cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethnic museum public relations: Cultural diplomacy and cultural intermediaries in the digital age

This article introduces the concept of ethnic public relations to the literature. Exemplars are current US controversies over ethnic museums, one form of ethnic organization that the authors emphasize in this article. The authors recommend a research agenda encompassing three areas. The first focuses on ethnic public relations practitioners and cultural intermediary, cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy roles. The second discusses ethnic public relations as a societal institution. The third illustrates how ethnic public relations faces particular challenges and opportunities in reaching publics, especially via digital communication.
Conditional Disabled-1 Deletion in Mice Alters Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Reduces Seizure Threshold

Many animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) exhibit altered neurogenesis arising from progenitors within the dentate gyrus subgranular zone (SGZ). Aberrant integration of new neurons into the existing circuit is thought to contribute to epileptogenesis. In particular, adult-born neurons that exhibit ectopic migration and hilar basal dendrites (HBDs) are suggested to be pro-epileptogenic. Loss of reelin signaling may contribute to these morphological changes in patients with epilepsy. We previously demonstrated that conditional deletion of the reelin adaptor protein, disabled-1 (Dab1), from postnatal mouse SGZ progenitors generated dentate granule cells (DGCs) with abnormal dendritic development and ectopic placement. To determine whether the early postnatal loss of reelin signaling is epileptogenic, we conditionally deleted Dab1 in neural progenitors and their progeny on postnatal days 7-8 and performed chronic video-EEG recordings 8-10 weeks later. Dab1-deficient mice did not have spontaneous seizures but exhibited interictal epileptiform abnormalities and a significantly reduced latency to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. After chemoconvulsant treatment, over 90% of mice deficient for Dab1 developed generalized motor convulsions with tonic-clonic movements, rearing, and falling compared to <20% of wild-type mice. Recombination efficiency, measured by Cre reporter expression, inversely correlated with time to the first sustained seizure. These pro-epileptogenic changes were associated with decreased neurogenesis and increased numbers of hilar ectopic DGCs. Interestingly, neurons co-expressing the Cre reporter comprised a fraction of these hilar ectopic DGCs cells, suggesting a non-cell autonomous effect for the loss of reelin signaling. We also noted a dispersion of the CA1 pyramidal layer, likely due to hypomorphic effects of the conditional Dab1 allele, but this abnormality did not correlate with seizure susceptibility. These findings suggest that the misplacement or reduction of postnatally-generated DGCs contributes to aberrant circuit development and hyperexcitability, but aberrant neurogenesis after conditional Dab1 deletion alone is not sufficient to produce spontaneous seizures.
Arginase Promotes Endothelial Dysfunction and Hypertension in Obesity by Restricting Arginine Bioavailability

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of hypertension. While endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been implicated in obesity-related hypertension, the mechanisms underlying this defect are...
Terrestrial arthropods of Steel Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas. II. Sawflies (Insecta: Hymenoptera: "Symphyta").

Background This is the second in a series of papers detailing the terrestrial arthropods collected during an intensive survey of a site near Steel Creek campground along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The survey was conducted over a period of eight and a half months using twelve trap types – Malaise traps, canopy traps (upper and lower collector), Lindgren multifunnel traps (black, green, and purple), pan traps (blue, purple, red, white, and yellow), and pitfall traps – and Berlese-Tullgren extraction of leaf litter.
Key technology of the electric-hydraulic system for continuous variable transmission

The control consistency of Drive-Neutral-Reverse(DNR)clutch in the software development of the electric-hydraulic control system of Continuous Variable Transmission(CVT)is analyzed.The parameter diversity,uncertainty,and time-varying introduce difficulties to the open-loop control of DNR clutch.Regarding the filling time and the slipping process,a self-learning method is proposed,which takes the smooth turbine acceleration as the target.The learning rule is derived from the Lyapunov argument.The asymptotic convergence of the self-learning process is theoretically proved.To verify the effectiveness of the learning control algorithm in practical application,the control algorithm modeling is set up in the ETAS software,and the control algorithm is tested using rapid prototype simulation on real vehicle.The test results indicate that application effect of the control method is good.
Assessment of needs and evaluation of interventions in mental health. Current approach

Pour que l'estimation des lesions puissent effectivement contribuer a l'evaluation et a la planification en sante mentale, il faut que soit mieux defini et plus operationnel le concept de besoins. Cet article passe en revue les apports recents dans ce domaine. Les deux principales contributions americaines, bien qu'ayant analyse les besoins en terme de prevalence reelle, reposent sur des definitions simplificatrices. De son cote, la principale approche britannique, malgre une operationnalisation des besoins definie comme multidimensionnelle et dynamique, n'a pas encore demontre la faisabilite en population generale
TU-H-CAMPUS-IeP2-04: Efficient Binary Tree Description of High Resolution Breast Models for in Silico Imaging

Purpose: We introduce a new geometric model for Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of breast tomosynthesis and mammography images with very high resolution digital breast phantoms voxelized at resolutions down to 50 microns or less. This fine sampling of the anatomy is required to reproduce the spiculated lesions and microcalcifications visible in clinical mammograms with pixel sizes under 100 microns. Phantoms voxelized at this resolution require such a large amount of computer memory that it might not be possible to execute the simulation in regular computers or in Graphics Processing Units (GPU), limiting the realism that can be achieved in virtual clinical trials. Methods: The standard voxel-based geometry model used in MC codes is inefficient in terms of memory use, because uniform regions are described with a large number of identical voxels. We have developed a new geometric model based on a binary tree partition of space. The binary tree recursively divides the object in two equal halves, alternating the x, y, and z dimensions, until a uniform volume or a final voxel are found. A top-down search of the tree structure is used to determine the exact composition of a particular voxel during the ray-tracing process. Results: The binary tree geometry was implemented in PENELOPE and its GPU-accelerated version MC-GPU. An example tomosynthesis scan was simulated using a computational breast phantom voxelized at 50 micron. This phantom was too large to fit in the GPU memory directly, but its binary tree version required 10 times less memory. The time spend searching the binary tree reduced the simulation speed in half approximately. Conclusion: We have introduced a new geometry model for in silico imaging of very high resolution phantoms. The binary tree model increases the computation time but, more importantly, enables the simulation of more detailed phantoms than previously possible.
Alteration of the Fatty Acid Content of Milk Fat

Milk fatty acid composition can be influenced by several factors, many of which are interactive. These include stage of lactation, seasonal variation, low milk fat syndrome, feeding, genetic variation, and changes in the energy status of the cow due to administration of bovine somatotropin. Utilization of feeding, genetic variation, and bovine somatotropin should produce a milk fat lower in saturated and higher in unsaturated fatty acids. This may be beneficial to consumers, as many health professionals are recommending diets lower in saturated fatty acids. Giving consumers the option of purchasing low saturated fatty acid dairy products may also assist in alleviating the current milk fat surplus in the dairy industry.
Kinetics and energetics trade-off in reverse osmosis desalination with different configurations

Abstract Optimizing system design and operation of reverse osmosis (RO) systems requires an in-depth comprehension of the intrinsic tradeoff between RO mass transfer kinetics and energetics. In this study, we demonstrate that this critical trade-off can be quantified using the relationship between the average water flux and the specific energy consumption (SEC). We derive analytical expressions to quantify the average water flux and SEC for single stage, two stage, and closed circuit RO processes. These analytical expressions are useful for system design and operation optimization as they facilitate direct comparison of the kinetic and energetic efficiencies between RO processes with different operation conditions and system configurations. Finally, we compare the kinetics and energetics of the three system configurations using these analytical expressions and discuss their relative advantages and disadvantages in RO desalination.
Autonomy Means Having to Make a Choice

Mackay and Robinson (2016) make the argument that an organ donation policy that does not fully respect a person's autonomy is pro tanto wrong. One might reject this entire premise. Although examini...
Electrowetting-on-dielectric actuation of a spatial and angular manipulation MEMS stage

We demonstrate a MEMS translational stage that uses electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) as the actuating mechanism. Our EWOD stage is capable of linear translation with resolution of 10 μm over a maximum range of 130 μm and angular deflection of approximately ±1° while eliminating solid-solid contact. The range and resolution can be readily improved via higher base contact angle and lower contact angle hysteresis as indicated by the detailed modeling accompanying the experimental demonstration.
Quality of relationship between veterans with traumatic brain injury and their family members.

ABSTRACTObjectives: The quality of the relationship between patients with many illnesses and their family members has been shown to affect the well-being of both. Yet, relationship quality has not been studied in traumatic brain injury (TBI), and giving and receiving aspects have not been distinguished. The present study of veterans with TBI examined associations between relationship quality and caregiver burden, satisfaction with caregiving, and veterans’ competence in interpersonal functioning, rated by veterans and family members.Method: In this cross-sectional study, 83 veterans and their family members were interviewed at home. Measures of quality of relationship, veterans’ interpersonal competence and sociodemographics were collected for both, caregiver burden and satisfaction for family members only.Results: As predicted, veteran-rated Qrel/Giving was associated with family-rated Qrel/Receiving, and veteran-rated Qrel/Receiving with family-rated Qrel/Giving. Lower caregiver burden and higher caregi...
The Papacy and the Orthodox: Sources and History of a Debate, by A. Edward Siecienski, New York, Oxford University Press, 2017, xiv + 510 pp., US$74.00 (hardback), ISBN 978 0 1902 4525 2

In The Papacy and the Orthodox, Edward Siecienski has provided both scholars and a religiously informed general audience with the most comprehensive and compelling recent account of the debate over...
From Electricity to Chemistry

This chapter begins by examining electricity in relation to other electromagnetic phenomena. The discussion then focuses on exploring how electricity provides the enabling conditions of chemical process. Hegel’s account of chemistry is considered next, both to determine the fundamental forms of chemical process and to establish how chemical process differs from, but provides the necessary ingredients, for life. On this basis, the account of inorganic nature comes to the point of providing the enabling conditions for the conception and emergence of life in the universe.
The Role of African Regional Organizations in Post-Election Governments of National Unity

International and regional organizations (ROs) have recently used post-conflict power-sharing accords to defuse a broad range of conflicts around the world, with a particular concentrating in sub-Saharan Africa. ROs in Africa here also described as “RECs” have often played a central role in both the political negotiations that lead to post-election governments of national unity (GNUs) as well the subsequent monitoring of power-sharing arrangements. Despite an extensive literature on power sharing in contexts of civil war, scholars have not yet paid sufficient attention to the dynamics and outcomes of the model in lower-intensity, non-civil war cases like post-election violence. There is a particular lack of comparative work investigating the role of ROs in the creation and practice of post-election GNUs. Through an investigation of the cases of Zimbabwe, Togo, and Kenya—based on extensive elite interviews—this chapter aims to fill this gap by demonstrating that ROs play a fundamental role in post-election GNUs in Africa. The chapter explains how variations in the conflict management norms of ROs impact the design of the accord along with the internal reform dynamics and outcomes of post-election GNUs.
An overview of flexible sensing integral imaging for three-dimensional profilometric reconstruction with occlusion removal

We overview a previously reported method for three-dimensional (3D) profilometric reconstruction with occlusion removal based on flexible sensing integral imaging. With flexible sensing, the field-of-view of the image system can be increased by randomly distributing a camera array on a non-planar surface. The camera matrices are estimated using the captured multi-perspective elemental images, and the estimated matrices are used for 3D reconstruction. Object recognition is then implemented on the reconstructed image by nonlinear correlation to detect the 3D position of the object. Finally, an algorithm is proposed to visualize the 3D profile of the object with occlusion removal.
Looking at the World from a Mathematical Perspective.

his recent book titled Beyond Numeracy John Paulos describes a car ride he took into New York City. As he looks out his window, he frames what he sees from a mathematical perspective. For instance, he uses the concepts of equivalence and inequality to determine if the kindness exhibited by one motorist helping another is greater than the aggravation caused by their interrupting the flow of traffic for everyone else. He uses the
Overall View of the Organization of the Vertebrate Gonad and the Structure of Steroidogenic Cells

In the natural world success is measured in terms of both the individual and the species. Therefore, it is to be expected that a particular reproductive strategy employed by a species would be the most effective so far evolved for carrying out the propagation of its members. Concomitantly, the organization of the gonads and development of the reproductive tract of each species would have evolved to produce the most efficient morphological arrangement of structures adapted not only to the reproductive strategy employed, but to the particular environment inhabited.
The Role of Chemokines in the Recruitment of Leukocytes During Lung Inflammation

The recruitment of specific leukocyte subpopulations in response to lung injury is a fundamental mechanism of acute pulmonary inflammation. The elicitation of leukocytes is dependent upon a complex series of events, including reduced leukocyte deformability, endothelial cell activation and expression of endothelial cell-derived leukocyte adhesion molecules, leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, leukocyte activation and expression of leukocyte-derived adhesion molecules, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and leukocyte migration beyond the endothelial barrier along established chemotactic and haptotactic gradients. While the events of leukocyte extravasation may appear intuitive, it has taken over 150 years of research to elucidate the molecular and cellular steps involved in the process of leukocyte migration.
Laughter extracted from television closed captions as speech recognizer training data.

Closed captions in television broadcasts, intended to aid the hearing impaired, also have potential as training data for speech-recognition software. Use of closed captions for automatic extraction of virtually unlimited training data has already been demonstrated [1]. This paper reports some preliminary work on the use of non-speech sound tokens included in closed captions to extract training data to augment a speech recognizer’s repertoire of non-speech phonemes. A small experiment was performed to pinpoint laughter sounds in television news broadcasts using the Informedia Digital Video Library’s retrieval capabilities, which automatically exploit closed captions. The snippets found were used to retrain a speech recognizer. A small test showed a small but significant gain in performance. In the future we plan to develop this approach into a fully automatic procedure for extracting training data for non-speech sounds.
Thermal Conduction in Composites

We consider the effective thermal conductivity of two-component isotropic composites and review bounds obtained through analytic continuation of the effective conductivity as a function of the component conductivities. The connection between this conductivity function and Stieltjes functions is emphasized. Many of the well-known bounds on the effective thermal conductivity correspond to bounds on Stieltjes functions and these bounds, in turn, are closely related to Pade approximants.
Spatial Processing of Environmental Representations

In everyday life, we accomplish tasks that require the storage and access of mental representations of many familiar locations. Humans store this environmental knowledge in a series of representations in memory. We discuss recent studies on how humans attend to and process multiple environmental representations to reason and act within the spatial world. These studies suggest that people access one environment at a time, and they automatically update their relationship to their immediate environment, but not to remote environments. Navigation across environments involves reorienting to upcoming environments at certain spatial regions and dropping the old environment from the processing. This selective processing sheds light on the nature and structure of human environmental representations.
XPS and NEXAFS study of the reactions of acetic acid and acetaldehyde over UO2(100) thin film

Abstract The reactions of two C2 oxygenates, acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and acetic acid (CH3COOH), over the (100) terminated surface of UO2 thin film are investigated. The UO2 film (ca. 100 nm thick) was prepared on a LaAlO3 (100) substrate and its reactions were studied by high-resolution synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS – C 1 s, O 1 s, and U 4f) and Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS – C K-edge). Results show a strong interaction of both molecules with the (100) surface at 300 K. Adsorption of acetic acid at 280 K produces acetates. Upon heating their population steadily decreased (XPS C 1 s) and some enolate or ketene-like species (such as CH2=COO(a)) are formed (NEXAFS). Acetaldehyde primarily adsorbed molecularly at 300 K and subsequent annealing to 480 K led to α-H abstraction making enolates upon interaction with surface O anions. No preferential orientation was detected for acetates while some could be seen for adsorbed acetaldehyde (NEXAFS). Results for the adsorption and reactivity of acetic acid and acetaldehyde on UO2(100) are compared with those of UO2(111) reported previously to further probe into possible structure-sensitive reactions of this actinide metal oxide.
Real-Time Underwater Computing System

Underwater acoustic sensor networks have emerged as a new technology for underwater real-time applications such as oil inspection, seismic monitoring, and disaster prevention. However, this new technology is bound to data sensing, transmission, and forwarding, which makes the transmission of large volumes of data costly in terms of both time and power. This has inspired our research activities to develop underwater computing systems. In this advanced technology, information is extracted under the water using embedded processors via data mining and/or data compression. In our previous study, we developed a new set of real-time underwater embedded system architectures that can handle various network configurations. The aim was to minimize end-to-end delay and power consumption based on network parameters (i.e., data rate, central processing node capabilities, gathering node capabilities, and water depth) for both homogenous and heterogeneous applications. In this study, we developed a data-gathering algorithm that divides sensor nodes into clusters to find the best location for master nodes and their sensor members and the best location for the central computer. The system performance is calculated in terms of minimum end-to-end delay, power consumption, and load balancing among master nodes. Simulation is used to verify the results and to evaluate the performance of various sensor topologies.
Open Surgery for Gastric Cancer: Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy with D2 Lymph Node Dissection

Gastric cancer is a major cancer worldwide but particularly in East Asia, where two-thirds of the cases were reported. This area includes Korea, Japan, and China [1]. Gastrectomy with lymph node dissection has been a standard treatment for gastric cancer [2]. The rationale behind this treatment option is twofold. Small tumors should be excised as they will progress to large tumors and invade other organs. Second, surgical resection of the primary tumors should effectively reduce the risk of metastatic relapse [3]. Outcomes of surgical resection for early stage of gastric cancer are quite good, with a greater than 90% 5-year overall survival, even without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy [4]. These statistics highlight the important role of surgeons in the treatment of gastric cancer.
Gender Inequality in Comparative Perspective

(2014). Gender Inequality in Comparative Perspective. International Journal of Sociology: Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 3-7.
Chronic rhinosinusitis and sleep quality.

Purpose of review To review the recent literature describing the association between chronic rhinosinusitis and its effects on sleep quality. Recent findings Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) causes significantly worse sleep by both subjective and objective measures. CRS is also strongly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Treating CRS surgically improves subjective sleep scores. Summary CRS worsens sleep quality both subjectively and objectively. Sleep quality is improved after endoscopic sinus surgery.
The Use of Interactive Student Response Software in an Introductory International Relations Course

Can web-based interactive student response systems (SRSs) improve student performance in large introductory international relations courses? Does switching from first-generation clicker-based SRSs ...
Pulling as We Climb: No Sister Left Behind

This chapter is a response to pressures that exist particularly for Black women in higher education. Utilizing the lens of Black feminism, this chapter will examine the experiences of five Black women at a predominantly White institution, and the way that mentorship empowers them to challenge systems and structures within a historically oppressive environment for people of color. We identify a typology of mentorship, with five uniquely different mentorship relationships, and explain how these relationships provide layers of support for managing the complexities that exist in the intersecting roles of Black women operating in various capacities within higher education.
Surface-Engineered Nanomaterials in Water: Understanding Critical Dynamics of Soft Organic Coatings and Relative Aggregation Density

Inorganic-organic nanocomposites, typically as an inorganic core with surface organic coating(s), have received interest as potential platform materials for sensor, catalyst, sorbent, and environmental applications, among others. Here, we describe the critical role of organic surface coatings with regard to the colloidal stability of engineered manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnxOy NPs). Specifically, we prepared libraries of monodisperse MnxOy NPs with a serial selection of surface coatings (stearic acid (SA), oleic acid (OA), poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMAO), linear polyethyleneimine (LPEI), and multibranched polyethyleneimine (BPEI)), which were chosen based on comparable structure(s) and functional group(s). We systematically evaluated the role of surface organic coatings via critical coagulation concentrations (CCCs), which were compared with theoretical calculations (Schulze-Hardy rule). Through a newly developed light scattering protocol, we observed that the effective density of nanoclusters can exceed NPs' primary (bulk) density depending on the open space(s) within organic coatings. Interestingly, PMAO-coated NPs were more stable at the point of zero charge (PZC) than at neutral pH (pH 7), despite the loss of effective surface charge potential. CCC was 334 mM in NaCl and 1.5 mM in CaCl2 at pH 7, compared to CCC values of 807 mM in NaCl and 210 mM in CaCl2 at PZC. This increase in stability is due to polymer (re)configuration (at PZC), which was further confirmed with a quartz crystal microbalance-based technique to evaluate surface-based polymer dynamics. Taken together, this work quantifies the role of organic coating dynamics, including structure, grafting density, and configuration on the colloidal stability of organic-coated NPs.
Flooding by California Rivers Results in Walnut Scion Infections by Species of Phytophthora

Many walnut orchards were inundated by flooding from the Feather and Stanislaus Rivers in winter and spring 2017 and developed bleeding cankers in trunk, root, and crown tissues exposed to the wate...
CELLULAR FEEDBACK NETWORKS AND THEIR RESILIENCE AGAINST MUTATIONS

Many tissues undergo a steady turnover, where cell divisions are on average balanced with cell deaths. Cell fate decisions such as stem cell (SC) differentiations, proliferations, or differentiated...
Planes, Strains, and Hurricanes: Elections in the Wake of Catastrophes

Catastrophes often impact voting. From the coronavirus pandemic to Hurricane Katrina to 9/11, states and territories have dealt with catastrophes by canceling, replacing, postponing, and modifying elections. However, states rarely adopt preventative measures in their election statutes. By examining case studies from three different 21st century elections affected by catastrophe, I present a full account of the types of mitigatory measures that states take in response to different types of disasters. After highlighting the need for prevention and identifying how disasters act on elections, I argue that states and territories should implement universal vote-by-mail, hold elections over an entire week, and eliminate voter registration to make their elections more resilient to catastrophe.
Outcomes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Improve with Obesity: A Rural Appalachian Experience.

OBJECTIVES Obesity can be an independent predictor of fibrosis in tissues, including the liver, heart, and skin. We evaluated a rural Appalachian cohort of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) for its relation to obesity. METHODS Using American Thoracic Society 2018 diagnostic guidelines, an IPF cohort was systematically identified at an Appalachian academic medical center (2015-2019). The cohort was categorized in subgroups of body mass index (BMI) <30 or BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Demographics, clinical variables, and treatment details were collected retrospectively and evaluated for their associations with obesity. RESULTS In our IPF cohort (N = 138), a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern was less prevalent in the obese group (n = 49) relative to the nonobese group (69% vs 85%, respectively). The obese group was younger (mean age 73.27 ± 9.12 vs 77.97 ± 9.59 years) and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (90% vs 72%), hyperlipidemia (83% vs 68%), diabetes mellitus (47% vs 25%), sleep-disordered breathing (47% vs 25%), chronic pain disorders (28% vs 15%), and deep vein thrombosis (19% vs 7%). An increased proportion of obese-IPF patients was seen at a tertiary or an interstitial lung disease center, with more surgical lung biopsies performed and incident diagnosis (ie, within 6 months of presentation) assigned. Only a minority of patients underwent lung transplantation (3.6%), all of them from the obese-IPF subgroup. Approximately 30% of the total IPF cohort died, with a lower mortality observed in the obese group (35% vs 20%, P = 0.017). An increasing BMI predicted a better survival in the total IPF cohort (BMI 25-29.9, 20-24.9, and <20 had mortality rates of 20%, 47%, and 75%, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study represents a first known effort to develop an IPF cohort in a rural Appalachian region. Although they shared an increased burden of comorbidities, the obese subgroup showed less advanced fibrosis with a lower mortality rate relative to nonobese subgroup, suggesting a potential "obesity paradox" in IPF. The study findings significantly advance our understanding of challenges posed by IPF in a rural population that also suffers from an alarming rate of obesity. We highlight the need for the multidisciplinary management of these patients and prospective studies to better define this complex relation.
Molecular Diagnoses of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus

Molecular diagnostic applications promise to revolutionize the practice of medical microbiology. Identification of many microorganisms can be made more rapidly using molecular techniques than can be achieved by traditional culture methods. Molecular techniques are particularly useful for rapid detection of slow-growing organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or organisms that cannot be conveniently grown such as viruses. Detection of microbial virulence or antibiotic resistance factors is also an area that is amenable to molecular approaches.
The Plasma Erosion Opening Switch

Inductive energy storage in conjunction with opening switch techniques has many advantages over conventional, capacitive power approaches for high-energy (>10MJ), high-power (>10l2W) applications.1 The principal advantages of inductive storage derive from the 10–100 times higher energy density possible with energy stored in magnetic fields as compared with electric fields and that energy can be stored at low voltage. In theory, this makes compact and economical generators possible.2 In any inductive storage scheme, the opening switches represent the most critical elements. One such possible switch is the plasma erosion opening switch (PEOS). This switch has been proposed to be used either by itself3 or in sequence with other opening switches4 in several inductive-store, pulsed-power systems. Recently, inductive-store/ pulse-compression techniques employing the PEOS have been successfully adapted to conventional pulsed-power generators for the purpose of improving their performance, e.g., peak voltage, peak power, and pulse width.5–11 In addition to inductive store applications, the PEOS has been used extensively in high power generators for prepulse suppression, improving power flow symmetry, and current risetime sharpening.5,6,12–18 Depending on the specific application, the PEOS has demonstrated opening times less than 10 ns, conduction times approaching 100 ns, conduction currents as high as 5 MA, and voltage generation over 3 MV without breakdown. Present research is directed toward obtaining a better understanding of PEOS physics and the interaction of the PEOS with the other system components to optimize system performance.
Process R&D for CIS-Based Thin-Film PV: Final Technical Report, April 2002 - April 2005

The primary objectives of this Shell Solar Industries subcontract are to address key near-term technical RD continue process development for increased production capacity; develop processes capable of significantly contributing to DOE 2020 PV shipment goals; advance mid- and longer-term RD and perform aggressive module lifetime R&D directed at developing packages that address the DOE goal for modules that will last up to 30 years while retaining 80% of initial power. These production R&D results, production volume, efficiency, high line yield, and advances in understanding are major accomplishments. The demonstrated and maintained high production yield is a major accomplishment supporting attractive cost projections for CIS. Process R&D at successive levels of CIS production has led to the continued demonstration of the prerequisites for commitment to large-scale commercialization. Process and packaging R&D during this and previous subcontracts has demonstrated the potential for further cost and performance improvements.
Retrospective evaluation of parenteral nutrition in alpacas: 22 cases (2002-2008).

Background: Parenteral nutrition is an important method of nutritional support in hospitalized animals, but minimal information has been published on its use in camelids. Hypothesis/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to characterize the use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in alpacas, evaluate the formulations used, and determine potential complications. Animals: Twenty-two alpacas hospitalized at the Tufts Cummings School for Veterinary Medicine (site 1: n = 8) and the Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (site 2: n = 14). Methods: A retrospective analysis of all alpacas that received TPN between 2002 and 2008 was performed to assess clinical indications, clinical and clinicopathologic data, and outcome. Results: The most common underlying diseases in animals receiving TPN were gastrointestinal dysfunction (n = 16), hepatic disease (n = 2), and neoplasia (n = 2). Several metabolic abnormalities were identified in animals (n = 20/22) before TPN was initiated, including lipemia (n = 12/22), hyperglycemia (11/22), and hypokalemia (n = 11/22). Median age was significantly lower for site 1 cases (0.1 years; range, 0.01–11.0) compared with those from site 2 (4.9 years; range, 0.1–13.7; P= .03). Animals at site 2 also had a longer duration of hospitalization (P= .01) and TPN administration (P= .004), as well as higher survival rate (P < .02). Twenty-one of 22 alpacas developed at least 1 complication during TPN administration. Metabolic complications were most prevalent (n = 21/22) and included hyperglycemia (n = 8/21), lipemia (n = 7/21), hypokalemia (n = 3/21), and refeeding syndrome (n = 3/21). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: TPN is a feasible method of nutritional support for alpacas when enteral feeding is not possible. Prospective studies are warranted to determine optimal TPN formulations for alpacas.
Late evolution of SN 1987A.

Topics related to the late evolution of SN 1987A are examined. The characteristics of interstellar light echoes are reviewed and studies of light echoes and shock waves surrounding SN 1987A are discussed. The late emission and the structure of the supernova ejecta are described. In addition, the effects of a central neutron star are considered.
Positron Spectrum of O 15

The positron spectrum of ${\mathrm{O}}^{15}$ has been investigated with two iron-free magnetic spectrometers. One measurement, performed with an intermediate-image spectrometer and a solid source, gave an end-point energy of 1.723\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev. The other measurement, performed with a thin-lens spectrometer and a gaseous source, gave an end-point energy of 1.736\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010 Mev. These values, which are approximately 0.050 Mev higher than the only previously reported spectrometer measurement, are in good agreement with the end point predicted from ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}(p, n){\mathrm{O}}^{15}$ threshold determinations. The $\mathrm{ft}$ value calculated from an average end-point energy of 1.733\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev derived from the beta spectra and the ($p, n$) threshold measurements is 4280\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}100 seconds. This new value brings the ${\mathrm{O}}^{15}$ decay into good agreement with the $B\ensuremath{-}x$ analysis of the 0-0 spin change and the "doubly closed shell plus or minus one nucleon" beta transitions.
The crystal structure of tetranatrolite from Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, and its chemical and structural relationship to paranatrolite and gonnardite

The structure of tetranatrolite from Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec (U.S. National Museum sample R1830) with a = 13.197(7) A, c = 6.630(9) A, and space group I 42 d , was refined using single-crystal X-ray data. A representative formula of tetranatrolite determined from electron microprobe analysis is Na 12.50 K 0.01 Ca 2.93 Sr 0.11 Al 19.09 Si 20.91 O 79.74 ·nH 2 O. The structure has the basic natrolite Si-Al-O frame-work configuration with Na, Ca, Sr, and K residing within inter-framework cages. Aluminum is disordered over the T1 and T2 tetrahedral sites, with T2 > T1. Water molecules O4 and O5 coordinate the intercage atoms and have high displacement parameters, indicating disorder within the cages. The Mont Saint-Hilaire tetranatrolite structure is compared to four previously determined structures, two tetranatrolite samples from Khibiny and Lovozero, Russia and two “gonnardite” samples from Tvedalen, Norway and Gignat, France. Observations are given to indicate that the Norwegian sample deduced to be tetranatrolite rather than gonnardite. Although the crystal structures of tetranatrolite and gonnardite are very similar, it is shown that the tetranatrolite compositions differ significantly from those of gonnardite. The tetranatrolite composition series varies along the join Na 16 Al 16 Si 24 O 80 –Na 12 Ca 4 Al 20 Si 20 O 80 , and is represented by the formula Na 16– x Ca x Al 16+ x Si 24– x O 80 ·nH 2 O, where x extends from approximately 2.4 to 3.9. In contrast, gonnardites from Arkansas and Austria have compositions that vary along the join Na 16 Al 16 Si 24 O 80 –Na 4 Ca 8 Al 20 Si 20 O 80 , which are represented by the formula □ x Na 16–3 x Ca 2 x Al 16+ x Si 24– x O 80 ·nH 2 O and where □ indicates vacant intercage cation sites and x varies from approximately 0.3 to 3.2. Tetranatrolite is a dehydration product of paranatrolite and probably does not have a true stability field.
Carcinoid tumors of the duodenum and the ampulla of Vater: current diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a series of 8 patients. Case series

Abstract Aim To describe the specific characteristics of duodenal/perivaterian carcinoids and to analyze the diagnostic/therapeutic approach. Material and methods Eight patients were included in our study. Symptoms on admission included dyspepsia, upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and anemia. All patients underwent upper GI endoscopy and gastrointestinal peptides (gastrin) and neuroendocrine markers (Chromogranin-A, CgA) measurement. Imaging studies were performed in all patients, including OCTREOSCAN, while in patients with ACs MRCP or ERCP was also performed, when necessary. Definite diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination. Results Polypoid masses (carcinoids) were revealed at duodenal bulb and ampulla of Vater, in 5 and 3 patients, respectively. Serum gastrin was moderately increased in 4 patients, while in one patient it was more than 1000 pg/ml. Serum CgA was moderately increased in one patient, in whom OCTREOSCAN detected a solitary hepatic metastasis. Two patients with DC, of less than 1 cm of diameter, were treated by endoscopic polypectomy, while all the other patients underwent surgery. The patient with hepatic metastasis and positive OCTREOSCAN received also Octreotide LAR, resulting in stabilization of disease. No recurrence or metastases were observed during follow-up (range : 1.5–9.6 years). Conclusions In DC tumors 1 cm and in AC, surgical resection is the treatment of choice. In metastatic tumors, resection of the primary lesion with administration of somatostatin analogues may stabilize the disease and improve patient's quality of life.
New opioid designed multiple ligand from Dmt-Tic and morphinan pharmacophores

Here, we report the synthesis of a designed multi-pharmacophore ligand derived from the linkage of a delta selective peptide antagonist (Dmt-Tic) and a mu/kappa morphinan agonist butorphan (MCL 101) through a two methylene spacer. The new compound MCL 450 maintains the same characteristics as those the two reference compounds. MCL 450 represents a useful starting point for the synthesis of other multiple opioid ligands endowed with analgesic properties with low tolerance and dependence.
Psychological characteristics and their development in Olympic champions.

This study was designed to examine psychological characteristics and their development in Olympic champions. Ten U.S. Olympic champions (winners of 32 Olympic medals) were interviewed, as were one of their coaches ( n = 10), and a parent, guardian, or significant other ( n = 10). A battery of psychological inventories was also administered to the athletes. It was found that the athletes were characterized by: (a) the ability to cope with and control anxiety; (b) confidence; (c) mental toughness/resiliency; (d) sport intelligence; (e) the ability to focus and block out distractions; (f) competitiveness; (g) a hard-work ethic; (h) the ability to set and achieve goals; (i) coachability; (j) high levels of dispositional hope; (k) optimism; and (l) adaptive perfectionism. Results also revealed that a number of individuals and institutions influenced the athletes' psychological development including the community, family, the individual himself or herself, non-sport personnel, sport environment personnel, and t...
Banding Mechanism Caused by Self-Excited Vibration in a Contact Development System

Previous studies on the banding mechanism have proposed various reduction methods for the electrophotographic process. The banding mechanism is generally caused by a vibration that is transmitted by the drive system and its resulting resonance. We analyzed the banding that occurred in a single-component contact development system, and it became evident that banding was caused by a self-excited vibration. The self-excited vibration model consists of the following elements: A spring element (the rubber layer of the development roller), a mass element (the development unit), and an exciting force (the friction between the development roller and the OPC drum). We also observed that the model's vibration frequency varies nonlinearly, an interesting characteristic caused by the nonlinear hardening properties of the spring. Since self-excited vibration can be prevented by stabilizing the system, we propose the use of appropriate damping components. We also statistically verified the banding reduction effect by conducting a quantitative analysis on the vibration intensity.
Neurotrophic factors, cytokines and stress increase expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in retinal pigmented epithelial cells.

Abstract Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and FGF receptors have been localized to photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), but the function of bFGF in adult retina and RPE is unknown. Exogenous bFGF has a neuroprotective effect in retina and brain and its expression is increased in some neurons in response to cytokines or stress. In this study, we investigated the effect of light, other types of stress, neurotrophic factors, and cytokines on bFGF levels in cultured human RPE. Some agents that protect photoreceptors from the damaging effects of constant light, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor, and interleukin-1β, increase bFGF mRNA levels in RPE cells. Intense light and exposure to oxidizing agents also increase bFGF mRNA levels in RPE cells and cycloheximide blocks the increase. An increase in bFGF protein levels was demonstrated by ELISA in RPE cell supernatants after incubation with BDNF or exposure to intense light or oxidizing agents. These data indicate that bFGF is modulated in RPE cells by stress and by agents that provide protection from stress and support the hypothesis that bFGF functions as a survival factor in the outer retina.
Efficient pattern mining on shared memory systems: implications for chip multiprocessor architectures

Frequent pattern mining is a fundamental data mining process which has practical applications ranging from market basket data analysis to web link analysis. In this work, we show that state-of-the-art frequent pattern mining applications are inefficient when executing on a shared memory multiprocessor system, due primarily to poor utilization of the memory hierarchy. To improve the efficiency of these applications, we explore memory performance improvements, task partitioning strategies, and task queuing models designed to maximize the scalability of pattern mining on SMP systems. Empirically, we show that the proposed strategies afford significantly improved performance. We also discuss implications of this work in light of recent trends in micro-architecture design, particularly chip multiprocessors (CMPs).
Semidistributive inverse semigroups

An inverse semigroup S is said to be meet (join) semidistributive if its lattice ( S ) of full inverse subsemigroups is meet (join) semidistributive. We show that every meet (join) semidistributive inverse semigroup is in fact distributive.
Non-invasive cardiac output and oxygen delivery measurement in an infant with critical anemia.

To assess the combination of a non-invasive blood oxygen content (CaO2) monitor and a non-invasive cardiac output (CO) monitor to continuously measure oxygen delivery (DO2; DO2 = CaO2 × CO). DO2 was assessed during blood transfusions in an infant with acute hemolytic anemia following admission (~48 h). CaO2 was measured by Pulse Co-Oximetry, which also provides estimates of hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and percent oxygen saturation. CO was measured by Electrical Velocimetry, which also provides an estimate of stroke volume (SV). Lactate levels, an indirect measure of adequate DO2, were assessed during the initial 8 h following admission. Incremental blood transfusions during the first 36 h increased Hgb from 2.7 to 9.5 g/dL during which time heart rate (HR) normalized from 156 to 115 beats/min. Lactate levels decreased from 20 to 0.8 mmol/L in the first 7 h. Non-invasive Hgb and CaO2 measurements were well correlated with invasive Hgb and CaO2 measures (r 2 = 0.88; P = 0.019; r 2 = 0.86; P = 0.0074, respectively). CO decreased from 2.47 ± 0.06 to 1.28 ± 0.02 L/min and SV decreased from 15.9 ± 0.4 to 11.1 ± 0.2 mL/beat. Mean arterial blood pressure was stable throughout the admission with systemic vascular resistance increasing from 407.6 ± 15.2 to 887.7 ± 30.1 dynes-s/cm5. DO2 was estimated to increase from 120.2 ± 18.9 to 182.4 ± 5.6 mL O2/min. Non-invasive contin- uous CO and CaO2 monitors are shown in this single case to provide continuous DO2 measurement. The ability to assess DO2 may improve hemodynamic monitoring during goal directed therapies.