cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical properties of vanadium oxides-an analysis

In this study, the optical properties of bulk and thin films of VO2, V2O3, and V2O5, deposited on Al2O3 substrates, have been analyzed from infrared to vacuum ultraviolet range (up to 12 eV). Utilizing the available data of wavelength dependent optical constants of these materials in the literature, the energy corresponding to the peaks in the imaginary part of the dielectric function (e2–R spectra), have been interpreted and compared as a function of structure, polarization, and temperature. The energies corresponding to the peaks in reflectivity-energy (R–E) spectra are explained in terms of the Penn gap (Ep). Ep values for VO2 and V2O5 are close to the average of energies corresponding to the peaks (\( \bar{E} \)) while, their values are even closer in V2O3, reflecting the degree of anisotropy in the order of V2O3 < VO2 < V2O5. The first order reversible, insulator to metal phase transition (IMT) of both bulk and thin films of the V–O systems are studied as an effect of temperature change. The effective number of electrons, neff, participating in the optical transitions is described from the numerical integration using the well-known sum rule. The change in neff with respect to the energy of incident photons is also calculated and it is found that this change is consistent with the peaks observed in the e2–E spectra.
Recovery of shape and motion parameters for polyhedron-like objects

A discussion is given on the problem of determining the shape of an object and the parameters that describe a rigid motion of the object, from an analysis of two noisy, and perhaps incomplete, perspective images of the object. One image is taken before and the other is taken after the rigid motion. The authors present a practical approach that applies to polyhedron-like objects. They compare the results to related results, and discuss implementation results. >
Collecting Psycholinguistic Response Time Data Using Amazon Mechanical Turk

Researchers in linguistics and related fields have recently begun exploiting online crowd-sourcing tools, like Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT), to gather behavioral data. While this method has been successfully validated for various offline measures—grammaticality judgment or other forced-choice tasks—its use for mainstream psycholinguistic research remains limited. This is because psycholinguistic effects are often dependent on relatively small differences in response times, and there remains some doubt as to whether precise timing measurements can be gathered over the web. Here we show that three classic psycholinguistic effects can in fact be replicated using AMT in combination with open-source software for gathering response times client-side. Specifically, we find reliable effects of subject definiteness, filler-gap dependency processing, and agreement attraction in self-paced reading tasks using approximately the same numbers of participants and/or trials as similar laboratory studies. Our results suggest that psycholinguists can and should be taking advantage of AMT and similar online crowd-sourcing marketplaces as a fast, low-resource alternative to traditional laboratory research.
Housing Markets and Current Account Dynamics

This paper makes two contributions. On the theory side, I show that increases in the demand for housing may generate trade deficits without need for the standard ingredients used by others to model housing (wealth effects or trade in capital goods). Housing is a durable good that must be locally produced. If the desire to smooth consumption across goods is sufficiently strong, countries import tradable goods during periods when more domestic labor is devoted to produce nontradables to smooth consumption between tradables and nontradables. Housing booms are larger if the country can run a trade deficit because the deficit lowers the opportunity cost of building, which is the foregone consumption of tradable goods due to reallocation of labor to the construction sector. On the empirical side, I provide two types of evidence to support the theory. First, I show that using the cross-country dynamics of employment in construction as the explanatory variable, the model generates current account dynamics matching recent global imbalances. Second, I use sign restrictions implied by the model to estimate a vector autoregression. The results for a sample of OECD economies suggest that housing demand shocks matter for current account dynamics through the channel explained before.
A Retrospective Study of the Impact of Mean Arterial Pressure on Estimated Blood Loss during Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The current practice of lowering mean arterial pressure (MAP) during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is common, but unproven with regard to peer reviewed literature. The controlled hypotension induced is aimed for improved surgical field and lower the blood loss. Lower mean arterial pressures especially for prolonged surgeries may result in end organ hypo perfusion. The authors reviewed all patients who underwent outpatient endoscopic sinus surgery for the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 atMemorial Hermann Hospital – Texas Medical Centre. We individually reviewed case sheets of every patient and documented blood loss as recorded on the anaesthesia record or in the surgical procedure note, among other variables. A total of 326 patients were included in this study. The median estimated blood loss (EBL) was found to be 50 ml. The multivariate regression analysis between these three groups showed that EBL was higher in MAP 75 group. The average of EBL in MAP 75 group and the average of EBL in MAP 65-70 group is 42% higher than that in MAP>75 group when other variables were fixed. Hence we found the trend toward higher blood loss with lower MAP. The authors conclude that lower MAP doesnot result in lower EBL in endoscopic sinus surgery. Furthermore, increases in BMI and crystalloid administered during an aesthetic management of these cases correlates with increased estimate blood loss.
Mouse Autosomal Homolog of DAZ, a Candidate Male Sterility Gene in Humans, Is Expressed in Male Germ Cells before and after Puberty

Deletion of the Azoospermia Factor (AZF) region of the human Y chromosome results in spermatogenic failure. While the identity of the critical missing gene has yet to be established, a strong candidate is the putative RNA-binding protein DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia). Here we describe the mouse homolog of DAZ. Unlike human DAZ, which is Y-linked, in mouse the Dazh (DAZ homolog) gene maps to chromosome 17. Nonetheless, the predicted amino acid sequences of the gene products are quite similar, especially in their RNP/RRM (putative RNA-binding) domains, and both genes are transcribed predominantly in testes; the mouse gene is transcribed at a lower level in ovaries. Dazh transcripts were not detected in testes of mice that lack germ cells. In testes of wildtype mice, Dazh transcription is detectable 1 day after birth (when the only germ cells are prospermatogonia), increases steadily as spermatogonial stem cells appear, plateaus as the first wave of spermatogenic cells enters meiosis (10 days after birth), and is sustained at this level thereafter. This unique pattern of expression suggests the Dazh participates in differentiation, proliferation, or maintenance of germ cell founder populations before, during, and after the pubertal onset of spermatogenesis. Such functions could readily account formore » the diverse spermatogenic defects observed in human males with AZF deletion. 29 refs., 4 figs.« less
New approach for beamforming in a coherent and incoherent environment

In beamforming applications the degrees of freedom or the maximum number of signals allowed, is an important number that will decide the number of sensors and the associated hardware components required to achieve the desired performance. A flexible algorithm that allows us to control the degrees of freedom depending on the environment in which it operates, is presented.
A method for constructing minimal linear-analytic realizations for polynomial systems

For a polynomial nonlinear system described in terms of regular transfer functions, the shift-realization approach to constructing minimal bilinear realizations is modified to yield a method for constructing minimal linear-analytic realizations.
A sequentially consistent distributed shared memory

Recently, distributed shared memory (DSM) systems have received much attention because such an abstraction simplifies programming. An important class of DSM implementations is one which uses cache memories to improve efficiency. In this paper, we present a cache-consistency protocol for DSM which requires significantly less communication than previously proposed protocols. This is achieved by maintaining one bit of state information for each cache object in the system. We prove that the protocol satisfies a formulation of sequential consistency. >
Effect of c/a-Ratio on Crystallographic Texture and Mechanical Anisotropy of Hexagonal Close Packed Metals

Hexagonal close packed metals exhibit highly anisotropic mechanical properties, a thorough knowledge of which is a primary requisite for predictability of the dimensional changes in service as well as formability characteristics. We summarize our work on the effects of c/a-ratio on preferred orientations and the resulting anisotropic mechanical properties. Zr and Ti alloys are considered to represent low c/a-ratio while Mg alloy (AZ31B) was chosen as ideal; these materials were available in tubing form. Pure zinc sheet was used to represent high c/a-ratio. Distinct differences are noted in the basal pole distributions, and crystallite orientation distribution functions derived from the pole distributions were combined with crystal slip models to predict the mechanical anisotropy parameters. While in all cases the uniaxial yield stresses were evaluated along the RD and TD, the contractile strain ratios (CSR) were determined using grided tensile samples fabricated from sheets of Zircaloy and Zinc. The experimental results correlated with slip predictions based on predominant prism and basal slip modes respectively in Zicaloy and Zn. For Mg alloy, either pyramidal slip or a combination of basal and prism slip modes exhibited good agreement with the experimental results. In addition, the anisotropic creep behavior of thin-walled Zircaloy tubing is considered. Excellent agreement is noted, in recrystallized Zircaloy tubing, between the experimental creep locus and model predictions based on prism slip dominance. However, distinct deviations are noted in Ti3Al2.5V alloy albeit electron microscopy of deformed tubing revealed dislocations on prism ({10.0}) planes with Burgers vectors along .
The Distributive Politics of “Compassion in Action”: Federal Funding, Faith-Based Organizations, and Electoral Advantage

Incorporating race into tactical spending for electoral gain, this article revisits the relative effects of vote production and vote retention on distributive politics. It investigates whether a “compassion strategy” to influence the electoral behavior of voters while being responsive to need-based social welfare demands affected federal discretionary grants to faith-based organizations (FBOs) during the administration of George W. Bush. The findings suggest that federal domestic social welfare funding of FBOs may have involved a combination of the tactical use of grants for both electoral purposes (i.e., vote production and vote retention) and the reduction of need among the states.
MORALITY AND POLITICS IN THE WORK OF MICHAEL WYSCHOGROD

Michael Wyschogrod claims that his arguments proceed from his biblical faith. But many of the (commendable) things that he has to say about politics and morality seem to derive from an autonomous ethics. I give five examples of arguments that cannot, in my reading of them, be drawn out of the relevant (but not definitive) biblical texts. Either the texts don't support the arguments at all, or they require interpretation, or some texts must be chosen above others if the arguments are to stand. Faith in the texts cannot by itself sustain the arguments that Wyschogrod wants to make.
(Na,K)-pump: cellular role and regulation in nonexcitable cells

Abstract The (Na,K)-pump develops and maintains ionic gradients that are of fundamental importance for proper function of most animal cells. These gradients are utilized in the form of ionic leak pathways by a number of special and general cell processes ( e.g. , nerve conduction, nutrient transport, pH regulation). As the sodium gradient in particular energizes many vital cell processes, alterations in cell activity will often be manifest as changes in sodium entry. The (Na,K)-pump rate varies accordingly, in order to maintain balance between Na entry and exit thereby maintaining the potential energy of the cell. Acute changes in sodium influx are balanced by increases in activity of existing pump units, with only a small change in intracellular sodium concentration. This is posible because intracellular is normally poised on the steep limb of the concentration versus activity curve for the (Na,K)-pump, at a point well below maximal activity, allowing large increases in (Na,K)-pump rate with only small changes in sodium concentration. If the increase in sodium influx is prolonged, it appears that the cell responds by synthesizing new pumps, allowing intracellular sodium concentration to return to its original values. Though increases in (Na,K)-pump activity must be accompanied by increases in potassium leak rates, in the experiments we have presented, there does not appear to be direct functional coupling between the (Na,K)-pump and the K leak pathways. In these situations the matching of active influx and passive efflux of K short-term appears to occur by mechanisms not directly related to (Na,K)-pump activation.
Irradiation as a Phytosanitary Treatment for Aspidiotus destructor (Homoptera: Diaspididae)

Coconut scale, Aspidiotus destructor Signoret (Homoptera: Diaspididae), is a quarantine pest of banana (Musa spp.) and many tropical crops. Irradiation was examined as a potential phytosanitary treatment to control coconut scale. Dose-response tests were conducted with second-stage nymphs, adult females without eggs, and adult females with eggs at a series of irradiation doses between 60 and 200 Gy to determine the most tolerant stage. The adult female with eggs was the most tolerant stage. In large-scale validation tests and dose-response tests, a total of 32,716 adult female scales with eggs irradiated with doses between 100 and 150 Gy produced no F1 adults with eggs. Irradiation treatment with a minimum absorbed dose of 150 Gy should provide quarantine security for coconut scale on exported commodities.
Fluoroacetate-Induced Changes in the Fecundity and Fertility of Bracon hebetor Female12

A single meal or injection of sodium fluoroacetate, an inhibitor of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, decreased braconid egg production for the subsequent life of the female. However, low hatchability characterized only the eggs laid on the 1st few days post-treatment. Microscopic examination of dissected ovarioles revealed inadequate vitellogenesis of the larger oocytes in treated wasps.
Role of epidemiology in occupational dermatology.

The role of epidemiology in occupational dermatology is multifaceted, but the goal is to gain useful information from looking at defined populations. Useful information means that the results of observation or study of that population are sufficiently unbiased to be true (valid) for the study population as well as for individuals with similar circumstances (e.g., risk factors or exposures) who were not part of the study (generalizability). The future of epidemiology in occupational skin diseases includes analyzing ongoing studies, developing new studies, and setting up programs for surveillance and screening. There will also be continuing interaction among industry, government, attorneys, and clinicians. Much useful data can be obtained using computers and establishing databases; but the data will be most useful if some of the epidemiologic concepts described are followed. Dermatologists should be encouraged to learn more about epidemiology and to use its methods to enhance both their practice and the quality of studies they may contribute to the medical literature.
Alternating Polarization at 1000 Hz in a Lamb-Shift H Source

Preliminary results of a search for parity violation in the scattering of longitudinally polarized protons on hydrogen at 15 MeV has already been reported1). This experiment requires a means of rapidly alternating the sign of the polarization so that the tiny effect can be sorted from the noise in the beam through the tandem by use of a lock-in amplifier. Reversal in sign had previously been accomplished by reversing the currents to both the spin filter and argon fields2); however, this process takes seconds because of the inductance in the coil of the spin-filter.
Standardizing the Definition of a “Pulse” Thunderstorm

AbstractIsolated, short-lived thunderstorms forming in weakly forced environments are referenced through a surplus of terminology. Further, the language used to describe the strongest, severe-weather-producing subset of these storms is applied inconsistently, posing a communication hurdle for the effective dissemination of hazardous weather risks. The term “pulse thunderstorm” was originally coined to describe an anomalously strong airmass thunderstorm often associated with a larger convective complex. However, recent applications of “pulse” have evolved to also describe nonsevere, single-cell storms, and both uses can currently be observed within research, operational, and educational texts. This paper reviews the history of the term “pulse,” performs a content analysis on nearly 1,500 pulse-referencing Storm Prediction Center (SPC) convective outlooks (CO) and mesoscale discussions (MD), and summarizes the deficiencies with the contemporary disorganized convection nomenclature. The larger CO sample (n =...
Accuracy and mechanical properties of orthodontic models printed 3-dimensionally from calcium sulfate before and after various postprinting treatments.

Introduction Dental models fabricated with 3-dimensional printing technologies are revolutionizing the practice of orthodontics, but they generally comprise polymeric materials that may not be suitable for certain applications, such as soldering appliances. The objective of this study was to investigate the dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties of 3-dimensional printed ceramic-based models before and after various treatments intended to improve their mechanical properties. Methods Thirty identical models were printed 3-dimensionally from a calcium sulfate-based substrate and divided into 3 groups for treatment: high heat (250°C for 30 minutes), low heat (150°C for 30 minutes), and Epsom salt treatment. Each model was scanned before and after treatment with a laser scanner, and dimensional stability was analyzed by digital superimpositions using a best-fit algorithm. The models were weighed before and after treatment to evaluate mass changes. Additionally, 3-dimensional printed cylinders treated as described above and an untreated control group were subjected to compressive mechanical testing (n = 11 per group). Results The Epsom salt treatment group had statistically significant increases in both peak compressive stress and modulus of elasticity when compared with the other treatment groups. All treatment groups had statistically significant changes in mass, with the Epsom salt group gaining mass and the 2 heat-treatment groups losing mass. The low-temperature treatment group had a statistically significantly lower mean average for dimensional deviations (0.026 ± 0.010 mm) than did the other treatment groups (0.069 ± 0.006 and 0.059 ± 0.010 mm for high temperature and Epsom salt, respectively). Conclusions Dental models printed 3-dimensionally with calcium sulfate and treated with Epsom salt showed significant improvement in compressive mechanical properties and retained clinically acceptable dimensional stability.
Publizistisches Engagement und Essayistik 1925 – 1933

Noch bevor die Fakultat ihren ablehnenden Beschlus uber den Habilitationsantrag faste und auf diese Weise Benjamin die Entscheidung abnahm, bekennt dieser in einem Brief vom Mai 1925 an den inzwischen nach Palastina emigrierten Scholem, das es ihm aus tausend Grunden ferner und ferner liege, »die eigentliche Universitatskarriere einzuschlagen« (GB III, 36). Bereits vor Abgabe der Habilitationsschrift hatte er Kontakte zu Verlagen und Zeitschriften geknupft und den Grundstein zu seiner beachtlichen publizistischen Karriere in den kommenden Jahren gelegt. So kundigt der Brief an Scholem den Abdruck des gemeinsam mit Asja Lacis verfasten Essays Neapel im wochentlich erscheinenden Literaturblatt der Frankfurter Zeitung an. Mit der Unterstutzung von Siegfried Kracauer, der das Feuilleton der FZ seit 1924 redaktionell betreute, konnte Benjamin zahlreiche Rezensionen und 1931 den grosen Essay uber Karl Kraus in einer der angesehensten Tageszeitungen der Weimarer Republik veroffentlichen. Eine Reihe kleinerer Arbeiten, darunter der Essay uber Julien Green, erschienen in der von Max Rychner (1897–1965) redigierten Neuen Schweizer Rundschau.
Wireless Strain Measurement with a Micromachined Magnetoelastic Resonator Using Ringdown Frequency Locking.

Resonant magnetoelastic devices are widely used as anti-theft tags and are also being investigated for a range of sensing applications. The vast majority of magnetoelastic devices are operated at resonance, and rely upon an external interface to wirelessly detect the resonant frequency, and other characteristics. For micromachined devices, this detection method must accommodate diminished signal strength and elevated resonant frequencies. Feedthrough of the interrogating stimulus to the detector also presents a significant challenge. This paper describes a method of interrogating wireless magnetoelastic strain sensors using a new frequency-lock approach. Following a brief excitation pulse, the sensor ring-down is analyzed and a feedback loop is used to match the excitation frequency and the resonant frequency. Data acquisition hardware is used in conjunction with custom software to implement the frequency-lock loop. Advantages of the method include temporal isolation of interrogating stimulus from the sensor response and near real-time tracking of resonant frequencies. The method was investigated using a family of wireless strain sensors with resonant frequencies ranging from 120 to 240 kHz. Strain levels extending to 3.5 mstrain and sensitivities up to 14,300 ppm/mstrain were measured with response times faster than 0.5 s. The standard deviation of the locked frequency did not exceed 0.1%.
Proteomics as a Tool to Understand Maize Biology and to Improve Maize Crop

Abstract Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most cultivated crop worldwide. As an important nutritive ingredient in human diet and a major nutrient source in animal feeds, maize is a crucial commodity for world food security. Therefore, maize varieties with desired agronomic traits are under continuous development. In this chapter, we summarize advances in maize research that was conducted at the proteome level. Using the most advanced proteomic tools and mass spectrometry, researchers around the globe have identified thousands of proteins important for maize development, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and resistance to pests and pathogens. Proteome changes due to nutrient imbalance, heterosis, and seed aging are reviewed as well. Proteomics has also been used to evaluate the safety of genetically modified maize as well as to assess possible maize allergenic properties. All of these studies have contributed significantly to bettering our understanding of maize biology and subsequently to the development of improved maize varieties.
Inhibition of clot lysis and decreased binding of tissue-type plasminogen activator as a consequence of clot retraction

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is less active in vivo and in vitro against clots that are enriched in platelets, even at therapeutic concentrations. The release of radioactivity from 125I-fibrin-labeled clots was decreased by 47% 6 hours after the addition of t-PA 400 U/mL when formed in platelet-rich versus platelet-poor plasma. This difference was not due to the release of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) by platelets. Thus, the fibrinolytic activity of t- PA in the supernatant was similar in the two preparations and fibrin autography demonstrated only a minor degree of t-PA-PAI-1 complex formation. Furthermore, a similar platelet-dependent reduction in clot lysis was seen with a t-PA mutant resistant to inhibition by PAI-1. The reduction in t-PA activity correlated with a decrease in t-PA binding to platelet-enriched clot (60% +/- 3% v platelet-poor clot, n = 5). This reduction in binding was also shown using t-PA treated with the chloromethylketone, D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl (PPACK) (36% +/- 13%, n = 3), and with S478A, a mutant t-PA in which the active site serine at position 478 has been substituted by alanine (43% +/- 6%, n = 3). In contrast, fixed platelets and platelet supernatants had no effect on the binding or lytic activity of t-PA. Pretreatment with cytochalasin D 1 mumol/L, which inhibits clot retraction, also abolished the platelet- induced inhibition of lysis and t-PA binding by platelets. These data suggest that platelets inhibit clot lysis at therapeutic concentrations of t-PA as a consequence of clot retraction and decreased access of fibrinolytic proteins.
A 32-mW 40-Gb/s CMOS NRZ transmitter

A wireline transmitter with 2-tap feedforward equalization achieves more than a two-fold improvement in the power efficiency through the use of a new integrating multiplexer, as well as quadrature clock phases with 25% duty cycle. Serializing data by a factor of 128 and including an on-chip phase-locked loop, the transmitter is realized in 45-nm CMOS technology and delivers a differential output swing of 460 mV pp .
New Horizons in Purification of Liquids: Novel Colloidal and Interfacial Strategies to Remove Hazardous Molecules, Viruses and Other Microorganisms from Water or Blood

Water is continually moving around, through, and above the earth as water vapor, liquid water, and ice. In fact, water is continually changing its form. The Earth is essentially a “closed system”, like a terrarium. That means that the Earth neither, as a whole, gains nor loses much matter, including water. This means that the same water that existed on Earth millions of year ago is still here. Thanks to the water cycle, the same water is continually being recycled all around the globe. It is entirely possible that the water you drank for lunch was once used by some other person for bathing.
Fungus balls of the urinary tract

Fungus balls of the urinary tract are rare and usually associated with infection by Candid albicans. Since 1968 five patients seen at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals presented with this peculiar manifestation of candidiasis. Summaries of their epidemiologic clinical, pathologic, and mycologic data are presented. All Candida fungus balls involved the upper collecting system and were detected by radiography and confirmed by culture and/or pathologic section. Two of the five patients completely recovered. Three patients were treated with flucytosine and/or local irrigation with a polyene antifungal agent. Two recovered and the third died of probable bacterial sepsis. One patient was treated successfully with surgical removal of the fungus ball and a brief period of local irrigation with amphotericin B (AMB). The fifth patient recovered after 28 days of parenteral AMB. Predisposing factors and pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed, and a rational approach to therapy is outlined.
Performance of Wireless Magnetometers for Stop Bar Detection at Signalized Intersections

Wireless magnetometers have been considered as a practical alternative to inductive loops and suitable for large intersections, where span wire is generally used for traffic signal support. In this...
Tesla and the Reshaping of the Auto Industry

I've been asked to comment on this collection of three papers, each of which offers deep insights into the forces affecting the auto industry, particularly as concerns the relative positions of incumbent auto firms with respect to new electric vehicle entrants. Taken as a whole, the papers open a lens on the changes roiling the automotive sector. In this essay, I'll attempt to widen the aperture and provide a framework for a more systemic analysis of the forces reshaping the industry and the prospects for new entrants.
Broadening the Conceptualization of Theory in the Information Systems Discipline: A Meta-Theory Approach

The traditional and most prevalent view of theory in the information systems (IS) discipline is conceptualized in what has been termed ?variance theory," or more properly ?variance meta-theory," where a meta-theory is a means by which to conceptualize the types of constructs and relationships used to develop a specific theory (instance). Variance meta-theory conceptualizes the constructs and relationships in a theory strictly as properties of entities, interrelated in a static (statistical) correlational manner. Theories formulated using variance meta-theory generally seek to explain or predict immutable inferred causal relationships. This view of theory is limiting and constraining in an applied field like IS where phenomena of interest are complex, constantly changing, and reliant on proactive human actions, as well as underlying forces. As new technologies are developed, users adapt and learn, take actions, and respond to results. We argue that alternative meta-theories more readily address this wider range of IS research questions. We examine three such meta-theories ? network, process, and co-evolution, comparing and contrasting their underlying conceptualizations, entities, relationships, and methodologies. We argue further that theory (instances) formulated in the language of each of these meta-theories can be used as part of a broad scientific process of proposing, testing, and reevaluating theory to develop increasingly nuanced understandings of IS phenomena, ultimately resulting in the accumulation of knowledge that is relevant to both theory and practice.
Religious Studies and September 11, 2001: Religion and Power in the Ruins

In Religious Studies, comprehending the events of September 11th, 2001 required an analysis of the intersections between religion, politics, and global socio-economic systems before and after the event. Though the event seemed to strike out of the blue like the planes themselves, examining the religiosity of the acts required deep contextualization in the concrete details and histories that brought the hijackers to that day, as well as an examination of the interpretive lenses that the discipline of Religious Studies employed. Starting in the early 1990s, seismic shifts in the field were articulated along methodological fault lines as Religious Studies scholars divided over their positions on the discipline’s historic and, to some, current involvement in the global histories of colonialism, imperialism, globalized capitalism and, more recently, neoliberalism. As for so many other fields, the suicide bombings and mass murders ignited a disciplinary crucible on the social location, commitments, and methodological approaches of the Religious Studies scholar. Within a few years after 9/11, sub-fields such as Islamic Studies and Violence Studies were developed, and a messy public battle broke out regarding role of the Religious Studies scholar in a world of conflicts.
A Cell-Based Renilla Luminescence Reporter Plasmid Assay for High-Throughput Screening to Identify Novel FDA-Approved Drug Inhibitors of HPV-16 Infection:

Like cervical cancer, anal cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted agent and is found in the anal canal of almost all HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Rates of HPV anal cancer are disproportionately higher in this population. Although the nanovalent HPV vaccine is efficacious in protecting against oncogenic HPV types, a substantial proportion of MSM remains unvaccinated and anal HPV infection continues to be an important public health burden. Therefore, it is important to identify strategies to prevent HPV infection. We report on two promising and interlinked strategies: (1) the development of a cell-based Renilla luminescence reporter assay using HPV-16 pseudovirions that encapsidate SV40-driven Renilla luminescence reporter expression plasmid and (2) use of this assay for high-throughput screening (HTS) of FDA- and internationally approved drugs to identify those that could be repurposed to prevent HPV infection. We conducted a screen of 1906 drugs. The assay was valid with a Z' of 0.67 ± 0.04, percent coefficient of variance of 10.0, and signal-to-background noise window of 424.0 ± 8.0. Five drugs were chosen for further analyses based on selection parameters of ≥77.0% infection of HPV-16 pseudovirion-driven Renilla expression with <20.0% cytotoxicity. Of these, the antifungal pentamidine and a gamma-amino butyric acid receptor agonist securinine exhibited ≥90.0% infection with <10.0% cytotoxicity. This luminescent cell-based reporter expression plasmid assay for HTS is a valid method to identify FDA- and internationally approved drugs with the potential to be repurposed into prevention modalities for HPV infection.
Utility of procalcitonin for diagnosis of bacterial infection-related systemic inflammatory response in the acute neurologic injury population

Abstract Objective Inflammation and bacterial infection are common complicating factors in the treatment of patients with stroke. Inflammatory responses can manifest as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), a condition with both infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Accurately identifying patients with infection-related SIRS is important for determining the correct treatment plan. Here, we investigated the use of the glycopeptide procalcitonin (PCT) as a potential biomarker for identifying patients with bacterial infections in the setting of SIRS. Patients and methods A retrospective chart review was performed for adult patients admitted to United Hospital with an admission or discharge diagnosis of stroke for whom PCT testing was ordered between January 2011 and December 2014. Medical records were searched for the timing of PCT tests, and the previous 24 h was assessed for markers of SIRS, inflammation, and disease severity. Results PCT levels were negatively correlated with Glasgow Coma Scale scores (ρ=-0.27, p Conclusions PCT was not a viable biomarker for distinguishing between infectious and non-infections etiologies of SIRS in acute brain injury in this population. However, our results do indicate potential utility for PCT as an indicator for the cessation of antibiotic use in acute brain injury patients with bacterial infections.
Nickel-Mediated Dehydrogenative Aryl–Aryl Homocoupling of a Bulky Phosphino-Pyridine

Aryl–aryl bond formation through dehydrogenative coupling is an attractive transformation due to the atom and step economy of working with unfunctionalized C–H bonds. Pd catalysts are most common f...
Fast and efficient switching with ferrimagnets

Domain-wall velocities of 5.7 kilometres per second and switching times of less than a nanosecond have been observed in ferrimagnetic devices.
Hypoxia in bone metastasis and osteolysis

Hypoxia is a common feature in tumors, driving pathways that promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. Clinically, high levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) expression and stabilization at the primary site in many cancer types is associated with poor patient outcomes. Experimental evidence suggests that HIF signaling in the primary tumor promotes their dissemination to the bone, as well as the release of factors such as LOX that act distantly on the bone to stimulate osteolysis and form a pre-metastatic niche. Additionally, the bone itself is a generally hypoxic organ, fueling the activation of HIF signaling in bone resident cells, promoting tumor cell homing to the bone as well as osteoclastogenesis. The hypoxic microenvironment of the bone also stimulates the vicious cycle of tumor-induced bone destruction, further fueling tumor cell growth and osteolysis. Furthermore, hypoxia appears to regulate key tumor dormancy factors. Thus, hypoxia acts both on the tumor cells as well as the metastatic site to promote tumor cell metastasis.
Perceived attributes of hurricane-related retrofits and their effect on household adoption

Understanding how homeowners make protective action decisions is important for designing policies and programs to encourage those actions and community resilience as a whole. This paper focuses on the role of homeowner perceptions of attributes of the protective actions themselves in influencing household protective action decisions. Specifically, using a combination of revealed and stated preference data from a mailed survey of homeowners in North Carolina (n = 234), we fitted mixed logit models to predict the probability a homeowner has or intends to structurally retrofit (strengthen) her home to mitigate hurricane wind and flood damage. We found evidence supporting the hypotheses that a higher probability of undertaking a retrofit is associated with homeowner beliefs that: (1) The retrofit cost is not too high, (2) the installation does not require too much effort, (3) they understand how it works, (4) it would add to home value, (5) it would protect lives, (6) it would protect property, and (7) it would not make the home less attractive. This work shows that homeowners make retrofit decisions based on a portfolio of perceived attributes that depend on the type of retrofit under consideration. Although cost is important, other factors carry considerable weight in the decision as well. Further, findings suggest that study of one type of protective action (e.g., having an emergency kit) may not be generalizable to other actions (adding hurricane shutters) without considering these attributes.
Optical characterization of the on-target OMEGA focal spot at high energy using the full-beam in-tank diagnostic

The full-beam in-tank (FBIT) diagnostic has been deployed to directly measure the target-plane beam fluence profile, when operated at high energy, of the OMEGA Laser System at the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics. This paper presents the results of early measurements taken with this diagnostic and discusses an improvement that has overcome performance limitations discovered during the initial testing. The diagnostic gives new insight into the ability of the OMEGA Laser System to provide uniform fluence profiles that are consistent across all 60 beams in the laser. The ultimate goal of the FBIT diagnostic is to allow accurate assessment of the fluence uniformity on a spherical target in 60-beam implosion experiments.
Sapphire-Supported Nanopores for Low-Noise DNA Sensing

Solid-state nanopore sensors have broad applications from single-molecule biosensing to diagnostics and sequencing. Prevalent nanopore sensors are fabricated on silicon (Si) substrates through micromachining, however, the high capacitive noise resulting from Si conductivity has seriously limited both their sensing accuracy and recording speed. A new approach is proposed here for forming nanopore membranes on insulating sapphire wafers by anisotropic wet etching of sapphire through micro-patterned triangular masks. Reproducible formation of small membranes with an average dimension of ~10 μm are demonstrated. For validation, a sapphire-supported (SaS) nanopore chip, with a 100 times larger membrane area than silicon-supported (SiS) nanopore, showed 130 times smaller capacitance (10 pF) and ~2.5 times smaller rootmean-square (RMS) noise current (~20 pA over 100 kHz bandwidth). Tested with 1k bp double-stranded DNA, the SaS nanopore enabled sensing at microsecond speed with a signal-to-noise ratio of 21, compared to 11 from a SiS nanopore. This SaS nanopore presents a manufacturable platform feasible for biosensing as well as a wide variety of MEMS applications.
Reinforcement sensitivity and bulimia symptoms: the role of emotion regulation.

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) provides a theoretical foundation associated with various approach and avoidance behaviors and individual personality differences. Sensitivity to reward and punishment, two neural systems within the RST have been significantly associated with bingeing and purging behaviors. However, inconsistent findings are observed and specific factors mediating these relationships are not well understood. Deficits in emotion regulation may account for these relationships, as both negative urgency and distress tolerance have been independently associated with bulimia behaviors. Thus, this is an area that requires further investigation. The current study utilized various self-report inventories, including the Eating Disorder Inventory-3rd Edition to measure bulimia symptoms, as well as measures of negative affect, sensitivity to reward and punishment, distress tolerance, and negative urgency. These measures were used to assess whether distress tolerance and negative urgency mediated associations between sensitivity to reward and punishment and bulimia symptoms in a community sample of 394 young adults ranging from the ages of 18 to 25. As expected, sensitivity to reward and punishment were significantly associated with decreased distress tolerance. Distress tolerance was also directly associated with greater negative urgency, which was significantly associated with increased bulimia symptoms. Consistent with hypotheses, indirect associations between sensitivity to reward and sensitivity to punishment to bulimia symptoms via distress tolerance and negative urgency were observed, controlling for gender and negative affect. Results contribute to understanding specific contributions of risk factors within the relationship of sensitivity to reward and punishment and bulimia symptoms, measured by the EDI-3. Novel to existing literature, results indicate that reinforcement sensitivity significantly contributes to emotion regulation deficits. Thus, these findings may have important implications for understanding the development and treatment of bulimia symptoms. Level V, based on descriptive, cross-sectional data.
Pericytes in sarcomas of bone.

Pericytes are mesenchymal cells that closely enwrap small blood vessels, lying in intimate association with the endothelium. Pericytes have recently gained attention as an important mediator of vascular biology and angiogenesis in cancer. Although better studied in carcinoma, pericytes have known interaction with sarcomas of bone, including Ewing’s sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Best studied is Ewing’s sarcoma (ES), which displays a prominent perivascular growth pattern. Signaling pathways of known importance in intratumoral pericytes in ES include Notch, PDGF/PDGFR-β, and VEGF signaling. In summary, pericytes serve important functions in the tumor microenvironment. Improved understanding of pericyte biology may hold significant implications for the development of new therapies in sarcoma.
Handbook of child development and early education: Research to practice.

Part 1: Development and Early Education. Developmental Science and Early Education: An Introduction. Rethinking Early Schooling: Using Developmental Science to Transform Children's Early School Experiences. Bridging Developmental Theory and Educational Practice: Lessons from the Vygotskian Project. Part 2.:Brain Functioning and Learning. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience and Education Practice. Neurodevelopmental Changes in Infancy and Beyond: Implications for Learning and Memory. Learning to Remember. The Mind of the Preschool Child: The Intelligence-School Interface. Part 3: Social and Emotional Development. Development of Self, Relationships, and Socioemotional Competence: Foundations for Early School Success. Taming the Terrible Twos: Self-Regulation and School Readiness. Teaching Hearts and Minds in Early Childhood Classrooms: Curriculum for Social and Emotional Development. Supporting Peer Relationships in Early Education. Promoting Social Acceptance and Respect for Cultural Diversity in Young Children: Learning from Developmental Research. Part 4: Language and Literacy. The Social Context of Language and Literacy Development. Teaching and Learning to Read. Changing Classroom Conversations: Narrowing the Gap between Potential and Reality. Young Latino Children's English Reading Development: Insight for Classroom Teachers. Supporting Parental Practices in the Language and Literacy Development of Young Children. Part 5: Mathematics and Science. Early Mathematics Education and How to Do It. Improving Preschoolers' Number Sense Using Information-Processing Theory. The Early Construction of Mathematical Meanings: Learning Positional Representation of Numbers. Applying Developmental Approaches to Learning Math. Construction and Representation of Space in 5-Year-Old Children. Enhancing Mathematical Problem Solving in Primary School Children. Science Education for Young Children: A Conceptual-change Point of View. Improving Science Teaching for Young Children. Part 6: Conclusion. Applying Lessons from Developmental Science to Early Education.
Two) Open Questions in Stellar Nuclear Physics

No doubt, among the most exciting discoveries of the third millennium thus far are {\bf Oscillations of Massive Neutrinos} and {\bf Dark Energy} that leads to an accelerated expansion of the Universe. Accordingly, Nuclear Physics is presented with two extraordinary challenges: the need for precise (5% or better) prediction of solar neutrino fluxes within the Standard Solar Model, and the need for an accurate (5% or better) understanding of stellar evolution and in particular of Type Ia super nova that are used as cosmological standard candle. In contrast, much confusion is found in the field with contradicting data and strong statements of accuracy that can not be supported by current data. We discuss an experimental program to address these challenges and disagreements.
Coagulation changes in saline-induced abortion.

Abstract Coagulation function was prospectively studied in 25 patients undergoing intra-amniotic instillation of hypertonic saline for the purpose of termination of pregnancy. Consistent and statistically significant changes in platelet count, prothrombin time, plasma fibrinogen, and fibrin degradation products were found. The platelet count and fibrinogen level decreased, the prothrombin time increased, and fibrin degradation products became detectable. These findings suggest that disseminated intravascular coagulation is a sequela of saline-induced abortion.