cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corresponding states at small interatomic distances

By measuring the thermodynamic properties of condensed rare gases in single shock experiments to pressures of about 400,000 atmospheres, it has been established within the present (approximately 2%) accuracy that argon and xenon are in corresponding states up to about 200,000 atmospheres. At higher pressures strong deviations from corresponding states become apparent, which can be traced to large-scale thermal excitation of electrons in xenon to the conduction band across a pressure-narrowed energy gap. Corresponding states behavior implies that deviations from pair-wise additivity of the intermolecular potential may be neglectedi). Therefore the pair potential derived from the data should and indeed does agree with the results obtained from molecular beam scattering within the experimental accuracys). Also gratifying is the close agreement with the theoretical pair potential derived from the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac theory a). The intermolecular potential for the class of substances following corresponding states behavior must furthermore be of the form of an energy scaling parameter, E, multiplied by a universal function of the intermolecular distance. This universal function, however, is poorly represented by the customary inverse twelfth power of the intermolecular distance, but can be approximated quite well by a less repulsive exponential function. The single shock experiments were carried out on liquid xenon in an analogous manner as they had been previously on liquid argon4). The corresponding initial conditions for argon and xenon were taken, respectively, to be 86.O”K, 1.88 atm and 165.2”K, 2.24 atm5). Since the initial, unshocked states of argon and xenon are in corresponding states, their Hugoniots should coincide when plotted in terms of reduced quantities (quantity divided by its value at the critical point), if corresponding states behavior continues to be obeyed. The heavy inert gases were chosen since they are the most likely substances to obey corresponding statesr). They had previously been found to obey this rule quite wells) from measurements on the normal solid and lower density states, that is for properties which depend heavily on the
A reduction recovery algorithm for frequency-domain layered finite element analysis of large-scale high-frequency integrated circuits

High-frequency digital, mixed-signal, and RF IC design demands accurate full- wave analysis for pre-layout design optimization and post-layout performance verification. However, traditional full-wave modeling techniques suffer from the well-known problems of large memory requirement and long CPU run time. Although efficient algorithms have been studied to mitigate this problem, very large-scale IC design (1) demands very large-scale electromagnetic (EM) solutions, which cannot be offered by many current computational EM techniques, and (2) imposes many unique modeling challenges that are totally new to the EM community. Therefore, it is of critical importance to develop high-capacity EM methods amenable for ICs to drive continual VLSI revolution. In (D. Jiao et al., 2007 and 2006), a layered finite element method was developed for high-frequency modeling of large-scale three-dimensional on-chip circuits. The method is shown to possess a high capacity to solve large-scale IC problems. In this paper, we propose a reduction recovery algorithm to further improve the capability of the layered finite element method. Given the solution in one layer, this algorithm can recover the solutions in other layers. In addition, the recovery scheme only involves single-layer computational complexity. Its validity has been demonstrated by numerical experiments.
Not Much More Than g? An Examination of the Impact of Intelligence on NFL Performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency and equity of general mental ability (GMA) in a nontraditional employment setting—professional football. The National Football League (NFL) uses a measure of GMA, the Wonderlic Personnel Test, to evaluate potential draftees in an assessment-style environment. A total of 762 NFL players, represented from three draft classes, were included in our sample. In terms of efficiency, results indicated that GMA was unrelated to (a) future NFL performance, (b) selection decisions during the NFL Draft, and (c) the number of games started in the NFL. In regards to equity, differential prediction analyses by race suggested only the existence of intercept bias. The implications of these findings to the NFL and the selection literature are further discussed.
The Cosmic-Ray Ionization Rate

A wide variety of molecules have been observed in the interstellar clouds. They are believed to be formed by reaction networks which begin with ionization by cosmicrays. Cosmic-rays are also an important heating mechanism for many astrophysical regions. In this paper I shall review the methods used to infer the cosmic-ray ionization rate and the values which have been measured.
RAYLEIGH WAVE TRANSMISSION ON ELASTIC WEDGES

A method is introduced by which transmission or conversion coefficients can readily be calculated for surface‐wave action at crustal discontinuities which can be idealized as wedge‐shaped obstacles. The method, an iteration procedure, is illustrated by an application to Rayleigh‐wave propagation on elastic wedges with free boundaries. It is shown that the leading term of the iteration procedure yields an expression for the transmission coefficient which matches the experimental data for a range of wedge angles which includes the crustal wedges commonly found in seismic practice. Numerical data are presented which illustrate the transmission coefficient’s variation in terms of Poisson’s ratio and the wedge angle.
An integrative analysis of DNA methylation and RNA-Seq data for human heart, kidney and liver

Many groups, including our own, have proposed the use of DNA methylation profiles as biomarkers for various disease states. While much research has been done identifying DNA methylation signatures in cancer vs. normal etc., we still lack sufficient knowledge of the role that differential methylation plays during normal cellular differentiation and tissue specification. We also need thorough, genome level studies to determine the meaning of methylation of individual CpG dinucleotides in terms of gene expression. In this study, we compiled unique DNA methylation signatures from normal human heart, lung, and kidney using the Illumina Infinium 27K methylation arrays and compared those to gene expression by RNA sequencing. We have identified unique signatures of global DNA methylation for human heart, kidney and liver, and showed that DNA methylation data can be used to correctly classify various tissues. It indicates that DNA methylation reflects tissue specificity and may play an important role in tissue differentiation. The integrative analysis of methylation and RNA-Seq data showed that gene methylation and its transcriptional levels were comprehensively correlated. The location of methylation markers in terms of distance to transcription start site and CpG island showed no effects on the regulation of gene expression by DNA methylation in normal tissues. This study showed that an integrative analysis of methylation array and RNA-Seq data can be utilized to discover the global regulation of gene expression by DNA methylation and suggests that DNA methylation plays an important role in normal tissue differentiation via modulation of gene expression.
Vertical optical communication through stacked silicon wafers using hybrid monolithic thin film InGaAsP emitters and detectors

The authors report the first demonstration of vertical optical communication through stacked Si wafers using low-cost hybrid monolithic thin-film InGaAsP/InP emitters and detectors, designed for operation at 1.3 mu m. A thin-film InGaAsP homojunction light-emitting diode (LED) (4.5- mu m thick) was deposited onto a polished, nitride-coated Si wafer using a modified epitaxial liftoff technique. A InP/InGaAsP/InP p-i-n photodetector (4.5- mu m thick) was similarly deposited on an identically prepared Si wafer. The emitter and detector were then aligned, resulting in a stacked wafer configuration suitable for vertical through-wafer optical communication. This integration technique eliminates the need for direct growth of compound semiconductors onto Si. >
Blends of rigid and rubbery engineering thermoplastics

Polyblends of three engineering thermoplastics with three engineering thermoplastic elastomers and three compatibilizers produced four examples of synergistic improvement of impact strength and, in one case, surprisingly, increase of modulus. Blending 10% of polyetheramide with polysulfone increased impact strength up to 5×. Blending 10% of polyurethane with polysulfone increased impact strength up to 4×. Blending 10% of polyetheramide plus 1–5% of phenoxy resin with polyarylate increased impact strength up to 2×. Blending 25% of polyetherester plus 2–4% of compatibilizers (phenoxy resin, polybutylene terephthalate, or styrene/maleic anhydride) with polyarylate surprisingly increased tensile modulus up to 31%. Blending 10% of polyetherester with polybutylene terephthalate increased impact strength 58%.
The emerging role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in redox biology and some implications for plasma applications to medicine and biology

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the closely related reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are often generated in applications of atmospheric pressure plasmas intended for biomedical purposes. These species are also central players in what is sometimes referred to as ‘redox’ or oxidation‐reduction biology. Oxidation‐reduction biochemistry is fundamental to all of aerobic biology. ROS and RNS are perhaps best known as disease-associated agents, implicated in diabetes, cancer, heart and lung disease, autoimmune disease and a host of other maladies including ageing and various infectious diseases. These species are also known to play active roles in the immune systems of both animals and plants and are key signalling molecules, among many other important roles. Indeed, the latest research has shown that ROS/RNS play a much more complex and nuanced role in health and ageing than previously thought. Some of the most potentially profound therapeutic roles played by ROS and RNS in various medical interventions have emerged only in the last several years. Recent research suggests that ROS/RNS are significant and perhaps even central actors in the actions of antimicrobial and anti-parasite drugs, cancer therapies, wound healing therapies and therapies involving the cardiovascular system. Understanding the ways ROS/RNS act in established therapies may help guide future efforts in exploiting novel plasma medical therapies. The importance of ROS and RNS to plant biology has been relatively little appreciated in the plasma biomedicine community, but these species are just as important in plants. It appears that there are opportunities for useful applications of plasmas in this area as well. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Fabrication of carbohydrate microarrays on a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-based photoactive substrate

We report the fabrication of carbohydrate microarrays on a photoactive polymer, poly(HEMA-co-HEMA-PFPA), synthesized by RAFT copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and perfluorophenyl azide (PFPA)-derivatized HEMA (HEMA-PFPA). PFPA allows the covalent immobilization of carbohydrates whereas the HEMA polymer provides an antifouling surface, thus the microarrays can be used directly without pretreating the array with a blocking agent. The microarrays were prepared by spin-coating the polymer followed by printing the carbohydrates. Subsequent irradiation simultaneously immobilized the carbohydrates and crosslinked the polymer matrix. The obtained 3D carbohydrate microarrays showed enhanced fluorescence signals upon treating with a fluorescent lectin in comparison with a 2D microarray. The signals were acquired at a lower lectin concentration and a shorter incubation time. When treated with E. coli bacteria, the carbohydrate microarray showed results that were consistent with their binding patterns.
MIXED-SPECIES FLOCKING AND FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF FOUR NEOTROPICAL WARBLERS IN PANAMANIAN SHADE COFFEE FIELDS AND FORESTS

Abstract We quantified foraging rates and foraging visibility metrics for four Neotropical warblers—Slate-throated Redstart (Myoborus miniatus), Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus), Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla), and Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia)—under flocking and solitary conditions in western Panama to test hypotheses regarding the relative influences of predation pressure and social facilitation on foraging behavior. We also compared foraging behavior in primary forests and in traditionally managed shade coffee fields for two species (Slate-throated Redstart and Wilson's Warbler) to estimate spatial variation in foraging behavior and compare it to variation due to social situation (flocking or solitary). We then assessed the contribution of spatial variation in flocking propensity to the total spatial variation in foraging rates within species. We observed very little overall within-species variability in foraging behavior between social situations or study locations. O...
Planning and Implementing Marketing Education Programs for Developing Countries

This paper presents an analysis of factors associated with the transfer of marketing education programs to developing countries. Discussion of considerations and pitfalls which international marketing educators may encounter in planning and implementing such programs is provided. The analysis and discussion are approached from both the macro and micro-planning perspectives. Additionally, an educational program case focusing on comparative bank marketing systems is discussed.
New facts about Hilbert's seventeenth problem

I-filbert originally stated his seventeenth problem as the question: Is a rational function in n variables with rational coefficients which is everywhere nonnegative on the rationals necessarily a sum of squares of rational functions with rational coefficients? Artin proved the following stronger result: Let K be a uniquely orderable field which is Archimedean. Then if f is a rational function with coefficients from K and f is non-negative on K then f is a sum of squares of rational functions with coefficients in K. The proof given by Artin naturally depends heavily on the fact that K is Archimedean. In conversations with Angus Maclntyre the following question was raised: What exactly characterizes the 1 ordered fields for which Hilbert's conjecture holds ? This paper deals with this and related questions. In particular, the principal result in this direction will be a proof that Hilbert' s conjecture holds on an ordered field, K, if and only if K is dense in its real closure and K is uniquely orderable. The fact that all ordered fields are not dense in their real closures can easily be seen by considering the field Q(t), where t is a transcendental which is placed greater than all the rationals. There is nothing from Q(t) in the interval (~-, Z ~-). In fact, if A is the field of real 2 algebraic numbers, no non-rational element of A is a limit point of Q(t). We begin with a definition:
A conceptual model of the psychological health system for U.S. active duty service members: an approach to inform leadership and policy decision making.

ABSTRACTThe influence of individual-level factors such as pretraumatic risk and protective factors and the availability of unit-level and enterprise-level factors on psychological health outcomes have been previously considered individually, but have not been considered in tandem across the U.S. Military psychological health system. We use the existing literature on military psychological health to build a conceptual system dynamics model of the U.S. Military psychological health system “service-cycle” from accession and deployment to future psychological health screening and treatment. The model highlights a few key observations, challenges, and opportunities for improvement for the system that relate to several topics including the importance of modeling operational demand combined with the population's psychological health as opposed to only physical health; the role of resilience and post-traumatic growth on the mitigation of stress; the positive and negative effects of pretraumatic risk factors, unit...
Caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores of canine cerebrum and cerebellum neurons.

[3H]ryanodine binding to and Ca2+ release from microsomal fractions derived from canine cerebrum (CBR) and cerebellum (CBL) were investigated. High-affinity ryanodine binding sites were detected in both cerebrum and cerebellum microsomes [CBR: maximal binding capacity (Bmax) = 446 fmol/mg protein, dissociation constant (Kd) = 9 nM, Hill coefficient (n) = 0.95; CBL: Bmax = 650, Kd = 12, n = 1.8]. Ryanodine binding in both fractions was increased by millimolar concentrations of ATP [or its nonhydrolyzable analogue beta, gamma-methyleneadenosine 59-triphosphate (AMP-PCP)] and micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ but was decreased by micromolar concentrations of ruthenium red, similar to that found in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of striated muscle. The addition of caffeine or the sudden elevation of extravesicular Ca2+ induced a rapid La(3+)-sensitive Ca2+ release from both CBR and CBL microsomal fractions with rate constants of approximately 100 s-1, as determined by stopped-flow photometry of the Ca2+ indicator arsenazo III. The release of Ca2+ was activated by either millimolar ATP or AMP-PCP, blocked by micromolar concentrations of La3+, and significantly inhibited by 50 microM ryanodine. Mg2+ and ruthenium red in millimolar and micromolar concentrations, respectively, caused only a slight inhibition of Ca2+ release. These results indicate that rapid Ca2+ release occurs from caffeine-, Ca2+- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores in both CBR and CBL microsomal fractions.
Stability of Grafted Polymer Nanoscale Films toward Gamma Irradiation

The present article focuses on the influence of gamma irradiation on nanoscale polymer grafted films and explores avenues for improvements in their stability toward the ionizing radiation. In terms of applications, we concentrate on enrichment polymer layers (EPLs), which are polymer thin films employed in sensor devices for the detection of chemical and biological substances. Specifically, we have studied the influence of gamma irradiation on nanoscale poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) grafted EPL films. First, it was determined that a significant level of cross-linking was caused by irradiation in pure PGMA films. The cross-linking is accompanied by the formation of conjugated ester, carbon double bonds, hydroxyl groups, ketone carbonyls, and the elimination of epoxy groups as determined by FTIR. Polystyrene, 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl, dimethylphenylsilanol, BaF2, and gold nanoparticles were incorporated into the films and were found to mitigate different aspects of the radiation damage.
Review of the bivalve genus Plicatula from Cretaceous and lower Cenozoic strata of California and Baja California

The Cretaceous and early Cenozoic species of the shallow-marine, warm-water bivalve Plicatula from California (United States) and Baja California (Mexico) are reviewed, and three new species are named. All of these species are representatives of Plicatula and not of the closely related taxon Harpax, which is associated with high-latitude and cool-water regions. The earliestknown Cretaceous species of Plicatula from the study area is P. variata Gabb, 1864, from Lower Cretaceous (Hauterivian Stage) strata in northern California, and our studies show it to be conspecific with Plicatula onoensis Anderson, 1958. Plicatula allisoni new species is from Lower Cretaceous (Albian Stage) strata in Baja California, Mexico. Plicatula modjeskaensis new species is from Upper Cretaceous (Turonian Stage) strata in the Santa Ana Mountains, southern California. A possible new species from the same strata is also mentioned. A poorly preserved specimen of Plicatula? sp. is known from Upper Cretaceous (upper Campanian to lower Maastrichtian) strata in northern California. The only Paleocene species of Plicatula from the study area is P. ostreiformis Stanton, 1896, from lower Paleocene strata of Lake County, northern California, and our studies show it to be conspecific with Ostrea buwaldana Dickerson, 1914. The only previously described Eocene species of Plicatula from the study area is P. juncalensis Squires, 1987, from lower middle Eocene (“Capay Stage”) strata of Los Angeles County, southern California. Plicatula surensis new species is from middle lower Eocene (“Capay Stage”) strata in Baja California Sur, Mexico. In addition, there is a Plicatula? sp. from Eocene strata of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Although Plicatula is of uncommon occurrence north of Baja California, its thermophilic trait makes it useful in recognizing periods of warm climate.
THE NIGERIA CIVIL SERVICE SECTOR AND THE RATE OF CORRUPTION AT THE STATE LEVELS

The Effect of corruption in the Nigeria Public Service is aimed at highlighting the laudable factor associated with corruption and their effects which is a serious problem in the public service. Many organization, no doubt have strongly argued convincingly on it's Waterloo in terms of achievements and they bother around general contention that corruption is the bedeviling factor militating against their goals. However, efforts have been made in the eradication of corruption in the public service. This study is therefore carefully chosen to address the effect of corruption in the public sector. This has been done through the use of questionnaires and statistical analysis using Akwa Ibom State civil service as a study. And it has been found that corrupt free organization is an increasing powerful determinant of the organizations overall effectiveness and ability of organization to utilize the available resources efficiently.
Rapid location of radiation sources in complex environments using optical and radiation sensors

Baseline radiation background is almost never known and constantly changes particularly in urban areas. It is difficult to know what the expected background radiation should be and how a radiological incident may elevate the radiation. Naturally occurring radiation from rocks and building materials often contributes significantly to measured radiation. Buildings and other tall structures also shield radiation and thus need to be taken into account. Models of natural occurring background radiation can be derived from knowledge of geology, building material origins, vegetation, and weather conditions. After a radiological incident, the radiation will be elevated near the event, and some material may be transported by mechanisms such as airborne transport and/or run-off. Locating and characterizing the sources of radiation quickly and efficiently are crucial in the immediate aftermath of a nuclear incident. The distribution of radiation sources will change naturally and also due to clean-up efforts. Finding source strengths and locations during both the initial and clean-up stages is necessary to manage and reduce contaminations. The overall objective of the Rapid Location Of Radiation Sources In Complex Environments Using Optical And Radiation research project is to design and validate gamma ray spectrum estimation algorithms that integrate optical and radiation sensor collections into high resolution, multi-modal site models for use in radiative transport codes. Our initial focus is on modeling the background radiation using hyper-spectral information from visible through the shortwave infrared sensors and thermal imagers. The optical data complements available ancillary data from other sources such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layers, e.g. geologic maps, terrain, surface cover type, road network, vegetation (e.g. serpentine vegetation), 3-D building models, known users of radiological sources, etc. In absence of GIS layers, the data from the multi/hyper-spectral imager and height data from LIDAR can be analyzed with special with special software to automatically create GIS layers and radiation survey data to come up with a method to predict background radiation distribution. We believe the estimation and prediction of the natural background will be helpful in finding anomalous point, line and small area sources and minimize the number of false alarms due to natural and known man-made radiation sources such as radiological medical facilities, industrial users of radiological sources.
A TGFβ–miR-182–BRCA1 axis controls the mammary differentiation hierarchy

Maintenance of mammary functional capacity during cycles of proliferation and regression depends on appropriate cell fate decisions of mammary progenitor cells to populate an epithelium consisting of secretory luminal cells and contractile myoepithelial cells. It is well established that transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) restricts mammary epithelial cell proliferation and that sensitivity to TGFβ is decreased in breast cancer. We show that TGFβ also exerts control of mammary progenitor self-renewal and lineage commitment decisions by stringent regulation of breast cancer associated 1 (BRCA1), which controls stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment. Either genetic depletion of Tgfb1 or transient blockade of TGFβ increased self-renewal of mammary progenitor cells in mice, cultured primary mammary epithelial cells, and also skewed lineage commitment toward the myoepithelial fate. TGFβ stabilized the abundance of BRCA1 by reducing the abundance of microRNA-182 (miR-182). Ectopic expression of BRCA1 or antagonism of miR-182 in cultured TGFβ-deficient mammary epithelial cells restored luminal lineage commitment. These findings reveal that TGFβ modulation of BRCA1 directs mammary epithelial cell fate and, because stem or progenitor cells are thought to be the cell of origin for aggressive breast cancer subtypes, suggest that TGFβ dysregulation during tumorigenesis may promote distinct breast cancer subtypes.
Study of controlled motion of an exoskeleton performing obstacle avoidance during a single support walking phase

This paper discusses a problem of obstacle avoidance for a lower limb exoskeleton. The paper describes an approach that relies on generating a new collision free trajectory. The method of generating collision free trajectory. The method is presented in detail and is illustrated with an example. The method uses a bounding sphere that encloses the obstacle, replacing the piece of trajectory that lies inside the sphere with a new one that lies on the sphere. A numerical experiment is carried out, simulation motion of a lower limb exoskeleton during the single support phase of its gait. It was shown that a safety margin parameter influences the shape of the trajectory generated by the algorithm.
Brain-Machine Interface Development for Finger Movement Control

There have been many developments in brain-machine interfaces (BMI) for controlling upper limb movements such as reaching and grasping. One way to expand the usefulness of BMIs in replacing motor functions for patients with spinal cord injuries and neuromuscular disorders would be to improve the dexterity of upper limb movements performed by including more control of individual finger movements. Many studies have been focusing on understanding the organization of movement control in the sensorimotor cortex of the human brain. Finding the specific mechanisms for neural control of different movements will help focus signal acquisition and processing so as to improve BMI control of complex actions. In a recently published study, we demonstrated, for the first time, online BMI control of individual finger movements using electrocorticography recordings from the hand area of sensorimotor cortex. This study expands the possibilities for combined control of arm movements and more dexterous hand and finger movements.
IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF MICROFINANCE ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA INTO DEPOSIT TAKING INSTITUTIONS

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of organizational culture in the effectiveness of the transformation process of microfinance organizations in Kenya into deposit taking institutions. Methodology : This study adopted descriptive research design. For purposes of collecting primary data, the use of a questionnaire developed by the researcher was used. Data was then analyzed using Excel and SPSS and presented in tables, graphs and charts. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to the above five organizations and 42 of them were returned. This represents a 35% response rate. Results : Based on the findings, the study concluded that the dominant culture of MFIs that have transformed to DTMs is that of Control. The results further led to the conclusion that this type of culture is appropriate for MFIs since MFIs operate in heavily regulated and structured environment where standardized procedures and efficient processes enhance the stability of such MFIs. The study also showed that the most dominant organization leadership culture is that of Control. The leaders exemplify coordinating, organizing or smooth running efficiency. Results further revealed that leadership culture that is generally considered to exemplify entrepreneurship, innovation or risk taking is associated with the highest transformation success. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the leadership of organizations should have an understanding of the attributes of the dominant culture of their organizations, the level of opposing tension or balance between values, or the congruence between the organization and its leadership or initiatives.
Advances in flexible optrode hardware for use in cybernetic insects

Optogenetic manipulation is widely used to selectively excite and silence neurons in laboratory experiments. Recent efforts to miniaturize the components of optogenetic systems have enabled experiments on freely moving animals, but further miniaturization is required for freely flying insects. In particular, miniaturization of high channel-count optical waveguides are needed for high-resolution interfaces. Thin flexible waveguide arrays are needed to bend light around tight turns to access small anatomical targets. We present the design of lightweight miniaturized optogentic hardware and supporting electronics for the untethered steering of dragonfly flight. The system is designed to enable autonomous flight and includes processing, guidance sensors, solar power, and light stimulators. The system will weigh less than 200mg and be worn by the dragonfly as a backpack. The flexible implant has been designed to provide stimuli around nerves through micron scale apertures of adjacent neural tissue without the use of heavy hardware. We address the challenges of lightweight optogenetics and the development of high contrast polymer waveguides for this purpose.
Public Opinion on Foreign Direct Investment Inflows: Variation in the Importance of Cultural Distance by Relative Economic Development

We examine the influence of cultural distance on public opinion toward foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Our data set includes survey responses from individuals in 38 countries. The survey data allow us to examine opinions of both “brownfield” and “greenfield” FDI inflows. We consider variation in the influences of the cultural distance between a survey respondent’s country of residence and the sources and destinations of their existing FDI stocks for the full sample of survey respondents and for two separate cohorts that are based on whether the respondents’ countries of residence are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OECD membership is used here as a proxy for the relative economic development of the survey respondents’ countries of residence.
Influence of Countercation Hydration Enthalpies on the Formation of Molecular Complexes: A Thorium-Nitrate Example.

The influence of countercations (An+) in directing the composition of monomeric metal–ligand (ML) complexes that precipitate from solution are often overlooked despite the wide usage of An+ in materials synthesis. Herein, we describe a correlation between the composition of ML complexes and A+ hydration enthalpies found for two related series of thorium (Th)–nitrate molecular compounds obtained by evaporating acidic aqueous Th–nitrate solutions in the presence of A+ counterions. Analyses of their chemical composition and solid-state structures demonstrate that A+ not only affects the overall solid-state packing of the Th–nitrato complexes but also influences the composition of the Th–nitrato monomeric anions themselves. Trends in composition and structure are found to correlate with A+ hydration enthalpies, such that the A+ with smaller hydration enthalpies associate with less hydrated and more anionic Th–nitrato complexes. This perspective, broader than the general assumption of size and charge as the do...
Near infrared perfusion assessment of gastric conduit during minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Abstract Introduction Anastomotic leak and conduit necrosis are devastating complications following Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Near infrared imaging (NIR) using IndoCyanine Green allows for real time tissue perfusion assessment which may reduce anastomotic leak during minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIE). Methods Forty consecutive MIE were performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary referral center. The first 20 were assessed for gastric conduit perfusion by clinical criteria (Group 1). The second 20 were also assessed using NIR laparoscopic system (Group 2). Results Comparing Group 1 to Group 2, no significant differences were found in overall complication rate, readmission or reoperation rate. NIR resulted in resection of the non perfused proximal portion of the conduit in 30% (6/20). Two patients in group 2 group developed anastomotic leak (2/20) compared to 0 in Group 1 (p = 0.49). Graft necrosis led to one mortality in Group 1, while there were 0 mortalities in Group 2. (p = 1.0). Conclusion Although NIR plays a role in assessment of tissue perfusion, in our study its use did not result in reduction of anastomotic leak rate.
Sniffing out the Gods: Archaeology with the Senses

All knowledge of the world is shaped by the way our senses perceive it. In archaeology, and especially in Egyptological studies, a visual approach has predominated the analysis of ancient material remains. When viewed from a sensorybased framework, however, a new, dynamic dimensionality of the material record might be revealed. This approach to the study of the past promises to open both innovative and rewarding avenues for exploration. Such work fosters an environment for interdisciplinary study involving researchers in such diverse fields as neuroscience, psychology, ethnography, and the digital humanities. This paper aims to explore the applications of sensory analysis to Egyptology by focusing on New Kingdom tomb depictions of banquets and relevant mortuary texts to champion this paradigm as one that has potential to truly humanize the past.
Improving Biomedical Engineering Education Through Continuity in Adaptive, Experiential, and Interdisciplinary Learning Environments

This study reports our experience of developing a series of biomedical engineering (BME) courses having active and experiential learning components in an interdisciplinary learning environment. In the first course, BME465: biomechanics, students were immersed in a simulation laboratory setting involving mannequins that are currently used for teaching in the School of Nursing. Each team identified possible technological challenges directly related to the biomechanics of the mannequin and presented an improvement overcoming the challenge. This approach of exposing engineering students to a problem in a clinical learning environment enhanced the adaptive and experiential learning capabilities of the course. In the following semester, through BME448: medical devices, engineering students were partnered with nursing students and exposed to simulation scenarios and real-world clinical settings. They were required to identify three unmet needs in the real-world clinical settings and propose a viable engineering solution. This approach helped BME students to understand and employ real-world applications of engineering principles in problem solving while being exposed to an interdisciplinary collaborative environment. A final step was for engineering students to execute their proposed solution from either BME465 or BME448 courses by undertaking it as their capstone senior design project (ENGR401-402). Overall, the inclusion of clinical immersions in interdisciplinary teams in a series of courses not only allowed the integration of active and experiential learning in continuity but also offered engineers more practice of their profession, adaptive expertise, and an understanding of roles and expertise of other professionals involved in enhancement of healthcare and patient safety.
Production and Utilization

Several books, book chapters, symposia proceedings, bulletins, and review articles covering different aspects of this general topic have been published during the last few decades (Adams et al., 1985; Allavena, 1984; Araya & Beck, 1995; Beebe, 1989; CIAT, 1981, 1985, 1989; Gepts, 1988; Graham, 1978; Graham & Ranalli, 1997; Laing et al., 1984; Maiti, 1997; Park & Buzzell, 1995; Robertson & Frazier, 1978; Schoonhoven & Voysest, 1991; Schwartz & Pastor-Corrales, 1989; Singh, 1989, 1992; Singh & Voysest, 1997; Thung & Oliveira, 1998; Vieira, 1967; Vieira et al., 1998; Voysest, 1983, 1998; Wall, 1973; White et al., 1988; Wortmann et al., 1998; Zaumeyer & Meiners, 1975; Zaumeyer & Thomas, 1957; Zimmermann et al., 1988). Readers interested in details may refer to these and other publications. This chapter will provide an overview and supplementary information.
Verification of an optimized fault-tolerant clock synchronization circuit

In previous work, we explored the interaction between different formal hardware development techniques in the implementation of a fault-tolerant clock synchronization circuit. This case study presents a clever optimization of the earlier design and illustrates how we have extended our framework to support its incremental design refinement. The primary design tool represents circuits as systems of stream equations, where each stream corresponds to a signal within the circuit. These signals are annotated with invariants which can be established using proof by co-induction. These invariants are exploited to verify localized design refinements. This study lays groundwork for a more formal integration of disparate reasoning tools.
Kula Ring, Anthropology of

This article discusses features of the kula exchange ring, a long distance, directionally oriented exchange of armshells and necklaces of southeastern Papua New Guinea. Drawing on recent field research that updates Malinowski's (1922) classic Argonauts of the Western Pacific, it modifies some of the simplifications which have tended to hypostatize kula in anthropological discourse. In this connection, it exemplifies some of the respects in which kula is a historically changing, intrinsically dynamic network informed by local sociocultural differences, and explains critical new information about kula practices (notably the principal of kitomu shells that operate as a category of property in kula) deriving from this research. Brief consideration is also given to certain broad anthropological approaches to kula stemming on the one hand from Malinowski's research as well as his use-oriented functionalism, and on the other from Mauss' (1950) essay on gift exchange with its emphasis on the symbolic and ontological bonds between persons and things. The article concludes by noting some of the frameworks of interest in contemporary anthropology in terms of which kula has been reconsidered.
METABOLIC DISORDERS IN SPHINGOLIPIDOSES

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the metabolic disorders in sphingolipidoses. Lipid storage diseases attracted considerable attention after the concept of lysosomes was introduced. Following the chemical identification of stored sphingolipids in sphingolipidoses, the enzymes involved in their degradation were investigated. These sphingolipid glycosidases were shown to be exozymes that hydrolyze the glycosidic bond of the terminal sugar only. Recent studies have been aimed at the detection of heterozygotes having intermediate levels of the enzyme, at prenatal diagnosis of the enzyme deficiency, and at an understanding of the mutational events that produce the deficiency. To understand the biochemical genetics of sphingolipidoses, investigators have purified the enzymes involved in the catabolism of sphingolipids from normal human tissues—such as placenta, liver, brain, and kidney—and have studied their kinetic, structural, and immunological properties. The distribution of sphingo myelinase and the deficiency of this enzyme in the lysosome or the cytosol, or both, play an important role in the pathophysiology of the Niemann–Pick disease. The various forms of the Niemann-Pick disease are genetically heterogeneous, which in some cases are caused by an alteration in the subcellular localization of sphingomyelinase. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, mild hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia are the main clinical symptoms of Gaucher's disease. This disease is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.
Effects of stream velocity and phosphorus concentrations on alkaline phosphatase activity and carbon:phosphorus ratios in periphyton

We studied several streams spanning a steep dissolved phosphorus (PO4–P) gradient to test the hypothesis that faster stream velocity would reduce alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) and carbon:phosphorus (C:P) of benthic periphyton because higher velocities should increase the supply rate of dissolved phosphorus at the community–water interface. We tested the hypothesis that the differences in APA and C:P between fast and slow velocity locations within a stream reach would decline as stream PO4–P concentrations increased, and, therefore, velocity effects should be the greatest at low levels of PO4–P. APA declined in response to both the increased water velocity and PO4–P, but the effect of velocity on APA was negligible at the highest levels of PO4–P. Further, we found a strong, negative relationship between periphyton C:P and PO4–P levels as hypothesized, but did not detect significant relationship between C:P and velocity after accounting for the effects of PO4–P. The lack of an effect of velocity on C:P is probably due to the higher levels of APA in low-velocity, low PO4–P reaches, as the higher APA rates reflect an alternative pathway for acquiring sufficient PO4–P to sustain periphytic growth and metabolism. These results have important implications for stream ecosystem function because of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events associated with the climate change, particularly droughts that reduce or eliminate perennial stream flow, and further illustrate the important effects of stream flow on biogeochemical processes.
“Pre-topsurgery, the body scanning machine would most likely error:” Transgender and gender nonconforming travel and tourism experiences

Abstract Utilizing a qualitative, grounded theory approach, we examined the travel experiences of transgender and gender non-confirming tourists, an under-researched segment of the tourist population. We report findings based on 15 in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed for emergent themes. We found that traveling as a transgender and gender non-confirming individual can be complex with at least some or many additional considerations, behavioral changes, and emotional labor related to their gender identity and gender expression when moving into different spaces or situations. Transgender and gender non-confirming tourists often have feelings of fear and anxiety related to sharing and avoiding sharing their gender identity when going through tourist processes related to identification documents, security thresholds, and check-in procedures. However, participants also reported having positive experiences while traveling. Based on these findings, a substantive theory of transgender and gender non-confirming tourist experiences was developed.
Comparisons of analytical chemistry and biological activities of extracts from North Pacific gyre plastics with UV-treated and untreated plastics using in vitro and in vivo models.

Abstract Plastic debris is an emerging worldwide threat to marine biota. Marine species may face unique challenges in low-flow estuarine systems with a high abundance of “macro-sized” (>4.75 mm) plastic due to the leaching of constituents and adsorbed contaminants. To simulate this leaching process, plastic samples recovered from the North Pacific Gyre along with corresponding UV-irradiated virgin plastic and non-irradiated virgin plastic counterparts were incubated in saltwater for 30 days at ambient temperatures ranging from 17 to 25 °C. Following solid-phase extraction, water samples were fractionated with sequential methanol elution from 10 to 100% and evaluated using in vitro assays assessing estrogen receptor (ER) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activities. In vivo responses (vitellogenin [vtg] and cytochrome p450 1A [cyp1a] mRNA) were measured following 5-day exposures in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) larvae (3 days post hatch). Estrogenic plasticizers, co-planar PCBs and PAHs were quantified in the extracts using targeted GC–MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS. In vitro estrogenicity showed highest activity in the 70% methanol fraction for all plastic leachate exposures. Whole extract in vitro estradiol equivalent (EEQ) values were 4.34 ± 2.65, 8.79 ± 2.09 and 13.78 ± 3.64 ng/L, for virgin plastic, UV-irradiated virgin plastic and North Pacific Gyre-recovered plastic, respectively (mean ± SD). Significant vtg induction was observed in medaka larvae exposed to leachate extracts from North Pacific Gyre-recovered plastic and UV-irradiated virgin plastic (9.9-fold, p = 0.039 and 10.1-fold, p = 0.042, respectively). Chemically-determined EEQ values were also localized in the 70% methanol fraction. Whole leachate extract chemical EEQ values were 0.33 ± 0.07, 1.64 ± 0.62 and 11.4 ± 2.13 ng/L, for virgin plastic, UV-irradiated virgin plastic and North Pacific Gyre-recovered plastic, respectively. In-vitro AhR activity was highest in the 70% methanol elution with greater activity in North Pacific Gyre-recovered plastic than in virgin plastic and UV-irradiated virgin plastic (toxic equivalency [TEQ] = 1.06 ± 0.54, 0.38 ± 0.07 and 0.71 ± 0.47 ng/L, respectively). CYP1A mRNA was significantly induced in larval medaka exposed to North Pacific Gyre-recovered plastic leachates (17.8-fold, p = 0.02) while exposure to virgin plastic and UV-irradiated virgin plastic leachates caused no significant change. Chemically-determined TEQ analysis for AhR indicated highest activity in the 90% methanol fraction for all leachates, with whole extract in vitro TEQs being 1.47 ± 0.87, 0.03 ± 0.05 and 0.42 ± 0.38 ng/L for North Pacific Gyre-recovered plastic, virgin plastic and UV-irradiated virgin plastic, respectively. These results indicate that weathering and UV radiation release estrogenic plasticizers and demonstrate the ability for plastics to transport adsorbed persistent organic pollutants at eco-toxicologically relevant concentrations.