cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critique of Southern Society and Vision of a New Order: The Fellowship of Southern Churchmen, 1934–1957

Students of southern Protestantism seldom have interpreted regional Christianity, at least in its major denominational and sectarian expressions, as a force for positive economic or social change. Rather, they have correctly stressed its individualism, pietism, and fusion of religious and cultural values. Yet there have been a few Christians in the South who have been troubled by their region's mores and have boldly sought to change them. From the mid-1930s to the late 1950s a number of these individuals coalesced into a loosely knit interdenominational and interracial association, known after 1936 as the Fellowship of Southern Churchmen (FSC). Over the years this little cadre of Christians propounded a radical critique of twentieth-century southern civilization.
Marxism and Social Movements (Historical Materialism Book Series Volume 46), Social Movements in Latin America, Neoliberalism and Popular Resistance

In 2011, the great recession that had already shaken global capitalism ignited a world-wide wave of of protest. The compelling need to understand both the causes of the economic crisis and its rela...
Run time compression of image data in wireless sensor networks

Monitoring of target locations from a remote location is one of the important applications of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). In such image-based WSN applications, resource-constrained sensor nodes need to capture, compress and transmit a large amount of data. However, the large size of the data and the high transmission rates associated with these applications cause rapid depletion of onboard power and increased congestion in the routing channels of the WSN. Together, these two effects cause the degradation of the performance and early death of wireless sensor nodes. In this paper, the performance improvement in WSNs through the implementation of hardware accelerated image compression is demonstrated.
Breast cancer severity score is an innovative system for prognosis.

Abstract Background Survival in breast cancer maybe more accurately predicted by a scoring system based on the biologic characteristics of the tumor such as diameter, number of involved nodes, and hormone receptor status than by conventional staging. Methods Medical records of 419 patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer from a university hospital between 1997 and 2002 were reviewed. Tumor characteristics were given a value reflecting the impact on survival. Tumor diameter was assigned 1 point per cm, specifically: 1 point for 0.1 to 1 cm, 2 points for 1.1 to 2 cm, 3 points for 2.1 to 5 cm, and 4 points for 5.1 cm and over. Nodal status was assigned 1 point if the patient had 1 to 3 positive nodes, 5 points if 4 to 10 positive nodes were found, and 10 points if more than 10 nodes were identified. Hormone receptor status was given 1 point if either estrogen or progesterone receptors were not present or 2 points if both were absent. The breast cancer severity score (BCSS) was used to analyze overall and disease-free survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Significance of differences in survival was determined by log-rank analysis. Results An increased severity score was inversely proportional to overall and disease-free survivals. A BCSS of greater than 7 was most predictive of outcome with 5-year survival of 68%; and a BCSS of less than 7 had a 5-year survival of 98% ( P = 0.0028). A BCSS of greater than 7 also discriminated disease-free survival within stage II ( P = 0.02) and stage III ( P = 0.01). Conclusions The BCSS provides a better resolution of outcome than traditional staging, and works both for overall survival and within specific stages. Using the BCSS, management and follow-up can be specifically tailored for low- and high-risk patients.
A generalized firing squad problem

This article presents a generalization of the Firing Squad Synchronization Problem in which the General may be any soldier. A seventeen-state minimum time solution is given.
Endovascular acute ischemic stroke therapy: applying basic science to clinical decisions.

The interface between basic science and clinical medicine is a key to an enhanced understanding of disease pathophysiology and for developing novel therapies. The term translational research is applied to this interface and provides a framework for the interaction between basic scientists and clinicians. Ischemic stroke is a medical disorder for which translational research is particularly important, because of rapidly developing advances in understanding the cellular consequences of focal brain ischemia, the contributions of the neurovascular unit to disease pathophysiology, and the role of blood vessel abnormalities. These and other factors contribute to the development and evolution of ischemic brain injury when a thrombus impairs blood flow to a brain region. Reperfusion of these ischemic brain regions with thrombolytic drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or by deploying a mechanical device to remove the occluding thrombus is a logical approach to ischemic stroke therapy, because each method restores the availability of oxygen and glucose-rich blood flow that potentiate salvage of ischemic tissue destined for infarction. Currently, only administration of IV tPA within 3 hours of ischemic stroke onset (likely to be extended to 4.5 hours soon) is approved by regulatory authorities, and 2 devices, the MERCI retriever …
An algorithm for calculating a general down-hole synthetic seismogram

A general purpose time domain algorithm is provided for the calculation of down-hole zero offset synthetic seismograms. Unlike previous vertical synthetic seismograms, the algorithm allows both source and receiver to be arbitrarily located in a borehole, and can therefore, be used to model the results obtained by various recently developed acoustic well log or vertical seismic data gathering techniques, including the Yo?Yo arrangement. As it is developed from a solution of Robinson's model with appropriate boundary and initial conditions, the algorithm provides information about variations in the source impulse due to transmission losses and also the properties of multiple reflections. A program based On the ARMA and LAT-TICE filter structures which improve the efficiency of the calculation. The program allows the use of a flexible source wavelet which can easily be designed by the user. In addition, because its the program can be used on personal computers.
Value-aware Resource Allocation for Service Guarantees in Networks

The traditional formulation of the total value of information transfer is a multi-commodity flow problem. Here, each data source is seen as generating a commodity along a fixed route, and the objective is to maximize the total system throughput under some concept of fairness, subject to capacity constraints of the links used. This problem is well studied under the framework of network utility maximization and has led to several different distributed congestion control schemes. However, this idea of value does not capture the fact that flows might associate value, not just with throughput, but with link-quality metrics such as packet delay, jitter and so on. The traditional congestion control problem is redefined to include individual source preferences. It is assumed that degradation in link quality seen by a flow adds up on the links it traverses, and the total utility is maximized in such a way that the quality degradation seen by each source is bounded by a value that it declares. Decoupling source-dissatisfaction and link- degradation through an ``effective capacity'' variable, a distributed and provably optimal resource allocation algorithm is designed, to maximize system utility subject to these quality constraints. The applicability of our controller in different situations is illustrated, and results are supported through numerical examples.
Relation of pregnancies to induction of ovarian tumors by X-rays.

SummaryMice exposed to 5O-20Or of x-rays can have one or several normal pregnancies and still be liable to the development of ovarian tumors in a stock in which this neoplasm is practically non-existent.Irradiation at 1-3 days of life with 150r sterilized only 1/3 of the mice while ovarian neoplasms appeared in about 76%percnt;. Irradiation at 1-3 days did not hasten the onset of ovarian neoplasms as compared to irradiation at 4-10 weeks. In both groups the tumors developed in middle aged and old mice. The growth rate of the tumors was likewise slow, hardly interfering with the normal life span of these animals.It is postulated that a specific delayed x-ray effect coupled with a hormonal imbalance provoked by x-rays leads to the development of ovarian tumors.
The 2006 New Orleans Mayoral Election: The Political Ramifications of a Large-Scale Natural Disaster

On Monday, August 29, 2005, the Gulf Coast of the United States was hit by the sixth most destructive Atlantic hurricane on record, Hurricane Katrina. Katrina formed in the Bahamas on August 23 and entered the Gulf of Mexico two days later, on the twenty-fifth (Knabb 2005 ). Twelve hours after entering the gulf, Katrina grew from a Category 3 to a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds up to 160 miles per hour. Katrina made landfall on the twenty-ninth as a powerful Category 3 storm with winds up to 145 miles per hour. However, once Katrina made landfall she maintained a storm surge equivalent to a Category 5 storm. For the city of New Orleans, the greatest threat without question was to be from the storm surge. Lake Pontchartrain—which normally sits at one foot above sea level—was elevated to eight and a half feet above sea level. On Tuesday, August 30, the city's levees broke in three places—along the Industrial Canal, the 17 th Street Canal, and the London Street Canal (Mihelich 2005 ). As a result, 80% of the city was flooded, in some places with water as high as 20 feet above sea level (Knabb 2005 ).
Algorithms for Synthesizing Safe Sets of Operation for Embedded Systems

A large number of embedded computing systems are modeled as hybrid system with both discrete and continuous dynamics.In this paper, we present algorithms for analyzing nonlinear time-invariant continuous-timesystems by employing reachability algorithms. We propose synthesis algorithms for findingsets of initial states for the continuous dynamical systems sothat temporal properties, such as safety and livenessproperties, are satisfied. The initial sets produced by thealgorithms are related to some classical concepts for continuousdynamical systems, such as invariant sets and domains ofattraction.
An optimized Line Sampling method for the estimation of the failure probability of nuclear passive systems

Abstract The quantitative reliability assessment of a thermal–hydraulic (T–H) passive safety system of a nuclear power plant can be obtained by (i) Monte Carlo (MC) sampling the uncertainties of the system model and parameters, (ii) computing, for each sample, the system response by a mechanistic T–H code and (iii) comparing the system response with pre-established safety thresholds, which define the success or failure of the safety function. The computational effort involved can be prohibitive because of the large number of (typically long) T–H code simulations that must be performed (one for each sample) for the statistical estimation of the probability of success or failure. In this work, Line Sampling (LS) is adopted for efficient MC sampling. In the LS method, an “important direction” pointing towards the failure domain of interest is determined and a number of conditional one-dimensional problems are solved along such direction; this allows for a significant reduction of the variance of the failure probability estimator, with respect, for example, to standard random sampling. Two issues are still open with respect to LS: first, the method relies on the determination of the “important direction”, which requires additional runs of the T–H code; second, although the method has been shown to improve the computational efficiency by reducing the variance of the failure probability estimator, no evidence has been given yet that accurate and precise failure probability estimates can be obtained with a number of samples reduced to below a few hundreds, which may be required in case of long-running models. The work presented in this paper addresses the first issue by (i) quantitatively comparing the efficiency of the methods proposed in the literature to determine the LS important direction; (ii) employing artificial neural network (ANN) regression models as fast-running surrogates of the original, long-running T–H code to reduce the computational cost associated to the determination of the LS “important direction” and (iii) proposing a new technique for identifying the LS “important direction”, based on the genetic algorithm (GA) minimization of the variance of the LS failure probability estimator. In addition, this work addresses the second issue by assessing the performance of the LS method in estimating small failure probabilities with a reduced (e.g., lower than one hundred) number of samples. The issues are investigated within two case studies: the first one deals with the estimation of the failure probability of a nonlinear structural system subject to creep and fatigue damages [1] , [2] ; the second one regards a passive decay heat removal system in a gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) of literature, [3] .
A 26-year review of pectus deformity repairs, including simultaneous intracardiac repair

Abstract Background . We reviewed our operative experience and long-term results with repair of pectus excavatum and carinatum deformities through a vertical midline approach, including those cases with simultaneous intracardiac repair. Methods . From 1972 through 1998, 120 children underwent pectus deformity repair. Operative technique used a vertical midline incision with subperichondrial resection of deformed cartilages and an anterior sternal osteotomy. Thirty-five patients had a temporary metal bar for retrosternal support for 6 months; 85 underwent repair without a bar. Patients and parents were asked to assess the outcome after pectus repair as poor, fair, good, or excellent. Results . There were 94 male and 26 female patients (mean age, 8.4 years; range, 3 to 21 years). There were 111 cases of pectus excavatum and 9 of pectus carinatum. Fourteen children (11.5%) had an associated congenital heart defect; 9 patients had simultaneous pectus and intracardiac repair. One patient was referred for emergent open heart repair and pectus repair after attempted "Nuss" repair resulted in a perforated right atrium, perforated right ventricle, and partially disrupted tricuspid valve apparatus. There were no deaths and only one significant complication, which required a return to the operating room for bleeding. Morbidity was not higher in patients with simultaneous intracardiac repair. Long-term follow-up was established in 83% of patients. Results were classified as excellent in 64 patients (64%), good in 25 (25%), fair in 8 (8%), and poor in 3 (3%). Thirty (86%) of 35 patients with a sternal bar had excellent results versus 34 (52%) of 65 without a bar ( p = 0.004); 97% of patients who underwent repair with a sternal bar classified the result as excellent or good. Conclusions . Long-term results of pectus excavatum and carinatum repair through a vertical midline approach are excellent. Outcome with a temporary sternal bar is superior to outcome without a bar. Concomitant repair of congenital heart defects and pectus deformity may be performed successfully without additional morbidity.
The design and deployment of a mobility supporting network

GEMS (Generic Environment for Mobility Support) is a new project at the State University of New York, Binghamton for exploring essential mechanisms to support mobile users. In many cases, mobile users require access to the same (or similar) resources irrespective of their location, e.g. the same file system. Yet, there exist other situations in which the most relevant resource (or information) is necessarily location dependent, e.g. nearest printer or weather information. The GEMS project aims to provide an environment with appropriate support for both kinds of situations. It also addresses the case when a mobile user may not have traditional network connectivity (e.g. TCP/IP) but may be reachable through other means, such as a paging device. This paper presents our design of a comprehensive mobility supporting network, current status of the project, a description of ongoing work and future directions.
Measures of Relatedness

Measures of genetic relatedness are essential to models of evolution by kin selection and determinations of inclusive fitness. Under a kin selection paradigm, individuals are expected to distribute actions influencing the fitness of relatives based on the relatedness of these relatives. In addition, it is necessary to have an accurate measure of relatedness to estimate heritability (h2) of phenotypic characters and to predict the efficacy of selection. Relatedness is often defined as the genotypic correlation between individuals. Assessed on the basis of common ancestry, relatedness can only be determined sensu strictu from pedigree analysis. Recent methodological and statistical advances allow the estimation of relatedness from allele frequency data. Many coefficients of relatedness can be found in the literature; I review and evaluate these, with emphasis on situations for which each is appropriate.
Transfer of polarized infrared radiation in optically anisotropic media: application to horizontally oriented ice crystals: reply to comment

The approximation using the scalar extinction coefficient is justified in the computation of the Stokes parameters. The inapplicability of Hovenier’s symmetry relation B in the case of horizontally oriented ice crystals is pointed out.
Ethanol stimulates apparent nitric oxide-dependent ciliary beat frequency in bovine airway epithelial cells.

The mucociliary apparatus of the lung provides an important host-defense function by clearing the upper airway of inhaled particles and infectious microorganisms. Because lung host defenses are imp...
Counterfactual Risk Minimization

We develop a learning principle and an efficient algorithm for batch learning from logged bandit feedback. This learning setting is ubiquitous in online systems (e.g., ad placement, web search, recommendation), where an algorithm makes a prediction (e.g., ad ranking) for a given input (e.g., query) and observes bandit feedback (e.g., user clicks on presented ads). We first address the counterfactual nature of the learning problem through propensity scoring. Next, we derive generalization error bounds that account for the variance of the propensity-weighted empirical risk estimator. These constructive bounds give rise to the Counterfactual Risk Minimization (CRM) principle. Using the CRM principle, we derive a new learning algorithm -- Policy Optimizer for Exponential Models (POEM) -- for structured output prediction. We evaluate POEM on several multi-label classification problems and verify that its empirical performance supports the theory.
The Pre–Historic Proboscideans of Nepal

Although Nepal is one of the native habitats of the present day species of the Asian elephant, Elephas maximus ; it is also an important seat of early Proboscidean evolutionary grounds. Up to now four families and within them seven species of Proboscideans are recorded from Nepal in the forms of different fossils. Out of the total known Proboscideans throughout the world and Indian sub–continent, Nepal had approximately 3.86% and 14% respectively. This fact undoubtedly indicates that Nepal has remained an important place with perfect ecological conditions for the advance of elephants since pre–historic times. J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 137-141
Burnout and Managers' Tactics of Influence

This research focused on whether perception of burnout, measured by the Cherniss Burnout Scale, is related to managers' self-reported tactics of influence with subordinates. Contrary to expectations, analysis of the scores of 209 managers from 47 organizations indicated rational, ingtratiating, and inspirational appeals, consulation, and exchange tactics of influence were positively correlated with burnout, whereas scores on pressure and legitimacy were negatively correlated with burnout, scores. Limitations of the study were also mentioned.
Sodium metabolism and intrarenal distribution of nephron glomerular filtration rates in the unanesthetized rat.

SummaryIn a previous study, the distribution of nephron filtration rates was not affected by variations in dietary sodium, but anesthesia may have blunted a physiological response. Therefore, unanesthetized littermate rats placed on high (7 mEq/day) or low (0.4 mEq/day) sodium intake were studied. Daily urinary sodium excretion was measured in metabolic cages. One hour after recovery from ether anesthesia and surgery, the inulin clearance and urinary sodium excretion were measured. 14C-ferrocyanide was then infused during 12 sec and the left kidney pedicle tied off. Arterial pressure did not change. A rapidly fatal dose of pentobarbital preceded removal of the kidney. Urinary sodium excretion rate was reduced relative to mean daily cage measurements, to the same extent in conscious as in anesthetized rats on high sodium intake. Separate night and day urine collections revealed a marked circadian rhythm of sodium excretion rate in all rats, with lower rates during the day sufficient to account for those ob...
Influence of Separation Extent on Acquisition of Verb-object Separable Words

Verb-object separable words differ from each other in the separation extent,which notably affects the foreign students' acquisition of Chinese verb-object separable words.The more the separation extent is,the easier the receptive learning is and the more difficult the productive learning is;the less the separation extent is,the more difficult the receptive learning is and the easier the productive learning is.
Transforming the Active Orientation

Human beings accepted for centuries that nature, the social world, and the self were given. During the Modern era they assumed that all these realms can be re-engineered due to science and tech. But recent evidence reveals a growing gap between the ambitions of those seeking to re-engineer the world and our true capabilities. This chapter traces the history of passive orientation toward nature, from Aristotle, to Marx, to post-war liberal politics. It argues ultimately that some have been overly optimistic about the potential of technology to engender more expansive affluence, and calls for a reconsideration of values for a “post-affluence society.” This chapter recalls the discussion of happiness in Part I and holds that by mobilizing science and technology under newly-refined ambitions, we can steer toward a healthier, more contented society—one that is economically stable, provides for its citizens, reduces harm to the environment, and garners stronger communities.
Abstract 2060: Polymer mediated RNAi-based combination therapy for treating prostate cancer

Purpose. To determine whether RNAi-based combination therapy targeting androgen receptor (AR) and XIAP signaling pathways using polymeric micelles can treat prostate cancer. Methods. Potency of siRNAs targeting AR and XIAP genes was assessed using real time RT-PCR, Western Blot and ELISA. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. A library of polymers designed to degrade via hydrolysis and enhance siRNA delivery was synthesized by conjugating hexylamine, pentaethylenehexamine and 3-morpholinopropylamine to poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(5-methyl-5-carboxyl-propylene carbonate) backbone using EDC/HOBT coupling chemistry. Polymer structure and molecular weight were verified with proton NMR and Gel Permeation Chromatography, respectively. Results. Three siRNA sequences targeting different regions of the AR and XIAP genes were designed, blasted against the human genome database to eliminate cross-silencing of nontarget genes and their potency screened in LNCaP and C4-2 cells following transfection. All siRNAs targeting AR (start site: 1172, 1648 and 1768) used in this study silenced AR mRNA and protein expression in both cell lines. Furthermore, 1172 was identified as the most potent sequence resulting in approximately 75% knockdown regardless of cell type. Also, the three siRNAs targeting XIAP (start site: 264, 297 and 458) down-regulated XIAP mRNA and protein levels in both cells and were generally more potent in C4-2 cells compared to LNCaP cells. C4-2 cells transfected with siRNA targeting AR (start site: 1172) and XIAP (start site: 264) alone or in combination and assayed after 96 hours revealed XIAP and AR down-regulation resulted in approximately 20% and 50% growth inhibition in C4-2 cells, respectively, compared to control. However, combined silencing of XIAP and AR genes decreased cell growth by 62% and was more potent in inhibiting cell proliferation compared to monotherapy. Additionally, combination of siRNA targeting AR (start site: 1172) and XIAP (start site: 264) significantly increased percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis (85%) compared to control or monotherapy. Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(5-methyl-5-carboxyl-propylene carbonate) copolymer was synthesized by ring opening polymerization and conjugated with various ratios of hexylamine, pentaethylenehexamine and 3-morpholinopropylamine moieties. The resulting copolymer (PEG-b-P(CC-g-PHEXYL-g-PMORPH-g-PPHEA) were non-toxic even at concentration of 1500 μg/mL and successfully condensed siRNA at N/P of 25 with average hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 175 nm. Conclusions. Combination based therapy using siRNA targeting AR and XIAP can potentially treat prostate cancer. Citation Format: Michael Danquah. Polymer mediated RNAi-based combination therapy for treating prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2060.
Pairing megakaryopoiesis methylation with PEAR1

In this issue of Blood, Izzi et al pair a platelet function–associated single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with allele-specific methylation at a cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG) island and regulation of platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) RNA expression in megakaryopoiesis, describing one of the first epigenetic-SNP links to platelet biology.
Molecular Biology of Serotonin Uptake Sites

Serotonin (5-HT) is synthesized and packaged into secretory vesicles by the vesicular monoamine transporter prior ro release via exocytosis. After its release and action on receptors, 5-HT is inactivated by reuptake via the plasma membrane transporter into presynaptic terminals, where it may be repackaged or degraded by monoamine oxidases. 5-HT transporters are one of the initial sites of action for antidepressants and psychomotor stimulants. Using an expression cloning strategy, we have isolated a cDNA for an antidepressant-sensitive, Nat-dependent 5-HT reuptake protein from rat mast cells. The cDNA for the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) predicts a 630-amino acid protein with 12 putative transmembrane domains and extensive homology to GABA, norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) transporters. 5-HTT mRNA is present in brain as well as peripheral tissues. While screening for the 5-HTT, we have also isolated a cDNA for a vesicular monoamine transporter (vMAT) with broad selectivity for 5-HT, DA, and NE. The vMAT cDNA predicts a protein of 515 amino acids with 12 transmembrane domains but no significant homology to any other known proteins. The structural features, mRNA localization, and pharmacology of these two 5-HT transport systems in relation to their contribution to 5-HT neurotransmission is discussed.
Targeted Drug Delivery to the Eye Enabled by Microneedles

Drug delivery targeted to specific tissues within the eye represents an important advance over conventional methods of topical and injectable delivery that have poor specificity for particular ocular tissues requiring therapy. This level of intraocular targeting can be achieved using microneedles, which are solid and ­hollow needles of micron dimensions. Microneedles can selectively target intraocular tissues by delivering drug formulations within the cornea, sclera, and suprachoroidal space in a minimally invasive manner. Intrastromal delivery in the cornea, intrascleral delivery, and suprachoroidal delivery using microneedles have been shown to deliver small molecules and macromolecules, as well as nanoparticles and microparticles. Delivery strategies have employed a variety of microneedle designs including coated microneedles that administer solid formulations and hollow microneedles for injection of liquid formulations. The work reported in this chapter highlights the capabilities of microneedles to provide targeted delivery to the eye in a minimally invasive way through in vitro and in vivo animal studies.
Applications of First-Order Equations

When the space shuttle was launched from the Kennedy Space Center, its escape velocity could be determined by solving a first-order ordinary differential equation. The same can be said for finding the flow of electromagnetic forces, the temperature of a cup of coffee, the population of a species as well as numerous other applications. In this chapter, we show how these problems can be expressed as first-order equations. We will focus our attention on setting up the problems and explaining the meaning of the subsequent solutions because the techniques for solving these problems were discussed in Chapter 2.
Evaluating Wildfire Hazard and Risk for Fire Management Applications

At several spatial scales, fire managers need accurate and comprehensive assessments of wildfire hazard and risk. Assessments are needed to plan, prioritize, and implement management actions, which can range from pro-active prescribed burning to real-time fire suppression. They can be complex, taking many forms and using few to many variables. Past fire hazard and risk assessment projects often lacked a proper decision support platform (see “ An Overview of the Ecosystem Management Decision-Support System”) on which to objectively evaluate decision costs, benefits, and trade-offs. However, decision support systems (DSS), like the Ecosystem Management Decision Support System (EMDS), now make such analysis readily within reach. Future fire management decisions will no doubt make increasing use of DSSs in decision-making. This chapter summarizes various methods of computing fire hazard and risk. Then, we present two projects that use EMDS to prioritize resources for regional and national fire management application. Finally, we discuss additional fire hazard and risk modeling research needs.
Withaferin A Inhibits Prostate Carcinogenesis in a PTEN-deficient Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer

We recently demonstrated that AKT activation plays a role in prostate cancer progression and inhibits the pro-apoptotic function of FOXO3a and Par-4. AKT inhibition and Par-4 induction suppressed prostate cancer progression in preclinical models. Here, we investigate the chemopreventive effect of the phytonutrient Withaferin A (WA) on AKT-driven prostate tumorigenesis in a Pten conditional knockout (Pten-KO) mouse model of prostate cancer. Oral WA treatment was carried out at two different doses (3 and 5 mg/kg) and compared to vehicle over 45 weeks. Oral administration of WA for 45 weeks effectively inhibited primary tumor growth in comparison to vehicle controls. Pathological analysis showed the complete absence of metastatic lesions in organs from WA-treated mice, whereas discrete metastasis to the lungs was observed in control tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the down-regulation of pAKT expression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, such as β-catenin and N-cadherin, in WA-treated tumors in comparison to controls. This result corroborates our previous findings from both cell culture and xenograft models of prostate cancer. Our findings demonstrate that the daily administration of a phytonutrient that targets AKT activation provides a safe and effective treatment for prostate cancer in a mouse model with strong potential for translation to human disease.
Factors affecting the technical efficiency of dairy farms in Kosovo

A possible accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO) and an expected membership in the European Union raise significant opportunities and challenges for the agricultural sector in Kosovo. As a result of these changes, the sector will have to improve efficiency and competitiveness. This research is motivated by the need to understand better the forces that drive competitiveness in the Kosovo dairy sector. This study estimates the technical efficiency (TE) of 243 dairy farms in Kosovo and relates TE variation to farm size and other primary determinants of TE. A stochastic frontier production function is estimated using a two-stage procedure. Results reveal that concentrate feed intake, land use per cow, and the number of days cows had been kept on pasture have statistically significant impacts on milk productivity per cow. The mean technical efficiency of dairy farms was estimated at 0.72. The major determinants that increase efficiency are breed improvement, intensification of corn production on the farm, improving concentrate feed intake, and using free-range production systems. Given the results from the technical efficiency analysis, it is crucial for the Government of Kosovo to redesign their dairy policy—specifically their grant investment schemes—and target assistance on improving national herd genetics, promoting free range systems and expanding area planted in corn.
High-temperature order-disorder phase transition in the superconductor Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 6 + δ observed by electrical resistivity measurements

The order-disorder transition involving oxygen atoms and vacancies in the Cu-O basal planes of the superconductor ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{6+\ensuremath{\delta}}$ was studied under several oxygen partial pressures. The transition is second order in nature, shows small hysteresis probably due to twin boundary kinetics, and always occurs at the same oxygen concentration. The average site energy for an oxygen atom in the lattice is -3.41 eV. No superconductivity is found for a fully disordered sample.
Coordination of lower extremity multi-joint control strategies during the golf swing.

Abstract This study aimed to understand how players coordinate the multi-joint control strategies of the rear and target legs to satisfy the lower extremity and whole-body mechanical objectives during the golf swing when hitting shots with different clubs. Highly skilled golf players (n = 10) performed golf swings with a 6-iron and a driver. Joint kinetics were calculated using ground reaction forces and segment kinematics to determine net joint moments (NJMs) during the interval of interest within the downswing. Between club difference in NJMs and 3D support moments were compared across the group and within a player. Although player-specific multi-joint control strategies arose, players generally increased target leg ankle, knee, and hip NJMs when hitting with the driver while maintaining the relative contribution to the 3D support moment. Multi-joint control strategies used to control the target and rear legs were found to be different, yet the majority of the 3D support moment was produced by NJMs about an axis perpendicular to the leg planes. These results emphasize the importance of recognizing how an individual player coordinates multi-joint control from each leg, and highlights the need to design interventions that are player and leg specific to aid in improving player performance.
Endocannabinoids and Their Synthetic Analogs

The discovery of endogenous cannabinoids has provided a basis for understanding the structural requirements for activation of the two known cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoids are fatty acid analogs represented by N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endogenous ligands are biosynthesized and deactivated by a number of enzymes and a transporter system, all of which can be modulated by ligands whose structures can encompass the essential endocannabinoid features. For this reason a significant amount of work has sought to develop synthetic ligands structurally related to AEA and 2-AG. These ligands are being used to explore the structural features of the different cannabinergic proteins and have also proven to be valuable pharmacological tools for studying the physiology and biochemistry of the endocannabinoid system.
Dopamine Receptors and the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a devastating disorder caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the consequent loss of dopamine in the striatum. Dopamine replacement therapy with the dopamine precursor levodopa (l-DOPA), introduced in the 1960s, remains the most effective treatment. Unfortunately, l-DOPA, upon long-term administration, gradually loses its efficacy and eventually leads to severe motor complications, including dyskinesia. The data from numerous studies on Parkinson’s patients and animal models of the disease show a complex pattern of changes in multiple signaling pathways in the striatum induced by dopamine depletion. These include modulation of the expression and activity of several subtypes of dopamine receptors, G proteins, effectors, multiple protein kinases, components of the machinery for desensitization and trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors, ionotropic glutamate receptors, and transcription factors. Dopamine replacement therapy reverses many of these changes. However, select signaling effects are exacerbated and/or induced de novo by chronic treatment with l-DOPA. The l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia appears closely associated with selective increases in the activity of specific D1 receptor-dependent pathways. The contribution of D2 and D3 receptor-mediated signaling to dyskinesia development remains largely unexplored. The mechanisms underlying the further enhancement by l-DOPA of signaling pathways already made supersensitive by dopamine depletion need to be elucidated. The recently introduced long-lived dopamine agonists cause less dyskinesia than l-DOPA but are also less efficacious as antiparkinsonian agents. The clinically used DA agonists, which target D2-like receptors and often show preference for the D3 over D2 subtype, in addition to their antiparkinsonian action, may protect surviving dopaminergic neurons. Continuous delivery of l-DOPA or dopamine agonists, which mimics the physiological tonic stimulation of dopamine receptors, holds the promise of providing therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects. A much better understanding of the molecular processes underlying the therapeutic action of dopaminergic drugs and the development of dyskinesia is necessary in order to modify existing treatments and/or devise new approaches to maximize the beneficial effects of dopamine replacement and minimize the side effects.
Gap junctions and hemichannels in glia

Gap junctions (GJs) are unique large channels that connect the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells. Half GJs, called connexons or hemichannels (HC), expressed by individual cells may also be functionally active, and when open would connect a cell’s cytoplasm to extracellular space. Gap junctions mediate a primitive and important form of intercellular communication that is seen across phyla. Discovered in 1952 in heart muscle cells, GJs are expressed in most mammalian cells; mature skeletal muscle cells, spermatozoa, and erythrocytes are the only exceptions. Gap junction mediated coupling between glial cells was first noted in the leech central nervous system (CNS) by Stephen Kuffler and colleagues in 1964. In the mammalian CNS, connexins, the proteins that form GJs and HCs, are most abundantly expressed by glial cells. All subtypes of glia express connexins and GJs, with the possible exception of the newly defined NG2 cell. The characteristics and possible functions of GJs and HCs in glial cells are the focus of this review. First, however, some important general principles about these channels and the proteins that make them will be discussed.
Severe Rectal Injury Following Radiation for Prostatic Cancer

AbstractBetween 1970 and 1981, 348 patients underwent definitive irradiation. Of these patients 6 (1.7 per cent) sustained severe rectal injury as manifest by major rectal bleeding, rectal stricture, rectal mucosal slough and rectal ulceration. Severe rectal injury was observed in 0 of 13 patients (0 per cent) treated with 125iodine, 3 of 329 (1 per cent) treated with 6,400 to 6,800 rad external irradiation, 2 of 39 (5 per cent) treated with 7,000 to 7,300 rad external irradiation, and 1 of 7 (14 per cent) treated with 198gold and external irradiation. The impact of radiation dose, radiation therapy technique and surgical trauma was assessed.Rectal injury was managed by supportive measures in 2 patients and by diverting colostomy in 3 with benefit. One patient underwent abdominoperineal resection. A small bowel fistula and an intra-abdominal abscess developed, and the patient died.
Highly Graphitic Mesoporous Fe,N-Doped Carbon Materials for Oxygen Reduction Electrochemical Catalysts.

The synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic properties of mesoporous carbon materials doped with nitrogen atoms and iron are reported and compared for the catalyzed reduction of oxygen gas at fuel cell cathodes. Mixtures of common and inexpensive organic precursors, melamine, and formaldehyde were pyrolyzed in the presence of transition-metal salts (e.g., nitrates) within a mesoporous silica template to yield mesoporous carbon materials with greater extents of graphitization than those of others prepared from small-molecule precursors. In particular, Fe,N-doped carbon materials possessed high surface areas (∼800 m2/g) and high electrical conductivities (∼19 S/cm), which make them attractive for electrocatalyst applications. The surface compositions of the mesoporous Fe,N-doped carbon materials were postsynthetically modified by acid washing and followed by high-temperature thermal treatments, which were shown by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to favor the formation of graphitic and pyridinic n...
Diaspora and the nation: The case of the TeNA online forum:

First-generation Asian Americans are noted to be more involved in the politics back home than in the politics of the United States. The studies invested in analysing the causes for such attitudes h...
Surgical Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline Amendment 2019

Purpose:Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men and can have negative effects on quality of life (QoL). It is the hope that this Gu...
Cervical Facet Arthrography

Cervical arthrography was performed on 13 patients with putative cervical facet symptoms. Under fluoroscopic control, injection of radiopaque dye, local anesthetic, and depot steroid into the affected joint capsule was performed without complication. Eleven of the 13 patients had partial to complete pain relief during the 2-week to 6-month followup period.
Entropic selectivity in air separation via a bilayer nanoporous graphene membrane

Membranes represent an energy-efficient technology for air separation, but it is difficult to control the pore size to separate N2 and O2 due to their similar kinetic diameters. Here we demonstrate by molecular dynamics simulations that a bilayer nanoporous graphene membrane with continuously tunable pore sizes by the offset between the two graphene layers can achieve O2/N2 selectivity of up to 26 with a permeance of over 105 GPU (gas permeation unit). We find that entropic selectivity is the main reason behind the high selectivity via the tumbling movement of the skinnier and shorter O2 molecules entering and passing through the elliptic-cylinder-shaped nanopores of the bilayer membrane. Such motion is absent in the single-layer graphene membrane with pores of similar size and shape which yields an O2/N2 selectivity of only 6 via molecular sieving alone. Hence the bilayer nanoporous graphene membrane provides a novel way to enhance the entropic selectivity for gas separation by controlling both the pore size and the 3D pore shape.
Loss of Recall and the Hippocampal Circuit Effects Produced by Anesthetics

In the last decade, there has been a tremendous interest in the effects produced by general anesthetics on learning and memory. This has occurred for several reasons, including the rare but devastating clinical consequences of failing to block recall during surgery, the recognition that amnesia is an important component of anesthesia, a refined understanding of the synaptic basis for information storage, and an interest in using anesthetics as tools to probe learning and memory circuits in the brain. Also during this time, powerful new experimental approaches have been brought into focus to study anesthetic actions on learning. This chapter will review new findings that have emerged from this intersection of combined interest and detailed physiological studies of anesthetic effects on the circuits underlying learning and memory.
A BCI Gaze Sensing Method Using Low Jitter Code Modulated VEP

Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are used in clinical applications in ophthalmology, neurology, and extensively in brain–computer interface (BCI) research. Many BCI implementations utilize steady-state VEP (SSVEP) and/or code modulated VEP (c-VEP) as inputs, in tandem with sophisticated methods to improve information transfer rates (ITR). There is a gap in knowledge regarding the adaptation dynamics and physiological generation mechanisms of the VEP response, and the relation of these factors with BCI performance. A simple, dual pattern display setup was used to evoke VEPs and to test signatures elicited by non-isochronic, non-singular, low jitter stimuli at the rates of 10, 32, 50, and 70 reversals per second (rps). Non-isochronic, low-jitter stimulation elicits quasi-steady-state VEPs (QSS-VEPs) that are utilized for the simultaneous generation of transient VEP and QSS-VEP. QSS-VEP is a special case of c-VEPs, and it is assumed that it shares similar generators of the SSVEPs. Eight subjects were recorded, and the performance of the overall system was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, accuracy plots, and ITRs. In summary, QSS-VEPs performed better than transient VEPs (TR-VEP). It was found that in general, 32 rps stimulation had the highest ROC area, accuracy, and ITRs. Moreover, QSS-VEPs were found to lead to higher accuracy by template matching compared to SSVEPs at 32 rps. To investigate the reasons behind this, adaptation dynamics of transient VEPs and QSS-VEPs at all four rates were analyzed and speculated.