cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is direct measurement of time possible

Is direct measurement of time possible? The answer to this question may depend upon how one understands time. Is time an essential constituent of physical reality? Or is what scientists are talking about when they use the symbol 't' or the word 'time' an human cultural construct, as the Chief of the USA NIST Divisions of Time and Frequency and of Quantum Physics has suggested. Few aspects of physics do not reference activity to time, but many discussions within either view of time seem to use one same, largely traditional, language of time. Briefly considering the question of measurement, including from a formal measure-theoretic point of view, clarifies the situation.
Civil Racism: the 1992 Los Angeles rebellion and the crisis of racial burnout

Lynn Mie Itagaki’s timely and insightful Civil Racism: the 1992 Los Angeles rebellion and the crisis of racial burnout uses the 1992 LA rebellion as a case study to explore the ways the politics of...
Analyzing the Use of Twitter to Disseminate Visual Impairments Awareness Information

People with visual impairments have been surrounded with myths and misconceptions that have made it challenging for them to live as productive members of the society and have partly contributed in making the majority live in substandard living conditions. To shift the public's focus from being on the disability to be on the abilities of the visually impaired, non-profit organizations and government agencies have conducted a series of campaigns to spread awareness about visual impairments. Social media platforms, such as Twitter, has become the primary channel to diffuse information to the public. The goal of this paper is to analyze the use of Twitter as a social media platform to spread information during visual impairments awareness campaigns. We focused our analysis on five key concerns: (i) the characteristics of active users during the event, (ii) the major players in information dissemination, (iii) the tweets' common topics (iv) the reachability of information, and (v) the temporal tweeting behavior. We report the results of the campaigns along with the design of an effective communication strategy of a campaign.
Double-Rotor Machines—Design and Analysis

Because of the enhancing needs on the environmental protection and energy utilization, the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy (RE) are speeding up in the past few decades.
Avoiding Antibiotic Inactivation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Rv3406 through Strategic Nucleoside Modification

5′-[N-(d-biotinoyl)sulfamoyl]amino-5′-deoxyadenosine (Bio-AMS, 1) possesses selective activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and arrests fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis through inhibition of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis biotin protein ligase (MtBPL). Mtb develops spontaneous resistance to 1 with a frequency of at least 1 × 10–7 by overexpression of Rv3406, a type II sulfatase that enzymatically inactivates 1. In an effort to circumvent this resistance mechanism, we describe herein strategic modification of the nucleoside at the 5′-position to prevent enzymatic inactivation. The new analogues retained subnanomolar potency to MtBPL (KD = 0.66–0.97 nM), and 5′R-C-methyl derivative 6 exhibited identical antimycobacterial activity toward: Mtb H37Rv, MtBPL overexpression, and an isogenic Rv3406 overexpression strain (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC = 1.56 μM). Moreover, 6 was not metabolized by recombinant Rv3406 and resistant mutants to 6 could not be isolated (frequency of resistance <1.4...
Incorporating Religion and Spirituality into Teaching and Practice: The Drexel School of Public Health Experience

Since 2006, the Dornsife School has offered doctoral-level and masters-level students a graduate seminar entitled “Faith, Religion, Spirituality and Health.” Framed as a social justice approach to the health of communities, the 10-week course focuses on the psychosocial, epidemiological, environmental, program and policy dimensions of religion, spirituality, and community health. The seminar emphasizes strong student engagement and includes reflective arts, weekly synthesis and reflection papers, active class discussions, visits with guest experts, short research projects, a case-study approach, and a 7-week community-based practicum. On the public health practice level, the school has sponsored trainings with faith communities and religious leaders as well as public health and medical professionals. The author incudes some aspects of R/S in all her courses and has additionally contributed to collaborations with citywide agencies and local multi-faith programs that address trauma, religious competency and diversity, health promotion, and behavioral health.
Plant Quarantine and International Shipment of Tissue Culture Plants

The plant quarantine aspects of the international exchange of plant tissue cultures for scientific or commercial purposes are discussed. As a background for quarantine considerations, the author discusses quarantine principles, natural and manmade pathways for the entrance of exotic pests, pest risk analysis, and safeguards. Quarantine regulations are established by governments to lower the chances (= risk) that an imported article may be carrying a pest or pathogen of quarantine significance (= hazard). The entry status of imports ranges from liberal to conservative as determined by hazard/risk considerations as influenced by biological data and benefit/risk factors. Safeguards, particularly when modes of action are independent, can lower the risk and, therefore, biologically justify a more liberal entry status. The role of tissue cultures in providing safeguards that lower risk and facilitate international movement of plant materials is discussed.
Progesterone receptor action: translating studies in breast cancer models to clinical insights.

Progesterone receptors (PR) are useful prognostic indicators of breast cancers likely to respond to anti-estrogen receptor (ER) therapies. However, the role of progesterone, therapeutic progestins, or unliganded or liganded PR in breast cancer development or progression remains controversial. PR are ligand-activated transcription factors that act in concert with intracellular signaling pathways as “sensors” of multiple growth factor inputs to hormonally regulated tissues, such as the breast. The recently defined induction of rapid signaling events upon progestin-binding to PR-B provides a means to ensure that receptors and coregulators are appropriately phosphorylated as part of optimal transcription complexes. PR-activated kinase cascades may provide additional avenues for progestin-regulated gene expression independent of PR nuclear action. Herein, we present an overview of progesterone/PR and signaling cross-talk in breast cancer models and discuss the potential significance of progestin/PR action in breast cancer biology using examples from both in vitro and in vivo models, as well as limited clinical data. Kinases are emerging as key mediators of PR action. Cross-talk between PR and membrane-initiated signaling events suggests a mechanism for coordinated regulation of gene subsets by mitogenic stimuli in hormonally responsive normal tissues. Dysregulation of this cross-talk mechanism may contribute to breast cancer biology; further studies are needed to address the potential for targeting PR in addition to ER and selected protein kinases as part of more effective breast cancer therapies.
Biomechanical Aspects of the Auto-digestion Theory

Increasing evidence suggests that most cardiovascular diseases, tumors and other ailments are associated with an inflammatory cascade. The inflammation is accompanied by activation of cells in the circulation and fundamental changes in the mechanics of the microcirculation, expression of pro-inflammatory genes and downregulation of anti-inflammatory genes, attachment of leukocytes to the endothelium, elevated permeability of the endothelium, and many other events. The evidence has opened great opportunities for medicine to develop new anti-inflammatory interventions. But it also raises a fundamental question: What is the origin of inflammation? I will discuss a basic series of studies that was designed to explore trigger mechanisms for inflammation in shock and multi-organ failure, an important clinical problem associated with high mortality. We traced the source of the inflammatory mediators to the powerful digestive enzymes in the intestine. Synthesized in the pancreas as part of normal digestion, they have the ability to degrade almost all biological tissues and molecules. In the lumen of the intestine, digestive enzymes are fully activated and self-digestion of the intestine is prevented by compartmentalization in the lumen of the intestine facilitated by the mucosal epithelial barrier. Under conditions of intestinal ischemia, however, the mucosal barrier becomes permeable to pancreatic enzymes allowing their entry into the wall of the intestine. The process leads to auto-digestion of the intestinal wall and production of inflammatory mediators. The hypothesis that multi-organ failure in shock may be due an auto-digestion process by pancreatic enzymes is ready to be tested in a variety of shock conditions.
Shielding artificially increases the attenuation of water: study of CT gradient attenuation induced by shielding (CT GAINS).

Rationale and Objectives Quantitatively analyze the computed tomography (CT) attenuation effects caused by bismuth shields, which are used to reduce superficial organ dose. Materials and Methods The solid water uniformity section of the American College of Radiology CT phantom was scanned with a modified chest CT protocol. Scans were performed with a bismuth breast shield in multiple configurations, emphasizing three clinically relevant orientations. Attenuation effects were measured as changes in mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values of equal midsagittal regions of interest (ROI). Multiple statistical techniques were used in regression analysis. Results Bismuth shielding resulted in significant positive shifts of the expected Hounsfield unit values. The mean nonshielded CT attenuation was −0.16 ± 0.75 HU. Based on the clinically relevant ROI distance from the shield (∼3–16 cm), the shielded values ranged from 43.8–4 HU, 45.8–10.1 HU, and 50.6–4.5 HU for shields 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All shield configurations displayed a statistically significant shift ( P Conclusions The data support the claim that bismuth shields increase the attenuation of water, which can cause inaccurate characterization of simple fluid, giving the appearance of complex fluid or even solid density. However, there is potential for anticipation of the attenuation effects to validate continued use of these shields for dose reduction.
47 – Pharmacoeconomics of Asthma Treatments

Publisher Summary Healthcare decision makers are interested in employing rational approaches to allocating resources among patients with chronic disease. Some policymakers may view cost-effective analyses as a means to justify rationing, but others are beginning to embrace economic evaluation methods for improving decision making. For example, limits on insurance coverage for specific interventions, formulary development, quality improvement programs, and appropriate utilization of services. However, before sound decisions can be made on appropriate selection and the use of interventions, more comparative data on the economic value of the treatments are needed. Few studies characterize the economic impact of a large number of interventions currently being used to manage asthma. There is no standard approach for evaluating the economic costs and benefits of the medical treatments used to treat asthma or for comparing the clinical and economic benefits of alternative treatments. Researchers conduct studies with varying lengths of follow-up, use different outcome measures, include different costs in the calculation of total cost, and evaluate different mixes of patients. These inconsistencies hinder efforts by decision makers to compare clinical and economic benefits.
Synthesis, Characteristics and Catalytic Activity of Monodisperse Platinum Alloys with Gold and Palladium

Gold-platinum and palladium-platinum alloys were prepared as monodisperse sols. Investigation was carried out on optical, sedimentation, electron microscopic and hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalytic properties. The sols were mounted on colloidal supports of plate-like alumina. Measurements were made of the number of active sites on activity per site for hydrogenation of ethylene as a function of alloy composition. Evidence was found for enhanced activity of small clusters on the surface.
Experiencing vicarious rejection in the wake of the 2016 presidential election

Presidential elections in the United States pit two (or more) candidates against each other. Voters elect one and reject the others. This work tested the hypothesis that supporters of a losing pres...
Human factors-based risk analysis to improve the safety of doffing enhanced personal protective equipment.

ObjectiveTo systematically assess enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) doffing safety risks.DesignWe employed a 3-part approach to this study: (1) hierarchical task analysis (HTA) of the PPE doffing process; (2) human factors-informed failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA); and (3) focus group sessions with a convenience sample of infection prevention (IP) subject matter experts.SettingA large academic US hospital with a regional Special Pathogens Treatment Center and enhanced PPE doffing protocol experience.ParticipantsEight IP experts.MethodsThe HTA was conducted jointly by 2 human-factors experts based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PPE guidelines. The findings were used as a guide in 7 focus group sessions with IP experts to assess PPE doffing safety risks. For each HTA task step, IP experts identified failure mode(s), assigned priority risk scores, identified contributing factors and potential consequences, and identified potential risk mitigation strategies. Data were recorded in a tabular format during the sessions.ResultsOf 103 identified failure modes, the highest priority scores were associated with team members moving between clean and contaminated areas, glove removal, apron removal, and self-inspection while preparing to doff. Contributing factors related to the individual (eg, technical/ teamwork competency), task (eg, undetected PPE contamination), tools/technology (eg, PPE design characteristics), environment (eg, inadequate space), and organizational aspects (eg, training) were identified. Participants identified 86 types of risk mitigation strategies targeting the failure modes.ConclusionsDespite detailed guidelines, our study revealed 103 enhanced PPE doffing failure modes. Analysis of the failure modes suggests potential mitigation strategies to decrease self-contamination risk during enhanced PPE doffing.
Rethinking MOOCs: The Promises for Better Education in India

Indian users are the second largest population enrolled in MOOCs; yet little is known about them. In this qualitative study of MOOC users in India, the authors aim to understand how and why they use MOOCs. The findings show how MOOCs fit into the Indian context, specifically how they compare to the interviewees’ educational experiences and the trade-off between language and content. This article also examines a group of ex-users, that is, a group of previous users who have turned away from MOOCs despite having an educational need. Furthermore, it highlights how the findings contribute to the debate on MOOCs and the promise for better education. Proponents of MOOCs have claimed that they are an improving force for education because they provide free access for anyone with an internet connection to high-quality teachers and materials on a scale not possible before. The authors use the emergent themes from the data to challenge these claims.
Deterministic approaches to bitstream computing

Stochastic logic allows complex arithmetic to be performed with very simple logic, but it suffers from high latency and poor precision. Furthermore, the results are always somewhat inaccurate due to random fluctuations. The random or pseudorandom sources required to generate the representation are costly, consuming a majority of the circuit area (and diminishing the overall gains in area). This chapter reexamines the foundations of stochastic computing and comes to some surprising conclusions. It demonstrates that one can compute deterministically using the same structures that are used to compute stochastically. In doing so, the latency is reduced by an exponential factor; also, the area is reduced significantly (and this correlates with a reduction in power); and finally, one obtains completely accurate results, with no errors or uncertainty. This chapter also explores an alternate view of this deterministic approach. Instead of viewing signals as digital bit streams, we can view them as periodic signals, with the value encoded as the fraction of the time that the signal is in the high (on) state compared to the low (off) state in each cycle. Thus we have a time-based encoding. All of the constructs developed for stochastic computing can be used to compute on these periodic signals, so the designs are very efficient in terms of area and power. Given how precisely values can be encoded in the time, the method could produce designs that have much lower latency that conventional ones.
How trauma influences cardiovascular responses to stress: contributions of posttraumatic stress and cognitive appraisals

Mechanisms for the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and cardiovascular diseases remain poorly understood. The present study examined associations among PTSD symptoms, appraisals of a current stressor, baseline cardiovascular indices, and cardiovascular responses to the stressor, including appraisals as a potential mediator of PTSD symptoms and cardiovascular responses. A sample of 125 undergraduates provided information about demographics, physical health, trauma history, and PTSD symptoms. Weight, height, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) measurements were obtained. During a modified Trier Social Stress Task, appraisals of the stressor were assessed and BP and HR were measured again. Findings suggest that PTSD symptoms are associated with current physical health (resting BP and HR) and more negative appraisals of the stressor; in turn, more negative appraisals were associated with increases in cardiovascular response. In particular, threat appraisal mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and increases in systolic BP response.
Rationale and Motivation of Agricultural Producers in Adopting Crop Rotation in the Northern Great Plains, USA

ABSTRACTDespite several environmental and economic benefits of crop rotation, the adoption of this agricultural practice is relatively low. Understanding the reasons for low adoption is important f...
Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis: Patterns of Epidemiology and Outcomes of Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in Texas, 2008 - 2016.

Background: Patients with herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) often require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and have considerably worse outcomes than those not critically ill. The short-term outcomes of critically ill patients in the general population have markedly improved over the past decades. However, the population-level patterns of demand for critical care services among patients with HSVE have not been examined, and it is unknown whether there were corresponding outcome gains among those admitted to the ICU. Methods: The Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File was used to identify hospitalizations with HSVE aged ? 18 years during 2008 - 2016. ICU admissions were identified using unit-specific revenue codes. The patterns of ICU utilization and those of short-term outcomes (with short-term mortality defined as in-hospital death or discharge to hospice) were examined across demographic strata and over time. Results: Among 1,964 hospitalizations with HSVE, 1,176 (59.9%) were admitted to ICU (45.8% aged ? 65 years; 53.1% female, among ICU admissions). ICU utilization increased with age (from 47.9% (age 18 - 44 years) through 61.2% (older adults (age ? 65 years)); P = 0.0003 for trend), and increased over time only among older adults (odds ratio: 1.06/year (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 - 1.12)). Among ICU admissions, routine home discharge, transfer to a post-acute care facility, and short-term mortality occurred in 26.8%, 39.5%, and 18.7%, respectively; the corresponding outcomes for older adults were 10.6%, 51.4%, and 26.2%, respectively. The outcomes for the whole cohort of ICU admissions remained unchanged over time. Conclusions: Adults with HSVE had high demand for critical care services, and those admitted to ICU had high short-term mortality and substantial residual morbidity among survivors, which remained unchanged over time. These findings can inform clinicians’ decision-making and discussions about goals of care with affected patients and their surrogates. J Clin Med Res. 2019;11(12):773-779 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4025
Growth estimates of Caribbean reef sponges on a shipwreck using 3D photogrammetry

The growth rates and ages of many benthic marine organisms are poorly understood, complicating our understanding of ecosystem change. This is particularly true for sponges, which are morphologically diverse and lack indicators of annual growth. In this study, we used emerging technologies to measure volume, surface area, and approximate age of 16 sponge species on the Tibbetts shipwreck off Cayman Brac, Caribbean Sea. Photogrammetry was used to determine the volume of individual sponges on the wreck surface, and a time series of YouTube videos was amassed in order to approximate the greatest possible age of the sponges as 8.74 y. Applying the volume measurements to an existing growth equation for the Caribbean sponge Aiolochroia crassa yielded age estimates of 5.2–10.4 y for the largest individuals of the 16 species. Specific growth rates were then calculated for 7 species from the Tibbetts and 8 species from a second shipwreck (Spiegel Grove, Key Largo, FL). Subsequent growth forecasts from these 15 species corroborate a resource trade-off between growth and the production of chemical defenses. Shipwrecks and other anthropogenic structures can be an important source of demographic information for benthic organisms, provided that certain assumptions about their provenance and history can be met.
A Vascular Malformation in the Hand with Compromised Neurologic Status

Abstract Background Vascular malformations of the hand are rare vascular malformations that are challenging to treat. Methods We present a case of a large vascular malformation with left hand pain and decreased sensation of the small and ring fingers. The lesion was treated operatively with surgical excision. Results The malformation was successfully removed surgically, and pain resolved and numbness recovered by 2 weeks following surgery. Conclusions This is a rare case of large vascular malformation in the hand with compromised neurologic status. Surgical treatment provided complete relief of the disease and the patient returned to normal daily activities.
Percutaneous coronary interventions on vein graft bifurcation lesions presenting as an acute coronary syndrome

Interventions on graft bifurcation lesions are uncommon, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We described three cases of graft bifurcation intervention where we tailored our approach based on lesion characteristics, anatomy, and angulation to achieve excellent angiographic and clinical outcomes. In case 1, shared ostia of saphenous vein graft (SVG) to Diagonal (D) and Radial graft to Obtuse Marginal (OM) was severely stenosed. We prioritized the radial arterial graft as it is known to have a longer patency rate over a totally occluded SVG of an undetermined period. We performed provisional stenting of the ostium of the radial artery and balloon angioplasty of the SVG ostium, while stenting the body of the SVG. In case 2 (bifurcation lesion at the anastomosis of SVG to D1 and sequential jump graft to OM), we utilized a V stenting strategy after an embolization protection device (EPD) was deployed in the branch with a suitable landing zone. Kissing balloon dilatation of both the branches was performed both pre- and poststenting. In case 3 (bifurcation lesion at SVG to OM and Sequential "T" graft to diagonal), there was >90% angulation between both the grafts. We used "T" stenting strategy in this case. At 2-year follow-up, patients had no major adverse cardiovascular events since and remained symptom free.
High-resolution Observations of Downflows at One End of a Pre-eruption Filament

Studying the dynamics of filaments at the pre-eruption phase can shed light on the precursor of eruptive events. Such high-resolution studies (of the order of 01) are highly desirable yet very rare. In this work, we present a detailed observation of a pre-eruption evolution of a filament obtained by the 1.6 m New Solar Telescope (NST) at the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO). One end of the filament is anchored at the sunspot in the NOAA active region (AR) 11515, which is well observed by NST Hα off-bands from four hours before to one hour after the filament eruption. A M1.6 flare is associated with the eruption. We observed persistent downflowing materials along the Hα multi-threaded component of the loop toward the AR end during the pre-eruption phase. We traced the trajectories of plasma blobs along the Hα threads and obtained a plane-of-sky velocity of 45 km s−1 on average. Furthermore, we estimated the real velocities of the downflows and the altitude of the filament by matching the observed Hα threads with magnetic field lines extrapolated from a nonlinear force-free field model. Observations of chromospheric brightenings at the footpoints of the falling plasma blobs are also presented. The lower limit of the kinetic energy per second of the downflows through the brightenings is found to be ~1021 erg. Larger FOV observations from BBSO full-disk Hα images show that the AR end of the filament started ascending four hours before the flare. We attribute the observed downflows at the AR end of the filament to the draining effect of the filament rising prior to its eruption. During the slow-rise phase, the downflows continuously drained away ~1015g mass from the filament over a few hours, which is believed to be essential for the instability, and could be an important precursor of eruptive events.
Mathematical Models for Assessing the Severity of Damage to the Heart, Brain, and Lower Limbs Due to Remodeling of the Central Hemodynamic System Caused by a Systemic Ischemic Process

Mathematical models for differentiating the severity of ischemic injuries were obtained. The models provide differentiation into four classes: norm, latent, reversible, and critical states of the lower limbs, heart, and brain. Mathematical modeling and statistical tests showed that the decision-making confidence exceeded 0.9 for all selected classes of injury severity. Thus, the obtained mathematical models can be recommended for use in the clinical practice of vascular surgeons and angiologists.
Factor Xa inhibitors: critical considerations for clinical development and testing

The selection of factor (F) X and its activated protease FXa for targeted inhibition to prevent and treat thrombotic conditions is based on an understanding of coagulation biochemistry, sequential steps that occur on tissue factor bearing cells and the interface of coagulation proteins, platelets, mononuclear cells and the nuclear constituents of inflammatory cells. The goal for developing direct oral FXa inhibitors was to achieve rapid, selective, predictable, safe and effective anticoagulation across a broad group of patients expected to derive benefit. The history and development in patient care are exemplars of knowledge, translation and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Obtaining a faculty position at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI).

Scientists who hope to obtain a faculty position at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI) need a distinct skill set and outlook on their future teaching and research career. To obtain a position at a PUI, candidates should 1) design a strategy for obtaining a faculty position that suits each individual’s career goals and aspirations, 2) prepare for the application process, on-campus interview, and contract negotiations, and 3) plan a strategy for the probationary period leading up to tenure and promotion. Given the different types of PUIs, candidates need to consider whether they seek a position that consists of all or mostly all teaching, or both teaching and research. Candidates should educate themselves on the expectations at PUI’s, including current thought, practice, and aspirations for science pedagogy, and gain teaching experience prior to seeking a suitable position. If the candidate’s goal is a position with both teaching and research, it is important to discuss with the current research mentor what projects the candidate can take with them to their new position. The candidate should also consider what types of projects will be successful with undergraduate student researchers in a PUI research environment. Importantly, candidates should clearly demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their teaching, research, and outreach, and application materials should demonstrate this. On interviews, candidates should be knowledgeable about the mission, values, and resources of the institution and how the candidate will contribute to that mission. Once hired, new faculty should discuss a formal or informal mentoring plan during the probationary period that includes peer evaluations on a regular basis, and maintain communication with the department chair or designated mentor regarding teaching, research, and service activities.
Regional Stabilization Through Factor Mobility and Government Intervention

The contribution of transfers, capital and labor mobility to consumption smoothing are much lower within the European Union than within the United States. This paper identifies the three major smoothing channels by using a structural model and analyzing micro and macro data. I show that, while capital market frictions are important in explaining the difference between the US and the EU, labor markets still play a non-negligible role in the within-US smoothing. Moreover, if inter-regional migration were halved, consumption smoothing would drop by 8 pp., of which a third would relate to capital mobility. However, I find that within-EU capital mobility is almost unaffected by the relatively low level of European labor mobility.
The effectiveness of The Seven Challenges® Program for addressing substance misuse: a systematic review

The Seven Challenges® (7C) is a program for adults and adolescents with substance use disorders and co-occurring problems. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the methodological charac...
Combining Clinical and Social Determinants to Improve DoD/Veteran Well-Being: The Service Member Veteran Risk Profile

This paper introduces the Service member Veteran Risk Profile (SVRP), a mathematical process/solution to quantitatively represent transitioning Service member (TSM) and/or Veteran quality of life risks by integrating clinical and social determinant data into an individual risk profile. The SVRP creates, for the first time, a mechanism for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to holistically represent the challenges of military members transitioning into civilian life that can lead to negative outcomes and proactively identify transitioning Service members and Veterans at risk. More importantly, the SVRP supports clinical and non-clinical modalities to reduce the negative impacts of transition and beyond for TSM and Veterans. Lastly, the SVRP can be displayed through user-friendly visualizations so DoD/VA policymakers and decision-makers can make more informed policy and resource decisions to improve TSM/Veteran overall quality of life.
Identification of the transgene insertion site for an adipocyte-specific adiponectin-cre model and characterization of the functional consequences

The Adipoq-Cre transgenic mouse is widely used in the development of adipocyte-specific genetic manipulations for the study of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the process of developing a new mouse model utilizing the adipocyte selective Adipoq-Cre transgenic mouse, strong genetic linkage between a gene of interest, Adam10, and the Adipoq-Cre transgene was discovered. Whole-genome sequencing of the Adipoq-Cre transgenic mouse model identified the genomic insertion site within the Tbx18 gene locus on chromosome 9 and this insertion causes a significant decrease in Tbx18 gene expression in adipose tissue. Insertion of genes Kng2, Kng1, Eif4a2 and Rfc4 also occurred in the Adipoq-Cre transgenic mouse, and these passenger genes may have functional consequences in various tissues.
Abelian Chern-Simons Gauge Theory on The Lattice.

The Abelian Chern-Simons gauge theory is constructed on the three-dimensional spacetime lattice. This proposal introduces both lattice and dual lattice, and the gauge field on the dual lattice is expressed in terms of the gauge field on the original lattice. This treatment circumvents the issue of forward/backward difference, which is the common problem that many previous proposals have, and also avoids the duplication problem, which prevents people from introducing the dual lattice. The form of the lattice action is very simple, and is symmetric with respect to the three spacetime dimensions. These features make it straightforward to calculate the expectation values of Wilson loops, and the results agree with the topological field theory in continuous spacetime. Generalizations to multiple types of lattices are also discussed.
Verifying Vowel Harmony Typologies

This paper applies finite state technologies to verify the typological validity of Turbid Spreading, a theory of vowel harmony in Optimality Theory (OT) (Prince & Smolensky, 1993/2004). Previous analyses of vowel harmony in OT have been prone to typological inconsistencies, predicting grammars that do not occur in natural language (Wilson, 2003). However, attempts to eliminate typological pathologies relying on hand-made inputs and candidate sets have been shown to be highly prone to error (Wilson, 2005). Using a modified version of the Contenders Algorithm (Riggle, 2004b), we verify that Turbid Spreading makes typologically valid predictions about the types of harmony processes that may appear in natural language. This modification of the Contenders Algorithm to include complex spreading interactions and intermediate representations demonstrates the utility of computational methods for verifying the typological predictions of complex phonological theories.
High power LED assemblies for solid state lighting – Thermal analysis

Abstract We report on the Chip-on-Plate (COP) packaged high power LED assemblies for solid state lighting (SSL) and backlighting display applications from thermal analysis perspective. Three different light modules with different elements (devices) distribution and heatsink design were considered. Thermal resistance circuit (TRC) model and heat diffusion equation were employed in this study of thermal behavior of the assembly elements. Finite element analysis along with 3D modeling and simulations were used for considered lighting modules and assemblies. Also, the effect of thermal uniformity on the emission spectra was evaluated for different operating powers. Comparative study showed that conventional packages with circularly symmetric having non-uniform devices’ distribution per unit area will have temperature differences ∼7 °C among the chip-elements operating around 1.25 W power level. Also, it was predicted that high elements temperature difference could result in over 2 nm redshift in the emission spectra accompanied by ∼ 4% drop in the output power. However, temperature difference was found to be less than 1 °C for the uniform rectangular array module distribution, which ensures uniform output intensity for all devices. Such findings are extremely useful for designing larger area LED packaging where thermal non-uniformity effects are expected to be more severe for devices’ longevity and performance.
Competing to Kill: Terrorist Organizations Versus Lone Wolf Terrorists

Are organizationally linked suicide attacks deadlier than those launched by lone wolf terrorists? This article elaborates a perpetrator-based distinction among suicide terrorist attacks between organizations and lone wolf terrorists, who operate in the absence of a financially or physically supportive terrorist organization. The expectation is that terrorist organizations would serve as commitment tools that increase the loyalty of suicide bombers to their missions through material and non-material incentives. Findings demonstrate that when terrorist organizations are involved in the planning and execution of suicide terrorist attacks, not only do they increase the lethality of these attacks but they also accentuate the tactical advantages of suicide terrorism. These findings suggest that despite the recent upsurge and concern about lone wolf terrorism, the lethality and security impacts of suicide terrorism continue to be driven by terrorist organizations.
A Parallel Implementation of the Everglades Landscape Fire Model in Networks of Workstations

This paper presents a low-communication overhead and high-performance data parallelism implementation of the Everglades Landscape Fire Model (ELFM) in a network of workstations (NOWs). Checkpointing and rollback techniques were used to handle the spread of fire which is a dynamic and irregular component of the model. A synchronous checkpointing mechanism was used in the parallel ELFM code using Message Passing Interface (MPI). The speedup and performance of the parallel program were also studied. Results show that the performance of ELFM using MPI is significantly enhanced by using the checkpointing and rollback mechanisms.
A multi-dimensional blow-up problem due to a concentrated nonlinear source in ℝ^{ℕ}

Let B be an N-dimensional ball {x ∈ ℝ N : |x| 0, f (u) and f' (u) are positive for u > 0, f" (u) > 0 for u > 0, and ψ is nontrivial on ∂B, nonnegative, and continuous such that ψ → 0 as |x| → oo, ∫ ℝN ψ (x) dx 0 in ℝ N . It is shown that the problem has a unique nonnegative continuous solution before blowup occurs. We assume that ψ (x) = M (0) > ψ (y) for x ∈ ∂B and y ∉ ∂B, where M (t) = sup x∈ℝN u (x, t). It is proved that if u blows up in a finite time, then it blows up everywhere on ∂B. If, in addition, ψ is radially symmetric about the origin, then we show that if u blows up, then it blows up on ∂B only. Furthermore, if f (u) ≥ κu p , where κk and p are positive constants such that p > 1, then it is proved that for any α, u always blows up in a finite time for N 3, it is shown that there exists a unique number α* such that u exists globally for α α*. A formula for computing α* is given.
Proceedings of the second ACM workshop on Security and privacy in smartphones and mobile devices

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the Second ACM Workshop on Security and Privacy in Smartphones and Mobile Devices -- SPSM'12, held in association with the 19th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security, October 19th, 2012, in Raleigh, NC (USA). The workshop was created last year to organize and foster discussion of security in the emerging area of smartphone and mobile device computing. As organizers of top security venues, we've observed an increasing number of submissions describing novel approaches to solving the challenges of this area. We wanted to provide a dedicated venue to discuss these challenges and promising approaches for future research directions. SPSM'11 was a great success, with an excellent turnout of 80 registered attendees and in-depth discussion. This year, we will continue the 15 minute back-to-back talks followed by 45 minutes of discussion and hope to meet and exceed the high bar that was set. The call for papers attracted 30 submissions from Canada, China, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States. The program committee accepted 11 papers that cover a variety of topics, including permission models, user studies, attacks on smartphones, and methods of defense. We are especially pleased to have a keynote speech by Geir Olsen, a Principle Program Manager in the operating systems group on the Windows Phone team, on Windows Phone 8 Security. We hope that these proceedings will serve as a valuable reference for security researchers and developers.
Complex Atrial Septal Defect: Percutaneous Repair Guided by Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) has been used to guide the percutaneous repair of simple atrial septal defects (ASDs). There has been limited experience in using this imaging modality to guide complex ASD repair. In this report, we describe how 3D TEE was used to guide the repair of a complex, multifenestrated ASD. In a single view, 3D TEE provides a superior anatomic definition when compared to the traditional two-dimensional echocardiography. We believe that this emerging technology will play a critical role as the number and complexity of percutaneous techniques treating structural heart disease continue to rise. (Echocardiography 2010;27:590-593).
On the Road to Understanding Star Formation

The origin of stars is one of the richest and most challenging problems confronting modern astrophysics. Its understanding is of fundamental importance to astronomy, yet its serious study began less than 50 years ago. During the last 20 years unrelenting advances in the technology of observation have produced an avalanche of revealing data, unexpected discoveries, and new mysteries concerning stellar origins. This new knowledge is leading to an ever more profound understanding of the physical process of stellar birth. In this contribution I briefly outline and highlight some of the progress achieved during the last 50 years in the quest to unlock the secrets of stellar genesis.
Methylation Profiling Defines an Extensive Field Defect in Histologically Normal Prostate Tissues Associated with Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is typically found as a multifocal disease suggesting the potential for molecular defects within the morphologically normal tissue. The frequency and spatial extent of DNA methylation changes encompassing a potential field defect are unknown. A comparison of non-tumor-associated (NTA) prostate to histologically indistinguishable tumor-associated (TA) prostate tissues detected a distinct profile of DNA methylation alterations (0.2%) using genome-wide DNA arrays based on the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements 18 sequence that tile both gene-rich and poor regions. Hypomethylation (87%) occurred more frequently than hypermethylation (13%). Several of the most significantly altered loci (CAV1, EVX1, MCF2L, and FGF1) were then used as probes to map the extent of these DNA methylation changes in normal tissues from prostates containing cancer. In TA tissues, the extent of methylation was similar both adjacent (2 mm) and at a distance (>1 cm) from tumor foci. These loci were also able to distinguish NTA from TA tissues in a validation set of patient samples. These mapping studies indicate that a spatially widespread epigenetic defect occurs in the peripheral prostate tissues of men who have PCa that may be useful in the detection of this disease.
STM and transport measurements of highly charged ion modified materials

Abstract Careful measurements of highly charged ions (HCIs) colliding with gases and surfaces have provided glimpses of intense electronic interactions, but a comprehensive model for the interaction mechanisms, time scales, and resultant nano-features that bridges materials systems is yet to be realized. At the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) electron beam ion trap (EBIT) facility, new apparatus is now connected to the HCI beamline to allow preparation of clean, atomically flat surfaces of single crystals, e.g. gold, tungsten and silicon, and deposition and patterning of thin films, e.g. high resistivity oxides, ferromagnetic metals, normal metals and superconductors. Experiments reported here focus on the electronic and morphological structure of HCI induced nano-features. Current activities are focused on using in situ scanning tunneling microscope (STM) on Au(1 1 1) and (separately) ex situ transport measurements to study electronic properties within HCI modified magnetic multilayer systems. Specifically, we are fabricating magnetic multilayers similar to magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) (important in advanced magnetic field sensors and superconducting Josephson junction devices) and using HCIs to adjust critical electronic properties. The electrical response of the tunnel junction to HCIs provides a novel approach to performing HCI-induced nanostructure ensemble measurements.
Visualization for privacy compliance

The growth of the Internet has been accompanied by the growth of e-services (e.g. e-commerce, e-health). This proliferation of e-services has put large quantities of consumer private information in the hands of the service providers, who in many cases have mishandled the information, either intentionally or unintentionally, to the detriment of consumer privacy. As a result, government bodies have put in place privacy legislation that spells out a consumer's privacy rights and how consumer private information is to be handled. Providers are required to comply with such privacy legislation. This paper proposes visualization as a tool that can be used by security or privacy analysts to understand how private information flows within and between provider organizations, as a way of identifying vulnerabilities that can lead to non-compliance. A model of private information flow and a graphical notation for visualizing this flow are proposed. An application example of using the notation to identify privacy vulnerabilities is given.
An improved detritus-sledge for collecting meiobenthos

Abstract A simple detritus-sledge for collecting animals of the meio- and small macrobenthos from level sea-bottoms is described and figured. Its high degree of efficiency - due to a chain which stirs up the surface of the bottom ahead of the net-opening - is exemplified.
General principles in the surgical treatment of paralytic strabismus.

• Improve ocular movement into the field of the paretic muscles either by increasing the action of the involved muscle through a resection or tucktype procedure, or by creating an alternate force vector (often necessary in complete paralysis) by an extraocular muscle transposition procedure.
Optimal seeding for long pathlength multi-component laser Doppler anemometers

There are optimal combinations of size and number den- sity of seed particles which can maximize the processed data rate of laser Doppler anemometers (LDAs). When optical pathlengths are long, as in large scale water facilities, the choice and density of seeding particles determines the balance between the scattered-light intensity at a measuring volume and its extinction along the rest of the optical path, and so its intensity at a photodetector. These considerations must generally be coupled with knowledge of particle arrival statistics, detector performance, processor characteristics and signal conditioning to optimize data rate. However, in multi- component LDAs, coincidence requirements in data arrival times enforce a close approximation to a Poisson distribution in the processed data rate as a function of the number density of seed particles. This result leads to simple models for optimal number densities for seeding as a function of optical pathlength and related parameters.