cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Domain Evolution in PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3–60at%PbTiO3 with Temperature and Electric Field

The domain structure of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–60%PbTiO3 (PMN–60%PT) was investigated by polarized light, piezo-force, and transmission electron microscopies. Two sets of stripe-like domain patterns were observed with 〈011〉-type twin walls, which were geometrically arranged within larger domain platelets. Upon application of an electric field E along a direction that was different than that of the spontaneous polarization, the domain platelets were destabilized, favoring one set of domain striations over another. Interestingly, on removal of E, the original domain structure was not recovered: revealing a history dependence.
Literature and the Play of Attention: A New/Ancient Look at the Roots of Evil

Only a few years into the second millennium, we are appalled more than ever by the shifting, looming horrors of evil. Some forms are all too familiar: poverty and oppression, warfare, political and economic corruption, racism, sexism, basic human heartlessness, cruelty and greed. Other forms are relatively recent. As Lance Morrow writes in Evil :A n
Insulin Acts through FOXO3a to Activate Transcription of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an important regulator of fibrinolysis. PAI-1 levels are elevated in type 2 diabetes, and this elevation correlates with macro- and microvascular complications of diabetes. However, the mechanistic link between insulin and up-regulation of PAI-1 is unclear. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of Forkhead-related transcription factor (Fox)O1, FoxO3a, and FoxC1 augment insulin's ability to activate the PAI-1 promoter. In addition, insulin treatment promotes the phosphorylation of nuclear and cytoplasmic Fox03a and an increase of cytoplasmic Fox03a. In contrast, insulin treatment led to the accumulation of phospho-Fox01 only in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, insulin also increased the ability of chimeric LexA-FoxO1, LexA-FoxO3a, and LexA-FoxC1 proteins to increase the activity of a LexA reporter, suggesting that the effect of insulin on FoxO3a was direct. Using small interfering RNA to specifically deplete each of the Fox transcription factors tested, we demonstrate that only reduction of FoxO3a inhibits insulin-increased PAI-1-Luc expression and PAI-1 mRNA accumulation. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirm the presence of FoxO3a on the PAI-1 promoter. These results suggest that FoxO3a mediates insulin-increased PAI-1 gene expression.
Higher Order Connections

The purpose of this article is to present the theory of higher order connections on vector bundles from a viewpoint inspired by projective differential geometry.
Karl Rahner on God

Karl Rahner, one of the most important theologians in the history of the Catholic Church, developed his doctrine of God through philosophical and theological reflection on the theistic faith conviction he received from his Catholic family and training as a Jesuit priest. His early philosophical works, influenced by Kant and Heidegger, developed a metaphysical anthropology that views human beings as essentially oriented to being as a whole and a philosophy of religion based on human receptivity to a potential divine word heard in history. In moving to theology, Rahner rejected a sharp distinction between faith and reason, claiming instead that faith is the highest achievement of reason. His vast theological corpus portrays God as the holy mystery, who is the source of the dynamism of the human spirit and as the goal of human transcendence. We relate to God not the highest being among other beings, but as the horizon that makes all knowing and loving possible.
Treatment of Bone Defects in Posterior Instability

When compared with anterior glenohumeral instability, posterior glenohumeral instability is a relatively rare condition, and it can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Although many patients only have damage to the posterior capsulolabral structures, some have bone defects associated with posterior instability, including defects of the posterior glenoid rim, glenoid retroversion, and an anterosuperior impaction fracture of the humeral head known as the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. When nonoperative treatments fail, surgical management aims to identify and address both soft tissue and bony factors involved in posterior instability so as to minimize the chances of recurrent instability after surgery. Operative treatment options vary for these different bone defects associated with posterior instability, and there are relatively little data to guide surgical indications and treatment decisions. In this article, we discuss our approach to the treatment of bone defects in posterior instability with emphasis on which techniques are used in different circumstances as well as technical pearls and pitfalls.
Biochemistry of food allergens.

The proteins within foods that are allergenic represent a wide variety of proteins with functions that vary from storage to enzymatic activity. General characteristics of food allergens include an acidic isoelctric point, abundance in the food, stability to digestion, and the presence of multiple, linear IgE binding epitopes. However, there are exceptions even to these very general characteristics making it nearly impossible to predict whether a protein is a potential allergen. Since the development of an IgE response to an allergen involves a series of interactions among antigen-presenting cells (APCs), T-cells, and B-cells, it is important to continue to characterize both B-cell and T-cell epitopes of known allergens. With this information, it will be possible to improve diagnosis, develop new immunotherapeutic strategies, and eventually develop hypoallergenic plants for a safer food supply.
Special Class Exit Criteria: A Modest Beginning

Identification and placement practices in the area of mental retardation have been widely discussed; they are considered by many to be problemmatic. Little research has been completed with regard to exit criteria for children who should be reassigned to a regular classroom. The focus of this study was exit criteria. Typical assessment information as well as measures of achievement efficiency were used to predict program placement for a group of educable mentally retarded youngsters. Actual class placement was correctly predicted for 84% of the development sample. The results are discussed with regard to implications for assessment practices for the mentally retarded.
Storage-based intrusion detection for storage area networks (SANs)

Storage systems are the next frontier for providing protection against intrusion. Since storage systems see changes to persistent data, several types of intrusions can be detected by storage systems. Intrusion detection (ID) techniques can be deployed in various storage systems. In this paper, we study how intrusions can be detected at the block storage level and in SAN environments. We propose novel approaches for storage-based intrusion detection and discuss how features of state-of-the-art block storage systems can be used for intrusion detection and recovery of compromised data. In particular we present two prototype systems. First we present a real time intrusion detection system (IDS), which has been integrated within a storage management and virtualization system. In this system incoming requests for storage blocks are examined for signs of intrusions in real time. We then discuss how intrusion detection schemes can be deployed as an appliance loosely coupled with a SAN storage system. The major advantage of this approach is that it does not require any modification and enhancement to the storage system software. In this approach, we use the space and time efficient point-in-time copy operation provided by SAN storage devices. We also present performance results showing that the impact of ID on the overall storage system performance is negligible. Recovering data in compromised systems is also discussed.
Genus Two Hyperelliptic Curve Coprocessor

Hyperelliptic curve cryptography with genus larger than one has not been seriously considered for cryptographic purposes because many existing implementations are significantly slower than elliptic curve versions with the same level of security. In this paper, the first ever complete hardware implementation of a hyperelliptic curve coprocessor is described. This coprocessor is designed for genus two curves over F2113. Additionally, a modification to the Extended Euclidean Algorithm is presented for the GCD calculation required by Cantor's algorithm. On average, this new method computes the GCD in one-fourth the time required by the Extended Euclidean Algorithm.
On the mechanism of charge transport in liquid hydrocarbons

Abstract The mobility of electrons in n -hexane and neopentane mixtures is described in terms of quasi-free electron conduction between short-lived immobile traps. A modified version of Cohen and Lekner's kinetic equation used to describe the quasi-free electron mobilities argues strongly for the proposed mechanism of charge transport.
Veto Player Theory and Policy Change: An Introduction

Some months ago I had the honor to be invited to Mannheim for a conference organized by Thomas Koenig and Marc Debus. The subject matter was “Reform Processes and Policy Change,” and the organizers thought that my book Veto Players would be a good starting point for their study. I thought that the conference was an excellent idea, particularly since the reputation of Mannheim on policy studies is outstanding. Little did I know that this would be only a first step, because they now have received an interdisciplinary multimillion grant from the German Government (SFB 884) to “Political Economy of Reforms”
Creating and evaluating accurate CRISPR-Cas9 scalpels for genomic surgery

The simplicity of site-specific genome targeting by type II clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas9 nucleases, along with their robust activity profile, has changed the landscape of genome editing. These favorable properties have made the CRISPR-Cas9 system the technology of choice for sequence-specific modifications in vertebrate systems. For many applications, whether the focus is on basic science investigations or therapeutic efficacy, activity and precision are important considerations when one is choosing a nuclease platform, target site and delivery method. Here we review recent methods for increasing the activity and accuracy of Cas9 and assessing the extent of off-target cleavage events.
Repo Collateral Fire Sales: The Effects of Exemption from Automatic Stay

What are the consequences of a potential fire sale stemming from the exemption of repurchase agreements (repos) from automatic stay? This paper shows that repo's exemption from stay alters firms' financing and investment decisions ex ante. Specifically, a stay exemption changes firms' investment opportunity set, enabling them to purchase assets of defaulted firms at fire sale prices. Fire sales arise endogenously because of limited capital available to purchase collateral posted by insolvent firms, i.e., cash-in-the-market pricing. A fire sale effectively creates a premium for holding on to dry powder and concentrates asset ownership with firms that have preferences to hold highly leveraged positions and risk default. The premium reduces the initial asset price, potentially inducing more firms to take on risky positions, increasing the fraction of defaulting firms in the economy. In contrast, when repo is subject to automatic stay secured lenders do not receive their collateral immediately, reducing the severity of a fire sale and ex ante price distortions.
FAST combinatorial algorithm for optimizing the spread of cascades

We address a spatial conservation planning problem in which the planner purchases a budget-constrained set of land parcels in order to maximize the expected spread of a population of an endangered species. Existing techniques based on the sample average approximation scheme and standard integer programming methods have high complexity and limited scalability. We propose a fast combinatorial optimization algorithm using Lagrangian relaxation and primal-dual techniques to solve the problem approximately. The algorithm provides a new way to address a range of conservation planning and scheduling problems. On the Red-cockaded Woodpecker data, our algorithm produces near optimal solutions and runs significantly faster than a standard mixed integer program solver. Compared with a greedy baseline, the solution quality is comparable or better, but our algorithm is 10-30 times faster. On synthetic problems that do not exhibit submodularity, our algorithm significantly outperforms the greedy baseline.
Synthetic cannabinoid hyperemesis resulting in rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure

Synthetic cannabinoid usage has increased in the past decade. Concurrently, emergency management of associated adverse effects due to synthetic cannabinoid usage has also risen. Reported toxicities include psychosis, seizures, cardiotoxicity, acute kidney injury, and death. While cannabis was first described as a cause of acute hyperemesis in 2004, a more recent case series also describes the association between cannabinoid hyperemesis and risk of acute renal failure. Synthetic cannabinoids have also been reported to cause acute hyperemesis and acute renal failure; however, the risk of rhabdomyolysis-induced renal failure has yet to be elucidated. In this article, we report the first known case of synthetic cannabinoid hyperemesis leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.
Financial Integration and Relationship Transitions of Young Adult Cohabiters

Despite increasing rates of pre-marital cohabitation, the majority of research on household financial practices in the United States has focused on married couples. This study explored ways young adult cohabiters (N = 691) financially combined their lives and the associations with subsequent relationship outcomes. Results indicated cohabiters were intertwining credit histories and bank accounts, and acquiring assets such as purchasing homes together. Sharing a mortgage was associated with an increased likelihood of marriage, whereas joint credit card accounts increased the odds of dissolution. Cohabiters with an intent to marry were much more likely to start integrating their finances prior to marriage. This study sheds light on the heterogeneous ways that a recent cohort of young adult couples manages their finances and navigates relationships.
Vascular Malformations: A Review

Identification and treatment of vascular malformations is a challenging endeavor for physicians, especially given the great concern and anxiety created for patients and their families. The goal of this article is to provide a review of vascular malformations, organized by subtype, including capillary, venous, lymphatic and arteriovenous malformations. Only by developing a clear understanding of the clinical aspects, diagnostic tools, imaging modalities, and options for intervention will appropriate care be provided and results maximized.
Survey on knowledge about AIDS in population of Weihai

Objective To know the situation of knowledge about AIDS(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes) in population of Weihai, and to find out the weakness of heath education and improve it.Methods An interviewing questionnaire survey was conducted on 11694 populations which were 15 years old or older and sampled from Wendeng, Rongcbeng, Rushan and Weihai city by multistage sampling. All the data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software.Results The rate of knowledge about AIDS was 72.0%, and statistically significant difference existed among regions, years, marriages, cultures and occupations. Conclusion The knowledge level about AIDS in some population was low. So further propaganda and education towards some special people should be strengthened to improve their knowledge.
How Effective is a Dental Workshop at Improving the Knowledge and Confidence of Medical Students in the Management of Dental Emergencies

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a three-hour hands-on workshop for medical students and residents on their pre- and postcourse knowledge and confidence in managing dental emergencies. A 1-hour lecture followed by four 20-minute “hands-on” skill stations on dental mannequins was administered to a group of 30 medical students and residents. Pre- and postworkshop questionnaire surveys were conducted. There was a significant increase in the percent of attendees who responded correctly to three of the four knowledge questions following the workshop (P-value < 0.005). Confidence, as expressed in various statements, about treating dental emergencies was significantly improved after the lecture for eight of the nine statements. These findings indicate that dental knowledge is generally not provided during medical training. Our interactive workshop appeared to be effective in increasing this knowledge and self-reported confidence in handling dental emergencies. These findings clearly indicate the need for additional dental education during medical school. The use of a hands-on workshop may be one model for achieving this goal.
Does Increased Body Mass Index Predispose Myeloma Patients to Fractures or Shortened Survival

Background: Obese individuals are at increased risk of developing myeloma (Pan et al, Am J of Epidemiol, 2004, Feb) and at increased risk of death, compared to non-obese individuals (Calle et al, N Engl J Med, 2003 April). However, a higher BMI is protective against the development of osteoporosis and fracture in the general population (Siris et al, JAMA, 2001 Dec). Objectives: To assess the effect of obesity on fracture risk and mortality in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Patients and Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients identified by the Tumor Registry with the diagnosis of multiple myeloma, diagnosed from 1999–2003, at a single center (n= 60). Median age: 66 (range: 39–91). The study group is comprised of the following characteristics: female (58%), African-American (82%), white (15%) and other races (3%). All patients with bone disease were treated with bisphosphonates. Results: According to the World Health Organization criteria for BMI, 32% were grade 1 obese (25–29.9kg/m2), 18% were grade 2 obese (30–34.9kg/m2), 13% were grade 3 or 4 obese (>35kg/m).2 Fracture occurred in 23 patients (38%), either at diagnosis or during follow up. The mean BMI of patients with fracture was 30.7 ± 7.2 kg/m 2. The mean BMI of patients without fracture was 26.5 ± 4.2 kg/m 2.T-test comparison between the 2 groups shows a statistically significant correlation between increased BMI and fracture occurrence (T value = 2.577, p = 0.013). Rank-Spearman correlation was used to assess the significance of age, gender and diabetes as confounding factors; none of these factors were shown contribute to the difference observed. This correlation also shows statistically significant correlation between increased BMI and number of fractures ( p = 0.035). Mean BMI of patients with rib fractures was 27.7kg/m2 (N=6), vertebral compression fractures was 31.8 (N=13), pathologic femur fractures was 30.3 (N=5) and all other types was 27.0 (N=4). The BMI is numerically greater in patients with fractures of weight bearing bones, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Of the 60 patients studied, 27 patients have died. The median survival of patients with a normal BMI ( 0.05). Patients with poor performance status experienced shorter survival ( p = 0.013). Conclusions: Although a higher BMI is protective against the development of osteoporosis in the general population, our study shows that higher BMI correlates with a greater incidence of osteoporosis and fracture in patients with multiple myeloma. Our results suggest that reduction of BMI should be recommended to reduce the likelihood of fracture and related complications. Prospective studies of larger populations to assess the impact of BMI and weight loss on fracture development are needed. BMI does not appear to impact on the length of survival of these patients. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, small sample size, ethnic distribution and location at a single institution.
Mean Field Predictions of the Dilute tJ Model for High Temperature Superconductivity

We describe mean field calculations of the properties of the dilute t J model for high T c superconductors. We first discuss a physical motivation for the model in terms of the effects of oxygen vacancies and the appropriate parametrization for a qualitative description of high T c superconductors. We present results on the local carrier density, the transition temperature as a function of carrier concentration, oxygen vacancy concentration and elastic scattering impurity concentration. These are compared with experiment on high T c materials. We conclude that the model is a promising framework for understanding high T c materials microscopically.
Towards an Intelligent Acoustic Front End for Automatic Speech Recognition: Built-in Speaker Normalization

A proven method for achieving effective automatic speech recognition (ASR) due to speaker differences is to perform acoustic feature speaker normalization. More effective speaker normalization methods are needed which require limited computing resources for real-time performance. The most popular speaker normalization technique is vocal-tract length normalization (VTLN), despite the fact that it is computationally expensive. In this study, we propose a novel online VTLN algorithm entitled built-in speaker normalization (BISN), where normalization is performed on-the-fly within a newly proposed PMVDR acoustic front end. The novel algorithm aspect is that in conventional frontend processing with PMVDR and VTLN, two separating warping phases are needed; while in the proposed BISN method only one single speaker dependent warp is used to achieve both the PMVDR perceptual warp and VTLN warp simultaneously. This improved integration unifies the nonlinear warping performed in the front end and reduces simultaneously. This improved integration unifies the nonlinear warping performed in the front end and reduces computational requirements, thereby offering advantages for real-time ASR systems. Evaluations are performed for (i) an in-car extended digit recognition task, where an on-the-fly BISN implementation reduces the relative word error rate (WER) by 24%, and (ii) for a diverse noisy speech task (SPINE 2), where the relative WER improvement was 9%, both relative to the baseline speaker normalization method.
Chapter 16 – Mass Transfer Effects: Immobilized and Heterogeneous Reaction Systems

How does mass transfer affect biotransformations? Chemical kinetics or bioprocess kinetics in general is first derived based on homogeneous systems. For large particles and immobilized cell or enzyme systems, mass transfer can be a limiting factor. A general Monod (or Michaelis-Menten) rate expression is employed as the intrinsic reaction rate to elucidate the effects of mass transfer in the fluid phase (external mass transfer) and inside the solid matrix (internal mass transfer). The external mass transfer effects are weaker if the diffusion coefficient is high, flow is strong, or the particle is small. The internal mass transfer effects are stronger if the Thiele modulus is large. The Thiele modulus is a function of particle size, diffusivity, and intrinsic reaction kinetic parameters. Porous catalyst, encapsulated biocatalyst, biofilm, and intraparticle thermal effects can affect reaction rates. For a biocatalyst immobilized system via encapsulation, capsule size, biocatalyst loading (inside the capsule), capsule shell material or permeability, and the capsule shell thickness all play important roles in the reaction system as a whole. In general, iterative solutions are necessary when both internal and external mass transfer effects are important. Reactor analysis including the mass transfer effects can be incorporated by including the effectiveness factor with the reaction rate. The shrinking core model is applicable in areas ranging from pharmacokinetics (eg, dissolution of pills in the stomach), to biomass gasification (solid to gas phase), to biomass extraction (solid to liquid phase), to porous catalyst regeneration (solid to gas phase), to coal particle combustion (solid to gas phase), to pulping and bleaching of fibers (solid to liquid phase), to pyrolysis. Mass transfer, especially diffusion in the solid matrix, is often the rate-limiting step in biomass conversion processes.
Podstawy filozoficzne modelu „osoba-terapeuty”

The “Person-of the-Therapist” model is an approach to training and supervising therapists. The concept of a therapist as a wounded healer appears to be key in interpreting the therapeutic process and its healing power. This article aims at presenting this model’s philosophical foundations, which promote a creative use of the therapists’ personal potential independently of the different psychotherapeutic schools that they represent.
Understanding the critical role for surgery in the management of wild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)

Recently in the Journal of Clinical Oncology , Weldon and coworkers from the National Institutes of Health reported a retrospective single institution experience with patient outcomes following the surgical treatment of WT gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Main outcomes examined was the association of surgery with event free survival (EFS) (1). Overall, the study reported a 1-, 5-, and 10-year EFS of 73%, 24%, and 16% respectively. Tumor biology factors such as metastatic disease [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) =2.3; confidence interval (CI): 1.0–5.1; P=0.04) and >5 mitoses per 50 high-power fields (AHR =2.5; CI: 1.1–6.0; P=0.03) had a significantly increased hazard of disease progression or recurrence. In contrast, surgical considerations such as microscopic resection margin and type of gastric resection (wedge vs. anatomic) were not significantly associated with EFS.
Detection of cavernous transformation of the portal vein by contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein can be missed on color Doppler exam or arterial phase cross-sectional imaging due to their slow flow and delayed enhancement. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers many advantages over other imaging techniques and can be used to successfully detect cavernous transformations of the portal vein. A 10-month-old female was followed for repeat episodes of hematemesis. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance arteriogram (MRA) and portal venography were performed. Color Doppler exam of the portal vein was performed followed by administration of Lumason, a microbubble US contrast agent. Magnetic resonance arteriogram, CTA, and color Doppler exam at the time of initial presentation was unremarkable without obvious vascular malformation within the limits of motion degraded exam. At 8-month follow-up, esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a vascular malformation in the distal esophagus which was sclerosed. At 6 month after sclerosis of the lesion, portal venography revealed occlusion of the portal vein with extensive collateralization. Color Doppler revealed subtle hyperarterialization and periportal collaterals. CEUS following color Doppler exam demonstrated extensive enhancement of periportal collaterals. Repeat color Doppler after contrast administration demonstrated extensive Doppler signal in the collateral vessels, suggestive of cavernous transformation. We describe a case of cavernous transformation of the portal vein missed on initial color Doppler, CTA and MRA, but detected with contrast-enhanced ultrasound technique.
Strong Interactions and Correlations

One of the most intriguing yet challenging fields of research in contemporary condensed matter physics is the investigation of many-body effects in strongly correlated quantum systems. This class of materials provides an excellent playground for discovering exotic phenomena involving charge, lattice, spin and orbital degrees of freedom and leading to extraordinarily varied chemical and physical properties. Understanding electronic correlations in prototypical systems like cuprates and manganites can pave the route to the potential design and engineering of novel materials with tailored functionalities.
Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction Based on 3D Modeling

Current treatment planning and reconstruction of craniofacial trauma has been advanced greatly due to the increase in the use of software to convert medical image files in the form of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) to 3D reconstructions and ultimately files which can be converted for fabrication of medical models and surgical guides using additive or subtractive manufacturing technologies. In addition, advances in photogrammetry systems allow for capture of the surface of the head and neck using camera systems that can be registered to medical images to help in the surgical planning for head and neck reconstructions.
Probation Officer–Probation Agency Fit: Understanding Disparities in the Use of Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Probation agency performance, probationer outcomes, and public safety all depend on the successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Yet, EBP implementation is short-lived within c...
Agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: July - December 1996

This patent update relates to neurodegenerative diseases for both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Selected patent activities are described and summarised below for the period of July through December 1996. The newly disclosed agents are listed by their actual or proposed biological mechanism. While many patent applications include agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, this review cites only those patents which either disclose biological data to support potential activity, display novel structures or claim relatively unexplored mechanisms for neuroprotection.
TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of the flame retardant tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) in aqueous solution: A detailed kinetic and mechanistic study

Abstract The presence of halogenated organophosphate flame retardants in natural water systems is a widespread concern because of their potential threat to human health and the environment. TiO2 photocatalysis at 350 nm leads to rapid degradation of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). The observed degradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics at a specific concentration. The apparent rate constants varied from 0.28 to 0.03 min−1 depending on the initial concentrations over the range of 18–270 μM, indicating the heterogeneous degradation process is likely controlled by mass transfer (adsorption↔desorption) at the surface of TiO2. The degradation kinetics also fit the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model with apparent kinetic parameters of 0.03 μM−1 and 13.1 μM min−1 for the apparent equilibrium constant (KLH) and the reactivity constant (krxn-LH) respectively. 1H- and 31P-NMR studies indicate sequential oxidation of the alkyl ester chains (alkyl phosphate), initially leading to the diester product, followed by the formation of the monoester and ultimately producing phosphate. Under strongly alkaline conditions the degradation is enhanced, from pH 4 to 9 the degradation is relatively constant, while under highly acidic conditions the degradation is inhibited. Effective mineralization is achieved as demonstrated by excellent chloride (98%) and phosphate (94%) mass balances as well as the loss of total organic carbon (TOC) >95%. The addition of an equal molar amount of the hydroxyl radical scavenger, coumarin, leads to pronounced reduction in degradation indicating hydroxyl radicals mediate the degradation process. These results demonstrate TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation has promise for the treatment of aqueous solutions contaminated with organophosphate flame retardants.
Food flows between counties in the United States

Food consumption and production are separated in space through flows of food along complex supply chains. These food supply chains are critical to our food security, making it important to evaluate them. However, detailed spatial information on food flows is rare. To this end, we develop the Food Flow Model, a data-driven methodology to estimate spatially explicit food flows for subnational locations without data. The Food Flow Model integrates machine learning, network properties, production and consumption statistics, mass balance constraints, and linear programming. We use the Food Flow Model to infer food flows between counties within the United States. Specifically, we downscale empirical information on food flows between 132 Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) locations (17,292 potential links) to the 3,142 counties and county-equivalents of the United States (9,869,022 potential links). Subnational food flow estimates can be used to improve our understanding of vulnerabilities within a national food supply chain, determine critical infrastructures, and enable spatially detailed footprint assessments.
The effects of transboundary air pollution from China on ambient air quality in South Korea

Abstract This paper estimates the effects of wind direction on ambient air quality in South Korea (c.2006–2014) to provide insights into the impacts of the long-range transport of air pollutants from China. I find that the effect of transboundary air pollutants from China accounts for 19 percent of the weekly average PM10 concentrations, varying 12–30 percent by season. More specifically, winds blowing in the southwest direction have the largest year-round impacts on South Korea's ambient air pollution levels, which is consistent with the direction of emissions from Shanghai resulting in worse South Korean pollution levels. Further, the effects are differentiated seasonally according to the diverse activities that lead to the pollutants. Agricultural straw burning and coal-fired heating in northern Chinese cities lead to larger northwest wind effects in summer and winter, respectively. The winds from Shanghai have greater effects in spring due to the influence of dust storms passing from the deserts through mainland China.
Worldwide Cryonics Attitudes About the Body, Cryopreservation, and Revival: Personal Identity Malleability and a Theory of Cryonic Life Extension

This research examines the practice of cryonics and provides empirical evidence for an improved understanding of the motivations and attitudes of participants. Cryonics is the freezing of a person who has died of a disease in hopes of restoring life at some future time when a cure may be available. So far, about 300 people have been cryopreserved, and an additional 1200 have enrolled in such programs. The current work has three vectors. First, the results of a worldwide cryonics survey (n = 316) carried out as part of this research are discussed. Second, a theoretical model is developed from the survey results to propose a Theory of Cryonic Life Extension which explains an individual’s decision to select cryopreservation. Third, the most distinctive survey result, a conceptualization of personal identity malleability, is extended with a philosophical formulation. Personal identity is found to be emergent, not fundamental, and thus may continue to evolve in concept and application, particularly in the longer time frames implicated by cryonics. The potential consequences of this work are that the conceptual norms materializing in the cryonics community could be forerunners of wider societal trends of how humans understand themselves as subjects in an era increasingly configured by science and technology.
Update on Multienergy CT: Physics, Principles, and Applications

By using the differential attenuation of tissues and materials at different x-ray energies, multienergy CT allows distinction of tissues and materials beyond that possible with conventional CT.
Anatomical Investigation of Middle Mesial Canals of Mandibular Molars in a Middle Eastern Population: A Cross-sectional Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study.

Aim To identify the prevalence of middle mesial canals (MMC) in mandibular molars in a Lebanese population to determine the relationship between MMC and different factors (age, sex, and tooth type) and to examine the canal's morphological aspects (category, length, orifice position, and dentin width toward furcation). Materials and methods The presence of MMC in the mesial roots of 505 mandibular molars of 200 patients was analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Then, the position of the MMC orifices with respect to the pulpal floor and the main canals orifices, and the width of dentin along the canal toward the furcation were determined using 3D Slicer 4.10.1. Results In all, 14.65% of the first and second mandibular molars presented an MMC. A higher frequency of confluent canals was noted mostly joining the mesiobuccal canal (MBC). Gender appears to be a factor influencing the prevalence of MMCs, contrary to age-groups and tooth type. In mandibular first molars, the orifice is located at a mean distance of 1.22 ± 0.44 mm from the pulpal floor, 1.42 ± 0.53 mm from the MBC orifice, and 1.57 ± 0.60 mm from the mesiolingual canal (MLC) orifice. The width of dentin toward the furcation varies between 0.95 and 2.29 mm. In mandibular second molars, the orifice is located at a mean distance of 1.00 ± 0.51 mm from the pulpal floor, 1.39 ± 0.60 mm from the MBC orifice, and 1.37 ± 0.50 mm from MLC orifice. The width of dentin toward the furcation varies between 0.71 mm and 2.22 mm. Conclusion Middle mesial canal is present in 14.65% of mandibular molars in the Lebanese population, with its orifice located under the pulpal floor. The majority of MMCs join the MBC. Clinical significance Middle mesial canal is not a rare finding in the Lebanese population (14.65%). Clinicians should take time to search for this canal in the isthmus between the main mesial canals.
Development and Initial Validation of the Perceptual Assessment of Memory (PASSOM): A Simulator Study.

OBJECTIVE Performance validity tests (PVTs) are an integral component of neuropsychological assessment. There is a need for the development of more PVTs, especially those employing covert determinations. The aim of the present study was to provide initial validation of a new computerized PVT, the Perceptual Assessment of Memory (PASSOM). METHOD Participants were 58 undergraduate students randomly assigned to a simulator (SIM) or control (CON) group. All participants were provided written instructions for their role prior to testing and were administered the PASSOM as part of a brief battery of neurocognitive tests. Indices of interest included response accuracy for Trials 1 and 2, and total errors across Trials, as well as response time (RT) for Trials 1 and 2, and total RT for both Trials. RESULTS The SIM group produced significantly more errors than the CON group for Trials 1 and 2, and committed more total errors across trials. Significantly longer response latencies were found for the SIM group compared to the CON group for all RT indices examined. Linear regression modeling indicated excellent group classification for all indices studied, with areas under the curve ranging from 0.92 to 0.95. Sensitivity and specificity rates were good for several cut scores across all of the accuracy and RT indices, and sensitivity improved greatly by combining RT cut scores with the more traditional accuracy cut scores. CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate the ability of the PASSOM to distinguish individuals instructed to feign cognitive impairment from those told to perform to the best of their ability.
S 3 T : A score statistic for spatiotemporal change point detection

We present an efficient score statistic, called the S 3 T statistic, to detect the emergence of a spatially and temporally correlated signal from either fixed-sample or sequential data. The signal ...
Survival of Salmonella and the surrogate Enterococcus faecium in cooking of moisture enhanced reconstructed comminuted chicken patties by double pan-broiling.

This study compares kinetic parameters of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium in moisture enhanced, reconstructed comminuted chicken patties prepared with different pump rates during double pan-broiling with various set-up temperatures. Fresh 1.5-kg chicken breast meat was course grounded, inoculated with S. Typhimurium and Tennessee, or E. faecium, followed by adding NaCl (2.0%) + Na-tripolyphosphate (0.5%) solutions to achieve pump rates of 1%, 5%, or 11.1%. Meat samples were manually manufactured into patties with the thickness of 2.1 cm and diameter of 10.4 cm. Patties were packaged with polyvinyl chloride films in the foam-tray stored at 4°C for 42 h before double pan-broiling set at 200°, 300°, or 425°F for 0 to 420 s. Counts of pathogens were analyzed on xylose-lysine-Tergitol-4 and bile esculin agars with tryptic soy agar layers. Microbial data and kinetic parameters (n = 9, United States Department of Agriculture [USDA]-Integrated-Predictive-Modeling-Program/USDA-Global-Fit software) were analyzed by the Mixed Model Procedure (SAS). Double pan-broiling reduced >5-log10 CFU/g (P < 0.05) of Salmonella after 360 (200°F), 180 to 225 (300°F), and 150 to 165s (425°F), and of E. faecium after 270 s (300°F), and 180 s (425°F) across all samples. D-values (Mafart-Weibull model) of Salmonella and E. faecium in 1% moisture enhanced samples cooked at 200 to 425°F (102.7-248.2 and 115.5-271.0 s) were lower (P < 0.05) than 11.1% samples (119.8-263.7 and 122.5-298.3 s). Salmonella were more susceptible (P < 0.05) to heat than E. faecium. "Shoulder-time" (Buchanan-Two-Phase model) of Salmonella cooking at 200° to 425°F increased (P < 0.05) from 82.3-229.0 to 116.6-246.2 s as pump rate increased from 1 to 11.1%, whereas this phenomenon was not shown for E. faecium. Results indicate that Salmonella were resistant to heat in chicken patties with greater pump rate. E. faecium can be used as a surrogate for Salmonella to validate thermal inactivation in chicken products.
Nationalism or Geopolitics: The Rise of Guerillas and Patterns of Military Conflict during the Expansion of the Ili Rebellion, 1944–46

This article investigates the Ili Rebellion in Xinjiang (1944–49). Relying primarily on Chinese sources, the author identifies variations in the rise and fate of non-Han ethnic guerillas, and the patterns of military conflict in different regions during the expansionist stage of the Ili Rebellion from 1944 to 1946. The article argues that neither a nationalist nor a geopolitical explanation adequately account for such variations. Rather, the overlapping and intersecting geopolitical influence (both the Soviet Union and the two Chinese regimes) as well as local conditions (including local ethnic composition and social structure) explain such patterns. Finally, this article discusses broader implications of the role of nationalism and geopolitics in revolutions in small and dependent states.
Still I Croon

The is a poem inspired by my conversations with several patients burdened with chronic pain and who found themselves dependent on opioids for relief. For these patients, pain is an omnipresent and ...
Hong-Ou-Mandel interference for multilayered AZO/ZnO metamaterial

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide metamaterial emerged as a promising plasmonic material due to its low optical loss and high conductivity. The Hong-Ou-Mandel effect is a result of two photons interfering on a beam-splitter. The coincidence rate of the detectors will drop to zero when the identical input photons overlap perfectly in time which results in the Hong-Ou-Mandel dip. If the time delay is scanned, the position of the HOM dip can be measured with femtosecond precision. Therefore, this two-photon interference effect has the potential for applications in precision measurement of time delays. Here, we experimentally observed Hong-Ou-Mandel interference for multilayered AZO/ZnO metamaterial. The Hong-Ou-Mandel effect was observed using a biphoton source with a periodically-poled Potassium Titanyl Phosphate crystal and two single photon counting modules monitoring the output from a beam splitter at 810 nm wavelength. The coincidence probability for separable photons, as a function of time delay τ, was fitted using least square method. The multilayered AZO/ZnO sample (carrier concentration 1020 -1021cm-3) on quartz substrate was used for delay. Our measurements show that the extracted time delay τ=25 µm for multilayered AZO/ZnO was about two orders of magnitude larger than expected from the thickness of the sample.
The Abelson protein is required for initiation and maintenance for transformation in murine pre-B cells.

Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) is a replication defective retrovirus that carries the onc gene abl. The virus induces a rapid thymus-independent lymphoma in vivo under most conditions and transforms cells related to pre-B lymphocytes in vitro (reviewed in Rosenberg and Witte, 1988). The Abelson protein, the sole product of the virus, is a protein tyrosine kinase and expression of an enzymatically active Abelson protein is required for transformation (Rosenberg and Witte, 1988). Recent analyses of temperature sensitive (ts) mutants of Ab-MLV have indicated that expression of an active Abelson protein is also required for maintenance of NIH 3T3 cell transformation (Engelman and Rosenberg, 1987; Kipreos et al., 1987; Takemori et al., 1987). In addition, Abelson protein expression appears to play a role in maintaining the relatively undifferentiated state of some Ab-MLV-transformed lymphoid cells (Takemori et al., 1987).
Civic Engagement and Activism: Do College Students and College Athletes Differ?

AbstractThis study uses measures from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement to examine rates of volunteerism, use of political voice, and electoral indicators between college students and college student-athletes attending three institutions with Division I athletic programs. Findings illustrate increased volunteer behaviors of athletes, coupled with lower participation in political activities and relatively low interest in electoral practices as compared to college students overall. Student-athlete civic engagement is discussed in the context of previous research indicating student-athlete reluctance to engage in political activism and recent student-athlete activism on issues of student-athlete treatment and welfare.
Sidelobe reduction through subarray overlapping for wideband arrays

For wideband arrays, the contiguous subarray architecture using phase shifters at the element level and true time delays at the subarray level results in higher sidelobes due to subarray dispersion and grating-lobe generation. Sidelobe reduction using overlapping subarray architecture is discussed. The architecture is effectively applied to an experimental AMRF-C (Advanced Multifunction RF Concept program) receive system. It is shown that, in addition to aperture weight distribution at different stages, the overlap ratio between subarray aperture size and subarray step size primarily affects the array sidelobe performance. Excellent sidelobe performance is achieved over large bandwidth when the overlap ratio is close to 2 and typical Taylor weight distributions are used at both element and subarray levels.