cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting Lively Literature Discussion.

When students create personal connections with literature during whole-class discussion, they make sense both of text and of their life experiences. In this article, the author shares tips that help students make text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text connections. She offers classroom examples to illustrate how conversations that encourage these connections can benefit reading comprehension.
Potential energy profiles for the N + HOCO reaction and products of the chemically activated reactions N + HOCO and H + HOCO

Abstract This work presents ab initio calculations on the triplet potential energy surface for the N + HOCO reaction and RRKM/Master Equation calculations of the fates of chemically activated species formed in that reaction and in the reaction H + HOCO. Ab initio calculations were carried out at CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//CCSD/aug-cc-pVDZ. The fates of chemically activated intermediates are determined for a range of temperatures and pressures. We have shown that the reaction N + HOCO produces OH + NCO as the dominant product (about two-thirds yield). We also show that the major product of the H + HOCO reaction is CO + H 2 O.
Becoming Familiar with Microprocessors and Embedded Electronics

Despite their ubiquitous usage, microprocessors remain largely unseen. At the same time, their availability has expanded to include educational kits and even elementary school competitions. Within the library, microprocessors are likely to be found in such diverse locations including digital clocks, patron counters, barcode readers, printers, any automated equipment including automated check-in and checkout devices, and even the climate control devices for buildings. Commonly, the computational workload will be divided between the microprocessor (or network of microprocessors) performing simpler and repetitive tasks and an associated computer performing both the more complex tasks and providing a user interface. Due to their wide usage, including within library automation, knowledge of these devices and basic, hands-on experimentation is useful to the librarian. This article describes some of the introductory concepts and urges the librarian to acquire knowledge of these devices.
Role of a subdomain in the folding of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor

THE disulphide-bonded intermediates that accumulate in the oxidative folding of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) were characterized some time ago1. Structural characterization of these intermediates would provide an explanation of the kinetically preferred pathways of folding for BPTI. When folding occurs under strongly oxidizing conditions, more than half the molecules become trapped in an intermediate, designated N*, which is similar to the native protein but lacks the 30–51 disulphide bond2–5. We have tested the hypothesis5 that the precursor to N* is the one-disulphide intermediate [5–55], which contains the most stable disulphide in BPTI, and present evidence here that this is the case. A peptide model of [5–55], corresponding to a subdomain of BPTI, seems to fold into a native-like conformation, explaining why [5–55] does not lead to native protein and why it folds rapidly5 to N*. A native-like subdomain structure in a peptide model6 of [30–51], the other crucial one-disulphide intermediate, may explain the route by which [30–51] folds to native protein. Thus, much of the folding pathway5 of BPTI can be explained by the formation of a native-like subdomain in these two early intermediates. This suggests that a large part of the protein folding problem can be reduced to identifying and understanding subdomains of native proteins.
Is perception of exertion a unique characteristic

This study assessed the extent to which perception of exertion (RPE), as measured by Borg's 1971 scale using bicycle ergometry, is a unique perceptual trait. Correlations run for 35 subjects between RPE and a battery of seven perceptually oriented tasks were not significant, implying that RPE may be a unique perceptual ability.
Fremont Hunting and Resource Intensification in the Eastern Great Basin

Empirical tests of resource-intensification models argue for diminishing foraging efficiency among hunter–gatherers in California over the past 2000 years (Basgall, 1987,Research in Economic Anthropology9,21–52; Broughton, 1994aJournal of Archaeological Science21,501–514; 1994bJournal of Anthropological Anthropology13, 371–401). The evidence for this long-term trajectory consists of decreases in the abundance of large, high-ranked prey in archaeofaunal assemblages. This paper presents faunal data from Fremont structural sites in the eastern Great Basin and Northern Colorado Plateau as an additional empirical test of resource intensification patterns and compares them to trends in California and the American Southwest. The measure of resource efficiency used is the artiodactyl index (following Broughton, 1994ab), a tool derived from prey choice models of optimal foraging. Faunal data from Fremont structural sites argue that (1) foraging efficiency declined during the Fremont period, and (2) this decline was due to population growth.
Multiple courses of antenatal betamethasone and cognitive development of mice offspring.

Objective: To measure the effect of multiple courses of antenatal betamethasone, used for lung maturation, on long-term cognition of mice offspring. Methods: Forty gravid CD-1 mice were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments ( n = 10 per group): 0.1 mg betamethasone or saline placebo, given subcutaneously either once daily on gestational days 13-16 or twice daily on days 14 and 15. This dose of betamethasone given on gestational day 14 causes fetal lung maturation in mice. Three offspring per gender in each litter underwent standard cognitive tasks as juveniles and as adults. Analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis testing was used to compare data. Results: Learning acquisition and memory were indistinguishable between the betamethasone-exposed and the corresponding placebo-exposed offspring when performing the following tasks: juvenile runway with adult memory, adult water runway and Morris spatial maze. This lack of difference in task performance between treatment groups persisted after cont...
3D electroplated microstructures fabricated by a novel height control method

A 3D electroplating process by means of pixel-wise, step height control of selective electroplating has been successfully demonstrated. A total of eight rectangular pixels of 80 × 20 μm2 in area and 1.1–9.3 μm in height have been fabricated with a height difference of 1 μm in adjacent pixels. The process requires only two masks in a single electroplating process. Nickel electroplating is selected as the demonstrating material and is performed at 50 °C with current density of 400 A/m2 for 30 min. A theoretical model in electroplating process is discussed to assist the design of 3D microstructures and verified with the experimental data. As such, this process has potential applications in making pixel-wise, 3D microstructures with precise height control.
Finance-led divergence in the regions of Italy

The article evaluates finance-led growth as an explanation for regional divergence in Italy over the years 1890–1910. Regional banking disparities are documented and the hypothesis developed that the financial crisis of the early 1890s struck the fledgling Southern Italian banking system at a vulnerable moment, distorting its subsequent development and handicapping the region's economy. The South is revealed to have been a chronically (over the entire period) and comprehensively (on every indicator) unhealthy environment for banks. Further evidence indicates that regional divergence in bank assets was largely due to the South's failure to develop the entire range of large banks. Size-class transition matrix analysis reveals that the typical Southern bank failed to reach a large size because it was born smaller (and less frequently) than in the North, suffered a higher mortality rate, especially in the smaller classes, and had lower growth probabilities, especially in the larger categories. The salience of deposits on the liability side and government securities on the asset side suggests that they reflected more than directly caused the development of their local economies.
Direct Imaging of Atomic-Scale Ripples in Few-Layer Graphene

Graphene has been touted as the prototypical two-dimensional solid of extraordinary stability and strength. However, its very existence relies on out-of-plane ripples as predicted by theory and confirmed by experiments. Evidence of the intrinsic ripples has been reported in the form of broadened diffraction spots in reciprocal space, in which all spatial information is lost. Here we show direct real-space images of the ripples in a few-layer graphene (FLG) membrane resolved at the atomic scale using monochromated aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thickness of FLG amplifies the weak local effects of the ripples, resulting in spatially varying TEM contrast that is unique up to inversion symmetry. We compare the characteristic TEM contrast with simulated images based on accurate first-principles calculations of the scattering potential. Our results characterize the ripples in real space and suggest that such features are likely common in ultrathin materials, even in the nanometer-thickness range.
Processing and performance of gold MCMs

The use of gold metallization in multichip modules (MCMs) has been investigated for the purpose of achieving simplified processing and high reliability. A process has been developed for producing multilayered, gold metallization thin film MCM (MCM-D) structures which reduces the number of processing steps compared to copper metallization. Multilayered gold-polymer and gold-SiO/sub 2/ test devices have been fabricated to evaluate the electrical and mechanical properties of the structures. The adhesion of a variety of dielectrics has been achieved by blanket coverage of the noble metal with a single step adhesion layer. The processing, performance, adhesion layer, and cost of gold MCM-D structures on silicon substrates have been analyzed. >
Generation and amplification of temporally 'square' optical pulses for the FEL photoelectric injector

The authors discuss the application of self-phase modulation and grating pulse compression to the generation of optical pulses suitable for controlling the electron beam emittance and energy spread in a FEL (free-electron laser) photoelectron injector. Pulse compression in a single-stage pulse compressor, with background reduction based on the nonlinear birefringence of the optical fiber, yields 5-10-ps Gaussian pulses. Temporarily square pulses with 15-ps FWHM (full width at half maximum) and 5-ps risetime have been obtained through self-phase modulation and group-velocity dispersion of the 5-ps pulses in a second fiber. Pulse shaping through the use of nonlinear birefringence in optical fibers is also discussed. >
Integrin-Mediated Collagen Matrix Reorganization by Cultured Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells perform the important function of modulation of vascular extracellular matrix. Because integrins mediate many cell-matrix interactions, the role of integrins in reorganization of collagen by cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells was studied. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated that human vascular smooth muscle cells express multiple beta 1 integrins. Monoclonal antibody A2-IIE10 (a blocking anti-alpha 2 antibody) inhibited adhesion of smooth muscle cells to collagen by 31%. The blocking anti-alpha 1 antibody 1B3.1 inhibited adhesion by 40%, whereas a blocking anti-alpha 3 antibody had no effect on adhesion. When 1B3.1 and A2-IIE10 were both used, a 79% reduction in adhesion was observed, indicating that active alpha 1 and alpha 2 integrins cooperatively mediate adhesion. The blocking anti-beta 1 antibody Mab13 abolished smooth muscle cell-mediated gel contraction, and the alpha 2-blocking antibody A2-IIE10 had a dose-dependent partial inhibitory effect (37%). In contrast, blocking antibodies to alpha 1 and alpha 3 had no effect. When anti-alpha 1 (1B3.1) and anti-alpha 2 (A2-IIE10) monoclonal antibodies were combined, no synergistic effect on inhibition of gel contraction was observed. Surprisingly, collagen gel contraction was inhibited by 46% by an anti-beta 1 antibody (TS2/16) known for its stimulatory effect on cell adhesion. Thus, whereas alpha 1 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1 integrins both participate in adhesion of vascular smooth muscle cells to collagen, only alpha 2 beta 1 integrins mediate collagen reorganization. In addition, collagen reorganization appears to be a dynamic process, adversely affected by excessive adhesion strengthening.
Domestic Explanations of International Relations

Theories that link domestic politics, domestic institutional structures, and leader incentives to foreign affairs have flowered in the past 25 years or so. By unpacking institutional variation across states and by drawing attention to agency issues between leaders, key backers, and citizens, models and empirical studies of linkage help explain even such fundamental phenomena between states as war and peace. In addition, theories of linkage politics explain phenomena not envisioned under earlier unitary-actor state models. We address how the linkage literature explains war and peace decisions, the democratic peace, nation building, foreign aid, and economic sanctions by tying international politics and foreign policy to domestic political considerations.
Landauer Clocking for Magnetic Cellular Automata (MCA) Arrays

Magnetic cellular automata (MCA) is a variant of quantum-dot-cellular automata (QCA) where neighboring single-domain nanomagnets (also termed as magnetic cell) process and propagate information (logic 1 or logic 0) through mutual interaction. The attractive nature of this framework is that not only room temperature operations are feasible but also interaction between neighbors is central to information processing as opposed to creating interference. In this work, we explore spatially moving Landauer clocking scheme for MCA arrays (length of 8, 16, and 32 cells) and show the role and effectiveness of the clock in propagating logic signal from input to output without magnetic frustration. Simulation performed in object oriented micromagnetic framework suggests that the clocking field is sensitive to scaling, shape, and aspect ratio.
Evaluation of Meteorological Base Models for Estimating Hourly Global Solar Radiation in Texas

Abstract Building thermal performance and potential solar applications depend on the quality of the solar resource data available. Unfortunately, most of the locations do not account for measured solar radiation data and, as a result, rely on the values from typical meteorological years. Texas, in a similar fashion as other states in the US, does not have an active network for solar radiation data and has a variety of weather conditions that could be integrated into more than three climate zones. Therefore, in order to estimate reliable solar radiation for different locations in Texas, this paper presents the comparison and the adjustment between two models that use the meteorological data available from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The comparison study was based on sixteen solar stations that cover three climate zones in Texas and use hourly solar radiation data that was recorded from 2000 through 2002 and 2010 through 2012. In this study, the estimated and measured hourly global solar radiations were compared to evaluate which model would be most suitable in each location in Texas. The two models that were studied were a modified Cloud-cover Radiation Model (CRM) by Muneer and the model developed by Zhang and Huang. These models are regression type models that use location or site specific coefficients, which have shown a good correlation during the past years between measured global solar radiation and local meteorological parameters. Most of the locations in climate zone 2, in general, fit the Zhang–Huang Model better, whereas the CRM model presents a better correlation for climate zones 3 and 4.
Reference Results for Plane Stress Creep Behaviour

Dimensionless results describing the plane-stress creep behaviour of thin discs with a central rigid insert are presented. The results are non-dimensional with respect to a ‘reference stress' which...
Patterns of Storage, Use, and Disposal of Opioids Among Cancer Outpatients

Purpose. Improper storage, use, and disposal of prescribed opioids can lead to diversion or accidental poisoning. Our objective was to determine the patterns of storage, utilization, and disposal of opioids among cancer outpatients.
Interaction of Leishmania gp63 with Cellular Receptors for Fibronectin

The most abundant protein on the surface of the promastigote form of the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. is a 63-kDa molecule, designated gp63 or leishmanolysin. Because gp63 has been shown to possess fibronectin-like properties, we examined the interaction of gp63 with the cellular receptors for fibronectin. We measured the direct binding of Leishmania to human macrophages or to transfected mammalian cells expressing human fibronectin receptors. Leishmania expressing gp63 exhibited modest but reproducible adhesion to human macrophages and to transfected CHO cells expressing α4/β1 fibronectin receptors. In both cases, this interaction depended on gp63 but occurred independently of the SRYD sequence of gp63, because parasites expressing gp63 with a mutated SRYD sequence bound to macrophages and α4/β1 receptor-expressing cells as well as did wild-type parasites. The contribution of gp63 to parasite adhesion was more pronounced when the assays were performed in the presence of complement, suggesting that the receptors for complement and fibronectin may cooperate to mediate the efficient adhesion of parasites to macrophages. The interaction of gp63 with fibronectin receptors may also play an important role in parasite internalization by macrophages. Erythrocytes to which gp63 was cross-linked were efficiently phagocytized by macrophages, whereas control erythrocytes opsonized with complement alone bound to macrophages but remained peripherally attached to the outside of the cell. Similarly, parasites expressing wild-type gp63 were rapidly and efficiently phagocytized by resting macrophages, whereas parasites lacking gp63 were internalized more slowly. This rapid internalization of gp63-expressing parasites was dependent on the β1 integrins, because pretreatment of macrophages with monoclonal antibodies to the β1 integrins decreased the internalization of gp63-expressing parasites. These observations indicate that complement receptors are the primary mediators of parasite adhesion; however, maximal parasite adhesion and internalization may require the participation of the β1 integrins, which recognize fibronectin-like molecules such as gp63 on the surface of the parasite.
Drosophila Adh: A promoter element expands the tissue specificity of an enhancer

Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) genes are expressed in the fat body and in species-specific sets of other tissues during larval and adult development. The Drosophila mulleri Adh-1 gene is expressed in the larval fat body and in three other larval tissues. In this paper, we show that Adh-1 expression in multiple cell types is the result of synergistic interactions between fat body-specific enhancers and a specific Adh-1 promoter element.
Comparison of Listing Strategies for Allosensitized Heart Transplant Candidates: A Decision Model Analysis

s S151 center. All patients included in the study had negative post-transplant T-cell and B-cell cross match. Patients were screened for HLA antibodies at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 months, annually and whenever there was clinical suspicion for rejection. The antigen specificity of the detected HLA class I and class II antibodies was identified using a Luminex assay. The strength of DSA with MFI > 5000 was considered strong and used for this study as +ve DSA. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate allograft survival. Results: The cumulative frequency of DSA was 39/105 patients (37%). The majority of detected DSA were donor specific for HLA class II. Mean follow-up was 3.5±2.7, range 0.9 to 10 years. Development of CAV occurred in 16/39 (41%) in DSA +ve compared to 8/66 (12%) in DSA -ve patients. Allograft survival at 5 years was 24% in DSA +ve compared with 76% in DSA -ve cases (p< 0.001) (Figure). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a strong negative impact of development of de novo DSA on CAV and allograft survival in pediatric HTx recipients.
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women with Epilepsy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Summary: Purpose: Previous reports have suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could increase seizure activity in women with epilepsy. We sought to determine whether adding HRT to the medication regimen of postmenopausal women with epilepsy was associated with an increase in seizure frequency. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial of the effect of HRT on seizure frequency in postmenopausal women with epilepsy, taking stable doses of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and within 10 years of their last menses. After a 3-month prospective baseline, subjects were randomized to placebo, Prempro (0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate or CEE/MPA) daily, or double-dose CEE/MPA daily for a 3-month treatment period. Results: Twenty-one subjects were randomized after completing baseline. The subjects’ ages ranged from 45 to 62 years (mean, 53 years; SD, ±5), and the number of AEDs used ranged from none to three (median, one). Five (71%) of seven subjects taking double-dose CEE/MPA had a worsening seizure frequency of at least one seizure type, compared with four (50%) of eight taking single-dose CEE/MPA and one (17%) of six taking placebo (p = 0.05). An increase in seizure frequency of the subject’s most severe seizure type was associated with increasing CEE/MPA dose (p = 0.008). An increase in complex partial seizure frequency also was associated with increasing CEE/MPA dose (p = 0.05). Two subjects taking lamotrigine had a decrease in lamotrigine levels of 25‐30% while taking CEE/MPA. Conclusions: CEE/MPA is associated with a dose-related increase in seizure frequency in postmenopausal women with epilepsy. CEE/MPA may decrease lamotrigine levels. Key Words: Seizures—Epilepsy—Postmenopausal— Menopause—Hormone replacement therapy.
Fiber optics in the BNL booster radiation environment

The booster instrumentation uses analog and digital fiber-optic links, designed to withstand at least 50 krads without performance degradation. The links use inexpensive and commercially available components that operate at a center wavelength of 820 nm. The analog link operates at 30 MHz over a 200-m fiber and can provide insertion gain. The digital link provides 60-ns timing pulses without the dispersive effects of coaxial cables. The optical fiber is a step-index hard clad silica type with a 200- mu m core. Component selection criteria, link design, installation, testing and performance for the optical links in the Booster instrumentation systems are presented. >
Distributed detection for diversity reception of fading signals in noise

A multiple-antenna diversity scheme is investigated for digital communications. Antenna observations are immediately quantized and sent to a fusion center. At the fusion center, the quantized observations are combined to form a final decision on which symbol was transmitted. The optimum reception scheme is described for the case where frequency-shift keying is employed and where slow Rayleigh fading and Gaussian additive noise are present. Two cases are studied. In the first case, an accurate estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio is available at each receiver. In the second case, estimates are not available. Results indicate that two- or three-bit quantizations may be most appropriate. Further, if binary decisions are made at each antenna, the performance may not improve if an estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio is available at each antenna or if two antennas are used instead of one.
An underwater acoustic modem for the vertical sound channel utilizing a zero-crossing receiver

A zero-crossing-based time-domain receiver in an underwater acoustic modem is presented for application in the vertical sound channel. The purpose of the system is to allow transmission of data at 2400 baud between two modems that may be moving relative to one another. Zero-crossing techniques can provide cost effective solutions to high data rate telemetry in the ocean environment. A comparison of the matched-filter receiver to a zero-crossing receiver is given for an ideal and a noisy environment. Results from computer simulations, laboratory breadboard tests, and an at-sea experiment are presented. >
Planning sensing strategies in a robot work cell with multi-sensor capabilities

An approach is presented for planning sensing strategies dynamically on the basis of the system's current best information about the world. The approach is for the system to propose a sensing operation automatically and then to determine the maximum ambiguity which might remain in the world description if that sensing operation were applied. The system then applies that sensing operation which minimizes this ambiguity. To do this, the system formulates object hypotheses and assesses its relative belief in those hypotheses to predict what features might be observed by a proposed sensing operation. Furthermore, since the number of sensing operations available to the system can be arbitrarily large, equivalent sensing operations are grouped together using a data structure that is based on the aspect graph. In order to measure the ambiguity in a set of hypotheses, the authors apply the concept of entropy from information theory. This allows them to determine the ambiguity in a hypothesis set in terms of the number of hypotheses and the system's distribution of belief among those hypotheses. >
Porous PMMA-titania composites: A step towards more sustainable photocatalysis

Abstract TiO 2 is an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of aqueous and airborne contaminants when activated by UV light. TiO 2 nanoparticles are often deposited onto the surface of a support material to avoid the need for post-use removal of the nanoscale photocatalyst. Polymers have been shown to be suitable photocatalytic support materials, but solvent based methods for TiO 2 deposition using hazardous organic solvents such as dichloromethane have negative and avoidable environmental repercussions. In this work, green chemistry principles have inspired a new approach to the formation of polymer–TiO 2 composite materials. An existing surfactant-mediated method for the fabrication of porous poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) membranes has been used to form a support material for the photocatalyst while replacing hazardous dichloromethane with the much more benign acetone. The deposition of TiO 2 within the UV-transparent porous support material facilitates the construction of flow-through photocatalytic reactors for both aqueous and gas-phase applications. These systems were characterized by the photocatalytic degradation of aqueous methyl orange and gas phase carbon monoxide, electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption/desorption surface area measurements, as well as long-term UV durability. The porous PMMA-TiO 2 composites possess a methyl orange decolorization rate over 6 times higher than that of the non-porous composite reference materials with comparable TiO 2 content. The porous materials reported here are more active, and have superior TiO 2 retention than the non-porous benchmark materials, and thus provide a greener foundation for future photocatalytic applications.
WTO Law in a Fragmented, Decentralized International Legal Order: Symposium Introduction

This paper introduces a symposium issue on WTO law in a fragmented, decentralized international legal order, resulting from a conference which was held at Loyola University School of Law on February 15, 2008, and was co-sponsored by the American Society of International Law. The introduction introduces the five papers published in the issue by Padideh Ala’i, Raj Bhala, Tomer Broude, Jeffrey Dunoff, Merit Janow, and Ernst-Ulrich Petersmann. The conference assessed the place of WTO law in a fragmented, decentralized legal order, examining on the one hand its relation to other international law, and on the other its relation to national law. That is, the papers examine WTO law in its vertical and its horizontal dimensions in terms of the allocation of authority, legitimacy and impact. The conference was organized into four sessions, complemented by a keynote address from Merit Janow on her reflections as a member of the WTO Appellate Body. Collectively, the articles in this issue demonstrate how the study of the interaction between the WTO, other international legal regimes and domestic legal orders will comprise a key part of the future of the discipline.
Vascular hypertonicity. A mechanism for vasodilatation in the dumping syndrome.

H inshaw; in 1957 made the important observation that the symptomatology of the dumping syndrome was accompanied by peripheral vasodilatation. This finding has been confirmed,“, I49 L’z thus rendering the oligemic theory untenable unless one assumes that these patients have a peculiar response to vascular depletion. Since dumping has been induced experimentally in medical students, this hypothesis seems unlikely. Johnson and associate? suggested that vasodilatation was the result of a humoral factor being released into the blood stream from the intestine. A number of substances have been suggested for this role including serotonin,‘, I”. I’, z histamine,‘” substance P,1° and acetylchojine.22, 21 However, later studies”, ” have failed to substantiate these claims. Read and co-workers’L” 22 demonstrated a transient vascular hypertonicity associated with dumping and postulated that this might he the responsible vasodilatoty stimulus. This hypothesis was used as the basis for the present study.
To Pursue an Independent Nuclear Deterrent or Not? Japan’s and South Korea’s Nuclear Decision Making Models

Concerns regarding potential nuclear proliferation activities of South Korea and Japan have increased following recent nuclear tests conducted by North Korea and following regional hegemonic actions by China. Both of these countries have bilateral security agreements with the United States, and are covered under the so-called “nuclear umbrella.” This paper poses the question: If these countries enjoy these security guarantees, what factors could contribute to their decision to pursue proliferation activities? This paper reviews some of the relevant literature on nuclear-decision making before proposing that perhaps these models are complementary rather than competing. For the purposes of South Korea and Japan, this paper asserts that there are two contributing factors that could cause either country to engage in proliferation activities: loss of confidence in the U.S. commitment to its extended deterrence obligations and regional security threats. Using case studies, this paper reviews the past proliferation activities by these two countries, and examines the mitigating factors that led to past decisions, and how such similar factors could impact future decisions. This paper uses historical analysis and investigation of contemporary security issues to examine the roles that extended deterrence and regional security have played and may play in the future, in each country’s interests in engaging in increased nuclear proliferation-sensitive activities.
Responses to Recurrent Index Selection for Reduced Fusarium Ear Rot and Lodging and for Increased Yield in Maize

Fusarium ear rot, caused by the pathogen Fusarium verticillioides, damages maize (Zea mays L.) grain production and is associated with contamination of grain by fumonisin, a mycotoxin harmful to both humans and ani- mals. Recurrent selection may be an effective way to combine improvements in resistance to Fusarium ear rot with improved grain yield and lodging resistance. To test this hypothesis, three cycles of recurrent index selection based on evaluating S 0:1 lines for Fusarium ear rot, grain yield, and lodging were implemented in a genet- ically broad-based population. Direct intrapop- ulation response to selection in the target traits was measured by comparing lines sampled from Cycle 0 and Cycle 3 populations. In addi- tion, indirect response for fumonisin contami- nation was also measured along with indirect response for agronomic traits when crossed to commercial inbred tester, FR1064. Results indicate significant direct gain from selection for Fusarium ear rot, but no significant gains for yield or lodging resistance. Indirect gains were also observed for Fusarium ear rot resistance in topcrosses to an unrelated tester line and for fumonisin contamination both within the selec- tion population and in topcrosses. Our results are the first demonstration of the indirect effect of selection against Fusarium ear rot on reduc- tion of fumonisin contamination. Heritabilities for target traits did not decrease over generations, indicating potential for further genetic gain from selection in this population.
Jedi: A Storage Manager for SIMD-aware, Worst-case Optimal Join Processing.

This talk describes a new graph-pattern engine called Jedi. Using a recent simplification of worst-case optimal join algorithms due to Ngo et al., Jedi translates join queries into a series of set intersection and union operations. Such set operations are ideally suited to modern CPUs that provides single-instruction, multiple data (SIMD) instructions. Using these ideas, we demonstrate that Jedi outperforms specialized graph engines by over an order of magnitude and relational systems by over two orders of magnitude on standard graph processing queries over real data.
The great social revolutions

No misunderstanding of Marx is more grotesque than the one which suggests that he expected a revolution exclusively in the advanced industrial countries of the West. Eric Hobsbawm, “Introduction,” to Karl Marx, Pre-capitalist Economic Formations (New York: International, 1964), 49. The list of the undisputed social revolutions of the twentieth century is a short one – Russia in 1917, China in 1949, Cuba in 1959. To this list I propose to add three more: the Mexican revolution of 1910–20, the Iranian of 1979, and the Nicaraguan of the same year. But for the Sandinistas falling from power (through the unprecedented medium of elections in 1990), the last choice would be uncontroversial. The Mexican and Iranian cases, as was noted in Chapter One, have their doubters because, in the absence of a socialist agenda in either case, and given the defeat of the most radical forces in each (Zapata and Villa, the Iranian left), the degree of social transformation that followed fell clearly short of its potential. But each undid a dictatorship and launched (or furthered) substantial projects of economic and social change. If the French revolution was a social revolution, then so were the Mexican and Iranian. Absent from this list are a few other cases, some of which will be treated later in this book.
Whose Bodies? Which Selves? Appeals to Embodiment in Assessments of Reproductive Technology

This passage from Gena Corea’s book, The Mother Machine typifies the reaction of one important strand of feminist thought to the new technologies of reproduction and birth. It is fairly representative, for example, of the grave suspicion with which feminists associated with FINRRAGE (Feminists International Network of Resistance to Reproductive and Genetic Engineering) have greeted such possibilities as in vitro fertilization, embryo flushing and transfer, and gene therapy. According to this general line of thinking, the new reproductive technologies should be resisted because they concentrate power in the hands of a predominantly male and patriarchal medical establishment by disembodying procreation. By separating procreation from women’s bodies, reproductive technology simultaneously reduces women to bodies, or body parts, and strips women of one traditional source of power, namely, the power to procreate. Hence Corea’s warning. Previously men were denied direct control over the process of procreation; they might give birth symbolically or intervene medically in this process, but these were only simulacra of control. The existence of in vitro fertilization, however, and the distinct possibility of in vitro gestation turn resemblance into reality. Laboratory conception and gestation are a threat to women.
An evaluation of fingerprint image quality across an elderly population vis-a-vis an 18-25 year old population

This study evaluated fingerprint quality across two populations, elderly and young, in order to assess age and moisture as potential factors affecting utility image quality. Specifically, the examination of these variables was conducted on a population over the age of 62, and a population between the ages of 18 and 25, using two fingerprint recognition devices (capacitance and optical). Collected individual variables included: age, gender, ethnic background, handedness, moisture content of each index finger, occupation(s), subject's use of hand moisturizer, and prior usage of fingerprint devices. Computed performance measures included failure to enroll, and quality scores. The results indicated there was statistically significant evidence that both age and moisture affected effectiveness image quality of each index finger at /spl alpha/=0.01 on the optical device, and there was statistically significant evidence that age affected effectiveness image quality of each index finger on the capacitance device, but moisture was only significant for the right index finger at /spl alpha/=0.01.
Multi-objective optimized OFDM radar waveform for target detection in multipath scenarios

We propose a multi-objective optimization (MOO) technique to design an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radar signal for detecting a moving target in the presence of multipath reflections. We employ an OFDM signal to increase the frequency diversity of the system. Moreover, the multipath propagation increase the spatial diversity by providing extra “looks” at the target. First, we develop a parametric measurement model by reformulating the target detection problem as a sparse estimation method. At a particular range cell, we exploit the sparsity of multiple paths and the knowledge of the environment to estimate along which path the target responses are received. Then, we formulate a constrained MOO algorithm, to optimally design the spectral parameters of the OFDM waveform, by simultaneously optimizing two objective functions: minimizing the upper bound on the estimation error to improve the efficiency of sparse-recovery and maximizing the squared Mahalanobis-distance to increase the performance of the underlying detection problem. We present numerical examples to demonstrate the performance improvement due to adaptive waveform design.
Optimal strategies for the diagnosis of community-onset diarrhea in solid organ transplant recipients: Less is more.

Background Diarrhea, a common complication after solid organ transplant (SOT), is associated with allograft failure and death. No evidence-based guidelines exist for the evaluation of diarrhea in SOT recipients. We performed a cost-analysis to derive a testing algorithm for the diagnosis of community-onset diarrhea that minimizes costs without compromising diagnostic yields. Design A cost-analysis was performed on a retrospective cohort of 422 SOT admissions for community-onset diarrhea over an 18-month period. A stepwise testing model was applied on a population level to assess test costs relative to diagnostic yields. Results Over an 18-month period, 1564 diagnostic tests were performed and 127 (8.1%) returned positive. Diagnostic testing accounted for $95 625 of hospital costs. The tests with the lowest cost per decrease in the false-omission rate (FOR) were stool Clostridium difficile polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ($156), serum cytomegalovirus quantitative PCR ($1529), stool norovirus (NV) PCR ($4673), and stool culture ($6804). A time-to-event analysis found no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between patients with and without NV testing (P=.520). Conclusions A stepwise testing strategy can reduce costs without compromising diagnostic yields. In the first-stage testing, we recommend assessment for C. difficile, cytomegalovirus, and food-borne bacterial pathogens. For persistent diarrheal episodes, second-stage evaluation should include stool NV PCR, Giardia/Cryptosporidium enzyme immunoassay, stool ova and parasite, reductions in immunosuppressive therapy, and possibly endoscopy. Although NV testing had a relatively low cost per FOR, we recommend NV testing during second-stage evaluation, as an NV diagnosis may not lead to changes in clinical management or further reductions in length of hospital stay. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Light-sheet microscopy for slide-free non-destructive pathology of large clinical specimens

A light-sheet microscope images large surgical and biopsy specimens non-destructively over large fields of view in two and three dimensions, with the same level of detail as traditional slide-based histopathology.
Bowling as Part of the Curriculum

(1940). Bowling as Part of the Curriculum. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 232-275.
Abstract 1350: Direct pharmacological targeting of Gq/11 in uveal melanoma

Uveal (eye) melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer, in which almost half of patients develop distant metastases that are refractory to therapy. In particular, metastatic uveal melanoma has been clinically unresponsive to the immunotherapeutic agents that have shown success in skin tumors, making the need for novel therapeutic approaches to uveal melanoma all the more urgent. Unlike skin melanomas, which are driven by BRAF and NRAS mutations, uveal melanomas arise typically from mutations that result in constitutive activity of the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G-protein, Gq, or its paralog G11. The prevalence of constitutively active Gq/11 in uveal melanoma suggests a dependence of these tumors on Gq/11 activity that could be exploited therapeutically. To address this hypothesis, we are using a potent, bioavailable small molecule that binds to and inhibits Gq/11 to target constitutively active Gq/11 in uveal melanoma cells. This inhibitor functions by sequestering wild type or constitutively active Gq/11 in an inactive state. We first used inositol phosphate accumulation assays and confirmed inhibition of both wildtype and constitutively active Gq/11 by the inhibitor in all uveal melanoma cells. We then assayed the affect of Gq/11 inhibition on overall viability of uveal melanoma cells, and found that uveal melanoma cells with mutant Gq/11 were highly sensitive to the small molecule; whereas, uveal melanoma cells with wildtype Gq/11 showed no loss of viability, even at 1000-fold higher concentrations of inhibitor. In Gq-mutant uveal melanoma cells, Gq/11 inhibition caused cell cycle arrest in G1, and dysregulation of several cell cycle regulatory pathways. Inhibitor treatment also caused Gq/11-driven uveal melanoma cells to become more differentiated, as indicated by increased pigmentation, elevated expression of melanin synthesis and melanosome markers, changes in cell morphology and changes in melanocytic versus melanoma gene programs. None of these phenotypic changes were seen in BRAF-driven uveal melanoma cells treated with the Gq/11 inhibitor, demonstrating that the effects of this inhibitor were exquisitely dependent on the constitutively active Gq/11 oncogene. These results establish that Gq/11 is a druggable target in uveal melanoma cells, and show that Gq/11-mutant uveal melanoma cells are exquisitely sensitive to inhibition by small molecule inhibitors. We are currently transitioning these studies to animal models to establish drug efficacy and toxicity and explore treatment and delivery options. Citation Format: Michael D. Onken, Carol M. Makepeace, Shiqi Wang, Kevin M. Kaltenbronn, S. Michinobu Kanai, Tom J. Broekelmann, John A. Cooper, Kendall J. Blumer. Direct pharmacological targeting of Gq/11 in uveal melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1350. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1350
The Holocene exploitation of mammals in the Clearwater and lower Snake River regions of north-central Idaho

Abstract The Clearwater River region of north-central Idaho is a distinct cultural region within the Columbia Plateau, yet no studies have comprehensively assessed the composition of recorded faunal assemblages to explore prehistoric subsistence practices by the region's Nez Perce people. We analyzed 27 Holocene zooarchaeological mammalian assemblages from 20 sites across the Clearwater and adjacent lower Snake River regions. A variety of leporids, rodents, carnivores, and artiodactyls were identified in assemblages, including several species (e.g. bison [Bison bison], pronghorn [Antilocapra americana], and grizzly bear [Ursus arctos]) no longer present in the study area. Taxonomic richness and taxonomic evenness suggest a specialized subsistence economy where one or two taxa were the focus of subsistence activities. Relative frequencies of mammals indicate that subsistence practices were focused disproportionately on large mammals (> 25 kg), and artiodactyl index values indicate subsistence practices were specialized on artiodactyls regardless of cultural phase. Across all artiodactyl species, however, only relative frequencies of deer (Odocoileus spp.) were negatively correlated with taxonomic evenness values. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that deer were a particularly important component of aboriginal diets in the Clearwater River region throughout most of the Holocene.
Narrative mapping: Listening with health, healing, and illness narratives in the classroom

Drawing on coursework associated with listening strategies in health communication, students will be guided through a process of reflection, contemplation and articulation as they map their health ...
Integrated Bio-behavioral Approach to Improve Adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Reduce HIV Risk in People Who Use Drugs: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

This study reports the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the bio-behavioral community-friendly health recovery program—an integrated, HIV prevention intervention to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and HIV-risk reduction behaviors among high-risk people who use drugs. We used a within-subjects, pretest–posttest follow-up design to recruit participants, who were HIV-uninfected, methadone-maintained and reported HIV-risk behaviors and had initiated PrEP (n = 40; males: 55%). Participants were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (4 weeks: T4) and 4 weeks post-intervention (T8). Immediately after completing the four weekly intervention groups, participants underwent a post-intervention assessment including in-depth qualitative interviews. Feasibility was high, assessed by participant willingness to enroll (90.1%) and retention (95%). Results showed that participants were highly satisfied and perceived the intervention as valuable and acceptable [mean: 81.3 (range 0–100)]. Significant enhancements in self-reported PrEP adherence [F(2,74) = 7.500, p = 0.001] and PrEP-related knowledge [F(2,74) = 3.828, p = 0.026] were observed. Drug-related (e.g., injection of drugs, sharing of injection equipment) and sex-related (e.g., number of sexual partners, condomless sex) risk behaviors were reduced, while information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB) constructs increased. The results support feasibility and high acceptability and support further examination of the efficacy of this combination bio-behavioral intervention in a prospective clinical trial.