cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two Mechanisms: The Role of Social Capital and Industrial Pollution Exposure in Explaining Racial Disparities in Self-Rated Health

This study provides an empirical test of two mechanisms (social capital and exposure to air pollution) that are theorized to mediate the effect of neighborhood on health and contribute to racial disparities in health outcomes. To this end, we utilize the Social Capital Benchmark Study, a national survey of individuals nested within communities in the United States, to estimate how multiple dimensions of social capital and exposure to air pollution, explain racial disparities in self-rated health. Our main findings show that when controlling for individual-confounders, and nesting within communities, our indicator of cognitive bridging, generalized trust, decreases the gap in self-rated health between African Americans and Whites by 84%, and the gap between Hispanics and Whites by 54%. Our other indicator of cognitive social capital, cognitive linking as represented by engagement in politics, decreases the gap in health between Hispanics and Whites by 32%, but has little impact on African Americans. We also assessed whether the gap in health was explained by respondents’ estimated exposure to toxicity-weighted air pollutants from large industrial facilities over the previous year. Our results show that accounting for exposure to these toxins has no effect on the racial gap in self-rated health in these data. This paper contributes to the neighborhood effects literature by examining the impact that estimated annual industrial air pollution, and multiple measures of social capital, have on explaining the racial gap in health in a sample of individuals nested within communities across the United States.
Big Data, Little Data, No Data: Scholarship in the Networked World

Data has become a major focus in the field of information library science (ILS), motivated, to a large degree, by national data sharing policies, open access, and the knowledge that underlies the d...
Adjusting Health Expenditures for Inflation: A Review of Measures for Health Services Research in the United States

Objective To provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate price index for adjusting health expenditures or costs for inflation. Data Sources Major price index series produced by federal statistical agencies. Study Design We compare the key characteristics of each index and develop suggestions on specific indexes to use in many common situations and general guidance in others. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Price series and methodological documentation were downloaded from federal websites and supplemented with literature scans. Principal Findings The gross domestic product implicit price deflator or the overall Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index is preferable to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) to adjust for general inflation, in most cases. The Personal Health Care (PHC) index or the PCE health-by-function index is generally preferred to adjust total medical expenditures for inflation. The CPI medical care index is preferred for the adjustment of consumer out-of-pocket expenditures for inflation. A new, experimental disease-specific Medical Care Expenditure Index is now available to adjust payments for disease treatment episodes. Conclusions There is no single gold standard for adjusting health expenditures for inflation. Our discussion of best practices can help researchers select the index best suited to their study.
Dipole-dipole interactions mediated by epsilon-and-mu-near-zero waveguide supercoupling [Invited]

We propose augmenting dipole-dipole interactions with the use of epsilon-and-mu-near-zero (EMNZ) supercoupling. In particular, we demonstrate via numerical simulations that this tunneling effect enables the coupling of two distant (arbitrarily located and oriented) quantum emitters as if they were located in the proximity of each other and within a straight waveguide. This effect is empowered by the zero phase advance and geometry independent nature of EMNZ supercoupling. We expect that this mechanism might be exploited in the development of waveguide QED setups, for example, by relaxing the requirements in positioning the emitters, and/or by facilitating the design and integration of complex waveguide networks with intricate geometry. To finalize, we also provide proposals for the design of several potential realizations of this concept, including a simple microwave waveguide setup, of interest for future proof-of-concept experiments, as well as an all-dielectric platform, suitable for operation at optical frequencies and integration on a chip.
Malcolm Malcolmson's Bible: Rival Epistemologies in Bram Stoker's “The Judge's House”

“The Judge's House,” one of Dracula author Bram Stoker's best-known works of short fiction, is a horror tale in which Malcolm Malcolmson, a young college student, rents a haunted house to study for...
DOES HEMODILUTION EXIST : EFFECTS OF SALINE INFUSION ON HEMATOLOGIC PARAMETERS IN EUVOLEMIC SUBJECTS

The effects of intravenous fluids on hematocrit are debated. We sought to determine whether maintenance or bolus fluid therapy causes a significant change in the hematocrit and other hematologic parameters included in the complete blood count. Nine subjects completed a randomized three-period crossover designed trial in which they were given no fluid, maintenance fluid, or a bolus of fluid followed by maintenance fluid. We measured complete blood counts at baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours. In the bolus fluid trial, the hemoglobin and hematocrit values (mean +/- SEM) decreased by a maximum of 1.5 +/- 0.1 g/dL and 4.1 +/- 0.3% at 1 hour. There was no difference in hemoglobin or hematocrit during the no fluid or maintenance fluid treatments. No significant changes occurred in white blood cell or platelet counts. We demonstrated that maintenance fluid infusions do not significantly after the complete blood count. Saline bolus is associated with a significant decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit, but these parameters trend toward baseline over time.
Everolimus and transarterial embolization (TAE) for hepatic metastasis in neuroendocrine tumors (NET).

485Background: TAE of hepatic metastases is effective loco-regional therapy for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients. Transarterial chemotherapy (TACE) and transarterial radiotherapy (TARE) are othe...
Impact of exercise on regadenoson side effects during myocardial perfusion stress imaging

2003 Objectives A new selective, A2A Adenosine receptor agonist is now available for pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusion stress imaging. We hypothesized that the use of treadmill exercise might impact the side effects considered with this agent. Methods 643 consecutive in patients and out patients underwent myocardial perfusion stress imaging of which 360 were female, mean age 66.8 ± 12.4, mean BMI 30.8 ± 7.5 and 126 had history of COPD/asthma. Results There were no major side effects or malignant arrhythmias reported during stress test including no deaths. Major symptoms and parameters are described below in Table 1. Conclusions Regadenoson appears to be safe and well-tolerated. Shortness of breath and palpitations seem to be less frequent when patients are able to exercise. A significant fall in blood pressure seems to be more common in patients who exercise.
On the Link between Gaussian Homotopy Continuation and Convex Envelopes

The continuation method is a popular heuristic in computer vision for nonconvex optimization. The idea is to start from a simplified problem and gradually deform it to the actual task while tracking the solution. It was first used in computer vision under the name of graduated nonconvexity. Since then, it has been utilized explicitly or implicitly in various applications. In fact, state-of-the-art optical flow and shape estimation rely on a form of continuation. Despite its empirical success, there is little theoretical understanding of this method. This work provides some novel insights into this technique. Specifically, there are many ways to choose the initial problem and many ways to progressively deform it to the original task. However, here we show that when this process is constructed by Gaussian smoothing, it is optimal in a specific sense. In fact, we prove that Gaussian smoothing emerges from the best affine approximation to Vese’s nonlinear PDE. The latter PDE evolves any function to its convex envelope, hence providing the optimal convexification.
Origins of Foreign Direct Investment in Croatia: Application of an Expanded Gravity Model

This paper examines the origins of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Republic of Croatia, paying special attention to gravity effects. The gravity model posits that interaction between two countries is positively associated with their mass and negatively associated with the distance between them. Six expanded gravity models are set forth to analyze FDI into Croatia, with dependent variables defined as cumulative FDI value from 2000 to 2009, FDI during the global recession (2008–2009), and FDI measured by the number of transactions. Results show that Croatia fits a distinctive transition economy scenario that favors follow-the-leader firms from nearby (especially EU) origins. Another key finding is the role of shared history, which favors firms from the successor states of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Yugoslavia. Policy implications of the results include a call for government action to enhance FDI facilitation and overcome remaining barriers for foreign firms.
Fueling Prediction of Player Decisions: Foundations of Feature Engineering for Optimized Behavior Modeling in Serious Games

As a digital learning medium, serious games can be powerful, immersive educational vehicles and provide large data streams for understanding player behavior. Educational data mining and learning analytics can effectively leverage big data in this context to heighten insight into student trajectories and behavior profiles. In application of these methods, distilling event-stream data down to a set of salient features for analysis (i.e. feature engineering) is a vital element of robust modeling. This paper presents a process for systematic game-based feature engineering to optimize insight into player behavior: the IDEFA framework (Integrated Design of Event-stream Features for Analysis). IDEFA aligns game design and data collection for high-resolution feature engineering, honed through critical, iterative interplay with analysis. Building on recent research in game-based data mining, we empirically investigate IDEFA application in serious games. Results show that behavioral models which used a full feature set produced more meaningful results than those with no feature engineering, with greater insight into impactful learning interactions, and play trajectories characterizing groups of players. This discovery of emergent player behavior is fueled by the data framework, resultant base data stream, and rigorous feature creation process put forward in IDEFA—integrating iterative design, feature engineering, and analysis for optimal insight into serious play.
The Current Role of Dual Mobility Articulations in Total Hip Arthroplasty

The concept of dual mobility (DM) bearings in total hip arthroplasty was first introduced by Professors Gilles Bousquet and Andre Rambert in France in 1974 with the goal of enhancing hip stability. Although DM did not receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for commercial use in the United States until 2009, there has been a surge in popularity of DM implants over the past several years, evidenced by the American Joint Replacement Registry data. The enthusiasm for DM stems from a growing body of literature that supports its use across a range of patient populations, most notably revision hip arthroplasty and high-risk primary scenarios. DM has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of dislocation while also exhibiting excellent survivorship. DM does incur some unique risks, namely, intraprosthetic dissociation, but many of the early concerns with DM have not been realized in the literature and do not seem to negatively impact its long-term survivorship. The exact indications for DM have yet to be defined and remain a matter of debate. It should be considered as an alternative for any primary or revision hip arthroplasty at high risk for postoperative instability. In this article, the authors review the current literature regarding the clinical success of DM implants for a variety of indications, all of which predispose to hip instability. The history, basic biomechanics, modern designs, and unique complications are also discussed.
Conclusions on the Growth of Firms in Less-Developed Countries

Drawing on the results obtained from the analysis, this book argues that firm growth is not just a macro or micro issue, but derives from the interactions among both macro and micro factors. For this reason, the investigation focused on the integration of different perspectives to understand the macro and micro factors involved and how they affect firm growth. We applied different frameworks to improve (illuminate) our understanding of these macro and micro interactions in the context of firm growth in a less-developed economy such as Kosovo.
A Psychopharmacology Guide by Psychiatrists for Non-psychiatrists

Non-psychiatric providers are increasingly called upon to provide medical treatment for their patients suffering from neuropsychiatric illnesses. If pharmacotherapy is elected as a mode of treatment, this chapter will aid clinicians in selecting the most appropriate medication. The choice of medication requires that the provider consider the patient’s medical comorbidities as well as any other medications that the patient may be taking to avoid untoward iatrogenic adverse events. An appreciation of potential side effects related to the various types of medications commonly prescribed to address psychiatric conditions is also imperative and outlined in the chapter.
The Neural Replication of Sensory Events in the Somatic Afferent System

The investigator interested in the neural mechanisms of sensation and perception wishes first to define the neural activities which compose the central reflection of sensory events—the neural replication of the external world seen across sheets of sensory receptors. This leads him inevitably to what I believe is one of the major problems with which we are concerned in this symposium. On the one hand is the commonly held idea that there is represented in neural space and time an isomorphic phantom of the real world, a phantom then surmised to be interfaced with some other process of uncertain nature which, deriving input from this conjunction, evolves an activity of its own which is regarded as a basically mental or psychic thing, as perception, consciousness, and the other concomitant aspects of the inner life of man.
Viscous dissipation in two-dimensional compression of turbulence

Nonradial hydrodynamic flow can be generated or amplified during plasma compression by various mechanisms, including the compression itself. In certain circumstances, the plasma may reach a viscous state; for example, in compression experiments seeking fusion, the fuel plasma may reach a viscous state late in the compression due in part to the rising fuel temperature. Here, we consider viscous dissipation of nonradial flow in the case of initially isotropic, three-dimensional (3D), turbulent flow fields compressed at constant velocity in two dimensions. Prior work in the case of 3D compressions has shown the possibility of effective viscous dissipation of nonradial flow under compression. We show that, theoretically, complete viscous dissipation of the nonradial flow should still occur in the 2D case when the plasma heating is adiabatic and the viscosity has the (strong) Braginskii temperature dependence ( μ∼T5/2). However, in the general case, the amount of compression required is very large even for modest initial Reynolds numbers, with the compression reaching an intermediate state dominated by variations only in the noncompressed direction. We show that both the nonlinearity and boundary conditions can play important roles in setting the characteristics and ease of the viscous dissipation.
5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural restores low-oxygen rheology of sickle trait blood in vitro.

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is the benign heterozygous carrier state for the sickle variant of the HBB gene. Most of the ~300 million people with SCT worldwide will not experience any significant complications. However, accumulating evidence finds SCT associated with increased risk for the common conditions of chronic kidney disease and venous thromboembolism, and severe but rare renal medullary carcinoma and exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. The mechanism is uncertain, but probably involves pathological rheology of SCT blood in regions of low oxygen tension, resulting from sickle haemoglobin polymerization in SCT red cells and leading to reduced blood flow and further tissue hypoxia and damage. Here, we used an in vitro microfluidic flow system to study the oxygen-dependent rheology of SCT blood and show that 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, a natural breakdown product of glucose and fructose-containing foods, such as fruit juices, can reduce the effects of hypoxia on SCT blood rheology in vitro, restoring near-normal flow velocities at very low oxygen. While opinions regarding the clinical significance of the risks associated with SCT are still evolving, these results suggest that a compound present in some food may provide a potential approach for managing risks that may be associated with SCT.
Administrators’ Roles: Providing Special Educators with Opportunities to Learn and Enact Effective Reading Practices for Students With EBD:

Special educators are responsible for providing quality reading instruction to students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), but they often experience difficulties fulfilling this respons...
Protecting survey data on a consumer level

This paper offers an easy-to-implement approach to protect multivariate survey data common in marketing, such as attitudes and demographics. Our approach preserves multivariate distributions by releasing a protected data set with privacy protections. The data represent a highly detailed multivariate survey with severe privacy issues that enables us to demonstrate the tradeoff between data utility and data privacy. We create a data privacy metric that quantifies the ability of a data intruder successfully identify survey respondents and their sensitive responses. We provide data privacy measurements for a variety of competitor methods such as sampling and random noise addition and we show that by comparison, our approach can prevent a data intruder from targeting individuals while maintaining a very high level of data utility.
Influence of Ag metal dispersion on the thermal conversion of ethanol to butadiene over Ag-ZrO2/SiO2 catalysts

Abstract Atomistic scale models were developed and coupled with experimental investigation to deliver a functional understanding of catalytic activity and selectivity in the conversion of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene over Ag/ZrO2/SiO2. A detailed evaluation of the structural and electronic properties of the resultant catalyst models led to the identification of critical active sites of the catalyst. More importantly, the extent of Ag dispersion on the SiO2 support and relative proximity to ZrO2 were found to vary with the oxidation state of Ag and local coordination environment (Ag-OSiO2), allowing for critical control of ethanol conversion towards butadiene or ethylene. Simulations revealed that less dispersed or clustered Ag contain predominantly Ag0 charge state and promote conversion of ethanol to ethylene. The well-dispersed Ag/ZrO2/SiO2 catalyst instead contain a larger fraction of cationic Agδ+ and predominantly promote ethanol dehydrogenation and subsequent production of butadiene. The theoretical insights drawn were validated and confirmed experimentally using TEM, XRD and reactivity measurements demonstrating the effect of Ag dispersion on the selectivity of ethanol conversion.
Management of Hypothyroidism in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background and Objectives: Thyroid hormones (TH) affect cardiac function through effects on cardiac contractility and systemic vascular resistance. While TH replacement for patients with hypothyroidism might be necessary for restoration of cardiac output after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it could theoretically lead to excessively rapid restoration of the metabolic rate. The appropriate management of hypothyroidism in patients with AMI is unknown. We describe the practice patterns in the management of hypothyroidism in the setting of AMI as well as patients’ clinical outcomes. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of patients that were admitted to a tertiary care hospital with AMI and newly diagnosed or uncontrolled hypothyroidism (TSH ≥ 10 mIU/L) between 2011–2018. Eligible patients were identified using diagnosis codes for AMI and laboratory values, followed by medical record review. We categorized patients according to treatment status with TH and by degree of hypothyroidism. Clinical outcomes included: 30-day mortality/readmission, bleeding, stroke, arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death, and new or worsening heart failure. Summary statistics and group comparisons are presented. Results: Sixty-four patients were included, their median age was 64 years and 61% (n = 39) were women. Most of the patients (59%) had a documented history of hypothyroidism. Of these, all were restarted on levothyroxine (LT4) during the index admission when compared to patients without a history of hypothyroidism, of which 54% received LT4 treatment (p = 0.001). The median TSH in those treated with LT4 was higher (25 mIU/L) when compared to those who were not (12 mIU/L), (p = 0.007). Patients who received intravenous LT4 had higher TSH levels and other variables suggesting worse clinical presentation, but these differences were not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were noted on clinical outcomes according to LT4 treatment status. Conclusion: A history of hypothyroidism and the degree of TSH elevation seem to guide the management of hypothyroidism in patients with AMI. The clinical effect of correcting hypothyroidism in this setting requires further evaluation.
The Invisible Pandemic of Grief: Finding Meaning in Our Collective Pain:

Globally, educators approach screens full of faces in a scene becoming more common in daily practice. This harrowing time of pandemic has opened a range of emotions not only for our students, but w...
Building Pythonic Pyramids in Nigeria

This paper describes a Python-based "Mathematical Software" class that was conducted at the University of Ilorin (Ilorin, Nigeria) in November-December 2017. Unlike previous classes at the university, the class was activity-based, with brief instructional talks by the instructor interspersed with periods where students worked exercises. Before the class, a preliminary workshop was conducted to train graduate students in Python: the workshop’s purpose was to initiate a “learning pyramid”, whereby a smaller group of trained students would provide in-class assistance to less advanced students, thereby increasing interactivity while improving their own competency. This paper describes the class in more detail, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, and evaluates the potential of this instructional model as a template for other computer science classes in Nigeria.
Composition of Geographic-Based Component Simulation Models

Separate simulation models (e.g., agent-based models) may depend on spatial data associated with geographic locations. Use of autonomous interaction models allows independent models to be composed into an aggregate model without alteration of the composed models. The Geographic Knowledge Interchange Broker (GeoKIB) is proposed as a mediator of spatial-temporal models. The GeoKIB regulates unidirectional interactions between composed models of the same type or not. Different input and output data types are supported depending on whether data transmission is passive or active. Synchronization of time-tagged input and output values is made possible via connections to shared simulation clocks. A spatial conversion algorithm transforms any two-dimensional geographic data map for another region of different map cell sizes and boundaries. A composition of a cellular automaton and an agent-based model is developed to demonstrate the proposed approach for spatially-based heterogeneous model composition with the GeoKIB.
Differences in Quit Attempts, Successful Quits, Methods, and Motivations in a Longitudinal Cohort of Adult Tobacco Users by Sexual Orientation.

Introduction Sexual minority (SM) tobacco users are less likely to successfully quit than heterosexuals, yet little evidence describes cessation behaviors in this population over time. Our study investigated quit motivations, attempts, and methods in a longitudinal cohort of adult tobacco users by sexual orientation. Methods Participants (N = 1177) completed interviews every 6 months through 48 months and reported quit attempts (24-hours tobacco free), successful quits (7-day point prevalence abstinence), motivations, and methods. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests assessed differences by heterosexual and SM orientation, gender, and quit outcome (attempt-only vs. successful quit). Results Quit rates were similar for heterosexual and SM adults. Over half attempted to quit at least once over 48 months, but few remained abstinent (SM: 16.9%; heterosexual: 12.1%). Most used nicotine replacement therapy (SM: 31.9%; heterosexual: 26.1%) or tobacco product substitution (SM: 27.7%; heterosexual: 21.2%). Few used quitlines (SM: 4.3%; heterosexual: 1.3%) or internet-based programs (SM: 6.4%; heterosexual: 1.3%). Quit motivations included health concerns, family, and physical fitness. Participants reporting a successful quit were more likely to report a household member quit smoking than 24-hour quit attempters. Among participants reporting a successful quit, more SM than heterosexual participants reported that a coworker quit smoking (55.6% vs 33.1%, p = .009). Conclusions We found few differences between heterosexual and SM tobacco users in our sample. Many repeatedly attempt to quit, yet few used evidence-based methods. Leveraging online quit programs, health messages, and family members in tailored cessation interventions may help SM and heterosexual tobacco users successfully quit. Implications Sexual minority (SM) and heterosexual tobacco users evidenced few differences in quit behaviors. Over 4-years, a majority attempted to quit, with over a third making repeated quit attempts. Nicotine replacement therapy and tobacco product substitution were mostly used during quit attempts; however, more SM than heterosexual men reported using web-based quit programs. Personal health and family concerns were universal motivations to quit, yet SM women also cited physical fitness as a primary motivation. Tobacco users reporting that a household member stopped smoking were more likely to successfully quit. More SM than heterosexual men reported that a co-worker quit smoking.
‘Anything is helpful’: examining tensions and barriers towards a more LGBT-inclusive healthcare organization in the United States

Semi-structured interviews (N = 34) were conducted with employees at a healthcare organization to explore their perspectives on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) inclusion in their wor...
Mechanisms Underlying Motivational Deficits in Psychopathology: Similarities and Differences in Depression and Schizophrenia

Motivational and hedonic impairments are core aspects of a variety of types of psychopathology. These impairments cut across diagnostic categories and may be critical to understanding major aspects of the functional impairments accompanying psychopathology. Given the centrality of motivational and hedonic systems to psychopathology, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative includes a “positive valence” systems domain that outlines a number of constructs that may be key to understanding the nature and mechanisms of motivational and hedonic impairments in psychopathology. These component constructs include initial responsiveness to reward, reward anticipation or expectancy, incentive or reinforcement learning, effort valuation, and action selection. Here, we review behavioral and neuroimaging studies providing evidence for impairments in these constructs in individuals with psychosis versus in individuals with depressive pathology. There are important differences in the nature of reward-related and hedonic deficits associated with psychosis versus depression that have major implications for our understanding of etiology and treatment development. In particular, the literature strongly suggests the presence of impairments in in-the-moment hedonics or “liking” in individuals with depressive pathology, particularly among those who experience anhedonia. Such deficits may propagate forward and contribute to impairments in other constructs that are dependent on hedonic responses, such as anticipation, learning, effort, and action selection. Such hedonic impairments could reflect alterations in dopamine and/or opioid signaling in the striatum related to depression or specifically to anhedonia in depressed populations. In contrast, the literature points to relatively intact in-the-moment hedonic processing in psychosis, but provides much evidence for impairments in other components involved in translating reward to action selection. Particularly, individuals with schizophrenia exhibit altered reward prediction and associated striatal and prefrontal activation, impaired reward learning, and impaired reward-modulated action selection.
Evidence in Tissint for recent subsurface water on Mars

We report unambiguous chemical evidence for subsurface water activity in the martian crust at <600 Ma based on the data from Tissint, a fresh martian meteorite fall with minimal terrestrial weathering. The impact-melt pockets in Tissint contain abundant volatiles (H_2O, CO_2, F, and Cl), and their concentrations are positively correlated with each other. Higher H_2O concentrations also accompany higher deuterium contents. These correlations suggest mixing between two volatile sources. The first source is H_2O in the precursor basalt inherited from martian magma. Magmatic H_2O in the basalt had low deuterium concentration and was likely stored in the nominally anhydrous minerals. This source contributed little CO_2 or halogens to the impact melts. The second source is inferred to be aqueous-alteration products introduced to the basalt by water activity after the basalt erupted. These alteration materials contributed more volatiles to the impact melts than the magmatic source, and had high deuterium abundance, reflecting isotope equilibrium with recent martian atmosphere. The water activities occurred beneath the martian surface after ∼600 Ma (crystallization age), but before ∼1 Ma (ejection age). The chemical and isotopic signatures of the alteration products in Tissint resemble previously known martian samples associated with old water activities on Mars, which can be traced back to ∼4.2 billion years ago (e.g., the mudstone at Gale Crater). This similarity in chemistry and the wide age-span indicate that such water activities were common on Mars throughout its history, which had the potential to form habitable environment. However, the rarity of the volatile-rich zone in Tissint suggests that Martian crustal aqueous processes, where they have occurred are generally limited in their extent of water–rock reaction.
Phenotypic and functional profiling of GM-CSF- and M-CSF-driven macrophages (111.18)

Monocyte-derived macrophages(MΦs) are a heterogeneous population of cells. MΦ function is dependent on polarization to M1 (proinflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes. Described inconsistencies in M1 and M1 vs. M2 function may be due to different differentiation protocols. We performed analysis of GM-CSF-driven and M-CSF-driven M1 and M2 cells. Monocyte-to-MΦ differentiation was driven by exposure to GM-CSF or M-CSF for 6 days. GM-CSF-driven MΦs were polarized toward M1(GM-M1) with LPS+IFNγ; alternatively, M-CSF-driven MΦs were polarized toward M1(MC-M1) with LPS+INFγ or toward M2 with IL-4. MΦ phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry, ELISA and qRT-PCR. GM-M1, MC-M1 and M2 cells have distinct morphologies as well as different expression patterns of (1) scavenger receptors (SR-A, LDLR, CD36, SR-B1); (2) surface markers (CD14, CD16, CD36, CD80, CD163); and (3) cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNFα, IFNγ). CD14, CD16, CD36, and CD163 expression was significantly higher in M2 than in MC-M1 or GM-M1 MΦs. CD80 expression was higher in both M1 populations compared to M2 cells. IL-10 expression was higher in MC-M1 than in GM-M1 or M2 cells; IL-12 expression was detected only in GM-M1 cells. Finally, MC-M1 cells had more phagocytic activity than GM-M1 cells. Our results characterize the profiles of GM-CSF and MC-SF driven MΦs. A rigorous analysis of MΦ polarization may facilitate the search for novel therapeutic strategies in disease prevention and treatment.
On Approximation by Rational Functions of Class L1

Let S = {z k }, 0 ≤ |z 1|≤ |z 2|≤…, be a countably infinite set in the complex plane ℂ with no limit points in ℂ. We denote by B S the collection of functions f(z), analytic in ℂ\S, possessing finite L 1 norm, $$ \parallel f\parallel = \iint\limits_C {|f(z)|}dxdy < \infty \qquad (z = x + iy). $$
A concept visualization study of a parallel computing program

Conceptual visualization is proposed in this paper to facilitate reading and understanding parallel programs. This addresses the need to better understand high performance program codes, especially, in an environment where the codes reflect the diversity in architecture as well as in programming and language models. A relational model is developed to represent abstractions about the program. High level abstractions are termed concepts in this work. A visualization technique based on the relation hierarchy and composed of two distinct visualization models is further proposed in this paper. A study of a simple MPI parallel program is made. Various visualizations from both of the proposed visualization models are included and discussed. Combined, the visualizations provide for qualitative and quantitative aspects relating to the concepts in the given program. This study suggests that the proposed visualizations do facilitate the understanding of parallel programs.
Methodology and preliminary findings towards the characterization and evaluation of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths for fixed broadband wireless communications for emergency and disaster response

Fixed broadband microwave communications are usually considered line-of-sight (LOS) technologies. Conventional wisdom holds that non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths are of insufficient quality for broadband commercial deployments. However, it is possible that the only links available in an emergency deployment are NLOS paths. Since little work has been published regarding the usefulness of these channels, the proposed measurement campaign will be focused on characterizing these channels and evaluating their potential to carry digital data with a desired fidelity. Field measurements are expected to begin in April, 2003 and will include channel impulse response measurements as well as bit error rate (BER) tests. Preliminary simulations have been run that demonstrate the dependence of BER on the complex channel impulse response rather than on certain statistics of the power delay profile. Early indications are that BER degradations due to the amplitude variation of the channel frequency response can be related to the variance of the amplitudes across the frequency band of interest.
Compiling to a Register-Oriented Architecture

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Using the Register Instruction Set Modifications to the Symbol Table for R1 Parser and Code Generator for R1 Problems
Pathophysiology of potassium absorption and secretion by the human intestine

When normal people ingest 90 mEq/day of K+ in their diet, they absorb about 90% of intake (81 mEq) and excrete an equivalent amount of K+ in the urine. Normal fecal K+ excretion averages about 9 mEq/day. The vast majority of intestinal K+ absorption occurs in the small intestine; the contribution of the normal colon to net K+ absorption and secretion is trivial. K+ is absorbed or secreted mainly by passive mechanisms; the rectum and perhaps the sigmoid colon have the capacity to actively secrete K+, but the quantitative and physiological significance of this active secretion is uncertain. Hyperaldosteronism increases fecal K+ excretion by about 3 mEq/day in people with otherwise normal intestinal tracts. Cation exchange resin by mouth can increase fecal K+ excretion to 40 mEq/day. The absorptive mechanisms of K+ are not disturbed by diarrhea per se, but fecal K+ losses are increased in diarrheal diseases by unabsorbed anions (which obligate K+), by electrochemical gradients secondary to active chloride secretion, and probably by secondary hyperaldosteronism. In diarrhea, total body K+ can be reduced by two mechanisms: loss of muscle mass because of malnutrition and reduced net absorption of K+; only the latter causes hypokalemia. Balance studies in patients with diarrhea are exceedingly rare, but available data emphasize an important role for dietary K+ intake, renal K+ excretion, and fecal K+ losses in determining whether or not a patient develops hypokalemia. The paradoxical negative K+ balance induced by ureterosigmoid anastomosis is described. The concept that fecal K+ excretion is markedly elevated in patients with uremia as an intestinal adaptation to prevent hyperkalemia is analyzed; we conclude that the data do not convincingly show the existence of a major intestinal adaptive response to chronic renal failure.
Feature discovery and sensor discrimination in a network of distributed radar sensors for target tracking

A spatially distributed network of radar sensors is being used for target tracking and for generating a single integrated aerial picture (SIAP). In such a network generally each sensor sends whatever target track/association information it has to every other sensor. This has the disadvantage of requiring more communication bandwidth and processing power. One of the ways to reduce the communication bandwidth and the processing power is to discover features that would improve the target detection/track accuracy and activate those sensors that would provide the missing information and, form clusters of sensors that have consistent information. We describe a minimax entropy based technique for feature discovery and within class entropy based technique for feature/sensor discrimination. After discovering the features, those sensors that can provide the discovered features are activated. The decision based on the sensor discrimination is used in cluster formation. The experimental details and simulation results that are provided here indicate that these metrics are efficient in discovering features and in discriminating sensors. The techniques described are dynamic in nature - as it acquires information it is making a decision on whether it is from a good sensor in terms of consistency. This has the advantage of discarding non-valid information dynamically and making progressive decision.
The Political Economy of Transnational Terrorism

Clearly, the events of September 11, 2001 (henceforth 9/11), heightened the public's awareness of the threat posed by modern-day terrorism. For global society, 9/11 was a defining moment for a number of reasons. First, the sheer magnitude of the attack and the resulting carnage of almost 3,000 killed were unprecedented in terms of terrorist attacks. Second, the associated financial losses and repercussions of $80 to $90 billion was far greater than those associated with the most catastrophic natural disaster to date (Kunreuther and Michel-Kerjan 2004). Financial consequences were particularly heavy on the airline industry, tourism, and insurance. Third, 9/11 aptly underscored the vulnerabilities of modern society to terrorist attacks that could use an everyday object to cause havoc and terror. Fourth, 9/11 created an ongoing financial commitment to homeland security that devours scarce resources. Fifth, 9/11 set the bar for future attacks as terrorists try to outdo the magnitude of past attacks to capture and maintain media attention. In their quest to eventually top 9/11, terrorists will resort to larger conventional attacks or even weapons of mass destruction, most likely chemical or radiological in nature. Another defining moment came on March 11, 2004 (henceforth 3/11), with the attacks on the Madrid commuter trains and stations where 191 died and more than 1,200 were injured. The events of 3/11 made clear that such callous and deadly attacks could occur virtually anywhere. Nations that support a prime-target nation, such as the United States, may itself become a venue for terrorism. The Madrid attacks also showed that a well-timed terrorist incident could have significant political ramifications. In addition, 3/11 demonstrated that terrorists will respond to security upgrades
Regulation of Catalases in Arabidopsis

The catalase multi-gene family in Arabidopsis includes three genes encoding individual subunits which associate to form at least six isozymes that are readily resolved by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. CAT1 and CAT3 map to chromosome 1, and CAT2 maps to chromosome 4. The nucleotide and deduced amino acids sequences of the three coding regions are highly related to each other and to other catalases. Both the individual isozymes and the individual subunit mRNAs show distinct patterns of spatial (organ-specific) expression. Six isozymes are detected in flowers and leaves and two are seen in roots. All three mRNAs are highly expressed in inflorescences, and CAT2 and CAT3 are highly expressed in leaves. All three mRNAs are detectable in freshly imbibed seeds, although the pattern of mRNA relative abundance varies among the three genes during early germination. CAT1 and CAT2 mRNA abundance is induced by light. In contrast, CAT3 is negatively light-responsive. CAT2 and CAT3 mRNA abundance is controlled by the circadian clock. Interestingly, the peak in CAT3 mRNA abundance occurs in the subjective evening, which is out of phase with expression of the Arabidopsis CAT2 catalase gene that shows clock-regulated expression gated to the subjective early morning. CAT1 mRNA abundance is not clock-regulated.
Human antibodies to human IgA globulins.

Abstract Human antibodies to IgA globulin have been demonstrated in human sera by a passive hemagglutination method using as antigens IgA myeloma proteins coupled to inert indicator red cells. The vast majority of sera containing such agglutinators occur in patients with little or no serum IgA and normal levels of IgG and/or IgM. Specificity of the antibodies was shown by inhibition of agglutination. The antibodies of different sera appear directed toward different antigenic sites in the alpha chains. Such sera may prove useful in demonstrating allotypic genetically determined antigens in IgA molecules analogous to the Gm factors of IgG molecules.
SU‐GG‐J‐89: Evaluation of the Internal Target Tracking Algorithms in a Commercial Research Fluoroscopic Toolkit

Purpose: A means of tracking internal target or structure motion in x‐ray images is important for monitoring motion at treatment. We evaluate the accuracy and robustness of several tracking algorithms in a commercial research toolkit with patient images.Method and Materials: Anterior/posterior view fluoroscopic images (10/s) over several respiratory cycles in the thorax or abdomen are acquired with a gantry‐mounted kV imaging system immediately after radiation treatment. We compare three tracking algorithms available in the research toolkit with manual tracking: single implanted fiducial or surgical clip, diaphragm, and markerless tracking of tumor in lung. The latter mode provides separation of moving features from stationary features in the images, for improved extraction of motion signals. For each algorithm, the position of the object in the superior‐inferior direction is compared to the manually determined one in each image in the sequence. We also determine the mean and variance discrepancy between algorithm and manual tracking. Intra‐observer variability is determined from repeated manual tracking of a subset of fluoro sequences. The percentage of images in which discrepancy is <5mm is taken as a measure of algorithm robustness. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the algorithm‐manual difference were: Single Marker μ=0.53 mm, σ=0.92 mm, Diaphragm μ=0.88 mm, σ=1.4 mm, and markerless μ=2.06 mm, σ=1.68 mm. This compares with an intra‐observer variability mean of ⩽ 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3.5 mm respectively. The discrepancy between algorithmic and manual tracking exceeding the robustness threshold occurred 0%, 2%, and 3% of the time of the three algorithms respectively. Conclusion: For the algorithms examined, the toolkit agreement with manual tracking is consistent with or less than intra‐observer variation. Future plans are to evaluate the toolkit's performance with multiple fiducials in close proximity, and at other gantry orientations.
Effects of Sporulation Conditions on the Germination and Germination Protein Levels of Bacillus subtilis Spores

Bacillus subtilis spores prepared in rich medium germinated faster with nutrient germinants than poor-medium spores as populations in liquid and multiple individual spores on a microscope slide. Poor-medium spores had longer average lag times between mixing of spores with nutrient germinants and initiation of Ca-dipicolinic acid (CaDPA) release. Rich-medium spores made at 37°C germinated slightly faster with nutrient germinants than 23°C spores in liquid, but not when spores germinated on a slide. The difference in germination characteristics of these spore populations in liquid was paralleled by changes in expression levels of a transcriptional lacZ fusion to the gerA operon, encoding a germinant receptor (GR). Levels of GR subunits were 3- to 8-fold lower in poor-medium spores than rich-medium spores and 1.6- to 2-fold lower in 23°C spores than 37°C spores, and levels of the auxiliary germination protein GerD were 3.5- to 4-fold lower in poor medium and 23°C spores. In contrast, levels of another likely germination protein, SpoVAD, were similar in all these spores. These different spores germinated similarly with CaDPA, and poor-medium and 23°C spores germinated faster than rich-medium and 37°C spores, respectively, with dodecylamine. Since spore germination with CaDPA and dodecylamine does not require GerD or GRs, these results indicate that determinants of rates of nutrient germination of spores prepared differently are primarily the levels of the GRs that bind nutrient germinants and trigger germination and secondarily the levels of GerD.