cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brittle faults are weak, yet the ductile middle crust is strong: Implications for lithospheric mechanics

A global compilation of shear stress magnitude from mylonites developed along major fault zones suggests that maximum shear stresses between 80 and 120 MPa are reached at temperatures between 300 and 350°C on normal, thrust, and strike-slip faults. These shear stresses are consistent with estimates of brittle rock strengths based on sliding friction (e.g., Byerlee's law), and with in situ measurements of crustal stress measured in boreholes. This confirms previous suggestions that in some areas at least, the continental crust is stressed close to failure down to the brittle-ductile transition. Many major active faults in all tectonic regimes are considered to be relatively weak, however; peak static shear stresses for brittle faults estimated by a variety of techniques lie in the range of 1–50 MPa. The sharp contrast between static shear stresses estimated on the seismogenic parts of major faults and those estimated from steady-state microstructures in ductile rocks immediately below the seismogenic zone suggests that there is an abrupt downward termination, probably controlled by temperature, of the weakening processes that govern fault behavior in the upper crust. These data also imply that seismogenic parts of major fault zones contribute little to lithospheric strength, and are unlikely to have much influence on either the slip rate or the location of the faults. Conversely, ductile middle crust immediately below the brittle-ductile transition deforms at high stresses, and forms a significant load-bearing element within the lithosphere.
Aquatic Invertebrate Food Base for Waterbirds at Wetland Reserve Program Easements in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley

Migratory waterbirds depend on invertebrates as a key source of dietary protein, but few studies have quantified aquatic invertebrates or their response to management on privately owned wetlands. Our objectives were to quantify the effects of wetland management provided through the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI) on invertebrate biomass, family richness, and secondary production at Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easements in Arkansas and Missouri. We collected core and sweep-net samples bi-weekly in autumn 2011 and sweep samples in winter 2012 at WRP easements enrolled in MBHI (n = 13), WRP easements not enrolled in MBHI (n = 12), and intensively managed public wetlands (n = 7) in Arkansas and Missouri. Overall mean (±SE) invertebrate biomass and production during autumn were 11.96 (±1.29) kg/ha and 1.57 (±1.09) kg/ha*season, and during winter were 3.96 (±0.55) kg/ha and 1.38 (±0.11), respectively. Macroinvertebrate biomass and family richness did not differ among wetland types or management practices, including inundation and mowing. Secondary macroinvertebrate production during autumn was 200 % greater on MBHI contracts compared to WRP easements. During winter, production was 40 % greater on MBHI and WRP easements compared to public wetlands. Our results suggest that with management, wetlands enrolled in conservation easement programs can be an important source of invertebrate production for migratory waterbirds.
Worker Size and Nest Defense in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Workers of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), range in size from ≈0.5 to 1.5 mm in headwidth. Such size variation is thought to enable a more efficient division of labor, because some worker sizes may be better suited to performing particular tasks. Here, I focus on the task of nest defense, where efficiency and effectiveness may depend on having appropriately sized workers respond to particular types of threats. Specifically, I tested whether the size of responding workers differs between two magnitudes of nest disturbance (light, insect-like versus heavy, vertebrate-like), and I investigated how both sting length and the amount of venom workers contain, key defensive traits, vary with worker size. Workers responding to heavy, vertebrate-like nest disturbances were larger than those responding to light, insect-like disturbances. Between the light and heavy disturbances, the proportion of minor (small) workers responding dropped, whereas that of major (large) workers increased five-fold. Although the relationship between sting length and worker size is not directly proportional, the average sting length of majors is ≈0.20 mm (or 40%) greater than that of minors, with little overlap in range. The relationship between worker size and the amount of venom they contain is also positive. So, vertebrate-magnitude nest disturbances are met with greater proportions of large S. invicta workers than are insect-magnitude disturbances, and these larger workers bring with them longer stings and larger venom arsenals, which may increase their effectiveness against such relatively large, thicker-skinned threats.
Brief Report: Gestures in Children at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Retrospective video analyses indicate that disruptions in gesture use occur as early as 9–12 months of age in infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We report a prospective study of gesture use in 42 children identified as at-risk for ASD using a general population screening. At age 13–15 months, gesture were more disrupted in infants who, at 20–24 months, met cutoffs for “autism” on the ADOS than for those who met cutoffs for “autism spectrum” or those who did not meet cutoffs for either, whereas these latter two groups displayed similar patterns of gesture use. Total gestures predicted later receptive and expressive language outcomes; therefore, gesture use may help identify infants who can benefit from early communication interventions.
EXTENDING THE RESOURCE CONCENTRATION HYPOTHESIS TO PLANT COMMUNITIES: EFFECTS OF LITTER AND HERBIVORES

We extend the resource concentration hypothesis (herbivorous insects are more likely to find and stay in more dense and less diverse patches of their host plants) to plant communities. Specifically, whenever superior plant competitors spread to form dense stands, they will be found and attacked by their specialist insect enemies. This will decrease host plant abundance, causing a reduction in standing crop biomass, which will indirectly increase subordinate competitors and plant species richness. In this study, we found that a native, specialist chrysomelid beetle (Trirhabda virgata) in an old-field community decreased total standing crop biomass, leading to an increase in plant species richness. This reduction in biomass was due solely to a reduction in the biomass of the beetle's host plant, meadow goldenrod (Solidago altissima), which was the dominant plant species in this community. Our results demonstrate that when a superior competitor increases in density, the per-stem impact of herbivores increase...
Effect of silver nanoparticles on Candida albicans biofilms: an ultrastructural study

Candida albicans is the most common pathogenic fungus isolated in bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients, and candidiasis represents the fourth most common infection in United States hospitals, mostly due to the increasing numbers of immune- and medically-compromised patients. C. albicans has the ability to form biofilms and morphogenetic conversions between yeast and hyphal morphologies contribute to biofilm development and represent an essential virulence factor. Moreover, these attached communities of cells are surrounded by a protective exopolymeric matrix that effectively shelters Candida against the action of antifungals. Because of dismal outcomes, novel antifungal strategies, and in particular those targeting biofilms are urgently required. As fungi are eukaryotic, research and development of new antifungal agents has been difficult due to the limited number of selective targets, also leading to toxicity. By microwave-assisted techniques we obtained pure 1 nm spherical silver nanoparticles ideal for their potential biological applications without adding contaminants. A phenotypic assay of C. albicans demonstrated a potent dose-dependent inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles on biofilm formation, with an IC50 of 0.089 ppm. Also silver nanoparticles demonstrated efficacy when tested against pre-formed C. albicans biofilms resulting in an IC50 of 0.48 ppm. The cytotoxicity assay resulted in a CC50 of 7.03 ppm. The ultrastructural differences visualized under SEM with silver nanoparticles treatment were changes in the surface appearance of the yeast from smooth to rough thus indicating outer cell wall damage. On the fungal pre-formed biofilm true hyphae was mostly absent, as filamentation was inhibited. TEM measurement of the cell-wall width of C. albicans after treatment resulted in significant enlargement (206 ± 11 nm) demonstrating membrane permeabilization. Our results demonstrate that silver nanoparticles are potent inhibitors of C. albicans biofilm formation. SEM observations are consistent with an overall loss of structure of biofilms mostly due to disruption of the outer cell membrane/wall and inhibition of filamentation.TEM indicates the permeabilization of the cell wall and subsequent disruption of the structural layers of the outer fungal cell wall. The anti-biofilm effects are via cell wall disruption.
Phase II/Pharmacodynamic Trial of Dose-Intensive, Weekly Parenteral Hydroxyurea and Fluorouracil Administered With Interferon Alfa-2a in Patients With Refractory Malignancies of the Gastrointestinal Tract

PURPOSE: Combined depletion of pyrimidine and purine DNA precursors has resulted in therapeutic synergism in vitro. The aims of the current study were to test this strategy in patients with refractory tumors and to assess its effects on selected nucleotide pools. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-institution phase II trial was initiated in patients with advanced carcinomas of the stomach and pancreas. Patients had measurable disease and had no prior chemotherapy except adjuvant fluorouracil (5FU) or gemcitabine. 5FU was administered by CADD + pump at 2.6 g/m2 intravenously by 24-hour infusion on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36. Parenteral hydroxyurea (HU) was administered at 4.3 g/m2 as a 24-hour infusion concurrently with 5FU. Interferon alfa-2a (IFN-α2a) was administered at 9 million units subcutaneously on days 1, 3, and 5 each week. No drug was administered in weeks 7 and 8. Pharmacodynamic studies were performed to assess drug effects on levels of deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) and thymidine triphosphat...
Wrongs Without Recourse: A Comment on Jason Solomon's Judging Plaintiffs

Jason Solomon's very interesting article Judging Plaintiffs argues that neither efficient-deterrence theories nor corrective justice theories adequately explain the existence of rules that bar or limit recovery by a tort victim on the ground that she failed to take certain pre-tort steps to protect herself from harm, or failed to take certain post-tort steps in response to the harm. The vitality of these "judging plaintiffs" doctrines, he maintains, attests to the superiority of an alternative theory of tort known as civil recourse theory. According to Solomon, recourse theory treats tort law as one component of a liberal political order and thus explains these doctrines in terms of a liberal principle calling for state nonintervention where it was or is unnecessary. In this comment, I situate Judging Plaintiffs within current tort theory debates, describe briefly its major claims, and discuss some of the doctrinal and theoretical strengths and weaknesses of the position it stakes out.
The Finitistic Dimension Conjectures — A Tale of 3.5 Decades

We review the history of several homological conjectures, both from a chronological and a methodological point of view.
Girl child marriage as a risk factor for early childhood development and stunting

This paper quantitatively examines the intergenerational effects of girl child marriage, or the developmental and health outcomes of children born to women who marry before age 18. The overall objective is to understand the mechanisms through which girl child marriage affects the health and well-being of children in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the relative magnitude and impact of these mechanisms. We used data from 37,558 mother-child pairs identified through 16 national and sub-national cross-sectional surveys across sub-Saharan Africa conducted between 2010 and 2014 by the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Clusters Survey program. The Early Childhood Development Index was used to measure child development, and stunting was used to measure health. Using logistic regression, we found that the odds of being off-track for development and being stunted were 25% and 29% higher, respectively, for children born to women who married before age 18 compared to those whose mothers married later (p < 0.001). Geographic location and primary education, which were conceptualized as contextual factors, explained most of this relationship, controlling for country fixed-effects. In adjusted models, we found that early childbearing was not the sole pathway through which girl child marriage affected child development and health. Our final models revealed that disparities in advanced maternal education and wealth explained child development and stunting. We conclude that there are intergenerational consequences of girl child marriage on her child's well-being, and that through association with other contextual, socioeconomic, and biological factors, marrying early does matter for child development and health. Our findings resonate with existing literature and point toward important policy considerations for improving early childhood outcomes.
Discovery of Two Bacterial Nitric Oxide-Responsive Proteins and Their Roles in Bacterial Biofilm Regulation.

ConspectusBacterial biofilms form when bacteria adhere to a surface and produce an exopolysaccharide matrix (Costerton Science 1999, 284, 1318; Davies Science 1998, 280, 295; Flemming Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 2010, 8, 623). Because biofilms are resistant to antibiotics, they are problematic in many aspects of human health and welfare, causing, for instance, persistent fouling of medical implants such as catheters and artificial joints (Brunetto Chimia 2008, 62, 249). They are responsible for chronic infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and in open wounds, such as those associated with burns and diabetes. They are also a major contributor to hospital-acquired infections (Sievert Infec. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2013, 34, 1; Tatterson Front. Biosci. 2001, 6, D890).It has been hypothesized that effective methods of biofilm control will have widespread application (Landini Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2010, 86, 813). A promising strategy is to target the mechanisms that drive biofilm dispersal, beca...
Induced vibration contact detection for minimizing cantilever tip-sample interaction forces in jumping mode atomic force microscopy

Minimizing tip-sample interaction force is crucial for the performance of atomic force microscopes when imaging delicate samples. Conventional methods based on jumping mode such as peak force tapping require a prescribed maximum interaction force to detect tip-sample contact. However, due to the presence of drag forces (in aqueous environments), noises and cantilever dynamics, the minimal detectable peak force can be large. This results in large tip-sample interaction forces and hence sample damage. To minimize this force, we propose a method based on induction of surface or probe vibrations to detect contact between cantilever probe tip and sample substrate. To illustrate the effectiveness of the method, we report experimental results for contact detection on a PS-LDPE-12M polymer sample. A topography tracking control algorithm based on the proposed contact detection scheme is also presented.
Bankruptcy for Productivity

The accepted economic function of bankruptcy law is that it resolves collective action problems between self-interested creditors. This article argues that this collective-action-resolving function is only one of a multitude of expressions of an overarching economic motivation of bankruptcy law. Bankruptcy law seeks to avoid productivity-destroying consequences of insolvency. The principal expressions of this policy are more prominent features of the bankruptcy system than its collective-action-resolving provisions. The fresh start policy avoids the destruction of individual productivity incentives. The reorganization chapter avoids misallocations and false liquidations due to credit crunches and disrupted markets. The creation of trust funds for future victims of past torts solves the erroneous liquidation incentive that a vicious cycle of tort-driven insolvencies creates. The priority of tort claims during the reorganization cures wasteful incentives for sub-optimal care. None of these fundamental choices is explained as a solution to creditors' collective action problem. Moreover, the resolution of the creditors' collective action problem prevents the destruction of value, becoming itself one more expression in this group of avoiding the economic distortions that insolvency may cause. Closing, I argue that bankruptcy law must address these concerns because they require a study of the debtor's relations in their totality that state law is unlikely to be able to perform. The desired regulatory competition should be provided in the context of the structure of the federal judiciary.
A Convolutional Neural Network for Transportation Mode Detection Based on Smartphone Platform

Knowledge of people's transportation mode is important in many civilian areas, such as urban transportation planning. Current methodologies in collecting travelers' transportation modes are costly and inaccurate. The increasing sensing and computing capabilities of smartphones and their high penetration rate enable automatic transportation mode detection. This paper designs and implements a light-weight and energy-efficient transportation mode detection application only using the accelerometer sensor on smartphones. In this application, we collect accelerometer data in an efficient way and build a convolutional neural network to determine transportation modes. Different architectures and different classification methods are tested within our convolutional neutral networks in our tests and the best combination is selected for this transportation mode detection application. Performance evaluation shows that the proposed convolutional neural network can achieve the highest accuracy in detecting transportation modes.
Spatial query for decision support of cross-country movement

The use of a query language processor for decision support of cross-country movement in an image-based geographic information system is evaluated. It is found that query processing yields results which are comparable to those obtained using conventional cross-country movement techniques and analysis. Query processing also provides a flexibility of information extraction, rapid display, and flexible decision support in time-critical, limited data situations.
3D tomography for multistatic GPR subsurface sensing

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) subsurface sensing is a promising nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique for inspecting and surveying underground utilities in complex urban environments, as well as for monitoring other key infrastructure such as bridges and railroads. A challenge of such technique lies on image formation from the recorded GPR data. In this work, a fast back projection algorithm (BPA) for three-dimensional GPR image construction is explored. The BPA is a time-domain migration method that has been effectively used in GPR image formation. However, most of the studies in the literature apply a computationally intensive BPA to a two-dimensional dataset under the assumption that an in-plane scattering occurs underneath the GPR antennas. This assumption is not precise for 3D GPR image formation as the GPR radiation scatters in multiple directions as it reaches the ground. In this study, a generalized form for an approximation to determine the scattering point in an air-coupled GPR system is developed which considerably reduces the required computations and can accurately localize the scattering point position. The algorithm is evaluated by applications on GPR data synthesized using GprMax, a finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulator.
MICROCOMPUTER PRESENTATION OF PATTERNED STIMULI FOR VISUAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

This paper describes a series of programs which allow general purpose checkerboard and grating patterns to be drawn, stored on disk, rapidly recalled, displayed and phase reversed as stimuli for electrophysiological recording of visual system activity. The programs are written for a modestly configured system based on the APPLE II PLUS microcomputer. Comparison of Pattern Evoked Cortical Potentials in response to optically projected and computer generated vertical gratings illustrate the efficacy of this approach. Consideration of advantages and disadvantages of this system suggest that this is a viable alternative to currently available approaches to presentation of phase reversing, patterned stimuli.
Commutative Rings of Dimension 0

All rings considered in this paper are assumed to be commutative and unitary. If R is a subring of S, we assume that the unity element of S belongs to R, and hence is the unity of R. All allusions to the dimension of a ring refer to its Krull dimension. Thus dim R = n if there exists a chain P 0 < Pi< … < P n of proper prime ideals of R, but no longer such chain; dim R = ∞ if there exist arbitrarily long chains of prime ideals of R. This paper is concerned primarily with rings of dimension 0, hence rings whose proper prime ideals are maximal. There has been a surge of recent work in this area; the work seems to have originated with the papers [2]–[4] of M. Arapovic. The main focus of Arapovic’s work is the question of embeddability of a ring in a zero-dimensional ring, the subject of our Section 5. This paper contains an account of some of the work that has been done in the area of zero-dimensional commutative rings since the publication of Arapovic’s papers.
Post-Treatment Symptoms of Pain, Anxiety, Sleep Disturbance, and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Background In part because of improvements in early detection and treatment, the number of breast cancer survivors is increasing. After treatment, however, breast cancer survivors often experience distressing symptoms, including pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and fatigue; at the same time, they have less frequent contact with health care providers. Pain commonly co-occurs with other symptoms and the combination of symptoms contribute to the amount of distress experienced by survivors. Previous studies of post-treatment symptoms include primarily urban and white women. Aims The purpose of this study was to describe the post-treatment cluster of symptoms, to examine the correlations among these symptoms, and to examine the role pain intensity may play in understanding the variation in sleep disturbance, fatigue, and anxiety in a racially diverse sample of rural breast cancer survivors. Design The theoretical framework for this descriptive correlational study was the theory of unpleasant symptoms. Settings Outpatient university-affiliated cancer clinic. Participants/Subjects Forty women who were between 6 months and 5 years post breast cancer diagnosis. Methods Participants completed the following self-report instruments: Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System of pain intensity, pain interference, anxiety, and sleep disturbance and the Piper Fatigue Short Form 12. Results The average age of participants was 58 years, and 57.5% were black. Most women reported sleep disturbance (78%), pain interference (68%), and pain intensity (63%) above the national average for an American adult. Black women reported higher pain intensity than whites. There were moderate to strong correlations among the symptoms (range r = 0.35-0.89). Conclusions Nurses and health care providers in primary care settings need to screen for symptoms, and nursing interventions are needed to assist breast cancer survivors to manage distressing symptoms.
Dual-energy X-ray computed tomography for void detection in fiber-reinforced composites

Void detection in fiber-reinforced composites traditionally relies on precise density measurements before and after the physical removal of the polymer matrix; consequently, this method only provid...
Thermal modeling and characterization of wire arc additive manufactured duplex stainless steel

Abstract In this study, Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process is used to build two parts, tube and wall from 2209 Duplex Stainless Steel. Duplex stainless steel is extremely effective against stress corrosion cracking due to existence of an equal portion of austenite and ferrite phases. The challenge is monitoring of the process parameters and cooling rate to promote ferrite phase formation. To this end, three-dimensional transient thermal models of the additive manufactured (AM) parts are presented and the simulated thermal cycles are verified with the experimental results. The correlation between the calculated cooling rates and the phases formation in the WAAM parts is studied and revealed. The results highlight that slow cooling rate of the built layers at elevated temperatures promote austenite formation significantly in a ferrite matrix. Furthermore, the experimental mechanical examinations will illustrate the quality of the WAAM-made parts and compare their mechanical properties with their wrought counter-parts.
CEST MRI monitoring of tumor response to vascular disrupting therapy using high molecular weight dextrans.

Purpose Vascular disrupting therapy of cancer has become a promising approach not only to regress tumor growth directly but also to boost the delivery of chemotherapeutics in the tumor. An imaging approach to monitor the changes in tumor vascular permeability, therefore, has important applications for monitoring of vascular disrupting therapies. Methods Mice bearing CT26 subcutaneous colon tumors were injected intravenously with 150 kD dextran (Dex150, diameter, d~ 20 nm, 375 mg/kg), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α; 1 µg per mouse), or both (n = 3 in each group). The Z-spectra were acquired before and 2 h after the injection, and the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signals in the tumors as quantified by asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym ) at 1 ppm were compared. Results The results showed a significantly stronger CEST contrast enhancement at 1 ppm (∆MTRasym = 0.042 ± 0.002) in the TNF-α-treated tumors than those by Dex150 alone (∆MTRasym = 0.000 ± 0.005, P = 0.0229) or TNF-α alone (∆MTRasym = 0.002 ± 0.004, P = 0.0264), indicating that the TNF-α treatment strongly augmented the tumor uptake of 150 kD dextran. The MRI findings were verified by fluorescence imaging and immunofluorescence microscopy. Conclusions High molecular weight dextrans can be used as safe and sensitive CEST MRI contrast agents for monitoring tumor response to vascular disrupting therapy and, potentially, for developing dextran-based theranostic drug delivery systems.
Evaluation of Ki67 and other predictors of survival in metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) to the liver treated with Y90 radioembolization.

e15687Background: Ki67 index is a predictor of survival in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET). The purpose of this study is to evaluate Ki67 index and other potential predictors of...
Fast construction of the exchange operator in an atom-centred basis with concentric atomic density fitting

An algorithm is presented for computing the Hartree–Fock exchange matrix using concentric atomic density fitting with data and instruction count complexities. The algorithm exploits the asymptotic ...
Isolation and quantitation of exosomes isolated from human plasma via hydrophobic interaction chromatography using a polyester, capillary-channeled polymer fiber phase.

Abstract Exosomes are one class of extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm diameter) that are secreted by cells. These small vesicles hold a great deal of promise in disease diagnostics, as they display the same protein biomarkers as their originating cell. On a cellular level, exosomes are attributed to playing a key role in intercellular communication, and may eventually be exploited for targeted drug delivery. In order for exosomes to become useful in disease diagnostics, and as burgeoning drug delivery platforms, they must be isolated efficiently and effectively without compromising their structure. Plasma from peripheral blood is an excellent source of exosomes, as it is easily collected and the process does not normally cause undue discomfort to the patient. Unfortunately, blood plasma content is complex, containing abundant amounts of soluble proteins and aggregates, making exosomes extremely difficult to isolate in high purity from plasma. Most current exosome isolation methods have practical challenges including being too time-consuming and labor intensive, destructive to the exosomes, or too costly for use in clinical settings. To this end, this study examines the use of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fibers in a hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) protocol to isolate exosomes from a human plasma sample. Initial results demonstrate the ability to isolate exosomes with comparable yields and size distributions and on a much faster time scale when compared to traditional isolation methods, while also alleviating concomitant proteins and other impurities. As a demonstration of the potential quantitative utility of the approach, a linear response (particles injected on-column vs peak area) using a commercial exosome standard was established using a standard UV absorbance detector. Based on the calibration function, the concentration of the original human plasma sample was determined and subsequently confirmed by NTA measurement. The potential for scalable separations covering sub-milliliter spin-down solid phase extraction tips to the preparative scale is anticipated.
Marketing Culture and Strategy: An Assessment of Strategic Coalignment

Several articles in the marketing literature have generated interest in the culture that organizations cultivate and maintain (Desh-pande and Webster 1989; Deshpande, Farley and Webster 1993; Webster 1991; Webster 1990). Of specific interest to marketing scholars and practitioners is a culture that will "put the customer in the center of the firm’s thinking about strategy and operations" (Deshpande and Webster 1989, p. 3).
Finding Shelter And Support Along The Road To Better Health

Under California's Whole Person Care program, Sacramento is using Medicaid funds to help its homeless population find housing.
Missouri Sex Education Policy: Recommendations for Revision to Reduce Teen Pregnancy Rates

Comprehensive sex education has been shown to reduce teen pregnancy compared to abstinence-only education or no sex education. In 2011, Missouri policy regarding human sexuality and sexually transmitted infections instruction and course material was revised. I am suggesting another revision be made to remove, “or shall present students with information on contraceptives and pregnancy in a manner consistent with the provisions of the federal abstinence education law, 42 U.S.C. Section 710.” Iowa has similar demographic and geographic properties to Missouri; however, Iowa has much lower teen pregnancy rates and requires comprehensive sex education. The removal of part of subsection three in Missouri’s statute will contribute to more effective sex education material, which may reduce the number of teen pregnancies similar to how Iowa’s comprehensive policy has contributed to reducing teen pregnancy rates.
A High Voltage Ratio Three-stage Cascaded Interleaved Boost Converters for PV Application

This paper analyses the design of three-stage cascaded interleaved boost converters for a Photovoltiac (PV) application to step-up the PV output voltage to a high voltage ratio. Higher voltage is produced due to series cascading of three-stage interleaved boost converters. The Interleaved Boost Converter is controlled by Maximum Power Point Tracking using Incremental Conductance technique to regulate the duty cycle of the system to harvest the maximum power of the PV. The modeling of PV cell system and power converter is designed and analyzed by MATLAB/Simulink. The results prove that the proposed system design has high voltage power conversion with less ripple current.
Introducing Middle School Students to Computational Thinking with the CS First Curriculum

Computational thinking (CT) is a set of concepts and problem-solving skills that are not only imperative for computer scientists, but important and applicable to nearly every discipline. CT skills are essential in a world where technology is ubiquitous. In the past decade, many efforts have been made to develop and evaluate computational thinking in primary and secondary students. Promoting CT skills in these young students can help reduce the underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM careers since students who are exposed to CT at an early age are more likely to pursue a STEM discipline in college [18]. This paper describes the COSMIC program, funded by Google's Tides Foundation, that introduces middle school students to CS and CT using the CS First curriculum and Scratch. The COSMIC activities spanned three years directly serving 700 students through 175 distinct events. Females comprised 51.1% of the individuals served, and 10.2% of those served were part of a minority group. The COSMIC activities allowed the researchers to investigate the effectiveness of the CS First curriculum. Using the Hairball-powered Dr. Scratch analysis tool on the curricular projects, the paper reports on the efficacy of the CS First curriculum in terms of its coverage of vital CT concepts and its success in transferring those concepts to middle school students.
Cortisol as a Biomarker of Alcohol Use in Combat Veterans: A Literature Review and Framework for Future Research

Objective: Alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are an increasing concern among veterans, particularly those from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study of biomarkers in alcoho...
Older veterans undergoing inpatient surgery: What is the compliance with best practice guidelines?

BACKGROUND: The United States population is aging, and the number of older adults requiring operative care is increasing at a rapid rate. In order to address this issue, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the American Geriatrics Society created best practice guidelines surrounding optimal perioperative care for the older adult surgical patient. This study aimed to determine the documented compliance with these guidelines at a single institution. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 86 older adults undergoing elective, inpatient coronary artery bypass graft, prostatectomy, or colectomy over a 2-year period (1/2016-12/2017) at a single Veterans Affairs institution. The primary outcome was compliance with the 38 measures from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the American Geriatrics Society Best Practice Guidelines. The secondary outcome was postoperative (including geriatric-specific) complications. RESULTS: The mean reported compliance across all measures was 41% ± 4%. Of 38 analyzed measures, compliance for 10 measures was achieved for 0 patients, and only 1 patient for 7 measures. There was variance in compliance by phase of care (P < .05) with a high of 56% ± 8% (immediate preoperative phase of care) and a low of 35% ± 4% (intraoperative phase of care). CONCLUSION: Overall reported compliance with the Best Practice Guidelines of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the American Geriatrics Society is low (41%) at this institution. This study identifies a need to improve the care provided to the vulnerable population of older adults undergoing an operation. Future work is needed to understand barriers for implementation and how compliance relates to outcomes.
The Delayed Neuropathological Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Community-Based Sample.

The late neuropathological effects of traumatic brain injury have yet to be fully elucidated, particularly with respect to community-based cohorts. To contribute to this critical gap in knowledge, we designed a multimodal neuropathological study, integrating traditional and quantitative approaches to detect pathologic changes in 532 consecutive brain autopsies from participants in the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study. Diagnostic evaluation including assessment for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and quantitative immunoassay-based methods were deployed to examine levels of pathological (hyperphosphorylated) tau (pTau) and amyloid (A) β in brains from ACT participants with (n = 107) and without (n = 425) history of remote TBI with loss of consciousness (w/LOC). Further neuropathological assessments included immunohistochemistry for α-synuclein and phospho-TDP-43 pathology and astro- (GFAP) and micro- (Iba1) gliosis, mass spectrometry analysis of free radical injury, and gene expression evaluation (RNA sequencing) in a smaller sub-cohort of matched samples (49 cases with TBI and 49 non-exposed matched controls). Out of 532 cases, only 3 (0.6%-none with TBI w/LOC history) showed evidence of the neuropathologic signature of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Across the entire cohort, the levels of pTau and Aβ showed expected differences for brain region (higher levels in temporal cortex), neuropathological diagnosis (higher in participants with Alzheimer's disease), and APOE genotype (higher in participants with one or more APOE e4 allele). However, no differences in PHF-tau or Aβ1-42 were identified by Histelide with respect to the history of TBI w/LOC. In a subset of TBI cases with more carefully matched control samples and more extensive analysis, those with TBI w/LOC history had higher levels of hippocampal pTau but no significant differences in Aβ, α-synuclein, pTDP-43, GFAP, Iba1, or free radical injury. RNA-sequencing also did not reveal significant gene expression associated with any measure of TBI exposure. Combined, these findings suggest long term neuropathological changes associated with TBI w/LOC may be subtle, involve non-traditional pathways of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration, and/or differ from those in autopsy cohorts specifically selected for neurotrauma exposure.
Exercise of Power: American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World: by Robert M. Gates (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2020), 418 pages

It is no wonder that Robert M. Gates managed to serve in multiple high-level positions in the United States government, including as CIA director and secretary of defense, under both Republican and...
Co-rumination with parents and friends: Gender-specific links to adolescent internalizing symptoms

Abstract Co-rumination is a nuanced emotion socialization process that occurs with parents and friends during adolescence. Although co-ruminating builds closeness with others, it corresponds to increased internalizing symptoms, particularly for adolescent girls. The present study explored how specific features of co-rumination vary by relational context (parents, friends) and adolescent gender. These features were also examined in relation to adolescent internalizing symptoms, with adolescent gender as a potential moderator. Thirty adolescents (13–18 years old; 60% female, 40% male) participated in separate discourse tasks with their parent and their same-gender close friend. Co-rumination was observed during these conversations, and adolescents reported their internalizing symptoms. Features of co-rumination varied by relational context and adolescent gender, with unique links to adolescent internalizing symptoms. This study extends prior research by providing a fine-grained analysis of how co-rumination corresponds to internalizing symptoms across two relational contexts.
Region-Based Data-Driven Intensity Normalization for Group Comparison of Functional Brain Images

Intensity normalization is widely used to remove the confounding effect of global change exhibited in PET or SPECT brain images such that the local activity can be detected. Improper estimate of global change may induce a biased normalization. To separate the global change from local measurements, an iterative method is proposed to identify reference regions that are not affected by the local activity. From more than one hundred predefined anatomical regions, the reference regions are selected based on their intensity similarity between two groups. Weighted least squares regression is used to compute linear intensity transformations to align intensities of corresponding reference regions across all subjects. Studies with simulated data demonstrated that the proposed method performed better in recovering real intensity change comparing with global mean normalization and with Andersson’s data-driven method.
TU-G-BRA-03: Predicting Radiation Therapy Induced Ventilation Changes Using 4DCT Jacobian Calculations

Purpose: Longitudinal changes in lung ventilation following radiation therapy can be mapped using four-dimensional computed tomography(4DCT) and image registration. This study aimed to predict ventilation changes caused by radiation therapy(RT) as a function of pre-RT ventilation and delivered dose. Methods: 4DCT images were acquired before and 3 months after radiation therapy for 13 subjects. Jacobian ventilation maps were calculated from the 4DCT images, warped to a common coordinate system, and a Jacobian ratio map was computed voxel-by-voxel as the ratio of post-RT to pre-RT Jacobian calculations. A leave-one-out method was used to build a response model for each subject: post-RT to pre-RT Jacobian ratio data and dose distributions of 12 subjects were applied to the subject’s pre-RT Jacobian map to predict the post-RT Jacobian. The predicted Jacobian map was compared to the actual post-RT Jacobian map to evaluate efficacy. Within this cohort, 8 subjects had repeat pre-RT scans that were compared as a reference for no ventilation change. Maps were compared using gamma pass rate criteria of 2mm distance-to-agreement and 6% ventilation difference. Gamma pass rates were compared using paired t-tests to determine significant differences. Further analysis masked non-radiation induced changes by excluding voxels below specified dose thresholds. Results: Visual inspection demonstrates the predicted post-RT ventilation map is similar to the actual map in magnitude and distribution. Quantitatively, the percentage of voxels in agreement when excluding voxels receiving below specified doses are: 74%/20Gy, 73%/10Gy, 73%/5Gy, and 71%/0Gy. By comparison, repeat scans produced 73% of voxels within the 6%/2mm criteria. The agreement of the actual post-RT maps with the predicted maps was significantly better than agreement with pre-RT maps (p<0.02). Conclusion: This work validates that significant changes to ventilation post-RT can be predicted. The differences between the predicted and actual outcome are similar to differences between repeat scans with equivalent ventilation. This work was supported by NIH grant CA166703 and a Pilot Grant from University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
The Equilibrium Real Exchange Rate in a Commodity Exporting Country: The Case of Russia

Questions about external competitiveness, exchange rate misalignment, and the appropriate exchange rate policy feature prominently in the Russian policy debate. This paper furthers the debate by estimating empirically Russia's equilibrium real exchange rate (ERER) - that is, the rate consistent with the long-run economic fundamentals - and sheds light on the extent to which exchange rate policy should be changed. The paper confirms that the ERER reflects both productivity and the terms of trade. It suggests that Russia should target a significant medium-term current account deterioration and a real appreciation perhaps exceeding 10 percent. However this latter number remains very sensitive to the assumed long-run oil prices.
Control of Sexual Reproduction in Gibberella zeae (Fusarium roseum "Graminearum").

Sexual reproduction in Gibberella zeae (Fusarium roseum) is regulated by the fungal sex hormone zearalenone, which is known to be synthesized only by species of Fusarium. The presence of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) in mycelium of this fungus has been confirmed by analyses with thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography, fluorescent properties, ultraviolet absorption, competitive protein-binding tests, and degradation by cyclic phosphodies-terase. cAMP but not cyclic guanosine monophosphate increased both the number of perithecia formed and the incorporation of [1-14C]acetate into zearalenone. It is proposed that cAMP stimulates the synthesis of zearalenone which then exerts its effect directly or indirectly on formation of perithecia.
Self-Replicating Technologies

Self-replicating technologies pose a challenge to the legal regimes we ordinarily rely on to promote a balance between innovation and competition. This article examines recent efforts by the federal courts to deal with the leading edge of this policy challenge in cases involving the quintessential self-replicating technology: the seed. In a recent series of cases involving the invocation of the patent exhaustion defense by purchasers of Monsanto’s 'Roundup-Ready' genetically engineered herbicide-resistant crop technologies, farmers have argued that Monsanto's patent rights do not extend to the second generation of soybeans grown from a patented first-generation seed. In each case, the Federal Circuit found for Monsanto and against the farmers. The Supreme Court is about to take up the issue for the first time.In this article, I argue that the Federal Circuit reached the right result in the Roundup-Ready cases, but that it failed to articulate a satisfactory justification for its decisions. That justification, I claim, is that the patent-based policy set by the Federal Circuit is preferable to alternative legal regimes — such as trade secret and contract law — because it avoids disincentives to competition, innovation, and dissemination of new self-replicating technologies while reducing transaction costs inherent in their commercialization. Importantly, however, not all self-replicating technologies are identical, and a categorical rule exempting them from exhaustion doctrine is unwarranted. I propose instead that application of exhaustion doctrine should depend on the patentee’s ability to charge supracompetitive prices in its primary market where consumers are able to substitute secondary-market embodiments.