cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immigrants and Natives in U.S. Science and Engineering Occupations, 1994–2006

Between 1994 and 2006, the ratio of foreign-born scientists and engineers (FSE) to native scientists and engineers (NSE) doubled. I decompose this change into a migration effect (which accounts for migration in general), a proportional college effect (which accounts for the relative proportions of college graduates among migrant and native workers), and a proportional science and engineering (S&E) effect (which accounts for the relative proportions of S&Es among migrant and native college-educated workers). Results show that the migration effect explains about three-quarters of the increase in FSE/NSE during the entire period under study. The proportional S&E effect, which captures changes in the ratio as a result of immigration of S&Es in excess of what would be expected from general migration alone, was largest in 1995–1998, which were years of sustained economic growth. Conversely, a slower economy coincided with a declining proportional S&E effect after 2000. Increases in the annual cap on H-1B visas, an important avenue of entry for foreign-born S&Es, had little effect on the ratio. In short, during 1994–2006, the association between economic swings and the specific, more than proportional migration of S&Es was much stronger than the association between the latter and changes in the H-1B cap.
Cartilage-Specific Near-Infrared Fluorophores for Biomedical Imaging

A novel class of near-infrared fluorescent contrast agents was developed. These agents target cartilage with high specificity and this property is inherent to the chemical structure of the fluorophore. After a single low-dose intravenous injection and a clearance time of approximately 4 h, these agents bind to all three major types of cartilage (hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage) and perform equally well across species. Analysis of the chemical structure similarities revealed a potential pharmacophore for cartilage targeting. Our results lay the foundation for future improvements in tissue engineering, joint surgery, and cartilage-specific drug development.
RFQ-DTL matching solutions for different requirements

The radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) has a FODO lattice and drift-tube-linacs (DTL) in general also have FODO lattices. Therefore the natural solution for the matching between these is a FODO lattice. For matching in all three planes one then needs sixteen degrees of freedom. However, different requirements, depending on the applications, may change this solution. For example, in the production environment (like medical and industrial applications), one needs fixed current and fixed beam quality. On the other hand, in the research environment one not only needs all degrees of freedom, but may also want to chop of beam pulse. This paper discusses matching solutions for these different requirements.
BEHAVIOR OF AEDES TAENIORHYNCHUS LARVAE AND PUPAE IN A TEMPERATURE GRADIENT

An apparatus was built to investigate the behavior of Aedes taeniorhynchus larvae and pupae under uniform illumination in a temperature gradient. Larvae were reared at 30.0° C and tested with and without access to food prior to and during the periods of observation. Preferred ranges for starved larvae were greater and spread over slightly lower temperatures than those selected by fed individuals. Fed larvae in all instars preferred the same approximate range, from 30° to 38°, but calculated average preferred temperatures disclosed a progressive increase with age, from 31.8° in the first instar to 34.6° in the early fourth instar. Late fourth-instar larvae (approaching pupation) chose slightly cooler temperatures (average of 33.0°). Animals from a laboratory colony cultured for several years at 27.0° gave, in the early fourth instar, a response almost identical to that shown by progeny of wild-caught females. When larvae were reared for one generation at 24.0°, instead of 30.0°, the average preferred temperature for early fourth-instar larvae was slightly lower (33.5° compared with 34.6°). Observations by means of flash photography showed that the range of temperature selected by fed early fourth-instar larvae in total darkness was the same as under uniform illumination. Resume COMPORTEMENT DES LARVES ET NYMPHES DE AEDES TAENIORHYNCHUS DANS UN GRADIENT DE TEMPERATURE Un appareil a ete construit en vue d'etudier le comportement des larves et nymphes d'Aedes taeniorhynchus soumises a un gradient de temperature, sous des conditions d'eclairement uniforme. Les larves etaient elevees a une temperature de 30° et soumises au test avec ou sans possibilite de se nourrir avant ou pendant les periodes d'observation. Les larves nonalimentees manifestaient un preferendum pour des limites de temperature plus larges et legerement plus basses que celles observees avec des larves nourries. Ces dernieres, a tous les stades larvaires, montrent un preferendum de 30° a 38°, mais le calcul de la temperature moyenne preferee revele un accroissement progressif avec l'âge, passant de 31°8 au ler stade larvaire a 34°6 au debut du 4eme stade larvaire. Les larves du 4eme stade, peu avant la nymphose, preferent une temperature legerement plus basse (moyenne de 33°). Dans un elevage, maintenu pendant plusieurs annees au laboratoire a une temperature de 27°, les larves du debut du 4eme stade montrent une reponse presque identique a celles provenant de femelles capturees dans la nature. Quand les larves sont elevees pendant une generation a 24° en lieu de 30° la moyenne du preferendum thermique pour les jeunes larves du 4eme stade est legerement plus faible (33°5 au lieu de 34°6). Des observations au moyen de photographies par flash electronique montrent que le preferendum thermique est le meme a la lumiere ou a l'obsurite.
Emergency department revisits for patients with kidney stones in California.

Author(s): Scales, Charles D; Lin, Li; Saigal, Christopher S; Bennett, Carol J; Ponce, Ninez A; Mangione, Carol M; Litwin, Mark S; NIDDK Urologic Diseases in America Project | Abstract: ObjectivesKidney stones affect nearly one in 11 persons in the United States, and among those experiencing symptoms, emergency care is common. In this population, little is known about the incidence of and factors associated with repeat emergency department (ED) visits. The objective was to identify associations between potentially mutable factors and the risk of an ED revisit for patients with kidney stones in a large, all-payer cohort.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of all patients in California initially treated and released from EDs for kidney stones between February 2008 and November 2009. A multivariable regression model was created to identify associations between patient-level characteristics, area health care resources, processes of care, and the risk of repeat ED visits. The primary outcome was a second ED visit within 30 days of the initial discharge from emergent care.ResultsAmong 128,564 patients discharged from emergent care, 13,684 (11%) had at least one additional emergent visit for treatment of their kidney stone. In these patients, nearly one in three required hospitalization or an urgent temporizing procedure at the second visit. On multivariable analysis, the risk of an ED revisit was associated with insurance status (e.g., Medicaid vs. private insurance; odds ratio [OR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43 to 1.61; p l 0.001). Greater access to urologic care was associated with lower odds of an ED revisit (highest quartile OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80 to 0.97; p l 0.01 vs. lowest quartile). In exploratory models, performance of a complete blood count was associated with a decreased odds of revisit (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.97; p = 0.02).ConclusionsRepeat high-acuity care affects one in nine patients discharged from initial emergent evaluations for kidney stones. Access to urologic care and processes of care are associated with lower risk of repeat emergent encounters. Efforts are indicated to identify preventable causes of ED revisits for kidney stone patients and design interventions to reduce the risk of high-cost, high-acuity, repeat care.
Interpretation of Traumatic Lumbar Puncture Predictive Value in the Presence of Meningitis

Contamination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with blood was studied prospectively in nine children with aseptic meningitis as the second phase of a study reported in this volume last month. Using criteria defined in the first phase, four of nine patients had recognizably abnormal CSF after experimental contamination with blood. As a third phase of the study, 53 children with bacterial meningitis were reviewed retrospectively to assess if hypothetical contamination of CSF with blood would have disguised their abnormal CSF studies. All but one of these 53 patients had either an abnormal CSF glucose or a positive gram stain (indicators independent of contamination with blood), and none would have gone undiagnosed with hypothetical contamination of up to 200,000 red cells per cubic millimeter. Guidelines for interpretation of laboratory studies following traumatic lumbar puncture are reviewed.
Historic and Future Health Promotion Contexts for Nursing

Purpose: Health promotion in the United States has been narrowly defined focusing primarily on individual behaviors, risk factors, and lifestyle. This article traces the historic and conceptual roots of health promotion care in the United States and critically examines the direction nurses have taken in health promotion. Scope: Health promotion care in Western ideology emphasizes the value of individuals and the importance of personal responsibility for success or failure. Conclusions: Health promotion nursing interventions, based on the tenets of individual choice and knowledge, restrict the range of interventions. The complex nature of health promotion requires that nurses consider the economic, sociopolitical, and cultural context in which health care takes place. Recommendations are made for an expanded nursing role in health promotion, one that is consistent with nursing's underlying contextual focus and concern with environments.
Simulation of a phosphene field based visual prosthesis

A visual prosthesis for the blind that is based on electrical stimulation of the visual cortex requires the development of an array of electrodes. To establish design specifications for such an electrode array, psychophysical experiments were concluded with normally sighted subject wearing a portable phosphene simulator. The simulator consists of a small video camera, a monitor masked by an opaque perforated film, and optical lenses. The visual angle subtended by the masked monitor is 1.7 degrees or less. Visual acuity and reading rate were measured as function of the number of pixels and their spacing. The results indicate that a phosphene image produced by 600 electrodes implanted in a 1-cm/sup 2/ area near the foveal projection on the visual cortex should provide a limited but useful visual sense for the profoundly blind. >
Cost Analysis of Alternative Treatment Modalities Utilized in the Management of Early-Stage Testicular Seminoma

with identified clinical, physics, and administrative personnel agreeing to coordinate with MROQC. After IRB approval, patient-specific demographic, clinical, and toxicity data are prospectively collected for all eligible patients. Eligible BC patients include any stage newly diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma or DCIS to be treated with breast conserving surgery and whole breast RT. Physician-reported RRT (required) and patient-reported quality of life outcomes (voluntary) are collected at baseline, weekly during RT, and at 1and 3-month follow-up. Photographs to assess breast RRT are collected from consenting patients at the same time points. Following RT completion, simulation, plan, and delivery data are collected by survey, upload of dose-volume histogram (DVH) data, and DICOM-RT files. Results: Of 65 centers providing RT services in Michigan, 28 to date have been approached to participate. Thus far, 14 of 22 eligible invited institutions have joined MROQC, with 11 having contributed cases. Eight hundred fifteen eligible cases of the 1,096 screened have been accrued to date. Seventy percent of cases have completed RT, of which 89% and 61% have all required weekly and follow-up physician assessment and patientreported forms, respectively. Sixty-one percent of patients have consented for breast toxicity photographs. Simulation, plan, and delivery surveys, DVH data, and DICOM data have been received for 82%, 80%, and 83% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: MROQC is ongoing to collect RT practice data throughout the entire state of Michigan and serves as a model for the development of registries that include data relevant for the evaluation of RT. Institutional and patient enthusiasm for participation has been high, supporting data collection to inform on best practices and to improve cost-effective care. Author Disclosure: J.M. Vainshtein: None. J.A. Hayman: None. J.M. Moran: None. K.A. Griffith: None. R. Jagsi: None. M.U. Feng: None. I.S. Grills: None. E.M. Walker: None. D. Heimburger: None. L.J. Pierce: None.
Why is Stabilization Sometimes Delayed?: Reevaluating the Regime-Type Hypothesis

Existing work on the politics of stabilization has failed to find compelling evidence of a regime-type effect. This article reformulates and reevaluates the regime-type hypothesis. It is argued tha...
Widespread disruptive selection in the wild is associated with intense resource competition

Disruptive selection has been documented in a growing number of natural populations. Yet, its prevalence within individual systems remains unclear. Furthermore, few studies have sought to identify the ecological factors that promote disruptive selection in the wild. To address these issues, we surveyed 15 populations of Mexican spadefoot toad tadpoles, Spea multiplicata, and measured the prevalence of disruptive selection acting on resource-use phenotypes. We also evaluated the relationship between the strength of disruptive selection and the intensity of intraspecific competition—an ecological agent hypothesized to be an important driver of disruptive selection. Disruptive selection was the predominant mode of quadratic selection across all populations. However, a directional component of selection favoring an extreme ecomorph—a distinctive carnivore morph—was also common. Disruptive selection was strongest in populations experiencing the most intense intraspecific competition, whereas stabilizing selection was only found in populations experiencing relatively weak intraspecific competition. Disruptive selection can be common in natural populations. Intraspecific competition for resources may be a key driver of such selection.
Coherent frequency-selective polarimeter for polarization-mode dispersion monitoring

Frequency-selective polarimeters measure the state of polarization of the individual spectral components of a modulated optical signal. They can be used either as stand-alone measuring devices or as parts of adaptive polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) compensators. This paper presents a novel frequency-selective polarimeter based on coherent detection, which has superior accuracy compared to previously proposed direct detection-based counterparts. This is due to the high-frequency resolution and power sensitivity of coherent detection, features that minimize the systematic and random error, respectively, in the measurement of the state of polarization of the individual spectral components of the received optical signal. The accuracy of the measurement is independent of the received signal bit rate and modulation format. The proposed frequency-selective polarimeter is studied both theoretically and experimentally. The primary theoretical contribution of this paper is a unified formalism, which allows the modeling of both direct and coherent detection-based frequency-selective polarimeters. Analytical expressions for the output signal of both types of frequency-selective polarimeters are derived. Based on these expressions, a common algorithm is proposed for the evaluation of the Stokes parameters. In addition, an example error signal is used as a metric in order to test the agreement of the theoretical model with the experimental measurements. The successful operation of the coherent frequency-selective polarimeter is demonstrated experimentally for a 10-Gb/s intensity-modulated nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) optical signal in the presence of first-order polarization-mode dispersion. There is an excellent agreement between theory and experiment.
Dissecting the ER-Associated Degradation of a Misfolded Polytopic Membrane Protein

SUMMARY It remains unclear how misfolded membrane proteinsareselected anddestroyedduring endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). For example, chaperones are thought to solubilize aggregation-prone motifs, and some data suggest that these proteins are degraded at the ER. To better define how membrane proteins are destroyed, the ERAD of Ste6p*, a 12 transmembrane protein, was reconstituted. We found that specific Hsp70/40s act before ubiquitination and facilitate Ste6p* association with an E3ubiquitin ligase,suggestingan active role for chaperones. Furthermore, polyubiquitination was a prerequisite for retrotranslocation, which required the Cdc48 complex and ATP. Surprisingly, the substrate was soluble, and extraction was independent of a ubiquitin chain extension enzyme (Ufd2p). However, Ufd2p increased the degree of ubiquitination and facilitated degradation. These data indicate that polytopic membrane proteins can be extracted from the ER, and define the point of action of chaperones and the requirement for Ufd2p during membrane protein quality control.
Recognition for Sustained Corporate Social Responsibility: Female Directors Make a Difference

This study examines a sample of 341 corporations that were ranked in the Fortune 500 in all seven years from 2006 through 2012. We compiled data from multiple corporate recognition lists including the following: the Most Admired Companies, the Most Ethical Companies, the Best Companies to Work for, and the Best Corporate Citizens. Our findings indicate that the higher the percentage of women on a company's board of directors, the more likely the company is to appear on these lists. We also found that the average percentage of women directors for the listed companies was significantly higher than the average percentage of women directors for the companies that did not appear on any of these lists over the period from 2006 through 2012. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Emotional maltreatment reports in children: The influence of state statutes and co-occurring maltreatment

Allegations of emotional maltreatment pose a challenge for child welfare systems, partially because state statutes tend to use vague definitions. In this study, the relationship between statutory definitions and reported rates of emotional maltreatment was examined. Using data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), comparisons were made of the rates of emotional maltreatment in broad versus narrow state statutes. Results indicated that states with broad statutes had higher rates of both alleged and substantiated emotional maltreatment, although only in cases where emotional maltreatment was the sole type of reported abuse. The results buttress the argument that definitions of emotional maltreatment suffer from a lack of clarity and consistency across the United States.
Optimal signature placement for processor-error detection using signature monitoring

An approach that produces optimal placement of justifying signatures for concurrent processor-error detection using signature monitoring is presented. In this approach, placing justifying signatures on nodes and arcs in a directed program control-flow graph is transformed into placing justifying signatures on edges in an undirected, costed graph. A justifying signature is represented in the costed graph by a deleted edge, and optimal placement is reduced to finding a valid minimum-cost deleted edge set. An equivalent problem is finding this set's maximum-cost complement. For order-independent signature functions, the complement set for optimal placement is shown to be a maximum spanning tree. For cyclic codes, the complement set for optimal placement is a new type of graph, a maximum valuation graph (MVG), which is produced by a new algorithm. Using this algorithm, cyclic codes produce significantly less performance overhead than order-independent functions. Experimental results show that the MVG algorithm yields substantial improvement over previous solutions. >
Evaluation of high power energy storage devices for use in compact pulsed power systems

Summary form only given. The desire and need to field more compact pulsed power systems continues to grow with each passing day for use in many different applications. In the past, many pulsed power systems have been developed which use rechargeable batteries for the source of their prime power. In the time since the development of most of those systems, the demand for portable electronics and the growing desire to field hybrid electric vehicles has provided researchers with the resources needed to drastically improve the lifetime, safety, energy density, and power density of rechargeable batteries to technology levels only previously dreamed of. Improvements in these properties enable the development of prime power sources for pulsed power systems that are much more efficient and compact than those previously implemented. In these applications, where size is critical, the batteries are required to source currents at rates much higher than they are designed for in a high frequency, pulsed mode of operation. It is unclear how this extreme mode of operation impacts the size of the prime power system as well as how the capacity of the batteries will degrade compared to when they are discharged at their rated current. To gain a better understanding of the impact, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is conducting experiments in which high power cells are pulsed discharged at an elevated rate. In the experiments presented here, a 3 Ah, lithium-ion battery has been discharged at a 100C rate, 300 A, using a switching frequency of 10 kHz and 50% duty cycle. The cell is periodically cycled at its rated current and the capacity fade and impedance variations are being evaluated and compared against a second identical cell which is being cycled under rated conditions. The test conditions, results collected thus far, and an analysis of how new technologies improves the size and efficiency of the prime power source will be presented. The results obtained are used to develop the model for the cell which shows the change in ESR and capacity as the cycle continues.
Lipoxins and aspirin-triggered lipoxin inhibit inflammatory pain processing

Inflammatory conditions can lead to debilitating and persistent pain. This hyperalgesia reflects sensitization of peripheral terminals and facilitation of pain signaling at the spinal level. Studies of peripheral systems show that tissue injury triggers not only inflammation but also a well-orchestrated series of events that leads to reversal of the inflammatory state. In this regard, lipoxins represent a unique class of lipid mediators that promote resolution of inflammation. The antiinflammatory role of peripheral lipoxins raises the hypothesis that similar neuraxial systems may also down-regulate injury-induced spinal facilitation of pain processing. We report that the lipoxin A4 receptor is expressed on spinal astrocytes both in vivo and in vitro and that spinal delivery of lipoxin A4, as well as stable analogues, attenuates inflammation-induced pain. Furthermore, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in astrocytes, which has been indicated to play an important role in spinal pain processing, was attenuated in the presence of lipoxins. This linkage opens the possibility that lipoxins regulate spinal nociceptive processing though their actions upon astrocytic activation. Targeting mechanisms that counterregulate the spinal consequences of persistent peripheral inflammation provide a novel endogenous mechanism by which chronic pain may be controlled.
Magnetic Properties of an Iron-Rich Glass

Measurements of the magnetic moment of a glass containing 40 wt% Fe2O3 indicate that the superparamagnetic behavior observed above 100°K can be explained by the presence of antiferromagnetically ordered microdomains with a Neel temperature of about 700°K. Below 100°K the behavior is not simply superparamagnetic, and a number of the thermal history and other effects observed are similar to those that characterize mictomagnetic spin glasses.
Scalable agent modeling for large multiagent systems

In a heterogeneous multiagent system it can be useful to have knowledge about the different types of agents in the system. Agent modeling develops agent models based on interactions between agents, then predicts agent actions. This approach is effective in small domains but does not scale well. We develop an approach where an agent can learn using an abstract model identification or stereotype rather than an explicit and unique model for each agent. We associate each agent with a stereotype and learn a policy incorporating this knowledge. The benefits of this approach are that it is simple, scalable, and degrades gracefully with misidentification.
Effluent Irrigation of Pearl Millet

The summer forage crop pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides (Burm) Stapf and E. C. Hubbard), Tiftlate variety, was grown on Lakeland fine sand under irrigation with secondary municipal effluent. Irrigation rates from 2 in./week to 8 in./week (50 mm/week to 200 mm/week) were used. Two cuttings were obtained over a 25-week growing period. Dry matter content decreased with irrigation rate, while plant uptake of nutrients (except Fe) showed an increase. Recovery efficiency of all nutrients measured decreased with application rate. Adequate levels of nutrients for crop fertility were present in the effluent with the exception of K. An irrigation rate of 2 in./week to 4 in./week (50 mm/week to 100mm/week) for pearl millet on sandy soil appears quite suitable.
Leader-Member Exchange Development’s Missing Link: Revisiting Middle-Quality-A Comprehensive Review

Despite leader-member exchange (LMX) theory’s initial premise of a three group status (low-, middle- and high-quality), scholars have continued their quest to theorize and empirically define the LM...
Epitaxy Of GaAs on Si: MBE and OMCVD

Growth technique dependent factors are compared for molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and organometallic chemical vapor deposition (OMCVD) that are related to the GaAs on Si epitaxy. The comparison, both for growth processes and as-grown material characteristics, indicates that material qualities of these layers provided by the two growth techniques are comparable in many aspects, but differ in morphological texture, residual stress, and occasionally Schottky barrier height. These issues are discussed further with our recent OMCVD results in order to ensure the OMCVD advantages for GaAs on Si wafer engineering, which are referred as an easy scale-up and a large throughput.
Exploring challenges in implementing a health systems science curriculum: a qualitative analysis of student perceptions

Objectives Although a critical component of educational reform involves the inclusion of knowledge of and skills in health systems science (HSS) (including population health, health system improvement and high-value care) many undergraduate medical education programmes focus primarily on traditional basic and clinical sciences. In this study, we investigated students’ perceptions of the barriers to, challenges involved in and benefits of the implementation of a HSS curriculum. Methods In 2014, we conducted 12 focus groups with 50 medical students across all years of medical school. Group interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used thematic analysis to explore students’ perceptions of a planned HSS curriculum, which was to include both a classroom-based course and an experiential component. We then identified themes and challenges from the students’ perspective and agreed upon results and quotations. Results Students identified four barrier-related themes, including (i) medical-board licensing examinations foster a view of basic science as ‘core’, (ii) systems concepts are important but not essential, (iii) students lack sufficient knowledge and skills to perform systems roles and (iv) the culture of medical education and clinical systems does not support systems education. Students also identified several perceived benefits of a systems curriculum, including acquisition of new knowledge and skills, enhanced understanding of patients’ perspectives and improved learning through experiential roles. The major unifying challenge related to students’ competing priorities; one to perform well in examinations and match into preferred residencies, and another to develop systems-based skills. Conclusions Students’ intrinsic desire to be the best physician possible is at odds with board examinations and desired residency placements. As a result, HSS is viewed as peripheral and non-essential, greatly limiting student engagement. New perspectives are needed to effectively address this challenge.
Comment on “Financing Development: The Case of BNDES” by Joao Carlos Ferraz, Claudio Figueiredo Coelho Leal, Felipe Silveira Marques and Marcelo Trindade Miterhof

Clearly one cannot deny the influence of BNDES on the Brazilian economy, its fundamental contribution in the provision of longer-term finance, and its pronounced counter-cyclical lending during the recent global financial crisis, and all of those points are well made in the paper. What is less clear is whether this model is replicable and advisable for other developing countries, whether BNDE’ influence will adversely affect (or has adversely affected) the provision of long-term finance by private financial institutions, and whether counter-cyclical lending by state banks reaches the borrowers who are most worthy of credit.
Criteria Analysis Based On UG CAE

the typical cross section of 02E representative in car body design process,using CAE module of UG software in the paper has a preliminary analysis of reinforcement arrangement,in section design process to strengthen the board thickness,section size of these important indicators for torsional stiffness,bending stiffness and stress state of the maximum stress,respectively calculate the maximal stress torsional section in different states of the stiffness,bending stiffness and loading process by applying and bending torque on the torsion of the reasonable typical section,comparison and analysis of the strengthening plate,plate thickness,strengthen the effect of section size of these important indicators of section properties,provides some guidance for the next section design.
A Symmetrical Quasi-Classical Spin-Mapping Model for the Electronic Degrees of Freedom in Non-Adiabatic Processes

A recent series of papers has shown that a symmetrical quasi-classical (SQC) windowing procedure applied to the Meyer-Miller (MM) classical vibronic Hamiltonian provides a very good treatment of electronically nonadiabatic processes in a variety of benchmark model systems, including systems that exhibit strong quantum coherence effects and some which other approximate approaches have difficulty in describing correctly. In this paper, a different classical electronic Hamiltonian for the treatment of electronically nonadiabatic processes is proposed (and "quantized" via the SQC windowing approach), which maps the dynamics of F coupled electronic states to a set of F spin-(1)/2 degrees of freedom (DOF), similar to the Fermionic spin model described by Miller and White (J. Chem. Phys. 1986, 84, 5059). It is noted that this spin-mapping (SM) Hamiltonian is an exact Hamiltonian if treated as a quantum mechanical (QM) operator-and thus QM'ly equivalent to the MM Hamiltonian-but that an analytically distinct classical analogue is obtained by replacing the QM spin-operators with their classical counterparts. Due to their analytic differences, a practical comparison is then made between the MM and SM Hamiltonians (when quantized with the SQC technique) by applying the latter to many of the same benchmark test problems successfully treated in our recent work with the SQC/MM model. We find that for every benchmark problem the MM model provides (slightly) better agreement with the correct quantum nonadiabatic transition probabilities than does the new SM model. This is despite the fact that one might expect, a priori, a more natural description of electronic state populations (occupied versus unoccupied) to be provided by DOF with only two states, i.e., spin-(1)/2 DOF, rather than by harmonic oscillator DOF which have an infinite manifold of states (though only two of these are ever occupied).
Acute inflammation is the harbinger of glomerulosclerosis in anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis

The degree of glomerular inflammation and injury during immune-mediated glomerulonephritis is felt to be critical to the eventual development of glomerulosclerosis, although the relative contributi...
A Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Approach to Relating Affordability and Performance in a Conceptual Submarine Design

A multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework is used for a conceptual submarine design study. Four discipline-level performances—internal deck area, powering, maneuvering, and structural analysis—are optimized simultaneously. The four discipline-level optimizations are driven by a system level optimization that minimizes the manufacturing cost while at the same time coordinates the exchange of information and the interaction among the discipline-level optimizations. Thus, the interaction among individual optimizations is captured along with the impact of the physical characteristics of the design on the manufacturing cost. A geometric model for the internal deck area of a submarine is created, and resistance, structural design, and maneuvering models are adapted from theoretical information available in the literature. These models are employed as simulation drivers in the discipline-level optimizations. Commercial cost-estimating software is leveraged to create a sophisticated, automated affordability model for the fabrication of a submarine pressure hull at the system level. First, each one of the four discipline optimizations and also the cost-related top level optimization are performed independently. As expected, five different design configurations result, one from each analysis. These results represent the "best" solution from each individual discipline optimization, and they are used as reference for comparison with the MDO solution. The deck area, resistance, structural, maneuvering, and affordability models are then synthesized into a multidisciplinary optimization statement reflecting a conceptual submarine design problem. The results from this coordinated MDO capture the interaction among disciplines and demonstrate the value that the MDO system offers in consolidating the results to a single design that improves the discipline-level objective functions while at the same time produces the highest possible improvement at the system level.
Uncertainty of Iodine Particulate Deposition in the Respiratory Tract

Inhalation is a prominent pathway for radiation dose contributions from environmental or occupational intakes of radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine releases to the environment that affect the general public and deliver radiation dose are of particular concern. Inhalation intakes of iodine are possible from workplace exposures or releases to the environment, and potential health risks are an outcome. Extrathoracic and bronchial depositions follow a normal distribution. Bronchiolar and alveolar deposition are best fit by a lognormal distribution. Breathing rate, trachea diameter and particle mass density have the greatest influence on particulate deposition for 1 μm AMAD particles. In the United States, ICRP 30 is the lung model of regulatory concern and, therefore, the more commonly employed. The International Commission on Radiological Protection developed and issued the “New Lung Model” (ICRP, 66) in 1994. ICRP 66 incorporates recent knowledge and research into lung deposition, retention and clearance. Inhalation models are necessary for estimates of iodine uptake and deposition that may result in radiation exposure among workers or members of the public. The estimates of radiation dose via internal modeling have significant uncertainty, due to the variability in parameters involved in model calculations. The uncertainty in internal dosimetry can be a considerable component of the overall uncertainty in radiation dose assessment. The parameters used for dose assessment have inherent variability, which results in uncertainty for output variables that may be characterized by various known distributions.
Introduction: What Is Multiregional Demography?

This chapter sets the context, reviews the principal distinguishing features of the sub-field of multiregional demography, and identifies the key role played by migration. The next 6 chapters deal with applications of multiregional demography; the final chapter, Chap. 8, concludes the book with a renewed argument about the importance of proper model specification. Although the first few chapters deal with “closed” models that ignore international migration, “open” models with international migration are introduced in later chapters. [Readers unfamiliar with the models referred to in this monograph should consult Rogers (Introduction to multiregional mathematical demography. Wiley, New York, 1975 and Multiregional demography: principles, methods, and extensions. Wiley, Chichester, 1995)]
Heterogeneous cortical atrophy patterns in MCI not captured by conventional diagnostic criteria

Objective: We investigated differences in regional cortical thickness between previously identified empirically derived mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes (amnestic MCI, dysnomic MCI, dysexecutive/mixed MCI, and cluster-derived normal) in order to determine whether these cognitive subtypes would show different patterns of cortical atrophy. Methods: Participants were 485 individuals diagnosed with MCI and 178 cognitively normal individuals from the Alzheimer9s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Cortical thickness estimates were computed for 32 regions of interest per hemisphere. Statistical group maps compared each MCI subtype to cognitively normal participants and to one another. Results: The pattern of cortical thinning observed in each MCI subtype corresponded to their cognitive profile. No differences in cortical thickness were found between the cluster-derived normal MCI subtype and the cognitively normal group. Direct comparison between MCI subtypes suggested that the cortical thickness patterns reflect increasing disease severity. Conclusions: There is an ordered pattern of cortical atrophy among patients with MCI that coincides with their profiles of increasing cognitive dysfunction. This heterogeneity is not captured when patients are grouped by conventional diagnostic criteria. Results in the cluster-derived normal group further support the premise that the conventional MCI diagnostic criteria are highly susceptible to false-positive diagnostic errors. Findings suggest a need to (1) improve the diagnostic criteria by reducing reliance on conventional screening measures, rating scales, and a single memory measure in order to avoid false-positive errors; and (2) divide MCI samples into meaningful subgroups based on cognitive and biomarkers profiles—a method that may provide better staging of MCI and inform prognosis.
Relativistic Molecules with Coulomb Interaction

As an approximation to a relativistic one-electron molecule, we study the operator , with Z j ≥ 0 for all j. H is bounded below iff for all j. Under this condition, we show that 1) The system is stable when the nuclear repulsion is taken into account, i.e. , where E 0 inf spec H. 2) the ground state energy E 0 is an increasing function of the internuclear distances | R j - R k |
Group Hypnotizability Of Inpatient Adolescents

AbstractThis study investigated group hypnotizability in 167 adolescents (ages 13-17) in an inpatient behavioral healthcare setting through use of the Waterloo-Stanford Group Scale, Form C. It also investigated the influence of hypnotic inductions on group hypnotizability. Adolescents were randomly assigned to either a group session of hypnosis (n = 84) with a hypnotic induction or a comparison “no-induction” group (n = 83) that received identical suggestions without a hypnotic induction. Adolescents’ imaginative absorption and dissociation were measured to examine their influence on hypnotizability. A between-group comparison showed the induction condition had a significantly higher score than the no-induction group on both behavioral and subjective measures of hypnotizability.
Application of Stochastic Optimal Control (SOC) to the US Financial Debt Crisis

The financial crisis was precipitated by the mortgage crisis. A whole structure of financial derivatives was based upon the ultimate debtors, the mortgagors. Insofar as the mortgagors were unable to service their debts, the values of the derivatives fell. The financial intermediaries whose assets and liabilities were based upon the value of derivatives were very highly leveraged. Changes in the values of their net worth were large multiples of changes in asset values. A cascade was precipitated by the mortgage defaults. In this manner, the mortgage debt crisis turned into a financial crisis. The crucial variable is the optimal debt of the real estate sector, which depends upon the capital gain and the interest rate. I apply the SOC analysis to derive the optimal debt. Two models of the stochastic process on the capital gain and interest rate are presented. Each implies a different value of the optimal debt/net worth. I derive an upper bound of the optimal debt ratio, based upon the alternative models. An empirical measure of the excess debt: actual less the upper bound of the optimal ratio, is shown to be an early warning signal (EWS) of the debt crisis. Finally, the shadow banking system is discussed.
Heterobimetallic Complexes Comprised of Nb and Fe: Isolation of a Coordinatively Unsaturated NbIII/Fe0 Bimetallic Complex Featuring a Nb≡Fe Triple Bond

Heterometallic multiple bonds between niobium and other transition metals have not been reported to date, likely owing to the highly reactive nature of low-valent niobium centers. Herein, a C3-symmetric tris(phosphinoamide) ligand framework is used to construct a Nb/Fe heterobimetallic complex Cl–Nb(iPrNPPh2)3Fe−Br (2), which features a Fe→Nb dative bond with a metal–metal distance of 2.4269(4) A. Reduction of 2 in the presence of PMe3 affords Nb(iPrNPPh2)3Fe–PMe3 (6), a compound with an unusual trigonal pyramidal geometry at a NbIII center, a Nb≡Fe triple bond, and the shortest bond distance (2.1446(8) A) ever reported between Nb and any other transition metal. Complex 6 is thermally unstable and degrades via P–N bond cleavage to form a NbV═NR imide complex, iPrN═Nb(iPrNPPh2)3Fe−PMe3 (9). The heterobimetallic complexes iPrN═Nb(iPrNPPh2)3Fe−Br (8) and 9 are independently synthesized, revealing that the strongly π-bonding imido functionality prevents significant metal–metal interactions. The 57Fe Mossbauer...
The Eclipse of Education and Constellar Kismet: An Interview with Antonio Garcia

David Gabbard, a full professor of education, engages Antonio Garcia, a junior independent scholar, in an interview capturing the breath and depth of the development of each other’s work. In particular, Gabbard explores the growing popularity and intrigue around Garcia’s work in education, as it is highly informed by his work in Žižek studies. Garcia has never held a tenure position; however, his reputation in and outside of education is acknowledged by his command of high theory and intimate collegiality supporting students and colleagues around the world. Gabbard has been working with Garcia for nearly a year intensely engaged in exploring the fantasies of education predicated on psychoanalytic theory and ideological analysis, the curious question of critical education paradoxical problems, and Garcia’s development of Constellar Theory as a new social model for understanding multiculturalism, social ideology, and political discontent. Garcia’s development of Constellar Theory complements Gabbard’s current interest in Big History.
Left-Corner Parsing With Distributed Associative Memory Produces Surprisal and Locality Effects

This article describes a left-corner parser implemented within a cognitively and neurologically motivated distributed model of memory. This parser's approach to syntactic ambiguity points toward a tidy account both of surprisal effects and of locality effects, such as the parsing breakdowns caused by center embedding. The model provides an algorithmic-level (Marr, 1982) account of these breakdowns: The structure of the parser's memory and the nature of incremental parsing produce a smooth degradation of processing accuracy for longer center embeddings, and a steeper degradation when they are nested, in line with recall observations by Miller and Isard (2003) and speed-accuracy trade-off observations by McElree et al. (2003). Modeling results show that this effect is distinct from the effects of ambiguity and exceeds the effect of mere sentence length.
Pathways of Health and Human Capital from Adolescence into Young Adulthood

Social inequalities in health and human capital are core concerns of sociologists, but little research examines the developmental stage when such inequalities are likely to emerge—the transition to adulthood. With new data and innovative statistical methods, we conceptually develop, and empirically operationalize, pathways of physical health and human capital accumulation from adolescence into young adulthood, using an autoregressive cross-lagged structural equation model. Results reveal that pathways of health and human capital accumulate at differential rates across the transition to adulthood; evidence of cross-lagged effects lends support for both social causation and health selection hypotheses. We then apply this model to assess the presence of social inequality in metabolic syndrome—the leading risk factor of cardiovascular disease in the United States. Findings document social stratification of cardiovascular health that is robust to both observed and unobserved social and health selection mechanisms. We speculate that this social stratification will only increase as this cohort ages.