cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Varieties of Religious Reform: Public Intelligentsia in Iran

Religious intellectuals play a pivotal role in the transformation of the Islamic Republic of Iran from an uneasy melange of theocracy and democracy to a liberal democratic state with a religious tinge. This article examines the provenance of reform religious intelligentsia (in contradistinction to the leading intellectuals of the reform) and its varieties. Religious intelligentsia are the carriers of the triple strands of reform thought (radical, muckraking, and political) among the engage intelligentsia in Iran. This paper is a timely contribution and functions as a snapshot of the religious reform at the brink of the second landslide victory of President Khatami.
Utility of Postoperative Imaging in Radial Shaft Fractures.

Background: Postoperatively, radial shaft fractures are often followed clinically with serial radiographs to assess for fracture healing. Currently, there is no standard of care regarding postopera...
The Management of Risk

The principal-agent tension between the company man and the contractor may actually create a healthy dialog that biases decisions toward safety. However, decisions must inevitably be made that provide some balance between reward and risk.
GaN tunnel switch diodes

Tunnel Switch Diodes (TSDs) exhibit a S-shaped IV curve with negative differential resistance. Because of tunneling, they are able to switch between a low-current, high-resistance state (HRS) and a high-current, low-resistance state (LRS) fast, making them promising for high-speed memory [1]. The TSD consists of a thin tunnel barrier on top of a pn junction, [Fig 1(a)]. In the HRS state, the barrier allows only a small tunneling current through. When biased beyond a switching voltage the p-layer of the pn-junction depletes from the surface field-effect, and the surface depletion edge reaches the depletion edge of the buried pn diode. This turns the buried diode on, which floods the p-layer with electrons. Much of these electrons become trapped in the top triangular quantum well barrier, self-biasing the device. Since this state is unstable, the drop in electric field moves from p-layer to barrer, with a sudden onset of tunneling current when the TSD reaches the LRS [Fig. 1(b)]. Reducing the applied bias reverses this process and the TSD switches back to the HRS state. The switching voltage can be found with V s = qN A (t p − x dep. )2)/2∊ semi ∊ o + t barrier √2q∊ semi N A φ s /∊ barrier ∊ o , where N A is the acceptor doping concentration, x dep is the pn junction depletion width in the p-layer, t p and t barrier are the thicknesses of the p-layer and tunneling barrier, and ∊ semi and ∊ barrier are the relative dielectric constants of p-layer and the barrier and φ s is the surface potential needed to deplete the p-layer. TSDs were studied in SiO 2 /Si and in AlSb/GaSb heterostructures recently [2,3]. Advances in GaN pn-diodes and polarization physics [4] present an exciting opportunity to realize TSDs with new functionality. This work demonstrates GaN homojunction and heterojunction TSDs for the first time.
T2-cardiac magnetic resonance: has Elvis left the building?

The region of myocardium hypoperfused during ischemia, also known as the area at risk (AAR), has sought our attention since the earliest understandings of the wavefront of progressive myocardial infarction (MI) due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS).1 Edema took center stage as evidence accrued that cardiomyocytes take on water in the setting of ischemia and reperfusion2; this, in turn, led to the notion that the myocyte's survival was determined by whether sarcolemmal membrane resistance was exceeded.3 The development of nuclear scintigraphic techniques afforded demonstration of the perfusion deficit in vivo at the time of presentation. Comparison with histology in a number of autopsy hearts confirmed that in many patients, a large scintigraphic defect often was present despite a small area of irreversibly injured or infarcted myocardium; that is, there appeared to be myocardium at risk of irreversible injury but potentially salvageable.4 The authors presciently concluded that this group of patients had the “greatest promise for intervention.” Articles see p 210 and 228 Fast forward to the present era of rapid mechanical revascularization coupled with a host of pharmacological maneuvers to restore blood flow, and what do we find: reduced but still significant morbidity (≥3.4% patients per year develop heart failure after MI5), mortality (≈20% of men and women aged >40 years die in the first year after initial MI6), and cost of subsequent care (≈$32,000 per patient is spent in the first year after MI7). Although increased infarct size consistently portends worse outcomes,8,9 it would make sense to develop interventions that reduce ultimate infarct size while myocardium is still salvageable; this, in turn, requires reliable …
The Cytoplasmic Tail Domain of Epstein-Barr Virus gH Regulates Membrane Fusion Activity through Altering gH Binding to gp42 and Epithelial Cell Attachment

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with infectious mononucleosis and a variety of cancers as well as lymphoproliferative disorders in immunocompromised patients. EBV mediates viral entry into epithelial and B cells using fusion machinery composed of four glycoproteins: gB, the gH/gL complex, and gp42. gB and gH/gL are required for both epithelial and B cell fusion. The specific role of gH/gL in fusion has been the most elusive among the required herpesvirus entry glycoproteins. Previous mutational studies have focused on the ectodomain of EBV gH and not on the gH cytoplasmic tail domain (CTD). In this study, we chose to examine the function of the gH CTD by making serial gH truncation mutants as well as amino acid substitution mutants to determine the importance of the gH CTD in epithelial and B cell fusion. Truncation of 8 amino acids (aa 698 to 706) of the gH CTD resulted in diminished fusion activity using a virus-free syncytium formation assay and fusion assay. The importance of the amino acid composition of the gH CTD was also investigated by amino acid substitutions that altered the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the CTD. These mutations also resulted in diminished fusion activity. Interestingly, some of the gH CTD truncation mutants and hydrophilic tail substitution mutants lost the ability to bind to gp42 and epithelial cells. In summary, our studies indicate that the gH CTD is an important functional domain. IMPORTANCE Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes diseases ranging from the fairly benign infectious mononucleosis to life-threatening cancer. Entry into target cells is the first step for viral infection and is important for EBV to cause disease. Understanding the EBV entry mechanism is useful for the development of infection inhibitors and developing EBV vaccine approaches. Epithelial and B cells are the main target cells for EBV infection. The essential glycoproteins for EBV entry include gB, gH/gL, and gp42. We characterized the function of the EBV gH C-terminal cytoplasmic tail domain (CTD) in fusion using a panel of gH CTD truncation or substitution mutants. We found that the gH CTD regulates fusion by altering gp42 and epithelial cell attachment. Our studies may lead to a better understanding of EBV fusion and entry, which may result in novel therapies that target the EBV entry step.
Walking through a virtual environment improves perceived size within and beyond the walked space.

Distances tend to be underperceived in virtual environments (VEs) by up to 50%, whereas distances tend to be perceived accurately in the real world. Previous work has shown that allowing participants to interact with the VE while receiving continual visual feedback can reduce this underperception. Judgments of virtual object size have been used to measure whether this improvement is due to the rescaling of perceived space, but there is disagreement within the literature as to whether judgments of object size benefit from interaction with feedback. This study contributes to that discussion by employing a more natural measure of object size. We also examined whether any improvement in virtual distance perception was limited to the space used for interaction (1–5 m) or extended beyond (7–11 m). The results indicated that object size judgments do benefit from interaction with the VE, and that this benefit extends to distances beyond the explored space.
Effects of ingesting a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without synephrine for 8 weeks on training adaptations in resistance-trained males

The purpose of this study was to examine whether ingesting a pre-workout dietary supplement (PWS) with and without synephrine (S) during training affects training responses in resistance-trained males. Resistance-trained males (N = 80) were randomly assigned to supplement their diet in a double-blind manner with either a flavored placebo (PLA); a PWS containing beta-alanine (3 g), creatine nitrate as a salt (2 g), arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (2 g), N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (300 mg), caffeine (284 mg), Mucuna pruiriens extract standardized for 15% L-Dopa (15 mg), Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid (500 mg), niacin (60 mg), folate as folic acid (50 mg), and Vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin (70 mg); or, the PWS supplement with Citrus aurantium extract containing 20 mg of synephrine (PWS + S) once per day for 8-weeks during training. Participants donated a fasting blood sample and had body composition (DXA), resting heart rate and blood pressure, cognitive function (Stroop Test), readiness to perform, bench and leg press 1 RM, and Wingate anaerobic capacity assessments determined a 0, 4, and 8-weeks of standardized training. Data were analyzed by MANOVA with repeated measures. Performance and cognitive function data were analyzed using baseline values as covariates as well as mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Blood chemistry data were also analyzed using Chi-square analysis. Although significant time effects were seen, no statistically significant overall MANOVA Wilks’ Lambda interactions were observed among groups for body composition, resting heart and blood pressure, readiness to perform questions, 1RM strength, anaerobic sprint capacity, or blood chemistry panels. MANOVA univariate analysis and analysis of changes from baseline with 95% CI revealed some evidence that cognitive function and 1RM strength were increased to a greater degree in the PWS and/or PWS + S groups after 4- and/or 8-weeks compared to PLA responses. However, there was no evidence that PWS + S promoted greater overall training adaptations compared to the PWS group. Dietary supplementation of PWS and PWS + S did not increase the incidence of reported side effects or significantly affect the number of blood values above clinical norms compared to PLA. Results provide some evidence that 4-weeks of PWS and/or PWS + S supplementation can improve some indices of cognitive function and exercise performance during resistance-training without significant side effects in apparently health males. However, these effects were similar to PLA responses after 8-weeks of supplementation and inclusion of synephrine did not promote additive benefits. This trial ( NCT02999581 ) was retrospectively registered on December 16th 2016.
Comparative Mapping of Seed Dormancy Loci Between Tropical and Temperate Ecotypes of Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Genotypic variation at multiple loci for seed dormancy (SD) contributes to plant adaptation to diverse ecosystems. Weedy rice (Oryza sativa) was used as a model to address the similarity of SD genes between distinct ecotypes. A total of 12 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for SD were identified in one primary and two advanced backcross (BC) populations derived from a temperate ecotype of weedy rice (34.3°N Lat.). Nine (75%) of the 12 loci were mapped to the same positions as those identified from a tropical ecotype of weedy rice (7.1°N Lat.). The high similarity suggested that the majority of SD genes were conserved during the ecotype differentiation. These common loci are largely those collocated/linked with the awn, hull color, pericarp color, or plant height loci. Phenotypic correlations observed in the populations support the notion that indirect selections for the wild-type morphological characteristics, together with direct selections for germination time, were major factors influencing allelic distributions of SD genes across ecotypes. Indirect selections for crop-mimic traits (e.g., plant height and flowering time) could also alter allelic frequencies for some SD genes in agroecosystems. In addition, 3 of the 12 loci were collocated with segregation distortion loci, indicating that some gametophyte development genes could also influence the genetic equilibria of SD loci in hybrid populations. The SD genes with a major effect on germination across ecotypes could be used as silencing targets to develop transgene mitigation (TM) strategies to reduce the risk of gene flow from genetically modified crops into weed/wild relatives.
Radio-frequency linear absorption coefficient of carbon materials, its dependence on the thickness and its independence on the carbon structure

Abstract This work provides the first explicit report of the linear absorption coefficient α of materials in the radio frequency regime (0.1–1.5 GHz). The coefficient decreases with increasing carbon thickness. The highest α (940 mm−1) is provided by the smallest carbon thickness (7 μm). The lowest α (38 mm−1) is provided by the largest carbon thickness (460 μm). For carbon thicknesses that are much larger than the skin depth, α is essentially independent of the thickness. For any frequency, α depends negligibly on the carbon structure, as its values for carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber and flexible graphite fall on the same curve of α vs. carbon thickness. This is expected from the wavelength being long (30 cm at 1 GHz) compared to the carbon microstructural dimensions. At frequencies ≥0.3 GHz, the decrease of α with the carbon thickness is approximately exponential, with the exponent related to the inverse of the skin depth. At 0.1 GHz, α tends to be below the value based on the exponential function. An absorption edge (with α increasing with increasing frequency) occurs at 0.5–1.0 GHz, as shown for carbon fiber mat.
Elemental and topographical imaging of microscopic variations in deposition on NSTX-U and DIII-D samples

Abstract Tokamak plasma facing components have surface roughness that can cause microscopic spatial variations in erosion and deposition and hence influence material migration, erosion lifetime, dust and tritium accumulation, and plasma contamination. However, high spatial resolution measurements of deposition on a sub-µm scale of surface roughness have been lacking to date. We will present elemental images of graphite samples from NSTX-U and DIII-D DiMES experiments performed with a Scanning Auger Microprobe at sub-micron resolution that show strong microscopic variations in deposition and correlate this with 3D topographical maps of surface irregularities. The NSTX-U samples were boronized and exposed to deuterium plasmas. The DiMES samples had localized Al and W films and were exposed to dedicated helium plasmas. Topographical maps of the samples were performed with a 3D confocal optical microscope and compared to the elemental deposition pattern. The results revealed localized deposition concentrated in areas shadowed from the ion flux, incident in a direction calculated by taking account of the magnetic sheath.
Matrix–Fracture Interactions During Flow in Organic Nanoporous Materials Under Loading

The transport of natural gas in shale resources is of multiscale and multiphysics nature. The gas transport involves dealing with pores of different length scales and geometrical orientation. Understanding and modeling the interactions of those pores are crucial for proper description of shale matrix deliverability and dynamics. These interactions are less understood at a microscopic scale during the depletion of shale reservoir. In this study, we consider transient flow behavior of a compressible fluid in organic nanoporous material with micro-fractures, or cracks, using a pore network modeling approach. We present a multistep workflow where the transport in the organic nanopores is studied considering the advective–diffusive–adsorptive mechanisms then, coupled with the microcracks for better understanding and optimizing of natural gas organic-rich shale. The natural gas is initially stored in the pore network at high pressure as free and adsorbed fluids and its pressure-driven viscous flow includes additional diffusion mechanisms. The percolation theory is used to obtain some approximations to the organic matrix flow regime coefficients. The organic materials–microcracks coupling term is derived and validated relating the flow rate exchange to the pressure difference with some modifications in order to account for the organic matrix transport dependency on the pressure. The coupling flow exchange term is used to link the local nanoscale heterogeneity to the large scale continuum modeling of shale reservoir. The upscaled model captures the transport exchange during the transient and steady-state flow conditions.
3D nanosystems enable embedded abundant-data computing: special session paper

The world's appetite for abundant-data computing, where a massive amount of structured and unstructured data is analyzed, has increased dramatically. The computational demands of these applications, such as deep learning, far exceed the capabilities of today's systems, especially for energy-constrained embedded systems (e.g., mobile systems with limited battery capacity). These demands are unlikely to be met by isolated improvements in transistor or memory technologies, or integrated circuit (IC) architectures alone. Transformative nanosystems, which leverage the unique properties of emerging nanotechnologies to create new IC architectures, are required to deliver unprecedented functionality, performance, and energy efficiency. We show that the projected energy efficiency benefits of domain-specific 3D nanosystems is in the range of 1,000x (quantified using the product of system-level energy consumption and execution time) over today's domain-specific 2D systems with off-chip DRAM. Such a drastic improvement is key to enabling new capabilities such as deep learning in embedded systems.
Effect of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/gelatin ratios on the characteristics of biomimetic composite nanofibrous scaffolds

Biomimetic composite nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated via the growth of calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals on electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/gelatin (PHGE) nanofibers with different polymer ratio to mimic the composite nature of bone tissue as well as the nanoscale features of extracellular matrix (ECM). The resulting composite scaffolds exhibited three-dimensionally interconnected microporous structures. The CaP crystals were successfully formed on not only the external surface but also the interior of the scaffolds. The amount of CaP crystals fabricated and the surface roughness of the scaffolds increased with increasing the PHBV content because of the formation of bead-typed CaP aggregates. Higher amount of CaP crystals significantly accelerated the deposit rate of bone-like apatite on the surface of composite membrane. The results of cytocompatibility tests demonstrated that PHGE41 scaffold, composed of PHBV/gelatin (4:1), promoted more rapid MC3T3-E1 proliferation and differentiation compared with other scaffolds. These results suggest that the PHGE composite scaffolds are ideal biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.
Torticollis in Paralysis of the Trochlear Nerve

The patient with paralytic strabismus assumes a compensatory head position in which the action of the palsied muscle can be avoided. Horizontal, vertical and torsional diplopia thus will be elimina...
Depression may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease in midlife women <65 years: A 9-year prospective cohort study.

Abstract Objective Depression has been suggested as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, whether the risk may be affected by age is unknown. We seek to assess the difference in long-term CHD risk between younger ( Methods Between June and August 2004, 1995 women presenting for routine mammography were enrolled to the primary study on breast arterial calcification. In 2005 (year 2), each woman completed a validated depression screening questionnaire. A similar questionnaire was mailed to each participant at year 4, 5, and 10 to obtain follow-up data (demographic and CHD risk factors) and record any change in CHD status. Results Of 1084 women who returned surveys at year 10, 998 had no history of CHD and answered depression screening questions at year 2 as well as questions about CHD events at year 10. Of 185 out of 998 (18.5%) who had positive depression screening at year 2, 24 (13.0%) developed ≥1 CHD events by year 10, which is significantly higher than the incidence of 6.5% (53/813) in control group (p Conclusion A history of depression may increase the risk of CHD over 9 years of follow-up, and more prominently in midlife women aged
Amputation stump perfusion is predictive of post-operative necrotic eschar formation.

Abstract Background A large proportion of patients develop poor amputation stump healing. We hypothesize that L aser- A ssisted F luorescent A ngiography (LAFA) can predict inadequate tissue perfusion and healing. Methods Over an 8-month period we reviewed all patients who underwent lower extremity amputation and LAFA. We evaluated intra-operative LAFA global and segmental stump perfusion, and post-operative modified Bates-Jensen (mBJS) wound healing scores. Results In 15 patients, amputation stumps with lower global perfusion demonstrated higher mBJS (P = 0.01). Lower suture-line perfusion also correlated with more eschar formation (P Conclusion LAFA is a useful adjunct for intra-operative stump perfusion assessment and can predict areas of poor stump healing and eschar formation. Diabetic patients seem to be at higher risk of stump eschar formation.
When may government interfere with religious practices to protect the health and safety of children

Summary Secular states may be asked to override parental decisions based on religious beliefs when these decisions lead to concerns for the well-being of the child or welfare of society at large. Particular difficulties arise when goals of limited state importance to secular society conflict with practices that matter a great deal to members of religious groups. We propose a prudentially-based approach to resolving these conflicts by balancing the interests of the affected child, those close to the child, and society, without compromising the child's needs. This approach acknowledges the importance of children's relational interests as members of families and religious cultures. It is compatible both with legal and bioethical practice. Decisions are contextually framed, taking into account the degree to which the state generally tolerates risks to children's health and safety. The constraints built into our approach protect against using child welfare as a pretext for attacks on minorities. Finally, use of this approach partially addresses the imprecision of other standards that have been applied to judge the appropriateness of parental decisions.
Estimate σ2 from a Normal Population

We first construct a fuzzy estimator for σ2 using the usual confidence intervals for the variance from a normal distribution and we show this fuzzy estimator is biased. Then in Section 6.3 we construct an unbiased fuzzy estimator for the variance.
In harm's way: Climate security vulnerability in Asia

Abstract Asian countries have among the highest numbers of people exposed to the impacts of climate-related hazards and, thus, at greatest risk of mass death. Floods, droughts, and storms have always tested civilian governments and international humanitarian aid agencies. However, climate change threatens to make the problem worse by increasing the intensity and possibly the frequency of climate-related hazards. Humanitarian emergencies potentially upend and reverse progress on development priorities, making improved spatial awareness of likely hot spots a priority for adaptation and preparedness. This article presents the findings of the effort to map sub-national “climate security vulnerability” in 11 countries in South and Southeast Asia. Climate security vulnerability is defined as areas where large numbers of people are at risk of death due to exposure to climate-related hazards and the follow-on consequences of exposure, including but not limited to conflict. The Asian Climate Security Vulnerability Model Version 1 (ACSV V1) found that Bangladesh, parts of southern and western Myanmar (the Ayeyarwady region and Rakhine state), and parts of southern and northwest Pakistan (Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces) were the most vulnerable from a climate security perspective. In terms of absolute numbers, the largest numbers of people who are exposed to climate hazards are in India followed by Bangladesh. Model results are compared with a geo-referenced version of the EM-DAT Disaster Database and by creating alternative model specifications informed by a survey of 18 regional experts.
Kronoseismology III: Waves in Saturn's inner C ring

Abstract We investigate waves driven in Saturn’s rings by planetary normal modes, concentrating on the previously unexplored inner C ring. In this region, the known waves all have exceptionally short wavelengths, which has proven problematic for previous studies that depended on the accurate estimate of wave phases for wave identification. However, detailed study of over 200 stellar and radio occultations observed by Cassini, involving measurements of ∼ 65 circular ring features, has resulted in a radius scale for the rings which has absolute errors of ∼ 250 m and internal (relative) uncertainties of ∼ 150 m (French et al., 2017). This permits us to measure the phases of waves with wavelengths as short as ∼ 1 km, or even less, which has enabled the identification of additional waves in the inner C ring. Using a variety of wavelet-based approaches and employing stellar occultation data acquired by the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) instrument, we have identified three new Saturn-driven outer Lindblad resonance density waves: W76.02 (radius near 76020 km, wavenumber m = − 9 ), W76.44 ( m = − 2 ) , and W76.46 ( m = − 7 ) . We also identify a new class of waves driven by Saturn’s internal oscillations: vertical (bending) waves W74.67 ( m = − 7 ) , W74.93 ( m = − 4 ) , W74.94 ( m = − 9 ) , and W76.24 ( m = − 8 ) . All of these identifications are based on the three observational parameters that can be derived from the wave profiles: their m-values (or number of spiral arms), their pattern speeds ΩP, and their directions of propagation. These results, when combined with previous identifications of Saturn-driven waves, provide significant constraints on Saturn’s internal structure.
CARDIAC PLATYPNEA-ORTHODEOXIA SYNDROME: A RARE CAUSE OF HYPOXEMIA

Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome (POS) is a relatively rare condition, characterized by dyspnea that is exacerbated in the upright position due to transient arterial desaturation caused by the shunting of blood, usually through a patent foramen ovale (PFO), from the right to the left atrium. Symptoms
Documented exogenous progesterone hypersensitivity related to the use of combined oral contraceptive

An 18-year-old woman with medical history of asthma reported a maculopapular non-pruritic rash on her neck and chest, throat closing sensation and chest tightness after 6 weeks of treatment with a combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) ordered by her gynaecologist. The medication contained ferrous
Economic Analysis of Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation for Open-field Fresh-market Tomato Production in Southwest and North Florida

With the phase-out of methyl bromide due to its impact on ozone depletion, research has focused on developing alternative chemical and biologically based soil disinfestation methods. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) was developed to control plant-parasitic nematodes, weeds, and soilborne pathogens. However, whether farmers will adopt ASD methods on a large scale is unknown. This study evaluates the economic viability of using ASD in open-field, fresh-market tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production, drawing on data from field experiments conducted in 2015 in Immokalee, FL, and Citra, FL. The experiment included three treatments: chemical soil fumigation (CSF), ASD1 [the standard ASD treatment with 1482 gal/acre molasses and 9 tons/acre composted poultry litter (CPL)], and ASD0.5 (the reduced rate ASD treatment with 741 gal/acre molasses and 4.5 tons/acre CPL). Results from the economic analysis show that ASD treatments require higher labor costs than CSF regarding land preparation and treatment application. However, yields from ASD treatments are higher than those resulting from CSF, and the improvement in yield was enough to offset the increased labor costs. Relative to CSF, ASD0.5, and ASD1 achieved additional net returns of $630.38/acre and $2770.13/acre, respectively, in Immokalee, FL. However, due to unexpected conditions unrelated to soil treatments, the net return of ASD1 was lower than that of CSF in Citra, FL. Breakeven analysis indicates that ASD treatments would remain favorable even with an increase in the molasses price. However, when the tomato price is low, ASD could potentially lose its advantage over CSF.
Algorithm for determination of thresholds of significant coherence in time-frequency analysis

Abstract A quantitative assessment of the level of coherence between two signals is important in many applications. Two biomedically relevant cases are Transfer Function Analysis (TFA) of Cerebral Autoregulation (CA) and Coherent Hemodynamics Spectroscopy (CHS), where the first signal is Arterial Blood Pressure ( A B P ) and the second signal is either cerebral Blood Flow Velocity ( B F V ) or cerebral hemoglobin concentration. To determine the time intervals and frequency bands in which the signals are significantly coherent, a coherence threshold is required. This threshold of significant coherence can be found using multiple samples of surrogate data to generate a distribution of coherence. Then the 95 t h percentile of the distribution can be used as the threshold corresponding to a significance level α = 0.05 . However, storing the entire coherence distribution uses a large amount of computer memory. To address this problem, we have developed an algorithm to determine the coherence threshold with little memory usage. A subfield of data streaming algorithms is devoted to finding quantiles using little memory. This work does not aim to find a new streaming algorithm but rather to develop an algorithm that can be tailored to the needs of applications such as TFA and CHS. The algorithm presented here identifies the coherence thresholds for a wavelet scaleogram using much less memory then what would be required to store the entire coherence distribution.
Unplanned purchase decision making under simultaneous financial and time pressure

This research examines responses to marketing tactics when consumers consider personal finances, time availability, and the two combined. When considering extenuating circumstances, consumer purcha...
Principles and applications of mathematical and physical modelling of metallurgical processes

This article reviews the principles and methods for formulating mathematical or physical models that are useful in the design, analysis and optimization of metallurgical processes. Mathematical mod...
Translational Windows in Chordoma: A Target Appraisal

Chordomas are rare tumors that are notoriously refractory to chemotherapy and radiotherapy when radical surgical resection is not achieved or upon recurrence after maximally aggressive treatment. The study of chordomas has been complicated by small patient cohorts and few available model systems due to the rarity of these tumors. Emerging next-generation sequencing technologies have broadened understanding of this disease by implicating novel pathways for possible targeted therapy. Mutations in cell-cycle regulation and chromatin remodeling genes have been identified in chordomas, but their significance remains unknown. Investigation of the immune microenvironment of these tumors suggests that checkpoint protein expression may influence prognosis, and adjuvant immunotherapy may improve patient outcome. Finally, growing evidence supports aberrant growth factor signaling as potential pathogenic mechanisms in chordoma. In this review, we characterize the impact on treatment opportunities offered by the genomic and immunologic landscape of this tumor.
Bridgman growth of LLF:Yb single-crystals for laser cooling and radiation-balanced lasers

High purity is a fundamental requirement to enable laser-cooling-grade materials. The vertical Bridgman method is well suited for crystal growth on the few-grams scale, which is compatible with purification techniques that aim to exceed the typical 99.999% to 99.9999% purity of commercial precursor materials. Here, we present advances in the Bridgman crystal growth of cooling-grade LLF:Yb single crystals in a radio-frequency heated furnace. Optical spectroscopy, cooling efficiency, and power cooling characterization are reported. COMSOL simulations were used to investigate the thermal gradient inside the crucible as the crystal growth proceeds.
Academic Stress and Emotional Well-Being in United States College Students Following Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 has resulted in extraordinary disruptions to the higher education landscape. Here, we provide a brief report on 295 students' academic perceptions and emotional well-being in late May 2020. Students reported the high levels of uncertainty regarding their academic futures as well as significant levels of stress and difficulty coping with COVID-19 disruptions. These outcomes were related to the higher levels of neuroticism and an external locus of control. Female students reported worse emotional well-being compared to males, and the students of color reported the significantly higher levels of stress and uncertainty regarding their academic futures compared to White students. These results suggest that some students may be at particular risk for academic stress and poor emotional well-being due to the pandemic and highlight the urgent need for intervention and prevention strategies.
Interphysician weight bias: A cross-sectional observational survey study to guide implicit bias training in the medical workplace.

OBJECTIVES Implicit bias contributes to both health care disparities and professional limitations, and it exists among physicians. Prior literature has described physician weight bias (WB) toward patients, but little research has investigated interphysician WB. This study describes the prevalence of interphysician implicit WB and investigates the relationships between implicit, explicit, and professional biases. The authors hypothesized that the majority of physicians possess interphysician implicit WB and that the degree of implicit bias has a direct relationship with explicit and professional WB. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a survey was used to measure interphysician implicit, explicit, and professional WB. It included adaptations of two previously validated measures (the Implicit Association Test and the Crandall Anti-fat Attitudes Questionnaire) and an investigator developed and tested Professional Weight Bias Scale. The survey was distributed electronically via medical society message boards, email lists, and social media groups. RESULTS A total of 620 physicians and medical students participated. Fifty-eight percent were female, ages ranged from 22 to 83 years (mean = 44 years), and body mass index (BMI) ranged from 16 to 59 (mean = 26). Descriptive analyses revealed that 87% had some degree of implicit interphysician antifat bias, with 31% and 34% categorized as moderate and severe, respectively. Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed that male sex, increased age, and decreased BMI were related to increased implicit bias, controlling for all other factors. Furthermore, implicit, explicit, and professional bias all had significant, direct relationships with each other. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the prevalence of interphysician implicit WB; the strong correlations between implicit, explicit, and professional WB; and the potential disparities faced by physicians with obesity. These results may be used to guide implicit bias training for a more inclusive medical workplace.
The Effect of Inlet Flow Profile Simplifications in Computational Fluid Dynamics of the Carotid Bifurcation

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is emerging as a powerful tool for researching the role of blood flow in disease processes. Modern clinical imaging technology such as magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and computed tomography (CT) can provide very high resolution information about the geometry of patients’ vasculature for such modeling. However, in many situations, patient-specific inlet velocity information is not available. In these situations, a simplified velocity profile must be selected. In this study, we sought to identify how idealized inlet velocity profiles (blunt flow, parabolic flow, and Womersley flow) affect patient-specific CFD results when compared to simulations employing the real measured velocity profile for each patient. Focusing on the carotid bifurcation, a site prone to atherosclerosis because of its branching geometry and oscillatory flow patterns, we investigated the effect of inlet flow assumptions on hemodynamic parameters known to be associated with atherosclerosis and vascular disease, namely mean wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) [1].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Synaptic and Cellular Basis of Learning

1 Memory's Two Major Forms 2 Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity 3 Learning-Induced Growth of New Sensory Neuron Synapses 4 Functional Contribution of Presynaptic Structural Changes to Long-Term Facilitation 5 5-HT-Induced Regulation of the Presynaptic Actin Network 6 Chromatin Remodeling and Epigenetic Changes During Long-Term Memory Storage 7 Consolidation of Long-Term Memory 8 Stabilization of Learning-Related Synaptic Growth 9 Summary Keywords: aplysia; cell adhesion molecules; explicit memory; gene expression; implicit memory; learning and memory; local protein synthesis; long-term facilitation; LTF; long-term potentiation; LTP; long-term sensitization; long-term memory; memory storage; nascent synapse; silent synapse; structural changes; synapse; synapse formation; synaptic growth; synaptic plasticity; synaptic remodeling; transcription; translation
An Analysis of the Purposes of Cost Accounting in Large U.S. Cities

Research on U.S. government cost accounting has received little attention in recent years. This article analyzes four of the main reasons why large cities use cost accounting: performance management, grant overhead recovery, rate setting, and cost management to reduce fiscal stress. Using a cross section of 81 cities with populations over 100,000 people, it finds that cost allocation plans are correlated with lower fund balances and are positively correlated with enterprise expenditures. These correlations suggest that the use of cost accounting is related to fiscal stress and rate setting. Research limitations and policy implications are addressed.
Deconvolution of sensor array signals using time-scaling

We present a novel solution to a deconvolution problem in which the data to be deconvolved consist of sensor array measurements. Our model assumes that the data are generated as a convolution of an unknown wavelet with various time-scaled versions of an unknown reflectivity sequence. This type of data, occurs in many array signal processing applications, including radar, sonar and seismic processing. Our approach relies on exploiting the redundancy in the measurements due to time-scaling, and does not require knowledge of the wavelet or reflectivity sequence. Furthermore, we make no assumptions on the statistical properties of these signals. We formulate and solve the deconvolution problem as a quadratic minimization subject to a quadratic constraint. We also illustrate the performance of the technique using simulation examples. >
Walking The Tightrope

While globalisation presents many potential benefits, it also poses special challenges. In a democracy, it is necessary that the process of reform be perceived as equitable and caring. – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 2004. (Author’s italics)
Robust Decision Making: Addressing Uncertainties in Distributions

This paper develops a general approach to risk management in military applications involving uncertainties in information and distributions. The risk of loss, damage, or failure is measured by the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) measure. Loosely speaking, CVaR with the confidence level α estimates the risk of loss by averaging the possible losses over the (1 - α) · 100% worst cases (e.g., 10%). As a function of decision variables, CVaR is convex and therefore can be efficiently controlled/optimized using convex or (under quite general assumptions) linear programming. The general methodology was tested on two Weapon-Target Assignment (WTA) problems. It is assumed that the distributions of random variables in the WTA formulations are not known with certainty. The total cost of a mission (including weapon attrition) was minimized, while satisfying operational constraints and ensuring destruction of all targets with high probabilities. The risk of failure of the mission (e.g., targets are not destroyed) is controlled by CVaR constraints. The case studies conducted show that there are significant qualitative and quantitative differences in solutions of deterministic WTA and stochastic WTA problems.
Business Perspective Brand Tracking of Toyota Corolla Case Study for Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to track brand health of Toyota Corolla in Karachi. The research will study the brand awareness of Toyota Corolla in Karachi and the further it will explore the new dimensions of salient features that Toyota Motors introduced. The findings of our research are as following: There exists a lot of potential in the market for automobiles and Toyota occupies a key position in the industry. We conducted an exploratory research and performed interviews and surveys in Karachi. Our respondent base was 300 people of who were the owners and drivers of Toyota Corolla and other competitor brand of same capacity. We got a positive feedback about the image and brand equity of Toyota Corolla. Based on our questionnaire, about 80% of the respondents claimed that they are aware of Toyota Corolla brand. The conclusions that we make from our findings are that the GLI model is the most luxurious model that respondent perceived from its use. The general preference of the respondents regarding cars is “neutral”. We also got positive results regarding brand recall from the open ended question regarding the tag lines and Toyota logo. The only variant of Toyota model ie Toyota Corolla Diesel or 2.OD Saloon, majority of respondent claimed the awareness of diesel model car. Our research was of high qualitative nature. We provided a much valuable insight with our research analysis that we were endowed with and that has proved to be a very healthy activity for our acumen and has added value to our experience.
Localization of the Active Site through Chemical Modification of the Encephalitogenic Protein

Abstract The encephalitogenic basic protein of the myelin contains 168 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 18,200. Among these residues, there are 2 methionines and 1 tryptophan. In order to locate and identify the number of encephalitogenic determinants of this protein, chemical degradation of the methionine and modifications of the tryptophan by various specific reagents were carried out. Cleavage of the polypeptide chain at the methionyl residues was effected with cyanogen bromide. Three peptides were produced. Peptide C-1 (20 amino acid residues) was derived from the amino-terminal part of the protein, Peptide C-2 (143 residues) from the middle part, and Peptide C-3 (3 residues) from the carboxyl terminus. Only Peptide C-2 is active at the same level as the parent protein. These results are in agreement with our previous report that part of the amino-terminal segment of the protein can be removed without affecting the biological activity. The tryptophan residue was modified by the following reagents: 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide, oxidation by performic acid, alkylation with 2-nitrophenylsulfenyl chloride, and formylation with formic acid saturated with HCl gas. The modified proteins, except the formylated one, were not encephalitogenic in guinea pigs. The animals did not show any neurological sign during the assay period of 30 days. The same compounds were tested with rabbits and the rabbits developed typical experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. It is concluded that there are at least two encephalitogenic determinants. One contains tryptophan, a residue essential for activity in guinea pigs, and the other is active in rabbits without the tryptophan residue. The results suggest that the encephalitogenic determinant is species-specific.
Subsonic/Transonic Cascade Flutter Using a Full-Potential Solver

References iRoerner, S. F., Fluid Dynamic Drag, NJ, 1965. Morel, T., and Bohn, M., "Flow over Two Circular Disks In Tandem," Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Journal of Fluids Engineering, Vol. 102, March 1980, pp. 104-111. Koenig, K., and Roshko, A., "An Experimental Study of Geometrical Effects on the Drag and Flow Field of Two Bluff Bodies Separated by a Gap," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 156, July 1985, pp. 167-204. Pamadi, B. N., Pereira, C., and Gowda, B. H. L., "Drag Reduction by Strakes of Noncircular Cylinders," AIAA Journal, Vol. 26, No. 3, 1986, pp. 292-299. Castro, I. P., and Robins, A. G., "The Flow Field Around a Surface Mounted Cube in Uniform and Turbulent Stream," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 79, Pt. 2, 1977, pp. 307-335. Ogava, Y., and Oikava, S., "A Field Investigation of the Flow and Diffusion Around a Model Cube," Atmospheric Environment, Vol. 16, No. 2, 1982, pp. 207-222. Gowda, B. H. L., Gerhardt, H. J., and Kramer, C., "Surface Flow Field Around Three-dimensional Bluff Bodies," Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, Vol. 11, 1983, pp. 405-420. Khalid, M., Palaniappan, C. T., and Rathakrishnan, E., "Passive Device for Base Drag Reduction," Proceedings of the 18th National Conference on Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Power, Indone, India, 1991, pp. G25-G34. Gowda, B. H. L., and Sitheeq, M., "Effect of Interference on the Pressure Distribution on a Three-Dimensional Bluff Body in Tandem Arrangement," Indian Journal of Technology, Vol. 29, No. 1, 1991, PP.1-8. _____________
Screening high-risk children for asthma through a community intervention

AbstractObjective: Many children, particularly those from inner city neighborhoods, have undiagnosed asthma. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of an asthma screening, referral and follow-up intervention in an inner city community setting in early identification of children at risk for undiagnosed asthma. Methods: A descriptive longitudinal cohort design was used to assess children at baseline and at a 2-year follow-up. Parents of children in a private day school and a church Sunday school (N = 103) completed a validated Asthma Screening Tool at both time periods. Children with asthma and at risk for asthma were referred to a primary care provider (PCP). Results: At baseline, screening of 103 children, ages 3-17 years (mean=7.7 ± 2.9), were categorized as known asthma diagnosis (n = 22), at-risk for undiagnosed asthma (n = 52) and not at-risk for asthma (n = 29). Sixty-two (60.2%) parents responded to the 2-year follow-up. Referral to PCP was kept by 61.5% from the known asthma group and by...