cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron-nucleus scattering at high Q

Abstract Elastic charge and magnetic form factors of 3 He, 17 O, and 209 Bi are calculated using a consistent relativistic formalism. The wavefunctions are generated by the self-consistent relativistic Hartree formalism, and a relativistically covariant effective current operator is used. Results are obtained for momentum transfers up to 7.5 fm −1 .
Rapid Orientation of Sapphire Monocrystals

An optical method of orienting sapphire (α-Al2O3) single-crystal rods with respect to the basal plane has been devised. Measuring times are on the order of 1 minute per specimen, and the accuracy is to within a few degrees. The direction of inclination of the basal plane may be easily determined. Relations describing the relative intensity of light through a uniaxial crystal in a polarized light field have been derived. Simple equipment built around a photovoltaic cell has been used to confirm these relations experimentally.
Blacks' and Whites' Perceptions of Verbal Aggression

Eighty Black and 80 White undergraduate and graduate women were presented with a set of materials depicting two women as verbally aggressive. In a between-subjects design, each participant was presented with a set of materials depicting one of the following: two women who were (a) of the same race as the participant, (b) of a different race from the participant, or (c) a mixed racial pair. Each participant was asked to rate the randomly chosen identified aggressor on several variables related to aggression. Results of a 2×2×2 MANOVA (race of participant, race of identified aggressor, race of target) indicated a main effect for race of participant such that the White participants viewed all episodes as more aggressive than the Black participants. There were no other significant main effects or interactions.
The Potential Relevance of the Multiple Lipid-Independent (Pleiotropic) Effects of Statins in the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Emerging data suggest that acute presentations of coronary artery disease may involve a complex interplay between the vessel wall, inflammatory cells, and the coagulation cascade. Although a culprit thrombotic lesion may be treated effectively by antithrombotic therapy and revascularization, this will have little effect on the global processes that determine recurrent events at non-culprit sites. Thus, additional systemic treatment is required to modulate the adverse biological features that are the hallmark of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Statins possess multiple beneficial effects that are independent of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering and that have favorable effects on inflammation, the endothelium, and the coagulation cascade. In the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy–Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 22 (PROVE IT-TIMI 22) trial, differences were seen based on achieved LDL-C that could be further discriminated by the achieved C-reactive protein level. Studies of non-vascular disease such as multiple sclerosis have shown that statins reduce inflammation, supporting the presence of lipid-independent effects of statins. This review focuses on the potential importance of these effects in the management of ACS.
Creating "Credible" Economic Policy in Developing and Transitional Economies:

The criterion of "credibility" is invoked today as a means of privileging neoliberal economic policies and independent monetary institutions, namely, autonomous central banks. The paper argues that the credibility criterion presents a formidable obstacle to dissent and to open debate over the feasibility of alternative economic policies and monetary institutions. The paper concludes by suggesting two alternative criteria by which economic policy regimes and the governance structure of monetary institutions could be adjudicated. These alternative criteria are termed the "principle of democratic credibility" and the "principle of fallibility."
Music, the universal language: fact or fallacy?

In this era of internationalism and multiculturalism, some music programmes may be hanging by this very thread: the belief that through the mere exposure of students to ‘songs from many lands’, a cultural harmony and a multicultural understanding might be achieved. Yet the question must arise among educators as it has frequently done among ethnomusicologists throughout the twentieth century. Is music, in fact, universally understood? And with little or no formal education to undergird the culture-specific meanings that music may encompass? This paper will review relevant ethnomusicological literature from the turn of the century onward, in an attempt to make sense of the truth or deception behind the statement music, the universal language’, and as a means of seeking out why romantic notions and politically-correct directives may be driving the continuance of the premise that ‘all music is created equal’. Emic and etic views of music, and issues of bimusicality and multimusicality are also addressed relev...
Harnessing systems engineering methodology in using earth science research data for real applications

For the last three decades, Earth science remote sensing technologies have been providing an enormous amount of useful data and information serving to broaden our understanding of the home planet as a system. NASA's Earth science program has deployed about 18 complex satellites and is in the process of defining and launching multiple observing systems in this decade. At the same time, the European Community and many other countries such as Russia, France, India, Japan, and China have also significantly contributed to Earth science research. To date, the majority of such efforts have concentrated on expanding our scientific understanding of the multiple nonlinear and chaotic processes of Earth's behavior. In recent years, legislators and stakeholders have put serious pressure on the science community to devote more attention to making use of scientific results for societal benefit. For instance, there are a number of areas such as energy forecasting, aviation safety, agricultural efficiency, disaster management, air quality and public health that can directly take advantage of Earth science results to analyze and predict large scale problems and conditions. This is becoming even more important now that we live in a global economy interconnected via the internet and transportation systems; regional environmental conditions can have far reaching impact across continental boundaries. These factors dictate requirements for global data that can help us assess and control the devastating problems of famine, water resources, wildfires, human health and more. To do this requires a serious, organized, and systematic approach that transfers fundamental research products to the applied sciences domain. This paper presents a systems engineering and management process that can effectively make such transfer of data to the user community. Examples are presented on how the above decision making framework can help in solving critical problems such as the spread of vector borne diseases, forecasts of harmful algal blooms as well as forest fires and wildfires, and the intercontinental transport of dust storms and pollution
Phosphoric acid activation of nutshells for metals and organic remediation: Process optimization

Almond, pecan, English walnut, black walnut and macadamia nut shells were chosen as hard, lignocellulosic precursors for the production of granular activated carbons (GACs). They were activated with H3PO4 under a variety of conditions. Following activation, a portion of each GACs was oxidized in air at 300°C for 4 h in order to create a carbon surface presumably with more oxygen functional groups for the adsorption of metal cations. Also investigated was a streamlining of the production techniques used. Several of the samples were subjected to a ‘Continuous’ process in which the carbon was activated and upon cooling to 300°C was oxidized with air. Beyond this activation, methods were developed wherein the activation process took place under air and without a discrete, separate oxidation step. These processes were designed to determine if any of the carbon's capabilities would be lost or enhanced in comparison to the more standard activate–cool–wash–oxidize method. The carbons produced from these various activation/oxidation methods consistently, and without regard to precursor composition, sequestered over 90% of available copper from a 3 mM copper chloride test solution and often adsorbed organic contaminants as effectively as some commercial carbons. © 1998 SCI
Neurocognitive mechanisms of gaze-expression interactions in face processing and social attention

The face conveys a rich source of non-verbal information used during social communication. While research has revealed how specific facial channels such as emotional expression are processed, little is known about the prioritization and integration of multiple cues in the face during dyadic exchanges. Classic models of face perception have emphasized the segregation of dynamic vs. static facial features along independent information processing pathways. Here we review recent behavioral and neuroscientific evidence suggesting that within the dynamic stream, concurrent changes in eye gaze and emotional expression can yield early independent effects on face judgments and covert shifts of visuospatial attention. These effects are partially segregated within initial visual afferent processing volleys, but are subsequently integrated in limbic regions such as the amygdala or via reentrant visual processing volleys. This spatiotemporal pattern may help to resolve otherwise perplexing discrepancies across behavioral studies of emotional influences on gaze-directed attentional cueing. Theoretical explanations of gaze-expression interactions are discussed, with special consideration of speed-of-processing (discriminability) and contextual (ambiguity) accounts. Future research in this area promises to reveal the mental chronometry of face processing and interpersonal attention, with implications for understanding how social referencing develops in infancy and is impaired in autism and other disorders of social cognition.
Novel Dielectric Materials for Organic Electronics

We present our latest results on the design and fabrication of very high capacitance dielectric materials for organic field-effect transistors. We will show that utilization of appropriate self-assembling siloxane building blocks and polymer matrices allows solution-processed, pinhole-free organic dielectrics. Electrical (MIS, TFT) data demonstrate that these insulators can be efficiently integrated into large TFT structures. These devices function for both p- and n-channel semiconductors, the molecular components of which exhibit greatly different core structures and substituent functionalities. Substantial TFT response is achieved at very low operational biases (<1V), without serious leakage currents (<10-8 A/cm at 1V).
Effects of Oxytocin Administered During the Dry Period on the Succeeding Lactation

Abstract The possible role of oxytocin released at milking time in causing depressed lactation of cows lacking dry periods was investigated with 14 cows paired on the basis of lactation potential. Milking of all cows ceased at an average of 60 days prepartum. One of each pair was administered twice daily intravenous injections of 5 IU oxytocin throughout the dry period. Oxytocin treatment produced milk let-down and delayed the usual regression of udder size observed in dry cows. After parturition, milk yields of most of the treated cows were below those of their pair mates. The average 22-week production was 2,869 kg for the treated cows and 3,573 kg for the controls, a statistically significant difference (P
MOTIVATIONS FOR NEGATIVE VOTING IN THE 1992 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

In this paper we explore the factors leading to negative voting in presidential elections, using a national survey of the United States during the 1992 presidential campaign. Negative voting is voting against the opponent, rather than for one's preferred candidate. Based on past research, we explore three propositions: Negative voting is a function of dissatisfaction with the incumbent president's job performance; negative voting is a function of cross-pressures among voting cues experienced by the voter; and negative voting is a function of disaffection with the political system. Substantial support is found for the first and third propositions, while only moderate support, at best, is found for the second. While we find that negative voting is influenced by individual-level factors, it is also clear that negative voting flows from dissatisfaction with the larger political system. A multivariate analysis confirms that these systemic factors hold up in the face of controls for the other hypothesized determinants.
Evolution of cooperation among tumor cells

The evolution of cooperation has a well established theoretical framework based on game theory. This approach has made valuable contributions to a wide variety of disciplines, including political science, economics, and evolutionary biology. Existing cancer theory suggests that individual clones of cancer cells evolve independently from one another, acquiring all of the genetic traits or hallmarks necessary to form a malignant tumor. It is also now recognized that tumors are heterotypic, with cancer cells interacting with normal stromal cells within the tissue microenvironment, including endothelial, stromal, and nerve cells. This tumor cell–stromal cell interaction in itself is a form of commensalism, because it has been demonstrated that these nonmalignant cells support and even enable tumor growth. Here, we add to this theory by regarding tumor cells as game players whose interactions help to determine their Darwinian fitness. We marshal evidence that tumor cells overcome certain host defenses by means of diffusible products. Our original contribution is to raise the possibility that two nearby cells can protect each other from a set of host defenses that neither could survive alone. Cooperation can evolve as by-product mutualism among genetically diverse tumor cells. Our hypothesis supplements, but does not supplant, the traditional view of carcinogenesis in which one clonal population of cells develops all of the necessary genetic traits independently to form a tumor. Cooperation through the sharing of diffusible products raises new questions about tumorigenesis and has implications for understanding observed phenomena, designing new experiments, and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Subatomic Physics, 3rd edition, by E.M. Henley and A. García

Subatomic Physics, 3rd edition, by E.M. Henley and A. Garcia, Singapore, World Scientific, 2007, xx + 620 pp., £33.00 (paperback), ISBN 978 981 270 057 5. Scope: textbook. Level: advanced undergrad...
Technology mapping and circuit depth optimization for field programmable gate arrays

A two-step technology mapping algorithm for lookup-table-type FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) is proposed. In the first step, the technology mapper attempts to minimize the total number of TLUs (table look-ups) used and the same time to keep the length of the critical path short. Then, it is followed by a rule-based postprocessor which maximally decreases the depth of a circuit. The good results obtained are attributed to the fact that the partitioning approach employed is tightly coupled with the size of the target TLU blocks.
Market integration and natural resource use in developing countries: A linked agrarian-resource economy in Northern Honduras

Most resource management studies model the resource in isolation from the rest of the economy of which it is part. In many developing economies, agents participate in multiple activities, creating linkages between resource exploitation and other sectors (e.g., agriculture). In Northern Honduran fishing communities, households allocate effort to fishing according to the opportunity cost of their time, which depends on returns in other activities. We develop a model that demonstrates how market structure impacts fishery exploitation. Agricultural price increases have an ambiguous effect on labor allocated to fishing because they reduce the value of labor in fishing but increase the demand for fish via an income effect. The size and magnitude of impacts depend strongly on the tradability of inputs and outputs in the community economy. The findings point to a need to account for economic linkages and market structure when designing policies to reduce pressure on a natural resource.
Imagining information retrieval in the library: Desk Set in historical context

In the 1950s, a computer that could hold the contents of a library, retrieve facts and formulate questions was laughable to many. The 1957 movie "Desk Set" accurately mirrored the way ordinary citizens perceived computers and their possible consequences. On another level, the film's focus on libraries was an ideal juxtaposition of humans' intellectual capacity with machines' processing capacity.
Toolkits for Nuclear Science: Data and Spreadsheets

In the past decade, the combination of readily accessible, reliable data in electronic form with well-tested spreadsheet programs has changed the approach to experiment planning and computation of results. This has led to a flowering of software applications based on spreadsheets, mostly written by scientists, not by professional programmers trained in numerical methods. Formal quality systems increasingly call for verified computational methods and reference data as part of the analytical process, a demand that is difficult to meet with most spreadsheets. Examples are given of utilities used in our laboratory, with suggestions for verification and quality maintenance.
Is RNA in Serum Bound to Nucleoprotein Complexes

DNA and RNA are present in normal and diseased human plasma (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7) and in the extracellular media of eukaryotic cell cultures (8)(9). Two excellent recent reviews (10)(11) indicated that neither necrotic nor apoptotic cells may fully explain the presence of DNA in plasma. In favor of apoptosis is the finding of a DNA ladder pattern after electrophoresis. Electrophoresis of nick-translated DNA isolated from plasma of healthy controls produced autoradiographic bands at sizes equivalent to whole-number multiples (1–5×) of nucleosomal DNA (185–200 bp) (12). Nevertheless, DNA is released in a homeostatic fashion (8)(9), and newly synthesized DNA is preferentially released (9)(13)(14), suggesting that neither apoptosis nor necrosis is the sole source of this DNA. Cells not only release DNA but have specialized receptors for these nucleoprotein complexes as well. A recent study (15) showed that nucleosomes bind to the exterior of cultured mesangial cells in a receptor-mediated fashion. Competition studies demonstrated inhibition of binding by nucleosomes, 200/400-bp DNA, salmon sperm DNA, and, to a lesser extent, single-stranded DNA. DNase treatment …
Clustered streamlined forms in Athabasca Valles, Mars: Evidence for sediment deposition during floodwater ponding

A unique clustering of layered streamlined forms in Athabasca Valles is hypothesized to reflect a significant hydraulic event. The forms, interpreted as sedimentary, are attributed to extensive sediment deposition during ponding and then streamlining of this sediment behind flow obstacles during ponded water outflow. These streamlined forms are analogous to those found in depositional basins and other loci of ponding in terrestrial catastrophic flood landscapes. These terrestrial streamlined forms can provide the best opportunity for reconstructing the history of the terrestrial flooding. Likewise, the streamlined forms in Athabasca Valles may provide the best opportunity to reconstruct the recent geologic history of this young Martian outflow channel.
Comparative analysis of encephalization in mammals reveals relaxed constraints on anthropoid primate and cetacean brain scaling.

There is a well-established allometric relationship between brain and body mass in mammals. Deviation of relatively increased brain size from this pattern appears to coincide with enhanced cognitive abilities. To examine whether there is a phylogenetic structure to such episodes of changes in encephalization across mammals, we used phylogenetic techniques to analyse brain mass, body mass and encephalization quotient (EQ) among 630 extant mammalian species. Among all mammals, anthropoid primates and odontocete cetaceans have significantly greater variance in EQ, suggesting that evolutionary constraints that result in a strict correlation between brain and body mass have independently become relaxed. Moreover, ancestral state reconstructions of absolute brain mass, body mass and EQ revealed patterns of increase and decrease in EQ within anthropoid primates and cetaceans. We propose both neutral drift and selective factors may have played a role in the evolution of brain–body allometry.
Going Cloud for Agility: Beyond Financial, System, and Control Motives

ABSTRACT: Using a unique dataset obtained from cloud computing providers' websites, we study cloud computing from the cloud users' perspective. While cloud computing providers promise various benefits for companies to “go cloud,” whether user companies are motivated by the potential benefits is a different matter. Although existing IT outsourcing literature and the latest cloud computing research suggest financial, system, and control as three main motives for companies to go cloud, MIS literature and business strategy studies point out the agility of quick system deployment as another significant consideration. We examine these four categories of motives, along with more detailed key motives developed in each category. Our results indicate that companies are motivated by multifold benefits in all four aspects of agility, financial, system, and control. However, despite various benefits promised by cloud computing providers, from the cloud computing users' perspective, the agility of quick system deployme...
Myeloid Leukemias and Virally Induced Lymphomas in Miniature Inbred Swine: Development of a Large Animal Tumor Model

The lack of a large animal transplantable tumor model has limited the study of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of liquid cancers. Swine as a species provide a natural option based on their similarities with humans and their already extensive use in biomedical research. Specifically, the Massachusetts General Hospital miniature swine herd retains unique genetic characteristics that facilitate the study of hematopoietic cell and solid organ transplantation. Spontaneously arising liquid cancers in these swine, specifically myeloid leukemias and B cell lymphomas, closely resemble human malignancies. The ability to establish aggressive tumor cell lines in vitro from these naturally occurring malignancies makes a transplantable tumor model a close reality. Here, we discuss our experience with myeloid and lymphoid tumors in major histocompatibility characterized miniature swine and future approaches regarding the development of a large animal transplantable tumor model.
Blocking the regulatory T cell molecule LAG-3 augments in vivo anti-tumor immunity in an autochthonous model of prostate cancer

2573 Background: LAG-3 is a CD4 homolog expressed on activated T cells, NK cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Recently, we showed that LAG-3 was relative...
A Study of the Mean and Dynamic Behavior of the Swirling Flow Generated by a Counter Rotating Radial-Radial Swirler Using a Water Test Rig

An experimental investigation has been conducted to study the mean and unsteady behavior of the non-reacting swirling flow using a water test rig. Water was used as the flow medium as for a given Reynolds number (Re), the flow dynamics are slowed down by about 18 times compared to atmospheric air making it easier to investigate the flow dynamics. The flow was examined using a 3X model of a counter rotating radial-radial swirler. 2D high speed Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements were employed to study the instantaneous and the mean velocity fields. Tests were conducted at Re values corresponding to an air pressure drop of 4%, 2.8%, 1.8% and 1% of atmospheric pressure for the corresponding 1X model of the swirler under atmospheric test conditions. The use of water to test the unsteady behavior of the swirling flow was validated by conducting tests on the same 3X model in the same test rig using air at the same Re values. The mean and turbulent behavior of the swirling flow in water and air showed excellent agreement over the range of Re tested. For this swirler, the normalized mean and RMS velocities did not change significantly with Re for the range of Re tested. Strong flow instability was observed at the exit of the swirler. This instability was created by a precessing vortex core (PVC). For air and water tests, the dominant frequency of this instability increased linearly with the increase in Re. For all Re investigated, the dominant frequency of water flow was 18 times less than that of air at the same Re. The Strouhal number was found to be nearly identical for air and water testing for all Re values. Maximum Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) was found to exist on the boundaries of strong shear layers. The TKE decayed quickly downstream due to the quick decay of the PVC. The phase angle difference between the high TKE regions was 3.14 radians indicating a circumferential mode of instability. The results obtained demonstrate that water testing is an accepted method for studying the unsteady flows.© 2015 ASME
Phagocytosis of Colloidal Gold by Cells of Synovial Membrane

Phagocytosis of colloidal particles by cells of the synovial membrane has been studied in rabbits at intervals of ten minutes, twenty-five minutes, forty minutes, one hour, two hours, and three hours after injection into the joint cavity. Phagocytosis begins within thirty minutes, and it is marked within one hour. All stages of the phagocytic and digestive process were observed; this activity was particularly pronounced in the vacuolated synovial lining cells. Cells rich in endoplasmic reticulum were also engaged in phagocytosis, although to a lesser degree, and cells which apparently are the precursors of these cells were also encountered. A third cell type, with an electron-dense nucleus, was also seen. The possible relationship of these cells to one another is discussed. This study also confirms previous reports of the discontinuity of the synovial membrane, which, in rabbits, contains small gaps between the synovial lining cells.
Examining photoinduced energy transfer in Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin has been an important model system for investigating fundamental electron transfer (EleT) in proteins. Early pioneering studies used ruthenium photosensitizers to induce EleT in azurin and this experimental data continues to be used to develop theories for EleT mediated through a protein matrix. In this study we show that putative EleT rates in the P. aeruginosa azurin model system, measured via photoinduced methods, can also be explained by an alternate energy transfer (EngT) mechanism. Investigation of EngT in azurin, conducted in this study, isolates and resolves confounding phenomena—i.e., zinc contamination and excited state emission—that can lead to erroneous kinetic assignments. Here we employ two azurin photosensitizer systems, the previously reported Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)2(imidazole) and an unreported phototrigger, Ru(bpy)2(phen-IA), Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)2(5-iodoacetamido-1,10-phenanthroline), that has a longer lifetime, to better resolve convoluted kinetic observations ...
Role of physical activity and sleep duration in growth and body composition of preschool-aged children

Objective The impact of physical activity patterns and sleep duration on growth and body composition of preschool-aged children remains unresolved. Aims were (1) to delineate cross-sectional associations among physical activity components, sleep, total energy expenditure (TEE), and body size and composition; and (2) to determine whether physical activity components, sleep, and TEE predict 1-year changes in body size and composition in healthy preschool-aged children. Methods Anthropometry, body composition, accelerometry, and TEE by doubly labeled water were measured at baseline; anthropometry and body composition were repeated 1 year later (n = 111). Results Cross-sectionally, positive associations between sedentary activity and weight and fat-free mass (FFM) (P = 0.009-0.047), and a negative association between moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and percent fat mass (FM) (P = 0.015) were observed. TEE and activity energy expenditure (AEE) were positively associated with weight, body mass index (BMI), FFM, and FM (P = 0.0001-0.046). Prospectively, TEE, AEE, physical activity level, and MVPA, but not sedentary activity, were positively associated with changes in BMI (P = 0.0001-0.051) and FFM (P = 0.0001-0.037), but not percent FM. Sleep duration inversely predicted changes in FM (P = 0.005) and percent FM (P = 0.006). Conclusions Prospectively, MVPA, TEE, AEE, and physical activity level promote normal growth and accretion of FFM, whereas sleep duration inversely predicts changes in adiposity in preschool-aged children.
On the Stress Management of Fire Men in the Earthquake Rescue

The fire men generally develop the psychological problems of this kind or that after the earthquake relief rescue.This paper explains the causes of these problems and suggests the remedy for these problems: pre-stress management,stress management in the course of rescuing and post-stress management.
Evaluating techniques of myocardial preservation for aortic valve replacement: Operative risk

In a two-year period 105 patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement without hospital death. Eighty-three patients were operated on using hypothermic ischemic arrest; 22 patients had coronary perfusion. The early postoperative cardiac performance and incidence of complications did not differ between groups, although cardiopulmonary bypass time was shorter in the ischemic arrest group. These data suggest that ischemic arrest is a satisfactory method for myocardial preservation. However, because of the low hospital mortality rate with either method, these results and those of others cannot be taken to indicate the superiority of any method of myocardial preservation.
The Holocaust and the Revival of Psychological History

Why did men and women in one of the best educated countries in the Western world set out to get rid of Jews? In this book, Judith M. Hughes focuses on how historians' efforts to grapple anew with matters of actors' meanings, intentions, and purposes have prompted a return to psychoanalytically informed ways of thinking. Hughes makes her case with fine-grained analyses of books by Hugh Trevor-Roper, Ian Kershaw, Daniel Goldhagen, Saul Friedlander, Christopher Browning, Jan Gross, Hannah Arendt and Gitta Sereny. All of the authors pose psychological questions; the more astute among them shed fresh light on the Holocaust - without making the past any less disturbing.
Stress drop estimates of potentially induced earthquakes in the Guy-Greenbrier sequence

We calculate corner frequencies and stress drops for 25 potentially induced earthquakes (Mw 2.17 − 2.57) in the Guy-Greenbrier sequence in the central Arkansas. We use the spectral ratio method, employing highly similar earthquakes as empirical Green's functions (eGfs). We show that multiple eGfs give consistent corner frequency estimates for the same earthquake and find a range of stress drops of 1.02 MPa to 42.50 MPa with a median of 10.57 MPa by using the Brune spectral model and the source parameters given by Sato and Hirasawa [1973]. We also analyze stress drop dependence on the assumed spectral models and source parameters and use a bootstrapping analysis to calculate the uncertainty in corner frequency and stress drop estimates. The Boatwright spectral model leads to lower stress drop estimates than the Brune spectral model due to the limited bandwidth and fixed fall-off rates. We find that the uncertainty in the stress drop of each earthquake is generally much smaller than the range of stress drop estimates. The value and range of these stress drops of the potentially induced earthquakes are similar to tectonic earthquakes in California reported by other spectral ratio studies. Our results highlight the value of spectral ratio analyses of earthquakes in the central United States.
Phase 1 Study of Ipilimumab Combined With Whole Brain Radiation Therapy or Radiosurgery for Melanoma Patients With Brain Metastases

Purpose We performed a phase 1 study to determine the maximum tolerable dose and safety of ipilimumab with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients with brain metastases from melanoma. Methods and Materials Based on the intracranial disease burden, patients underwent WBRT (arm A) or SRS (arm B). The ipilimumab starting dose was 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, starting on day 3 of WBRT or 2 days after SRS. The ipilimumab dose was escalated to 10 mg/kg using a 2-stage, 3+3 design. The primary endpoint was to determine the maximum tolerable dose of ipilimumab combined with radiation therapy. The secondary endpoints were overall survival, intracranial and extracranial control, progression-free survival, and toxicity. The ClinicalTrials.gov registration number is NCT01703507 . Results The characteristics of the 16 patients enrolled between 2011 and 2014 were mean age, 60 years; median number of brain metastases, 2 (range 1->10); and number with EC disease, 13 (81%). Treatment included WBRT (n=5), SRS (n=11), and ipilimumab 3 mg/kg (n=7) or 10 mg/kg (n=9). The median follow-up was 8 months (arm A) and 10.5 months (arm B). A total of 21 grade 1 to 2 neurotoxic effects occurred, with no dose-limiting toxicities. One patient experienced grade 3 neurotoxicity before ipilimumab administration. Ten additional grade 3 toxicities were reported, with gastrointestinal toxicities (n=5; 31%) the most common. No patient developed grade 4 or 5 toxicity. The median progression-free survival and overall survival in arm A was 2.5 months and 8 months and in arm B was 2.1 months and not reached, respectively. Conclusions Concurrent ipilimumab 10 mg/kg with SRS is safe. The WBRT arm was closed early because of slow accrual but demonstrated safety with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg. No patient experienced dose-limiting toxicity. Larger studies, including those with combination checkpoint inhibitor therapy and SRS, are warranted.
Modeling Vacuum Electronic Devices Using Generalized Impedance Matrices

We have developed a general approach to modeling a large class of vacuum electronic devices (VEDs) by using impedance matrices to characterize the circuit structure. Our approach can treat VEDs that have an arbitrary number of interaction gaps, severs, and input and/or output ports that may incorporate arbitrarily complex matching and/or tuning elements and windows. To find the impedance matrix for a given structure, we use the computational electromagnetics 3-D finite-element code HFSS to compute the response of the entire structure to an excitation of each individual port and gap. We define voltages and currents as certain integrals over the electric and magnetic fields, respectively, the ratios of which are elements of the generalized impedance matrix. This matrix is then imported into a beam-wave interaction code, which is used to compute VED performance (gain, output power, bandwidth, and so on). We have implemented this capability in a new 2-D code TESLA-Z, which has been verified by comparison with the large-signal code TESLA-FW and then validated by comparison with measured data from a Ka-band folded-waveguide power-booster TWT. Similar capability was also implemented in the 1-D interaction code CHRISTINE-CC.
Transcription leads to pervasive replisome instability in bacteria

The canonical model of DNA replication describes a highly-processive and largely continuous process by which the genome is duplicated. This continuous model is based upon in vitro reconstitution and in vivo ensemble experiments. Here, we characterize the replisome-complex stoichiometry and dynamics with single-molecule resolution in bacterial cells. Strikingly, the stoichiometries of the replicative helicase, DNA polymerase, and clamp loader complexes are consistent with the presence of only one active replisome in a significant fraction of cells (>40%). Furthermore, many of the observed complexes have short lifetimes (<8 min), suggesting that replisome disassembly is quite prevalent, possibly occurring several times per cell cycle. The instability of the replisome complex is conflict-induced: transcription inhibition stabilizes these complexes, restoring the second replisome in many of the cells. Our results suggest that, in contrast to the canonical model, DNA replication is a largely discontinuous process in vivo due to pervasive replication-transcription conflicts.
Forecasting annual excess stock returns via an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system: Research Articles

In this study, an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and a neural network were tested for the ability of these techniques to forecast the annual excess returns of three large publicly traded companies from a time series of said returns. The predictive ability of these techniques was compared with that of an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. The Fair–Shiller test was used in the comparisons in order to obtain results that were not subjective and so that conclusions could be made regarding the information used by the techniques in the generation of their forecasts. Since predictive ability does not translate to profitability, a simple trading strategy was used to determine the ability to generate profits from trading upon the forecasts of the respective techniques.As hypothesized, the ANFIS and neural network techniques are able to generate forecasts with significant predictive ability. However, neither technique dominates the other or the ARMA model. In tests of the ability of the techniques to generate profits from their forecasts, a simple trading strategy was used (trading on the predicted sign of the return). The ANFIS and the neural network generated profits in all of the trading scenarios. However, neither technique dominated the other, nor did they consistently outperform the traditional and naive models (strategies). The mixed results in the predictive ability tests and the profitability tests indicate that the conclusions from the study differ based upon the context in which the forecasts are used. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Needs Assessment in Churches: A Christian Community's Need for Professional Counseling Services:

A citizen survey needs assessment was conducted in five churches served by a Christian-oriented counseling agency. The purpose of the study was to determine the community's need for professional co...
Three-generation family with novel contiguous gene deletion on chromosome 2p22 associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome.

Latent transforming growth factor binding proteins (LTBP) are a family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins that play an important role in the regulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-s) activation. Dysregulation of the TGF-s pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inherited disorders predisposing to thoracic aortic aneurysms syndromes (TAAS) including Marfan syndrome (MFS; FBN1) and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS; TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFB2, TGFB3, SMAD2, SMAD3). While these syndromes have distinct clinical criteria, they share clinical features including aortic root dilation and musculoskeletal findings. LTBP1 is a component of the TGF-s pathway that binds to fibrillin-1 in the extracellular matrix rendering TGF-s inactive. We describe a three-generation family case series with a heterozygous ∼5.1 Mb novel contiguous gene deletion of chromosome 2p22.3-p22.2 involving 11 genes, including LTBP1. The deletion has been identified in the proband, father and grandfather, who all have a phenotype consistent with a TAAS. Findings include thoracic aortic dilation, ptosis, malar hypoplasia, high arched palate, retrognathia, pes planus, hindfoot deformity, obstructive sleep apnea, and low truncal tone during childhood with joint laxity that progressed to reduced joint mobility over time. While the three affected individuals did not meet criteria for either MFS or LDS, they shared features of both. Although the deletion includes 11 genes, given the relationship between LTBP1, TGF-s, and fibrillin-1, LTBP1 stands out as one of the possible candidate genes for the clinical syndrome observed in this family. More studies are necessary to evaluate the potential role of LTBP1 in the pathophysiology of TAAS.
Infinite idempotent quasi-affine algebras need not be hereditarily absorption free

It is known that for finite algebras, solvable implies hereditarily absorption free. We present an example which shows that this implication does not hold for infinite algebras. This example is also quasi-affine, contradicting an earlier statement that quasi-affine algebras are hereditarily absorption free.
92 – Anabolic Therapy of Osteoporosis in Women and in Men

This chapter reviews discrepancies between the two sexes in relation to osteoporosis, and compares the mechanisms of the two available categories of osteoporosis therapy, antiresorptive and anabolic agents. Antiresorptive drugs such as estrogen, raloxifene, alendronate, risedronate, and calcitonin inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone loss and, thus, reduce bone turnover. Anabolic agents directly stimulate bone formation, at least in the early phases of their action, and improve the microarchitecture of bone. Hence, anabolic agents have the potential to increase bone mass to a greater extent than antiresorptives. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the most promising anabolic agent. The advent of anabolic therapy in the form of teriparatide is revolutionizing the approach to osteoporosis therapy. It is possible that the combination of agents could be significantly more potent than either agent alone because the antiresorptives and anabolic agents clearly work by completely distinct mechanisms of action. In the future, PTH may be modified for easier and more targeted delivery. Oral or transdermal delivery systems may become available in the future.
Damage Evolution Modeling in Bulk Forming Processes

Abstract A mathematical formulation is presented for the analysis of metal forming operations which lead to accumulation of material damage by the nucleation and growth of voids. Two different approaches are introduced to model the accumulation of damage within the context of this formulation. Emphasis of the formulation is on the application of two state variable models to describe the strain hardening, rate-dependent plastic flow with plastic dilatancy. The numerical predictions have been compared with reported sheet drawing experiments. Good agreement between the numerical predictions and the experimental data demonstrates the success of the formulation. The application of the mathematical formulation in the design of manufacturing operations has been further demonstrated by studying the effect of die angle geometry, for a fixed thickness reduction, on the accumulation of material damage and on the evolution of the hardness.
Strategies in adjoint tomography

We investigate issues of convergence, resolution, and nonlinearity related to the feasibility of adjoint tomography in regional and global tomography and exploration geophysics. Most current methods of adjoint tomography, whether based on adjoint methods or other formulations, suffer from slow convergence in that only the gradient (not the Hessian) is readily available for computing model updates. As an alternative to working with the unpreconditioned gradients, we examine the speed-up offered by various preconditioners that can be computed in the framework of adjoint methods. We show that each preconditioner bears some similarity to the Hessian, thus motivating and justifying its use for accelerating convergence. Next, we examine the role of the Hessian in resolution analysis. Recalling that the action of the Hessian on an arbitrary model perturbation relates to the classical point spread function concept, we introduce a scalar quantity termed the average eigenvalue that provides a good overall representation of resolution. Whereas a pointspread function reveals the orientation of misfit contours, the average eigenvalue describes the sharpness of the misfit function along the direction of the chosen model perturbation. Finally, we provide an example in which we directly compare the results of travel time and waveform tomography, illustrating the resolution limits of the former and the nonlinearity pitfalls of the latter.
The Cost of Quality: Organizational Financial Health and Program Quality.

Purpose: Nonprofit health and human service organizations (NPHSOs) encounter pressure to improve program quality to continue to secure financial resources. Yet, organizations also struggle to innov...
The Conversation Compass© Communication Screener-Revised

Abstract During classroom conversations all aspects of children’s developing oral language skills, particularly their discourse and social communication (pragmatic) skills, combine with communicative interpersonal skills to foster school success. Few tools exist for teachers to assess children’s conversation skills in the classroom, but the Conversation Compass© Communication Screener (CCCS) was created to fill this void. This study examined the factor structure of an adapted version of the CCCS, the Conversation Compass© Communication Screener-Revised (CCCS-R). Factor analytic results indicated a four-factor structure that fits the data well. The study also investigated the CCCS-R’s convergent validity with the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—Preschool (CELF-P) Descriptive Pragmatics Profiles subtest and predictive validity with the CELF-P Pre-Literacy Scale subtest. Results indicated the CCCS-R showed both convergent and predictive validity with those subscales. The CCCS-R aims to provide teachers, researchers, and clinicians with insights into preschoolers’ classroom conversation skills.
Disparities in exposure to surrounding greenness related to proportion of the population that were immigrants to the United States

The proportion of the United States (US) population who are immigrants (i.e., foreign-born) has been rising. Compared to the US-born, immigrants have different health risks, and prior studies could not fully explain these differences by diet and socioeconomic status. Surrounding greenness, an environmental exposure linked to better health, potentially contributes to differences in health risks between immigrants and the US-born. Using satellite imagery, we assessed exposure to surrounding greenness, as estimated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI), in US Census tracts in 2000 and 2010. We then investigated the association between the percentage of the population that were immigrants and greenness using spatial error regression. Adjusted for median household income, urbanicity, educational attainment, unemployment, elderly and youth population proportion, and ecozone, Census tracts with ~10% higher overall immigrant percentage points were, on average, ~0.06 NDVI/EVI interquartile range lower, indicating lower greenness. The pattern of negative associations was most consistent when the immigrant country of origin was in Latin America. Conversely, when the immigrant country of origin was in Europe, we found mostly positive associations. Our findings suggest an environmental exposure disparity by immigrant status, motivating future work on environmental contributions to health disparities between immigrants and the US-born.