cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weak-Field Magnetoresistance in n -Type Aluminum Antimonide

Galvanomagnetic measurements have been carried out on a number of single-crystal samples of $n$-AlSb(Te), with room-temperature carrier concentrations between 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ and 2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. The measurements were carried out over the temperature range 77 to 500\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. An impurity activation energy, extrapolated to 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, of 0.068 eV is obtained from the Hall data. Above 250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the temperature dependence of the Hall mobility is proportional to ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}1.8}$. Magnetoresistance measurements were performed at fixed temperatures in the range 77 to 295\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The magnetoresistance was found to be proportional to ${H}^{2}$ up to at least 30 kG. The relations between the various magnetoresistance coefficients follow very closely those required for a [100] multivalley conduction band. The anisotropy parameter $K=(\frac{{m}_{\mathrm{II}}}{{m}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}})(\frac{{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}{{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{II}}})$ is found to be \ensuremath{\sim}7 at room temperature in the sample of lowest carrier concentration (where the $m'\mathrm{s}$ are the effective masses and the $\ensuremath{\tau}'\mathrm{s}$ the relaxation times referred to directions parallel and perpendicular to the unique axis of a spheroidal surface of constant energy). This value decreases to \ensuremath{\sim}3 at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, suggesting increasing anisotropy of scattering due to ionized impurities. An argument is presented in favor of the prolateness of the ellipsoids. Assuming $\frac{{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{II}}}{{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}=1$, $K=7$, six valleys, and a conductivity effective mass of $0.30{m}_{0}$ (where ${m}_{0}$ is the free-electron mass), we obtain ${m}_{\mathrm{II}}=1.50{m}_{0}$, ${m}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=0.21{m}_{0}$, and a density-of-states mass ${{m}_{D}}^{*}=1.34{m}_{0}$.
Clinical Informatics: Emergence of a New Profession

Clinical informatics has evolved over the last 50 years, along with computing and communications technology and with our healthcare system and its financing. In the last decade a new profession has emerged, with formal curricula for trainees and certification examinations for physicians who work in the discipline. In the coming years, new certification options will become available for non-physicians and others who may not be eligible for the current medical subspecialty certification. Career options are diverse and the demand for well-trained clinical informaticians is strong, with increasing recognition of the practical and strategic importance of the field and its practitioners.
Synchronized behavior increases assessments of the formidability and cohesion of coalitions

Abstract Synchronized behavior is a common feature of martial drills and military parades in many societies. Hagen and colleagues (Hagen & Bryant, 2003; Hagen & Hammerstein, 2009) hypothesized that the intentional enactment of synchronized behavior evolved as a means of signaling coalitional strength, as individuals who can synchronize are able to act in concert in agonistic contexts. Previous research has explored either the subjective consequences of synchrony for participants in synchronized behaviors or the effect of synchrony on observers' impressions of rapport among the synchronized actors. Critically, left untested is the central tenet that, by communicating that the individuals constitute a coordinated unit, synchronized behaviors signal elevated fighting capacity. We tested this prediction in two studies by asking large U.S. samples to judge the envisioned physical formidability – previously demonstrated to summarize assessments of diverse determinants of fighting capacity – of U.S. soldiers or terrorists on the basis of audio tracks of either synchronous or asynchronous footsteps. Consonant with the agonistic signaling hypothesis, participants judged the synchronized target individuals to be larger and more muscular than the unsynchronized individuals, an effect mediated by their assessment that the former collectively constitute a single unified entity. Although synchronized footsteps also enhanced listeners' perceptions of social bonding among the target individuals, this assessment did not mediate their judgments of elevated formidability, suggesting that synchrony primarily signals fighting capacity via revealed entitativity rather than inferred motivation.
Teachers' Use of Transnumeration in Solving Statistical Tasks with Dynamic Statistical Software.

This study examined a random stratified sample (n=62) of teachers’ work across eight institutions on three tasks that utilized dynamic statistical software. We considered how teachers may utilize and develop their statistical knowledge and technological statistical knowledge when investigating a statistical task. We examined how teachers engaged in transnumerative activities with the aid of technology through representing data, using dynamic linking capabilities, and creating statistical measures and augmentations to graphs. Results indicate that while dynamic linking was not always evident in their work, many teachers took advantage of software tools to create enhanced representations through many transnumerative actions. The creation and use of such enhanced representations of data have implications for teacher education, software design, and focus for future studies. First published May 2014 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives
Urinary Carcinogen [Nitrosamine] Production in a Rat Animal Model for Ureterosigmoidostomy

Abstract Tumor development at the site of ureterointestinal anastomosis is a recognized complication in patients undergoing ureterosigmoidostomy. In order to explore the hypothesis that carcinogens (nitrosamines) may be a factor in ureterosigmoidostomy, female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 125) underwent urethral ligation, bladder dome resection and anastomosis of the bladder trigone to an opening in the anterior rectosigmoid wall. Biweekly nitrosamine determinations were performed on the resultant urine-feces slurry by gas chromatography up to thirty-two weeks post surgery. Nitrosamine (N,N-dimethylnitrosamine) was noted as early as two weeks after surgery in 39% (11/28) of rats. One hundred percent of animals consistently demonstrated nitrosamine by week 14 (32 rats). Nitrosamine levels increased throughout the study with a peak level after thirty-two weeks of 0.275 μ g./ml. Only a portion (n = 40) of the total animal population was deemed suitable for pathologic examination secondary to animal demise and autolysis at autopsy related to infection and obstruction. In these animals, no adenocarcinoma was found although hyperplastic changes and metaplastic changes were demonstrable at nine days and eight weeks respectively. In one animal a grade I transitional cell papilloma was identified after eight weeks. Control animals demonstrated no nitrosamine production. In vitro combinations of rat urine and feces yielded nitrosamine after six weeks. The absence of adenocarcinoma tumor development is believed indirectly related to animal demise in that not enough time had elapsed to allow significant tumor development. This study lends support to the concept that nitrosamines may play a role in the development of hyperplasia, dysplasia and eventual neoplasia in ureterosigmoidostomy.
Electromyography findings of pelvic floor muscles in patients with anorectal incontinence

In the presented study the electromyographical signs of the sphincter muscle of 14 patients with incontinence of the faeces are described and compared with those of a group of continent controls. We found significant differences in the duration of the action potential, the average amplitude, the frequency of polarity turns and the integral of the curves. The application of automatic EMG-analysers allows exact differentiation between neurogenic and myogenic disturbances as well as conclusions about the functional integrity of the m. sphincter ani externus and m. puborectalis. The electromyography as a dynamic diagnostic method is a valuable enrichment of the equipment for diagnostic evaluation of the diseases of the pelvic floor. It will be of increasing importance in the differential diagnosis of the incontinence of the faeces and of pudendus nerve lesions as well as in any disease in which a denervation of the parietal or visceral muscles of the pelvic floor is involved.
3D Tracking Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Measurements

Single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) is a powerful and proven tool to explore the conformation and conformational dynamics of single biomolecules. smFRET on molecules immobilized to a surface provides long temporal trajectories, whereas smFRET on biomolecules diffusing through an open confocal volume elements obviates the need for sample immobilization an is amenable with live cells. However, smFRET through an open confocal volume element has a limited observational time (typically 1 msec or less) and only provides a brief snapshot of biomolecular conformation. Here we present a method, termed 3D Tracking smFRET, where we follow molecules diffusing in 3D for long time periods (seconds) without sample immobilization. This work exploits modifications to a custom confocal 3D tracking microscope that uses a unique spatial filter geometry and active feedback at 500Hz to follow 3D molecular motion. Donor and acceptor fluorescence (and their fluorescence lifetimes) are recorded during the measured 3D trajectories. We ultimately aim to use this instrument to study protein folding dynamics, but begin by studying DNA hairpin opening and closing.
China's space odyssey: what the antisatellite test reveals about decision-making in Beijing

Since China's destruction of one of its weather satellites with a ballistic missile this pastJanuary, experts around the world have puzzled over the move's purpose. One widespread view is that the anti satellite (ASAT) test was a shot across the bow of U.S. military power. Beijing's strategists have argued for years that it needs to develop asymmetric capabilities in order to close the widening gap between the United States' military might and China's own and prepare for a possible conflict in the Taiwan Strait. With the United States now depending so heavily on assets in space for real-time communi cations, battlefield awareness, weapons targeting, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance, the Chinese rocket launch may have been an attempt to show Wash ington how Beijing can overcome its hand icap in a relatively simple way. Other analysts have argued that the test was a ham-fisted attempt to focus international attention on the need to ban weapons in space. For more than a decade, particularly as U.S. missile defense plans and deployments have accelerated, Beijing has repeatedly urged participants in the United Nations Conference on Disarmament to hammer out a multilateral treaty to ban space weapons (the proposal is known as the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space, or PAROS, treaty). But the United States has consistently resisted such negotiations out of a concern that they would constrain U.S. dominance in space. Both these explanations only raise more questions. Why did Beijing act when it did? Why would China carry out such a provocation when it has so painstakingly built up its image as a "peacefully rising" country and a "responsible great power" seeking a more "harmonious world"? What kind of a counterpart is China? The real answer may be simpler-and more disturbing. Put bluntly, Beijing's right hand may not have known what its left hand was doing. The People's Liber ation Army (PLA) and its strategic rocket forces most likely proceeded with the ASAT
CHAPTER 30 – Endocrine Metabolism I: Introduction

Chemically, hormones are of the following types: hormonal amine, peptide, protein or glycoprotein, steroid, and eicosanoid. Hormonal amines are derived from amino acids and, in most cases, represent simple modifications of the parent compound. Regardless of where they are released, hormonal amines exert their effects through specific receptor sites located in various parts of the body. These systemic receptors and their subtypes probably have identical counterparts in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Cells that produce peptide, protein, or glycoprotein hormones are derived embryologically from the entoderm or ectoblast. All hormonal peptides and many hormonal proteins are synthesized as part of a larger molecule that contains a leader sequence (signal peptide) at its amino terminal end. Peptide hormones, because of their high information content, may have evolved from a limited number of ancestral molecules that functioned as intercellular messengers or as extracellular enzymes. The four kinds of steroid hormones are the androgens (C 19 ), the estrogens (C 18 ), the progestins (C 21 ), and the corticosteroids (C 21 ). All of them are synthesized from cholesterol and are produced by mesoderm-derived cells regulated by at least one peptide hormone. Synthesis begins with cholesterol, which in most instances is acquired from circulating low-density lipoprotein; however, all steroidogenic cells are capable of de novo cholesterol synthesis from acetate. A number of enzymes in the steroidogenic pathway are cytochrome P-450 proteins that require molecular oxygen and NADPH. These enzymes catalyze the clevage of carbon–carbon bonds and hydroxylation reactions.
Galois: Welche Gleichungen sind lösbar? (29.5.1832)

Dass jede Gleichung eine Losung hat, sagt noch nichts daruber, ob man diese durch Rechnung (Grundrechenarten und Wurzelziehen) auch finden kann. Die Frage, fur welche Gleichungen dies gelingt und fur welche nicht, hat Evariste Galois beantwortet. Obwohl er damit das bis dahin wichtigste Problem der Algebra gelost hat, blieb ihm die Anerkennung zeitlebens versagt und er starb mit 20 Jahren unter tragischen Umstanden durch ein Duell. Am Vorabend dieses Ereignisses fasste er in einem Brief an seinen Freund seine wichtigsten mathematischen Leistungen, darunter seine Arbeiten zur Auflosbarkeit von Gleichungen, in groser Klarheit zusammen. Wir nehmen diesen Brief als Vorlage, um seine Gedanken nachzuzeichnen. Er ordnet einer Gleichung ein sehr viel einfacheres Objekt zu, eine endliche Gruppe, und daran kann er die Frage der Auflosbarkeit entscheiden. Der Gruppenbegriff, der seitdem von zentraler Bedeutung fur die Mathematik ist, wird bei dieser Gelegenheit gepragt. Andere damit zusammenhangende Fragen, z.B. geometrische Konstruktionsprobleme (17-Eck und Winkel-Drittelung) werden in den Ubungen behandelt.
Prognostic Significance of a Negative Confirmatory Biopsy on Reclassification Among Men on Active Surveillance

Objective To examine the association between absence of disease on confirmatory biopsy and risk of pathologic reclassification in men on active surveillance (AS). Materials and Methods Men with grade groups 1 and 2 disease on AS between 2002 and 2015 were identified who received a confirmatory biopsy within 1 year of diagnosis and ≥3 biopsies overall. The primary outcomes were pathologic reclassification by grade (any increase in primary Gleason pattern or Gleason score) or volume (>33% of sampled cores involved or increase in the number of cores with >50% involvement). The effect of a negative confirmatory biopsy survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results Out of 635 men, 224 met inclusion criteria (median follow-up: 55.8 months). A total of 111 men (49.6%) had a negative confirmatory biopsy. Decreased grade reclassification (69.7% vs 83.9%; P = .01) and volume reclassification (66.3% vs 87.4%; P = .004) was seen at 5 years for men with a negative confirmatory biopsy compared with those with a positive biopsy. On adjusted analysis, a negative confirmatory biopsy was associated with a decreased risk of grade reclassification (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.94; P = .03) and volume reclassification (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.61; P = .0006) at a median of 4.7 years. Conclusion Absence of cancer on the confirmatory biopsy is associated with a significant decrease in rate of grade and volume reclassification among men on AS. This information may be used to better counsel men on AS.
Use of Social Cognitive Theory in the Mental Health Treatment of Indian Immigrant Women in the United States

Underutilization of mental health services is a major problem facing minority and immigrant populations. Immigrant and minority clients often have negative experiences with mental health services because of assumptions made by the practitioners. This study's objective is to examine how mental health professionals' perceptions of Indian immigrant women in the United States impact their treatment of and outreach towards this population. The principal investigator administered audio-recorded qualitative interviews with nine South Asian mental health professionals in the US who serve Indian immigrant women. Results show that changing the idea of Indian culture as a monolithic category is significant to creating effective treatment strategies. Changing homogenizing notions includes considering differences in language, religion, caste, and geography. Effective treatment strategies for this pluralistic population include helping clients make sense of the immigrant experience, involving family members in the treatment process, integrating cultural values and objects familiar to the clients into the process, and challenging assumptions about Indian women and Indian culture. These strategies draw on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the idea that individuals' attitudes, behaviors, and health are impacted by their observations, environments, social networks, and other external factors. SCT helps inform suitable treatment strategies for this historically underserved and inappropriately treated, heterogeneous population. The results of this study indicate the importance of effectively training mental health professionals in SCT, cultural sensitivity, and heterogeneity of clients' social and cultural contexts.
Prozac in the water: Chronic fluoxetine exposure and predation risk interact to shape behaviors in an estuarine crab

Predators exert considerable top-down pressure on ecosystems by directly consuming prey or indirectly influencing their foraging behaviors and habitat use. Prey is, therefore, forced to balance predation risk with resource reward. A growing list of anthropogenic stressors such as rising temperatures and ocean acidification has been shown to influence prey risk behaviors and subsequently alter important ecosystem processes. Yet, limited attention has been paid to the effects of chronic pharmaceutical exposure on risk behavior or as an ecological stressor, despite widespread detection and persistence of these contaminants in aquatic environments. In the laboratory, we simulated estuarine conditions of the shore crab, Hemigrapsus oregonensis, and investigated whether chronic exposure (60 days) to field-detected concentrations (0, 3, and 30 ng/L) of the antidepressant fluoxetine affected diurnal and nocturnal risk behaviors in the presence of a predator, Cancer productus. We found that exposure to fluoxetine influenced both diurnal and nocturnal prey risk behaviors by increasing foraging and locomotor activity in the presence of predators, particularly during the day when these crabs normally stay hidden. Crabs exposed to fluoxetine were also more aggressive, with a higher frequency of agonistic interactions and increased mortality due to conflicts with conspecifics. These results suggest that exposure to field-detected concentrations of fluoxetine may alter the trade-off between resource acquisition and predation risk among crabs in estuaries. This fills an important data gap, highlighting how intra- and interspecific behaviors are altered by exposure to field concentrations of pharmaceuticals; such data more explicitly identify potential ecological impacts of emerging contaminants on aquatic ecosystems and can aid water quality management.
Improvement of dissolution rates of poorly water soluble APIs using novel spray freezing into liquid technology

Purpose. To develop and demonstrate a novel particle engineering technology, spray freezing into liquid (SFL), to enhance the dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: Risk factors for recurrence

Abstract Objective We studied a large population of women with high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) in order to identify patient and treatment-related risk factors for recurrence and progression to cancer. Methods For this retrospective cohort study of women with a histologic diagnosis of VIN within Southern California Permanente Medical Group between 1995 and 2007 medical records were reviewed; clinical, demographic and pathologic data were collected. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared and Student's t -tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and cumulative incidence analysis. Results 914 patients with high-grade VIN were identified; 784 met inclusion criteria. We found 26.3% recurrences among treated women, with 2.2% progression to cancer (8.2% among those with recurrence). Risk factors for recurrence on multivariate analysis were: age >50years (OR, 1.44; 95%CI 1.01–2.07), immunosuppression (OR 2.08; 95%CI 1.42–3.06), metasynchronous VAIN or CIN (OR 1.76; 95%CI 1.08–2.88) in addition to margin status (OR 8.17; 95%CI 4.60–14.51) and adjacent LSA (OR 9.91; 95%CI 1.53–31.32) or HPV (OR 2.15; 95%CI 1.13–3.37) with excisional treatment. Recurrence rates did not differ significantly by smoking status and treatment modalities. Median time to recurrence was 16.9months; 25% had late recurrences (44–196months). Cumulative incidence analyses of time to recurrence shows a significantly higher risk among patients over age 50 (log-rank p =0.0031). Conclusion We identified independent risk factors for recurrence including age >50years, immunosuppression, metasynchronous vaginal or intraepithelial neoplasia, positive excision margins, and adjacent lichen sclerosus or human papilloma-virus. Regardless of treatment modality, 25% of recurrences occurred late, highlighting the need for long-term surveillance in women treated for VIN.
On the impacts of in-band LTE emissions

With the introduction of low-power Internet of Things (IoT) and Device-to-Device (D2D) communications in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system protocol, the in-band interference from other User Equipment (UE) with higher-power requires special attention. These higher power devices (e.g., smartphones) may cause in-band interference against the lower power devices. To examine this possibility, we examine the in-band spectra of an LTE UE with four different resource block configurations. The results show that as the number of allocated resource blocks decrease, the amount of ripple or "mirroring" increases within the channel. This mirrored signal may raise the noise floor as observed by lower power devices. In turn, these devices may have to radiate more power to overcome this additional noise. Future work includes a study on the effects of this type of interference on: power, latency of victim UE, as well as how the impact varies with network traffic (e.g., voice, real-time streaming, etc.).
Immunological and genetic factors influencing development and susceptibility to cancer

The results of a variety of studies on the genetic and immunological aspects of reproduction can be integrated into a hypothesis about the factors that regulate implantation and development and that may also cause an increased susceptibility to cancer. The primary condition for successful reproduction is genetic compatibility between the mating partners: there must be no recessive lethal genes that could act alone or epistatically to cause embryonic or fetal death. Such recessive lethal genes have been identified in the mouse (t-haplotypes) and in the rat (grc), and there is some evidence that they also exist in humans. Immunological factors may modulate the implantation of the fertilized ovum under some cireumstances after the genetic condition has been met. The same genetic factors that affect development may also affect susceptibility to cancer. This part of the hypothesis is supported by a number of clinical correlations between congenital defects and a higher incidence of cancer and by the demonstration of an increased susceptibility to the effects of chemical carcinogens in rats carrying the grc.
Programming language support for digitized images or, the monsters in the closet

Computer vision (image understanding) algorithms are difficult to write, debug, maintain, and share. This complicates collaboration, teaching, and replication of research results. This paper shows how user-level code can be simplified by providing better programming language constructs, particularly a new abstract data type called a "sheet." These primitives have been implemented as an extension to Scheme. Implementation of sheet operations is made challenging by the fact that images are extremely large, e.g. sometimes over 5 megabytes each. Therefore, operations that loop through images must be compiled from (a specialized subset of) Scheme into C. This paper discusses how the need for extreme efficiency affects the design of the user-level language, the run-time support, and the compiler.
Drawing the line on physician-assisted death

Drawing the line on physician assistance in physician-assisted death (PAD) continues to be a contentious issue in many legal jurisdictions across the USA, Canada and Europe. PAD is a medical practice that occurs when physicians either prescribe or administer lethal medication to their patients. As more legal jurisdictions establish PAD for at least some class of patients, the question of the proper scope of this practice has become pressing. This paper presents an argument for restricting PAD to the terminally ill that can be accepted by defenders as well as critics of PAD for the terminally ill. The argument appeals to fairness-based paternalism and the social meaning of medical practice. These two considerations interact in various ways, as the paper explains. The right way to think about the social meaning of medical practice bears on fair paternalism as it relates to PAD and vice versa. The paper contends that these considerations have substantial force when directed against proposals to extend PAD to non-terminally ill patients, but considerably less force when directed against PAD for the terminally ill. The paper pays special attention to the case of non-terminally ill patients who suffer from treatment-resistant depression, as these patients present a potentially strong case for extending PAD beyond the terminally ill.
IV.D. Physiology of Accommodation and Role of the Vitreous Body

The eye is a three-chambered system, consisting of the anterior chamber, posterior chamber, and vitreous compartment. The anterior and posterior chambers are separated by the iris and filled with aqueous fluid produced by the ciliary epithelium and flowing from the posterior to the anterior chamber through the pupil. Fluid is constantly replenished and “turned over” in both the aqueous and the vitreous. The fluid “relief valve” is primarily movement of the aqueous from the eye via the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal, but also is transported from the eye via a secondary uveoscleral outflow route [1–3] involving the ciliary body, choroid, sclera, and episcleral tissues. The anterior and posterior chambers are normally in communication through the pupil and hence in pressure equilibrium. The vitreous is normally also in pressure equilibrium with the aqueous. Remarkably, this pressure equilibrium is maintained during growth and development when there are significant changes in anatomy.
Application of Participatory Action Research to Family-School Intervention.

Participatory action research is a process in which researchers operate as full collaborators with members of an organization (stakeholders) in linking theory and research to acceptable and effecti...
Achieving durable mitral isthmus block: Challenges, pitfalls, and methods of assessment.

Background and objectives Macroreentrant atrial tachycardias often occur following atrial fibrillation ablation, most commonly due to nontransmural lesions in prior ablation lines. Perimitral atrial flutter is one such arrhythmia which requires ablation of the mitral isthmus. Our objectives were to review the literature regarding ablation of the mitral isthmus and to provide our approach for assessment of mitral isthmus block. Methods We review anatomical considerations, ablation strategies, and assessment of conduction block across the mitral isthmus, which is subject to several pitfalls. Activation sequence and spatial differential pacing techniques are discussed for assessment of both endocardial and epicardial bidirectional mitral isthmus block. Results Traditional methods for verifying mitral isthmus block include spatial differential pacing, activation mapping, and identification of double potentials. Up to 70% of cases require additional ablation in the coronary sinus (CS) to achieve transmural block. Interpretation of transmural block is subject to six pitfalls involving pacing output, differentiation of endocardial left atrial recordings from epicardial CS recordings, identification of a slowly conducting gap in the line, and catheter positioning during spatial differential pacing. Interpretation of unipolar electrograms can identify nontransmural lesions. We employ a combined epicardial and endocardial assessment of mitral isthmus block, which involves using a CS catheter for epicardial recording and a duodecapolar Halo catheter positioned around the mitral annulus for endocardial recording. Conclusions The assessment of transmural mitral isthmus block can be challenging. Placement of an endocardial mapping catheter around the mitral annulus can provide a precise assessment of conduction across the mitral isthmus.
Allocation of Treatment Responsibility and Adherence to Hydroxyurea Among Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease.

OBJECTIVE Adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for complications. Hydroxyurea is a medication that can ameliorate risk but to benefit, adolescents must adhere to treatment. Study aims were to describe how adolescents and their caregivers decided who was responsible for treatment tasks, to describe adolescents' and caregivers' responsibility for these tasks, and to examine if hydroxyurea adherence was associated with younger adolescent age, less discrepancy between adolescents' and caregivers' reports of adolescent responsibility, and higher caregiver involvement. METHODS Twenty-nine dyads completed treatment responsibility measures. A combination of laboratory and electronic prescription data were used to determine hydroxyurea adherence and electronic medical records were used to determine appointment adherence. RESULTS Few dyads agreed or planned how to complete treatment tasks. Adolescents shared responsibility with caregivers for medication-taking tasks. Adolescents perceived caregivers and caregivers perceived adolescents were overall responsible for treatment, especially for appointment tasks. Half of adolescents were adherent to hydroxyurea and half were adherent to appointments but medication adherence was not associated with age, discrepancy between adolescents' and caregivers' responses, or caregiver involvement. CONCLUSIONS Despite frequent hydroxyurea and appointment nonadherence, few adolescents and caregivers plan how to manage adolescents' SCD treatment or perceive they are overall responsible. Future studies are needed to determine the factors that influence these perceptions and if increasing adolescent and caregiver treatment planning improves adherence and clinical outcomes.
On Divinity and Marginalization: Western Christianity and African Spirituality as Impetuses of Gender In/Equality

This paper seeks to determine whether the presence of powerful women in African religious tradition allowed for the existence of similarly powerful women in their society while the apparent absence or disregard for powerful women in Western Christianity resulted in the exclusion of women from the political and social realms. Since many pre-19th century African and European governments were heavily influenced by religion, it was a significant tool of socialization in both contexts. Therefore, the gender dynamics modeled in these belief systems were likely reflected by their respective societies. This paper compares and contrasts women’s positions in African civilization and women’s positions in Europe, drawing on historical accounts and formal research to determine the extent to which religion influenced the governance of the associated countries and how this, in turn, impacted their social structures. Prominent women in African religious tradition such as Aset will be juxtaposed with female rulers such as Hatshepsut and the “male daughters” of the Igbo as examples of the flexibility and respect inherent in African womanhood. To the contrary, the lack of prominent women in Western Christianity will be compared with the historical marginalization of European women and the resulting necessity for feminism. Ultimately this paper argues that the flexibility of gender roles within African spiritual systems resulted in a similar versatility in African politics and societies while the subordination of women in Western Christianity led to the subordination of women in European culture.
Sensor Evaluation for Autonomous Surface Vehicles in Inland Waterways

In this paper, we evaluate and discuss various sensors that may be used by an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) to detect and classify objects. These sensors were each evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively for effectiveness (range, accuracy, resolution, field of view, height information) and practicality (marinization, effectiveness in various weather conditions, use in darkness, cost). In brief, LIDAR was found to be extremely accurate, although the maximum range (100m for our unit) is too short for most marine applications, the hardware is expensive, and most units are not marinized. Although marine radar is properly marinized and works well in all-weather at acceptable ranges, returns are often reduced to amorphous blobs with little fine detail to aid identification or even proper boundary definition of obstacles. Additionally, marine radar has no concept of height in its return, collapsing all vertical returns to the ground plane, thus obscuring covered passageways, such as those under bridge archways. Visible light cameras perform well at high resolution and long ranges, but only operate in daylight during good weather and are blinded by glare on the water or by the sun itself. Although stereocameras suffer the same drawbacks as visible light cameras, they have potential for short range obstacle detection. Thermal cameras operate day or night and provide an interesting supplement to other sensors, because water is a different temperature and has different emissivity characteristics than most objects. This enables buoys, vessels, structures, etc. to be discerned from the background using a thresholding method. Thermal cameras are limited by weather conditions and are often most affordable in low resolution, low field of view models.
Simultaneous electrophysiological and morphological assessment of functional damage to neural networks in vitro after 30-300 g impacts.

An enigma of mild traumatic brain injury are observations of substantial behavior and performance deficits in the absence of bleeding or other observable structural damage. Altered behavior and performance reflect changes in action potential (AP) patterns within neuronal networks, which could result from subtle subcellular responses that affect synaptic efficacy and AP production. The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify network activity changes after simulated concussions in vitro and therewith develop a platform for simultaneous and direct observations of morphological and electrophysiological changes in neural networks. We used spontaneously active networks grown on microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to allow long-term multisite monitoring with simultaneous optical observations before and after impacts delivered by a ballistic pendulum (30 to 300 g accelerations). The monitoring of AP waveshape templates for long periods before and after impact provided an internal control for cell death or loss of cell-electrode coupling in the observed set of neurons. Network activity patterns were linked in real-time to high power phase contrast microscopy. There was no overt loss of glial or neuronal adhesion, even at high-g impacts. All recording experiments showed repeatable spike production responses: a loss of activity with recovery to near reference in 1 hr, followed by a slow activity decay to a stable, level plateau approximately 30–40% below reference. The initial recovery occurred in two steps: a rapid return of activity to an average 24% below reference, forming a level plateau lasting from 5 to 20 min, followed by a climb to within 10% of reference where a second plateau was established for 1 to 2 hrs. Cross correlation profiles revealed changes in firing hierarchy as well as in Phase 1 in spontaneous network oscillations that were reduced by as much as 20% 6–8 min post impact with only a partial recovery at 30 min. We also observed that normally stable nuclei developed irregular rotational motion after impact in 27 out of 30 networks. The evolution of network activity deficits and recovery can be linked with microscopically observable changes in the very cells that are generating the activity. The repeatable electrophysiological impact response profiles and oscillation changes can provide a quantitative basis for systematic evaluations of pharmacological intervention strategies. Future expansion to include fluorescent microscopy should allow detailed investigations of damage mechanisms on the subcellular level.
Problems and Issues in Community-Based Residential Services as Alternatives to Institutionalization

In %ecent yeau there has been ineeasing inteAet in communitybased teidential seAvices (e.g. 6oster homes and gr'oup homes) as ateAnatives to in utionaeizaton of people in problem aAeas such as mental health, mentat retaAdation, child weate, and aging. A setective review of the literature was undertaken to identify key izuez, problem6 and concepts in the use and development o6 community-bazed services. This a ct e pre6ent6 selected 6indings and conciu6ions rega dng conceptuatization o services, issues in s~evice delivery, and evabwation o6 ef6ectivenuz. In addition, it proposes a conceptual framewok u e6ul in examining the continuum o6 emelging 6evice6. *Based in part on 6inding. 6rom a study o6 communitybased r.idential servicez in Rhode Il&nd, which was 6ponsorted by an InteAdepartmentat Task Force o6 state agencies and funded by the Rhode Island State Department o6 Sociat and Rehabititative SeAvicese.
Large-Diameter Triaxial Kolsky Bar for Evaluating Very-High-Strength Concrete

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) uses quasi-static triaxial compression experiments as a basis to adjust its constitutive models to predict full-scale penetration events on hardened concrete structures. However, there is a fundamental knowledge gap between quasi-static and dynamic characterization of concrete specimens under complex stress states. Although triaxial Kolsky bars have been used previously for brittle materials, the bar diameter is typically in the range of 12–19 mm. In some cases, specimen sizes are much smaller than the bar such that dynamic failure is achieved. The inherent nature of concretes is such that they have substantial heterogeneity at this length scale; therefore, a larger diameter bar must be used to acquire bulk properties. To alleviate this problem, a state-of-the-art 50-mm-diameter triaxial Kolsky bar that operates with a maximum confining pressure of 200 MPa was used to perform initial experiments on a very-high-strength concrete (\( {f}_c^{\prime } \) ~ 130 MPa). The focus of our current stage of study is to optimize specimen preparation techniques while establishing standard operating procedures for the large-diameter triaxial Kolsky bar.
Structural effects on the charge transport properties of chemically and electrochemically doped dioxythiophene polymers

We evaluate a set of two 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) and two acyclic dioxythiophene (AcDOT) homopolymers with each type of XDOT having either branched or linear solubilizing side chains. We show that while altering the structure of the polymer does have an effect on the degree of intermolecular ordering of the polymer film, these as-cast morphologies are not correlated with enhanced charge transport properties. When using linear n-octyl solubilizing side chains rather than branched ethylhexyl chains, we see a multiple order of magnitude increase in the solid-state electrical conductivity for both ProDOT and AcDOT polymers. When using an ammoniumyl-based dopant (Magic Blue) as a chemical oxidant, these polymers show conductivities on the order of 100 S cm−1. In terms of redox properties, linear side chains lower the onset of oxidation by 300 mV and increase the electrochemical conductance. Finally, the polymers substituted with linear side chains have higher ionic mobility implying that these polymers are more effective at transporting both electronic charge carriers and ions through the film.
Modeling bacteriophage-induced inactivation of Escherichia coli utilizing particle aggregation kinetics

Targeted inactivation of bacteria using bacteriophages has been proposed in applications ranging from bioengineering and biofuel production to medical treatments. The ability to differentiate between desirable and undesirable organisms, such as in targeting filamentous bacteria in activated sludge, is a potential advantage over conventional disinfectants. Like conventional disinfectants, bacteriophages exhibit non-linear concentration-time (Ct) dynamics in achieving bacterial inactivation. However, there is currently no workable model for predicting these observed non-linear inactivation rates. This work considers an approach to predicting bacteriophage-induced inactivation rates by utilizing classical particle aggregation theory. Bacteriophage-bacteria interactions are represented as a two-step process of transport by Brownian motion, differential settling, and shear, followed by attachment. Modifying classical expressions for particle-particle aggregation to include bacterial growth, death, and bacteriophage reproduction, the model was calibrated and validated using literature data. The calibrated model captures much of the observed non-linearity in inactivation rates and reasonably predicts the final host concentration. This model was shown to be most useful in systems more likely to reflect an industrial setting, where the initial multiplicity of infection, or MOI (the ratio of bacteriophage to host organisms), was 1 or greater. For systems of an initial MOI of less than 1 the model showed increased sensitivity to changes in input parameters and a less pronounced ability to reasonably predict inactivation rates.
Contributing mechanisms underlying desensitization of cholecystokinin-induced activation of primary nodose ganglia neurons

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a gut-derived peptide that potently promotes satiety and facilitates gastric function in part by activating G protein-coupled CCK1 receptors on primary vagal afferent neurons. CCK signaling is dynamic and rapidly desensitizes, due to decreases in either receptor function and the resulting signal cascade, ion channel effectors, or both. Here we report a decay-time analytical approach using fluorescent calcium imaging that relates peak and steady-state calcium responses in dissociated vagal afferent neurons, enabling discrimination between receptor and ion channel effector functions. We found desensitization of CCK-induced activation was predictable, consistent across cells, and strongly concentration dependent. The decay-time constant (tau) was inversely proportional to CCK concentration, apparently reflecting the extent of receptor activation. To test this possibility, we directly manipulated the ion channel effector(s) with either decreased bath calcium or the broad-spectrum pore blocker ruthenium red. Conductance inhibition diminished the magnitude of the CCK responses without altering decay kinetics, confirming changes in tau reflect changes in receptor function selectively. Next, we investigated the contributions of the PKC and PKA signaling cascades on the magnitude and decay-time constants of CCK calcium responses. While inhibition of either PKC or PKA increased CCK calcium response magnitude, only general PKC inhibition significantly decreased the decay-time constant. These findings suggest that PKC alters CCK receptor signaling dynamics, while PKA alters the ion channel effector of the CCK response. This analytical approach should prove useful in understanding receptor/effector changes underlying acute desensitization of G-protein coupled signaling and provide insight into CCK receptor dynamics.
Modeling the mechanical behavior of coarse-grained soil using additive manufactured particle analogs

Systematic investigation of the effects of individual particle properties, such as shape, size, surface roughness, and constituent materials stiffness, on the behavior of coarse-grained soils requires careful control over the other particle properties. Achieving this control is a pervasive challenge in investigations with naturally occurring soils. The rapid advance of modern additive manufacturing (AM) technology provides the ability to create analog particles with independent control over particle size and shape. This work evaluates the feasibility of the stereolithography (SLA) and polyjet technologies to generate analog particles that can model the mechanical behavior of coarse-grained soils. AM is used to generate equal-sized spheres and analog sand particles from 3D X-ray CT scans of natural rounded and angular sand particles. The uniaxial inter-particle compression, oedometer compression, and shear wave transmission behaviors of the AM particles are investigated and compared to those of glass and steel spheres and natural rounded and angular sand particles. The results indicate that AM can successfully reproduce the shape of natural coarse sand particles. The deformation of micro-asperities was found to influence the contact response of the polyjet AM particles, thus affecting their inter-particle uniaxial compression and oedometer compression response. The contact response of the SLA AM particles was closer to that of glass spheres. Both AM particle types exhibit a dependency of shear wave velocity and shear modulus on mean effective stress that is consistent with that of natural sands.
Formal Verification of a Fully Automated Out-of-Plane Cell Injection System

Cell injection is a procedure in cell biology where a small volume of substance is injected into a specific location inside the cell. The overall success of the procedure in a fully automated cell injection systems mainly relies on the accurate path planning of the micro injector and the amount of forces applied to the cell at the time of injection. Traditionally, fully automated systems are analyzed using simulation, which is inherently non-exhaustive and incomplete in terms of finding potential system failures that might arise during operations. In this paper, we present a probabilistic model to analyze the functional correctness and performance of a fully automated out-of-plane cell injection system using the PRISM model checker. We use our model to verify an existing fully automated cell injection system and certain discrepancies are identified.
Strategic Decision-Making with Artificial Intelligence Implications for Decision Speed and Quality

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has infiltrated board rooms and holds promise to fundamentally alter strategic decision-making. Drawing a multiple bodies of related literature, we first offer a framew...