cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
InSAR and Optical Constraints on Fault Slip during the 2010–2011 New Zealand Earthquake Sequence

Our study used space-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and feature tracking on sub-meter-resolution optical imagery pairs to characterize surface deformation resulting from the 4 September 2010 Mw 7.1 Darfield, 22 February 2011 Mw 6.3 Christchurch, and 13 June 2011 Christchurch earthquakes (dates in local time), each of which occurred in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. A rapid, coordinated international emergency response is often required when strong-motion earthquakes hit urban areas. Unfortunately in these cases relief workers often have little information about the location or the extent of damage. Remote sensing can rapidly provide maps of certain key variables ( i.e. , building damage, potential loading of nearby faults, etc.) to relief workers on the ground. These maps can cover broad areas on time scales that are only limited by the revisit time of the satellite or aircraft. Critically, imagery types such as satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) have long repeat times of up to 46 days at present, although the existence of overlapping tracks and multiple satellite platforms effectively reduces the repeat time somewhat. Here we demonstrate the impact of commercial optical imagery that can be acquired within hours to days after an earthquake, with the goal of supporting relief efforts in future earthquakes on a more rapid timescale than can be achieved with SAR imagery alone. We demonstrate that these sub-meter-resolution scenes are feasible tools for deriving near-fault surface displacements for use in fault slip inversions, even in areas of heavy agricultural activity. The Darfield and Christchurch earthquakes present an opportunity to observe postseismic deformation related to multiple moderate (< Mw 7.5) earthquakes occurring in close spatial and temporal proximity with an unprecedented set of seismic and geodetic constraints spanning the two events. While there are many examples of earthquakes of this size occurring …
Higher-Order Factor Analytic Perspectives on Users' Perceptions of Library Service Quality

Abstract The SERVQUAL measure was developed by Parasuraman, Berry, and Zeithaml (SERVQUAL: A multiple-item scale for measuring customer perceptions of service quality. Journal of Retailing, 64 , 12–40) to measure perceptions of service quality, originally in the retailing sector. Libraries and other educational institutions, however are also service providers. Librarians, in particular, have recently become increasingly interested in measuring quality of service as the ultimate assessment of library performance, as against more traditional measures of performance such as mere counts of various holdings. The present study explored SERVQUAL score validity in the library service context using data from 596 users representing three user groups and measurement at three times over six years. Second-order factor analysis provided mixed results as regards the psychometric integrity of SERVQUAL scores applied within the library service context.
Studies on the Electroactive Heterocycles C6S80/2- and C6S6O20/2- and Related Metal Complexes

The properties of the carbon sulfide C6S8 (1) as well as its dioxo analogue C6S6O2 (2) have been studied in the fully oxidized and fully reduced forms, i.e., 1 0 , 1, 2- 2 0 , 2 2- . A crystallographic study shows that compound 2 is a tricyclic species with a twisted 1,2-dithiin (unsaturated C 4S2 ring) core. Reduction of 1 with 2 equiv of LiBHEt3 gave C6S8 2- (1 2- ), which was isolated as its PPh4 + salt. A crystallographic study of this salt shows that reduction has resulted in cleavage of the S -S bond and that, in the solid state, the dihedral angle between the two rings is 180°. Both 1 2- and 2 2- undergo two sequential and reversible 1e - oxidations near 0 V (vs Ag/AgCl), thus establishing that 1 0 and 2 0 are good oxidants relative to other disulfides. Treatment of (PPh4)2(C6S8) with (Ni(H2O)6)Cl2 afforded the dark red (PPh4)2(Ni(C6S8)2 )( 3). The analogous Pt complex (4) was also prepared. Crystallographic analysis of 3 shows that the nickel center is square planar, comprising two seven-membered NiS2C4 rings. The paramagnetism observed for solutions of 3 are attributed to the formation of a tetrahedral isomer.
Elements of a function analytic approach to probability

We first provide a detailed motivation for using probability theory as a mathematical context in which to analyze engineering and scientific systems that possess uncertainties. We then present introductory notes on the function analytic approach to probabilistic analysis, emphasizing the connections to various classical deterministic mathematical analysis elements. Lastly, we describe how to use the approach as a means to augment deterministic analysis methods in a particular Hilbert space context, and thus enable a rigorous framework for commingling deterministic and probabilistic analysis tools in an application setting.
A two-channel PC-based hardware implementation of the maximum likelihood classifier for the Shuttle ice detection system

A PC-based near-real-time implementation of the two-channel maximum-likelihood classifier for the Space Shuttle ice detection system is described. A menu-drive image processing system was developed to implement the classification process. Attention is given to the system history, requirements, and testing, as well as to system implementation, spectral signatures from imagery data, and image processing hardware and software. >
Design and Results of the First Satisfiability Modulo Theories Competition (SMT-COMP 2005)

The Satisfiability Modulo Theories Competition (SMT-COMP) is intended to spark further advances in the decision procedures field, especially for applications in hardware and software verification. Public competitions are a well-known means of stimulating advancement in automated reasoning. Evaluation of SMT solvers entered in SMT-COMP took place while CAV 2005 was meeting. Twelve solvers were entered; 1,352 benchmarks were collected in seven different divisions.
Teratoma Formation Leads to Failure of Treatment for Type I Diabetes Using Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Insulin-Producing Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have been proposed to be a powerful tool in the study of pancreatic disease, as well as a potential source for cell replacement therapy in the treatment of diabetes. However, data demonstrating the feasibility of using pancreatic islet-like cells differentiated from ES cells remain controversial. In this study we characterized ES cell-derived insulin-expressing cells and assessed their suitability for the treatment of type I diabetes. ES cell-derived insulin-stained cell clusters expressed insulin mRNA and transcription factors associated with pancreatic development. The majority of insulin-positive cells in the clusters also showed immunoreactivity for C-peptide. Insulin was stored in the cytoplasm and released into the culture medium in a glucose-dependent manner. When the cultured cells were transplanted into diabetic mice, they reversed the hyperglycemic state for ∼3 weeks, but the rescue failed due to immature teratoma formation. Our studies demonstrate that reversal of hyperglycemia by transplantation of ES cell-derived insulin-producing cells is possible. However, the risk of teratoma formation would need to be eliminated before ES cell-based therapies for the treatment of diabetes are considered.
A coupled fluid-inclusion and stable isotope record of paleofluids in the Monterey Formation, California

Determining the history of fossil hydrologic systems that is recorded in vein minerals can be complicated by heterogeneity in the oxygen and carbon isotope compositions at millimeter and smaller scales. Several samples of diagenetic dolomite from two location in the Miocene Monterey Formation, California, have δ18O and δ13C values that vary over a few millimeters by ∼28‰ and 6.5‰, respectively (relative to the Pee Dee belemnite isotope standard). These variations reflect episodic flow and mixing of waters from different sources with distinct diagenetic histories. On the other hand, isotopic conpositions of dolomite in samples with gradual shifts in isotopic compositions and correlated δ18O and δ13C values may have been controlled by mass diffusion and thermal conduction between episodic flow events. Primary fluid-inclusion assemblages from samples collected at one location yielded homogenization temperatures of 87.8 ± 3.6 °C (2σ). These temperatures were combined with measured δ18O values very nearly collocated in each dolomite sample to show that δ18Owater values ranged between −0.8‰ and +2.5‰ (relative to standard mean ocean water). The samples from this Monterey Formation dolomite thus indicate their precipitation from water more enriched in 18O than late Miocene and younger seawater and must reflect modification of the δ18O values of the involved waters by mineral-dehydration reactions prior to dolomite precipitation. Samples from the other location contain no primary fluid- inclusion assemblages and few abrupt shifts in isotopic compositions, perhaps reflecting recrystallization. Small-scale variations in isotopic compositions of vein minerals could be interpreted as the result of a changing regional hydrologic pattern, but we think such an interpretation for the Monterey Formation samples would be incorrect. Instead, we infer that these variations provide important information about localized effects on the ancient hydrologic system and that these effects bear on the origins of the paleofluids responsible for the mineral precipitation.
The effect of the cooling rate of dental alloys on their amalgamation properties

Silver-tin alloys of various compositions (60-80 atomic % Ag) have been prepared from the melt using cooling rates from about 50 degrees C/hr to about 10(6) degrees C/sec. Structural differences due to the different cooling rates were shown by metallographic and x-ray diffraction techniques. From each composition and cooling rate, powders were then prepared and amalgamated. The amalgams were tested for Hg content, dimensional change during setting, and tensile strength. Changes in cooling rates had some effect on the relative amounts of phases present but primarily affected the grain sizes. In general, the faster the cooling rate, the smaller the grain size; the smaller the grain size, the faster and more uniform the amalgamation; the more uniform the amalgamation, the stronger the amalgam. Storage of the alloy powders at room temperatures slowed their amalgamation rates, destroyed their uniformity,and resulted in weaker amalgams. However, no phase changes were observed by x-ray diffraction in the freshly comminuted alloys after aging at room temperature for two months.
Anatomic analysis of the conchal bowl cartilage

Purpose The conchal bowl is a portion of auricular cartilage commonly used as an autologous graft for various maxillofacial procedures. Few studies have attempted to describe the anatomy of this region in detail, particularly in relation to the curvature of the conchal bowl. The present study has provided detailed information about the anatomy of the auricular cartilage in the conchal bowl region that could assist in the surgical design of graft harvesting. Materials and Methods A total of 35 pairs of cadaver ears without gross deformity (15 male, 20 female; aged 39 to 99 years) were dissected to completely expose the cartilage skeleton. Each cartilage was stabilized, and the conchal bowl was mapped. The starting reference point was defined as the intersection of the lateral border of the antihelix and the superiormost aspect of the inferior crux. A prefabricated grid was then used to imprint a 4 × 5 matrix of pinpoint ink spots on the surface of each cartilage, with 6-mm increments between each spot. The grid's y and x axes were then aligned with the landmarks above. Next, a MicroScribe 3-dimensional digitizer ( ghost3d.com ) was used to capture the 3-dimensional coordinates for each point on the ear's surface and the coordinates were transferred into an Excel spreadsheet. After digitization, a Boley gauge was used to measure the thickness of the cartilage at each premarked spot. The gathered data points and measurements were examined to describe our parameters of interest (ie, depth, thickness, and curvature). Results The average maximum conchal bowl depth was 10.5 ± 3.0 mm in the female ears and 10.7 ± 2.5 mm in the male ears. In general, the conchal bowl depth at each point did not differ significantly between the males and females. The mean cartilage thickness ranged from 0.77 to 1.79 mm (mean 1.15 ± 0.26) in the females and 0.95 to 1.45 mm (mean 1.25 ± 0.23) in the males. Both genders showed an increase in the conchal bowl depth from inferiorly to superiorly and from posteriorly to anteriorly. The cartilage thickness also increased from posteriorly to anteriorly; however, the exact shape is complex. Conclusions A detailed understanding of the facial anatomy is important in the practice of facial surgery. The results we have presented will provide surgeons with information on the overall dimensions, thickness, and curvature of the conchal bowl that could allow more advantageous donor site selection.
Quantitative change of EEG and respiration signals during mindfulness meditation

Background: This study investigates measures of mindfulness meditation (MM) as a mental practice, in which a resting but alert state of mind is maintained. A population of older people with high stress level participated in this study, while electroencephalographic (EEG) and respiration signals were recorded during a MM intervention. The physiological signals during meditation and control conditions were analyzed with signal processing. Methods: EEG and respiration data were collected and analyzed on 34 novice meditators after a 6-week meditation intervention. Collected data were analyzed with spectral analysis, phase analysis and classification to evaluate an objective marker for meditation. Results: Different frequency bands showed differences in meditation and control conditions. Furthermore, we established a classifier using EEG and respiration signals with a higher accuracy (85%) at discriminating between meditation and control conditions than a classifier using the EEG signal only (78%). Conclusion: Support vector machine (SVM) classifier with EEG and respiration feature vector is a viable objective marker for meditation ability. This classifier should be able to quantify different levels of meditation depth and meditation experience in future studies.
Mediastinal fibrosis is associated with human leukocyte antigen-A2.

Objective To determine the association between mediastinal fibrosis and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. Design Case-control study. Setting Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Subjects Nineteen consecutive patients with mediastinal fibrosis who presented to the pulmonary clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from 1987 to 1996. The control subjects were 21,086 whites who were cadaveric kidney donors from October 1987 through December 1993. Measurements HLA testing was performed on blood samples from all 19 cases. Information on HLA typing for the control subjects was obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing. Frequency of HLA class I and II antigens found in the cases was compared with the frequency in the control subjects. Results The relative risk of mediastinal fibrosis among subjects with the HLA-A2 antigen was 3.32 times that of those who lacked this antigen (95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 9.2). Conclusion HLA-A2 was strongly associated with mediastinal fibrosis, suggesting that an abnormal immune response is important in the pathogenesis of this disease. Key words: Histoplasma capsulatum ; human leukocyte antigen-A2; mediastinal fibrosis
Reflections on Ethnography in Morocco: A critical reading of three seminal texts

L'analyse des ouvrages de P. Rabinow (« Reflections on fieldwork in Morocco »), de V. Crapanzano (« Tuhami : Portrait of a Moroccan ») et de K. Dwyer (« Moroccan dialogues : Anthropology in question ») montre que bien qu'ils soient cites comme representant un effort dans la production d'une nouvelle anthropologie, ils ne reussissent pas a s'eloigner de l'essentialisme orientaliste
Central blockade of vasopressin V1receptors attenuates postexercise hypotension

We tested the hypothesis that central arginine vasopressin (AVP) mediates postexercise reductions in arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR). To test this hypothesis, nine spontaneously hyperten...
Cohesive Cybersecurity Policy Needed for Electric Grid

Securing the electric grid is one of the key components of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States and increasing the country’s resilience and recovery from such events. A secure electric grid is one that is protected from errors, contingencies or assaults on computer systems and networks. There is no shortage of government policies for protecting critical infrastructure sectors from network vulnerabilities. What is missing is a focused comprehensive cybersecurity policy for the electricity sector. A cybersecurity strategy must include at least six components: improving information sharing; clarifying the role of industry players in responding to different types of cyber-incidents; ensuring awareness of domestic and international law implications beyond the reliability standards; implementing long-term planning; evaluating other countries’ cybersecurity systems; and providing government funding.
Heavy Testosterone Use Among Bodybuilders: An Uncommon Cohort of Illicit Substance Users.

Abstract Objective To identify and characterize patterns of use among a contemporary cohort of current anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users. Patients and Methods An anonymous, self-administered, 49-item questionnaire was posted on message boards of Internet websites popular among AAS users and administered via SurveyMonkey from February 1, 2015, to June 1, 2015. Thirty-seven questions were analyzed for this study. Results A total of 231 male respondents met the inclusion criteria. Most were white, were older than 25 years, were employed with above average income, and had received a formal education beyond high school. Ninety-three percent began using AAS after the age of 18 years, and 81% reported using 400 mg or more of testosterone per week. Factors associated with longer duration of use (>5 years) included higher incomes (≥$75,000, P =.003), increased testosterone dosages (>600 mg per week, P =.007), older age (≥35 years, P P P Conclusion The population of AAS users is disparate from that of other drugs of abuse. Laboratory test abnormalities and adverse effects are common and should be taken into account when counseling patients who may be using AASs.
Financial Applications with Parallel R

The use of statistical packages in finance has two functions. One, econometric analysis of large volumes of data, and two, programming financial models. A popular package for these purposes is R. In this article we will examine two canonical applications of parallel programming for option pricing.We use the Parallel R package developed by Revolution Computing. We price options using trees and Monte Carlo simulation. Both these approaches are commonly used for option pricing and are amenable to parallelization and grid computing. In this paper we demonstrate the application using the widely used mathematical/statistical R package.
Online Sovereignty: The Law and Economics of Tribal Electronic Commerce

In 1886, the US Supreme Court wrote that, for Indian tribes, “the people of the states where they are found are often their deadliest enemies.” Recently, state agencies and regulators have continued that tradition of hostility by improperly attempting to regulate electronic commerce businesses operated by tribal governments that are more properly subject to regulations established by tribal law and subject to federal oversight. Despite the fact that these online businesses operate exclusively under tribal law and make their tribal affiliation clear to customers, certain state regulators have demanded absolute compliance with state law, even when such laws are from states thousands of miles away. Not only does this overreaching by uninformed state regulators limit the products available to consumers but it also severely undercuts on-reservation economic development, imperils tribal electronic commerce, and challenges basic notions of tribal sovereignty.Businesses and consumers entering into commercial contracts rely heavily on consistency and predictability in contracting, including when the parties mutually agree to apply tribal law or utilize tribal courts to resolve disputes. Uniform interpretation and enforcement of such agreements are critical to ensuring continued investment in tribal businesses. With over one quarter of American Indians living in poverty, nearly twice the national average, it has never been more important to promote confidence in the Indian economy. When courts do not give full force and effect to contracting parties’ desire to resolve their private disputes using tribal courts and tribal law, this confidence is threatened. While it is unclear how this controversy will ultimately play out, one thing is certain: states are not only undermining tribal innovation and harming tribal economies but also attacking tribal sovereignty itself.Perhaps lost in the legal rancor, however, are the very real human and economic consequences of the loss of tribal revenues from e-commerce business, as well as the potential damage to tribal e-commerce as a whole. In this article, we present results of our empirical research into the economic impact of tribal online lending in Indian Country. We first frame the issue with a brief summary of the legal foundations for tribal e-commerce and tribal lending in particular. We then present several case studies of tribes that have engaged in online lending, focusing on the direct economic impact to those tribal communities. We conclude the article with policy arguments as to why state and federal regulators should support rather than suppress tribal e-commerce, including tribal small-dollar online lending.
SPM-Based Lithography for Electronics Device Fabrication: New Strategies and Directions

Direct patterning of a semiconductor surface to produce an ultrathin oxide mask has proven to be a promising approach for integrating lithographic methods based on scanned probe microscopy (SPM) into existing electronics device processing. The resulting masks are capable of withstanding the necessary etching and thermal cycling required for pattern development. Recent work has validated the concept for the fabrication of silicon devices. The current challenges which face this active research area will now require a detailed, predictive understanding of the mechanism responsible for oxidation within an SPM junction in order for the process to optimized with respect to write speed, resolution, and reliability.
Monotonic Growth of Motile Microorganisms

The research results presented here are part of a more extensive effort regarding sustained bioconvection in porous media. Bioconvection is the phenomenon of gravity driven fluid motion due to buoyancy forces resulting from density differences between the fluid and motile micro-organisms suspended in the fluid. While the field of bio-convection in pure fluids emerged substantially over the past decade the corresponding effects of bio-convection in porous media received much less attention, despite the fact that micro-organisms grow naturally in porous environments; soil, food and human tissues serve as basic examples. The research focuses in two major new directions. The first deals with the theoretical and experimental investigation of bio-convection in porous media. The second major new direction is linked to the sustainability of the bio-convection motion. The existing work on bio-convection in both pure fluids and porous media exclude micro-organism growth during the bio-convection because the time scales concerned were very short. However, when the question of the sustainability of this convection over long times arises, microorganism growth has to be accounted for. If sustained bio-convection in porous media is possible it opens the avenue to investigate its impact on microbial proliferation in soil, food and human tissue, an important avenue for application of the theoretical results. Then, if bio-convection enhances microbial proliferation it may be undesirable in some cases, e.g. in food, or it might be desirable if specific micro-organisms that can be used for contaminated soil remediation will be "helped" by the bio-convection process to access contaminated regions in the soil. The theoretical and experimental results presented in this paper reflect the process of monotonic growth of motile microorganisms (e.g. the PAOI strain of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) to be included in the bioconvection process. A new proposed model is shown to be the appropriate one to better reflect both conceptually as well as practically the microbial growth process.© 2006 ASME
Biochemical blockade of cholinergic thirst

The effect of several biochemical agents on thirst induced by cholinergic brain stimulation was studied both (a) when the test chemical was placed in a different site from that receiving carbachol (a cholinergic stimulant) and (b) when the test chemical was used to pretreat the same site that was stimulated with carbachol. Only atropine and scopolamine (antimuscarinic agents) consistently blocked cholinergic thirst. Atropine blocked more consistently when placed at a different site from the carbachol, while scopolamine blocked consistently both at a different and at the same site as the carbachol. Considering all the chemicals, even those which blocked drinking on only a percentage of the trials, the chemicals were more likely to block drinking when placed at a different site than when placed at the same site as the carbachol.
Formalin induced sodium appetite: Dose-response relationships

Rats were injected subcutaneously with doses of from.10 to 1.5 ml of 1.5% formalin. Saline intake was measured 24 hr. after injection and was found to increase linearly with formalin dosage. The minimal effective dose was .15 ml, and the maximal effect was reached at a dose of .75 ml.
Immunity in staphylococcal infection: effect of gamma globulin on burn infections.

Summary1. Determination of anti-staphy-lococcal alpha hemolysin titers in 211 blood donors revealed that almost half had no detectable titers. Thirty-seven had titers of 2 units or greater but only 6 had titers greater than 4 units. Patients with recurrent furun-culosis revealed a similar distribution in contrast to titers of 8 to 24 units in patients with osteomyelitis. 2. Anti-hemolysin titers on 26 lots of commercial pooled human gamma globulin ranged from 6 to 24 units per ml with a median titer of 12 units. An investigational de-aggregated gamma globulin preparation had 6 units per ml. “Hemagglutinating” anti-staphylococcal antibodies were also present in high titer. 3. Administration of gamma globulin produced striking amelioration of the standard rabbit-burn infection, and also protected against dermonecrosis produced by alpha hemolysin in normal skin. 4. The role of gamma globulin in the prevention of infection in burned patients is considered.
Controlling Aging in Timing-Critical Paths

Circuits wear out (age) over time, especially with shrinking feature sizes. This article focuses on an aging mechanism called bias-temperature instability. The authors investigate how far related performance degradation can be contained.
Dynamic changes of endothelin-1, nitric oxide, and cyclic GMP in patients with congenital heart disease.

Background Pulmonary hypertension causes major morbidity and mortality after congenital heart surgery, but its mechanism remains unclear. Methods and Results Plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic GMP (cGMP) were assayed at 6 intervals in 50 children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB): before CPB, 10 minutes into CPB, and 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours after CPB. Three groups based on pulmonary flow and pressure were analyzed: low flow (LF, n=21), high flow/low pressure (systolic pulmonary pressure/systemic pressure ratio, Pp/Ps<50%, HF-LP, n=11), and high flow/high pressure (Pp/ Ps≥50%, HF-HP, n=19). HF-HP and HF-LP received α-blockers (chlorpromazine and/or prazosin). HF-HP patients received nitric oxide donors (nitroglycerin/sodium nitroprusside). ET-1 peaked at 6 hours, with its highest level in the HF-HP group (P<.01, by ANOVA). ET-I correlated significantly with Pp/Ps at 6 hours (P=.43, P<.005). In the HF-HP group, ET-1 remained above the other groups at 12 hours (12.7±2.5 pg/mL versus 6.4±1.1 pg/mL versus 6.5±3.8 pg/mL P<.05 by ANOVA). NO metabolites were elevated equivalently for the HF-HP and HF-LP groups (5.7±2.6 μmol/L versus 0.3.5±2.5 μmol/L at 12 hours, P=NS) despite nitric oxide donors and the excess ET-1 in HF-HP patients. Levels of cGMP were similarly elevated in HF-HP and HF-LP patients during this study. Conclusions Endogenous NO may decrease vascular tone and maintain low pulmonary pressure in HF-LP patients. High levels of ET-1, inadequate NO production, and/or impaired responses to NO may increase pulmonary pressure in HF-HP patients.
Best Practices for Biostatistical Consultation and Collaboration in Academic Health Centers

Given the increasing level and scope of biostatistics expertise needed at academic health centers today, we developed best practices guidelines for biostatistics units to be more effective in providing biostatistical support to their institutions, and in fostering an environment in which unit members can thrive professionally. Our recommendations focus on the key areas of: 1) funding sources and mechanisms; 2) providing and prioritizing access to biostatistical resources; and 3) interacting with investigators. We recommend that the leadership of biostatistics units negotiate for sufficient long-term infrastructure support to ensure stability and continuity of funding for personnel, align project budgets closely with actual level of biostatistical effort, devise and consistently apply strategies for prioritizing and tracking effort on studies, and clearly stipulate with investigators prior to project initiation policies regarding funding, lead time, and authorship.
Films, Bubbles and Rainbows

In the present chapter, we continue our study of Thomas Young’s On the nature of light and colors from his Course of lectures on natural philosophy and the mechanical arts. Previously, Young considered the relative merits of the wave and particle theories of light. In particular, he pointed out how the wave theory, unlike the particle theory, is able to explain the interference fringes appearing in shadows cast by the edges of objects. Perhaps most significantly, by measuring the spacing of the interference fringes which appear when light passes through two slits in a barrier, Young was able to measure the wavelength of light. This an amazing experimental feat, since the wavelength of visible light is 100 times smaller than the width of a typical human hair. Perhaps there is a more commonplace phenomenon which supports the wave theory?
Effect of nine diets on mRNAs of phase-II conjugation enzymes in livers of mice.

Abstract1. Phase-II enzymes are important in metabolizing many xenobiotics including prescription drugs and chemical carcinogens. Whereas it is known that diet can alter the expression of phase-II conjugation enzymes, the previous studies are limited in using only two or three diets and examining only a few enzymes.2. Adult male C57BL6 mice were fed one of nine diets for 3 weeks. Of the 87 genes encoding major hepatic phase-II enzymes, approximately one-half (43) were altered by at least one diet. Diet restriction altered the hepatic expression of the most genes encoding phase-II enzymes (27), followed by lab chow (15), atherogenic diet (13), high-fat diet (10), western diet (7), high-fructose diet (5), and essential fatty acid-deficient diet (3), whereas the low n-3 fatty acid diet had no effect on the hepatic expression of these phase-II enzymes.3. This comprehensive study provides detailed information on which conjugation enzymes are changed by these diets, and these data can be used to further investi...
Implementing a Restoration Program for the Endangered White Abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) in California

ABSTRACT A restoration program including wild population surveys, captive breeding, health monitoring, recovery site preparation, and recovery modeling has been implemented to restore white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) populations in California. White abalone once supported a lucrative fishery and are now endangered, nearing extinction at less than 1% of baseline abundances. Recent deep water surveys indicate that populations continue to decline with no signs of recruitment, despite the closure of the fishery in 1996. Four sites with artificial reefs (n=12/site) in optimal white abalone habitat were established. No wild white abalone have been found at these sites. Captive abalone were spawned in the spring of each year from 2012 to 2015. Each year, the production of 1-y-old abalone has increased in the captive breeding program from approximately 20 in 2012, to 150 in 2013 and an estimated 2,000 in 2014. In 2015, the breeding program reached two milestones: (1) most successful spawning season to date and ...
Social fabric and fear of crime: Considering spatial location and time of day

Criminologists have long noted that social networks play a role in influencing residents' fear of crime, but findings vis a vis the exact nature of that role have been mixed. More social ties may be associated with less fear of crime through their role in collective action, trust, and emotional support, but also with more fear of crime because of their role in the diffusion of information on local crime patterns. In what follows, we suggest temporal and spatial distinctions in how social ties matter for fear of crime with respect to these different mechanisms. Analysis of data from a large scale egocentric network study in Southern California provides evidence for these claims.
DNA-Polycation Complex Phase Controlled by Hybridization

DNA is one of the most highly-charged molecules known, and interacts strongly with other charged molecules in the cell. Polycations such as histone proteins and protamines modulate DNA condensation to perform essential biological functions, and synthetic polycations are widely used to deliver genes and therapeutic oligonucleotides both in vitro and in vivo. Condensation of long double-stranded DNA is one of the classic problems of biophysics, and is reasonably well understood, but the polyelectrolyte behavior of short and/or single-stranded nucleic acids has attracted far less study despite its importance for both biological and engineered systems. We report here studies of DNA oligonucleotides (10-88 nt) complexed with various polycations, including poly(L)lysine and short polyamines. As seen previously for longer sequences, double-stranded oligonucleotides form solid precipitates, but we observed that single-stranded oligonucleotides instead undergo liquid-liquid phase separation to form coacervate droplets. Complexed oligonucleotides remain competent for hybridization, and display sequence-dependent environmental response. We observe similar behavior for RNA oligonucleotides, and methylphosphonate substitution of the DNA backbone indicates that nucleic acid charge density controls whether liquid or solid complexes are formed. Liquid-liquid phase separations of this type have been implicated in formation of membraneless organelles in vivo, and have been suggested as protocells in early life scenarios; oligonucleotides offer an excellent method to probe the physics controlling these phenomena. We also report results on polyelectrolyte core micelles formed from nucleic acids (DNA/RNA/2¯-OMe) and polylysine-PEG block copolymers, which have been proposed as smart delivery devices for therapeutic nucleic acids and peptides.
Effects of a Delphi consensus acupuncture treatment protocol on the levels of stress and vascular tone in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial protocol.

The variability of published acupuncture protocols for patients undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) complicates the interpretation of data and hinders our understanding of acupuncture’s impact. In 2012, an acupuncture treatment protocol developed by a Delphi consensus process was published to describe the parameters of best practice acupuncture for Assisted Reproductive Technology and future research. However, there has been no clinical trial utilizing this protocol to assess the effects of acupuncture. This study aims to ﻿a﻿sse﻿ss the implementation of Dephi consensus acupuncture protocol and to examine the impact of acupuncture on stress and uterine and ovarian blood flow among women between ages 21-42 years seeking IVF. This study is a one site prospective, two-arm randomized controlled non-blind clinical trial conducted in a medical school-affiliated fertility center . Participants will be randomized 1:1 into either the acupuncture group or the standard of care (no acupuncture) group using computer generated tables. Both groups will have 3 regular clinical visits as their standard IVF care during an approximately 2 to 3 weeks window. Women who are randomized into the acupuncture group would receive three sessions based on the Delphi consensus acupuncture protocol in addition to the standard care. The first treatment will be administered between days 6 to 8 of the stimulated IVF cycle. The second session will be performed on the day of embryo transfer at least 1 h prior to the transfer. The third session will be performed within 48 h post-embryo transfer. Participants will be followed for their pregnancy test and pregnancy outcome when applicable. The outcomes stress and blood flow will be measured by a validated perceived stress scale and vasoactive molecules, respectively. Although recruitment and scheduling could be challenging at times, the Delphi consensus acupuncture protocol was implemented as planned and well-accepted by the patients. Because of the time-specified sessions around patients’ IVF cycle, it is highly recommended to have on-site study acupuncturist(s) to accommodate the schedule. ClinicalTrials NCT02591186 registered on October 7, 2015.
Translating Big Data into Smart Data for Veterinary Epidemiology

The increasing availability and complexity of data has led to new opportunities and challenges in veterinary epidemiology around how to translate abundant, diverse, and rapidly growing ‘big’ data into meaningful insights for animal health. Big data analytics are used to understand health risks and minimize the impact of adverse animal health issues through identifying high-risk populations, combining data or processes acting at multiple scales through epidemiological modeling approaches, and harnessing high velocity data to monitor animal health trends and detect emerging health threats. The advent of big data requires the incorporation of new skills into veterinary epidemiology training, including, for example, machine learning and coding, in order to prepare a new generation of scientists and practitioners to engage with big data. Establishing pipelines to analyze big data in near real-time is the next step for progressing from simply having ‘big data’ to creating ‘smart data’, with the objective of improving understanding of health risks, effectiveness of management and policy decisions, and ultimately preventing or at least minimizing the impact of adverse animal health issues.
Contribution of Opioid-Involved Poisoning to the Change in Life Expectancy in the United States, 2000-2015

This study uses US National Vital Statistics mortality data to assess change in US life expectancy from 2000 to 2015 attributable to opioid-involved poisonings.
Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Epstein-Barr Virus Donor Positive/Recipient Negative Lung Transplant Recipients.

Background Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) donor positive/recipient negative (D+/R−) status is a significant risk factor for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in lung transplant. There are, however, no studies that identify the risk factors for PTLD in the EBV D+/R− lung transplant population to guide the decision to proceed with an EBV-positive donor. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of adults listed in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients between May 5, 2005, and August 31, 2016. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of EBV D+/R− status on the development of PTLD, the impact of PTLD on survival, and survival differences between EBV D+/R− and EBV D−/R− recipients. Results The incidence of PTLD was 6.2% (79 of 1,281) versus 1.4% (145 of 10,352) in EBV D+/R− versus all other recipients (adjusted odds ratio 4.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.8 to 5.9, p p p = 0.30). Conclusions Despite increased rates of PTLD and associated mortality in the EBV D+/R− population, EBV seronegative patients did not have worse mortality when transplanted with lungs from EBV seropositive donors compared with lungs from EBV seronegative donors. Consideration should be given for close monitoring for PTLD among EBV D+/R− recipients, particularly those who are white and less than 40 years of age.
In Situ Quantification of Surface Intermediates and Correlation to Discharge Products on Hematite Photoanodes Using a Combined Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Approach

Hematite is a promising photoanode for solar driven water splitting. Elucidating its surface chemical pathways is key to improving its performance. Here, we use redox titrations in the Surface Interrogation mode of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SI-SECM) to quantitatively probe in situ the reactivity and time evolution of surface species formed on hematite during photo assisted water oxidation. Using SI-SECM, two distinct populations of oxidizing surface species were resolved with measured ksi of 316 m3/(mol·s) and 2 m3/(mol·s) for the more and less reactive species, respectively. While the surface coverage of both species was found to increase as a function of applied bias, the rate constants did not change appreciably, suggesting that the mechanism of water oxidation is independent of bias potential. In the absence of applied potential, both populations exhibit decay that is well described by second order kinetics, with kd values of 1.2 × 105 ± 0.2 × 105 and 6.3 × 103 ± 0.9 × 103 m2/(mol·s) for th...
State of the Prescription Process for Dynamic Ankle-Foot Orthoses

Dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are assistive devices that can be prescribed to individuals with mobility limitations to support and align joints. Dynamic AFOs are a category of passive AFOs that can control ankle motion to address both ankle joint range of motion limitations and ankle muscle weakness. This control of motion is achieved through the dynamic AFO’s functional characteristics, namely bending stiffness, which need to be customized to each individual’s needs. However, current conventions for customizing dynamic AFOs for each individual are variable and often not clearly documented. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the current state of customizing functional characteristics of dynamic AFOs to provide a foundation for ultimately optimizing the prescription of AFOs. Dynamic AFO bending stiffness, bending axis, alignment, and footplate design were identified as key functional characteristics that can be customized. Studies showed that customizing these dynamic AFO functional characteristics has the ability to alter gait, and customizing multiple functional characteristics at once is key to improving individual outcomes. Researchers have continued to expand their knowledge on how dynamic AFO functional characteristics can impact individual outcomes. Continued research should work towards developing guidelines for prescribing dynamic AFO functional characteristics based on individuals’ level of needs. Additionally, researchers and clinicians need to work together to ultimately translate these scientific findings into clinical practice.
Rotator Cuff Pathology

Adhesive capsulitis, or often called “frozen shoulder,” is a very common shoulder disorder encountered in the orthopedic office. It is easily confused with other shoulder pathology and tends to be a diagnosis of exclusion. Its development is poorly understood however in most cases is often a self-limiting condition.
The Cis Monobridged Equilibrium Geometries of Si2H2, Ge2H2, Al2H2, and Ga2H2: A Fundamentally New Type of Molecular Structure

In 1990 Colegrove predicted the existence of an unusual monobridged equilibrium geometry for disilyne, Si2H2. Remarkably, the two hydrogen atoms lie cis to the Si-Si bond. To our knowledge, no such structure had previously been suggested for any molecule. Interest in such seemingly exotic species accelerated radically with the 1992 microwave observation of the monobridged Si2H2 by Cordonnier, Bogey, Demuynck, and Destombes at the University of Lille. Subsequent theoretical studies have shown that this monobridged A2H2 structural type also exists for Ge2H2, Al2H2, and Ga2H2. The monobridged structure (with the two hydrogens cis to the A-A bond axis) apparently is not a stationary point on the potential energy hypersurfaces of B2H2 or C2H2.
A Proposal to Eliminate Director Standards From the Model Business Corporations Act

The Committee on Corporate Laws of the Business Section of the American Bar Association recently adopted amendments to the section of the Model Business Corporation Act (MBCA) enunciating standards of director performance. In place of the current section 8.30, which has been adopted by 42 states, the Committee has adopted two sections - one defining a "standard of conduct" and one defining a "standard of liability" for corporate directors. This paper argues that these new standards do not achieve the goals of bifurcation. Moreover, if adopted and used, the new standards will engender confusion and possibly inequitable results. This paper proposes the removal of standards governing the duty of care from the MBCA, returning authority over this area of law to the common law courts.
Implementation of a Data Initiative in the NCLB Era

Over the past decade, school districts in the United States have wrestled with the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This policy mandated improved student achievement for all, in part through a more widespread and sophisticated use of student data. The law placed strong incentives for districts to parse individual and collective student performance and use it to improve instruction.
The effect of assuming a homogeneous poisson process when the true process is a power law process

The homogeneous Poisson is the simplest model for describing the random occurrences of events in time, such as the failure times of a repairable system. A more complex model, which includes the homogeneous Poisson process as a special case, is the power..
Government Legislation and Regulations in the United States

Biological diversity, at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, is influenced by legislation and regulation that are initiated and enforced at local, national, and international levels. Although many laws governing human activities have indirect impacts on biodiversity, this article will summarize only major laws and regulations that directly affect biodiversity by influencing how genes, species, and ecosystems are used and conserved. Although the legal measures taken by each nation have an impact on local to global biodiversity, for brevity this article will focus primarily on US laws. US regulation of biodiversity over the last 100 years has evolved from a primary focus on single species to more recent inclusion of conservation of habitats and ecosystems.
Racial differences in the financial impact of breast cancer.

e18293Background: Racial variation in the adverse financial impact of cancer may contribute to observed differences in the initiation and completion of guideline-recommended adjuvant treatments. We...