cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of a vehicular antenna for GPS/Iridium using a genetic algorithm

In this paper, we describe a vehicular wire antenna, designed using a genetic algorithm that may be used for both the GPS and Iridium systems. It has right-hand circular polarization, near hemispherical coverage, and operates over the frequency band from 1225 to 1625 MHz. This antenna was simulated using the numerical electromagnetics code (NEC) and then fabricated and tested. The antenna consists of five copper tubing segments connected in series, has an unusually odd shape, and is very inexpensive. It fits in a volume approximately 10 cm/spl times/10 cm/spl times/15 cm, The input voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and circular polarization radiation patterns were computed and measured. The VSWR was under 2.2 at the design frequencies of 1225, 1575, and 1625 MHz. The gain varied by less than 12 dB for a 170/spl deg/ sector; it generally fell off near the horizon so the variation was less for 150/spl deg/ and 160/spl deg/ sectors. This new design process, which uses a genetic algorithm in conjunction with an electromagnetics code, produces configurations that are unique and seem to outperform more conventional designs.
The Fierce Urgency of Now: Diffusion of Innovation as a Mechanism to Integrate Social Justice in Counselor Education

The authors present diffusion of innovation theory (Rogers, 2003) as a framework for integrating social justice into counselor education. An overview of diffusion theory is provided along with how the tenets of diffusion of innovation can be used to alleviate fears and anxieties that come with adopting an innovation such as social justice in counselor education.
Estimating causal effects for multivalued treatments: A comparison of approaches

Interventions with multivalued treatments are common in medical and health research, such as when comparing the efficacy of competing drugs or interventions, or comparing between various doses of a particular drug. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of multivalued treatment effect estimators using observational data. In this paper, we compare the performance of commonly used regression-based methods that estimate multivalued treatment effects based on the unconfoundedness assumption. These estimation methods fall into three general categories: (i) estimators based on a model for the outcome variable using conventional regression adjustment; (ii) weighted estimators based on a model for the treatment assignment; and (iii) 'doubly-robust' estimators that model both the treatment assignment and outcome variable within the same framework. We assess the performance of these models using Monte Carlo simulation and demonstrate their application with empirical data. Our results show that (i) when models estimating both the treatment and outcome are correctly specified, all adjustment methods provide similar unbiased estimates; (ii) when the outcome model is misspecified, regression adjustment performs poorly, while all the weighting methods provide unbiased estimates; (iii) when the treatment model is misspecified, methods based solely on modeling the treatment perform poorly, while regression adjustment and the doubly robust models provide unbiased estimates; and (iv) when both the treatment and outcome models are misspecified, all methods perform poorly. Given that researchers will rarely know which of the two models is misspecified, our results support the use of doubly robust estimation.
Platelet Function Testing for Aspirin Resistance Is Reasonable to Do: Yes!

When discussing the issue of aspirin resistance and platelet function testing, there are a number of data-based conclusions that I believe we can agree on: (1) Aspirin resistance is a real phenomenon. There are dozens of studies and a number of meta-analyses that show on average 15% to 25% of individuals will be aspirin-resistant (ie, lack of the anticipated antiplatelet response when taking aspirin).1,2 The largest meta-analysis included 42 studies and reported a 27% rate of aspirin resistance.3 Rates may be slightly higher in patients with stroke.4,5 The rate of aspirin resistance tends to increase with lower doses of aspirin and may be higher when using enteric-coated aspirin.3,4 The rate of aspirin resistance appears to increase with age above the mid-60s.1 Perhaps this relates to gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pH, which increases with age due to lower acid production. (2) Aspirin resistance has clinical consequences. Various studies, most in cardiac patients, have shown that individuals with aspirin resistance have an increased risk of having a …
Notes on "bioethics and sin" by Jean-Francois Collange.

Placing the notion of sin in the context of a meontic account of evil, and emphasizing the effect of sin on the sinner himself, this commentary exposes the insufficiency of restricting oneself to human efforts at atonement, and of thus underemphasizing the role of Christ. Collange’s claim that the teaching of “predestination” is rooted in Paul and that the doctrine of merits and indulgences is rooted in Augustine is criticized, and Luther’s “forensic” understanding is linked with Augustine, rather than with Paul. Collange’s reduction of the concern for holiness to respect and trust is contrasted with holiness’s essential context of loving unification with God. The commentary closes by exposing the unsatisfactory scantiness of Collange’s treatment of cloning, health-care economy, and of the evils of life.
Differential Regulation of Peripheral CD4+ T Cell Tolerance Induced by Deletion and TCR Revision

In Vbeta5 transgenic mice, mature Vbeta5(+)CD4(+) T cells are tolerized upon recognition of a self Ag, encoded by a defective endogenous retrovirus, whose expression is confined to the lymphoid periphery. Cells are driven by the tolerogen to enter one of two tolerance pathways, deletion or TCR revision. CD4(+) T cells entering the former pathway are rendered anergic and then eliminated. In contrast, TCR revision drives gene rearrangement at the endogenous TCR beta locus and results in the appearance of Vbeta5(-), endogenous Vbeta(+), CD4(+) T cells that are both self-tolerant and functional. An analysis of the molecules that influence each of these pathways was conducted to understand better the nature of the interactions that control tolerance induction in the lymphoid periphery. These studies reveal that deletion is efficient in reconstituted radiation chimeras and is B cell, CD28, inducible costimulatory molecule, Fas, CD4, and CD8 independent. In contrast, TCR revision is radiosensitive, B cell, CD28, and inducible costimulatory molecule dependent, Fas and CD4 influenced, and CD8 independent. Our data demonstrate the differential regulation of these two divergent tolerance pathways, despite the fact that they are both driven by the same tolerogen and restricted to mature CD4(+) T cells.
Effect of dietary pH on amino acid utilization by shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

A study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary pH on amino acid utilization by juvenile Penaeus vannamei. A basal diet (diet 1), five diets (diets 2–6) supplemented with crystalline amino acids (AA) to simulate the AA pattern of shrimp protein and in which the dietary pH was adjusted from pH 4.8 to 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0±0.2, and a 28% shrimp protein control diet (diet 7) were fed to shrimp to satiation 6 times per day for 10 weeks. Growth and feed consumption of shrimp were improved (P<0.05) by supplementing AA and increasing the levels of dietary pH. Maximum weight gain, which was approximately 85% that of shrimp fed the control diet (diet 7), was obtained when the AA diet was adjusted to pH 8.0 (diet 6). However, this growth improvement was due to increased feed consumption rather than to improvement of nutritional value of diets. Shrimp fed diet 7 also had the best feed conversion (P<0.05), which was about two-fold better than those obtained with other diets. There were no significant differences among the survival rates of shrimp fed the various diets. The pellet water stability at 1 and 3 h was similar for diets 2–6 and diets 1 and 7. However, the dry matter loss of diets 2–6 was approximately twice that of diets 1 and 7. The crude protein losses were negligible for diet 1, 7.0% for diet 7, and 21.2–22.3% for diets 2–6. The total essential amino acids (EAA) including cystine, at 1 h soaking, slightly increased for diets 1 and 7 but decreased by 27.5% for diet 6. Supplementation of AA and increase in dietary pH had no appreciable effect on moisture and crude protein contents of whole shrimp. Body fat increased (P<0.05) and ash decreased with increasing levels of dietary pH. Shrimp fed the control diet had the highest content of crude protein and fat and the lowest levels of moisture and ash. This study indicates that growth and feed conversion of P. vannamei fed the AA-supplemented diets were inferior to that of shrimp fed the control diet. This may be attributed to the lower water stability of the AA supplemental diets and the apparent loss of AA from these diets. However, improved growth and feed consumption were obtained with increasing pH values of the AA-supplemented diets. This growth improvement was due to increased feed consumption rather than to improvement of nutritional value of the diets.
n‐Butyl N‐(p‐Toluenesulfonyl)iminoacetate

(R = Bu) [2292-87-7] C13H17NO4S (MW 283.34) InChI = 1S/C13H17NO4S/c1-3-4-9-18-13(15)10-14-19(16,17)12-7-5-11(2)6-8-12/h5-8,10H,3-4,9H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = BUMIHEOKLGMVEA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (R = Me) [89366-20-1] C10H11NO4S (MW 241.26) InChI = 1S/C10H11NO4S/c1-8-3-5-9(6-4-8)16(13,14)11-7-10(12)15-2/h3-7H,1-2H3 InChIKey = HXGLXQQSWMYBHA-UHFFFAOYSA-N (R = Et) [83670-53-5] C11H13NO4S (MW 255.29) InChI = 1S/C11H13NO4S/c1-3-16-11(13)8-12-17(14,15)10-6-4-9(2)5-7-10/h4-8H,3H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = JZWQYBAOEGPVIB-UHFFFAOYSA-N (easily prepared N-tosyl imines of glyoxylate esters2 are useful as enophiles in inter-3, 4 and intramolecular5 imino ene reactions and as dienophiles in achiral6 and asymmetric7, 8, 20-23 hetero Diels–Alder reactions) Physical Data: bp R = Bu, 130–135 °C/0.001 mmHg; R = Et, 145–150 °C/0.02 mmHg. Solubility: sol various organic solvents, usually used in benzene or toluene; reactions often run without solvent. Form Supplied in: viscous yellow oil. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: usually prepared and distilled directly before use or generated and used in situ.
Work and School at the Same Time? A Conflict Perspective of the Work-School Interface

Master’s degrees represent resources that often help employees advance in organizations. Tuition reimbursement programs for graduate studies also represent a large training expense for many organiz...
Efficacy of Lacosamide as Adjunctive Therapy in Children With Refractory Epilepsy

Lacosamide is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved antiepileptic drug for patients 17 years or older with partial epilepsy. There are sparse data on children. The objective of our study was to evaluate its efficacy/safety in children with refractory epilepsy. Forty children (mean age 14.3 years) were treated with lacosamide at our institution (adjunctive therapy in 36, monotherapy in 4). Fifteen patients had symptomatic focal epilepsy, 2 had cryptogenic focal epilepsy, 20 had symptomatic generalized epilepsy, and 3 had cryptogenic generalized epilepsy. Two had juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and 5 had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Forty-two percent had at least >50% reduction in seizure frequency, and 6 became seizure free. Average dose was 7 mg/kg/d and average follow-up was 9.2 months. Responders had a 76.5% mean decrease in seizures. Fifteen children experienced an adverse reaction and 7 discontinued lacosamide (4: Ineffective, I: insurance denial, 1: tremor, 1: behavior). Lacosamide is effective an...
The Identification and Characterization of a G4-DNA Resolvase Activity *

Abstract There is increasing evidence that four-stranded Hoogsteen-bonded DNA structures, G4-DNA, play an important role in cellular processes such as meiosis and recombination. The Hoogsteen-bonded G4-DNA is thermodynamically more stable than duplex DNA, and many guanine-rich genomic DNA sequences with the ability to form G4-DNA have been identified. A protein-dependent activity that resolves G4-DNA into single-stranded DNA has been identified in human placental tissue. The resolvase activity was purified from any apparent nuclease activity and is dependent on NTP hydrolysis and MgCl2. Resolvase activity is optimal with 5 mm MgCl2. TheV max/K m of ATP is 0.055%/min/μm, higher than theV max/K m of the other dNTPs. The products of the resolvase reaction are unmodified single-stranded DNA. The resolvase is not a duplex DNA helicase or a topoisomerase II activity and does not unwind Hoogsteen-bonded triplex DNA. Resolvase is a novel activity that unwinds stable G4-DNA structures using a dNTP-dependent mechanism producing unmodified single-stranded DNA. Potential in vivo roles for this G4-DNA resolvase activity are discussed.
Impaired vision and the ability to take medications

OBJECTIVES: To assess relationships between vision (contrast sensitivity, stereopsis, visual acuity) and a performance-based measure of ability to implement new medications.DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis; prospective cohort study.SETTING: Community-based.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred thirty-five participants aged 73 to 82 in Year 3 of the Women's Health and Aging Study 11, a representative sample of the two-thirds least-disabled community-dwelling women.MEASUREMENTS: Hopkins Medication Schedule Pillbox Ratio, a joint measure of accuracy and time, and a performance-based measure of ability to Implement a prescription. Participants received written and verbal instructions for taking two medications and were directed to place pills in a pillbox accordingly. Vision assessments: contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson letter sensitivity chart), stereopsis (Randot Circles), and visual acuity (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study eye chart).RESULTS: Forty-four percent (148/335) of women incorrectly placed one or both medications. Each vision measure was positively associated with Pillbox Ratio scores and varied with cognition and time to completion. Better visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis were each associated with better performance in women with poor cognition who filled the pillbox quickly. Additionally, better visual acuity was associated with better performance in participants with good cognition who filled the pillbox slowly; better stereopsis was associated with better performance in participants with poor cognition who filled the pillbox slowly and whose stereoacuity was below normal.CONCLUSION: Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis should be considered potential risk factors for impaired ability to implement a medication regimen in older adults. Future research should investigate the role of vision, including contrast sensitivity and stereopsis, on performance of other instrumental activities of daily living.
Courtroom Applications of Virtual Environments, Immersive Virtual Environments, and Collaborative Virtual Environments.

This article examines the possibilities and implications of employing virtual environments (VEs), immersive virtual environments (IVEs), and collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) in the courtroom. We argue that the immersive and interactive reality created by these tools adds significant value as a simulation of experience to enhance courtroom practice. The obvious boundaries between real and virtual enhance the attractiveness of these tools as technologies of rhetorical persuasion that can be used to demonstrate subjective perspective, strengthen or impeach the credibility of witnesses, and provide the trier of fact with a better understanding of each side’s perception of the facts at issue. The article introduces the concepts of VEs, IVEs, and CVEs, describes the manners in which these technologies have been applied to settings other than the courts system, and review the relevant psychological and legal literature. It discusses specific applications of the technology to the court system and suggests how it could improve upon current procedures. Finally, it discusses some of the limitations and problems, and suggests legal reforms necessary to the adoption of these technologies, specifically rules of procedure that provide for all parties to be able to access, manipulate and inspect any virtual environment, the trier of fact to be able to interact with, rather than just accept the lawyer’s rendition, and rules that provide for the parties to introduce at trial an inventory of all digital assets contained in the virtual environment, making those that are stipulated to and those that are in controversy.
Identification of a thermodynamic model for spark ignited internal combustion engines

A classical air-cycle thermodynamic combustion model for cylinder pressure in an internal combustion engine is recast into a certain state space form in which pressure evolves according to a linear time varying difference equation. Model parameter identification from observation of cylinder pressure data via maximum likelihood is shown to have a simple form which may permit on-line implementation. Experimental demonstration of the method is provided using data from a one-cylinder CFR research engine.
Decision support for radiologist report recommendations.

THE CLINICAL PROBLEM The past 2 decades have seen a remarkable increase in the capabilities, utilization, and cost burden of medical imaging [1-6]. This increase in demand for diagnostic imaging has put imaging in the spotlight as a target for cuts in reimbursement [1-7]. Much of the growth in imaging utilization is clearly beneficial to medical practice and increased quality of care [8]. However, we are also facing a challenge from some referring physicians who regard recommendations for additional imaging made by radiologists in their official reports as a form of “self-referral” [9]. Also, some physicians challenge radiologist recommendations on the grounds that they feel that such recommendations increase their risk for medical liability if they go unheeded [10]. Specialists often feel they know better than radiologists about what to do next and resent being pressured to act through the recommendation process. To promote the optimal use of imaging, the ACR established a program in 1992 to develop the ACR Appropriateness Criteria [11]. These riteria are designed to help referring hysicians select the right imaging xaminations for their patients: the roverbial goal of right patient, right est, right reason, and right protocol. e now argue here that a similar set f appropriateness criteria should be eveloped to guide radiologists as hey make recommendations for aditional imaging. They should be obective, evidence based, and consenus driven—including input from onradiologists—just as the original CR Appropriateness Criteria are. hey need to be presented to radiol-
Evaluation of FDA safety-related drug label changes in 2010

PURPOSE: This study characterizes drug safety-related label changes by evidence source contribution, time from drug approval to label change, initiator (FDA or sponsor), and drug class. METHODS: A retrospective review of the FDA's internal files was used to obtain regulatory documentation on drugs undergoing a 2010 label change. Contribution of evidence sources were identified and label change initiator and drug class were determined for each drug. RESULTS: A total of 371 drugs were analyzed. Spontaneous reports contributed to 52% and 55% of label changes when analyzed by unique safety issue and drug, respectively. The median time from approval to 2010 safety-related label change was 11 years. The sponsor was more likely than the FDA to initiate a label change (58% and 42%). Label changes were most common among nervous system drugs (23%), antiinfectives for systemic use (17%), and cardiovascular system drugs (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Drug label changes involve contributions from multiple evidence sources. The findings from this comprehensive review are consistent with previous findings and demonstrate (i) the continued importance of the spontaneous reporting system and complementary evidence sources and (ii) safety-related label changes take place years after postmarket approval, emphasizing the importance of continued drug safety surveillance throughout a product's lifecycle. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
EFFECTS OF BENTHIC HABITAT RESTORATION ON NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND ECOSYSTEM METABOLISM IN THREE HEADWATER STREAMS

The assemblage of stream habitat types can drive biofilm composition and activity in headwater streams, thereby influencing rates of ecosystem function. However, the influence of human-induced alterations to the distribution of benthic habitat such as construction, land-use changes and restoration on biofilm-mediated processes has not been well studied. We measured nutrient uptake of ammonium, nitrate and phosphate, as well as gross primary production and community respiration in three streams in Michigan, USA, each with an upstream reference and a downstream restored reach. The restoration included a 10-m sediment trap, paired with 40–60 m of gravel and boulder added downstream and designed to retain sediment, stabilize banks and provide spawning habitat for trout. We sampled four times in the six stream reaches from May 2006 to September 2007. Across streams, restored reaches reflected the structural manipulation with increased predominance of coarse inorganic sediments, higher gas exchange rate and increased transient storage. However, nutrient uptake and community respiration rates were different between reaches at only one site. The ecosystem response by this stream was driven by the large differences in coarse inorganic habitat between reference and restored reaches. We conclude that restorations of benthic habitat which are visually conspicuous, such as creation of settling pools and gravel-filled reaches, did not universally affect stream ecosystem function. Initial conditions and magnitude of change may be key factors to consider in explaining functional responses, and predicting the influence of habitat restoration on ecosystem function remains a challenge. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear frequency-modulated signal detection using Radon-ambiguity transform

A novel time-frequency technique for linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal detection is proposed. The design of the proposed detectors is based on the Radon transform of the modulus square or the envelope amplitude of the ambiguity function (AF) of the signal. A practical assumption is made that the chirp rate is the only parameter of interest. Since the AF of LFM signals will pass through the origin of the ambiguity plane, the line integral of the Radon transform is performed over all lines passing through the origin of the ambiguity plane. The proposed detectors yield maxima over chirp rates of the LFM signals. This reduces the two-dimensional (2-D) problem of the conventional Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) based detection or the Radon-Wigner transform (RWT) based detector to a one-dimensional (1-D) problem and consequently reduces the computation load and keeps the feature of "built-in" filtering. Related issues such as the finite-length effect, the resolution, and the effect of noise are studied. The result is a tool for LFM detection, as well as the time-varying filtering and adaptive kernel design for multicomponent LFM signals.
A new species of the shrimp genus Chorocaris (Decapoda: Caridea: Alvinocarididae) from hydrothermal vents in the eastern Pacific Ocean

ABSTRACT Chorocaris paulexa, new species, the first member of the genus Chorocaris Martin & Hessler, 1990 reported from the eastern Pacific, is described based primarily on two specimens, one of which is ovigerous, collected by the DSV Alvin at the Homer hydrothermal (black smoker) vent site (17°S) on the southern East Pacific Rise (SEPR). Seven additional (non-type) specimens from other SEPR sites (Rapa Nui, Brandon vents) are also described and compared to the types. The new species is compared to its congeners C. vandoverae Martin & Hessler, 1990, from the Mariana Back-Arc Basin in the western Pacific, and C. chacei (Williams & Rona, 1986), from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge), as well as to Mirocaris fortunata (Martin & Christiansen, 1995) (Mid-Atlantic Ridge). The new species is markedly similar in morphology to both Chorocaris vandoverae and C. chacei, but it can be distinguished from either of those species by a combination of the relatively acute branchiostegal projection of the carapace border, extent of...
Forecasting Tropical Cyclogenesis over the Atlantic Basin Using Large-Scale Data

Abstract A new dataset of tropical cloud clusters, which formed or propagated over the Atlantic basin during the 1998–2000 hurricane seasons, is used to develop a probabilistic prediction system for tropical cyclogenesis (TCG). Using data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) reanalysis (NNR), eight large-scale predictors are calculated at every 6-h interval of a cluster's life cycle. Discriminant analysis is then used to find a linear combination of the predictors that best separates the developing cloud clusters (those that became tropical depressions) and nondeveloping systems. Classification results are analyzed via composite and case study points of view. Despite the linear nature of the classification technique, the forecast system yields useful probabilistic forecasts for the vast majority of the hurricane season. The daily genesis potential (DGP) and latitude predictors are found to be the most significant at nearly all foreca...
Modeling of Awareness

Every subject $${A_1} = {a_1} + \overline {{a_2}} W\left( {{x_3},\left. {{B_3}} \right)} \right.$$ (4.1) can be represented as a function of the variable x 3 in the models of bipolar choice and of metachoice: $${A_1} = F\left( {{x_3}} \right)$$ (4.2)
Fully-Nonlinear Simulation of the Hydrodynamics of a Floating Body in Surface Waves by a High-Order Boundary Element Method

The objective of this work is to understand and evaluate the hydrodynamics modeling of a floating rigid body in regular and irregular ocean surface waves. Direct time-domain numerical simulation, based on the potential-flow formulation with the use of a quadratic boundary element method, is employed to compute the response of the body under the action of surface waves including fully-nonlinear wave-body interaction effects associated with steep waves and large-amplitude body motions. The viscous effect due to flow separation and turbulence is included by empirical modeling. The simulation results of body motions are compared with laboratory experimental measurements. The nonlinear effects due to body motion and wave motion are quantified and compared to the viscous effect. Their relative importance in the prediction and modeling of a rigid body motion under various wave conditions is investigated. This study may provide essential information pertaining to develop effective modeling of nonlinear wave-body interactions which is needed in design of offshore structures and wave energy conversion devices.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
BOLD data representing activation and connectivity for rare no-go versus frequent go cues

The neural circuitry underlying response control is often studied using go/no-go tasks, in which participants are required to respond as fast as possible to go cues and withhold from responding to no-go stimuli. In the current task, response control was studied using a fully counterbalanced design in which blocks with a low frequency of no-go cues (75% go, 25% no-go) were alternated with blocks with a low frequency of go cues (25% go, 75% no-go); see also "Segregating attention from response control when performing a motor inhibition task: Segregating attention from response control" [1]. We applied a whole brain corrected, paired t-test to the data assessing for regions differentially activated by low frequency no-go cues relative to high frequency go cues. In addition, we conducted a generalized psychophysiological interaction analysis on the data using a right inferior frontal gyrus seed region. This region was identified through the BOLD response t-test and was chosen because right inferior gyrus is highly implicated in response inhibition.
Understanding Sustainability through Traditional Maasai Pastoral Systems in Southern Kenya

In the developed world, we tend to think of sustainability as a newly articulated solution to challenges of environmental resource degradation and issues of social and economic injustice. However, pastoralism as traditionally practiced by the Maasai of southern Kenya is tied closely to the land and responds to climatic variation within the region. In the early 20 th century, colonial policies began to alter traditional land use systems, compromising inherently sustainable arrangements and isolating populations from the land. This trend has continued somewhat in contemporary development practice. As a result of a shift toward privatization of land tenure, traditional pastoral systems are no longer viable. While studying abroad with The School for Field Studies, we became aware of the struggle many Maasai face as they attempt to continue pastoralism in an increasingly hostile environment. Ultimately, development efforts in the region should focus not on implementing exogenous concepts of ‗sustainability‘ but rather on supporting and adapting systems that are already in place. Author’s Note Kaitlyn received an email from Consilience while we were in Kenya. That night, we started talking about sustainability in the context of the Maasai. While we come from different disciplinary backgrounds—Emma is focused on Africana Studies while Kaitlyn‘s background is in Environmental Biology—in Kenya we had both come to understand the inextricable relationship between people and conservation in the developing world. We wanted to share our thoughts on issues of sustainable development, as well as some of the more formative experiences that contributed to our understanding of the complex nature of social and environmental issues in southern Kenya. We‘ve both developed a strong connection to the area. Emma plans to return to southern Kenya and research sustainable agriculture, ultimately working toward a graduate degree in the field. After spending a year in western Kenya studying the behavioral ecology of blue monkeys, Kaitlyn plans to pursue graduate education in the field of conservation biology. She will continue to engage in projects that integrate conservation and development efforts.
Delineating nature of stress responses during ductile uniaxial extension of polycarbonate glass

Abstract We carry out simultaneous mechanical and IR-thermal-imaging-based temperature measurements of tensile extension on untreated, milled (mechanically “rejuvenated”) and melt-stretched bisphenol A-polycarbonate (PC). The extension is found to cause significant buildup of both excess internal energy u 2 and plastic dissipation. The magnitude of u 2 is one to two orders of magnitude higher than the energy involved in rubbery elastic deformation. While the ratio of u 2 to the mechanical work w decreases with increasing rate of extension for untreated PC, milled PC is found to be more dissipative at lower rates. Homogeneous extension of melt-stretched PC in the post-yield regime including strain hardening behavior reveals largely non-dissipative responses, emphasizing the plastic deformation of glassy polymer may not be fully dissipative. The experimental results clearly indicate that a significant component of stress can be intrasegmental leading to the observed buildup of internal energy by distortions of covalent bonds. The glassy polymer physics at the chain level complements the more familiar idea of inter-segmental dissipation as the dominant event during plastic deformation.
Synthetic routes to a nanoscale inorganic cluster [Ga13(μ3-OH)6(μ2-OH)18(H2O)](NO3)15 evaluated by solid-state 71Ga NMR

Abstract Solid-state 71Ga NMR was used to characterize a series of [Ga13(μ3-OH)6(μ2-OH)18(H2O)](NO3)15 “Ga13” molecular clusters synthesized by multiple methods. These molecular clusters are precursors to thin film electronics and may be employed in energy applications. The synthetic routes provide varying levels of impurities in the solid phase, and these impurities often elude traditional characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Solid-state NMR can provide a window into the gallium species even in amorphous phases. This information is vital in order to prevent the impurities from causing defect sites in the corresponding thin films upon gelation and condensation (polymerization) of the Ga13 clusters. This work demonstrates the resolving power of solid-state NMR to evaluate structure and synthetic quality in the solid state, and the application of high-field NMR to study quadrupolar species, such as 71Ga.
The New Vital Sign: Where Do You Live?

It is widely accepted that differences in risk factors, incidence, mortality, or stage of disease among populations, collectively known as health disparities, should not exist. Populations that experience disparities include racial/ethnic minorities, rural, and inner city residents, those of low
Figures of merit for linear and nonlinear slow light devices

A unified approach to estimation and optimization of the performance of various slow light devices in practical optical networks is described. Novel means of mitigating dispersion-induced limitations are considered. (2 pages)
A Review of Novel Materials and Technologies for the Sustainable Development of Microalgae Biofuel

Recently, microalgae has been identified as a renewable fuel source and shown advantages over other biomass-based fuels in terms of low natural resource utilization, low environmental footprint and high energy efficiency. However, with current technologies, scaling up the production of algal biofuels is facing many challenges. This paper evaluates the factors (technological, environmental, economic and political) involved in microalgae biofuel production and reviews novel materials and technologies that can make microalgae biofuel become sustainable and cost-efficient at the larger scale.
Electronic structure and the origin of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in MnSi

The metallic helimagnet MnSi has been found to exhibit skyrmionic spin textures when subjected to magnetic fields at low temperatures. The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction plays a key role in stabilizing the skyrmion state. With the help of first-principles calculations, crystal field theory, and a tight-binding model we study the electronic structure and the origin of the DM interaction in the B20 phase of MnSi. The strength of the $\stackrel{P\vec}{D}$ parameter is determined by the magnitude of the spin-orbit interaction and the degree of orbital mixing, induced by the symmetry-breaking distortions in the B20 phase. Our calculations suggest strong coupling between Mn-$d$ and Si-$p$ states, which is consistent with a mixed valence ground state $|{d}^{7\ensuremath{-}x}{p}^{2+x}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ configuration. Consistent with previous calculations, we find that DFT+U leads to the experimental magnetic moment of $0.4\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$, which redistributes electrons between the majority and minority spin channels. We derive the magnetic interaction parameters $J$ and $\stackrel{P\vec}{D}$ for Mn-Si-Mn superexchange paths using Moriya's theory assuming the interaction to be mediated by ${e}_{g}$ electrons near the Fermi level. Using parameters from our calculations, we get reasonable agreement with the observations.
Estimation of Cell Number Based on Metabolic Activity: The MTT Reduction Assay

The MTT reduction assay is used to determine the level of metabolic activity in eukaryotic cells, -including animal, plant, and fungal cells. If the metabolic rate is constant, the technique can be employed to count living cells in a sample. Once it is set up, the method is very robust, and can be automatized to be applied on a large number of samples.
Optimal Design of Waveguide-Grating Resonances

The anomalies of optical diffraction gratings have been of interest since they were originally discovered by Wood in 1902. They manifest themselves as rapid variation in the intensity of the various diffracted spectral orders within certain narrow frequency bands. There are two principal types of anomalous effects: the Rayleigh type which is the classical Wood’s anomaly, and the less known resonant type [8]. The Rayleigh type is due to one of the spectral orders appearing (or disappearing) at the grazing angle (propagating along the surface); while the resonant type anomaly is due to possible guided modes supportable by the waveguide grating. In this paper, we focus on the design of the waveguide-grating resonances, also known as guided mode grating resonance filters (GMGRF).
Stone-Mode Ultrasound for Determining Renal Stone Size

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the accuracy of stone-specific algorithms (S-mode) and the posterior acoustic shadow for determining kidney stone size with ultrasound (US) in vivo. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four subjects with 115 renal stones were prospectively recruited and scanned with S-mode on a research US system. S-mode is gray-scale US adjusted to enhanced stone contrast and resolution by minimizing compression and averaging, and increasing line density and frequency. Stone and shadow width were compared with a recent CT scan and, in 5 subjects with 18 stones, S-mode was compared with a clinical US system. Results: Overall, 84% of stones identified on CT were detected on S-mode and 66% of these shadowed. Seventy-three percent of the stone measurements and 85% of the shadow measurements were within 2 mm of the size on CT. A posterior acoustic shadow was present in 89% of stones over 5 mm versus 53% of stones under 5 mm. S-mode visualized 78% of stones, versus 61% for t...
Radiation Exposure in Cardiovascular Medicine How Do We Protect Our Patients and Ourselves

How important is the issue of radiation exposure in cardiovascular medicine? What constitutes best medical practice with respect to patient medical exposure and personnel occupational exposure? Article see p 226 During the past 2 decades, we have enjoyed a remarkable development and refinement of diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures. Concomitantly, there has been substantial growth in the number of procedures performed. Of these widely used modalities, x-ray fluoroscopically guided invasive cardiovascular procedures, x-ray CT, and nuclear medicine studies all involve exposure to ionizing radiation. In addition to exposing patients, invasive cardiovascular procedures expose physician-operators and laboratory personnel. The initial infatuation with the capabilities of these diagnostic and therapeutic modalities has been tempered by a growing awareness of their potential, inapparent hazards both to patients and to medical personnel. It is important that we devote attention to assessing the hazard more accurately and to minimizing everyone's exposure. Patients and medical personnel present different radiation exposure issues. For both groups, the principal hazard is the stochastic risk of radiation-induced neoplasm. Patients generally undergo a modest number of comparatively large exposures, whereas medical personnel incur a long-term, continual low-level occupational exposure. Practitioner occupational exposure for invasive cardiovascular procedures is becoming a more prominent concern because these procedures increasingly are concentrated in a group of highly active practitioners whose careers span ≥30 years.1,2 Thus, these physicians may receive a substantial lifetime occupational exposure. The large prevalence of spontaneously occurring neoplastic disease confounds attempts to draw a cause-and-effect connection between a particular neoplasm and the associated occupational or medical radiation exposures. Thus, exposure-neoplasm relationships can be detected only through population-based studies. There are many challenges to estimating the attributable risk of a radiation exposure. Existing models are likely more accurate when applied to intermittent large medical exposures than to long-term low-level occupational …
Risk Factors That Increase Risk of Estrogen Receptor–Positive and –Negative Breast Cancer

Background: Risk factors may differentially influence development of estrogen receptor (ER)–positive vs –negative breast cancer. We examined associations with strong, prevalent risk factors by ER subtype. Methods: Of 1 279 443 women age 35 to 74 years participating in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, 14 969 developed ER-positive and 3617 developed ER-negative invasive breast cancer. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox regression and compared ER subtype hazard ratios at representative ages or by menopausal status using Wald tests. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: For women age 40 years, compared with no prior biopsy, ER-positive vs ER-negative HRs were 1.53 (95% CI = 1.30 to 1.81) vs 1.26 (95% CI = 0.90 to 1.76) for nonproliferative disease, 1.63 (95% CI = 1.23 to 2.17) vs 1.41 (95% CI = 0.78 to 2.57) for proliferative disease without atypia, and 4.47 (95% CI = 2.88 to 6.96) vs 0.20 (95% CI = 0.02 to 2.51) for proliferative disease with atypia. Benign disease proliferation risk was stronger for ER-positive than ER-negative cancer for women age 35 years (Wald P = .04), age 40 years (Wald P = .04), and age 50 years (Wald P = .06). Among pre/perimenopausal women, body mass index (BMI) had a stronger association with ER-negative than ER-positive cancer (obese II/III vs. normal weight: HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.19 to 1.94; vs 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.36). Increasing BMI similarly increased ER-positive and ER-negative cancer risk among postmenopausal hormone users (Wald P = .15) and nonusers (Wald P = .08). Associations with ER subtype varied by race/ethnicity across all ages (P < .001) and by family history of breast cancer and breast density for specific ages. Conclusions: Strength of risk factor associations differed by ER subtype. Separate risk models for ER subtypes may improve identification of women for targeted prevention strategies.
Evaluation of two vaccine education interventions to improve pertussis vaccination among pregnant African American women: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background Vaccination coverage with tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in pregnancy or immediately postpartum has been low. Limited data exist on rigorously evaluated interventions to increase maternal vaccination, including Tdap. Tailored messaging based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) framework has been successful in improving uptake of some public health interventions. We evaluated the effect of two ELM-based vaccine educational interventions on Tdap vaccination among pregnant African American women, a group of women who tend to have lower vaccine uptake compared with other groups. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to pilot test two interventions – an affective messaging video and a cognitive messaging iBook – among pregnant African American women recruited during routine prenatal care visits. We measured Tdap vaccination during the perinatal period (during pregnancy and immediately postpartum), reasons for non-vaccination, and intention to receive Tdap in the next pregnancy. Results Among the enrolled women (n = 106), 90% completed follow-up. Tdap vaccination in the perinatal period was 18% in the control group; 50% in the iBook group (Risk Ratio [vs. control group]: 2.83; 95% CI, 1.26–6.37), and 29% in the video group (RR: 1.65; 95% CI, 0.66–4.09). From baseline to follow-up, women’s reported intention to receive Tdap during the next pregnancy improved in all three groups. Among unvaccinated women, the most common reason reported for non-vaccination was lack of a recommendation for Tdap by the woman’s physician. Conclusions Education interventions that provide targeted information for pregnant women in an interactive manner may be useful to improve Tdap vaccination during the perinatal period. However, larger studies including multiple racial and ethnic groups are needed to evaluate robustness of our findings. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01740310 .
A fast and efficient purification platform for cell-based influenza viruses by flow-through chromatography

Since newly emerging influenza viruses with pandemic potentials occurred in recent years, the demand for producing pandemic influenza vaccines for human use is high. For the development of a quick and efficient vaccine production, we proposed an efficient purification platform from the harvest to the purified bulk for the cell-based influenza vaccine production. This platform based on flow-through chromatography and filtration steps and the process only involves a few purification steps, including depth filtration, inactivation by formaldehyde, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, anion-exchange and ligand-core chromatography and sterile filtration. In addition, in the proposed chromatography steps, no virus capture steps were employed, and the purification results were not affected by the virus strain variation, host cells and culturing systems. The results from different virus strains which produced by Vero or MDCK cells in different culturing systems also obtained 33-46% HA recovery yields by this platform. The overall removal rates of the protein and DNA concentration in the purified bulk were over 96.1% and 99.7%, respectively. The low residual cellular DNA concentrations were obtained ranged from 30 to 130pg per human dose (15µg/dose). All influenza H5N1 purified bulks met the regulatory requirements for human vaccine use.
Solid state coordination chemistry of the oxofluorovanadium–diphosphonate system in the presence of Cu(II)–tetrapyridylpyrazine complex cations

The hydrothermal reactions of V{sub 2}O{sub 5}, Cu(CH{sub 3}CO{sub 2}){sub 2}.H{sub 2}O, tetrapyridylpyrazine (tpyprz), HF and the appropriate diphosphonic acid yielded a series of compounds of the {l_brace}Cu{sup 2}(tpyprz){r_brace}{sup 4+}/V{sub x}O{sub y}F{sub z}{sup n-}/{l_brace}O{sub 3}P(CH{sub 2}){sub n}PO{sub 3}{r_brace}{sup 4-} family of materials. The structure of [{l_brace}Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}{r_brace}V{sub 4}F{sub 6}O{sub 6}(HO{sub 3}PCH{sub 2}PO{sub 3}){sub 2}] (1) is one-dimensional, constructed from mixed valence {l_brace}V{sub 3}{sup V}V{sup IV}FO{sub 8}(HO{sub 3}PCH{sub 2}PO{sub 3}){sub 2}{r_brace}{sup 4-} clusters linked through {l_brace}Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}{r_brace}{sup 4+} rods. The two-dimensional [{l_brace}Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}{r_brace}V{sub 4}F{sub 6}O{sub 6}(O{sub 3}PCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}PO{sub 3})] (2) is constructed from {l_brace}V{sub 4}F{sub 6}O{sub 6}(O{sub 3}PCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}PO{sub 3}){r_brace}{sub n}{sup 4n-} chains crosslinked by {l_brace}Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz))(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}{r_brace}{sup 4+} rods; mixed valence {l_brace}V{sub 2}{sup V}V{sub 2}{sup IV}F{sub 6}O{sub 6}(O{sub 3}PCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}PO{sub 3}){r_brace}{sup 4-} clusters are embedded in the network. Compound 3, [Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz){l_brace}HO{sub 3}P(CH{sub 2}){sub 3}PO{sub 3}H{r_brace}][V{sub 2}F{sub 2}O{sub 5}], consists of [Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz){l_brace}HO{sub 3}P(CH{sub 2}){sub 3}PO{sub 3}H{r_brace}]{sub n}{sup 2n+} chains and isolated {l_brace}V{sub 2}F{sub 2}O{sub 5}{r_brace}{sup 2-} anions. Structures 1-3 are compared to the structures of the analogous series {l_brace}Cu{sub 2}(bisterpy){r_brace}{sup 4+}/V{sub x}O{sub y}F{sub z}{sup n-}/{l_brace}O{sub 3}P(CH{sub 2}){sub n}PO{sub 3}{r_brace}{sup 4-}, where bisterpy is 2,2':4':4'':2'',2'''-quaterpyridine, 6',6''-di-2-pyridinyl. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilitiesmore » of 2 and 3 are also discussed. - Graphical abstract: Hydrothermal reactions have been exploited in the preparation of a series of bimetallic oxides constructed from {l_brace}Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz){r_brace}{sup 4+} and oxyfluorovanadium organophosphonate components. A view of the two-dimensional structure of the mixed valence [{l_brace}Cu{sub 2}(tpyprz)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}{r_brace}V{sub 4}F{sub 6}O{sub 6}(O{sub 3}PCH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}PO{sub 3})] is provided.« less