin, a bioactive cardenolide.

Here, we report on a scalable route to the polyhydroxylated steroid ouabagenin with an unusual take on the age-old practice of steroid semisynthesis. The incorporation of both redox and stereochemical relays during the design of this synthesis resulted in efficient access to more than 500 milligrams of a key precursor toward ouabagenin—and ultimately ouabagenin itself—and the discovery of innovative methods for carbon-hydrogen (C-H) and carbon-carbon activation and carbon-oxygen bond homolysis. Given the medicinal relevance of the cardenolides in the treatment of congestive heart failure, a variety of ouabagenin analogs could potentially be generated from the key intermediate as a means of addressing the narrow therapeutic index of these molecules. This synthesis also showcases an approach to bypass the historically challenging problem of selective C-H oxidation of saturated carbon centers in a controlled fashion.
Histochemical evidence for strictly ipsilateral innervation of maxillary canine teeth in cats

Abstract Substantial efforts by various investigators have not shown conclusively that there is a peripheral crossed innervation of feline maxillary canine teeth. In addition, the number and location of afferent cell bodies innervating these teeth has not been adequately determined. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as a retrograde neuronal marker of the afferent fibers innervating the maxillary canine teeth in 11 cats. Cavity preparations were made in the ipsilateral canine tooth and then HRP was deposited in the cavity preparation. After survival periods of 18 to 72 h, the anesthetized animals were perfused and both the ipsilateral and contralateral ganglia were processed histochemically for the localization of the HRP reaction product. Both ganglia were studied for labeled cell bodies and their locus within the ganglia. All labeled cell bodies were in the maxillary division of the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglion. The greatest number of labeled cell bodies, in excess of 200, occurred 18 h after injection of the HRP, and was higher than reported in previous studies. The results from this study clearly indicate that the primary afferent innervation of the maxillary canine teeth in the cat is strictly ipsilateral, which casts doubt on the previous claims of a crossed or “transmedian” innervation of the maxillary canine teeth in that species.
The role of shoes in the prevention of ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are a common sports injury that can cause significant, chronic disability. Studies aimed at prevention through the use of footwear have focused on the biomechanical aspects of foot and ankle anatomy, proprioceptive input of the foot/ankle complex, external stresses applied to the joint, and shoe traction. These studies support the use of high top shoes for ankle sprain prevention because of their ability to limit extreme ranges of motion, provide additional proprioceptive input and decrease external joint stress. Despite this biomechanical evidence, clinical trials are inconclusive as to the clinical benefit of high top shoes in the prevention of ankle sprains. Further study is necessary to delineate the benefits of shoe designs for ankle sprain prevention.
The Study of Sodium Tetrakis(1-imidazolyl)borate in the Precipitation of Deuterium Cations

Abstract The sodium salt of tetrakis(1-imidazolyl)borate (NaTIB) was synthesized by the reaction scheme1 as follows: The precipitation pattern of this water soluble reagent indicated that magnesium, calcium, mercury(II), silver(I), thallium(I), uranyl, lead(II), iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and hydrogen cations react to form water insoluble precipitates. Most notable among these was the formation of hydrogen tetrakis-(1-imidazolyl)boric acid (HTIB). One mole of hydrogen ion reacts quantitatively with one mole of the sodium salt of tetrakis(1-imidazolyl)borate to yield a slightly soluble precipitate. This is the first tetraarylboric acid that we have been able to isolate from the several tetraarylborate salts that we have made. Trofimenko2 in 1967 isolated hydrogen tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)boric acid, but it does not appear sufficiently stable to be of analytical interest.
Isolation and Characterization of Binder IIIA, a New Protein Which Binds Corticosteroid Anions

A new protein binding corticosteroid metabolites has been purified over 300-fold from liver cytosols of adrenalectomized rats, treated for 45 min in vivo with [1,2-3H]cortisol. Purification was accomplished by column chromatography on Sephadex G-25, DEAE-Sephadex A-50, Sephadex G-75, and hydroxylapatite. The protein has a Stokes radius of 2.27 nm by gel filtration and an apparent sedimentation coefficient of 3.0 S by sucrose gradient centrifugation. The calculated molecular weight is 30700. The bound steroid was extracted and has been shown by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography to be a monosulfate derivative of cortisol. Using liver cytosol from adrenalectomized rats pretreated in vivo for 45 min with [1,2-3H]cortisol plus 1000-fold excess competing steroid, cortisol derivatives and progesterone were shown to be the most active competitors. Testosterone and 17β-estradiol were least active as competitors. The synthetic steroids, dexamethasone and triamcinolone, produced little or no competition. The protein has been named corticosteroid-anion binder IIIA in keeping with its elution position from a DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column, compared to other binding proteins. Binder IIIA has been separated chromatographically from the glutathione S-transferases (including ligandin) and protein z described by Arias [Levi, A. J., Gatmaitan, Z. and Arias, I. M. (1969) J. Clin. Invest. 48, 21856–21866], both of which have been shown to bind anionic metabolites. It has been resolved from the activities of transcortin, cortisone 5β-reductase, and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
Selective electrical stimulation of latissimus dorsi muscle

In this paper we describe a novel electrical stimulation approach that can potentially increase the efficiency with which skeletal muscle can be used to provide power for cardiac assistance. Results are presented from acute animal studies in which a nerve cuff electrode array is used to selectively stimulate the three functionally distinct regions of the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Blood mercury concentration in an urban population.

Mercury concentrations in whole blood of 210 patients admitted to two urban hospitals ranged from 0 to 298 ppb with a mean of 14.2 ppb. When corrected by omission of nine values over 50 ppb the mean was 8.1 ppb. Although mean values for men were slightly higher than those for women, this difference was not significant. Results of a 12-test blood chemistry screening profile were available for 186 subjects, but no correlation between mercury concentrations in blood and those chemistry measurements could be detected. Simultaneous determinations of mercury in whole blood and plasma were performed for 65 subjects; the mean for plasma was 5.0 ppb, somewhat below the mean of 6.3 ppb for whole blood in the same group. Other surveys have shown corrected values of 13.3 and 6.7 ppb for normal populations. These values are very much higher than current estimates of 0 to 2 ppb for normals. Levels are higher in urban residents than in rural probably because of increased exposure to combined industrial and environmental sources. The mean level appears to be 8 ppb with a range of 0 to 30 ppb.
Instrumentation of a Stilbene Scintillation Detector

This paper describes the electronic instrumentation of a stilbene scintillation detector which is used as a neutron spectrometer. In this application, the spectrum of scintillations caused by protons from (n,p) reactions must be measured and recorded for further analysis. The proton scintillations are separated from the electron scintillations by a double delay-line, pulse-shape discriminator. The discriminating circuit also provides a linear, shaped output for pulse-height analysis. The unique features of this spectrometer are that the criterion for pulse-shape discrimination is well defined and easily optimized, and that the separated spectra of both types of ionizing particles are obtained simultaneously.
Spacecraft constrained maneuver planning for moving debris avoidance using positively invariant constraint admissible sets

This paper extends our prior work on spacecraft debris avoidance based on positively invariant sets to the case of moving debris. In this approach, a time-varying connectivity graph is constructed between a set of forced equilibria, forming a virtual net that is centered around a nominal orbital position of the spacecraft. The connectivity between two equilibria is determined based on contractive sets in order to guarantee that collision-free transitions between equilibria can be effected within a giving time period. A graph search algorithm is implemented to find the shortest path around the debris, or through the debris' path once it has moved on. Simulation results are presented that illustrate this approach.
A steady laminar flow of a suspension in a channel

Abstract A two dimensional model of a steady flow of a suspension in an inclined channel is developed and studied with the aid of an integral method. The model explains the existence of two operational modes in such a channel, predicted earlier by Probstein et al . (1977).
The Effect of the Global Financial Crisis on Transition Economies

This research offers new insights into the effect of the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2009 on the countries that used to be part of the Soviet bloc by focusing on a cross-regional comparison. Twenty-eight countries are grouped according to different criteria and the corresponding vulnerability of each group is compared. The research links the variability in the groups’ responses to the dependence on trade with the European Union, the degree of the transition and economic freedom, and the sectoral composition of GDP. The research finds that what is considered to be an advantage for a transition economy during “normal” times -- high degree of economic freedom and trade liberalization, financial system sophistication, and a well-developed service sector -- became a disadvantage during the crisis.
Bound states with no classical turning points in semiconductor heterostructures

Abstract Recent observation of a discrete bound state with energy above the potential barrier in a semiconductor heterostructure appears to be the first observation of bound states at energies with no classical turning points. Such states were first proposed by von Neumann and Wigner in 1929. In this paper, the transfer matrix method is used to solve the Schrodinger equation for the electronic states in an effective potential representing the layered semiconductor structure. This simple approach gives a clear picture of the miniband structure along with the bound states above the barrier height. The results are obtained by analytic methods, thus facilitating the investigation of the ranges of parameters necessary to produce such bound states. The Bragg conditions, although leading to a bound state, are found to be overly restrictive.