cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerating Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory with a Nonrecursive Chebyshev Expansion of the Quantum Propagator.

Solutions of the real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) equations provide an affordable route to understanding the electronic dynamics that underpins many spectroscopic techniques. From the solutions of the RT-TDDFT equations, it is possible to extract optical absorption and circular dichroism spectra, as well as descriptions of charge transfer and charge transport dynamics. In order to apply RT-TDDFT to increasingly large systems, it is necessary to develop methods to overcome computational bottlenecks. One current bottleneck is the O(N3) cost required to form the time propagator for the RT-TDDFT equations, because of the full matrix diagonalization that is required at each time step. Here, we present a (semi)diagonalization-free formation of the propagator based on a nonrecursive Chebyshev polynomial expansion. The Chebyshev expansion relies only on matrix multiply operations which have lower computational cost and are furthermore extremely parallelizable. We demonstrate the accur...
The search for rebel interdependence: A study of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban

The existing conflict literature tends to treat interdependence between rebel groups as a binary category: either groups are allied or unallied, fragmented or unified, interdependent or independent...
An Apparatus Modification for the Study of Wild and Laboratory Animals

An inexpensive modification which eliminates any effect introduced by the visual presence of the E for simple mazes, runways, open-fields, and observation boxes is described. This modification is particularly useful when wild animals are used.
Uncovering patterns of state short-term debt financing

Despite balanced budget requirements, each year most states carry short term debt (STD) across fiscal years. Logit analysis results suggest structural fiscal stress causes states to carry STD across fiscal years. This strategy may not be rational, because STD is a tool for smoothing short-term shortfalls, and not for correcting structural fiscal stress. Cross sectional time series analysis results suggest both structural and cyclical factors influence the amount of year end STD. Findings suggest STD amounts fluctuate as a rational temporary replacement for long-term debt, growing when long term rates rise and decreasing when they fall.
Systems Immunology: Learning the Rules of the Immune System

Given the many cell types and molecular components of the human immune system, along with vast variations across individuals, how should we go about developing causal and predictive explanations of immunity? A central strategy in human studies is to leverage natural variation to find relationships among variables, including DNA variants, epigenetic states, immune phenotypes, clinical descriptors, and others. Here, we focus on how natural variation is used to find patterns, infer principles, and develop predictive models for two areas: (a) immune cell activation—how single-cell profiling boosts our ability to discover immune cell types and states—and (b) antigen presentation and recognition—how models can be generated to predict presentation of antigens on MHC molecules and their detection by T cell receptors. These are two examples of a shift in how we find the drivers and targets of immunity, especially in the human system in the context of health and disease.
The Productivity of Oxygenic Photosynthesis around Cool, M Dwarf Stars

In the search for life around cool stars, the presence of atmospheric oxygen is a prominent biosignature, as it may indicate oxygenic photosynthesis (OP) on the planetary surface. On Earth, most oxygenic photosynthesizing organisms (OPOs) use photons between 400 and 750 nm, which have sufficient energy to drive the photosynthetic reaction that generates O2 from H2O and CO2. OPOs around cool stars may evolve similar biological machinery capable of producing oxygen from water. However, in the habitable zones (HZs) of the coolest M dwarf stars, the flux of 400–750 nm photons may be just a few percent that of Earth's. We show that the reduced flux of 400–750 nm photons around M dwarf stars could result in Earth-like planets being growth limited by light, unlike the terrestrial biosphere, which is limited by nutrient availability. We consider stars with photospheric temperatures between 2300 and 4200 K and show that such light-limited worlds could occur at the outer edge of the HZ around TRAPPIST-1-like stars. We find that even if OP can use photons longer than 750 nm, there would still be insufficient energy to sustain the Earth's extant biosphere throughout the HZ of the coolest stars. This is because such stars emit largely in the infrared and near-infrared, which provide sufficient energy to make the planet habitable, but limits the energy available for OP. TRAPPIST-1f and g may fall into this category. Biospheres on such planets, potentially limited by photon availability, may generate small biogenic signals, which could be difficult for future observations to detect.
Complication management in outpatient spine surgery

Abstract This paper aims to examine essential topics regarding outpatient surgery centers and complication management that should be considered when performing surgery at these facilities. In recent years, outpatient surgery centers have become increasingly utilized due to the reduced associated healthcare costs and overall patient satisfaction. However, with advancements in the type of surgeries that can be performed at these centers, more steps need to be taken to ensure the assessment and management of complications is adequate. Surgeons should consider the possible risks for complications and create protocols in the event of a complication specifically designed for an outpatient surgery center.
Chemical Kinetics of Elementary Steps

This chapter discusses chemical kinetics of elementary steps. A reaction is an elementary step if it takes place in a single irreducible act at the molecular level, just the way it is written in the stoichiometric equation for reaction. The act of reaction is irreducible when no intermediate between reactants and products can be detected by any available technique. The word irreducible has an operational meaning: what appeared at one time to be elementary, today may well be broken down into two or more simpler steps. Simplicity has been elevated to the rank of principle, that of the least change of structure (Muller, 1886). The act of reaction will normally be a simple one, where only one bond is made or broken. Also simple is the situation where one bond is broken while another one is made. More rarely, two bonds are broken and two new ones are made in what is commonly called a four-center reaction. While more complicated rearrangements are known to occur in one step consisting of a series of concerted motions, they must be looked upon with suspicion in the absence of independent evidence that shows conclusively that they are truly irreducible. The chapter discusses transition-state theory, the rate of an elementary step, and thermodynamic formulation of rates. It also focuses on the collision theory and the equation of Arrhenius. According to the simple views of the collision theory of reaction rates, molecules are considered as hard spheres.
Exchange structure of N, Δ backward peaks

Abstract The I u = 1 2 and I u = 3 2 cross sections and interference term in πN backward scattering are separated from data for plab > 3 GeV/c. The separated cross sections and recent 6 GeV/c polarization data imply restrictions on the structure of N and Δ exchange amplitudes near the dip location in π+p backward scattering. The possibility of an amplitude analysis is discussed and the importance of polarization experiments in K N → Λπ stressed. The determinations of π N → N π I u = 1 2 and 3 2 contributions permit unambiguous studies of SU(3) for the exchanges in π N → N π and K N → Y π reactions. Finally we show how isospin regularities observed in 180° scattering at low energies are implied by duality of Nα, Δδ Regge pole exchanges.
Disaster risk reduction amidst armed conflict : informal institutions, rebel groups, and wartime political orders

Extant research has explored the effect of natural hazards on the risk of armed conflict, but very few studies have examined how conflict dynamics affect disaster risk reduction (DRR), including climate change adaptation. This is surprising given the empirical evidence that indicates how often disasters and armed conflicts collide. To understand better the impact of armed conflict on DRR, this paper develops a conceptual typology that is based on rebel groups' territorial control and on the strength of informal institutions. It documents three main political orders amid conflict: rebel stability; informal stability; and fragmented landscape. These wartime political orders will have different effects on DRR and other development programmes, revealing the importance of desegregating armed conflict to facilitate tailor-made and more efficient interventions. The paper provides empirical evidence from Mali and the Philippines that illustrates the influence of these wartime political orders on DRR programmes.
Interactive Narrative in a Mobile Health Behavioral Intervention (Tumaini): Theoretical Grounding and Structure of a Smartphone Game to Prevent HIV Among Young Africans.

The increasing availability of smartphones, including in low-income countries, offers an unprecedented opportunity to reach individuals with innovative health promotion interventions. Electronic games delivered via smartphone offer promising avenues for sexual health promotion and HIV prevention, especially for young people. By giving players real agency in a virtual and safe environment, well-designed games can provide a level of experiential learning unparalleled by many other behavioral interventions. The design of effective games for health relies on multidisciplinary insight and expertise. However, relatively few studies discuss the theoretical understanding underlying their intervention. Making explicit the theoretical grounding of a game-based intervention allows articulation of assumptions and strategies, anticipation of outcomes, and evaluation of impacts (including intermediate effects), thereby increasing understanding of pathways to change, with a view to contributing to the development of more effective games. It also helps strengthen the credibility and improve the accountability of games for health. We present the multidisciplinary theoretical framework—integrating intervention design, mediators, and behavioral outcomes—and the structure of an HIV prevention game for young African adolescents that has shown promise in a randomized pilot study in Western Kenya. The central component of Tumaini (hope for the future in Kiswahili) is an interactive role-playing narrative in which the player makes choices for characters that determine how their paths unfold. In addition, a series of mini-games reinforce skills, and the “My Story” component links the game world to the player’s own life and goals, and a reward system motivates continued play. With its “choose-your-own-adventure” format, Tumaini is intended to be replayed so that players can experience the consequences resulting from different choices made in the role-playing narrative. Grounded in theories of narrative and applied communication and in social behavioral theories, especially Social Cognitive Theory, Tumaini is designed to help young adolescents acquire the information, skills, and motivation they need to avoid and reduce sexual risks. We close by situating Tumaini within discussion of the theory and practice of using interactive narrative in health promotion, with a view to furthering theoretical elaboration.
Bone marrow dendritic cells regulate hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell trafficking

A resident population of dendritic cells (DCs) has been identified in murine bone marrow, but its contribution to the regulation of hematopoiesis and establishment of the stem cell niche is largely unknown. Here, we show that murine bone marrow DCs are perivascular and have a type 2 conventional DC (cDC2) immunophenotype. RNA expression analysis of sorted bone marrow DCs showed that expression of many chemokines and chemokine receptors is distinct from that observed in splenic cDC2s, suggesting that bone marrow DCs might represent a unique DC population. A similar population of DCs was present in human bone marrow. Ablation of conventional DCs (cDCs) results in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization that was greater than that seen with ablation of bone marrow macrophages, and cDC ablation also synergizes with granulocyte–colony stimulating factor to mobilize HSPCs. Ablation of cDCs was associated with an expansion of bone marrow endothelial cells and increased vascular permeability. CXCR2 expression in sinusoidal endothelial cells and the expression of 2 CXCR2 ligands, CXCL1 and CXCL2, in the bone marrow were markedly increased following cDC ablation. Treatment of endothelial cells in vitro with CXCL1 induced increased vascular permeability and HSPC transmigration. Finally, we showed that HSPC mobilization after cDC ablation is attenuated in mice lacking CXCR2 expression. Collectively, these data suggest that bone marrow DCs play an important role in regulating HSPC trafficking, in part, through regulation of sinusoidal CXCR2 signaling and vascular permeability.
Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Nanofiber Wrap Improves Nerve Regeneration and Functional Outcomes after Delayed Nerve Repair.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of biodegradable, electrospun poly(e-caprolactone) nanofiber nerve conduits in improving nerve regeneration. METHODS The authors used a rat forelimb chronic denervation model to assess the effects of poly(e-caprolactone) conduits on improving nerve regeneration and upper extremity function. Three groups of rats were examined: (1) negative-control animals (n = 5), which underwent 8 weeks of median nerve chronic denervation injury followed by repair with no conduit; (2) experimental animals (n = 5), which underwent 8 weeks of median nerve chronic denervation followed by repair and poly(e-caprolactone) nerve conduit wrapping of the nerve coaptation site; and (3) positive-control animals (n = 5), which were naive controls. All animals underwent compound muscle action potential and functional testing. At 14 weeks after repair, the median nerve and flexor muscles were harvested for histologic analysis. RESULTS Histomorphometric analysis of regenerating median nerves demonstrated augmented axonal regeneration in experimental versus negative control animals (total axon count, 1769 ± 672 versus 1072 ± 123.80; p = 0.0468). With regard to functional recovery, experimental and negative-control animals (1.67 ± 0.04 versus 0.97 ± 0.39; p = 0.036) had regained 34.9 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively, of baseline hand grip strength at 14 weeks after repair. Lastly, less collagen deposition at the nerve coaptation site of experimental animals was found when compared to control animals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Biodegradable, poly(e-caprolactone) nanofiber nerve conduits can improve nerve regeneration and subsequent physiologic extremity function in the setting of delayed nerve repair by decreasing the scar burden at nerve coaptation sites.
Epigenetics of Allergic and Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Epigenetics has been discussed as a potential mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of allergic and inflammatory skin diseases. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, mastocytosis, and urticaria are the most common allergic and inflammatory skin diseases. The prevalence of these diseases has increased more rapidly than can be accounted for by population-based changes in the genetic sequence alone, suggesting this change is due to environmental factors as well. Diet and nutrition, xenobiotic chemicals, maternal behavior, tobacco smoke, psychosocial stress, and air pollution are all factors that may increase the risk of the aforementioned diseases through epigenetic mechanisms. While epigenetic mechanisms have been extensively investigated in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, very few research studies addressing epigenetic mechanisms in mastocytosis and urticaria are currently available, opening a broad area for research. While there are no reliable biomarkers for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis currently available, microRNAs may become potential serum biomarkers. More research is needed to better understand epigenetic mechanisms. Ultimately, an individual’s epigenome may become a biomarker in determining future risk of diseases, leading to early detection and prevention. Finally, epigenetic mechanisms can be targeted as therapeutic options for treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
Marijuana Use among Pregnant Women with Mental Health-Related Disabilities

AbstractThis study was designed to examine prenatal marijuana use in pregnant women with disabilities related to mental health. Almost one-third (28.8%) of 3805 pregnant women reported a mental hea...
Are emotional support animals prosthetics or pets? Body-like rights to emotional support animals

Many philosophers have argued that prosthetic limbs are the subjects of some of the same rights as traditional body parts. This is a strong argument in favour of respecting the rights of users of prosthetics. I argue that all of the reasons to consider paradigm prosthetics the subjects of body-like rights apply to the relationship between some emotional support animals (ESAs) and their handlers. ESAs are integrated into the functioning of their handlers in ways that parallel the ways that paradigm prosthetics are integrated into the functioning of their users. ESAs are also phenomenologically integrated into their handler’s lives in ways that parallel the phenomenological integration that prosthetic users experience. These parallels provide a strong reason to take the rights of ESA handlers much more seriously than we do now. I will highlight that the current treatment of ESA handlers presumes that they have no rights to ESAs at all. Even if ESAs are the subject of very minimal body-like rights, ESA handlers are having their rights violated. There are of course disanalogies between ESAs and paradigm prosthetics. Most notably, ESAs are alive and separate from their handlers. However, none of these disanalogies are relevant to the question of body-like rights. The differences between ESAs and paradigm prosthetics are in terms of what treatment is owed to them, not in terms of what rights their handlers and users should have. ESAs are not prosthetics, but they deserve some of the rights prosthetics do.
Efficient market hypothesis: a ruinous implication for Portugese stock market

The advocates of the efficient market hypothesis recommend buying the market index for the long run, the implication for the Portuguese investors are to buy the PSI-20 index and hold it for at least 15 years. In this paper, we compare two other strategies for PSI-20 over the period 1999 to 2020. The first strategy is based on moving average trading rules and the second strategy, Gold Momentum Strategy (GMS), is based on switching between gold and PSI-20 based on semi-annual performance. Our findings suggest that the moving average trading rules beat the buy and hold strategy by more than 10% per year over the entire period and each sub-period considering both risk and transaction costs. For the second strategy, GMS which is based on comparing the performance of the PSI-20 and the gold index on semi-annual basis and go with the best of two for the next 6 months, we find similar results as the moving average trading rules.
Robust fault estimation based on Proportional Integral observer for Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems with actuator and sensor faults

This paper addresses the problems of states and faults estimation for a class of Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems subject to simultaneously sensor faults, actuator faults and output disturbances. A Proportional Integral (PI) observer is proposed in this paper. The observer can not only estimate system states, sensor faults and actuator faults, but also attenuate the influence of output disturbances by introducing the H ∞ performance index. In order to get the gain matrices of the observer, one sufficient conditions are deduced in form of Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) using Lyapunov theory. A numerical example is proposed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Legally White, Socially Brown: Racialization of Middle Eastern Americans

What are you – Black, White, Mexican? This is a frequent question posed to people of Middle Eastern and North African ancestry. For new immigrants, the question is confounding because these categories are not in their lexicon on identity. Instead, a person’s family name, tribe, neighborhood in a city, village, or clan situate them in their home country’s social hierarchies. In America, however, they soon discover that race is the master category for identity formation. It does not take long for new immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa to learn that being White presents privilege, opportunity, and dignity, whereas being Black leads to a litany of subjugation, indignities, and inequities in the United States. Whatever confusion they may have about how to respond to the race question, their first application for work or school dictates the answer: “White” includes persons having origins in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. But their legal race does not always mirror their social, lived race.
Retrieving the Administrative State: Formalism, Expertise and Democracy in a Time of Crisis

This paper defends the constitutional democratic credentials of the administrative state against (1) libertarian attacks that accuse it of violating the rule of law and the separation of powers; and (2) left-wing attacks that charge it with authoritarian technocracy. It argues that these attacks are founded on a wrong-headed understanding of popular sovereignty and natural rights. It then makes a positive case for administration by incorporating the lessons of political theory's representative turn.
The scales of black holes with nAdS 2 geometry

We study nearly extreme black holes with nearly AdS2 horizon geometry in various settings inspired by string theory. Our focus is on the scales of the nAdS2 region and their relation to microscopic theory. These scales are determined by a generalization of the attractor mechanism for extremal black holes and realized geometrically as the normal derivatives along the extremal attractor flow. In some cases the scales are equivalently determined by the charge dependence of the extremal attractor by itself. Our examples include near extreme black holes in D ≥ 4 dimensions, AdS boundary conditions, rotation, and 5D black holes on the non-BPS branch.
Predicting COVID-19 Infection Groups using Social Networks and Machine Learning Algorithms

Today, social media has grown in usage to the point where it is often deeply intertwined with life offline. People share their thoughts, passions, and lives online, and in many ways, these social networks can be considered abstractions of real-world society. The idea for this research is that by modeling on these social networks, these glimpses into people's lives through their words and posts are capable of showing their current health situation, and their susceptibility to outside influences affecting it. The goal of this research project is to design and implement unsupervised machine learning techniques to group together sub-networks of connected individuals in hopes that it may be beneficial to current disease surveillance systems. Using Python programming language and the tools available to it, data was collected from the social network platform Twitter and analyzed using three clustering and centrality measurements. The criterion to be included in the data found tweets containing symptomatic keywords, like those of which experienced by people afflicted with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is our findings in this research that by simulating the real-world connections that people have with their surrounding cliques using the ones that they exist within the virtual world, new possibilities for viral control and disease prevention become available using easily sourced, and quickly gatherable information.
Digital Medicine Community Perspectives and Challenges: Survey Study.

Background: The field of digital medicine has seen rapid growth over the past decade. With this unfettered growth, challenges surrounding interoperability have emerged as a critical barrier to translating digital medicine into practice. In order to understand how to mitigate challenges in digital medicine research and practice, this community must understand the landscape of digital medicine professionals, which digital medicine tools are being used and how, and user perspectives on current challenges in the field of digital medicine. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to provide information to the digital medicine community that is working to establish frameworks and best practices for interoperability in digital medicine. We sought to learn about the background of digital medicine professionals and determine which sensors and file types are being used most commonly in digital medicine research. We also sought to understand perspectives on digital medicine interoperability. Methods: We used a web-based survey to query a total of 56 digital medicine professionals from May 1, 2020, to July 10, 2020, on their educational and work experience, the sensors, file types, and toolkits they use professionally, and their perspectives on interoperability in digital medicine. Results: We determined that the digital medicine community comes from diverse educational backgrounds and uses a variety of sensors and file types. Sensors measuring physical activity and the cardiovascular system are the most frequently used, and smartphones continue to be the dominant source of digital health information collection in the digital medicine community. We show that there is not a general consensus on file types in digital medicine, and data are currently handled in multiple ways. There is consensus that interoperability is a critical impediment in digital medicine, with 93% (52) of survey respondents in agreement. However, only 36% (20) of respondents currently use tools for interoperability in digital medicine. We identified three key interoperability needs to be met: integration with electronic health records, implementation of standard data schemas, and standard and verifiable methods for digital medicine research. We show that digital medicine professionals are eager to adopt new tools to solve interoperability problems, and we suggest tools to support digital medicine interoperability. Conclusions: Understanding the digital medicine community, the sensors and file types they use, and their perspectives on interoperability will enable the development and implementation of solutions that fill critical interoperability gaps in digital medicine. The challenges to interoperability outlined by this study will drive the next steps in creating an interoperable digital medicine community. Establishing best practices to address these challenges and employing platforms for digital medicine interoperability will be essential to furthering the field of digital medicine.
Reframing East Asia: hegemony and soft power in U.S. media discourse

East Asia has rarely been an object of media framing studies, despite its coherent cultural heritage and political importance. Seizing upon the media’s intensive attention on the Pivot to Asia Stra...
Rhetorical Implications of Contact Tracing Mobile Applications: An Examination of Big Data’s Work on the Body

For nearly a decade, big data has been hyped as an amazing new technology that will benefit corporations and consumers alike. By promising customized knowledge at an accelerated pace, big data technologies have slowly saturated the digital systems American consumers use to live, work, and play. Yet have the promised benefits materialized? An examination of the proposed contact tracing applications in response to the novel coronavirus alongside existing wearable technologies reveal that our trust and vulnerability, opening our bodies to be sensed by these networked systems, is a fraught rhetorical activity: not because an omniscient system now sees us and cares for us in our time of grave need. Rather, the opaque system misunderstands our embodied rhetorical actions, is incapable of moving the American polis, and cannot generate the promised collective action.
Connective tissue disease type mediates branch patency of grafts in open thoracoabdominal aortic reconstruction.

Abstract Objective Despite a shared degenerative vascular phenotype, Marfan syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), and other genetically distinct connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have unique extravascular pathologies that impact the outcomes of aortic replacement. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of CTD genotype with postoperative outcomes and branch patency following open thoracoabdominal aortic replacement in a large institutional cohort. Methods All patients undergoing open branched thoracoabdominal aortic replacement at a single academic center from 2006 to 2020 were included and classified as CTD or non-CTD based on the presence of genotypic documentation. Outcomes were compared using analysis of variance and χ2 testing for continuous and discrete variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to examine patency of graft branches over time. Results Overall, 172 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 30.5 ± 34.9 months. CTD was present in 45 patients (26%); specifically, 32 had MFS, five had LDS, and eight had another CTD. Patients with CTDs had more extent II thoracoabdominal aneurysms (40% vs 15%), more reconstructed branches (3.5 vs 1.8), more frequently reconstructed visceral branches (86.7% vs 22.7%), and higher intraoperative blood loss (13.3 vs 6.8 L; all P Conclusions Open thoracoabdominal reconstruction in patients with CTD is technically challenging and associated with increased transfusion and postoperative thromboembolic events when compared with non-CTD patients. Technical outcomes of the procedure are excellent and are differentially associated with genotype, with patients with MFS experiencing significantly improved branch patency over both non-CTD patients and patients with other CTDs, a finding which has multifactorial drivers.
Commodification in Mass Media’s Educative Function in Kenya: A Review

Mass media’s educative function has had a considerable influence in Kenya since the colonial period. The impact of mass media in shaping the contemporary worldviews—how people see and live in the world—has led to the transformation in the society. The influence of mass media especially in reinforcing commodification and economic rationalism presuppositions is profound because human beings are fundamentally creatures of habit and mass media contents are characteristically repetitive and unreflecting. Since mass media’s images and messages are embedded on philosophical ideas and principles which do not simply develop under spontaneous historical, social and cultural influences, but are products of a fundamental and directing commitment at the core of human thinking, they should be subjected to an authentic critique. From the premise that there is no neutrality in mass media. The objective of this study is to explore the role of the educational function of mass media in shaping consumer’s core assumptions. In particular, the study examines the role of mass media in disseminating undesirable economic rationalism and commodification narratives. The author calls for a deliberate, thought-out, philosophically consistent approach for reflecting, critiquing and responding to the processes through which mass media uses to educate its audience.
Visco-Elastic Density Functional Theory Approach to Strongly Coupled Plasmas: Computational Challenges

We generate a generalized hydrodynamic model for strongly coupled plasmas using density functional theory closures of BBGKY hierarchies via hypernetted chain theory. We formulate these equations in the form of a balance law, thereby providing a “memory” effect, facilitating correlation. This isothermal “single fluid” form of the electrostatic limit is modelled in a fluid context with an exact form of the functional term that is a non-local integral term rising out of hypernetted chain theory. These models, dubbed the Visco-Elastic Density functional (VEDF) equations, provide the first continuum models that match the dispersion of waves in electrostatic ultra-cold correlated plasmas. This class of models is important because they provide a path forward that does not require a fully kinetic solution for including the impact of long range correlation on the system. Hence these models represents a key step in being able to understand heterogeneous strongly coupled plasmas. We discuss the computational challenges and first steps of solving such equations.
Finitely Convergent Algorithms for Facial Disjunctive Programs with Applications to the Linear Complementarity Problem

In our discussion of Chapter V, we had introduced a special class of disjunctive programs called facial disjunctive programs, examples of which included the zero-one linear integer programming problem and the linear complementarity problem. We had seen that for this special class of problems, it was relatively easy to generate the convex hull of feasible points. In this chapter, we will discuss two finitely convergent schemes which solve facial disjunctive programs by generating facets of the convex hull of feasible points as and when needed, until such time as either a suitable termination criterion is met or the problem is solved through the generation of the entire convex hull.
Chapter 12 Motor unit number estimation in peripheral neuropathies

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pathophysiology of denervation and collateral reinnervation and its effect on routine electrodiagnostic testing. The underlying principles and methodology of motor unit number estimation (MUNE) are presented. Experience with MUNE assessing the degree of axonal loss in peripheral neuropathies is reviewed. Motor unit number estimation is a unique electrophysiologic tool that can provide quantitative estimate the number of motor units innervating a muscle or a group of muscles because it is unaffected by the effects of collateral reinnervation. Routine nerve conduction studies provide only qualitative estimates of motor unit loss. Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) is most informative in quantitatively assessing motor axonal loss in slowly progressive neurogenic disorders, including peripheral neuropathies, where there is sufficient time for maximal collateral reinnervation that obscures the clinical and routine electrophysiologic assessment of denervation. In these situations MUNE has demonstrated more motor nerve degeneration than suspected. There are a number of available MUNE techniques suited to the study of peripheral neuropathies, and many can be used without any special equipment.
The Distribution of Glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains

Evidence from aerial photographs, maps, and field checks indicates that 319 glaciers lie in cirques of the Rocky Mountains, south of the United States-Canadian border. On a subcontinental scale, the distribution of glaciers is highly clustered, with larger and denser clusters located in the northern Rocky Mountains. Lesser concentrations of small glaciers occur in the southern Rocky Mountains. The total area of glaciers in the Rocky Mountains of the U.S.A. is 78.9 km2• RESUME. La distribution des glaciers dans les Rocky Mountains des Etats-Unis. Photographies aeriennes, cartes, observations de terrain monu'ent que 319 glaciers occupent des cirques dans les Rocky Mountains au Sud de la frontiere Etats-Unis-Canada. A une echelle subcontinentale la distribution des glaciers est largement groupee avec des groupes plus grands et plus dense, dans le Nord des Rocky Mountains. De moindres concentrations de petits glaciers se produisent dans le Sud des Rocky Mountains. Le total de la zone englaciee dans les Rocky Mountains des Etats-Unis est de 78,9 km2• ZUSAMMENFASSUNG. Die Verteilung der Glelscher ill dell US-amerikanischen Rocky MOllntains. Aus Luftbildern, Karten und Feldbeobachtungen liisst sich feststellen, dass 319 Gletschcr in Karen del' Rocky Mountains sudlich der Grenze zwischen den USA und Kanada liegen. Subkontinental gesehen weist die Verteilung der Gletscher signifikante Haufungen auf, deren Grosse und Dichte in den nordlichen Rocky Mountains zunimmt. Geringere Haufung kleincr Gletscher ist in den sudlichen Rocky Mountains anzutreffen. Das gesamte vergletscherte Areal in den US-amerikanischen Rocky Mountains umfasst 78,9 km2•
Setting the Stage for Social Change: Using Live Theater to Dispel Myths About Intimate Partner Violence

Research has demonstrated the ability of fictional narratives to educate about social and health issues. Although some entertainment-education efforts have used live theater as a mechanism for social change, very few use social science methods to demonstrate exposure effects. This project used live theater to increase understanding and knowledge about intimate partner violence, a pervasive and costly social and health problem. Audiences watched either a play about abusive relationships-emphasizing psychological abuse and the role of coercion and control-or a control play. Compared with controls, those who watched the abuse play were more knowledgeable and less accepting of myths about abusive relationships in a way that mirrored play content. Although both plays were highly transporting, transportation did not explain a significant amount of variance in the attitudes toward intimate partner violence. These results provide rare evidence for theater as a tool for social change.
Alpha1 adrenergic receptors and cerebral artery angiogenesis (679.4)

The largest neural component of the cerebral vasculature is adrenergic in nature. This serves an important role in regulating angiogenesis and maintaining adequate oxygenation to the brain tissue. Importantly, radio-ligand binding and molecular cloning in several species have demonstrated that the α1-adrenergic (α1-AR) family has three structurally distinct subtypes (α1A-, α1B-, α1D-) which are widely expressed in tissues including cerebral arteries. We tested the hypothesis that cerebral artery angiogenic responses are mediated by one of the three α1-AR subtypes. In an attempt to identify the specific α1-AR subtype, we examined their role and downstream signaling pathways in angiogenic responses in sheep cerebral arteries. In three dimensional organ culture experiments, we observed that the α1B-AR subtype (but not α1A- or α1D-AR subtypes) plays a critical role in angiogenesis responses. Also, these responses are mediated by canonical ERK-MAPK signaling pathways. We conclude that the development of specif...
Chapter 22 Procurement of stable isotope-labeled pharmaceuticals

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the difficulty in obtaining stable isotope-labeled drugs and their cost. Many stable isotope-labeled drugs may be purchased “off the shelf” from a catalog. Others must be custom synthesized. In some cases, the drugs are literally “on the shelf” and can be delivered immediately. In other cases, the drug has been synthesized in the past by the company, and a new batch must be produced using a proven synthesis. The purchaser supplies specifications, such as compound, chemical purity, isotopic purity, and delivery date. The company then explores the possible synthetic routes and provides the purchaser with a bid. Price of drugs varies with the difficulty of synthesis and the amount and type of labeling. Deuterium-labeled analogues are less expensive than 13C- or 15N-labeled analogues, but also run greater risks of isotope effect. The major cost of custom synthesis of stable isotope-labeled drugs is the labor in synthesizing the drug.
Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium: a study of five cases.

Abstract Purpose To report 5 patients with presumed congenital, simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Design Retrospective, observational small case series. Participants Five patients with a black macular tumor of the RPE. Main outcome measures Initial tumor features, initial associated fundus features, tumor course on follow-up, and visual acuity outcome. Results In all 5 cases, the tumor involved the macula and the mean distance to the foveola was 0.4 mm (median, 0.2 mm; range, 0.2–1.2 mm). In all cases, the tumor was darkly pigmented, with full-thickness retinal and RPE involvement and minimal protrusion into the vitreous cavity. The mean ultrasonographic tumor thickness was 1.6 mm (median, 1.4 mm; range, 1.1–2.5 mm). Associated features included minimally dilated retinal feeding artery and draining vein (100%), surrounding mild retinal traction (80%), retinal exudation (20%), and vitreous pigmented cells (20%). None of the lesions had associated subretinal fluid, macular edema, or macular hole. Visual acuity was 20/20 in 3 cases and slightly decreased in the other 2 cases because of foveal traction. The findings remained stable in 3 patients who had adequate follow-up. We chose to classify this lesion as congenital simple hamartoma of the RPE to differentiate it from combined hamartoma of the retina and RPE, congenital hypertrophy of the RPE, adenoma or adenocarcinoma of the RPE, and acquired hyperplasia of the RPE, which are different clinical entities. Conclusions Congenital hamartoma of the RPE is typically a black, full-thickness retinal mass, often adjacent to the foveola. Despite such location, the visual acuity was affected minimally.
To Select or Not Select: Taking Off the Blinders in Collection Development

Abstract The libraries of OhioLINK-a large Midwest consortium of all Ohio academic libraries-began an experiment in the purchase and use of e-journals in 1998. Discovering that individual libraries were providing on average only around 25% of the available journal literature from major publishers, the OhioLINK consortium began purchasing all publisher titles from a growing group of major publishers in e-journal format. While this substantially expanded the journal titles available to each library there was concern that many of the titles might not be needed or used. Recent OhioLINK studies, however, have shown that these formerly ignored journals are receiving heavy use across the board in all OhioLINK libraries. The conclusion is that expanding access provides greater benefit to users than careful title-by-title selection. The consortial purchasing model along with the cost effective nature of e-journals makes the finances viable. Implications for the future of collection development are explored.
What kinship is (part one)

A modest proposal for solving the 150-year-old problem of what kinship is, its specific quality, viz. mutuality of being: persons who are members of one another, who participate intrinsically in each other's existence. ‘Mutuality of being’ applies as well to the constitution of kinship by social construction as by procreation, even as it accounts for ‘the mysterious effectiveness of relationality’ (Viveiros de Castro), how it is that relatives live each other's lives and die each other's deaths. Involving such transpersonal relations of being and experience, kinship takes its place in the same ontological regime as magic, gift exchange, sorcery, and witchcraft. Resume Une modeste proposition pour resoudre l’equation, vieille de 150 ans, de ce qu’est la parente, sa specificite, a savoir la mutualite d’existence : des personnes qui sont membres les unes des autres, qui participent a l’existence les unes des autres. La « mutualite d’existence » vaut aussi pour la constitution de lien de parente par la construction sociale et la procreation, bien qu’elle tienne compte de « la mysterieuse efficacite de la relationalite » (Viveiros de Castro), de la maniere dont les parents vivent les vies et meurent les morts des uns et des autres. La parente, en mettant en jeu ces relations transpersonnelles d’existence et d’experience, s’inscrit dans le meme ordre ontologique que la magie, l’echange de cadeaux, la sorcellerie et la magie noire.
Information-Based Alpha-Beta Search and the Homicidal Chauffeur

The standard means of applying a discrete search to a continuous or hybrid system is the uniform discretization of control actions and action timing. Such discretization is fixed a priori and does not allow search to benefit from information gained at run-time. This paper introduces Information-Based Alpha-Beta Search, a new algorithm that preserves and benefits from the continuous or hybrid nature of the search. In a novel merging of alpha-beta game-tree search and information-based optimization, Information-Based Alpha-Beta Search makes trajectory-sampling decisions dynamically based on the maximum-likelihood of search pruning. The result is a search algorithm which, while incurring higher computational overhead for the optimization, manages to so increase the quality of the sampling, that the net effect is a significant increase in performance. We present a new piecewise-parabolic variant of the algorithm and provide empirical evidence of its performance relative to random and uniform discretizations in the context of a variant of the homicidal chauffeur game.
A morphological supermatrix‐based phylogeny for the Neotropical fish superfamily Anostomoidea (Ostariophysi: Characiformes): phylogeny, missing data and homoplasy

Although 11 studies have addressed the systematics of the four families and 281 fish species of the ecomorphologically diverse Anostomoidea, none has proposed a global hypothesis of relationships. We synthesized these studies to yield a supermatrix with 463 morphological characters among 174 ingroup species, and inferred phylogeny with parsimony and Bayesian optimization. We evaluated the applicability of the supermatrix approach to morphological datasets, tested its sensitivity to missing data, determined the impact of homoplastic characters on phylogenetic resolution, and determined the distribution of homologies and homoplasies on the topology. Despite more than 60% missing data, analyses supported the monophyly of all families, and phylogenetic structure degraded only with inclusion of species with high percentages of missing data and in analyses limited to homoplasies. The latter differs modestly from the full matrix indicating phylogenetic signal in homoplastic characters. Character distributions differ across the phylogeny, with a greater prevalence of homologies at deeper nodes and homoplasies nearer the tips than expected by chance. This may suggest early diversification into distinct bauplans with subsequent diversification of faster evolving character systems. The morphological supermatrix approach is powerful and allows integration of classical data with modern methods to examine the evolution of multiple character systems.