cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurohumoral modulation of metalloproteinases in cardiac failure: impact on remodeling

A dominant hallmark of cardiac failure is progressive chamber dilation and structural remodeling. This process is thought to play a major contributory role to the later stages of chamber dysfunction and is linked to increased morbidity and mortality in various clinical studies [9, 16, 28]. The magnitude of dilation far exceeds anything achievable with acute loading stress, but rather involves structural rearrangement within the myocardial wall notably of the fibrillar collagen matrix surrounding myocytes and blood vessels. This process of collagen degradation and remodeling is principally mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a large family of enzymes synthesized by several myocardial cell types, and secreted and activated within the cardiac interstitium [3, 5, 38, 39, 41]. Recent studies have reported elevation of MMP expression in failing experimental and human heart failure [21, 36, 38]. Furthermore, inhibition of this enzyme system has been shown to limit progressive chamber dilation both in a rodent infarct model [26], and in cardiac failure induced by rapid ventricular pacing in the pig [35], supporting a role in chamber remodeling.
Protein profile and reactive oxygen species production in mitochondria from pigs divergently selected for residual feed intake

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a production efficiency measurement used to account for average daily gain and backfat of an animal. Less efficient animals have greater levels of oxidative stress. A major source of in vivo oxidative stress is the mitochondria. In this study the protein profile of mitochondria was investigated to determine differences between pigs genetically selected for high and low RFI (less and more efficient, respectively). Mitochondria were isolated from the red and white portions of the semitendinosus muscle (STR and STW respectively), from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, and the liver from pigs (n = 24, 12 per line) genetically selected for low or high RFI. Mitochondrial protein differences between lines were determined using 2-D DIGE, and spots were identified using electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. Heat shock protein (HSP) 60 and HSP70, which have been linked to anti-apoptotic pathways in the mitochondria, were increased in the low RFI line. Endoplasmic reticulum oxidase-1 α (ERO1α) was decreased in LD mitochondria from the low RFI line. The protein profile of mitochondria from the more efficient pigs
Echocardiography, Natriuretic Peptides, and Risk for Incident Heart Failure in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Objectives This study sought to examine the potential utility of echocardiography and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for heart failure (HF) risk stratification in concert with a validated clinical HF risk score in older adults. Background Without clinical guidance, echocardiography and natriuretic peptides have suboptimal test characteristics for population-wide HF risk stratification. However, the value of these tests has not been examined in concert with a clinical HF risk score. Methods We evaluated the improvement in 5-year HF risk prediction offered by adding an echocardiographic score and/or NT-proBNP levels to the clinical Health Aging and Body Composition (ABC) HF risk score (base model) in 3,752 participants of the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study) (age 72.6 ± 5.4 years; 40.8% men; 86.5% white). The echocardiographic score was derived as the weighted sum of independent echocardiographic predictors of HF. We assessed changes in Bayesian information criterion (BIC), C index, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification improvement (NRI). We examined also the weighted NRI across baseline HF risk categories under multiple scenarios of event versus nonevent weighting. Results Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, abnormal E/A ratio, enlarged left atrium, and increased left ventricular mass were independent echocardiographic predictors of HF. Adding the echocardiographic score and NT-proBNP levels to the clinical model improved BIC (echocardiography: −43, NT-proBNP: −64.1, combined: −68.9; all p Conclusions In older adults, echocardiography and NT-proBNP offer significant HF risk reclassification over a clinical prediction model, especially for intermediate-risk individuals.
Integrating urban and national forest inventory data in support of rural-urban assessments

Due to the interest in status and trends in forest resources, many countries conduct a national forest inventory (NFI). To better understand the characteristics of woody vegetation in areas that are typically not forested, there is an increasing emphasis on urban inventory efforts where all trees both within and outside forest areas are measured. Often, these two inventories are entirely independent endeavours from data collection through analytical reporting. To holistically explore landscape-scale phenomena across the rural-urban gradient, there is a need to combine information from both sources. In this paper, methods for combining these two data sources are examined using data from an urban inventory conducted in Austin, Texas, USA, and NFI data collected in the same and surrounding areas. Approaches to aggregating areas based on sampling intensity and plot design combinations are of considerable importance for the validity of the estimation. An additional complexity can also arise due to temporal discrepancies between the two data sources. Thus, it is imperative to accurately identify all the existing sampling intensity/plot design combinations within the population of interest. Once this difficulty is surmounted, there still exist aggregation methods that will produce erroneous results. Statistically valid variance estimation arises from maintaining independence of the two samples. This approach satisfies both the proportional allocation among strata requirement as well as the necessary partitioning of the two plot designs. Difficulty in interpretation of results can also be encountered due to differences in measurement protocols across aggregated areas. Thus, analysts should have an in-depth understanding of data sources and the differences between them to avoid unintended errors. The need for rural-urban assessments are expected to increase dramatically as urban areas expand and issues such as land conversion, wildland fire and invasive species spread become of further importance.
Organization of Multinational Operations

In this chapter, we present the various organizational structures of MNCs, and we will learn about the many factors that influence an MNC’s selection of the proper organizational structure. Some of these factors are external forces and demands, such as economic conditions at home and abroad, host government policies, product-market characteristics, and information technology. Factors related to the firm itself are the history of the company, top management philosophy, nationality, corporate strategy, and degree of internationalization. We first discuss the development of an organizational structure designed to deal with the export of products to foreign markets. The subsequent major structural designs for MNCs, including the autonomous foreign subsidiary, the international division, the geographic and product divisions, and the matrix structure, are explained in this chapter. Finally, we describe the newer forms of organization, such as market-based and strategic business unit organizations, virtual corporations, and networks.
Determining changes in bone metabolism after bariatric surgery in postmenopausal women.

Accelerated bone loss is a known complication after bariatric surgery. Bone mineral density has been shown to decrease significantly after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) effects on bone density are largely unknown. This should be considered for those with increased preoperative risk for bone loss, such as postmenopausal females. This prospective clinical trial included postmenopausal patients, with BMI ≥ 35 k/m2, being evaluated for either RYGB or SG. Patients with history of osteoporosis, estrogen hormone replacement therapy, active smoking, glucocorticoid use, or weight > 295 lb were excluded. Patients underwent DEXA scans preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively with measurement of total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) as well as regional site-specific BMD and BMC. A total of 28 patients were enrolled. 16 (57.1%) patients underwent RYGB and 12 (42.9%) patients underwent SG. Median preoperative BMI was 44.2 k/m2 (IQR 39.9, 46.6). Median change in BMI at 12 months was − 11.3 k/m2 (IQR − 12.8, − 7.9). A significant reduction in total body BMC was seen when comparing preoperative measurements to postoperative measurements (2358.32 vs 2280.68 grams; p = 0.002). Regional site BMC and BMD significantly decreased in the ribs and spine postoperatively (p = < 0.02) representing the greatest loss in the axial skeleton. Comparing those who underwent RYGB to SG there was no significant difference between the two groups when evaluating changes in total or regional site BMD. Postmenopausal women were found to have decreased BMD and BMC after RYGB and SG, suggesting that high-risk women may benefit from postoperative DEXA screening. Further study is needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings. It is unknown if these changes in BMD are due to modifiable factors (Vitamin D level, activity level, hormone status, etc.), and whether BMD and BMC is recovered beyond 1 year.
A Low Power 5.8-GHz ISM-Band Intermodulation Radar System for Target Motion Discrimination

This paper discusses the design and test of an intermodulation radar receiver and a nonlinear tag operating in the 5.8-GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. To discriminate reflections of the target-generated 3rd-order intermodulation frequencies from the clutter-reflected fundamental tones, the receiver was designed to attenuate the fundamental reflections and amplify the lower 3rd-order tone generated by the nonlinear target. The nonlinear tag was designed on a flexible substrate for wearable applications. Experiments were performed with two types of targets, i.e., the nonlinear tag and a metal reflector. Various experiments were performed to demonstrate the clutter rejection capability of the radar, i.e., mechanical motion and vital sign detection of a human target in the presence of multiple clutter. Four experiments were recorded and analyzed in this paper. The results were recorded and analyzed to demonstrate the clutter noise rejection capability of the intermodulation radar.
Peripheral Arterial Disease in the Elderly

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is most commonly caused by atherosclerotic lesions developing in the intimal region of arteries in the lower and upper extremities. The term also includes patients with aortoiliac disease. Claudication, the Latin word for limp, denotes pain or discomfort in a specific muscle group of an extremity with exercise and occurs in approximately one-third of patients with PAD. It is estimated that 8 million people in the United States have PAD and the majority who have claudication are elderly (1,2). The PAD Awareness, Risk and Treatment: New Resources for Survival (PARTNERS) study involved screening patients older than age 70 and older than age 50 years if there was a history of smoking or diabetes (3). The prevalence of PAD alone was 13% and the combination of PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) was 29% in PARTNERS. The following details the diagnosis and management of PAD.
Immunoepidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Immunoepidemiology studies of malaria have historically been performed to try to identify and understand the key targets and mechanisms of protective immunity, in order to understand the immune response to disease and infection, and to ultimately inform vaccine design. However, immunoepidemiology studies have also been informative in the identification of fine-resolution markers of exposure to malaria, in addition to protection, allowing the precise mapping of changes in transmission intensity. Such efforts are aimed at informing the progress of malaria control efforts, mapping hot spots in areas of unstable transmission or in pre-elimination settings. This chapter will explore key developments in immunoepidemiology of malaria and the impact they may have on informing public health interventions.
On Characterizing Multiaxial Polymer Foam Properties in Sandwich Structures

A pressure vessel experiment was developed to determine the triaxial, elastic-plastic and hysteresis behavior of Divinycell PVC H100 foam. Arcan butterfly and tensile dogbone specimens were encased in the air chamber of a cylindrical pressure vessel, which was designed to work within an MTS servohydraulic machine. Digital Image Correlation was used to measure strains in the specimen during the experiments. Material tests under cyclic loading of the foam under uniaxial compression and tension, shear, biaxial compression and shear, triaxial compression, triaxial compression-tension and triaxial compression and shear, were performed in both out-of-plane and in-plane directions. The foam, which was transversely isotropic, exhibited elastic-plastic response followed by damage and viscoelastic hysteresis. It was shown that only the Tsai-Wu quadratic failure criterion, with its 12 material constants, was able to predict the correct yield behavior under triaxial stress states. Tsai-Wu plasticity with anisotropic hardening was combined with a linear viscoelastic, damage mechanism to describe the elastic-plastic and hysteresis behavior of the foam. Good agreement was found between the proposed elastic-plastic-viscoelastic-damage constitutive model and experimental results.
Carotid endarterectomy with concomitant distal endovascular intervention is associated with increased rates of stroke and death.

Abstract Objective Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with concomitant distal endovascular intervention (CEA+D) is infrequently necessary but has often been used as a salvage maneuver when complications occur during CEA. The present study aimed to determine whether preoperative risk factors associated with CEA requiring CEA+D exist and to evaluate the outcomes compared with isolated CEA. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative CEA registry was used to identify patients who had undergone CEA or CEA+D for asymptomatic or symptomatic carotid stenosis from 2013 to 2019. Data regarding distal intervention included whether angioplasty or stenting of the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) and/or bifurcation had been required. However, information regarding the indication or whether the intervention had been planned was not included. The χ2 test and analysis of variance were used to evaluate the categorical and continuous perioperative variables. Variables with P Results From 2013 to 2019, 327 CEA+D cases were identified and compared with 105,192 isolated CEA cases. The CEA+D patients were more likely to have undergone previous ipsilateral CEA (CEA, 1.8%; CEA+D, 4.9%; P 135 minutes, diabetes, hypertension, shunt for indication, symptomatic status, previous ipsilateral CEA, contralateral ICA occlusion, urgent or emergent procedure, intravenous medications for hemodynamic instability, and re-exploration at the initial operation. Conclusions Although markers of more significant cardiovascular disease burden were associated with the use of CEA+D, their power to predict CEA+D use was limited. In cases in which CEA+D was used, CEA+D was associated with significantly greater rates of perioperative stroke and mortality compared with isolated CEA for both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, which could be useful for framing the expected outcomes after these procedures.
Perspectives From Rising Fourth Year Medical Students Regarding Strategies to Counteract the Effects of COVID-19 on Medical Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has put those who oversee medical education in a challenging position. Medical school administrators, students, and national governing bodies have been forced to make difficult decision as a result of public health concerns and government-enforced restrictions. We, as rising fourth-year medical students, would like to shed light upon the hard work that many of those in leadership positions have done as well as lay out some concerns that medical students who are preparing to apply to residency have. Additionally, we would like to suggest several potential approaches that attempt to address some of the problems arising from the pandemic. Continuing to balance education with the hurdles presented by COVID-19 will require a multi-faceted and coordinated approach. We believe that implementing virtual rotations, delaying the opening of the application, decentralizing clinical skills evaluations, and modifying graduation requirements are possible options among many that could aid in addressing some of the current challenges presented by COVID-19.
THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVEMENT SOIL ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE CROP IN GHARBIA GOVERNORATE

Improvement of soil is the essential foundation for the implementation of state policy towards vertical expansion because of its vital importance in addressing the problems of soil and bring it to marginal productivity and because of the major problems of land cultivated and reflected on the national economy from the effects of large has taken care of the Ministry of Agriculture. The main research problem in the deterioration of chemical and physical properties of agricultural land of Egypt and that resulted from the agricultural policies pursued by the state during the past period, as well as appropriating large tracts of agricultural land to be used in non-agricultural purposes. The research aims to measure the economic effects of technology to improve soil and their impact on yield production of maize at the level of province of West through the study of the current status of land improvement in Gharbia Governorate during the period (2000-2008), distributed on governorate districts, and then estimate the standard functions of production farm to harvest maize Sham Western Province. The research was based on the data field by selecting a random sample of the most important agricultural districts performing the operations of improvement in Gharbia Governorate Data was collected from the respondents using the questionnaire designated for that purpose, in addition to secondary data published and unpublished, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and the Public Authority to the Executive for projects implementation land. Production functions were estimated for the maize crop in the western province through research random sample was chosen from among maize growers in the agricultural year (2007-2008) by 200 farmers had been relocated to a central Tanta and Mahala as the largest districts in which it was an improvement processes. In the light of the findings of the study results, it can display the most important recommendations drawn from the results of the study which could benefit agricultural policy makers in developing policies, which include recommendations on the need to pay due care to improve the soil and circulated to the level of all the Western Districts, and awareness of their own all the media available. The need to provide equipment and machinery necessary to conduct such operations in the agricultural societies of its village centers. The need for spreading awareness among farmers of the importance and the need for improvements in the rapidly changing global economic and Alintaizp and provide a minimum of self-sufficiency of crops. Encourage investment in soil improvement through the establishment of some small projects to ensure that more job oppor-tunities and the advancement of the various operations improvement.
VT-Lane: An Exploratory Study of an Ad-hoc Framework for Real-time Intersection Turn Count and Trajectory Reconstruction Using NEMA Phases-Based Virtual Traffic Lanes

In this study, we propose an ad-hoc framework for real-time turn count and trajectory reconstruction for vehicles passing through urban intersections. Our proposed framework utilizes virtual lanes representing the 8 standard National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) movements within an intersection. A Python Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed is utilized to identify entry planes for each NEMA movement, obtaining the trajectories and counts for the vehicles that are detected and identified at those planes which are then used as identifiers for other vehicles detected inside the intersection using a nearest neighbors search algorithm. Our proposed framework runs as an additional layer to any multi-object tracker with minimal additional computation, and the results of this preliminary assessment indicate the high potential that this proposed framework has in obtaining reliable turn count and in mitigating identity switches by resolving the vehicle re-identification that occurs within the intersection due to detection errors and occlusion, resulting in more accurate vehicle trajectories from video data which will aid developing more reliable intersection safety surrogate measures.
Radiologic mimics of pulmonary embolism.

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is often made more challenging by the presence of diseases that can mimic thromboembolic disease. There is no specific or sensitive constellation of clinica...
Influence of Paternal Race on Characteristics and Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Objective To investigate the association between paternal race and reproductive outcomes following in vitro fertilization (IVF). Materials and Methods We compared demographic and clinical characteristics, IVF cycle characteristics, and reproductive outcomes (pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth), stratified by male and female partner race, for all IVF cycles performed at our institution between 2014 and 2019. Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and Pearson's Chi Square test were used to compare continuous and categorical data, respectively. A Poisson regression model was used to determine the association between race and clinical outcomes. Significance was set as P Results We examined 1878 IVF cycles involving 1069 couples. The study population was diverse; 50.1% of male partners were white, 28.5% black, 15.1% Asian, and 2.3% Hispanic. The majority of couples (86.5%) shared a common self-reported race category. Black males were older than white males (39.6 vs 37.0 years), with higher BMI (30.4 vs 28.0) and higher frequency of male factor infertility (45.9% vs 33.5%). Female partners of black males were older than those of white males (35.6 vs 33.8 years), with higher BMI (29.6 vs 25.2), and higher frequency of female factor infertility (91.8% vs 83.9%). Although we noted race-related variability in IVF cycle characteristics, no significant differences in the outcomes of pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, clinical intrauterine pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy were observed between races. Conclusion Although paternal race was associated with IVF cycle characteristics, after controlling for potential confounders, paternal race did not independently contribute to outcomes in this institutional dataset.
Finding refuge underground: effects of refugee inflows on the shadow economy

This paper analyzes the effect of refugee inflows on the shadow, or underground, economy of host nations using panel data for 120 countries over the 1991–2017 period. The results show that refugee ...
Basic Functional Brain Units

One of the early advances in communication among scientists in the USA and those in the former Soviet Union occurred between the prominent American neuropsychologist Karl Pribram and his Soviet correspondent Alexander Luria. Indeed, during the Cold War Luria and Karl were collaborating in California. The author understands that Luria was a bit enthusiastic with his camera and especially as they travelled near some of the California military bases. All the while, these two correspondents and scientific colleagues were followed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Komitet gosudarstvennoy bezopasnosti (KGB) as they travelled within the USA (personal communication) stirring up a good bit of excitement. Luria’s work was a major influence on the creation of the field of neuropsychology. He published two case studies shortly before his death. In one he described a Russian journalist with synesthesia and a seemingly unlimited memory. This case was presented in a book The Mind of a Mnemonist (1987). In another of Luria’s well-known books, The Man with a Shattered World, he presented the insightful account of Zasetsky, a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury (1987). These case studies illustrated Luria’s methods, which combined with his clinical remediational approaches.
Double exponentially tapered slot antenna (DETSA) on liquid crystal polymer (LCP) for UWB applications

A DETSA on organic material (LCP), suitable for packaging and integration with other components, is introduced and proposed for the UWB range. The measurements agree fairly well with the simulation and this antenna is proved to perform well in the whole UWB range. Return loss below -10 dB is measured for the whole frequency range of operation. The antenna performs with high gain starting from 7 dB for low frequencies and up to 12 dB for the higher frequencies. The antenna on LCP is conformal, can be easily fabricated with relatively low cost and is a good candidate for a number of UWB applications.
Audio gain setting in TETRA 800 MHz radio

This paper looks into the audio gain line-up of TETRA 800 MHz radios. The focus is on the design of each gain block in both transmit and receive audio paths. It should be noted that the designs described in this paper are implemented based on DIMETRA-P/sup TM/ system requirements and recommendations provided by ETSI. In addition, transducer characterizations were taken into consideration in implementing the audio gain line-up that we see today.
Laser interferometer measurements of refractive index in shock-compressed materials

Laser interferometer systems provide a means for probing the refractive index of transparent specimens subjected to dynamic compression. Previous interferometer measurements of optical properties under shock loading are reviewed for polymethyl methacrylate, fused silica, sapphire, nitromethane, and an aqueous solution of zinc chloride; various degrees of departure from Gladstone-Dale behavior are noted for these materials. In addition, a detailed summary of recent optical studies of lithium fluoride (LiF) is provided. Interferometer data from plate-impact experiments verify sustained LiF transparency for Hugoniot stresses to at least 160 GPa, and establish the variation of LiF refractive index for shock amplitudes ranging from 1.58 to 115 GPa. The refractive-index data for LiF agree with earlier static and shock-wave data, and exhibit a pronounced deviation from predictions based on the Gladstone-Dale, Lorentz-Lorenz, and Drude relations. A modified form of the Gladstone-Dale relation is presented which correctly models the latest LiF measurements. Potential applications of LiF and other window materials to dynamic high-pressure experimentation are discussed.
The inverse QR decomposition in order recursive calculation of least squares coefficients

In this paper we examine the properties of QR and inverse QR factorizations in the general linear least squares (LS) problem. By exploiting a straightforward geometric interpretation of the factorization, an efficient algorithm is derived that provides, order recursively, the LS coefficient vector, projection error vector, and residual error energy (i.e. the sum of the squares of the elements of the error vector) for all of the LS problems as the order varies from one to n, where n being a prespecified maximum order. Using existing algorithms for time updating the inverse QR factorization, the method applies to the time recursive situation also. Given only R/sup -1/ and the last row of Q in the inverse QR factorization of the data covariance matrix, all order updates of the LS coefficient vectors and residual error energies are carried out. Application to multichannel adaptive LS filtering is presented.
Newsroom moves and the newspaper crisis evaluated: space, place, and cultural meaning:

Across the United States, newspapers are physically relocating their headquarters to smaller spaces, often away from the centers of downtown. This is the latest manifestation of the newspaper crisi...
Writing Self, Writing Empire: Chandar Bhan Brahman and the Cultural World of the Indo-Persian State Secretary

Writing Self, Writing Empire examines the life, career, and writings of the Mughal state secretary, or munshi, Chandar Bhan Brahman (d. ca. 1670), one of the great Indo-Persian poets and prose stylists of early modern South Asia. Chandar Bhan’s life spanned the reigns of four emperors: Akbar (1556–1605), Jahangir (1605–1627), Shah Jahan (1628–1658), and Aurangzeb ‘Alamgir (1658–1707), the last of the “Great Mughals” whose courts dominated the culture and politics of the subcontinent at the height of the empire’s power, territorial reach, and global influence. Chandar Bhan was a high-caste Hindu who worked for a series of Muslim monarchs and other officials, forming powerful friendships along the way; his experience bears vivid testimony to the pluralistic atmosphere of the Mughal court, particularly during the reign of Shah Jahan, the celebrated builder of the Taj Mahal. But his widely circulated and emulated works also touch on a range of topics central to our understanding of the court’s literary, mystical, administrative, and ethical cultures, while his letters and autobiographical writings provide tantalizing examples of early modern Indo-Persian modes of self-fashioning. Chandar Bhan’s oeuvre is a valuable window onto a crucial, though surprisingly neglected, period of Mughal cultural and political history. “Adds significant depth to our understanding of the intellectual and cultural atmosphere of the Mughal court at its height.” RICHARD M. EATON, author of A Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761 “The fullest study so far of the understudied phenomenon of Hindu writers of Persian. Through the prism of Chandar Bhan’s writings, Rajeev Kinra presents a holistic treatment of the cultural concerns of the Mughal empire’s Hindu ‘men of the pen.’” NILE GREEN, author of Making Space: Sufis and Settlers in Early Modern India RAJEEV KINRA is Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Northwestern University.
Civic nationalism: Oxymoron?

Abstract Recent attempts to distinguish a normatively acceptable “civic nationalism"—as distinct from an irrationally tainted “ethnic nationalism"—have failed to take seriously the implications of the transition from the city as the immediate spatial unit of the patria to the more abstract national state that replaced it. The nation‐state has required a mythologizing naturalism to legitimate it, thus blurring the distinction between “civic” and “ethnic.” The urban political experience of the patria is lost to us; cosmopolitan intellectuals should resist the comforting temptation to recover it in the nation, and should recognize civic nationalism for the oxymoron it is.
Teaching Political Economy and Social Theory in Human Geography

Abstract Geographic education would benefit through a sustained engagement with contemporary political economy and social theory. This article offers five themes drawn from the current literature that may be incorporated in introductory college geography courses. The themes are: 1) the historical specificity of geography; 2) the interconnectedness of regions; 3) the interpenetration of the human and natural worlds; 4) the centrality of culture, ideology, and everyday life in social reproduction; and 5) the necessity of political economy, including class, gender and race, to uncover social relations. By way of conclusion, it argues for a more historically and politically sensitive form of pedagogy meaningful to students' daily lives.
Use of Medicare claims data to measure county-level variation in breast carcinoma incidence and mammography rates.

Abstract Background : National-level population-based data about breast carcinoma incidence and its association with screening mammography are currently not available. Methods : Inpatient, hospital outpatient and physician/supplier Medicare claims were used to identify incident cases of breast carcinoma in women ≥65 years from 1996 to 1997 and calculate county-level incidence rates. The 1994–1995 claims data were used to determine county-level rates of mammography, and determine the correlation with incidence. Results : The median 2-year incidence rate for women ≥65 was 979/100,000, and substantial variation in incidence between counties was observed. (i.e. 25th percentile 789/100,000, 75th percentile 1186/100,000). Two-year county-level mammography rates also varied among counties (i.e. 25th percentile 30.5%, 75th percentile 40.9%) and were higher in white women than in black women (median 36.8 and 26.3%, respectively). Counties with higher rates of mammography also had higher age-adjusted incidence rates. Conclusions : Medicare claims may provide an alternative source of population-based data, particularly for areas in which registry data are not readily available, or are of limited scope. The data highlight the geographic variation in incidence and screening rates that may be useful for targeted interventions, and also suggest that mammography remains in a growth phase.
Sexual-Minority and Heterosexual Youths' Peer Relationships: Experiences, Expectations, and Implications for Well-Being

The current study compared the peer relationships and well-being of 60 sexual-minority (i.e., nonheterosexual) and 65 heterosexual youths between the ages of 15 and 23. Sexual-minority youths had comparable self-esteem, mastery, and perceived stress as did heterosexuals, but greater negative affect. Younger sexual-minority male adolescents had smaller overall peer networks than did young male heterosexuals, whereas older male and female sexual minorities had larger numbers of extremely close friends within their networks than did heterosexuals. Younger sexual-minority adolescents had lost or drifted away from more friends than did heterosexuals. Regardless of age, sexual-minority youths reported disproportionately high worries about losing friends, low feelings of control in their romantic relationships, and fears of never finding the type of romantic relationship they wanted. Sexual-minority youths that were “out” to more heterosexual peers had larger peer networks but more friendship loss and friendship worries. Youths' relationship experiences and concerns mediated sexual identity differences in negative affect.
Influence of particle/solid surface zeta potential on particle adsorption kinetics

In this paper we attempt to understand monolayer formation of spherical particles on a solid surface immersed in a suspension and driven by electrostatic interaction force. The study focuses on the theoretical aspects of the particle adsorption and modeling work based on the random sequential adsorption (RSA) approach is done in order to describe the particle adsorption kinetics and the saturation coverage. The theoretical model is then compared with experimental data obtained under conditions similar to those of the modeling work. Studying the adsorption of polystyrene particles on a silicon wafer in an aqueous system was employed to experimentally validate the theoretical framework. It has been shown both theoretically and experimentally that the particle and solid surface zeta potential values do influence the adsorption kinetics but the effect is too negligible to be of any use in accelerating the kinetics. We have shown that the electrostatically driven particle adsorption is a transport limited process and the rate of transport is not a major function of the zeta potential values of the particle and the solid surface. The faster kinetics seen when the ionic concentration of the suspension is increased is because of the blocking effects and not due to faster approach of particles towards the solid surface. Finally, we have made an important addition to the existing models by incorporating the variation in the flux as a function of particle/solid surface zeta potentials, surface coverage and the randomized position of incidence of an incoming particle on the solid surface.
An MRAS-type estimator for the speed, flux magnitude and rotor flux angle of the induction motor using sliding mode

The paper discusses the problem of estimating the speed, the flux magnitude and the rotor flux angle of the induction motor (IM) and presents an estimation method based on two Sliding Mode Observers (SMOs) and the Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) technique. The method is based on implementation of two SMOs that both yield the magnitude of the rotor flux; one observer is the reference model, the other is the adjustable model. The MRAS method is used to adapt the speed signal which is an input into both SMOs. The reference model is designed using the equations of the IM in the rotating reference frame. It is shown that its estimated flux magnitude is insensitive to the input speed. The adjustable model uses the IM equations in the stationary reference frame. Its output fluxes have magnitudes inverse proportional with the input speed; however, their phases are always accurate (this allows estimation of the flux angle). Using MRAS, the speed is corrected such that the flux magnitudes coming out of the two models match. Based on the structure developed, the paper also a speed estimation method. The simulations validate the theoretical development.
A Power Transmission Line Fault Distance Estimation VLSI Chip: Design and Defect Tolerance

This paper presents a system-on-a-chip for fault detection and fault-distance-estimation for power transmission lines in the smart grid. Toward this goal we have designed and fabricated three chips: PGS4, PGS5 and PGS6, each successively more advanced than the previous one. PGS4 and PGS5 each have two spiral sensors, of which one is dedicated to sensing the transmission line current, and the other serves as a redundant sensor (in case of defects on the primary one), but also as a transmission line emulator in the test phase. In this latter role, i.e., as driver, a new model for the coupled coils is proposed. These chips seek to implement an advanced fault distance estimation algorithm proposed by Radojevic which utilizes frequency domain measurements of the transmission line voltages and currents. Specifically, the fault distance is estimated using the Fourier coefficients of the fundamental and third harmonic in an algebraic formula. PGS5 and PGS6 are able to perform this analysis, with some differences as delineated in the paper. The sensor spiral feeds into a high gain amplifier and a source follower, termed as the frontend, which is the key to the operation of the chip. Therefore three copies, actually variations, of the frontend, selectable with a multiplexer, are provided for defect tolerance. For the Fourier analysis needed for fault distance estimation, we have used a powerful digital macro, MA_PLUS, which has been presented in our previous papers. We have successfully tested PGS4, and some test results are included for PGS5. Test results for PGS6 will be presented at the conference. As stated earlier, these designs are successively more advanced with a view toward enhancing the probability of success of the final design. Results for defect tolerance for the coils and the frontends are included in the paper.
Perspectives on research and diseases of the tropics: an Asian view.

Diarrhea pneumonia and malnutrition account for most of mortality and morbidity in children in developing countries. The Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) is making progress with more than 50% of children under the age of 1 year receiving vaccination against the 6 EPI-listed diseases. The eradication of poliomyelitis by 2000 is realistic so that the world could be smallpox- and polio-free by the 21st century. In July-August 1988 a cholera epidemic erupted in Delhi India in which several hundreds died. The combined whole cell and toxin-B subunit oral vaccine against cholera has shown a decrease in protection from around 75-80% at the end of 6 months to around 60% at the end of 2 years. Typhoid fever affecting close to 8 million people in Asia has been treated with the improved formulation of TY21A vaccine and with the Vi polysaccharide capsular surface antigen in encouraging trials in Nepal. Co-trimoxazole has reduced child mortality caused by acute lower respiratory tract infections at the community level. 3 oral antirabies vaccines have been found safe and oral baits have been effective. Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a major problem in may Asian countries involving sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combinations as well. Lymphatic filariasis is expressed clinically as elephantiasis. More than 90 million people are believed to be infected. Ivermectin in a single dose as low as 25 mcg/kg of body weight was shown to be microfilaricidal in lymphatic filariasis. Allopurinol riboside is effective against visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar. Leprosy and tuberculosis continue to be major health problems in Asia. There have been encouraging advances in immunization against cancers of the tropics such as hepatitis B and primary carcinoma of the liver the human papilloma virus and cancer of the uterine cervix the Epstein-Barr virus and Burkitts lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Hypertension and stress: a preventive approach.

Abstract The most common approach to hypertension treatment is medication. Medical treatment, however, has been plagued with serious problems regarding detecting cases and maintaining compliance. By definition, the high proportion of cases diagnosed as ‘essential hypertension’ points to our inability to identify the causes of hypertension. This suggests that a psychosocial rather than a medical approach is needed if prevention is to be obtained. Such a preventive approach, based on decreasing the effects of stress, is presented. The first step—identifying individuals over-reactive to stress—was tested using Spielberger's state-trait anxiety model. Employees in five industries were screened for high blood pressure. A systematic sample and all hypertensives (SBP ≥ 160 and/or DBP ≥ 95 mm Hg) completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A-Trait as a measure of individual reactiveness to stress showed a weak relationship to hypertension. A-State, a measure of situation specific anxiety, showed a strong relationship to blood pressure. Multiple regression analyses identified obesity and A-State as the two most important modifiable risk factors for inclusion in a preventive program.
N-hydroxyformamide peptidomimetics as TACE/matrix metalloprotease inhibitors: oral activity via P1' isobutyl substitution.

Abstract N -Hydroxyformamide-class metalloprotease inhibitors were designed and synthesized, which have potent broad-spectrum activity versus matrix metalloproteases and TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE). Compound 13c possesses good oral and intravenous pharmacokinetics in the rat and dog.
Meta-analyses of case studies: A method for studying regional and global environmental change

Abstract As case studies of global environmental change accumulate over time, ways of summarizing these findings and bringing them to the attention of policymakers become more necessary. In summarized form, these findings might, for example, tell us new things about regional and pan-regional trends in tropical forest cover. This paper proposes a method for analyzing and summarizing the findings from the case studies. It illustrates the method through a meta-analysis of local studies of forest cover change in Mexico, and discusses how the method can produce credible, insightful findings about global environmental change.
Application of internuclear, double-resonance techniques to carbohydrates. Detection of small coupling-constants

Abstract 6-Deoxy-1,2:3,5-di- O -isopropylidene-α- d -glucofuranose- d 12 ( 1 - d 12 ) has been synthesized by an exchange reaction of its non-deuterated analog ( 1 ) with acetone- d 6 . The p.m.r. spectrum of 1 - d 12 at 90 MHz has been analyzed iteratively by means of a computer program for magnetic-equivalence factoring. Confirmation of the assignments of lines in the analysis has been investigated by proton-proton, internuclear, double-resonance (indor) techniques, which served also for the detection of a small long-range coupling-constant. Examples of indor spectra containing general Overhauser effects, spin-tickling effects, or transient nutations are shown, and are discussed in relation to the experimental power-levels of the observing and double-resonance frequencies, and their sweep-rates. The mass spectra of 1 and 1 - d 12 are analyzed and compared.
Control of InGaAs and InAs facets using metal modulation epitaxy

Control of faceting during epitaxy is critical for nanoscale devices. This work identifies the origins of gaps and different facets during regrowth of InGaAs and InAs adjacent to patterned features. Molecular beam epitaxy near SiO2 or SiNx led to gaps, roughness, or polycrystalline growth, but low-arsenic metal modulated epitaxy produced smooth and gap-free (001) planar growth up to the gate. The resulting self-aligned field effect transistors (FETs) were dominated by FET channel resistance rather than source–drain access resistance. Higher As2 fluxes led first to conformal growth, then pronounced {111} facets sloping up away from the mask.
Effects of Globin mRNA Reduction Methods on Gene Expression Profiles from Whole Blood

Excessive globin mRNA in whole blood RNA decreases transcript detection sensitivity and increases signal variation on microarrays. Hence, methods based on peptide nucleic acid inhibitory oligos and biotinylated DNA capture oligos have been developed to reduce globin mRNA. However, there is limited information about the effects of these two methods on gene expression profiles. Thus, we systematically compared the facility and effects of the two globin reduction methods on profile measurements from Jurkat cell line RNA with or without spiked globin mRNA and human blood RNA isolated using PAXgene collection tubes. We showed that the methods were efficient at increasing the sensitivity of transcript detection without loss of specificity, but neither method could recover a profile equivalent to that of an identical RNA sample without globin mRNA excesses. The capture oligo method had slightly better transcript detection sensitivity for cell line RNA, lowered signal variation for PAXgene RNA, and more similar profiles to controls than the inhibitory method. However, the capture method required larger amounts of initial high-quality RNA to yield sufficient cRNA amounts, and its procedures were more complex and time consuming than the inhibitory method. These results inform the selection of methods suitable for multicenter surveillance of gene expression profiles.