cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introducing a Conditional Ghost Correction Into the Vector Method

The concept of conditional ghost correction is introduced into the vector method of quantitative texture analysis. The mathematical model actually chosen here reduces the texture problem to one of quadratic programming. Thus, a well defined optimization problem has to be solved, the singular system of linear equations governing the correspondence between pole and orientation distribution being reduced to a set of equality constraints of the restated texture problem. This new mathematical approach in terms of the vector method reveals the modeling character of the solution of the texture problem provided by the vector method completely.
Relativistic mean field model for entrainment in general relativistic superfluid neutron stars

General relativistic superfluid neutron stars have a significantly more intricate dynamics than their ordinary fluid counterparts. Superfluidity allows different superfluid (and superconducting) species of particles to have independent fluid flows, a consequence of which is that the fluid equations of motion contain as many fluid element velocities as superfluid species. Whenever the particles of one superfluid interact with those of another, the momentum of each superfluid will be a linear combination of both superfluid velocities. This leads to the so-called entrainment effect whereby the motion of one superfluid will induce a momentum in the other superfluid. We have constructed a fully relativistic model for entrainment between superfluid neutrons and superconducting protons using a relativistic $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\omega}$ mean field model for the nucleons and their interactions. In this context there are two notions of ``relativistic'': relativistic motion of the individual nucleons with respect to a local region of the star (i.e. a fluid element containing, say, an Avogadro's number of particles), and the motion of fluid elements with respect to the rest of the star. While it is the case that the fluid elements will typically maintain average speeds at a fraction of that of light, the supranuclear densities in the core of a neutron star can make the nucleons themselves have quite high average speeds within each fluid element. The formalism is applied to the problem of slowly rotating superfluid neutron star configurations, a distinguishing characteristic being that the neutrons can rotate at a rate different from that of the protons.
Model refinement and data filtering in high-tunnel greenhouse sensor network

Precise modeling of networked sensor data is an important link to improve the quality of service of wireless actuating networks in physical world sensing and actuating. It allows the accurate prediction of environmental conditions with partial knowledge and provides means to assess the quality of sensor readings, while reducing system activity for lower battery consumption. A data model is established through past observations, extracting both temporal and spatial correlation between sensors. The model exhibits high sensitivity to the selection of observed attributes for posterior estimation. A novel data model framework is then proposed that integrates both validation and prediction of sensor readings. The framework consists of clusters of self-evolving submodels and each cluster represents a group of closely-related sensor attributes. The sub-model clusters are dynamically formed and optimized for maximum prediction accuracy.
A Simple Method for Calculating Valve Curvature

ABSTRACT. Many closely related diatom species are differentiated by simple morphometric characters such as length, width, and striae density. In addition, simple shape descriptors, such as curvature of the valve, can also be distinguishing morphometric characters. The curvature calculation described here is an intermediate technique between simple, direct measurements (i.e., length, width) and more complex descriptors of shape. The goal of this work is to develop a simple technique to calculate diatom curvature. Curvature is calculated from the length of a chord and the length of its sagitta (the perpendicular segment between the chord to the midpoint of the arc). These parameters correspond to diatom valve length and valve deflection from the chord and are incorporated into the equation: κ = 2h(l2+h2)-1(where κ = curvature, l = half of the chord length, and h = sagitta length). This equation can be utilized to estimate the curvature of the valve margin, valve margin asymmetry, and other morphological str...
Strontium isotopic variations of Neoproterozoic seawater: implications for crustal evolution.

We report high precision Sr isotopic data on carbonates from the Neoproterozoic Shaler Group, Victoria Island, Northwest Territories, Canada. Lithostratigraphic correlations with the relatively welldated Mackenzie Mountains Supergroup constrain Shaler deposition to ~770–880 Ma, a range corroborated by 723 ± 3 Ma lavas that disconformably overlie Shaler carbonates and by Late Riphean microfossils within the section. Samples with low 87Rb86Sr ratios (< 0.01) were selected for Sr isotopic analysis. δ18O, Mn, Ca, Mg, and Sr data were used to recognize altered samples. The altered samples are characterized by high MnSr (≥2) and variable δ18O; most are dolomites. The data indicate that between ca. 790–850 Ma the 87Sr86Sr ratio of seawater varied between 0.70676 and 0.70561. The samples show smooth and systematic variation, with the lowest 87Sr86Sr value of 0.70561 at ca. 830 Ma. The low 87Sr86Sr ratio of carbonates from the lower parts of our section is similar to a value reported for one sample from the Adrar of Mauritania (≈900 Ma), West African Craton. Isotopic ratios from the upper part of the Shaler section are identical to values from the lower part of the Neoproterozoic Akademikerbreen Group, Spitsbergen. Although a paucity of absolute age determinations hinders attempts at the precise correlation of Neoproterozoic successions, it is possible to draw a broad outline of the Sr isotopic composition of seawater for this period. Indeed, the Sr isotope data themselves provide a stratigraphic tool of considerable potential. Data from this study and the literature are used to construct a curve of the 87Sr86Sr ratio of Neoproterozoic seawater. The new data reported in this study substantially improve the isotopic record of Sr in seawater for the period 790–850 Ma. The Sr isotope composition of seawater reflects primarily the balance between continental Sr input through river input and mantle input via hydrothermal circulation of seawater through mid-ocean ridges. Coupling of Nd and Sr isotopic systems allows us to model changes in seafloor spreading rates (or hydrothermal flux) and continental erosion. The Sr hydrothermal flux and the erosion rate (relative to present-day value) are modeled for the period 500–900 Ma. The results indicate that the hydrothermal flux reached a maximum value at ca. 830 Ma. In contrast, a large peak in erosion rate is indicated at ca. 570 Ma. The peaks in hydrothermal flux and erosion rate are most likely related to developments in the Pan-African and related orogenic events, whose initial development is characterized by production of juvenile crust during supercontinental break up and rifting. The time ca. 570 Ma is characterized by continent-continent collision and production of recycled crust. Sr isotope data from Proterozoic carbonates offer a valuable resource for understanding large-scale crust dynamics.
Things fall apart: the endgame dynamics of internal wars

Abstract Most internal wars end on the battlefield. Only a small percentage end at the negotiating table. While significant attention has been paid to how internal wars begin and how they evolve, relatively little attention has been paid to how they are concluded. What research has been done on this subject, furthermore, has focused almost exclusively on the problems that stand in the way of achieving a negotiated outcome, not on how these conflicts are so frequently resolved by force. This article examines the dynamics of the endgame struggle and the quite different ways in which states and insurgencies ‘win’ and ‘lose’ internal wars. We explore this topic theoretically and empirically in the first part of the article and examine the formal logic of the endgame in the second part, explaining how and why these endings follow a predictable pattern.
A hypothesis driven approach to condition specific transcription factor binding site characterization in S.c.

We demonstrate a computational process by which transcription factor binding sites can be elucidated using genome-wide expression and binding profiles. The profiles direct us to the intergenic locations likely to contain the promoter regions for a given factor. These sequences are multiply and locally aligned to give an anchor motif from which further characterization can take place. We present bases for and assumptions about the variability within these motifs which give rise to potentially more accurate motifs, capture complex binding sites built upon the basis motif, and eliminate the constraints of the currently employed promoter searching protocols. We also present a measure of motif quality based on the occurrence of the putative motifs in regions observed to contain the binding sites. The assumptions, motif generation, quality assessment and comparison allow the user as much control as their a priori knowledge allows.
Control of the Rancho electric arm

In the past few years significant efforts have been made in the design of powered orthoses for upper extremities. These arm aids often consist of several linkages and many actuators making their control quite complex.
Stents or Surgery? New Data on the Comparative Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery are mechanical approaches to atherosclerotic obstructions that impede coronary blood flow. In bypass surgery, arterial and venous conduits are placed beyond the proximal obstructions. By contrast, in angioplasty, the area of narrowing is expanded and now usually buttressed with a stent. Neither mechanical approach addresses the fundamental disease process, however, which needs to be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. Article p 381 The perennial question is whether angioplasty or surgery yields better clinical outcomes. Even without randomized clinical trials, it is obvious that angioplasty is a less invasive procedure and that patients recover more quickly. Individual randomized trials have been large enough to show that bypass surgery generally reduces angina and repeat interventions to a greater extent than angioplasty does. But for the most important clinical outcome, mortality, single randomized clinical trials have not been large enough to provide definitive results. Because mortality is infrequent after contemporary coronary revascularization, lengthy follow-up is required to provide an adequate comparison of surgery and angioplasty. Large numbers of patients are required to ensure sufficient statistical power to detect clinically meaningful differences in mortality. Trials of the needed size and duration are difficult to organize and highly expensive. The results of every such trial are important pieces of the puzzle. The Stent or Surgery (SoS) trial is one of the largest randomized comparisons of coronary angioplasty and bypass surgery. Investigators at 53 study centers in 11 countries between 1996 and 1999 randomized 988 patients with multivessel coronary disease to undergo either conventional coronary bypass surgery or angioplasty with a bare-metal stent. The initial report of the SoS trial1 was based on a median of 2 years of follow-up, after which 22 patients assigned to angioplasty had died compared with 8 patients assigned to surgery (hazard ratio …
Advances in instrumentation and technique of torsional pendulum and torsional braid analyses

Instrumentation and techniques of torsional pendulum and braid analyses, studying trace moisture and cure cycle effects on thermomechanical spectra of polymeric materials
Determinants of Parenting Stress in Home Apnea Monitoring

Studied mothers of 30 infants who suffered an apneic episode and were subsequently placed on home apnea monitors, using measures of parenting stress, family resources and support, family coping activities, health locus of control, and maternal coping style involving preferences for information under threat. Comparison groups included mothers of 30 infants with mild congenital heart lesions and 30 mothers of normal healthy infants. Home monitoring was associated with increased levels of parenting stress; monitored infants were perceived as more demanding, and their mothers reported less attachment to the child. However, the magnitude of the differences between mothers of monitored and unmonitored infants was relatively small, and parenting stress outcome was more closely related to preexisting levels of family resources than to the child's health status. No significant relationship was found between stress outcome and family coping or maternal coping style.
Video data format converters using minimum number of registers

The implementation of video data format using a minimum number of registers is considered. A systematic lifetime analysis of the variables is carried out to determine the latency and the minimum number of registers needed for the converter. The technique of obtaining the minimum number of registers is illustrated using four classes of data format converters: line-by-line to column-by-column, line-by-line to interleaved skewed one-dimensional block format, line-by-line to interleaved two-dimensional block format, and line-by-line to zigzag format. Closed-form expressions for minimum number of registers in these converters are obtained in terms of the number of input and output pixels processed per cycle and the number of input and output bits processed per pixel in a cycle. >
Central areolar choroidal dystrophy with associated dominant drusen

Introduction Central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD) is a rare, inherited disease that can lead to profound visual disturbance. It is characterized by atrophic changes, particularly in the macula. Specific genotypic mutations are responsible for the autosomal dominant form of this disease. However, there is a distinct retinal dystrophy that combines central areolar choroidal dystrophy with autosomal dominantly inherited drusen. It has been proposed that patients with a specific mutation in the peripherin/RDS gene may manifest a combined presentation.
Marine Organic Photochemistry: From the Sea Surface to Marine Aerosols

Photochemistry in the sunlit surface waters of the ocean is dominated by colored dissolved organic material (CDOM) which lies at the center of a photochemical cycle that critically impacts the marine environment. Sunlight-irradiated CDOM undergoes a complex series of reactions to produce biologically available photodegraded DOM, volatile organic carbon compounds, and reactive species (e.g., excited triplet states, OH, superoxide). These react with each other, trace metals (e.g., iron), and other substances in the ocean in a complex series of reactions that affect marine biota and influence the composition of the surface ocean and marine atmosphere. Although DOM has been the focus of several decades of active research in marine chemistry, fundamental questions about its sources, composition, and reactivity remain. Sea salt aerosols produced at the ocean surface will incorporate some of the photochemically-active organic materials concentrated in the sea surface microlayer, including CDOM. There have been very limited studies on photochemistry in aerosol particles, but likely reactions and yields can be conjectured. The photochemistry of the sea surface micro-layer and marine aerosol particles constitutes an important new area of research for marine photochemists.
Fabrication of PLZT Film-on-Foil Dielectric Sheets for Embedded Passives

Ferroelectric film-on-foil capacitors hold special promise to replace discrete passive components in the development of electronic devices that require greater performance and smaller size. We have deposited Pb0.92La0.08Zr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PLZT) films on base metal foils to form film-on-foil capacitor sheets that can be embedded into printed circuit boards. The rootmean-square surface roughness was determined to be ≍3 nm for 1.15-μm-thick PLZT films on LaNiO3-buffered Ni foils. The following dielectric properties were measured: relative permittivity of ≍1300 and dielectric loss (tan δ) of ≍0.05, leakage current density of 6.6 × 10−9 A/cm2 at 25°C and 1.4 × 10−8 A/cm2 at 150°C, and mean breakdown strength >2.5 MV/cm. A remnant polarization (Pr) of ≍33 μC/cm2 and coercive field strength (Ec) of ≍50 kV/cm were observed with a maximum voltage of 300 V applied during the P-E loop measurement. The energy storage capability of the dielectric film is ≍45 J/cm3.
Magnetization structure contrast based on intermolecular multiple-quantum coherences.

In vivo and ex vivo MRI based on intermolecular multiple-quantum coherences (iMQC) is predicted to provide a fundamentally different source of contrast for MRI. This article investigates the dependence of image contrast upon the choice of correlation distance for a heterogeneous material. A closely packed array of parallel hollow cylinders was used to demonstrate signal intensity variations when the correlation distance becomes comparable to the gap size between the cylinders. The observed effects agree well with three-dimensional calculations of the time evolution of magnetization under the nonlinear Bloch equations.
The limits of p-values for biological data mining.

Use of p-values is widespread in the sciences, especially so in biomedical research, and also underlies several analytic approaches in data mining. Its original intent is simple enough, but its application and interpretation are far from simple.
Impaired Motor Coordination in Mice That Lack punc

The punc gene, encoding a member of the neural cell adhesion molecule family expressed in the developing central nervous system, limbs, and inner ear, was identified. To extend studies of the normal expression pattern of punc and to determine its function, a mouse strain bearing a lacZ/neo insertion in a 5* coding exon was created. The complex pattern of punc expression in embryos from embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) to E11.5 was mimicked accurately by b-galactosidase (b-Gal) activity. As development proceeded, the distribution of b-Gal activity was increasingly restricted, finally becoming confined to the brain and inner ear by E15.5. In the adult, b-Gal activity was detected in several regions of the inner ear and brain and was particularly strong in the cerebellar Bergmann glia. Genetic analysis of this null allele demonstrated that punc is not required for normal embryogenesis. Interestingly, comparisons of b-Gal activity and punc transcripts in heterozygous and homozygous mutant individuals demonstrated that punc is negatively autoregulated in some tissues. Adult puncdeficient mice were overtly normal and had normal hearing. Compared with control littermates, however, homozygous mutants had significantly reduced retention times on the Rotarod, suggesting a role for Bergmann glia-expressed Punc in the cerebellar control of motor coordination.
Potts Shunt and Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: What We Have Learned.

Background A Potts shunt has been proposed as effective palliative therapy in children with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) who have suprasystemic right ventricular pressures. Methods A retrospective single-center study was performed to assess outcomes in 5 children who underwent a Potts shunt for severe PH. Results All 5 children were in World Health Organization functional class IV. Only 3 children were classified as having idiopathic pulmonary arterial PH. Preoperatively, 4 children were receiving intravenous prostacyclins, and 3 were placed on intravenous inotropes for acute right-side heart failure. Three children were potential lung transplant candidates. All but 1 child had evidence for suprasystemic right heart pressures immediately before their operation. All 5 children survived the procedure without significant complications. Four of the 5 children were successfully discharged from the hospital and have had sustained clinical improvement with follow-up ranging from approximately 5 to 16 months. The child who did not have suprasystemic right-side heart pressures before the operation did not benefit from the Potts shunt. Conclusions The Potts shunt can be an effective palliation for children with severe PH. Our results further suggest that (1) a Potts shunt should be considered early in a child's clinical course, before right ventricular deterioration develops; (2) a Potts shunt should be considered in any child with severe, intractable PH regardless of etiology; (3) one might consider a Potts shunt in lieu of intravenous prostacyclins; and (4) a Potts shunt should be considered before lung transplantation and does not preclude future transplantation candidacy.
TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR FROM THE SCHEDULING OF PSYCHOLOGY QUIZZES

Temporal patterns of behavior have been observed in real-life performances such as bill passing in the U.S. Congress, in-class studying, and quiz taking. However, the practical utility of understanding these patterns has not been evaluated. The current study demonstrated the presence of temporal patterns of quiz taking in a university-level introductory psychology course and used these patterns to manage the traffic of quiz takers in a computerized testing lab. Results are discussed in terms of the applications of tracking temporal response patterns.
Ablation of renin-expressing juxtaglomerular cells results in a distinct kidney phenotype.

Renin-expressing cells are peculiar in that they act as differentiated cells, producing the hormone renin, while they also seem to act as progenitors for other renal cell types. As such, they may h...
Distinct chemokine triggers and in vivo migratory paths of fluorescein dye-labeled T Lymphocytes in acutely simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac251-infected and uninfected macaques.

To define the possible impact of T-lymphocyte trafficking parameters on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) pathogenesis, we examined migratory profiles of carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled T lymphocytes in acutely SIV mac251 -infected and uninfected macaques within 48 h after autologous transfer. Despite significant upregulation of homeostatic chemokine CCL19/macrophage inflammatory protein 3β and proinflammatory chemokine CXCL9/monokine induced by gamma interferon in secondary lymphoid tissue in SIV infection, no differences in CFSE + T-lymphocyte frequencies or cell compartmentalization in lymph nodes were identified between animal groups. By contrast, a higher frequency of CFSE + T lymphocytes in the small intestine was detected in acute SIV infection. This result correlated with increased numbers of gut CD4 T lymphocytes expressing chemokine receptors CCR9, CCR7, and CXCR3 and high levels of their respective chemokine ligands in the small intestine. The changes in trafficking parameters in SIV-infected macaques occurred concomitantly with acute gut CD4 T-lymphocyte depletion. Here, we present the first in vivo T-lymphocyte trafficking study in SIV infection and a novel approach to delineate T-lymphocyte recruitment into tissues in the nonhuman primate animal model for AIDS. Such studies are likely to provide unique insights into T-lymphocyte sequestration in distinct tissue compartments and possible mechanisms of CD4 T-lymphocyte depletion and immune dysfunction in simian AIDS.
A novel approach to elementary scattering theory

An aproach to potential scattering is discussed, which is simple, elegant and very convenient for numerical computations. The problem of evaluating scattering phase-shifts and bound-state energies is discussed. The effect of the potential on the wave function is also analysed. Approximating formulas are given. A powerful representation for the tangent of the phase shift, valid if the potential never changes sign and the phase shift is smaller in magnitude than π/2, is obtained. Bounds on the phase shifts and on their derivatives with respect to linear and angular momentum are established.
An energy-aware medium-access-control protocol with frequent sleeps for wireless sensor networks

The paper proposes an energy-aware contention-based protocol for the medium access control (MAC) sub-layer for wireless sensor networks. The innovative approach with frequent sleeps proactively and aggressively reduces the wasted energy while increasing the throughput and decreasing the latency. The proposed MAC protocol solves the energy inefficiency caused by idle listening, control-packet overhead, and overhearing. Simulation experiments have been performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, especially compared to the S-MAC and T-MAC protocols.
Water transport across red-cell membranes following reductive methylation of the major transmembrane protein, Band 3: implications to increased divalent cation membrane permeability.

1H-T-NMR methods in conjunction with normally membrane-impermeable Mn2+ were used to study the effect of reductive methylation of specific lysine residues of Band 3, the major transmembrane protein, on water permeability. At 21°C, the water apparent transverse relaxation time (T2) was decreased by nearly 16% (p < 00001) for cells with modified Band 3. Atomic absorption measurements of control and methylated cells showed an increased level of Mn2+ in the erythrocyte cytosol following methylation. This increased level of this paramagnetic relaxation agent is sufficient to relax interior water protein to the values obtained. Thus, following specific methylation of band 3, increased membrane permeability to divalent cations is observed. The results are discussed with reference to possible conformation changes of Band 3 following methylation, and the findings are interpreted be mean that the conformation of Band 3 has influence on cation permeability to erythrocyte membranes.
Computed Tomography-Based Limb Volume Measurements for Isolated Limb Infusion in Melanoma

Despite advances in cross-sectional imaging, chemotherapeutic dosing for isolated limb infusion (ILI) in melanoma is currently calculated through cumbersome and potentially imprecise manual measurements. The primary objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of using computed tomography (CT) to calculate limb volume, its concordance with manual measurement, and its ability to predict clinical response and toxicity in patients undergoing ILI. A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing lower extremity ILI at Duke University Medical Center between 2003 and 2014 was performed. Data pertaining to manually measured limb volume, chemotherapeutic dosing, and patient outcome was obtained. CT-based measurements of limb volume were performed in all patients for whom imaging was available and subsequently compared with manually measured values. CT data were sufficient for measurement in 73 patients. The mean measurement time was 4.61 ± 2.13 min. Although average CT-based measurements were 1.20 L higher in the case of lower limbs, they correlated well with those obtained manually (r 2 = 0.90). Unlike manual measurement, patients with complete responses to chemotherapy had smaller limb volumes than those with disease progression as measured by CT (9.3 vs. 10.7 L; p = .038). Patients suffering grade 3 and 4 toxicities also had statistically lower limb volumes as measured by CT than those who did not (p < .05). CT-based limb volume measurement is feasible for chemotherapy dosing in patients undergoing ILI for melanoma and has predictive value with respect to clinical response and toxicity.
Superconducting Linear Accelerators

Particles in a linear accelerator obtain energy from the electric fields produced inside microwave cavities. In a conventional linac made of room-temperature copper, several megawatts of power are required to produce an energy gradient of a few MeV per foot. Since it is impossible to produce such high rf power from klystrons for more than a few microseconds, a conventional accelerator will typically have a duty cycle on the order of 10-3, with energy gradient of 2 or 3. MeV/ft. The low-duty cycle is highly undesirable in many nuclear experiments, due to the finite resolving time of the instruments. For instance, in coincidence experiments, the signal-to-noise ratio is roughly proportional to the duty cycle.
Family Therapy in Serious and Terminal Illness

The seriously ill or terminal patient cannot be approached as an isolated individual without considerations for the many existing bonds between the patient, his family, his social group, and the medical institution and its staff members. Illness and death do not take place in a vacuum, but are intimately intertwined with social, family, and intraindividual dynamic processes.
Infrared Studies of the SO2 Clathrate Hydrate

Using infrared spectroscopy, transitions among ice, solution, and clathrate phases are compared with the predictions of the SO2−H2O phase diagram in the temperature range −20 to 10 °C and SO2 pressures from 50 to 900 mbar. The infrared signatures of clathrate and ice, as well as SO2 in a variety of phases are recorded and interpreted in terms of their environments. The consequences of SO2 in confined geometries within ice are explored.
Jamesdicksonia, a New Genus of the Ustilaginales

(1960). Jamesdicksonia, a New Genus of the Ustilaginales. Mycologia: Vol. 52, No. 3, pp. 475-479.
Specific inhibition of the transcription factor Ci by a cobalt(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugate.

We describe the use of Co(III) Schiff base–DNA conjugates, a versatile class of research tools that target C2H2 transcription factors, to inhibit the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. In developing mammalian ...
Self-Propagating Reaction Produces Near-Ideal Functionalization of Si(100) and Flat Surfaces

Chemical functionalization of the technologically important face of silicon, Si(100), to form a passivated semiconductor/organic interface would enable a wide variety of applications, including microelectronic devices with integrated chemical or biological functionality; however, this goal has been stymied by the sterically hindered structure of the (100) surface, which impedes uniform chemical reaction. Here we demonstrate production of near-atomically flat H-functionalized Si(100) surfaces from a self-propagating chemical reaction that targets a previously unrecognized reactive pair of silicon atoms. Scanning tunneling microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are used to measure the surface-site-specific rates of chemical reaction and to quantitatively explain the observed morphologies. The production of uniform H-terminated Si(100) surfaces is controlled primarily by two aspects of dihydride reactivity. First, row-end dihydrides are 1000 times more reactive than similar mi...
“New Heaven, New Earth”: The Escape from Mutability In Antony and Cleopatra

S HAKESPEARE'S ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA HAS LONG BEEN a controversial play, mostly because it differs so radically from the other tragedies. Its sweep is vast, but not so vast as Lear; it deals with love and politics, but not so obsessively as Coriolanus; its characters are full, but they lack Macbeth's depth. Beginning with Dr. Johnson, critics have debated the play's structure, its theme,1 its characters, and its ending.2 Perhaps the play's very ambiguity encourages disagreement among its readers, preventing any critic's triumphant quod erat demonstrandum. However, almost all the play's commentators see Egypt and Rome as the magnetic poles around which irreconcilable opposites cluster. Egypt is the Life Force-regenerative, hot, emotional, the center of love and overripe sexuality. Rome is Power-duty, public service, military valor, reason, and policy.
Cross-Cultural Perceptions of Water Risks and Solutions Across Select Sites

ABSTRACTWater scarcity involves quantity and quality risks, as well as technological, behavioral, and policy-based factors. This study informs understanding of water scarcity by examining perceived threats and solutions across sites in the United States, New Zealand, Fiji, and Bolivia. Using interview data, we (1) characterize perceived water scarcity risks and solutions for each setting and (2) examine how perceptions differ across countries based on development and water scarcity. Broadly, residents in developed contexts worried more about quality than about quantity, and individual practices (e.g., preventing pollution) were most commonly cited as remedies. Yet significant differences exist across geographies. First, residents in water-scarce regions were relatively concerned about quantity, and they tended to emphasize collective policies and technologies. Second, residents of developed countries were more likely to suggest collective water policies as strategies, whereas those in developing areas str...
A social-event based approach to sentiment analysis of identities and behaviors in text

ABSTRACTWe describe a new methodology to infer sentiments held toward identities and behaviors from social events that we extract from a large corpus of newspaper text. Our approach draws on affect control theory, a mathematical model of how sentiment is encoded in social events and culturally shared views toward identities and behaviors. While most sentiment analysis approaches evaluate concepts on a single, evaluative dimension, our work extracts a three-dimensional sentiment “profile” for each concept. We can also infer when multiple sentiment profiles for a concept are likely to exist. We provide a case study of a large newspaper corpus on the Arab Spring, which helps to validate our approach.
The effects of astragalus on T helper cells balance in childhood primary nephritic syndrome

Objective:To investigate the effects of astragalus on TH1/TH2 balance in childhood primary nephritic syndrome(PNS). Methods:Determination of T-helper (TH)-1 and TH2 cells percentage in 30 cases of PNS with astragalus therapy before and after by three-color flow-cytometry following whole blood cells culture, compared with 30 PNS children with regule therapy before and after. Results:The percentages of TH1 and TH2 cells in children used astragalus therapy after were(12.04±4.92)%. and (2.81±2.65)%. In the patients used regule therapy after, the percentages of TH1 and TH2 cells were(9.06±4.56)% and(2.58±2.34)%,there are significantly deference in both team with therapy before and after(P0.05), there are significantly deference in two team(P0.05). Conclusion:The beneficial effects of astragalus can be explained by the shift from the TH2 cells to TH1 cells in children with primary nephritic syndrome, which is primarily caused by the relatively predominant TH2 cells in vs TH1 cells.
Early marijuana initiation: The link between prenatal marijuana exposure, early childhood behavior, and negative adult roles

We investigated the associations among gestational factors including prenatal marijuana exposure (PME), child behavior at age 3, early age of onset of marijuana use (EAOM, <15years), and adult roles at 22years. Participants were drawn from the Maternal Health Practices and Child Development (MHPCD) Project, a longitudinal study of prenatal substance exposure in offspring who have been studied for over 22years since the prenatal phase. Data from the prenatal, birth, 3-, and 22-year phases (N=608) were used in the present study. Age of onset of offspring substance use was determined based on data from the 14-, 16-, and 22-year phases. The subjects were of lower socioeconomic status, 43% were Caucasian and the remaining were African-American, and 48% were males. Early childhood behavior was significantly (p<0.05) related to EAOM after controlling for PME, birth and childhood environmental risk factors, and Conduct Disorder. EAOM was significantly associated with negative adult roles including increased risk of being arrested (p<0.001), lower educational attainment (p<0.001), having a child without being married (p<0.05), and unemployment at 22years (p<0.001). The correlations between PME and negative adult roles and between early childhood behavior and negative adult roles were also statistically significant. Pathway analysis demonstrated that EAOM significantly mediated the associations between PME and fulfillment of adult roles and between early childhood behavior and adult roles. There are a number of intervention points that could be targeted that would have a long-term impact on lowering the probability of EAOM and less success in adult roles.
Nutrition in trauma.

Unlike other patients requiring nutritional support, injured patients are usually in good health premorbidly. Nutritional therapy in the traumatized patient is designed to prevent the deterioration of body cell mass and to treat specific complications as they occur.
Temporal Data Exchange

In this work, we study data exchange for temporal data. There are two views associated with temporal data: the concrete temporal view, which depicts how temporal data is compactly represented and on which implementations are based, and the abstract temporal view, which defines the semantics of temporal data. Based on the chase procedure, which is a fundamental tool in relational data exchange, two new kinds of chase are proposed in this paper: the abstract chase for the abstract temporal view and the concrete chase for the concrete temporal view. While labeled nulls are sufficient for relational data exchange, they have to be refined in temporal data exchange to keep the connection between the result produced by the concrete chase and the result of the abstract chase. We show that the concrete chase respects the semantics defined by the abstract chase and provides a foundation for query answering
Development of a Disc Extruder for Continuous Hydrostatic Extrusion

Within the past decade, laboratories in many countries have been developing continuous hydrostatic extruders and, in recent years, several patents have been granted [1–10]. This activity has been generated by the capability of hydrostatic extrusion to achieve large reduction in a single pass at high work rates and also to produce complex shapes at room temperature. Hydrostatic extrusion is well suited for production of the very large volume of wire required annually by industry, especially those low-strength materials that are presently being drawn through many successive dies at low speeds.
Left-ventricular diastolic filling in end-stage renal disease

We used Doppler echocardiography to assess left ventricular filling in a heterageneous population with end-stage renal disease to determine if left ventricular filling is abnormal in this population and to then determine whether age length of time receving dialysis, left ventricular mass etiology of the end-stage renal disease or degree of mitral regurgitation affects the ratio of early to atrial velocities
A Robust Analysis of the Risk-Structure of Equilibrium Term Structures of Bond Yields

Many prominent equilibrium term structure models (ETSMs) in which the state of the economy zt follows an affine process imply that the variation in expected excess returns on bond portfolio positions is fully spanned by the set of conditional variances ςt2 of zt. We show that these two assumptions alone – spanning of excess returns by the variances ςt2 of affine processes zt – are sufficient to econometrically identify the quantities of risk that span risk premiums from the term structure of bond yields. Using this result we derive maximum likelihood estimates of ςt2 and evaluate the goodness-of-fit of the family of affine ETSMs that imply this tight link between premiums and quantities of risk. These assessments are fully robust to the values of the parameters governing preferences and the evolution of the state zt, and to whether or not the economy is arbitrage free. Our findings suggest that, to be consistent with U.S. macroeconomic and Treasury yield data, affine ETSMs should have the features that: the fundamental sources of risks, including consumption growth, inflation, and yield volatilities are driven by distinct economic shocks; consumption growth risk alone is unlikely to fully account for the predictability of excess returns on bonds; and inflation risk, and not long-run risks or variation in risk premiums arising from habit-based preferences, is likely to be the dominant risk underlying risk premiums in U.S. Treasury markets.
Impact of medialization laryngoplasty on dynamic nanomechanical vocal fold structure properties

Objectives/hypothesis Although the primary goal of medialization laryngoplasty is to improve glottic closure, implant placement is also likely to alter the biomechanical properties of the vocal fold (VF). We sought to employ novel, nanoscale technology to quantify these properties following medialization based on the hypothesis that different medialization materials will likely yield differential biomechanical effects. Study design Ex vivo. Methods Nine pig larynges were divided into three groups: control, Silastic (Dow Corning, Midland, Michigan, U.S.A.) block medialization, or Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore & Associates, Newark, Delaware) medialization. Laryngoplasty was performed on excised, intact larynges. The larynges were then bisected in the sagittal plane and each subjected to dynamic nanomechanical analysis (nano-DMA) at nine locations using a 250-μm flat-tip punch and frequency sweep-load profile across the free edge of the VF and inferiorly along the conus elasticus. Results Silastic block and Gore-Tex implant introduced increased storage and loss moduli. Overall, storage moduli mean (maximum) increased from 38 kilopascals (kPa) (119) to 72 kPa (422) and 129 kPa (978) in control, Gore-Tex, and Silastic implants, respectively. Similarly, loss moduli increased from 13 kPa (43) to 22 kPa (201) and 31 kPa (165), respectively. Moduli values varied widely by location in the Silastic block and Gore-Tex groups. At the free VF edge, mean (maximum) storage moduli were lowest in the Gore-Tex group, 20 kPa (44); compared to control, 34.5 kPa (86); and Silastic, 157.9 kPa (978), with similar loss and complex moduli trends. Conclusion Medialization laryngoplasty altered VF structure biomechanical properties; Silastic and Gore-Tex implants differentially impact these properties. Level of evidence NA. Laryngoscope, 128:1163-1169, 2018.
Non-additive impacts of covalent cross-linking on the viscoelastic nanomechanics of ionic polyelectrolyte complexes

This study elucidates the influences of adding covalent cross-linking on the nanomechanical viscoelasticity of ionically cross-linked polyelectrolyte networks. Using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled PAH/PAA networks, we report how adding covalent amide cross-links changes the degree of swelling, indentation modulus, and force relaxation behaviors with varying solution conditions such as pH and ionic strength, which modulate the ionic cross-link density and fixed charge density. The addition of covalent cross-linking increases both the modulus and degree of elasticity through providing permanent anchorage to the ionically linked networks. Such addition also strongly increases the relaxation times at net neutral, less swollen states. These results together underscore the synergistic interplay between the covalent and ionic cross-links in the viscoelastic nanomechanics of polyelectrolyte networks, potentially enabling the use of these stimulus-responsive materials in mechano-sensitive biomedical and engineering applications.
Metabolism of Hydrogen Selenide and Methylated Selenides

Inorganic forms of selenium are readily metabolized to a variety of or-ganoselenium compounds in microorganisms, plants, and animals. The metabolism of selenium may either enhance or reduce the biological activity of this element. Nutritionally active inorganic selenium compounds, such as sodium selenite or sodium selenate, can be converted to physiologically active forms of selenium such as the selenoenzyme, GSH (glutathione) peroxidase. Toxic levels of selenite or selenate can be detoxified by the formation of methylated selenides that are readily excreted and usually less toxic.
The History and Cardiac Diagnosis

The history and the physical examination can lead to a correct diagnosis or to a valid differential diagnosis in a large proportion of cardiac patients. These two procedures, properly performed, can direct one’s choice of or eliminate the need for expensive, time-consuming, and possibly dangerous diagnostic tests. Further, these procedures help to establish better rapport with the patient.
Characterization of Cracks in Thick Plates by Lamb Wave Diffraction Studies

The object of the work is a combined theroretical and experimental study of diffraction of Lamb waves by two- and three-dimensional cracks in a plate. An important motivation for this project is the desire to develop a technique capable of detecting and characterizing cracks in weldments in plates. We want to analyze the dependence of the scattered signals on the dimension, angle of inclination and depth of burial of the crack. The basic measurement techniques requires the accurate determination of minute normal surface displacements at ultrasonic frequencies. Such measurements have recently been made possible by the development in our laboratory of a new surface displacement capacitive tranducer [1]. The measured displacements will be compared with the theoretical predictions.
Materials for Bone Graft Substitutes and Osseous Tissue Regeneration

Bone is the principal component of the skeletal system. It is comprised of an extracellular matrix that is characterized by a hierarchical and heterogeneous structure with features that span from the nanoscale to the macroscale and interact to perform the various functions of the tissue. For large defects, traditional therapies for bone repair include tissue grafts, which are limited by supply (autografts) and the potential for disease transmission (allografts). Alternatively, commercially available products used for bone reconstruction do not necessarily approximate the hierarchical nanoscale structure of the natural tissue. This chapter will focus on recent advances in the development of select biomimetic, self-assembled and nanocomposite materials for use in the repair and regeneration of osseous tissues.
Prototype wireless push-to-talk glove

In-car speech user interfaces play an increasingly significant role in vehicles and they use push-to-talk (PTT) buttons to allow the user to signal voice activity. We explore the differences in usage of a fixed location PTT button and a wireless PTT glove which allows a less restrictive field of operation. Our pilot study indicates that reducing the restriction on the location of the PTT button may make using the PTT button more comfortable compared to a fixed-location PTT button. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the PTT glove on driving performance.