cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nationalism and human rights: A replication and extension.

A recent article has found nationalism to be negatively associated with government respect for several human rights. In this article, I replicate the original study’s findings, I demonstrate that these findings are robust to an alternate model specification, and I then extend the analysis to additional human rights not examined by the original author. Ultimately, I find that in comparison to when the chief executive is not nationalist, when the chief executive is highly nationalist, that state is less likely to be associated with high government respect for six ‘empowerment’ rights (i.e. the freedoms of assembly and association, electoral self-determination, speech, foreign movement, religion, and worker’s rights), and more likely to be associated with low government respect for these six empowerment rights. This study suggests that nationalism’s influence on human rights is greater than previous thought.
Development of a Sub-Unit Cell Consisting of Capacitive Gaps and Magneto-Static Particles

Sub-unit cells consisting of printed conducting gaps and magneto-static particles to form the foundation of a proposed leaky wave antenna was experimentally evaluated and the results are presented in this paper. However, for initial experimental purposes, vias were used to model the magneto-static responsive particles in the PCB substrate for both the ON and OFF states. Then the S-parameters of an N=10 cascaded (i.e., series connected) sub-unit cell in a microstrip transmission line configuration was presented and it was shown that the propagation characteristics of the interconnected cells can be controlled with magneto-static particle equivalent regions (i.e., vias). Finally, the unit cell designs were compared between two simulation software tools and the results of the printed prototypes.
David Oliver: Reducing emergency admissions from care homes

The Health Foundation recently published a report on emergency hospital admissions from care homes.1 The analysis, coproduced with NHS England, found that 41% were for “potentially avoidable conditions,” such as respiratory infections, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections. It estimated that one in every 12 patients admitted to emergency wards is a care home resident—around 192 000 a year. Care home residents are often in the final phase of life: median survival from entry is around two years (less in nursing homes than residential homes), with a 55% chance of surviving the first year.2 Advance care planning and support at the end of life should surely …
An alternative approach to frequentist meta-analysis: A demonstration of Bayesian meta-analysis in adolescent development research.

Abstract Introduction Past decades have seen a surge of applied and methodological research on meta-analysis. One methodological advancement that has gained significant traction is a Bayesian approach to meta-analysis. Methods We present a non-technical introduction to Bayesian meta-analysis. This introduction re-analyzes data from a meta-analysis concerning the impact of media literacy interventions on attitudes and intentions related to risky health behaviors using a Bayesian approach. One data relate media literacy interventions to media literacy skills, and another relates media literacy interventions to attitudes and behavioral intentions towards risky health behaviors. In these examples we focus on how to conduct unconditional models via graphical and quantitative results. Further, we demonstrate how to conduct subgroup analyses using risk behavior type (drinking, sexual, or smoking). Results We demonstrated how several meta-analytical quantities could be computed and interpreted in a Bayesian framework. This was done both graphically (plot of the marginal posterior distributions) and quantitatively (e.g., central tendency measures, highest posterior density intervals). Results also showed how analyzing effect sizes at the risk-behavior level could affect several interpretations. Conclusions We emphasize that in no way are Bayesian methods “superior” to frequentist methods, nor that frequentist methods should be abandoned. Instead, the two approaches should be viewed as familial, each with advantages and disadvantages, but strive at a common purpose. We hope for increased use of Bayesian meta-analyses, and Bayesian methodology at large, in adolescence research. Last, all R code is provided for readers to use as a foundation for their own research.
Collaborative Learning in Computing Education: Faculty Perspectives and Practices

According to the 2016 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, employers rated ability to work on a team as one of the most sought out attributes in hiring employees. As such, it is incumbent on educators to consider how computing students are being prepared to engage in the workforce as effective team members. Within computing curriculum, teamwork is commonly aligned with collaborative learning. While many studies have examined how students learn in a collaborative environment, little research has been conducted on the faculty practices around collaborative learning in computing education. This paper reports on the findings from an exploratory qualitative case study that examined the faculty perspectives and instructional approaches to collaborative learning in first-year and second-year post-secondary computing education. Findings indicated that collaborative learning was limited to informal instructor-student classroom interactions and unstructured student group work. Furthermore, faculty emphasized building individual student skillsets over collaborative learning or teamwork skills in the computing domain. This suggests that there is space for faculty development around pedagogical knowledge, training and curriculum development specifically related to collaborative learning in computing education. Future research should extend to examine instructional approaches that foster and inform the development of collaborative learning, particularly in the scope of fostering diverse and inclusive computing environments.
Identifying brain areas correlated with ADOS raw scores by studying altered dynamic functional connectivity patterns

Altered functional connectivity patterns play an important role in explaining autism spectrum disorder related impairments. In order to examine such connectivity, resting state functional MRI is the most commonly used technique. To date, the majority of works in this area examine a whole time series of brain activation as a discrete stationary process. This study proposes a more detailed analysis of how functional connectivity fluctuates over time and how it is used to quantify instances demonstrating overconnectivity or underconnectivity. Non-parametric surrogates test identifies the areas where underconnectivity or overconnectivity correlate with the Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule. In addition, this study shows how the areas identified affect the subjects behaviors. Our ultimate goal is a personalized autism diagnosis and treatment CAD system, where each subject impairments are distinctly mapped so they can be addressed with targeted treatments.
Understanding the Targeting Mechanisms of Multi-Specific Biologics in Immunotherapy with Multiscale Modeling

Immunotherapeutics are frequently associated with adverse side effects due to the elicitation of global immune modulation. To lower the risk of these side effects, recombinant DNA technology is employed to enhance the selectivity of cell targeting by genetically fusing different biomolecules, yielding new species referred to as multi-specific biologics. The design of new multi-specific biologics is a central challenge for the realization of new immunotherapies. To understand the molecular determinants responsible for regulating the binding between multi-specific biologics and surface-bound membrane receptors, we developed a multiscale computational framework that integrates various simulation approaches covering different timescales and spatial resolutions. Our model system of multi-specific biologics contains two natural ligands of immune receptors, which are covalently tethered by a peptide linker. Using this method, a number of interesting features of multi-specific biologics were identified. Our study therefore provides an important strategy to design the next-generation biologics for immunotherapy.
Local Anatomic Precursors to New-Onset Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration as Defined on OCT

Purpose In macula-wide analyses, spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) features including drusen volume, hyperreflective foci, and OCT-reflective drusen substructures independently predict geographic atrophy (GA) onset secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We sought to identify SD OCT features in the location of new GA before its onset. Design Retrospective study. Participants Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Ancillary SD OCT Study participants. Methods We analyzed longitudinally captured SD OCT images and color photographs from 488 eyes of 488 participants with intermediate AMD at baseline. Sixty-two eyes with sufficient image quality demonstrated new-onset GA on color photographs during study years 2 through 7. The area of new-onset GA and one size-matched control region in the same eye were segmented separately, and corresponding spatial volumes on registered SD OCT images at the GA incident year and at 2, 3, and 4 years previously were defined. Differences in SD OCT features between paired precursor regions were evaluated through matched-pairs analyses. Main Outcome Measures Localized SD OCT features 2 years before GA onset. Results Compared with paired control regions, GA precursor regions at 2, 3, and 4 years before (n = 54, 33, and 25, respectively) showed greater drusen volume (P = 0.01, P = 0.003, and P = 0.003, respectively). At 2 and 3 years before GA onset, they were associated with the presence of hypertransmission (P Conclusions Evolution to GA is heralded by early local photoreceptor changes and drusen accumulation, detectable 4 years before GA onset. These precede other anatomic heralds such as RPE changes and drusen substructure emergence detectable 1 to 2 years before GA. This study thus identified earlier end points for GA as potential therapeutic targets in clinical trials.
GILLES DELEUZE AND BERNARDO BERTOLUCCI ON PLATO'S CAVE

The allegory of the Cave in Republic 514a–18d is one of the most memorable Platonic images. The depiction of chained humans in a cavernous dwelling looking at shadows of objects cast on a parapet in front of them but unable to locate the objects themselves until one of them is freed, turns around to see the objects, and finally leaves the cave has haunted and inspired readers throughout the centuries. The prisoners are said to be ‘like us’ (515a), which is taken to refer either to human life in general or to human life in corrupt political environments. Plato's core metaphysical and epistemological doctrines are thought to inhere in the Cave, his belief that the sensible world, represented by the cave, holds people captive to defective and erroneous appearances, and that only philosophy can free and enlighten them, leading them out of the cave to the intelligible realm of the eternal Forms. The cave then houses captives since childhood who believe that shadows of artifacts exhaust reality, and captors who project images of artifacts on the wall and thereby manipulate what the captives see and hear.
Process Analysis Simulation

This interactive exercise emulates a process wherein a virtual Card is created in a series of steps. It can be used to expose students to ideas and concepts in process analysis, management, and improvement. It may be used in classes focusing on operations management, project management, and software development. The simulation is run on the project-management web application Trello. It allows for simultaneous, real-time observation and collaboration between players. Students can observe other students working at the same time they are performing specific tasks. This exercise is suitable for students in either full-time or executive MBA programs, as well as executive education programs. Excerpt UVA-OM-1718 Dec. 16, 2020 Process Analysis Simulation Introduction A potential recruiter is looking to invite a team of high-performing individuals to a new software-development initiative they are initiating. Time and quality are of utmost importance to the recruiter, so they have developed a competition to test velocity and attention to detail. This task involves creating a set of virtual Cards. You and your team will be competing against several other teams for the positions. Production Process . . .
Barriers to Self-Disclosing Level of Maternal Care: What Are Wisconsin Hospitals Worried About?

Objective The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has recommended every hospital disclose their level of maternal care (LOMC) to categorize the capabilities of their birthing center and regionalize perinatal care. Of the 98 birthing centers in Wisconsin, 44% have self-disclosed their LOMC. In many states, disclosing LOMC is mandated but, despite evidence and professional association recommendations, Wisconsin relies on voluntary self-reporting. We surveyed all birthing centers in Wisconsin to better understand the barriers to disclosing their LOMC. Study design An anonymous survey was sent to all 98 birthing centers in Wisconsin. Survey recipients were hospital administrators, nursing supervisors, or physician directors of obstetric units. The survey sought information on perceived barriers to completing self-assessments and disclosing their hospital's LOMC. Quantitative descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Of 98 birth centers in Wisconsin, 40 (40.8%) responded. Fifteen of the 40 responses were from birthing centers that have not yet disclosed their LOMC. Of these, 93% were unsure how to disclose, 73% found the paperwork confusing, and 80% did not have the time or staff to complete the paperwork. Respondents did not report lack of departmental support, concerns about losing business or reputation, or future physician recruitment as barriers. Of all respondents, 77.5% were aware of ACOG's LOMC recommendations, but only 35% thought disclosing their LOMC would be beneficial to maternal care. Conclusions Birthing centers in Wisconsin need further guidance on how to complete a self-assessment of their LOMC. In order to increase self-disclosure of LOMC, statewide perinatal organizations will need to continue to emphasize the benefits of releasing this information. Organizations should also provide additional support to level 1 and 2 birthing centers and improve maternal and neonatal care overall.
Treatment modalities and outcomes following acetabular fractures in the elderly: a systematic review

The treatment of geriatric acetabular fractures remains controversial. Treatment options include nonoperative management, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), total hip arthroplasty (THA) with or without internal fixation, and closed reduction with percutaneous pinning (CRPP). There is currently no consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for geriatric patients with acetabular fractures. The purpose of this study is to compare adverse event rates, functional and radiographic outcomes, and intraoperative results between the various treatment modalities in order to help guide surgical decision making. We performed a systematic review (registration number CRD42019124624) of observational and comparative studies including patients aged ≥ 55 with acetabular fractures. Thirty-eight studies including 3,928 patients with a mean age of 72.6 years (range 55–99 years) and a mean follow-up duration of 29.4 months met our eligibility criteria. The pooled mortality rate of all patients was 21.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.9–22.4%) with a mean time to mortality of 12.6 months, and the pooled non-fatal complication rate was 24.7% (95% CI 23.9–25.5%). Patients treated with ORIF had a significantly higher non-fatal complication rate than those treated with ORIF + THA, THA alone, CRPP, or nonoperative management (odds ratios [ORs] 1.87, 2.24, 2.15, and 4.48, respectively; p < 0.01). Patients that underwent ORIF were significantly less likely to undergo subsequent THA than these treated with CRPP (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32–0.77) but were more likely to require THA than patients treated nonoperatively (OR 6.81, 95% CI 4.63–10.02). Elderly patients with acetabular fractures tend to have favorable functional outcomes but suffer from high rates of mortality and complications. In patients treated with internal or percutaneous fixation, there was a high rate of conversion to THA. When determining surgical treatment in this population, THA alone or concurrent with ORIF should be considered given the significantly lower rate of non-fatal complications and similar mortality rate. Nonoperative management remains a viable option and was associated with the lowest non-fatal complication rate. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Spatially Resolved Series Resistance Analysis of PV Modules using Electroluminescence and Photoluminescence Images

In this work, we present a novel approach to extract spatially resolved series resistance using electroluminesence and photoluminescence images taken at different conditions.
27Al NMR diffusometry of Al13 Keggin nanoclusters

Although nanometer-sized aluminum hydroxide clusters (i.e., ϵ-Al13 , [Al13 O4 (OH)24 (H2 O)12 ]7+ ) command a central role in aluminum ion speciation and transformations between minerals, measurement of their translational diffusion is often limited to indirect methods. Here, 27 Al pulsed field gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance (PFGSTE NMR) spectroscopy has been applied to the AlO4 core of the ϵ-Al13 cluster with complementary theoretical simulations of the diffusion coefficient and corresponding hydrodynamic radii from a boundary element-based calculation. The tetrahedral AlO4 center of the ϵ-Al13 cluster is symmetric and exhibits only weak quadrupolar coupling, which results in favorable T1 and T227 Al NMR relaxation coefficients for 27 Al PFGSTE NMR studies. Stokes-Einstein relationship was used to relate the 27 Al diffusion coefficient of the ϵ-Al13 cluster to the hydrodynamic radius for comparison with theoretical simulations, dynamic light scattering from literature, and previously published 1 H PFGSTE NMR studies of chelated Keggin clusters. This first-of-its-kind observation proves that 27 Al PFGSTE NMR diffusometry can probe symmetric Al environments in polynuclear clusters of greater molecular weight than previously considered.
Novel autosomal recessive variants in GEMIN5 gene lead to developmental delay motor dysfunction, and cerebellar atrophy. (P1.6-044)

Objective: Functional characterization of novel variants in GEMIN5 gene, identified in patients with developmental delay, motor dysfunction and cerebellar atrophy. Background: GEMIN5, an RNA-binding protein is essential for assembly of the SMN complex. It facilitates the formation of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), the building blocks of spliceosomes. It is also involved in regulating the splicing of pre-mRNAs and has been shown to bind snRNA-binding protein of the SMN complex. While it is well known that disruption of SMN proteins leads to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, no pathogenic variants in GEMIN5 have been identified in publicly available databases. Design/Methods: Whole-exome sequencing done on patients with hypotonia, developmental delay, gait abnormalities and cerebellar atrophy identified novel homozygous variants in GEMIN5 gene. Functional characterization of these variants was pursued. Results: Homozygous variants in the GEMIN5 gene were identified in patients with clinical phenotype of developmental delay, central hypotonia and ataxia. MRI Brain showed cerebellar atrophy in all affected individuals. No obvious neurological symptoms were noted in the heterozygous parents or siblings. To examine the functional consequences of these variants, RNAi-mediated knockdown of endogenous rigor mortis gene (fly homologue of human GEMIN5) caused developmental delay, motor dysfunction and premature lethality suggesting that loss-of-function of GEMIN5 is detrimental. Utilizing CRISPR/cas9, we introduced equivalent mutations in mice. Heterozygotes were noted to be asymptomatic similar to the our patient cohort and are currently being crossed to get homozygotes. Patient derived iPSC cell lines have been created and currently being differentiated into motor neurons to better understand the molecular pathways. Conclusions: Here we provide the first evidence that patients carrying autosomal recessive mutations in GEMIN5 display neurological symptoms. Our data suggests that pathogenic mutations in GEMIN5 perturb the physiological functions, as loss-of-function of GEMIN5 protein recapitulates clinical symptoms in flies. Disclosure: Dr. Rajan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Oliver has nothing to disclose. Dr. Grant has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pandey has nothing to disclose.
Contrasting Historical-Logical Narrative Conventions in Germany and Austria and Their Influence upon Inquiry and Explanation in the Arts and the Sciences: An Example from the Economic Inquiries of Gustav Schmoller, Max Weber, Carl Menger, and Ludwig von Mises

A narrative is a historical order of occurrences that implies relationships, cause and effect, and temporal characteristics such as continuity, discontinuity, change, and duration. Narratives are present not only in novels, stories, and drama, but in any account of an episode in time or state-of-affairs, thus are integral to any art or science. A central premise of this essay is that within a national culture there are certain characteristic patterns of historical order and historical conceptualization shared by all disciplines in the arts and the sciences in an epoch. Europe between the Enlightenment and the present is such an epoch. Normative narrative characteristics form gradually and are slow to change. They are formed in reaction and response to the challenges of that nation’s political-social experience, and are imparted through the authoritative persons in the many areas of public inquiry and practice. Significant differences in these narrative norms can be delineated between Western nations, relative to their particular mutual experiences and singular reaction and response to the general political-social-economic challenges of a time–as this essay argues in considering the Germanies and Austria since the Enlightenment. Comprehension of the claims of objective truth or mimetic accuracy in all fields is shown to hinge upon how events are structured in the descriptions and explanations within a national culture. I term these narrative norms the historical-logical perspective of the national culture.
Fault detection and isolation in a DC microgrid using a central processing unit

The goal of this paper is to design a protection system capable of detecting, isolating and locating high and low impedance ground faults in a DC multi-terminal system using a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) based control unit. Due to low current fluctuations during faults, it becomes difficult to detect high impedance faults using conventional methods. In order to locate faults, the DC ring bus will be divided into different zones and an algorithm will be developed to monitor currents in each zone. The proposed method has been tested through examples and is seen to be cost effective and easy to implement.
Signaling-induced association of a tyrosine-phosphorylated 36-kDa protein with p50csk.

The protein-tyrosine kinase, p50csk, is thought to participate in the regulation of signal transduction pathways by catalyzing the phosphorylation of the Src-related protein-tyrosine kinases on a negative regulatory tyrosine residue located near the COOH terminus. To study possible mechanisms by which the activity of p50csk might be regulated, we searched for p50csk-interacting proteins in human erythroleukemia cells. We found that in response to the treatment of cells with pervanadate, a potent inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases, or to the cross-linking of Fc gamma RIIA receptors, p50csk becomes tightly associated with a 36-kDa protein (p36). This association is dependent on the tyrosine phosphorylation of p36 and involves its interaction with the SH2 domain of p50csk.p36 can be phosphorylated in vitro by p50csk or by a full-length GST-Csk fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli. Tyrosine-phosphorylated p36 is found exclusively in the particulate membrane fraction of the cell. Conditions that induce the formation of the p50csk.p36 complex promote the appearance of p50csk in the particulate fraction. These data suggest that the association between p50csk and p36 serves to translocate the normally cytosolic p50csk to the membrane, where it presumably interacts with its physiologically relevant substrates.
Political geography of contemporary events XI: The political geography of asylum: two models and a case study

Abstract Third-World asylum-seekers are international migrants caught up in an ever-tightening cycle of restrictions on their entry into Western European and North American countries and on government protection of them once they have gained entrance. This paper presents two models: one diagraming the migration channels used by a group of Tamil asylum-seekers and the other predicting the implications of their migration, as well as other asylum-seekers, on national asylum policies. The focus here is on migration ‘pull’ factors at potential destinations and ‘intervening obstacles’ between alternative destinations. The current conflicts among asylum-seekers, national asylum policies, and attempts at international co-operation in managing migration streams and resettlement may greatly affect future generations of asylum-seekers and refugees.
Effects of Mutational Loss of Specific Intracellular Proteases on the Sporulation of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract Two protease-deficient mutants of Bacillus subtilis 168 (Trp−) were isolated and compared with the parental strain with respect to production of intracellular proteases and sporulation. A mutant lacking the metal-requiring “neutral” protease intracellularly sporulated as well as the parental strain. A second mutant, deficient in an as yet uncharacterized intracellular protease, failed to sporulate normally. It is proposed that this new protease is also involved in intracellular protein turnover.
Geochemical evidence from the Pukapuka volcanic ridge system for a shallow enriched mantle domain beneath the South Pacific Superswell

The South Pacific Superswell is characterized by shallow bathymetry and unusually slow upper mantle seismic velocities, and is also the largest volcanically active intraplate area on the Earth’s surface. Genetic links between the region’s geophysical characteristics and its profuse, isotopically diverse volcanism have been proposed, but not directly shown. We present chemical and isotopic data for volcanic glasses from the 2600 km long Pukapuka ridge system in the eastern Superswell, a feature that appears to have resulted from diffuse lithospheric extension rather than hotspot activity. The samples offer a rare view into the composition of the upper mantle beneath the Superswell away from hotspots and spreading centers. Glasses from the Pukapuka ridges range from transitional basalts with mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) characteristics (e.g. La/Sm N ≈0.8, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr≈0.7027, ϵ Nd ≈+9, 206 Pb/ 204 Pb≈18.7) to alkalic lavas strongly enriched in incompatible elements and with isotopic signatures similar to the hypothetical lower mantle components ‘FOZO’ and ‘C’ (e.g. La/Sm N =7.5, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr≈0.7034, ϵ Nd ≈+5, 206 Pb/ 204 Pb≈19.8). We propose that the large chemical and isotopic variations in the glasses are controlled by convective mixing of an enriched component upwelling near the center of the Superswell and surrounding normal MORB-source mantle and/or systematically varying degrees of melting of a heterogeneous mixture of these two materials. Weak garnet signatures and trace element evidence for equilibration of the most alkalic lavas with residual phlogopite or amphibole suggest that the Pukapuka lavas were primarily derived from the shallow upper mantle rather than a deep-seated mantle plume. These data are the first direct indication that the upper mantle underlying the Superswell is compositionally as well as thermally anomalous. Additionally, the widespread presence of material of an apparent lower mantle origin in the upper mantle beneath the South Pacific Superswell is consistent with recent mantle convection experiments, in which both Superswell-type features and concentrated hotspot activity are the product of large-scale thermally mediated upwellings in a mildly chemically stratified mantle.
Moderate treadmill exercise rescues anxiety and depression-like behavior as well as memory impairment in a rat model of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition which can develop from exposure to a severe traumatic event such as those occurring during wars or natural disasters. Benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered the gold standard for PTSD treatment, but their side effects pose a serious problem. While regular physical exercise is regarded as a mood elevator and known to enhance cognitive function, its direct role in rescuing core symptoms of PTSD including anxiety and depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment is unclear. In the present study using the single-prolonged stress (SPS) rat model of PTSD (2 h restrain, 20 min forced swimming, 15 min rest, and 1–2 min diethyl ether exposure), we examined the beneficial effect of moderate treadmill exercise on SPS-induced behavioral deficits including anxiety and depression-like behaviors and memory impairment. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control (sedentary), exercised, SPS (no exercise), or SPS-exercised. Rats were exercised on a rodent treadmill for 14 consecutive days. Rats in all groups were tested for anxiety-like behaviors using open field (OF), light–dark and elevated-plus maze tests. All rats were tested for short-term and long-term memory in the radial arm water maze test. Rats were then sacrificed, blood was collected (for corticosterone levels), and individual organs (spleen, adrenals, and thymus) harvested. Results suggest that moderate physical exercise ameliorates SPS-induced behavioral deficits in rats.
Continuation of discrete Fourier spectra using a minimum-negativity constraint

A method for continuing Fourier spectra applicable to spectra given by the discrete Fourier transform is presented. From the principle of minimizing the sum of the square of the negative values of the restored function, a set of simultaneous nonlinear equations is obtained. The only means of solution at present is iterative, but computational time is comparable with that for noniterative methods. Excellent restoration is obtained for the sharply attenuated spectrum of deconvolved infared peaks. The numerical procedure developed here lends itself easily to the inclusion of additional constraints to enhance resolution further. The constraints of minimum negativity and finite extent may both be enforced together on pertinent data with only slight modification of the procedure.
Aligned Carbon Nanotube Stationary Phases for Electrochromatographic Chip Separations

This paper reports a novel approach for developing a microfluidic electrochromatographic chip device using patterned vertically aligned carbon nanotubes as the stationary phase material. Patterned growth of nanotubes in a specific location of the channel is carried out using a solid phase Fe–Al catalyst as well as a vapor deposited ferrocene catalyst. Proof-of-concept applications are demonstrated using reversed phase capillary electrochromatographic separations as well as solid phase extraction of a glycosylated protein using concanavalin A immobilized onto the nanotube bed.
Radiative heating rates during the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Experiment

A radiative transfer model and observed temperature and ozone profiles are used to compute three-dimensional fields of heating rates for the Northern Hemisphere during 1989 Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Experiment. For a clear atmosphere, an average cooling of 0.2 to 0.4 K/day is computed in the regions of the ER-2 aircraft during flight days. Tropospheric clouds will increase the cooling by 0.1 to 0.2 K/day. These cooling rates are in good agreement with the diabatic cooling estimated from N2O data, Net heating rather than cooling is computed in the area of the ozone 'minihole' which had its maximum on 1/31/89 and 2/1/89 in the vicinity of the mission. On 1/31/89 the 50 and 30 mb net heating rates are 0.1 to 0.2 K/day for clear skies, and 0.05 to 0.1 K/day for cloudy skies.
The $BBGKY$ hierarchy in quantum statistical mechanics

It is shown that the infinite volume limit of the equilibrium reduced density matrices, shown by Ginibre to exist at low densities, satisfy the quantum time independent BBGKY hierarchy of equations. This extends analogous results for classical systems due to Gallavotti.
A New Position Feedback Method for Manufacturing Equipment

This paper presents an innovative real time 2-dimensional position feedback method, which processes visual input data from a target image on an actively-controlled planar pixel matrix. The objective is to demonstrate the ability to position an X-Y stage with high resolution, using direct position sensing of a dynamically controlled image. In order to achieve high spatial resolution using a pixel array as a target, an algorithm that processes both the geometric shape and the grayscale intensities of the image is implemented. The test platform consists of an X-Y stage carrying a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen that is imaged by a stationary digital camera. The pixel intensities on the LCD screen are modified dynamically to provide 2-dimensional position command inputs that translate to the desired stage motion. The digital images acquired by the camera are used to provide position error feedback to the controller. Experimental results show that direct position sensing is possible to a certain degree of accuracy. However, in order to match today’s CNC machines’ accuracy levels further processing of the digital images is required. A noise reduction algorithm to filter the fluctuations of the measurements in the digital images is proposed as future work, as well as other considerations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Cancer of the Uterus and Treatment of Incontinence (CUTI): A Pilot Study

cialty fields of obstetrics and gynecology. However, no clear expectations exist for graduating residents in robotic surgery training prior to entering fellowship. The primary objective is to compare the level of robotic surgery training preferred by subspecialty fellowship program directors (FPD) to the level of robotic surgery training expected by FPD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed utilizing an electronic survey distributed to FPD in subspecialty fields of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI), gynecologic oncology (Gyn Onc), minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS), and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) between February 2014 to April 2014. Sixteen specific variables of robotic surgery training were scored on a Likert-like scale, resulting in average robotic training scores ranging from 0 to 64. Results: 253 FPDs were identified and 76 completed the electronic survey for a response rate of 30%. Themost represented subspecialtywas FPMRS (n= 20), followed by MIGS (n= 18), MFM (n= 16), Gyn Onc (n= 13), and REI (n= 9). For all FPD, the robotic surgery preference score was significantly higher than the robotic surgery expectation score (27.3 vs. 17.0, p b 0.0001). FPD of historically high robotic volume subspecialties (Gyn Onc, MIGS, and FPMRS) had significantly higher expectation scores compared to FPD of historically low robotic volume subspecialties (MFM and REI) (23.8 vs. 3.3, p b 0.0001). When stratified by robotic volume, FPD of programs that performed N30 robotic surgeries/year had higher expectation scores compared to those that performed b30 robotic surgeries/year (23.7 vs. 5.6, p b 0.0001) Conclusions: FPD prefer a higher level of robotic surgery training of incoming fellows than they expect. FPD of historically high robotic volume subspecialties expect a greater level of robotic training compared to FPD of historically low robotic volume subspecialties. Independent of subspecialty type, FPD of programs that perform more robotic surgery have higher robotic surgery expectations of incoming fellows compared to FPD of programs that perform less robotic surgery.
ECR Plasma Synthesis of Silicon Nitride Films ON GaAs and InSb

Growth of high-quality dielectric films from Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasmas provides for low-temperature surface passivation of compound semiconductors. Silicon nitride (SiN{sub x}) films were grown at temperatures from 30 to 250 C on GaAs substrates. Stress in films was measured as a function of bias applied during growth (varied from 0 to 200 V), and of sample annealing treatments. Composition profiles of the samples were measured using ion beam analysis. The GaAs photoluminescence (PL) signal after SiN{sub x} growth without an applied bias (ion energy {congruent}30 eV) was twice as large as the PL signal from the cleaned GaAs substrate. The PL signal from samples biased at -50 and -100 V indicated that damage degraded the passivation quality, while atomic force microscopy of these samples showed a three fold increase in rms surface roughness relative to unbiased samples. The sample grown with a bias of -200 V showed the largest reduction in film stress but also the smallest PL signal.
Hot-gas flow and particle transport and deposition in a candle filter vessel

Abstract Hot-gas flow and particle transport and deposition in an industrial filtration system are studied. The special example of the Siemens-Westinghouse filter vessel at the Power System Development Facility at Wilsonville, Alabama is treated in detail. This tangential flow filter vessel contains clusters of 91 candle filters, which are arranged in two tiers. The upper tier containing 36 candle filters is modeled by six equivalent filters. Seven equivalent filters are used in the computational model to represent the 55 candle filters in the lower tiers. The Reynolds stress turbulent model of FLUENT™ code is used, and the gas mean velocity and root mean square fluctuation velocities in the filter vessel are evaluated. The particle equation of motion used includes drag and gravitational forces. The mean particle deposition patterns are evaluated and the effect of particle size is studied. The computational results indicatethat large particlesof the order of 10 μm or larger are removed from the gas due to the centrifugal forces exerted by rotating flow between the shroud and the refractory.
A key to marketing financial services: the right mix of products, services, channels and customers

Today’s financial service institutions have shifted from traditional face‐to‐face selling to direct marketing practices, including phone, mail, and computer technology. Consumer’s preferences toward face‐to‐face interaction versus direct means are empirically examined across 15 different financial products and services. A significant variation was found in consumer preferences across different financial products and services, and the profiles of consumers are developed based on their preferences. Implications are drawn for developing customer‐oriented marketing strategies, acknowledging customers’ differences in their preferences toward human interaction and self‐service technology.
Tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma is mediated by p53-dependent and caspase 8-dependent apoptotic pathways.

Abstract Background We tested the hypothesis that rectal tumors are most responsive to neoadjuvant therapy if they possess p53 and/or caspase 8 activity. Patients and Methods Fifty patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven rectal cancer underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil (300 mg/m 2 daily) and radiation (4500 cGy). Endorectal ultrasonography was performed before and after neoadjuvant therapy along with digital rectal examination and/or sigmoidoscopy for staging purposes and to evaluate response to therapy. All patients underwent resection with specimens submitted for gross and microscopic review. Pretreatment biopsy specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for mutated p53 and caspase 8 bioactivity. Results The study population consisted of 32 men and 18 women. There were 17 complete responses (CRs; 34%), 17 partial responses (PRs; 34%), and 16 cases of no response (NR; 32%). There were 10 stage I tumors (20%), 22 stage II tumors (44%), and 18 stage III tumors (36%) in the cohort at the time of initial diagnosis. p53 protein staining (ie, mutated p53 ) was positive in 31 tumors (62%; CR, n = 8; PR, n = 11; NR, n = 12); caspase 8 positivity was apparent in 30 specimens (60%; CR, n = 13; PR, n = 13; NR, n = 4). In terms of pretreatment predictions, we scored 3 separate levels of response (CR, 3; PR, 2;NR, 1) and compared them with the expected responses (ie, p53 positivity and caspase 8 negativity should yield NR, whereas all other combinations should yield responses). Wilcoxon 2-sample tests yielded a 1-sided P value of 0.007. Conclusion The present study highlights a possible mechanism for tumor response to neoadjuvant manipulation, namely that dual mechanisms for apoptotic cell death are working in concert to cause tumor regression; one is p53 transcription–dependent, and the other is p53 transcription–independent.
Maintenance strategies for a new era in electrical safety

Maintenance management systems are critical to petrochemical plant operations, as well as other businesses in which uptime and reliability are critical enablers of business success. The context and consequences of electrical maintenance has changed, especially in how it relates to changing paradigms on electrical safety. This paper outlines strategies to optimize the integration of an organization's electrical safety program into business management systems for critical equipment maintenance. Three terms are defined to help prioritize allocation of limited resources to maximize benefits in electrical safety and maintenance and reliability. These terms are discussed within the context of NFPA70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. A method for assessing electrical systems to identify specific equipment and systems critical to electrical safety is described. The paper further examines the relationship between the electrical safety program and the maintenance and reliability program and suggests ways to enhance the synergy and integration of these two business management systems.
Unfiltered Monte Carlo-based tungsten anode spectral model from 20 to 640 kV

A Monte Carlo-based tungsten anode spectral model, conceptually similar to the previously-developed TASMIP model, was developed. This new model provides essentially unfiltered x-ray spectra with better energy resolution and significantly extends the range of tube potentials for available spectra. MCNPX was used to simulate x-ray spectra as a function of tube potential for a conventional x-ray tube configuration with several anode compositions. Thirty five x-ray spectra were simulated and used as the basis of interpolating a complete set of tungsten x-ray spectra (at 1 kV intervals) from 20 to 640 kV. Additionally, Rh and Mo anode x-ray spectra were simulated from 20 to 60 kV. Cubic splines were used to construct piecewise polynomials that interpolate the photon fluence per energy bin as a function of tube potential for each anode material. The tungsten anode spectral model using interpolating cubic splines (TASMICS) generates minimally-filtered (0.8 mm Be) x-ray spectra from 20 to 640 kV with 1 keV energy bins. The rhodium and molybdenum anode spectral models (RASMICS and MASMICS, respectively) generate minimally-filtered x-ray spectra from 20 to 60 kV with 1 keV energy bins. TASMICS spectra showed no statistically significant differences when compared with the empirical TASMIP model, the semi-empirical Birch and Marshall model, and a Monte Carlo spectrum reported in AAPM TG 195. The RASMICS and MASMICS spectra showed no statistically significant differences when compared with their counterpart RASMIP and MASMIP models. Spectra from the TASMICS, MASMICS, and RASMICS models are available in spreadsheet format for interested users.
The new age of structural dynamics

A perspective on the new developments of structural dynamics is presented. The scope of applications and advances, from microscopy to diffraction and spectroscopy, defines the new age of endeavour.
Helmsley Trust Support For Telehealth Improves Access To Care In Rural And Frontier Areas

Rural residents in need of health care face many challenges. In 2009 the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust created the Rural Healthcare Program to improve access to and quality of care in areas of the upper Midwest challenged by health care workforce shortages and low population density. The program has focused its efforts on telehealth in seven upper Midwestern states. Since 2009 the Rural Healthcare Program has approved $22 million in grants to eighty-five rural hospitals to implement eEmergency services. The service’s videoconferencing technology connects rural emergency department staff with emergency physicians and nurses located at the service’s “hub.” Initial analyses indicate that eEmergency has helped participating rural hospitals increase patients’ access to specialists, increase the use of evidence-based treatment, decrease time to transfer a patient to a facility able to provide a higher level of care, and reduce unnecessary patient transfers. This article describes the health ca...
A post-6 Ma sediment budget for the Colorado River

Regional sediment budgets provide a useful method for quantifying erosion by large river systems over geologic time scales. The Colorado River (western United States) is well suited for such an analysis because the eroding source (Colorado Plateau) and sediment sinks in transtensional basins of the Salton Trough and northern Gulf of California are intact and well preserved. Using the distribution of Late Miocene basalt fl ows and new thermochronologic data, we calculate that ~3.4 ± 1.2 ◊ 10 5 km 3 of rock has been eroded from the Colorado Plateau since 10 Ma. Most of this erosion probably started ca. 5.5‐6 Ma, when the river system became integrated and incision rates increased dramatically. We generate two estimates for the volume of Colorado River sediment that has accumulated in basinal sinks since ca. 5.3 Ma: (1) 2.8 ± 0.6 ◊ 10 5 km 3 , assuming that crust between 5 and 10‐12 km depth in the plate-boundary basins is young metasedimentary rock mixed with intrusions; and (2) 1.55 ± 0.35 ◊ 10 5 km 3 , assuming that crust below 4‐5 km is thinned pre-Cenozoic crystalline rock. The broad overlap of the fi rst estimate with the calculated volume of rock eroded from the plateau provides new support for a model of lithospheric rupture and rapid sedimentation in the Salton Trough. Assuming an average density of 2.3‐2.5 g/cm 3