cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discriminative cluster analysis

Clustering is one of the most widely used statistical tools for data analysis. Among all existing clustering techniques, k-means is a very popular method because of its ease of programming and because it accomplishes a good trade-off between achieved performance and computational complexity. However, k-means is prone to local minima problems, and it does not scale too well with high dimensional data sets. A common approach to dealing with high dimensional data is to cluster in the space spanned by the principal components (PC). In this paper, we show the benefits of clustering in a low dimensional discriminative space rather than in the PC space (generative). In particular, we propose a new clustering algorithm called Discriminative Cluster Analysis (DCA). DCA jointly performs dimensionality reduction and clustering. Several toy and real examples show the benefits of DCA versus traditional PCA+k-means clustering. Additionally, a new matrix formulation is proposed and connections with related techniques such as spectral graph methods and linear discriminant analysis are provided.
Absolute partial and total electron-impact-ionization cross sections for CF4 from threshold up to 500 eV.

Electron-impact dissociative ionization of tetrafluoromethane (${\mathrm{CF}}_{4}$) was studied with the use of a pulsed electron beam time-of-flight apparatus. The absolute partial ionization cross sections of ${\mathrm{CF}}_{3}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{CF}}_{2}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{CF}}_{3}^{2+}$, ${\mathrm{CF}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{CF}}_{2}^{2+}$, ${\mathrm{F}}^{+}$, and ${\mathrm{C}}^{+}$ were measured from threshold up to 500 eV. The total ionization cross section was obtained by charge weighted summing of all the observed partial ionization cross sections. A total cross section for dissociation into neutral fragments was inferred from our total ionization cross section and the total dissociation cross section of Winters and Inokuti [Phys. Rev. A 25, 1420 (1982)]. The present results for the partial ionization cross sections are as much as 9% (${\mathrm{CF}}_{3}^{+}$) to 81% (${\mathrm{F}}^{+}$) higher than the previously published absolute measurements of Stephan, Deutsch, and M\"ark [J. Chem. Phys. 83, 5712 (1985)] at 80 eV, but are in agreement with their recently revised estimates for the singly charged ions. We also found that dissociative ionization was a dominant process for electron-impact energies above 30 eV, accounting for 85% of the total dissociation cross section at 80 eV.
Testing a Light Gage Steel Hyperbolic Paraboloid Shell

Construction and testing of shell using standard light gage steel roof deck panels; panels are welded intermittently along their seams, and at external edges to light perimeter members; to form doubly curved shear carrying membrane; test indicates that shear values obtained from horizontal diaphragm testing can be used conservatively in design of curved shear surfaces and that rather light marginal members might be used, provided eccentricity in applying load to those members is avoided.
Abstract 2449: Pancreatic cancer tumor initiating cells are marked by the presence of a primary cilium

Primary cilia are microtubule rich projections eminating from the apical surface of epithelial cells. Primary cilia are responsible for the transduction of growth factor and morphogenetic signaling pathways, including the hedgehog, wnt and platelet-derived growth factor pathways. Initial observations in the field of pancreatic cancer have suggested the absence of primary cilia in human pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. While absent in the majority of pancreatic cancer cells, primary cilia have been identified in differentiated acinar cells undergoing an acinar to ductal metaplasia. This metaplasia is well characterized in pancreatic injury and regeneration models and accelerates tumor formation in the presence of acinar specific KrasG12D mutations. Thus, we are addressing the hypothesis that primary cilia, while not expressed in bulk tumor populations, are maintained in pancreatic tumor-initiating cells. To address the hypothesis, we have used confocal microscopy to quantify the percentage of cells within low grade human PanIN lesions that express a primary cilium. Performing confocal microscopy on a human PanIN tissue array (n=23), we have determined that in 15% of PanIN lesions, 13-30% of the cells are expressing a primary cilium, as is evidenced by staining for acetylated alpha tubulin. We have also developed a sorting strategy using an acetylated alpha tubulin antibody to isolate ciliated cells by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) analysis. Using this protocol, we have discovered that human pancreatic cancer cells bearing a primary cilium are markedly enriched in cells also positive for either CD133 or CD24/CD44, representing putative pancreatic cancer stem cell populations. We have functionally analyzed the tumor-initiating capacity of ciliated vs non-ciliated cells using tumor sphere experiments. In this assay, ciliated cells show a significant increase (100 fold) in tumor sphere-forming capacity, suggesting that the presence of a primary cilium may mark a pancreatic cancer tumor initiating population. These data are informative regarding the earliest initiating events in pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2449. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2449
Multimode Optical Bioimaging, from the Lab to the Clinic: A Translational Story

Focus will be where light and patient meet, and improvements yielding better outcomes, by detecting, characterizing and monitoring very small entities (molecules, cells) within the human body, quantitatively, dynamically, and preferably without contrast agents. Article not available.
Reconstruction with dictionary learning for accelerated parallel magnetic resonance imaging

Adaptive dictionary learning is combined with parallel imaging and non-Cartesian sampling to accelerate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Variable-splitting enables efficient solution of the proposed reconstruction, by separating matrices in the optimization with different structures. When combined with standard dictionary learning and sparse coding, the proposed method reconstructs retrospectively undersampled multi-channel spiral MRI data with fewer artifacts and reduced root mean squared error (RMSE) than conventional parallel imaging and compressed sensing approaches. These results and other features of the proposed method like iterative RMSE improvement and patch-wise weighting of the dictionary regularizer are discussed.
Robotic Excision of a Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Mitral Chordae

Papillary fibroelastomas of the mitral chordae tendineae are rare, primary benign tumors. They are either incidentally diagnosed during echocardiography or discovered after transient ischemic attack, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Removal of papillary fibroelastomas should be considered, given the increased risk for embolization causing cerebrovascular accident or mortality in patients with echocardiographic evidence of papillary fibroelastoma not undergoing surgical procedures. Although fibroelastoma removal can be performed in most cases without disrupting mitral valve competency, sternotomy and minithoracotomy are the typical approaches for excision. Herein, we report the first robotic excision of a mitral chord papillary fibroelastoma.
Therapeutic Advances in Localized Pancreatic Cancer

Importance It is estimated that pancreatic cancer (PC) will become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States by 2030. Observations Clinical and preclinical data support the understanding that PC metastases occur early in the pathogenesis of this disease, even before the primary tumor can be detected. This has important implications for the clinical management of patients with localized PC, as surgery alone is unlikely to be curative for most patients. The delivery of postoperative adjuvant therapy is problematic in this disease because of the magnitude of the operation needed to remove the primary tumor, which can affect patient recovery and delay (sometimes indefinitely) the delivery of systemic therapy. For these reasons, the use of chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation prior to surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) is increasingly recognized as the preferred strategy for treatment sequencing. Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for patients with borderline resectable PC and, at some centers, neoadjuvant therapy has been extended to patients with resectable PC as well. Importantly, therapeutic advances in multidrug systemic therapy and radiation therapy have already been adopted in the neoadjuvant setting where treatment toxicity will not be compounded by surgical recovery. In addition, the use of local-regional therapies in highly selected patients with locally advanced PC, following a prolonged period of induction systemic therapy, will be an area of intense scrutiny. Future improvements in diagnostic biomarkers may allow for real-time sequencing of multimodality therapy for individual patients based on a more accurate and timely assessment of treatment response. Conclusions and Relevance Neoadjuvant treatment sequencing allows patients to receive multimodality therapy in a manner that prioritizes early exposure to systemic therapy to maximize the treatment of micrometastatic disease in an immune-competent host prior to surgical intervention. Patients who complete all intended neoadjuvant therapy, including surgery, experience an overall survival benefit that is unmatched by a surgery-first approach.
The effect of teaching approaches on achievement and satisfaction of field-dependent and field-independent learners in animal science.

A senior-level university swine management class of 42 students consisted of three laboratory sections (containing 22, 12, and 8 stu- dents). A counterbalanced design was used to evalu- ate three teaching approaches (field-dependent, field- independent, and combination); each weekly labora- tory section received each teaching approach for 3 wk. All students were evaluated and categorized as field- dependent or field-independent learners before the study. All students were evaluated for achievement and satisfaction at the end of each laboratory period. Teaching approach × learning style × laboratory section was not significant for achievement or satisfac- tion. Teaching approach × laboratory section was significant for achievement ( P = .01) and satisfaction ( P = .01). Teaching approach × learning style was not significant for achievement ( P = .15) or satisfaction ( P = .15). Field-independent learners scored 6% higher on achievement tests when taught with a field- dependent approach rather than a field-independent approach. Field-dependent learners scored 21.9% higher when taught with a combination approach rather than a field-dependent approach and 13.8% higher than when taught with a field-independent approach. Overall student satisfaction was positive (3.50 on a 5-point scale). Field-independent learners were most satisfied with a combination approach; however, field-dependent learners preferred a field- dependent approach. Teaching approach was signifi- cant ( P = .03) for achievement with the combination approach and resulted in higher scores (8.7 to 9.7%). Teaching approach was not significant for satisfaction ( P = .61). Overall, a combination of teaching methods, tailored to both field-dependent and field-independent students, was most effective. Matching instruction to student learning style is not necessary. The study represents an example of using animal science stu- dents and faculty in research to improve animal science instruction and heighten awareness of teach- ing methods.
Abnormalities in the fibrinolysis pathway and clinical implications

The fibrinolytic system, also known as the plasminogen-plasmin (PP) system, is composed of plasminogen activators (PAs) which converts plasminogen to the proteolytic enzyme plasmin. It is maintained in a state of balance by inhibitors of PAs and of plasmin (Fig. 1). There are four known PA inhibitors (PAIs): PAI-1, PAI-2, activated protein C inhibitor (also known as PAI-3), and thrombin activatable fibrinolytic inhibitor (TAFI), of which PAI-1 has the most influence on many physiologic and pathologic functions.
Optimal Clustering: Genetic Constrained K-Means and Linear Programming Algorithms

OPTWIAL CLUSTERING: GENETIC CONSTRAINED K-MEANS AND LINEAR PROGRAMMING ALGORITHMS By Jianrnin Zhao, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006 Major Director: Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D. Depaltment of Biostatistics Methods for determining clusters of data underspecified constraints have recently gained popularity. Although general constraints may be used, we focus on clustering methods with the constraint of a minimal cluster size. In this dissertation, we propose two constrained k-means algorithms: Lh~earProgramming Algoiithm (LPA) and Genetic Constrained K-means Algorithm (GCKA). Linear Pi-ogr,mming Algorithm modifies the k-means algorithm into a linearprog~-amrning pt-ol~lern wit11 constraints rccli~ir.ing that t';lcl~ cluste[have in orrnor-e subjzcts. xii In order to acheve an acceptable clustering solution, we run the algorithm with a large number of random sets of initial seeds, and choose the solution with minimal Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) as our final solution for a given data set. We evaluate LPA with both generic data and simulated data and the results indicate that LPA can obtain a reasonable clustering solution. Genetic Constrained K-Means Algorithm (GCKA) hybridizes the Genetic Algorithm with a constrained k-means algorithm. We defme Selection Operator, Mutation Operator and Constrained K-means operator. Using finite Markov chain theory, we prove that the GCKA converges in probability to the global optimum. We test the algorithm with several datasets. The analysis shows that we can achieve a good clustering solution by carehlly choosing parameters such as population size, mutation probability and generation. We also propose a Bi-Nelder algorithm to search for an appropriate cluster number with minimal RMSE.
Multiparameter image visualization with self-organizing maps

The effective display of multi-parameter medical image data sets is assuming increasing importance as more distinct imaging modalities are becoming available. For medical pruposes, one desirable goal is to fuse such data sets into a single most informative gray-scale image without making rigid classification decisions. A visualization technique based on a non-linear projection onto a 1D self-organizing map is described and examples are shown. The SOM visualization technique is fast, theoretically attractive, and has properties which compliment those of projection-pursuit or other linear techniques. It may be of particular value in calling attention to specific regions in a multi-parameter image where the component images should be examined in detail.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Transnational Republican and Feminist: The Political Ethics of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Soul Poetics

This chapter studies the border-crossing democratic texture of Barrett Browning’s civic soul as she experiments with forms that aspire to voice the hardships, frustrations, and aspirations of disenfranchised communities at home and abroad. Calibrating lyricism with dissonance, the poet uses her imitative harmonies to urge factory reform (“The Cry of the Children” [1843]), protest against slavery (“The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim’s Point” [1847–8]), and support the Italian quest for liberty and self-governance (Casa Guidi Windows [1851] and “Napoleon III in Italy” [1860]). Moving her Anglo-American reader-listeners literally and figuratively with her poetry, she encourages them to imagine caring transnational communities of free and equal citizens. In the process, EBB’s own soul—inflected by an unshakable Dissenter’s belief in Christian love—emerges as a force for faith in an ethical politics, despite the increasing cynicism and opportunism of pragmatist politicians.
Genome-Wide Mutation Rate Response to pH Change in the Coral Reef Pathogen Vibrio shilonii AK1.

Recent application of mutation accumulation techniques combined with whole-genome sequencing (MA/WGS) has greatly promoted studies of spontaneous mutation. However, such explorations have rarely been conducted on marine organisms, and it is unclear how marine habitats have influenced genome stability. This report resolves the mutation rate and spectrum of the coral reef pathogen Vibrio shilonii, which causes coral bleaching and endangers the biodiversity maintained by coral reefs. We found that its mutation rate and spectrum are highly similar to those of other studied bacteria from various habitats, despite the saline environment. The mutational properties of this marine bacterium are thus controlled by other general evolutionary forces such as natural selection and genetic drift. We also found that as pH drops, the mutation rate decreases and the mutation spectrum is biased in the direction of generating G/C nucleotides. This implies that evolutionary features of this organism and perhaps other marine microbes might be altered by the increasingly acidic ocean water caused by excess CO2 emission. Nonetheless, further exploration is needed as the pH range tested in this study was rather narrow and many other possible mutation determinants, such as carbonate increase, are associated with ocean acidification.IMPORTANCE This study explored the pH dependence of a bacterial genome-wide mutation rate. We discovered that the genome-wide rates of appearance of most mutation types decrease linearly and that the mutation spectrum is biased in generating more G/C nucleotides with pH drop in the coral reef pathogen V. shilonii.
Full-wave-hydrodynamic modeling of 2DEG graphene channels for terahertz devices using ADI-FDTD algorithm

We show time-efficient terahertz modeling of Graphene-layer and other 2D electron gas (2DEG) systems using the alternating-direction-implicit finite-difference-time-domain (ADI-FDTD) scheme coupled with hydrodynamic solver. The proposed approach allows significant reduction in simulation-times with acceptable accuracy levels. Having developed the solver, we present its accuracy and time-efficiency related results for plasmonic oscillations in graphene at terahertz frequencies.
Thin-Film Antimonide-Based Photodetectors Integrated on Si

Monolithic integration of antimonide (Sb)-based compound semiconductors on Si is in high demand to enrich silicon photonics by extending the detection range to longer infrared wavelengths. In this paper, we have demonstrated the damage-free transfer of large-area (1×1 cm 2 ) narrow-bandgap Sb-based type-II superlattice (T2SL)-based thin-film materials onto a Si substrate using a combination of wafer-bonding and chemical epilayer release techniques. An array of Sb-based T2SL-based long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) photodetectors with diameters from 100 to 400 μm has been successfully fabricated using standard "top-down" processing technique. The transferred LWIR photodetectors exhibit a cut-off wavelength of ~8.6 μm at 77 K. The dark current density of the transferred photodetectors under 200 mV applied bias at 77 K is as low as 5.7×10 -4 A/cm 2 and the R×A reaches 66.3 Ω·cm 2 , exhibiting no electrical degradation compared with reference samples on GaSb native substrate. The quantum efficiency and peak responsivity at 6.75 μm (@77 K, 200 mV) are 46.2% and 2.44 A/W, respectively. The specific detectivity (D*) at 6.75 μm reaches as high as 1.6×10 11 cm·Hz 1/2 /W under 200 mV bias at 77 K. Our method opens a reliable pathway to realize high performance and practical Sb-based optoelectronic devices on a Si platform.
Influence of biodiesel decomposition chemistry on elastomer compatibility

Abstract The compatibility of biodiesel blends with five common elastomers (acrylonitrile rubber or NBR, fluorocarbon, neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer or EPDM, and silicone) was assessed using Hansen solubility parameters. A solubility analysis was performed over the full diesel blend range and the model used methyl hydroperoxide, acetaldehyde, and formic acid to represent the decomposition products of biodiesel. An empirical study was also conducted to determine the efficacy of the approach to predict the volume swell of elastomers. This study included the influence of biodiesel with acetaldehyde and formic acid. The solubility model showed good agreement with measured volumes for fluorocarbon, neoprene, EPDM, and silicone. However, solubility curves for NBR did not reflect the measured volume changes, and therefore the solubility parameters used for NBR in this study are not considered reliable. The results showed that formic acid caused higher swelling in NBR, fluorocarbon, neoprene, and silicone than did acetaldehyde. For EPDM, the measured volume decreased with both biodiesel concentration and the addition of formic acid.
The Use of Computers in Understanding How Animal Cells Crawl

Amoeboid cell motility is a complex three-dimensional process which involves pseudopod expansion, cellular translocation, and, in some cases, pseudopod retraction and complex interactions between the ventral surface of the pseudopod and substratum. In order to quantify the basic behavior of amoeboid cells and the dynamics of pseudopod extension and retraction, sophisticated two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer-assisted motion analysis systems have been developed which reconstruct digitized images and compute motility and dynamics morphology parameters. These systems provide a wealth of information of how amoeboid cells crawl and they have begun to be utilized (1) to elucidate the basic rules of amoeboid movement, (2) to identify the behavioral defects of cytoskeletal mutants, and (3) to elucidate the mechanism of chemotaxis. In addition, these systems represent powerful tools for analyzing the effects of drugs on cell behavior, most notably that of white blood cells and neoplastic cells. Since computer-assisted motion analysis is a relatively young field, the technologies are still evolving and have been underutilized in most areas involving cell motility. This review, which includes a description of these technologies and examples of their application, will hopefully serve as an impetus for expanded use
ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME–ASSOCIATED KAPOSI'S SARCOMA: Biology and Management

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the first conditions to be recognized as an opportunistic sequela of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV), remains the most common neoplasm associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Over the past 15 years, considerable progress has been made in describing its epidemiologic and clinical features, in elucidating its pathobiology, and in developing therapeutic approaches. Despite therapeutic advances, the treatment of KS remains palliative, but a clearer understanding of KS pathogenesis holds promise for eventual curative or even preventive therapy. This article reviews current knowledge about the epidemiology, natural history, pathogenesis, and treatment of AIDS-associated KS and considers future therapeutic opportunities.
Research of Camera Track Based on Image Matching

Description of camera motion is one of the critical issues to implement automatic return for camera. This paper employs the Affine Transform Model to describe global motion, thus reconstructing movement of the camera according to information extracted from features of adjacent frames. Algorithm for feature point extraction is mainly discussed. In combination with secondary matching, SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) is improved by taking the density of points into consideration. The experimental results show that this method enhances the precision of matching with good real-time performance.
Robust Discrete Optimization: Past Successes and Future Challenges

It has been a long way since the first few pages where we started describing, and you as the reader got gradually exposed to, the concept of robustness and the main elements of robust discrete optimization. We hope that by now you, the reader, feel enlightened on the topic and intrigued by its challenges, but to be sincere, we, the authors, feel tired. But, we still feel we will not be doing justice to the topic, and definitely not serve our readers, if we do not write that final, the so typically called “Conclusion and Future Directions,” chapter. So here we are putting the last touches on a painting that stayed in our minds, and bothered our sleep, for the last three years.
The evolution of policing in post-soviet Russia: Paternalism versus service in police. Officers' understanding of their role

Abstract This paper examines two interrelated issues: the role of police as an institution of Russian society and their role during the past 25 years. This research is based on a series of in-depth interviews conducted by the author in 2014–2016 with former and current police officers in three Russian cities. The paper traces changes in the perceived institutional roles of the Russian police by comparing police officers' views during three periods: early through mid-1990s, late-1990s through mid-2000s, and mid-2000s through 2010s. The study reports that, during the early period, Russian police were disfranchised from the state and this abandonment was a source of institutional identity crisis for law enforcement officers who remained on the job. This process was coupled with high levels of job dissatisfaction and the overall feeling of “abandonment” of police by the state. At the same time, it was during this post-Soviet period, when ideas of policing as a service to the society were introduced and sometimes entertained among the professional circles of police officers and other government officials. Furthermore, this period was marked by continuous, though often sporadic, institutional reforms and anti-corruption measures. In the second period, the Russian police were slowly engaging back into the state-building process, which caused increased job satisfaction and better retention rates. At the same time, the second period signified a decline of the “police as service” ideology and the comeback of paternalistic views on policing. During this time, the government's efforts to reform police and anti-corruption measures became systemic and better organized. Also, in the second period, members of the civil society became more active in demanding public accountability and transparency from the Russian police. Finally, the modern period of police development presents a case in which the institutional identity of the Russian police has been clearly connected to the state's capacity. This process is coupled with increased paternalistic views among police officers and a failure of “police as a service” doctrine. In such an environment, the efforts by a maturing civil society to demand public transparency and accountability of the police are often met with hostility and anger. The paper concludes that further development of the Russian police depends on the role that they will play within the modern Russian state.
Key Communication and Physical Environment Concepts for Financial Counselors

Creating a safe space for financial counseling clients includes developing rapport, building trust through effective communication, and using elements of the physical environment to place clients at ease. In this chapter, the authors explore core communication skills and how the financial counselor uses communication to build the counseling relationship. The physical environment can be planned to help make the client comfortable in a situation that many would consider to be stressful. When financial planners focus on communication skills and strategically arrange their office space, client trust and commitment are enhanced.
The Path to Cooperative Action during Group Social Dilemmas: A Literature Review, Set of Propositions, and Model Describing How the Opportunity to Communicate Encourages Cooperation

A social dilemma is a circumstance in which each of an aggregate of people must make an individual decision whether to acquire a short-term benefit for themselves or to forego some of that benefit for the long-term benefit of the aggregate. The intent of this essay is to describe how communication, in terms of both the opportunity to talk and the content of what is said, interacts with other “cooperative mechanisms” – group identity, reciprocity and equity norms, and trust and trustworthiness – to largely determine individual cooperation versus defection. Two variables with relatively complex impacts on the cooperative mechanisms – social value orientation and group size – are also discussed. A model and set of propositions relating these variables are also included, and areas for further are explored.
Community Awareness and Service Learning in Analytical Chemistry Laboratories

A service-learning project was completed in both a senior and sophomore-level analytical chemistry course. Both projects took place at a local wetland managed by a nonprofit volunteer group. The two classes performed an in-depth water quality analysis and soil/sediment extractions examining the spatial variation of nutrients. The senior-level class had a deep connection with the nonprofit group. The students reported their results to the nonprofit in a poster presentation, an entry in the newsletter for the nonprofit, and in a final written report. They were also required to give a more technical poster presentation at a chemistry department seminar. For the sophomore-level class, the only connection with the nonprofit group was through a field sampling event. The impact of working at the site was evaluated by a paired pre/post-survey and through standard course evaluations. For the students who completed the pre/post-survey, there was a statistically significant increase in the students’ knowledge of the community. Students also report an appreciation for “real-world” application of chemistry content.
A retrospective assessment of metropolitan religious adherence rate, individual and neighborhood social capital and their impact on women’s health

Social capital is a multilevel construct impacting health. Community level social capital, beyond the neighborhood, has received relatively less attention. Moreover, the measurement of community level social capital has tended to make use of aggregated individual data, rather than observable community characteristics. Herein, metropolitan religious adherence, as an observable community-level measure of social capital, is used. We match it to city of residence for 2826 women in the Fragile Families Childhood Wellbeing Study (a cohort study) who have lived continuously in that city during a nine-year period. Using ordered logistic regression with clustered standard errors to account for area effects, we look at the relationship between metropolitan religious adherence and self-rated health, while controlling for lagged individual, neighborhood, and socioeconomic factors, as well as individual level religious attendance. Religious adherence at the community level is positive and statistically significant; every 1% increase in area religiosity corresponds to a 1.2% increase in the odds of good health. These findings shed light on a possible pathway by which social capital may improve health, perhaps acting as a stress buffer or through spillover effects of reciprocity generated by exposure to religion.
Quantitative single cell 5hmC sequencing reveals non-canonical gene regulation by non-CG hydroxymethylation

ABSTRACT Oxidative modification of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) generates 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a DNA modification that exhibits unique epigenetic regulatory functions and impacts diverse biological processes. However, standard single-nucleus/cell bisulfite sequencing methods cannot resolve the base ambiguity between 5mC and 5hmC to accurately measure cell-type specific epigenomic patterns and gene regulatory functions of 5hmC or true 5mC. Here, we develop single-nucleus 5hmC sequencing (snhmC-seq) for quantitative and unbiased 5hmC profiling in single cells by harnessing differential deaminase activity of APOBEC3A towards 5mC and chemically protected 5hmC. We used snhmC-seq to profile single nuclei from cryopreserved mouse brain samples to reveal epigenetic heterogeneity of 5hmC at single-cell resolution and uncovered a non-canonical gene regulatory role of genic 5hmC in non-CG context.
Differences in perceiving the environment according to the resilience level

The specificity of the military and maritime profession imposes great demands on the cadets. Interesting is the question about what distinguishes the highly resilient (stable) personality when adopting the requirements of the environment. The study carried out among the cadets at the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy provided an answer to this question. The characteristics of the environment - normative basis, strictness of order, accessibility, contradiction, prestige, isolation, load, satisfaction, obsession and protection, and their perception by the cadets with a high level of resilience. The results obtained show statistically significant differences in the perception of the following characteristics of the environment: prestige, satisfaction, safety and obedience in the subjects with normal and high personal resistance. Highly resilient individuals appreciate the environment as being more prestigious and capable of satisfying existing needs as compared to normal resilience individuals. Highly resilient individuals perceive the environment in which they study and work as protecting them from adverse external influences, but not restricting their right to choose to remain in or leave the environment. The study allows for better prognosis of the level of satisfaction from the chosen profession and the future career in the Navy.
Iguanian lizards from the Split Rock Formation, Wyoming: exploring the modernization of the North American lizard fauna

Terrestrial ecosystems in North America changed substantially during the Neogene. Previous authors have documented changes in plants and mammals but squamates have received comparatively little att...
Underwater plasma breakdown characteristics with respect to highly pressurized drilling applications

Deep earth drilling is a key technique to extract oil, gas, and geothermal heat from the earth. Many complex energy focusing methods have been explored as an alternative approach to reach these resources but most of them require high energy. However, by utilizing short time span liquid plasma discharges, energy focusing can be achieved within traditional drilling systems. These discharges induce a rapid expansion process and a resulting shockwave. It is believed that this focused energy will lower the required cutting force to progress through the rock. Lowering the required cutting force will allow for lower drill bit wear, quicker rate of penetration, and an overall cost savings of the project. Plasma breakdown characteristics at drilling relevant pressures, ranging from 1 to 350 atm, were studied. A resistance–capacitance circuit with an air gapped spark switch was utilized to generate pulsed plasma between the pressurized electrodes. It was found that the required breakdown voltage increases as the pressure increases. It was also found that a plasma channel formation and an associated breakdown may or may not occur between the electrodes at different pressures due to variation in required breakdown voltages. Breakdown time-lag in the dielectric medium (tap water, 780 μS cm − 1) increased as the pressure was increased, which indicated a higher voltage drop at higher pressures ( > 100 atm). The plasma generated cavitation bubble with an associated shockwave occurred as pressures were increased. However, the bubble radius and the bubble duration decreased as the pressure was increased. The plasma generated shockwave speeds fall within the expected speed of sound in water. Finally, preliminary rock cracking tests were performed on granite at high pressures (340 and 272 atm) and it was found that plasma is able to create cracks in the rock.
Embodied Social Presence Theory

This paper develops and offers the theory of embodied social presence (ESP). The paper reviews the literature on place and space, presence, and embodiment and demonstrates that the role of the body as a focal point for action during social interaction in multi-user virtual environments has been largely overlooked. We draw on Activity Theory to frame our model of embodied social presence. Activity Theory proposes that a learner (i.e., a social actor in a virtual environment) derives meaning during interactions with his or her environment through actions, context, and tools and that people perceive reality both as objective (i.e., existing without them) and as socially constructed i.e., (existing within them). Embodied Social Presence Theory focuses on the virtual body (i.e., the avatar) as the nexus of activity in social interaction within virtual environments and we explore the implications of this focus on how actors derive meaning and understanding during social interaction. The paper concludes with a discussion of Embodied Social Presence Theory and implications for future research and practice.
Acute Myocarditis Following COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Adults Aged 18 Years or Older.

This cohort study examines the incidence and clinical outcomes of acute myocarditis among adults following mRNA vaccination in an integrated health care system in the US.
Real Presence, Spiritual Presence: Assessing Thomas Cranmer's Appropriation of St. Ambrose's Eucharistic Doctrine:

While Thomas Cranmer's frequent appeals to the church fathers are often noted, focused evaluations of his theological use of particular patristic sources remain lacking. In a manner both historical...
The effect of fructose loading on fatty acid uptake in mice

1213 Objectives Increased fructose intake by the modern diet of additives like corn syrup sweeteners is causing changes in liver metabolism of glucose and affecting lipoprotein and fat accumulation in liver. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute one day and chronic 30 day loading of fructose feeding on fatty acid uptake by administration of CardioPET (trans-9-[18F]fluoro-3,4-methylenehepta-decanoic acid), a PET tracer for assessing fatty acid metabolism. Methods Mice (CD-1, 28g) were fed 1 g of fructose in 1 ml by gavage, twice a day, at 8 am and 5 pm before biodistribution was performed. One set of fructose treated mice were evaluated after one day and another set after 30 days. A control group with no fructose in water was evaluated for fatty acid uptake for comparison. CardioPET (100uCi per animal) was injected and the mice were sacrificed at 60 min post injection (4-8 mice per time point). The animals were euthanized by a lethal dose of CO2 and subjected to complete necroscopy. Tissues were weighed and counted using a Wizard gamma-counter and results were expressed as %dose/gram (%DPG) tissue mean +/- SD. Results CardioPET liver uptake following acute fructose loading for one day was 1.9% DPG as compared to 4.3% DPG of control, thus a 56% reduction. Most other organs, except for heart and spinal cord, were also reduced as compared to control. No change was observed in brown fat, whereas white fat and gonadal fat showed a 40% decrease. For 30 days, CardioPET liver uptake was also reduced by 50% compared to control. Conclusions These results are in agreement with other studies indicating that high fructose uptake impairs fatty acid metabolism and causes chronic liver lipogensis, a condition that enhances diabetes.
ON THE STRUCTURAL AND MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF MAMMALIAN SKELETAL MUSCLE AND ITS RELEVANCE TO HUMAN CERVICAL IMPACT DYNAMICS

The absence of data on the material properties of skeletal muscle has resulted in limitations in the utility of human surrogates in evaluating injury potential during head and neck impact. The purpose of this paper is two fold. First, a quasi-linear viscoelastic model is developed to describe and predict the passive structural response of the New Zealand White rabbit tibialis anterior muscle. Second, the constitutive properties of skeletal muscle and the effect of elongation rate on these properties are determined for both the passive and stimulated states of the muscle. A review of the literature, and recommendations for modeling the effects of skeletal muscle on cervical spine impact dynamics are discussed. Language: en
Voice of the customers: mining online customer reviews for product feature-based ranking

Increasingly large numbers of customers are choosing online shopping because of its convenience, reliability, and cost. As the number of products being sold online increases, it is becoming increasingly difficult for customers to make purchasing decisions based on only pictures and short product descriptions. On the other hand, customer reviews, particularly the text describing the features, comparisons and experiences of using a particular product provide a rich source of information to compare products and make purchasing decisions. Online retailers like Amazon.com1 allow customers to add reviews of products they have purchased. These reviews have become a diverse and reliable source to aid other customers. Traditionally, many customers have used expert rankings which rate limited a number of products. Existing automated ranking mechanisms typically rank products based on their overall quality. However, a product usually has multiple product features, each of which plays a different role. Different customers may be interested in different features of a product, and their preferences may vary accordingly. In this paper, we present a feature-based product ranking technique that mines thousands of customer reviews. We first identify product features within a product category and analyze their frequencies and relative usage. For each feature, we identify subjective and comparative sentences in reviews. We then assign sentiment orientations to these sentences. By using the information obtained from customer reviews, we model the relationships among products by constructing a weighted and directed graph. We then mine this graph to determine the relative quality of products. Experiments on Digital Camera and Television reviews from real-world data on Amazon.com are presented to demonstrate the results of the proposed techniques.
Results of a screening method for free amino acids

Summary o 1. The results of large population screening for inborn errors of amino acid metabolism using a simple paper chromatographic technique for whole blood amino acid analysis are given. 2. This method for whole blood amino acid analysis has proven to be rapid, economical, and accurate. 3. This method can be used for periodic evaluation of patients on dietotherapy as well as for the detection of amino acid disorders. 4. Disorders originally detected by this method include homocystinuria,ornithinemia, maple syrup urine disease, transient methionine elevation, hyperaminoacidemia and tyrosinemia
Space qualification of silicon carbide for mirror applications: progress and future objectives

Production of optical silicon carbide (SiC) for mirror applications continues to evolve and there are renewed plans to use this material in future space-based systems. While SiC has the potential for rapid and cost-effective manufacturing of large, lightweight, athermal optical systems, this material's use in mirror applications is relatively new and has limited flight heritage. This combination of drivers stresses the necessity for a space qualification program for this material. Successful space qualification will require independent collaboration to absorb the high cost of executing this program while taking advantage of each contributing group's laboratory expertise to develop a comprehensive SiC database. This paper provides an overview of the trends and progress in the production of SiC, and identifies future objectives such as non-destructive evaluation and space-effects modeling to ensure proper implementation of this material into future space-based systems.
Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Here we designed and tested two highly specific quantitative TaqMan(®)-MGB-based reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The primers and probes for these assays were evaluated and found to have a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.005 plaque-forming units/PCR (pfu/PCR).
The Demise of State Prisoners' Access to Federal Habeas Corpus

The Writ of Habeas Corpus has been called the Great Writ because its purpose is to prevent the State from incarcerating an individual illegally. Spurred by the U. S. Supreme Court under the direction of former Chief Justice Earl Warren, the use of federal habeas corpus by state prisoners was expanded during the 1960s. This change led to the charge that the Court had deviated from the historical purpose of the writ of habeas corpus. However, the Court under the direction of former Chief Justice Warren Burger and current Chief Justice William Rehnquist has severely curtailed state prisoners' access to federal habeas corpus. This paper reviews the history of the writ of habeas corpus, examines the charge that the Warren Court deviated from the writ's historical purpose, and concludes that a state prisoner's access to federal habeas corpus is a rapidly fading right.
Using Human Resource Software Technology to Mitigate Glass Ceiling Effects in Higher Education: Interdisciplinary Applications for Managing Diversity.

This chapter describes how software technology may be used as an interdisciplinary approach to managing diversity in higher education to mitigate glass ceiling effects.
Tax Treaty Overrides: A Qualified Defense of US Practice

The ability of some countries to unilaterally change, or "override," their tax treaties through domestic legislation has frequently been identified as a serious threat to the bilateral tax treaty network. In most countries, treaties (including tax treaties) have a status superior to that of ordinary domestic laws. However, in some countries (primarily the U.S., but also to some extent the U.K. and Australia) treaties can be changed unilaterally by subsequent domestic legislation. This result clearly violates international law. However, since in the same countries courts are likely to follow domestic law even if it violates international law, both taxpayers and the other treaty partner have little practical recourse in the case of a treaty override beyond terminating the treaty, which is an extreme and rarely taken step. Therefore, the OECD in 1989 issued a report urging member countries to refrain from treaty overrides. This paper argues that the seriousness of the treaty override issue has been exaggerated. In practice, most countries, including the U.S. (which was clearly the target of the OECD Report) rarely override treaties, and when they do, in most cases the override can be justified as consistent with the underlying purposes of the relevant treaty. Moreover, treaty overrides can sometimes be an important tool in combating tax treaty abuse. Thus, I believe that if used correctly, treaty overrides can be a helpful feature of the international tax regime, albeit one that should be used sparingly and with caution.