cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadband Electromechanical Spectroscopy: A Method for Measuring the Dynamic Electromechanical Response of Ferroelectrics

To gain a better understanding of the dynamic response of thermo-electro-mechanically coupled materials, in particular stiffness and mechanical damping, an experimental apparatus and method called Broadband Electromechanical Spectroscopy (BES) has been developed. The motivation for creating BES was to study the behavior of ferroelectric materials (and other electro-active materials) over wide ranges of frequencies of simultaneously-applied electric fields and mechanical stresses under accurate temperature control. By precisely controlling electric fields and mechanical loading, the effect of microstructural changes, in particular domain switching in ferroelectrics, on the material’s dynamic mechanical response is measured. Experiments show large increases in mechanical damping during domain switching that can be tuned by appropriate electrical loading. Results obtained using the new capabilities brought by BES can be used to better understand the damping associated with domain wall motion to be able to create ceramic materials with both high stiffness and high damping—an elusive combination of properties in typical engineering materials. The design and use of the apparatus along with results obtained from tests on a particular ferroelectric, viz. lead zirconate titanate, are presented.
An Analysis of 2013 Program Evaluation Proposals for the School Leadership Preparation Program

This article presents a content analysis of the 2013 School Leadership Program (SLP) grants. SLP projects provide a unique opportunity for participants in the field to explore innovative leadership preparation and development and their impact on program participants, schools, school districts, and students. The article begins with an overview of the SLP, the changing field of leadership preparation, and current research in the field. Findings then reveal a range of evaluation tools, methods, and data, the presence of myriad evaluators participating in the projects, and little focus on external dissemination of program evaluation methods beyond the scope of the projects. Suggestions for research to extend the field are provided.
A chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension catch-22 situation: inferior vena caval filter plays a pivotal role in an unlikely situation

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare clinical entity that occurs in a small subset of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) cases and is surgically cured by pulmonary endarterectomy. We report a case of a 44-year-old female with a complex history of CTEPH treated by thromboendarterectomy who presented with a subdural hematoma while on warfarin. The patient eventually recovered by a multidisciplinary approach, use of inferior vena caval filter, and effective anticoagulation management.
Development of an expert system to identify hazardous highway spots

The paper describes the development of an expert system within a geographic information system to identify high-hazard spots in a highway network. The philosophy guiding expert system development, the expert system logic, and the expert interviews are described. The expert system needs enhancements before it is widely used, but overall represents an important first step.
Long-term physical health consequences of perceived inequality: Results from a twin comparison design.

Abstract Rationale Previous research has identified long-term exposure to stress as a risk factor for negative mental and physical health outcomes. This pattern of findings suggests that environmental stimuli that evoke feelings of stress or strain may also result in physiological responses, which may accumulate over the life course and ultimately increase the overall risk of various physical health conditions. This physiological “wear and tear” resulting from sustained levels of stress or strain has been previously operationalized as allostatic load (AL), a comprehensive indicator of stress exposure. Objective The current study examines the association between one potential environmental stressor—perceived inequality—and AL with a research design aimed at addressing both observed and unobserved sources of confounding; it also employs a more comprehensive AL measure (comprised of 24 biomarkers tapping seven physiological systems) than previous studies. Method The biomarker twin sample from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study was used to estimate a series of twin comparison models, which include controls for latent sources of influence that cluster within families. The sibling comparison models also included additional controls for lifestyle choices, overall physical health, and demographics which may confound the examined associations. Results The results revealed significant associations between greater perceptions of inequality and greater overall levels of AL. The association persisted even after including controls for both observed and unobserved influences that may confound the examined associations but was limited to more recent measures of perceived inequality. Associations involving earlier measures of perceived inequality, along with a lifetime measure, failed to reach conventional levels of significance. Conclusion Perceived inequality appears to be a robust predictor of AL and potentially contributes to subsequent physical health problems, particularly for more proximate forms of perceived inequality.
Ultrahigh Frequency Ultrasound Imaging of the Hand: A New Diagnostic Tool for Hand Surgery:

Background: Ultrasonography is a cost-effective, noninvasive, and expedient imaging modality with numerous clinical applications. Conventional ultrasound uses transducers with frequencies that range from 5 to 12 MHz. However, ultrahigh frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) is capable of producing frequencies up to 70 MHz, which can achieve tissue resolution up to 30 μm. The purpose of our study is to present the capabilities of a novel technology and to describe its possible clinical applications for hand surgery. Methods: The Vevo 2100 (VisualSonics, Toronto, Canada) system was used to perform all ultrasound exams. Four unique linear array transducers were employed. All studies were performed by the authors, who have no formal training in ultrasound techniques, on 5 healthy resident volunteers and 1 clinical patient under institutional review board approval. Results: A series of 10 static images per participant and dynamic, real-time videos were obtained at various locations within the hand and wrist. UHFUS is ca...
A switched-inductor model for a non-isolated multilevel boost converter

This paper discusses a switched inductor design for a non-isolated multilevel boost converter. A Non-isolated proposed multilevel boost converter is suitable to provide a high conversion ratio which essentially benefits renewable energy systems. In addition to the voltage stress reduction, the proposed switched inductor MBC has shown an improvement in voltage gain. The new switched inductor model has been inserted as an input into the multilevel boost converter. The proposed converter consists of 2N-1 capacitors, 4N-1 diodes, three inductors and a single switch. The proposed model is a three-level boost converter which is supplied by 12 V to produce 280 V at a 50 KHz switching frequency. A MATLAB/SIMULINK simulator was used to evaluate and test the proposed switched inductor model.
Vietnam Veterans, Postwar Experiences and Health Outcomes*

Following the Vietnam War, there was considerable interest in assessing the health status of personnel who served during this conflict. Consequently, federal research funds were made available and several epidemiologic investigations were undertaken. These studies linked service in Vietnam, and PTSD resulting from exposure to combat in particular, to both poorer mental and physical health status after military services and served as benchmarks for future studies. These studies also accelerated advances in research design and measurement and in our understanding of the psychobiology of extreme stress exposures.
Urinary stress incontinence

Abstract 1. 1. A careful history of the symptoms of urinary leakage and any possible relationship with exertional stress, previous surgery, childbearing, infection, and disease of the nervous system is a very important part of the preoperative study of the patient with urinary incontinence. 2. 2. The treatment for severe urinary stress incontinence includes the correction of the associated pelvic floor relaxation. This can be accomplished by a vaginal hysterectomy, anterior and posterior colpoperineoplasty, and abdominal urethrovesical suspension. 3. 3. Cineradiography provides valuable visual evidence of the pre- and postoperative urethrovesical anatomy and to date has provided good results.
Engaged by Initiatives? How the Introduction and Use of Citizen Initiatives Increase Voter Turnout

Research has suggested that states with citizen initiatives have higher turnout rates than states without them; however, these studies were conducted by analyzing elections decades after states have adopted and started using initiatives. Using data from 1870 to 2008, we attempt to resolve competing claims about the nature of how citizen initiatives affect turnout in the American states. We provide evidence that mobilization is the mechanism through which direct democracy increases turnout. Contrary to previous research, we show that the adoption of the initiative and past usage of the process does not lead to higher turnout in a given election. Citizen initiative campaigns mobilize the electorate in current elections and the number of competitive initiative elections has a greater effect on turnout than uncompetitive races.
Sexual Minority Status and Adolescent Eating Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Weight Status.

Introduction This study examined sexual orientation differences in eating behaviors, physical activity, and weight status among adolescents in the U.S. Moreover, this study tested whether parental and peer influences contribute to sexual orientation disparities in adolescent eating behaviors, physical activity, BMI, and examined disparities in weight misperception. Methods Cross-sectional data were from 1,926 adolescents who participated in the NEXT Generation Health Study in 2010–2011. Linear and multinomial logistic regressions conducted in 2017–2018 were used to test disparities and interactions with social influences. Results Relative to their heterosexual peers, sexual minority males and females consumed fruits and vegetables more frequently; sexual minority males engaged in less frequent physical activity; and sexual minority females were more likely to be overweight, perceive themselves as overweight, and to overestimate their weight. High parental expectation for physical activity was associated with more frequent vigorous physical activity among heterosexual adolescents, but less frequent vigorous physical activity among sexual minority males. Exercising with a same-sex peer buffered against the risk of higher BMI among sexual minority females. Conclusions Parental and peer influences may serve as potential intervention targets to reduce disparities in weight-related behaviors. Longitudinal research is needed to understand the consequences of weight misperception among sexual minority females.
Abstract OT3-02-03: IMMUNe mOdulation in early stage estrogen receptor positive breast cancer treated with neoADjuvant Avelumab, Palbociclib, and Tamoxifen: The ImmunoADAPT study (NCT03573648)

Background: While some patients with early stage endocrine receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer experience excellent prognosis, a subset of patients with more aggressive phenotypes still have a high rate of recurrence despite optimal adjuvant endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, thus novel therapies are needed for patients with high risk disease. Although immune checkpoint blockade has shown significant benefit in numerous types of cancer, initial reports demonstrate low response rates to single agent programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibition in ER+ breast cancer. Inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 in combination with endocrine therapy are highly active in breast cancer, and recently have been demonstrated to recruit immune cells, and increase PD-L1 on tumor cells in preclinical models. Increased tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been observed with neoadjuvant treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with ER+ breast cancer. We thus hypothesize that the addition of palbociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) will improve responses to avelumab (PD-L1) inhibitor in patients with high risk ER+ breast cancer. Trial Design: Eligible participants are those stage II or III ER+HER2- breast cancer (T2N0 must have ≥grade 2, T1N+ must have at least a 1.5cm breast primary). Patients will undergo a baseline MRI and biopsy, start tamoxifen +/- palbociclib for 1 cycle (1 cycle =28 days), and then undergo a repeat MRI and biopsy. Avelumab will be added to both arms in cycle 2. Patients will be treated for 3 cycles of avelumab with tamoxifen +/- palbociclib (thus 4 cycles total, including run-in without avelumab). Patients will be treated as long as there is no evidence of progression and therapy is tolerated, and then undergo MRI and surgery. The primary objective is to determine the clinical complete response (cCR) rate by MRI. Secondary objectives include evaluation of TILs (HE 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-02-03.
Retail outlets prompt associative memories linked to the repeated use of nicotine and tobacco products among alternative high school students in California.

Abstract Numerous studies have examined how youth are influenced by the presence of tobacco retail outlets that use point-of-sale marketing tactics to promote nicotine and tobacco products. The current investigation extends this research by assessing whether tobacco retail outlets function as environmental cues that prompt associative memories linked to the repeated use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and cigars. Students (N = 1060) from 29 alternative high schools in California were recruited into a three-year cohort study. A repeated measures latent profile analysis was conducted to identify latent subgroups of students. Analyses suggested the presence of one subgroup of students that did not use nicotine and tobacco products and five subgroups of students that used multiple products. A multinomial logistic regression revealed that images of gas stations, convenience stores, and liquor stores presented in the first year of the study prompted spontaneous associations in memory that increased the odds a student would belong to one of the five subgroups that repeatedly used nicotine and tobacco products over a three-year period. These findings suggest that tobacco retail outlets may act as environmental cues that prompt the use of addictive products among at-risk youth. Policymakers should consider implementing strategies that reduce the potency and prevalence of these cues.
Girls' brain structural connectivity in late adolescence relates to history of depression symptoms

BACKGROUND Girls' depressive symptoms typically increase in adolescence, with individual differences in course and severity being key risk factors for impaired emotional functioning in young adulthood. Given the continued brain white matter (WM) maturation that occurs in adolescence, the present study tested whether structural connectivity patterns in late adolescence are associated with variation in the course of depression symptom severity throughout adolescence. METHOD Participants were girls (N = 115) enrolled in a multiyear prospective cohort study of risk for depression. Initial depression severity (intercept) at age 10 and change in severity (linear slope) across ages 10-19 were examined in relation to WM tractography collected at age 19. Network-based statistic analyses were used to identify clusters showing variation in structural connectivity in association with depressive symptom intercept, slope, and their interaction. RESULTS Higher initial depressive severity and steeper positive slope (separately) were associated with greater structural connectivity between temporal, subcortical socioaffective, and occipital regions. Intercept showed more connectivity associations than slope. The interaction effect indicated that higher initial symptom severity and a steeper negative slope (i.e., alleviating symptoms) were related to greater connectivity between cognitive control regions. Moderately severe symptoms that worsened over time were followed by greater connectivity between self-referential and cognitive regions (e.g., posterior cingulate and frontal gyrus). CONCLUSIONS Higher depressive symptom severity in early adolescence and increasing symptom severity over time may forecast structural connectivity differences in late adolescence, particularly in pathways involving cognitive and emotion-processing regions. Understanding how clinical course relates to neurobiological correlates may inform new treatment approaches to adolescent depression.
International Environmental Law, Climate Change, and Intergenerational Justice (Executive Summary and Background Paper)

This background paper to the Climate Legacy Initiative project assesses whether existing international environmental law is adequate to address the challenge of global climate change. It considers both current treaty rules governing climate change and customary principles of international environmental law that might provide a legal foundation for political efforts to strengthen the treaty regime. It concludes that existing rules and principles, including human rights principles and principles of intergenerational justice, do not provide a strong legal basis for demands that states take serious action to mitigate climate change or to assist others in adapting to it. For that reason, it argues, the Climate Legacy Initiative should focus on promoting the development of new or strengthened legal principles and norms to provide a stronger legal foundation for the political effort to craft an effective international regulatory regime addressing greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to climate change.
The Correlation between Corneal Findings and Disease Severity in Keratoconus per Scheimpflug Corneal Tomography.

Purpose This study aims to correlate the clinical signs of keratoconus (KC) which include superficial apical scarring, Fleischer rings, and Vogt striae with best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and corneal tomography findings. Patients and methods. A retrospective observational study. 72 consecutive KC patients seen by the senior author over the course of one year were included in this case series. Eyes with pellucid marginal degeneration, postrefractive ectasia, history of a corneal graft, prior corneal collagen cross-linking, intracorneal ring segments or hydrops were excluded from analysis. Subsequently, the final analysis included only treatment-naive KC eyes with varying degrees of disease severity. Results BSCVA with manifest refraction was 0.5 logMAR higher in eyes with apical scarring (p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former, p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former, K2 = 64.56 ± 12.89 D versus 49.07 ± 6.61 D, p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former, K2 = 64.56 ± 12.89 D versus 49.07 ± 6.61 D, p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former, K2 = 64.56 ± 12.89 D versus 49.07 ± 6.61 D, p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former, p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former, p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former, p < 0.001). Eyes with apical scarring had worse vision than eyes with Fleischer rings alone (0.43 logMAR higher in the former. Conclusion The presence of apical scarring and Fleischer rings on biomicroscopy can aid the clinician in making the distinction between severe or long-standing disease (respectively). Apical scarring is a sign of advanced disease and is associated with worse BSCVA and tomography findings. Fleischer rings are markers of intermediate disease and their presence correlates with disease duration.
Effects of nicotine exposure on oral methamphetamine self-administration, extinction, and drug-primed reinstatement in adolescent male and female rats.

Abstract Background Adolescent nicotine exposure increases methamphetamine (MA) intake in adult male rats; however, little is known about how nicotine affects MA self-administration during the adolescent period. Therefore, we assessed whether exposing rats to nicotine during early or late adolescence affects oral MA self-administration. Methods 146 male and female rats were treated with saline or nicotine (0.16 or 0.64 mg/kg) from postnatal day (PD) 25-PD 34 (the early exposure phase) and/or PD 35-PD 55 (the late exposure phase). Rats began an oral MA self-administration procedure on PD 35. Results Only the sex variable, but not nicotine, affected sucrose and MA acquisition, as female rats had more nose pokes than males during training. On the test sessions, female rats exposed to nicotine (0.64 mg/kg) in the early exposure phase had more active nose pokes than saline-treated female rats or nicotine-treated male rats. Rats exposed to nicotine (0.16 mg/kg) in the late exposure phase had fewer active nose pokes during testing than rats exposed to saline. Nose poke responding during extinction was not altered by nicotine exposure, but administering nicotine (0.16 or 0.64 mg/kg) to male rats in the early exposure phase did decrease nose pokes during the drug-primed reinstatement session. Conclusions Our results show that adolescent female rats are more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of oral sucrose and MA than adolescent males, and that preadolescent nicotine exposure enhances oral MA self-administration in female rats. These findings suggest that preteen nicotine use may increase vulnerability to later MA abuse in teenage girls.
Toe-Screwed Cross-Laminated Timber Connection Design and Nonlinear Modeling

AbstractThis research investigated the mechanical characteristics of cross-laminated timber (CLT) connections fastened with structural wood screws, also known as self-tapping screws (STS). The CLT ...
In vivo Chemical Analysis of Plant Sap from the Xylem and Single Parenchymal Cells by Capillary Microsampling Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

In plants, long-distance transport of chemicals from source to sink takes place through the transfer of sap inside complex trafficking systems. Access to this information provides insight into the ...
Coastal Hazards System: A Probabilistic Coastal Hazard Analysis Framework

Nadal-Caraballo, N.C.; Campbell, M.O.; Gonzalez, V.M.; Torres, M.J.; Melby, J.A., and Taflanidis, A.A., 2020. Coastal Hazards System: A Probabilistic Coastal Hazard Analysis Framework. In: Malvarez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 1211-1216. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Coastal hazards such as storm surge, waves, currents, wind, and rainfall associated with extratropical and tropical cyclones (e.g., hurricanes) can have devastating effects and threaten the lives of millions of people living along the world's coastlines. This has led to the development of the Coastal Hazards System (CHS), an ambitious program with the primary goal of quantifying extreme coastal hazards due to both tropical and extratropical cyclones. The CHS currently covers all U.S. hurricane-prone coastlines along the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic seaboard, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as regions affected only by extratropical storms like the Great Lakes. The Probabilistic Coastal Hazard Analysis (PCHA) is an innovative statistical and probabilistic framework that serves as the foundation of the CHS. This framework includes comprehensive characterization of storm climatology, high-resolution numerical modeling, and advanced joint probability analysis of atmospheric forcing and primary storm responses, including associated aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. New PCHA advancements overcome limitations of previous joint probability methods by integrating meta-Gaussian copula for the computation of storm probabilities, spatially-varying bias and uncertainty quantification, and Gaussian process metamodel (GPM) based on existing CHS synthetic tropical cyclones. GPM emulates the response of computationally-expensive hydrodynamic models and enables the generation of augmented tropical cyclone suites, consisting of up to millions of storms, for optimal coverage of the parameter and probability spaces. The CHS also includes a database and a web-based data mining and visualization system for public distribution of high-fidelity probabilistic, atmospheric and hydrodynamic modeling results. PCHA results are distributed along with the corresponding metadata, in self-describing data formats for easy and efficient use by engineers, planners, economists, emergency managers, and researchers.
SoK: Towards Secret-Free Security

Digital secret keys are indispensable in modern cryptography and computer security - but at the same time constitute a routinely exploited attack target in every hardware system that stores them. This discrepancy has created perpetual battle between key extractors and protectors over the decades. Some recent approaches attempt to overcome this issue by simply avoiding keys and secrets in vulnerable devices: Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs), for example, are capable of evading 'classical keys', i.e., permanently digital secrets, in electronic hardware. Nevertheless, many PUFs still contain physical or analog secrets deep in their structure, whose disclosure to adversaries also breaks security: This includes the manufacturing variations in SRAM PUFs that determine their power-up states, or the signal delays of Arbiter PUFs that determine their responses. A second generation of physical primitives shows promise to resolve this remaining problem: So-called Complex PUFs, SIMPLs/ PPUFs, and related techniques enable completely 'secret-free' systems, where adversaries could inspect every bit and every atom, and learn any information present in any form in the hardware, without being able to break security. This Systematization of Knowledge (SoK) paper takes this situation as starting point, and categorizes, formalizes, and overviews the recently evolving area of secret-free security. It tries to lay the foundations for future generations of secret-free hardware, which could be innately and provably immune against any invasive, side channel, or key extraction attacks.
The Antiviral and Cancer Genomic DNA Deaminase APOBEC3H Is Regulated by a RNA-Mediated Dimerization Mechanism

Human APOBEC3H and homologous single-stranded DNA cytosine deaminases are unique to mammals. These DNA editing enzymes function in innate immunity by restricting the replication of viruses and transposons. Misregulated APOBEC3H also contributes to cancer mutagenesis. Here we address the role of RNA in APOBEC3H regulation. APOBEC3H co-purifies with RNA as an inactive protein, and RNase A treatment yields enzyme preparations with stronger DNA deaminase activity. RNA binding-defective mutants are DNA hypermutators. Chromatography profiles and crystallographic data demonstrate a mechanism in which double-stranded RNA mediates enzyme dimerization. RNA binding is required for APOBEC3H cytoplasmic localization and for packaging into HIV-1 particles and antiviral activity. Related DNA deaminases including other APOBEC3 family members and the antibody gene diversification enzyme AID also bind RNA and are predicted to have a similar RNA binding motif suggesting mechanistic conservation and relevance to innate and adaptive immunity and to multiple diseases.
Low/intermediate temperature pyrolyzed polysiloxane derived ceramics with increased carbon for electrical applications

Abstract This study focuses on the chemistry, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of low/intermediate pyrolysis temperature (700−900 °C) polysiloxane derived ceramics. These ceramics were modified with additional carbon derived from divinylbenzene (DVB) added to the precursor. Their electrical properties were investigated for potential uses in micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) and anodes for lithium batteries. The microstructure and chemical composition was investigated by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) provided insight into the thermal stability; and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) into the electrical properties of the material. The increase of pyrolysis temperature and carbon content lead to an enhancement of the electrical conductivity, higher than previously reported values for intermediate pyrolysis temperature SiOC polymer derived ceramics. A limit of the amount of DVB that can be added to PHMS to produce a hybrid precursor has also been obtained.
Investigating College Women’s Contraceptive Choices and Sexuality

This study examined the link between sexuality and contraceptive choices among college women after controlling for their relationship status. Additionally, the relationship between responsibility f...
An Empirical Study of Trilateration and Clustering for Indoor Localization and Trend Prediction

Localization via trilateration determines the location of moving objects using the distances between each object and multiple stations. Since low-power wireless technologies are the primary enablers of these localization methods, the technology’s type and characteristics highly affect trilateration accuracy. In addition, pre-processing the collected data can also be used as an effective method to enhance system accuracy. This paper presents an effective way of tracking objects using trilateration in indoor environments. We analyze the data generated from the stations, including coordinates, timestamps, and identifiers. After running a clustering algorithm on the data, we infer information on the object’s behavior, frequently visited places, and predict objects’ location. Field testing results at Santa Clara University demonstrate that accuracy is increased in the range of 20 to 40% when applying the pre-processing method.
Bidirectional role of microtubule dynamics in the acquisition and maintenance of temporal information in dorsolateral striatum

Abstract Accurate and precise timing is crucial for complex and purposeful behaviors, such as foraging for food or playing a musical instrument. The brain is capable of processing temporal information in a coordinated manner, as if it contains an ‘internal clock’. Similar to the need for the brain to orient itself in space in order to understand its surroundings, temporal orientation and tracking is an essential component of cognition as well. While there have been multiple models explaining the neural correlates of timing, independent lines of research appear to converge on the conclusion that populations of neurons in the dorsal striatum encode information relating to where a subject is in time relative to an anticipated goal. Similar to other learning processes, acquisition and maintenance of this temporal information is dependent on synaptic plasticity. Microtubules are cytoskeletal proteins that have been implicated in synaptic plasticity mechanisms and therefore are considered key elements in learning and memory. In this study, we investigated the role of microtubule dynamics in temporal learning by local infusions of microtubule stabilizing and destabilizing agents into the dorsolateral striatum. Our results suggested a bidirectional role for microtubules in timing, such that microtubule stabilization improves the maintenance of learned target durations, but impairs the acquisition of a novel duration. On the other hand, microtubule destabilization enhances the acquisition of novel target durations, while compromising the maintenance of previously learned durations. These findings suggest that microtubule dynamics plays an important role in synaptic plasticity mechanisms in the dorsolateral striatum, which in turn modulates temporal learning and time perception.
A Runtime Reconfigurable Design of Compute-in-Memory–Based Hardware Accelerator for Deep Learning Inference

Compute-in-memory (CIM) is an attractive solution to address the “memory wall” challenges for the extensive computation in deep learning hardware accelerators. For custom ASIC design, a specific ch...
Institutional distance in international business research

Understanding institutional distance – i.e., the difference in institutional context between countries – is critical for firms whose operations span national boundaries. Institutional distance impacts the relative attractiveness of country markets, trade-offs among foreign market entry strategies, the management of subsidiaries abroad, and ultimately, firm performance. Although scholars in various disciplines have made great advances in defining and measuring the institutional characteristics of nations, we contend that many of these advances have occurred in a parallel fashion. Moreover, extant empirical studies focus disproportionately on the impact of different subsets of the identified institutional characteristics. We suggest that it is time to find common ground across the disparate literatures. Doing so would allow us to view differences in institutional contexts more holistically, and refine our understanding of their implications for multinational corporations.
Measuring and Interpreting Expressed Affect Toward Affirmative Action Policy

Abstract An easily replicable method is presented for measuring the inculcation of social work values. The method was developed to assess the meaning of discordant student answers to a final examination question about the affect-loaded, race-sensitive matter of affirmative action policy. The method's objectivity was established in two ways. First, students do answer questions containing affect-loaded content in a way that corresponds to their own understanding and beliefs rather than by reference to the perceived value orientation of their instructor. Second, faculty and doctoral student raters render judgment about expressed affect on the basis of objective content cues rather than their own sensitivities. The utility and possible use of the method are discussed.
Cytochrome Involvement in Mn(II) Oxidation by Two Marine Bacteria

Two marine, Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterial cultures, BIII 45 and BIII 82, were examined spectrophotometrically at ambient temperature for their cytochrome complements. Membrane preparations from an ethylenediaminetetracetate-lysozyme treatment of 48-h cultures of both strains contained type b, c, and o cytochromes. No evidence for a type a cytochrome was noted. "Periplasmic" fractions of both strains also contained small amounts of cytochrome, including cytochrome o, but "intracellular" fractions did not. Type c cytochrome in membrane preparations of culture BIII 45 was consistently reduced by Mn(II) when the membranes were suspended in the periplasmic fraction of the culture. In the case of culture BIII 82, type c cytochrome in membrane preparations was consistently reduced by Mn(II) when the membranes were suspended in either periplasmic or intracellular fractions of the strain. Although, based on previous inhibitor studies, type b cytochrome was also expected to be reduced by Mn(II), no spectrophotometric evidence for its reduction was found, probably because not enough of it was reduced under the steady-state conditions of the experiments.
Insurance Applications of Soft Computing Technologies

The purposes of the article are twofold: first, to review soft computing (SC) applications in insurance so as to document the unique characteristics of insurance as an application area; and second, to document the extent to which hybrid SC technologies have been employed. While it is clear that SC has made inroads into many facets of the business, in most instances the applications did not capitalized on the synergies between the SC technologies and, as a consequence, there are opportunities to extend the studies.
Diels-alder cycloaddition reactions of cyclopropenone ketals : Dual participation in inverse electron demand (lumodiene controlled) and normal (homodiene controlled) diels-alder reactions. Approaches to the preparation of tropones

Abstract Diels-Alder cycloadditions of the cyclopropenone ketal 1 with representative electron-deficient, electron-rich and neutral dienes are presented. The results observed are consistent with the potential for the strained olefin of the cyclopropenone ketal to exhibit accelerated participation in both inverse electron demand (LUMOdienecontrolled) and normal(HOMOdienecontrolled) Diels-Alder reactions. Approaches to the introduction of cycloheptatrienones, tropones, based on the room temperature and pressure-promoted Diels-Alder reactions of the cyclopropenone ketal 1 are presented.
A plastid organelle as a drug target in apicomplexan parasites

Parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa include many important human and veterinary pathogens such as Plasmodium (malaria), Toxoplasma (a leading opportunistic infection associated with AIDS and congenital neurological birth defects), and Eimeria (an economically significant disease of poultry and cattle). Recent studies have identified an unusual organelle in these parasites: a plastid that appears to have been acquired by secondary endosymbiosis of a green alga. Here we show that replication of the apicomplexan plastid (apicoplast) genome in Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites can be specifically inhibited using ciprofloxacin, and that this inhibition blocks parasite replication. Moreover, parasite death occurs with peculiar kinetics that are identical to those observed after exposure to clindamycin and macrolide antibiotics, which have been proposed to target protein synthesis in the apicoplast. Conversely, clindamycin (and functionally related compounds) immediately inhibits plastid replication upon drug application-the earliest effect so far described for these antibiotics. Our results directly link apicoplast function with parasite survival, validating this intriguing organelle as an effective target for parasiticidal drug design.
Peak plantar shear and pressure and foot ulcer locations: A call to revisit ulceration pathomechanics

The sensitivity and specificity of plantar pressure in identifying diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are relatively low, leading investigators to label peak pressure (PP) as a “poor” predictor (1). Moreover, pressure-reducing therapeutic footwear is only “meagerly” effective in preventing recurrent ulceration (2). These findings indicate that DFUs have a more complicated pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of plantar shear as it relates to ulcer locations using a custom-built stress plate (3). Eight volunteers, each with one recently healed forefoot plantar DFU, walked at self-selected speeds across the custom-built plate, quantifying both PP and peak shear (PS). In five subjects (63%), PP and PS occurred at different plantar sites. Of eight ulcers, five did not develop at PP locations (Fig. 1). Two ulcers developed at PP-only locations, whereas three developed at PS-only sites. One ulcer location matched overlapping locations of PP and PS. Surprisingly, two ulcers …
Refractory myeloid sarcoma with a FIP1L1-PDGFRA rearrangement detected by clinical high throughput somatic sequencing.

Next generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly being used clinically to characterize the molecular alterations found in patients’ tumors. These testing results have the potential to affect clinical care by guiding therapeutic approaches based upon genotype. NGS based testing approaches have a distinct advantage over provider-ordered single gene testing in that they can detect unexpected, yet clinically important genetic changes. Here, we illustrate this principle with the case of a 33-year-old man with myeloid sarcoma that was refractory to six different chemotherapeutic regimens. Our clinical NGS assay detected an unanticipated FIP1L1-PDGFRA rearrangement in his tumor. The patient was immediately placed on Imatinib therapy to which he responded, and remains in remission 10 months after the rearrangement was initially detected.
Effects of microstructure on the optical properties of metal-semiconductor composites

Abstract Microstructural effects in metal-semiconductor heterogeneous composite media are discussed in terms of isolated and clustered metal particles in the semiconductor. The former give rise to sharp peaks in the absorption spectrum in these systems while the latter result in broad structureless absorption over a large wavelength range. The effects of relative amounts of these two structures in a composite on the absorption characteristics are examined in two systems, the S-l photocathode which consists of Ag particles suspended in a base layer of Cs 2 O and a surface layer in which the Ag is in vacuum and Ag particles dispersed in polycrystalline Si.
Night Sky Background Measurement at 6 to 0.3 mm

ON May 17, 1972, at 0112 HST a far infrared radiometer cooled by superfluid helium was launched on a rocket from the Kauai Test Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii. Photometric measurements of the night sky background were successfully made in three spectral regions: 6 to 0.8 mm (bolometer 1), 6 to 0.6 mm (bolometer 2) and 6 to 0.3 mm (bolometer 3). Here we describe the results of this experiment, which yielded a background flux consistent with a 2.7 K blackbody source.
Myosin-Binding Protein C Phosphorylation, Myofibril Structure, and Contractile Function During Low-Flow Ischemia

Background— Contractile dysfunction develops in the chronically instrumented canine myocardium after bouts of low-flow ischemia and persists after reperfusion. The objective of this study is to identify whether changes in the phosphorylation state of myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C) are a potential cause of dysfunction. Methods and Results— During low-flow ischemia, MyBP-C is dephosphorylated, and the number of actomyosin cross-bridges in the central core of the sarcomere decreases as thick filaments dissemble from the periphery of the myofibril. During reperfusion, MyBP-C remains dephosphorylated, and its degradation is accelerated. Conclusions— Dephosphorylation of MyBP-C may initiate changes in myofibril thick filament structure that decrease the interaction of myosin heads with actin thin filaments. Limiting the formation of actomyosin cross-bridges may contribute to the contractile dysfunction that is apparent after low-flow ischemia. Breakdown of MyBP-C during reperfusion may prolong myocardial stu...
Blessing or curse? Foreign and underground demand for euro notes

Public finance solutions to the European unemployment problem? Developing countries may hold as much as 25-30% of the $1.3 trillion OECD currency supply. Although dollar holdings appear to exceed DM holdings by a factor of four, the advent of the euro may change this balance. Indeed, by issuing large-denomination notes of 100, 200 and 500, the European Central Bank appears to be well poised to challenge the dominance of the ubiquitous US $100 note. However, large-denomination notes are also extremely popular in the OECD underground economy, which appears to hold at least 50% of the currency supply. As a result, the seigniorage revenues obtained by issuing large-denomination notes may be an accounting illusion, substantially or fully offset by losses due to increased tax evasion. Hence, the new European Central Bank may wish to consider policies that discourage underground use of currency, even at the expense of losing out on foreign demand. — Kenneth Rogoff
Strengths of children and adolescents in residential settings: prevalence and associations with psychopathology and discharge placement.

ABSTRACT Objective During the past few years there has been growing interest in developing strength-based approaches to services, particularly for children and adolescents. Method This study assesses the prevalence of 30 strengths for a random sample of children and adolescents in residential placements in Florida. In addition, the relationship between strengths and clinical and functional characteristics is studied. Results Results suggest that there is substantial variation across individuals on the presence of strengths and the potential for development. Strengths were associated with symptoms, risk behaviors, and functioning. Level of strengths predicted success in the reduction of risk behaviors during the child/adolescent's stay. In addition, the level of strengths was independently associated with good dispositional outcomes. Conclusions The findings provide further empirical support for the importance of strengths and the utility of an integrated model that considers both psychopathology and strengths in planning for children's services.
A phase II study of weekly docetaxel plus capecitabine for patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND Docetaxel is an active agent in advanced nonsmall-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and demonstrates preclinical and clinical synergism with capecitabine. We conducted the current Phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the docetaxel/capecitabine combination in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC. METHODS Eligibility required Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, bidimensionally measurable disease, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 2 or lower. Treatment consisted of docetaxel 36 mg/m2 intravenously on Days 1 and 8 plus capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 orally twice per day on Days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle, for a maximum of 6 cycles. RESULTS Of 39 patients enrolled, 39 and 36 patients were evaluated for toxicity and response, respectively. The overall response rate was 53% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37–69%) with 19 partial responses (no complete response). The median duration of response was 6.2 months (range, 2.1–15.7 months). At a median follow-up of 14.2 months, 19 patients died. The median overall survival time was 17.8 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 56.4% (95% CI, 40.9–72.0%). There were two treatment-related deaths (one death due to pneumonia and one due to sepsis). Hematologic toxicity was mild to moderate. Thirteen percent of the patients had Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. However, Grade 2 or 3 nonhematologic toxicities were frequent, which included asthenia (51%), stomatitis (33%), hand–foot syndrome (33%), and diarrhea (29%). CONCLUSIONS The docetaxel/capecitabine combination showed promising antitumor activity for chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC, However, it was frequently associated with moderate-to-severe nonhematologic toxicities, suggesting clinical synergism in both efficacy and toxicity. Further adjustment of the dose schedule is recommended to maximize the therapeutic index. Cancer 2003. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
On a dielectric-barrier and a microwave-cavity discharge in synchronized operation?the case of a helium/oxygen mixture

We have investigated the performance of a microwave-cavity discharge (MWD) operating in tandem with a fast rise-time pulsed dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD). The tandem discharge operated in a helium/oxygen mixture, where metastable molecular oxygen could be produced efficiently using MWD in proportionally large quantities (order of 20% of total oxygen number density). In this new arrangement, a DBD operating at high E/N provided a metastables-rich mixture, thereby modifying the discharge kinetics of the MWD, which operated in the E/N range centered around 10?Td. Both discharges operated in synchronized pulse-repetitive mode, which was tailored to maximize the oxygen metastable production efficiency. The system operated at pressures up to 350?Torr with an average power between 3 and 20?W.