cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Have African American men become less committed to marriage? Explaining the twentieth century racial cross-over in men's marriage timing.

Prior to World War II, the median age at marriage for white men was later than that for African American men. Since World War II, African American men have, on average, married later than white men. A discrete-time hazard model using data from the National Survey of Families and Households was analyzed to explain this racial cross-over in men’s timing of marriage. Dramatic increases in the educational attainment of African American parents and the large movement of African Americans out of the South brought about the racial cross-over in the timing of marriage. Increased enrollment in higher education among African American men also contributed to the racial cross-over in the timing of marriage. Although lack of full-time employment and military service delayed marriage, these factors did not contribute to the racial cross-over.
MR Imaging in the Management of Patients with Breast Cancer

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has high sensitivity in detecting and determining the extent of breast cancer and the information provided by this modality has proven valuable in patient management. Investigations defining the strengths of MR imaging, technical advances, and greater standardization of protocols have led to its increased use in patients with breast cancer, both before and following treatment. This article reviews techniques and procedures used in the performance and interpretation of breast MR examinations. Applications of MR imaging in the management of patients with breast cancer are also summarized, including preoperative evaluation of extent of disease, postoperative assessment of residual disease, and the detection of recurrent carcinoma. The use of MR imaging to evaluate patient response to chemotherapy and to assess patients with axillary lymph node metastases with an unknown primary lesion will also be discussed.
Sequence analysis of peptide:oligonucleotide heteroconjugates by electron capture dissociation and electron transfer dissociation

Mass spectrometry analysis of protein-nucleic acid cross-links is challenging due to the dramatically different chemical properties of the two components. Identifying specific sites of attachment between proteins and nucleic acids requires methods that enable sequencing of both the peptide and oligonucleotide component of the heteroconjugate cross-link. While collision-induced dissociation (CID) has previously been used for sequencing such heteroconjugates, CID generates fragmentation along the phosphodiester backbone of the oligonucleotide preferentially. The result is a reduction in peptide fragmentation within the heteroconjugate. In this work, we have examined the effectiveness of electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) for sequencing heteroconjugates. Both methods were found to yield preferential fragmentation of the peptide component of a peptide:oligonucleotide heteroconjugate, with minimal differences in sequence coverage between these two electron-induced dissociation methods. Sequence coverage was found to increase with increasing charge state of the heteroconjugate, but decreases with increasing size of the oligonucleotide component. To overcome potential intermolecular interactions between the two components of the heteroconjugate, supplemental activation with ETD was explored. The addition of a supplemental activation step was found to increase peptide sequence coverage over ETD alone, suggesting that electrostatic interactions between the peptide and oligonucleotide components are one limiting factor in sequence coverage by these two approaches. These results show that ECD/ETD methods can be used for the tandem mass spectrometry sequencing of peptide:oligonucleotide heteroconjugates, and these methods are complementary to existing CID methods already used for sequencing of protein-nucleic acid cross-links.
Cracking cholesterol from a phase transition at body temperatures

The microstructure of cholesterol crystals grown from gallstone melt have been studied using hot-stage microscopy. The microstructure is comprised of needle-shaped crystals growing radially from a unique nucleation center. The growth direction has been found to be [001] using X-ray diffraction methods. The radial growth rate has been reported over a range of temperatures. The growth kinetic curve and the microstructural evidence clearly suggest that cholesterol grows by a spherulitic mechanism. The phase transitions in cholesterol have been studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Anhydrous cholesterol has a phase change a few degrees below body temperature. Optical microscopy establishes that this phase transformation cracks the spherulitic crystals perpendicular to the fast growth direction. Thermal expansion measurements demonstrate that upon cooling across this phase boundary large shrinkage is induced in the growth direction with an expansion in the perpendicular direction. This phase transition and repeated cracking may prove to be useful in destroying natural gallstones, while suppressing this transformation and its associated cracking might aid in securing other cholesterol deposits within the human body.
Probable reaction mechanisms of flavokinase and FAD synthetase from rat liver

A steady-state kinetic analysis with evaluation of product inhibition was accomplished with purified rat liver flavokinase and FAD synthetase. For flavokinase, Km values were calculated as approximately 11 μm for riboflavin and 3.7 μm for ATP. Ki values were calculated for FMN as 6 μm against riboflavin and for ZnADP as 120 μm against riboflavin and 23 μm against ZnATP. From the inhibition pattern, the flavokinase reaction followed an ordered bi bi mechanism in which riboflavin binds first followed by ATP; ADP is released first followed by FMN. For FAD synthetase, Km values were calculated as 9.1 μm for FMN and 71 μm for MgATP. Ki values were calculated for FAD as 0.75 μm against FMN and 1.3 μm against MgATP and for pyrophosphate as 66 μm against FMN. The product inhibition pattern suggests the FAD synthetase reaction also followed an ordered bi bi mechanism in which ATP binds to enzyme prior to FMN, and pyrophosphate is released from enzyme before FAD. Comparison of Ki values with physiological concentrations of FMN and FAD suggests that the biosynthesis of FAD is most likely regulated by this coenzyme as product at the stage of the FAD synthetase reaction.
A retroductive theoretical model of the pathway to chemical dependency in nurses

Much of the research on chemical dependency in nurses over the past 25 years has been a-theoretical and has tended to focus on descriptive characteristics of nurses. This field of study lacks systematic knowledge building and a useful theoretical base. This article focuses on the development of a middle range theory that begins to explicate the transactions of the chemically dependent nurse with the environment and the process through which nurses become addicted. Steiner's theory models approach using retroductive inference was the method selected to develop the theory. Theoretical work from Bandura, Jessor, and Pender were used as source theories to develop the middle range theory presented.
If Not “the Best of the West,” Then “Look East”: Imported Teacher Education Curricula in the Arabian Gulf

By examining why nations borrow policy discourses, research on transfer has overlooked the implementation of transferred educational practices, models, or curricula. This study attempts to bridge t...
Mechanisms of Action of Glucocorticoids in Asthma

Glucocorticoids are by far the most effective therapy currently available for asthma therapy, and inhaled glucocorticoids have become the mainstay of modern asthma therapy (I). Indeed, asthma may be defined clinically as airway obstruction that im­ proves with steroids. Oral steroids are still essential for the con­ trol of asthma exacerbations, but their chronic use in the control of asthma has sharply declined with the introduction of inhaled steroids. Inhaled steroids give effective control of asthma and are largely free of the side effects associated with maintenance treatment with oral steroids. The recognition that airways inflam­ mation is present even in the mildest of asthmatic patients has lead to the introduction of inhaled steroids at a much earlier stage in therapy. Inhaled steroids are effective in all types of asthma and at all ages. The only limitation to their use is side effects, but recent evidence suggests that this is not a problem for most patients. Although steroids are the most effective therapy known for asthma, their precise mechanism of action is not yet understood. Important advances have been made in elucidating some of the molecular and cellular actions of steroids that are relevant to their antiasthma effects (2). There have recently been important ad­ vances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of steroid action, largely through the application of molecular biology tech­ niques (3). MOLECULAR MECHANISMS
Hot carrier cooling by acoustic phonons in epitaxial graphene by ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy

We report the application nondegenerate ultrafast mid-infrared spectroscopy to investigate the acoustic phonon cooling process in epitaxial graphene. We show that the power-dependent experimental results match theoretical predictions of the low temperature acoustic cooling process. The hot phonon effect in acoustic phonon cooling is observed experimentally, and a deformation potential of 30 eV can be determined from fitting the data. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Scale for Assessing Sleep Hygiene: Preliminary Data:

No reliable measure exists for assessing the nature and scope of adherence or nonadherence to effective sleep hygiene practices. This report details the creation and empirical validation of the Sleep Hygiene Self-test. 52 combat veterans, patients in a treatment program for PTSD, completed the 30-item self-test prior to and after their participation in 5 wks. of group therapy for sleep hygiene. Analysis indicated good internal consistency and suitability as a pre-posttest measure.
Rat RT1.B-transfected fibroblast lines process and present myelin antigens and activate T cells to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Abstract The genes encoding the Lewis rat RT1.B molecule (MHC Class II I-A equivalent) were transfected and expressed in mouse DAP.3 fibroblast cells together with the gene encoding the mouse ICAM-1 molecule. Both molecules were stably expressed on the cell surface of DAP.3 cells under longterm culture conditions. The RT1.B/mICAM-1 transfectants presented antigen in a specific manner to a RT1.B-restricted rat T cell hybridoma specific for the 69–89 peptide of myelin basic protein (BP). In addition, the transfectants were able to present antigen to a BP69–89-specific rat T cell line. Presentation to a RT1.D (MHC Class II I-E equivalent)-restricted BP87–99-specific T cell line was minimal. Production of the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ by BP69–89-specific T cells when stimulated by RT1.B/mICAM-1 transfectants correlated very well with proliferation to specific antigen. Moreover, RT1.B-transfected DAP.3 cells sufficiently stimulated BP69–89-specific T cells such that they were able to transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to Lewis rat recipients. Thus, the RT1.B molecule is functionally expressed on the surface of transfected Dap.3 fibroblasts and is capable of MHC Class II-restricted, antigen-specific presentation to rat T cells.
Introduction: Faculty and student classroom improprieties

This chapter provides a 2X2 model for organizing the effects of both teacher and student improprieties on teaching and learning and puts the subsequent chapters in focus using that model.
Comparisons of growth and condition of fluvial and resident brook trout within partially migratory populations

In partially migratory salmonid populations, growth and condition of migratory fish may be different than that of residents. To ascertain if a similar phenomenon exists in fluvial brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchell), populations, the growth and condition of fluvial and resident brook trout was measured in four Appalachian stream networks. Sites were sampled during summer, cohorts separated via scale analysis and differences in length and condition were investigated. Age-1 and -2 fluvial fish were significantly longer (P < 0.001) than residents of the same cohort. Additionally, age-2 fluvial fish had significantly greater condition (P < 0.005) than resident fish of the same cohort. This suggests that the use of spatially segregated resources can result in growth and condition advantages. However, potentially greater rates of mortality as suggested by low abundance in main stem sites may limit the fitness advantages of this energetically profitable, but ultimately risky, behaviour.
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is the preferred approach in obese patients

Abstract Introduction The optimal method of umbilical hernia repair (UHR) in the obese population, laparoscopic vs open, is not standardized. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal surgical option for UHR in the obese population. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on 123 obese patients (body mass index [BMI] >30) who underwent UHR from 2003 to 2009 at a single institution. Patients were grouped by surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic). Intraoperative and postoperative courses were compared. Follow-up in the postoperative period was obtained from patient records and telephone interviews. Results Of the 123 patients undergoing UHR, 40 and 83 patients were operated on with the laparoscopic and open approach, respectively. Patients were well matched by demographics as well as comorbidities. No difference in the mean BMI was shown between the laparoscopic and open groups (37 vs 35, P = not significant, respectively). The operative time was significantly prolonged in the laparoscopic group (106 vs 71 minutes, P P = not significant). A significant increase in wound infection was reported in the open group with mesh insertion when compared with the laparoscopic procedure (26% vs 4%, P P = not significant, respectively). Conclusions In obese patients, the laparoscopic approach was associated with a significantly lower rate of postoperative infection and no hernia recurrence. Laparoscopic hernia repair may be the preferred option in the obese patient.
Engineering of plasminogen activators for targeting to thrombus and heightening thrombolytic efficacy.

Summary Thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery, which triggers acute myocardial infarction, is one of the major causes of death in the USA. Currently, arterial occlusions are treated with intravenous plasminogen activators (PAs), which dissolve the clot by activating plasminogen. However, PAs indiscriminately generate plasmin, which depletes critical clotting factors (fibrinogen, factor V, and factor VIII), precipitates a lytic state in the blood, and produces bleeding complications in a large patient population. PAs have been extensively investigated to achieve thrombus specificity, to attenuate the bleeding risk, and to widen their clinical applications. In this review, we discuss various strategies that have been pursued since the beginning of thrombolytic therapy. We review the biotechnological approaches that have been used to develop mutant and chimeric PAs for thrombus selectivity, including the use of specific antibodies for targeting thrombi. We discuss particulate carrier-based systems and triggered-release concepts. We propose new hypotheses and strategies to spur future studies in this research arena. Overall, we describe the approaches and accomplishments in the development of patient-friendly and workable delivery systems for thrombolytic drugs.
Low-Complexity Soft-Decision Feedback Turbo Equalization for MIMO Systems With Multilevel Modulations

Many communication systems today encounter the problem of data transmission over a channel with intersymbol interference (ISI). The purpose of this paper is to develop a low-complexity iterative soft-decision feedback equalization (SDFE) receiver for severe frequency-selective ISI channels in multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. The proposed SDFE algorithm offers a novel approach to combat error propagation. In addition, its computational complexity only linearly grows with the number of equalizer coefficients, compared with the quadratic complexity of minimum mean square error (MMSE)-based linear turbo equalizer with time-varying coefficients. The performance of the proposed detection scheme is verified through simulations using different signal constellations. In addition, convergence properties of the proposed SDFE algorithm are also analyzed using an extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart and verified by simulations in a severe ISI channel. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm has significant improvement over the Approximate MMSE linear turbo equalizer proposed by Tuchler et al. Moreover, we show that the performance of the proposed equalization scheme significantly improves when higher order constellations are used for digital modulation.
Derivation of exact and approximate formulas for the force on a conducting particle standing on a ground plane, and comparison with finite element computations

The force on a conducting particle standing on a ground plane in a uniform background field is important to a range of technical areas, such as particle motion in gasinsulated substations. The force and lifting field for such a particle is normally evaluated using an approximate formula in an obscure paper published over 40 years ago. Software technology now facilitates the solution of many such problems exactly, which allows evaluation of (i) the published approximation and (ii) the range of parameters over which the approximation is accurate. In the present contribution, we provide an exact solution to the field-induced force semi-spheroid standing on a ground plane, derive the commonly used approximation from the exact solution, and find that the commonly used approximate solution for the force on a rod-like particle agrees poorly with finite element computations of the force. We provide both "exact" and approximated formulas which agree well with finite element computations of the force on a rod-like particle for asperities from 2 to 100.
An estimation of the global volume of surgery: a modelling strategy based on available data

Methods We gathered demographic, health, and economic data for 192 member states of WHO. Data for the rate of surgery were sought from several sources including governmental agencies, statistical and epidemiological organisations, published studies, and individuals involved in surgical policy initiatives. We also obtained per-head total expenditure on health from analyses done in 2004. Major surgery was defi ned as any intervention occurring in a hospital operating theatre involving the incision, excision, manipulation, or suturing of tissue, usually requiring regional or general anaesthesia or sedation. We created a model to estimate rates of major surgery for countries for which such data were unavailable, then used demographic information to calculate the total worldwide volume of surgery. Findings We obtained surgical data for 56 (29%) of 192 WHO member states. We estimated that 234·2 (95% CI 187·2–281·2) million major surgical procedures are undertaken every year worldwide. Countries spending US$100 or less per head on health care have an estimated mean rate of major surgery of 295 (SE 53) procedures per 100 000 population per year, whereas those spending more than $1000 have a mean rate of 11 110 (SE 1300; p $1000) countries, accounting for 30·2% of the world’s population, provided 73·6% (172·3 million) of operations worldwide in 2004, whereas poor-expenditure (≤$100) countries account for 34·8% of the global population yet undertook only 3·5% (8·1 million) of all surgical procedures in 2004. Interpretation Worldwide volume of surgery is large. In view of the high death and complication rates of major surgical procedures, surgical safety should now be a substantial global public-health concern. The disproportionate scarcity of surgical access in low-income settings suggests a large unaddressed disease burden worldwide. Public-health eff orts and surveillance in surgery should be established.
Changes in the Position of the Geocentre due to Seasonal Variations in Air Mass and Ground Water

Summary A simple method for estimating geocentre motion is presented and applied to the seasonal variation in air mass and moisture stored on the Earth's land surface. Data given by Rosenhead and by van Hylckama indicates that the motion attains a maximum of 4.3 mm near the equinoxes and a minimum of 1.5 mm near the solstices, that is, about an order smaller than the point-co-ordination accuracy modern high-precision geodesy aims to achieve.
A Protective Domain of Heat-Shock Protein 60 from Histoplasma capsulatum

Vaccination with recombinant (r) hsp60 protects mice against Histoplasma capsulatum. To map the domain of rhsp60 that confers protection, four gene segments were cloned into pET19b and expressed in Escherichia coli. rhsp60 fragments were tested for their capacity to induce proliferation by sensitized splenocytes and to protect BALB/c and C57BU6 mice. All polypeptides stimulated cells from BALB/c mice immunized with yeasts or with rhsp60. Fragment 3 caused the most vigorous response by cells from mice immunized with yeasts, and fragment 1 caused the most vigorous response by cells from mice immunized with rhsp60. Splenocytes from yeast-immunized C57BL/6 mice did not recognize any polypeptide. In contrast, cells from C57BL/6 mice inoculated with rhsp60 responded to all fragments but most intensely to fragment 2. In both strains, fragment 3 conferred protection against sublethal and lethal challenges. Thus, a common protective domain of hsp60 has been identified.
Topical therapeutic agents that modulate corneal wound healing

In summary, corneal wound healing is a complex phenomenon that involves interplay between the cellular elements of the cornea, numerous soluble factors, and the constituents of the ECM. Unfortunately, many studies that demonstrate marked alteration on cell behavior in vitro and even in in vivo experiments are often not helpful in the diseased patient, as shown by the results of careful clinical trials. Future work that addresses the complex milieu of the corneal wound healing environment by addressing the interaction of many of these factors will be more likely to be successful than seeking a single agent that will enhance wound healing in all situations. Modulation of wound healing processes by the application of topical therapeutic agents is, however, an expanding field of study sure to produce clinically significant improvements in the management of veterinary patients with corneal defects. The judicious use of topical cytoactive compounds has a place in the clinician's armamentarium integrated into a therapeutic plan that decreases the mechanical stresses imposed on the wound bed as well as removal of any underlying inciting cause.
Rendering tetrahedral meshes with higher-order attenuation functions for digital radiograph reconstruction

This paper presents a novel method for computing simulated x-ray images, or DRRs (digitally reconstructed radiographs), of tetrahedral meshes with higher-order attenuation functions. DRRs are commonly used in computer assisted surgery (CAS), with the attenuation function consisting of a voxelized CT study, which is viewed from different directions. Our application of DRRs is in intra-operative "2D-3D" registration, i.e., finding the pose of the CT dataset given a small number of patient radiographs. We register 2D patient images with a statistical tetrahedral model, which encodes the CT intensity numbers as Bernstein polynomials, and includes knowledge about typical shape variation modes. The unstructured grid is more suitable for applying deformations than a rectilinear grid, and the higher-order polynomials provide a better approximation of the actual density than constant or linear models. The infra-operative environment demands a fast method for creating the DRRs, which we present here. We demonstrate this application through the creation and use of a deformable atlas of human pelvis bones. Compared with other works on rendering unstructured grids, the main contributions of this work are: 1) Simple and perspective-correct interpolation of the thickness of a tetrahedral cell. 2) Simple and perspective-correct interpolation of front and back barycentric coordinates with respect to the cell. 3) Computing line integrals of higher-order functions. 4) Capability of applying shape deformations and variations in the attenuation function without significant performance loss. The method does not depend on for pre-integration, and does not require depth-sorting of the visualized cells. We present imaging and timing results of implementing the algorithm, and discuss the impact of using higher-order functions on the quality of the result and the performance.
Transparency and the regulatory process in Europe and the United States: two research priorities

Transparency research related to the regulatory process would benefit most from two types of empirical studies. One batch of studies, described in the fifth section of this essay, would focus on the American states and the member states of the European Union to identify the factors that determine whether regulatory processes are more transparent and whether transparency is successful in improving regulations and the regulatory process. In other words, we need comparative state (for the US) and member state (for the EU) studies to develop metrics for the quality of regulations and the role of transparency is advancing or weakening the quality of regulations at the state (for the US) and member state (for the EU) level. The second batch of studies, described in the sixth section of this essay, would explore who uses the information currently provided at the levels of transparency currently available in regulatory processes at the European Union and federal government of the United States. Who benefits from ...
TRMM fire algorithm, product and applications

The TRMM Science Data and Information System (TSDIS) fire algorithm is a contextual approach that uses the TRMM Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) thermal channel brightness temperature, visible/near-infrared channel reflectance, and global land type data to retrieve fire pixels. The products include global images of daily hot spots and monthly fire counts at 0.5/spl deg//spl times/0.5/spl deg/ resolution, as well as text files that details necessary information of all fire pixels. In order to understand the variability of global land fires and their effects on the distribution of atmospheric aerosols, statistical methods were applied to the TSDIS fire products as well as the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) aerosol index products for a period of four years from January 1998 to December 2001. The statistical results showed contrast between North and South hemispheres and also inter-continental transitions in Africa and America. These analyses also identified 25-60 day intra-seasonal oscillations that were superimposed on the annual cycles of both fire and aerosol data. The intra-seasonal variability of fires showed similarity of Madden-Julian oscillation mode. The VIRS fire data were also compared with coincident TRMM rainfall data to investigate the interaction between fire and cloud.
Changes in spleen size in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a pilot observational study

BackgroundIn animal models, the spleen contracts after acute ischemic stroke, followed by release of inflammatory cells leading to secondary brain injury.AimsWe aim to characterize splenic responses in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, we measured daily spleen sizes with abdominal ultrasound in 30 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke. Splenic ultrasounds were also performed in 20 healthy individuals.ResultsA generalized estimating equation, longitudinal regression model for adjusted spleen measurements showed the difference between baseline spleen volume (within six-hours of stroke onset) and the volume at the last measured time point (up to seven-days) to be statistically significant (volume difference of 51·9 cm3, P = 0·04). Healthy controls had significantly smaller day-to-day variations; the maximum observed difference in mean spleen volume between any two time points was 9·5 cm3, with the average change over the period of observation being 1·...
Transport Measurements on Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ Thin Film Lines

Critical current densities, magnetic field response, and microwave response have been measured for laser ablated YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin film lines on MgO and SrTiO3 substrates. Films on SrTiO3 have critical current densities > 1 x 106 A/cm2 at 77K and show uniform transport properties in lines of all sizes. Films on MgO have critical current densities which range between 102 and 106 A/cm2 at 77K and show considerable variation from device to device on the same chip. Narrow lines on MgO with low critical current densities show Josephson weak link structure which includes RSJ-like IV curves, microwave induced constant voltage steps, and a high sensitivity to magnetic field. The presence of the Josephson weak links is correlated with small amounts of misaligned grains in films on MgO.
Effect of Humidity on the Interaction of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP) Vapor with SiO2 and Al2O3 Surfaces, Studied Using Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy

Infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy has been used to study the interaction of DMMP vapor with SiO2, Al2O3, and AlO(OH) vs relative humidity (RH) and DMMP partial pressure (P/P0). For ...
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

The vehicle that BLM uses to make multiple use management a reality is the Planning System. Briefly described this system: 1) designates specific geographic planning units, 2) inventories the current situation for each resource and its potential for development, 3) determines regional and local economic and social needs, 4) identifies resource conflicts and opportunities for complementary action, 5) resolves conflicts and develops multiple use recommendations, and 6) provides for public participation in arriving at final decisions. The result of this planning process is a management framework plan which, as the name implies, provides the parameters within which individual activity plans for managing each resource are made and implemented. A main component of the system is policy guidance, or rather a hierarchy of policy, which starts with Bureauwide policy, including policies for individual activities, and ends with policies for individual geographic areas wherever they are needed. Thus BLM has a way of operating which provides for the consideration of many potential uses on each area. This includes the analysis of the physical and human environment and the interrelatedness of all living and non-living things. Part of the policy guidance for the past two years is a programwide standard to protect and enhance the environment. To say that BLM, at this time, has a clear understanding of how to assure that environmental protection and enhancement is in fact accomplished in each one of its activities would be a gross exaggeration, but it does have an effective management mechanism to help understand and accomplish environmental objectives. The National Environmental Policy Act (PL 91-190), 1969, established a national policy for protecting and enhancing the environment. The Bureau of Land Management-the institution and the employees-accepted this policy for two reasons: first because the policy was similar to the conservation policy
Oxidation Behavior of Carbon Nanoparticles/Silicon Carbide Composite Ceramics

The oxidation behavior of three pressureless-sintered silicon carbide(SiC),15%Cp /SiC and 25%Cp /SiC composites,which were prepared with carbon nanoparticles(Cp) and silicon micron-sized particles by a mechanochemical method,at various temperatures was investigated.The results show that the oxidation of Cp /SiC ceramics in air is controlled via C+O2 reaction at 700 ℃,the bending strength of samples decreases to a minimum value at 700 ℃;the oxidation is controlled by O2 diffusion through micro-cracks unequally in the range of 700–900 ℃;the oxidation of Cp /SiC is controlled by O2 diffusion through the structural defects of matrix in the range of 900–1 100 ℃.The bending strength of composites reaches to a maximum value during initial 2 h at 1 000 ℃ due to the formation of SiO2 layer and the healing defects of matrix.It is also indicated that the addition of Cp in the composite has an effect on the bending strength and the oxidation behavior of the composite.The ceramic composite with the Cp addition of 15%(in mass) can be used as a promising anti-oxidation glass-holder material.
Hybrid STT-CMOS designs for reverse-engineering prevention

This paper presents a rigorous step towards design-for-assurance by introducing a new class of logically reconfigurable design resilient to design reverse engineering. Based on the non-volatile spin transfer torque (STT) magnetic technology, we introduce a basic set of non-volatile reconfigurable Look-Up-Table (LUT) logic components (NV-STT-based LUTs). STT-based LUT with significantly different set of characteristics compared to CMOS provides new opportunities to enhance design security yet makes it challenging to remain highly competitive with custom CMOS or even SRAM-based LUT in terms of power, performance and area. To address these challenges, we propose several algorithms to select and replace custom CMOS gates with reconfigurable STT-based LUTs during design implementation such that the functionality of STT-based components and therefore the entire design cannot be determined in any manageable time, rendering any design reverse engineering attack ineffective. Our study conducted on a large number of standard circuit benchmarks concludes significant resiliency of hybrid STT-CMOS circuits against various types of attacks. Furthermore, the selection algorithms on average have a small impact of less than 3%, 8%, and 3% on design parametric constraints including performance, power and area, respectively.
Dilations of a Euclidean Plane (DLN)

This chapter establishes a rich array of properties for dilations, which were defined in Chapter 3 These play a key role in the development of Euclidean geometry, both in the definition of multiplication and in the development of similarity. Half-rotations are defined and their properties developed in an intricate process; these, in turn, are used to define dilations, which are shown to be belineations. A method is provided for point-wise construction of a dilation having a given action. A classical proposition attributed to Pappus of Alexandria is proved.
Analyzing Fiscal Balance Evolution for Developed and Emerging Countries

The purpose of our paper is to identify the main factors which influence fiscal balance’s evolution and thereby propose solutions for configuring a sustainable fiscal policy. We have selected as independent variables some of the main macroeconomic measures, respectively public debt, unemployment rate, economy openness degree, population, consumer goods’ price index, current account balance, direct foreign investments and economic growth rate. Our research method uses two econometric models applied on a sample of 22 countries, respectively 14 developed and 8 emergent. The first model is a multiple regression and studies the connection between the fiscal balance and selected independent variables, whereas the second one uses first order differences and introduces economic freedom as a dummy variable to catch the dynamic influences of selected measures upon fiscal result. The time interval considered was 1999-2013. The results generated using the two models revealed that public debt, current account balance and economic growth significantly influence the fiscal balance. As a consequence, the governments need to plan and implement a fiscal policy which resonates with economy priorities and the phase of the economic cycle, as well as ensure a proper management of the public debt, stimulate sustainable economic growth and employment.
Matrix metalloproteinases as regulators of inflammatory processes.

Abstract Inflammation is a central mechanism for dealing with insults to tissue, either from pathogenic invaders or by other damage-inducing means, such that the threat is removed, the tissue is healed and there is a return to homeostasis. It is a multi-step process with manifold methods of regulation built in. Proteolysis is one such regulatory method and members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteinases have been shown to influence inflammation in myriad of ways. It is becoming more and more clear that no single MMP can be unequivocally labeled as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ when considering inflammation in general – the net result of proteolytic activity is dependent on context. Here we provide examples from recent literature, with a focus on in vivo studies, to highlight this concept. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Matrix Metalloproteinases edited by Rafael Fridman.
Removal of phosphate from surface and wastewater via electrocoagulation

Abstract Water with excessive nutrients are continuously released into water bodies, the resulting eutrophication causes public health, environmental, and economic problems. Phosphorus (P) impairment of fresh surface waters is a major concern in the USA and worldwide. The aim of this study is to use a bench scale P removal system that utilizes electrocoagulation (EC) to address this water quality problem. This study examined the effects of treatment parameters (initial pH, initial conductivity, power input, and initial P concentration) on the ability of the EC process to remove P in solutions with initial P concentrations less than 2 mg/L. It also investigated the ability of EC to reduce concentrations of P in surface water and treated wastewater. P concentrations in phosphate solutions, surface water, and wastewater effluent were reduced by 99% in under 60 min. The removal efficiency was demonstrated to be directly proportional to the conductivity and power supplied.
Join the Chorus, Avoid the Spotlight: The Effect of Neighborhood and Social Dynamics on Human Rights Organization Shaming:

Which countries are likely to be ignored for their human rights abuses? This article focuses on one particular way that cases of human rights abuse might be overlooked by human rights organizations...
Combating the Digital Spiral of Silence: Academic Activists Versus Social Media Trolls

Academics are increasingly using social media to share teaching resources and research collaborations. However, research shows that many academic women increasingly worry that if they engage in certain kinds of conversations, especially about feminist issues, they will face harassment or threats at some point. This chapter, which is based on interviews with 45 man and woman scholars, explores the ways that women and minority academics’ fear of harassment online leads to self-censorship, creating a digital Spiral of Silence. While many of our interviewees indicated that the only way to avoid negative backlash would be to carefully censor what they said online, others indicated that online engagements—both negative and positive—are important for scholars to continue supporting one another and spreading knowledge.
Crystal and electronic structure of a hexacarbonyldiiron cluster tethered to naphthalene-2-thiolate ligands.

The structure of the previously reported complex bis­(μ-naphthalene-2-thiol­ato-κ2S:S)bis­(tri­carbonyl­iron)(Fe—Fe), [Fe2(C10H7S)2(CO)6], has been characterized by X-ray diffraction. In the solid state, the dinuclear complex adopts a butterfly-like shape, with an equatorial–axial spatial orientation of the naphthalene groups covalently coupled to the [S2Fe2(CO)6] unit. The asym­metric unit contains three independent [(μ-naphthalene-2-thiol­ato)2Fe2(CO)6] mol­ecules. These mol­ecules show inter­molecular π–π stacking inter­actions between the naphthalene rings, which was confirmed by Hirshfield surface analysis. The electronic spectrum of the complex recorded in aceto­nitrile shows a band centered at 350 nm (∊ = 4.6 × 103 M−1 cm−1) and tailing into the visible region. This absorption can be attributed to a π→π* electronic transition within the naphthalene moiety and a metal-based d→d transition.
Pulse discrimination with a Gaussian mixture model on an FPGA

Abstract A Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) based machine learning algorithm has been applied to the problem of gamma/neutron pulse shape discrimination (PSD). The algorithm has been successfully implemented on a standard PC as well as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Here we describe the GMM classifier and its implementation on these two different types of hardware. We compare the performance of the algorithm on these two platforms against each other, along with other standard techniques applied in PSD. Our results show that the FPGA-based GMM classifier outperforms the standard PSD techniques in terms of classification accuracy at low particle energy and executes more quickly than its CPU-based counterpart.
Influence of diet on axonal damage in the EAE mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Numerous studies have shown that diet influences the development of autoimmune diseases. However, the influence of diet on axonal damage occurring in EAE (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis) has not been examined. In the current study we compared changes in axonal damage and myelin thickness in spinal cords of sham- and MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) peptide-immunized mice kept on a standard mouse chow (Teklad 7012) versus AIN-93 M chow which was developed for improved animal health. Despite that the development of clinical signs was similar in the 2 groups, there were significant differences in axonal caliber and myelin thickness. Following induction of EAE, axonal caliber was significantly reduced in mice fed Teklad diet, but not those fed the AIN diet. Concomitantly, myelin thickness was decreased by EAE in mice fed Teklad, but not AIN diet. Analysis of g-ratios showed that the increase in g-ratio with increasing axonal size was reduced in mice fed AIN diet. These findings demonstrate that differences in axonal pathology occur in the absence of observable differences in clinical signs, and that inter-study comparisons may be confounded by differences in dietary care.
Isotopic Effects in the Adsorption and Desorption of Hydrogen by Ni(111)

The dynamics of the interaction of hydrogen with the Ni(111) surface have been investigated using several methods involving comparisons between H2 and D2 adsorbates. In addition, the desorption of hydrogen has been studied by methods which yield information about the angular distribution of the desorbing species. It has been found that on Ni(111), hydrogen molecules adsorb via an interaction with a single site on the Ni(111) surface. The adsorption process produces an activated complex which is located near the entrance channel (for adsorption at low coverages) on the potential energy surface describing the interaction. The adsorption process occurs through the formation of an intrinsic molecular precursor state. This state may be observed by TPD above one-half monolayer coverages of atomic deuterium in the case of molecular D2. Adsorbed molecular H2 is not observed. The D2 molecular state desorbs via first order kinetics with an activation energy of 11.1 kJ/mole and a preexponential factor of 1.2 × 105 sec−1. These conclusions are confirmed by angular distribution measurements of H2 desorption which indicate that adsorbed H recombines over an exit channel (for desorption) barrier when the coverage is below one-half monolayer. For atomic hydrogen coverages above one-half monolayer, recombination occurs over an entrance channel (for desorption) barrier. These results suggest that the location of the activation barrier for H + H recombination is dependent on the coverage of adsorbed atomic hydrogen.
Engineering Graded Tissue Interfaces

Native tissue interfaces show transitions in cell type, structure, composition, and organization of extracellular matrix, chemical signals, mineralization, mechanical properties, and biological function. In this chapter, we discuss engineering of tissue interfaces, with an emphasis on scaffold design. An ideal scaffold should be able to accommodate transitions in tissue elements in order to transmit the properties of one tissue to another. Regenerative medicine strategies for synthesizing tissue interfaces are reviewed, including the generation of continuous physical and chemical gradients for the formation of strong attachments. We highlight the importance of the scaffold for directing cellular behavior to form an interface similar to native tissue.
Radiology Field Trips-A List of "Must Sees" in the Radiology Department for Medical Students: How We Do It.

Rationale and Objective Traditionally, the radiology elective has been designed to teach medical students the fundamentals of radiologic interpretation, typically through passive means, such as didactic conferences and observational shadowing of radiologists as they interpret images. In doing so, the importance of noninterpretive skills and active learning has been minimized. Additionally, in the traditional model, students typically only gain a superficial appreciation of radiologists’ role in patient care and their interactions with clinical services, multidisciplinary teams, and patients. With the emphasis on value-focused, team-based, patient-centered care, it is important to expand the focus of radiology education beyond interpretive skills alone such that these future physicians can most effectively utilize imaging to care for patients. Materials and Methods A list of integrated radiology field trips was created for medical students from two institutions, Allegheny Health Network and the University of Kentucky, representing a consolidation of the instructional strategies utilized at these institutions. This paradigm uses active observation to extend learning beyond the reading room. Results It targets noninterpretive skills that will be of vital importance in the majority of students’ future clinical practice, such as patient safety and appropriate ordering practices. Conclusion This article describes the integration of nine field trip experiences into a 4-week radiology clerkship and its effect on learning outcomes and student satisfaction.
Loss aversion and health insurance plan switching

Abstract This paper develops a model of insurance choice and derives the implications for insurance plan selection when consumers are loss averse. Previous work has shown that health insurance plan switching costs can increase welfare by reducing adverse selection. Loss aversion provides a natural mechanism for modeling non-pecuniary switching costs and thus gives a basis for modeling insurance choice in environments where explicit switching costs might be minimal. I also derive a test for the presence of both adverse selection and switching costs based on differential spending of switchers and non-switchers. I test this model using data from a benefits firm providing employment-based health insurance. Employees choose between low and high coverage plans from the same insurer during the annual open enrollment period, and explicit switching costs are likely to be low. I assume employees take their current plan as the reference point for choosing the next year’s plan. I find evidence of adverse selection and significant switching costs.
The relationship between occupational stress and gastrointestinal illness: A comprehensive study of public schoolteachers

This study used a biopsychosocial approach to examine the complex relationship between occupational stress and gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses in public schoolteachers. Public schoolteachers (N = 3...