cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Least cost analysis of renewable energy projects

This paper describes the methodology for evaluating dispersed and centralized rural energy options on a least cost basis. In defining the load to be served, each supply alternative must provide equivalent levels of service. The village to be served is defined by the number of loads, load density, distance from the nearest power distribution line, and load growth. Appropriate rural energy alternatives are identified and sized to satisfy the defined load. Lastly, a net present value analysis (including capital, installation, O&M, fuel, and replacement costs, etc.) is performed to identify the least cost option. A spreadsheet-based analytical tool developed by the World Bank's Asia Alternative Energy Unit (ASTAE) incorporates this approach and has been applied to compare photovoltaic solar home systems with other rural energy supply options in Indonesia. Load size and load density are found to be the critical factors in choosing between a grid and off-grid solution.
Austronesian’ and ‘Jōmon’ identities in the Neolithic of the Ryukyu Islands

This paper examines Neolithic cultural identities in the Ryukyu Islands of southwest Japan. It is argued that there were two different identities in this archipelago: a 'J! mon' identity in the northern and central Ryukyus and an 'Austronesian' identity in the southern Ryukyus. These iden- tities were constructed despite broad similarities in subsistence adaptation in both cultural zones. IZVLE! EK - V ! lanku analiziramo neolitske kulturne identitete na oto! ju Ryukyu, jugovzhodna Japon- ska. Ugotavljamo, da sta bili na arhipelagu dve razli! ni identiteti: 'J! mon' v severnem in osrednjem delu in 'Avstronezijska' ma jugu. Idntiteti sta se izoblikovali kljub podobnim subsisten! nim prilago- ditvam v obeh kulturnih conah.
The "Rubber-Mask" Technique II. Pattern Storage and Recognition

This paper briefly summarizes much of the work in pattern recognition to date, and relates the rubber mask technique to previous work. A scheme for incorporating flexible-mask methods into a proposed pattern recognition and memory system is presented. A discussion based on some facts and on some conjecture of the human eye/brain system and how it recognizes patterns, possibly by flexible matching, is also presented.
Experimental verification of formation control with distributed cameras

Formation control experiments are performed using two robots, each equipped with a camera. When both robots are fully informed of the reference velocity, a decentralized feedback control, which achieves the desired relative position and the reference velocity, is experimentally verified. Another adaptive design is implemented in the situation where only one robot has the full reference velocity information and the other robot estimates the reference velocity. The performances of the experiments are analyzed and compared with different feedback gains and adaptation gains. Typical experimental results show that the difference between individual camera measurements leads to steady state error in practice. As a preliminary investigation, this fact is analyzed theoretically with the measurement difference modeled as constant disturbance.
Structural changes are induced in human neutrophil cytochrome b by NADPH oxidase activators, LDS, SDS, and arachidonate: intermolecular resonance energy transfer between trisulfopyrenyl-wheat germ agglutinin and cytochrome b558

Abstract Anionic amphiphiles such as sodium- and lithium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, LDS), or arachidonate (AA) initiate NADPH oxidase and proton channel activation in cell-free systems and intact neutrophils. To investigate whether these amphiphiles exert allosteric effects on cytochrome b, trisulfopyrenyl-labeled wheat germ agglutinin (Cascade Blue®–wheat germ agglutinin, CCB-WGA) was used as an extrinsic fluorescence donor for resonance energy transfer (RET) to the intrinsic heme acceptors of detergent-solubilized cytochrome b. In solution, cytochrome b complexed with the CCB-WGA causing a rapid, saturable, carbohydrate-dependent quenching of up to ∼55% of the steady-state fluorescence. Subsequent additions of SDS, LDS, or AA to typical cell-free oxidase assay concentrations completely relaxed the fluorescence quenching. The relaxation effects were specific, and not caused by dissociation of the CCB-WGA–cytochrome b complex or alterations in the spectral properties of the chromophores. In contrast, addition of the oxidase antagonist, arachidonate methyl ester, caused an opposite effect and was able to partially reverse the activator-induced relaxation. We conclude that the activators induce a cytochrome b conformation wherein the proximity or orientation between the hemes and the extrinsic CCB fluorescence donors has undergone a significant change. These events may be linked to NADPH oxidase assembly and activation or proton channel induction.
The effects of electrode cleaning and conditioning on the performance of high-energy, pulsed-power devices

High-energy pulsed power devices routinely access field strengths above those at which broad-area, cathode-initiated, high-voltage vacuum breakdown occur (>1E7-3E7 V/m). Examples include magnetically-insulated transmission lines and current convolutes, high-current density electron and ion diodes, high-power microwave devices and cavities and other structures for electrostatic and RF accelerators. Energy deposited in anode surfaces may exceed anode plasma thermal desorption creation thresholds on the time-scale of the pulse. Stimulated desorption by electron or photon bombardment can also lead to plasma formation on electrode or insulator surfaces. Device performance is limited above these thresholds, particularly in pulselength and energy, by the formation and expansion of plasmas formed primarily from electrode contaminants. In-situ conditioning techniques to modify and eliminate the contaminants through multiple high-voltage pulses, low base pressures, RF discharge cleaning, heating, surface coatings and ion- and electron-beam surface treatment allow access to new regimes of performance through control of plasma formation and modification of the plasma properties. Experimental and theoretical progress from a variety of devices and small scale experiments with a variety of treatment methods are reviewed and recommendations given for future work.
Ammonium and nitrite inhibition of methane oxidation by Methylobacter albus BG8 and Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b at low methane concentrations

Methane oxidation by pure cultures of the methanotrophs Methylobacter albus BG8 and Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b was inhibited by ammonium choride and sodium nitrite relative to that in cultures assayed in either nitrate-containing or nitrate-free medium. M. albus was generally more sensitive to ammonium and nitrite than M. trichosporium. Both species produced nitrite from ammonium; the concentrations of nitrite produced increased with increasing methane concentrations in the culture headspaces. Inhibition of methane oxidation by nitrite was inversely proportional to headspace methane concentrations, with only minimal effects observed at concentrations of>500 ppm in the presence of 250 μM nitrite. Inhibition increased with increasing ammonium at methane concentrations of 100 ppm. In the presence of 500 μM ammonium, inhibition increased initially with increasing methane concentrations from 1.7 to 100 ppm; the extent of inhibition decreased with methane concentrations of > 100 ppm. The results of this study provide new insights that explain some of the previously observed interactions among ammonium, nitrite, methane, and methane oxidation in soils and aquatic systems.
Physical parameters of highly injected silicon in the modeling of concentrator solar cells

For several years, high-resistivity solar cells have been modeled successfully at Stanford using an ambipolar Auger coefficient, C/sub a/=1.66*10/sup -30/ cm/sup 6//s, and an ambipolar diffusion constant, D/sub a/=18 cm/sup 2//s. Recently, these assumptions have been questioned, and the possibility of carrier-induced bandgap narrowing was introduced. When this was done, the dramatically different values of C/sub a/=3.88*10/sup -31/ cm/sup 6//s and D/sub a/=9 cm/sup 2//sec were used to fit the experimentally observed performance of point-contact solar cells. A number of experiments have been performed, and it was determined that below n=2*10/sup 17//cm/sup 3/, C/sub a/=1.66*10/sup -30/ cm/sup 6//s and D/sub a/=17 cm/sup 2//sec. The remaining discrepancies between the experimental cell data and the cell modeling are discussed. >
Human acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 in the endoplasmic reticulum contains seven transmembrane domains.

Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) plays important roles in cellular cholesterol homeostasis and is involved in atherosclerosis. ACAT-1 protein is located mainly in the ER. The hydropathy plot suggests that ACAT-1 protein contains multiple transmembrane segments. We inserted either the hemagglutinin tag or the HisT7 tag at various hydrophilic regions within the human ACAT-1 protein and used immunofluorescence microscopy to determine the topography of the tagged proteins expressed in mutant Chinese hamster ovary cells lacking endogenous ACAT. All of the tagged proteins are located mainly in the ER and retain full or partial enzyme activities. None of the tagged proteins produces detectable intracellular degradation intermediates. Treating cells with digitonin at 5 μg/ml permeabilizes the plasma membranes while leaving the ER membranes sealed; in contrast, treating cells with 0.25% Triton X-100 or with cold methanol permeabilizes both the plasma membranes and the ER membranes. After appropriate permeabilization, double immunostaining using antibodies against the N-terminal region and against the inserted tag were used to visualize various regions of the tagged protein. The results show that human ACAT-1 in the ER contains seven transmembrane domains.
A Method to Include Single Photon Events in Image Reconstruction for a 1 mm Resolution PET System Built with Advanced 3-D Positioning Detectors

We are developing cadmium zinc telluride detectors with three-dimensional photon positioning capabilities for high-resolution PET imaging. These detectors exhibit high spatial resolution (1 mm), energy resolution (2.5% full width at half maximum for 511 keV photons), and the ability to resolve individual Compton interactions within the detector. Using these measurements, non-coincident single photons can be reconstructed by estimating the incoming direction of the photon using the kinematics of Compton scatter within the detector. In this paper, we investigated image reconstruction methods for combining two different types of measurements: conventional coincidence photon events and non-coincident single photon events. We introduce a new image reconstruction method that uses a Bayesian projector function. Using Monte Carlo simulated data generated by GATE (Geant4), we showed that this new approach has the potential to improve contrast and resolution with comparable signal-to-noise ratio.
Kant's Formula of Universal Law

Analyse de la loi morale selon Kant, et en particulier de l'argument kantien selon lequel il y aurait contradiction chez un agent qui voudrait la realisation universelle d'une maxime immorale. L'A. distingue et analyse trois sortes de sens dans lesquels il y aurait une telle contradiction
Effect of Aerosol on Circulations and Precipitation in Deep Convective Clouds

AbstractThis study examines the effect of a mesoscale perturbation of aerosol on a larger-scale cloud system driven by deep convective clouds. An aerosol-perturbed domain of size 120 km is prescribed in the middle of the larger-scale domain of size 1100 km. Aerosol perturbations in the mesoscale domain result in an intensification of convection in a mesoscale convective system (MCS). This leads to an intensification of the larger-scale circulations, which in turn leads to an intensification of the larger-scale subsidence. While the invigorated convection enhances precipitation in the MCS, the intensified larger-scale subsidence acts to increase the larger-scale stability and thus to suppress convection and precipitation in the larger-scale domain. The suppression of precipitation in the larger-scale domain outweighs the enhancement of precipitation in the mesoscale domain, leading to suppressed precipitation over the entire domain. The ramifications of aerosol perturbations therefore need to be considered...
Climate sensitivity and thermal inertia

[1] We compare several Atmosphere/Ocean General Circulation model control runs by fitting long control runs to a simple discrete (annual averages) stochastic model: Rate of change of global heat content = difference of absorbed and emitted radiation + white noise. If the heat content is taken to be proportional to the surface temperature we can estimate the effective (broad frequency-band averaged) heat capacity for the system by a regression procedure. We find a wide range of effective heat capacities that correlate significantly with the published sensitivities of the models. Models with large sensitivities have large thermal inertia. Several interpretations are discussed.
Principles of toxicity testing with marine unicellular algae

Toxicity testing with unicellular algae requires application of the principles of phycology and microbiology to culturing, handling and exposing the organisms. This brief review describes major aspects of algal toxicity testing, including growth curves, factors that influence population growth in culture (light, temperature, medium composition, pH and salinity), choice of test species, measurement of population density, enumeration of living and dead cells, numerical expression of toxic effects and bioaccumulation.
A Structurational Analysis of Informed Consent to Treatment: (Re)productions of Contradictory Sociohistorical Structures in Practitioners' Interpretive Schemes

Informed consent (IC) to treatment honors patient autonomy and bodily integrity. Yet, it is a leading reason for patient litigation, it has not been examined from discursive or theoretical perspectives, and its sociohistorical context is ignored. In a previous analysis of American IC law and the IC literature, structuration theory guided a reconceptualization of IC as unfolding amid contradictory sociohistorical structures or discursive formations-traditionalism, liability, and decision making-representing interests favoring a group's (physicians, states and administrative entities, and patients, respectively) control of IC. This study's focus groups with radiologists found them (re)producing these structures in their interpretive schemes of patients' reactions to IC, IC as protective paperwork, and IC as a patient- and relationship-centered process.
On the dependence of burst losses on the packet inter-arrival times in VoIP

In this paper, the dependency of length of burst losses on the packet inter-arrival time in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is analyzed and modeled using the semi-Markov process. The model helps in predicting future loss lengths for a given pattern of packet arrivals at the queue. A simulation testbed with Cisco routers was setup to study the effect of packet inter-arrival time on burst loss patterns. The simulation results demonstrate that the length of burst losses increase for lower packet inter-arrival times, thereby demonstrating the temporal dependency of burst losses on the packet inter-arrival time.
The Impact of Pregnancy on Myotonic Dystrophy: A Registry-Based Study.

Background The rate of symptom progression during pregnancy in myotonic dystrophy (DM) is not currently known. Further, there is little data regarding the rate of pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes in DM. Objective This study assesses symptom progression and complication rates during pregnancy in women with DM. Methods DM women completed surveys regarding their prior pregnancies. Participants identified complications during their pregnancies and completed the Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index-Short Form (MDHI-SF) to measure their disease burden and identify the severity of select symptoms six-months prior to, during, and six-months after their first pregnancy. Results 152 women with DM reported on 375 pregnancies. Among these pregnancies, there was a 32.5% miscarriage rate. Some complications were common including: pre-term labor (27.8%), pre-eclampsia (10.4%), and peripartum hemorrhage (13.9%). Participants' perception of their mobility and ability to perform activities, as measured by the MDHI-SF, worsened during pregnancy and did not recover during the post-partum period. Discussion Miscarriage, maternal disease progression during pregnancy, and other pregnancy related complications may occur in DM. Women with DM should be counseled on these potential risks prior to considering pregnancy.
Wi-Fi Networks and the Reorganization of Wireline—Wireless Relationship

New technologies often help subvert the established order.1 The mysterious process by which they bring about unexpected change is at best partially understood. Zuboff (1988) likens it to the turning of a kaleidoscope. “Imagine a hand nudging the kaleidoscope’s rim until hundreds of angles collapse, merge, and separate to form a new design” (p. 387). She suggests that technological change has the same transformational power as the hand that turns the kaleidoscope. Christensen (1997) makes a distinction between “sustaining technologies” and “disruptive technologies”. The former improve the performance of established products and systems and are thereby readily accepted by the mainstream customers. The latter, often with poor initial performance characteristics, are at first embraced by fringe groups for their peculiar reasons and later, after the technology has improved our time, an entrepreneur introduces it into the mainstream market and proceeds to disrupt it. The potential for subversion is especially high in the case of communications technologies because “new media embody the possibility that accustomed orders are in jeopardy, since communication is a particular kind of interaction that actively seeks variety. No matter how firmly custom or instrumentality may appear to organize or contain it, it carries the seeds of its own subversion” (Marvin, 1988; quoted in Giese, 1996, p. 139).
Abstract 498: Combinatorial Extracellular Matrix Microarrays for Probing Endothelial Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs) are a promising cell source for vascular regeneration in patients with peripheral arterial disease. However, a critical bottleneck to their clinical translation is the ability to differentiate the cells reproducibly at high yields. Since endothelial cells interact with the basement membrane extracellular matrix (ECM), we sought to examine the role of ECMs on endothelial differentiation using combinatorial ECM microenvironments. ECM microarrays were developed by covalent conjugation of ECMs (gelatin, fibronectin, laminin, heparin sulfate proteoglycans, collagen IV, matrigel) and the multi-component combinations thereof. The pluripotent stem cells attached to the ECMs and subsequently differentiated over the course of 5 days. Endothelial differentiation was semi-quantitatively scored based on the degree of CD31 staining. Our results demonstrated greater levels of CD31staining when cultured on gelatin + matrigel + laminin (G+M+L) or fibronectin + laminin + heparan sulfate (F+L+H), compared to other combinations across three human pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSC-Huf5, iPSC-CON1, and ESC-H1). This enhancement in endothelial differentiation on the microscale was confirmed at larger cell culture platforms in which a marked increase in CD31+ cells was observed in G+M+L modified-dishes (> 5 fold), and F+L+H combination (> 10 fold), compared to gelatin-modified dishes. RT-PCR further confirmed the transcriptional upregulation in endothelial markers for CD31 (> 2 fold) and VE-cadherin (> 4 fold) on G+M+L, compared to gelatin-modified dishes. To elucidate the role of cell-ECM interactions on endothelial differentiation, gene expression of integrin subunits were examined. Gene expression was markedly upregulated in integrins α1 (>10 fold); α4, α5, and αV (>5 fold); and β1, β3 (>50 fold), and β4, when comparing differentiated cells on day14 to undifferentiated cells. The upregulation of integrin subunits was concomitant with upregulation in endothelial genes. Together, this data suggested that combinatorial ECMs differentially promote endothelial differentiation, in part through integrin-mediated pathways.
Taking Lochner Out of the Closet or Liberty of Contract as a Basis for Gay Rights

This article, “Taking Lochner Out of the Closet,” is at the intersection of contract law, constitutional law, and sexual orientation law. The article offers a fresh and neutral analytical framework based on liberty of contract to advance gay rights. The framework might also be applied to other areas of concern where government regulation must be justified. With respect to gay rights specifically, many of the states of the United States have statutes, constitutional provisions, and court decisions that deny individuals the right to have a family, specifically a spouse and children, based on sexual orientation. Advocates frequently argue that such acts violate constitutional guarantees of equal protection or invade a constitutional right to privacy. However such arguments are often defeated by counter arguments presented with religious, moral and even emotional fervor. This article discusses and develops an alternative analytical framework that is perhaps more neutral and less emotional than pleas for equal protection or privacy, and that might be used to critically assess such restrictions. The argument is one based on the historic principles of liberty of contract. Those principles were prevalent during what has become known as the Lochner era, an era named for the infamous case of Lochner v. New York, which was decided in 1905. (Lochner held that a statute regulating working hours of bakers was unconstitutional). The Lochner case and the era named for it was dominated by a simple presumption that people should be allowed the liberty to order their own affairs through contract and that regulatory encroachments on that liberty interest would be evaluated critically. This article argues that it is with just such a presumption that restrictions denying individuals the liberty to pursue and have a family should be evaluated and, most likely, found to be unconstitutional.
Computational study of pressure-driven methane transport in hierarchical nanostructured porous carbons

Using the reflecting particle method together with a perturbation-relaxation loop developed in our previous work, we studied pressure-driven methane transport in hierarchical nanostructured porous carbons (HNPCs) containing both mesopores and micropores in non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The surface morphology of the mesopore wall was systematically varied by tuning interaction strength between carbon atoms and the template in a mimetic nanocasting process. Effects of temperature and mesopore size on methane transport in HNPCs were also studied. Our study shows that increased mesopore wall surface roughness changes the character of the gas-wall interaction from specular to diffuse, while the gas-gas interaction is diminished due to the decrease of adsorption density. Effects of the mesopore wall surface morphology are the most significant at low temperatures and in small channels. Our systematic study provides a better understanding of the transport mechanisms of light gases through carbon nanotube composite membranes in experiments.
An Efficient Genetic Fuzzy Approach to UAV Swarm Routing

Fuzzy logic is used in a variety of applications because of its universal approximator attribute and nonlinear characteristics. But, it takes a lot of trial and error to come up with a set of membership functions and rule-base that will effectively work for a specific application. This process could be simplified by using a heuristic search algorithm like Genetic Algorithm (GA). In this paper, genetic fuzzy is applied to the task assignment for cooperating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) classified as the Polygon Visiting Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem (PVMTSP). The PVMTSP finds a lot of applications including UAV swarm routing. We propose a method of genetic fuzzy clustering that would be specific to PVMTSP problems and hence more efficient compared to k-means and c-means clustering. We developed two different algorithms using genetic fuzzy. One evaluates the distance covered by each UAV to cluster the search-space and the other uses a cost function that approximates the distance covered thus resulting in a reduced computational time. We compare these two approaches to each other as well as to an already benchmarked fuzzy clustering algorithm which is the current state-of-the-art. We also discuss how well our algorithm scales for increasing number of targets. The results are compared for small and large polygon sizes.
Brain Imaging and the Bill of Rights

Novel methods of memory detection promise to transform criminal justice. Neural test results provide information on the basis of which to resolve contested factual disputes in criminal trials. Because forensic neurotechnology measures involuntary brain activities, these techniques promise superior reliability over traditional polygraph machines, which measure physiological functions that a subject may be able to control and learn to manipulate. I consider whether evidence produced by these technologies is admissible in criminal or civil trials and the conditions under which their use would and would not violate constitutional guarantees afforded by the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
Acyl CoA synthetase-1 links facilitated long chain fatty acid uptake to intracellular metabolic trafficking differently in hearts of male versus female mice.

Abstract Rationale Acyl CoA synthetase-1 (ACSL1) is localized at intracellular membranes, notably the mitochondrial membrane. ACSL1 and female sex are suggested to indirectly facilitate lipid availability to the heart and other organs. However, such mechanisms in intact, functioning myocardium remain unexplored, and roles of ACSL1 and sex in the uptake and trafficking of fats are poorly understood. Objective To determine the potential for ACSL1 and sex-dependent differences in metabolic trapping and trafficking effects of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) within cardiomyocytes of intact hearts. Methods and results 13 C NMR of intact, beating mouse hearts, supplied 13 C palmitate, revealed 44% faster trans-sarcolemmal uptake of LCFA in male hearts overexpressing ACSL1 (MHC-ACSL1) than in non-transgenic (NTG) males (p Conclusions ACSL1-mediated metabolic trapping of exogenous LCFA accelerates LCFA uptake rates, albeit to a lesser extent in females, which distinctly affects LCFA trafficking to acyl intermediates but not triglyceride storage or mitochondrial oxidation and is affected by female sex hormones.
A Note on the Behavior of Least Squares Regression Estimates When Both Variables Are Subject to Error.

For the errors in variables model X = U + V, Y = βf(U) + W, sufficient conditions are given for the L.S. limiting estimate of β to satisfy P(β^/β 1)=1 as the sample size tends to infinity.
Recent Trends and Development on MEMS-based Micro Power System

This paper summarized the development survey and the research progress of power MEMS,briefly introduced the micro TE generator,micro fuel cells and the power generators for energy harvesting these three kinds typical power MEMS newest research progress.Had demonstrated in this foundation,a novel micro-TPV systems with no moving parts,and less demands for precision fabrication and assembly developed by our research group have been shown.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinical Trials: Evolving Concepts

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disorder with variable rates of disease progression (Raghu et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 183:788–824, 2011). Development of therapeutic interventions has proven quite challenging, which, in part, reflects the complex underlying biology, the difficult nature of identifying the optimal endpoints for pivotal studies, and the varying rate of disease progression (Raghu et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 185:1044–8, 2012). Over the past 10 years, significant advances have occurred in the conduct of clinical trials in IPF (Luppi et al., Curr Opin Pulm Med 18:428–32, 2012). Table 20.1 enumerates published trials over this time period with characteristics of the individual studies. The advances included in these trials include the adoption of guideline-based diagnostic criteria, standard approaches to initial evaluation and characterization of study subjects, and a robust methodology to study conduct. Numerous challenges remain, however, including identifying the optimal primary endpoint(s) for late-stage development, the role of biomarkers or intermediate markers in clinical trials, defining disease progression in individual study subjects to allow study enrichment, and targeting novel pathways in future clinical trials. This chapter will describe the approach to diagnosis and characterization of study subjects, the approach to physiological assessment, and the modalities that are needed to design and conduct proof of concept (POC), early-phase, and late-phase therapeutic trials.
The Role of Inflammation and Leukocytes in the Pathogenesis of Sickle Cell Disease

Acute and chronic vascular occlusion underlies much of the morbidity and mortality in sickle disease. Abnormal polymerization of deoxygenated hemoglobin S (HbS) resulting in stiff, non-deformable erythrocytes is central to sickle cell pathogenesis. However, a complex interplay of many factors determines the balance between adequate blood flow and vessel obstruction. Serum markers of inflammation have provided evidence for a state of chronic inflammation in sickle cell disease (SCD). Inflammation promotes endothelial adherence to sickle erythrocytes. Studies demonstrating a beneficial effect of steroid therapy for painful episodes and acute chest syndrome provide indirect evidence for the role of inflammation in this disease. Leukocytosis, in the absence of infection, is common in SCD patients and predicts for stroke, acute chest syndrome, and overall mortality. Neutrophils and monocytes have been shown to be activated in these patients. Activated leukocytes further promote vascular inflammation and vessel damage. A reduction in leukocytes, and thus inflammation, may partially explain the beneficial effects of hydroxyurea in this disease. These data provide a strong rationale for clinical studies of therapy directed at inflammation and/or leukocytes in sickle cell disease.
Managing Your Academic Career

The session started with each of the panelists talking a bit about their background and how they became department chairs then the floor was opened for questions so that the interests of the group drove the session. The participants included graduate students, an adjunct and both full time tenured and tenure track professionals.
TE/TM decomposition of Maxwell's equations for layered, magnetic, uniaxially anisotropic media

A new framework is given for the solution of electromagnetic boundary value problems involving arbitrarily layered, magnetic, uniaxially anisotropic material. To illustrate, the methods are applied to solve the problem of Hertzian dipole excitation of a grounded, infinite, magnetic, uniaxially anisotropic substrate.
Evaluation of dried blood spot protocols with the Bio-Rad GS HIV Combo Ag/Ab EIA and Geenius™ HIV 1/2 Supplemental Assay

Abstract Objective FDA-approved antigen/antibody combo and HIV-1/2 differentiation supplemental tests do not have claims for dried blood spot (DBS) use. We compared two DBS-modified protocols, the Bio-Rad GS HIV Combo Ag/Ab (BRC) EIA and Geenius™ HIV-1/2 (Geenius) Supplemental Assay, to plasma protocols and evaluated them in the CDC/APHL HIV diagnostic algorithm. Methods BRC-DBS p24 analytical sensitivity was calculated from serial dilutions of p24. DBS specimens included 11 HIV-1 seroconverters, 151 HIV-1-positive individuals, including 20 on antiretroviral therapy, 31 HIV-2-positive and one HIV-1/HIV-2-positive individuals. BRC-reactive specimens were tested with Geenius using the same DBS eluate. Matched plasma specimens were tested with BRC, an IgG/IgM immunoassay and Geenius. DBS and plasma results were compared using the McNemar's test. A DBS-algorithm applied to 348 DBS from high-risk individuals who participated in surveillance was compared to HIV status based on local testing algorithms. Results BRC-DBS detects p24 at a concentration 18 times higher than in plasma. In seroconverters, BRC-DBS detected more infections than the IgG/IgM immunoassay in plasma ( p = 0 . 0133), but fewer infections than BRC-plasma ( p = 0 . 0133) . In addition, the BRC/Geenius-plasma algorithm identified more HIV-1 infections than the BRC/Geenius-DBS algorithm ( p = 0 . 0455) . The DBS protocols correctly identified HIV status for established HIV-1 infections, including those on therapy, HIV-2 infections, and surveillance specimens. Conclusions The DBS protocols exhibited promising performance and allowed rapid supplemental testing. Although the DBS algorithm missed some early infections, it showed similar results when applied to specimens from a high-risk population. Implementation of a DBS algorithm would benefit testing programs without capacity for venipuncture.
Let me be your guide: physical guidance improves spatial learning for older adults with simulated low vision

Monitoring one's safety during low vision navigation demands limited attentional resources which may impair spatial learning of the environment. In studies of younger adults, we have shown that these mobility monitoring demands can be alleviated, and spatial learning subsequently improved, via the presence of a physical guide during navigation. The present study extends work with younger adults to an older adult sample with simulated low vision. We test the effect of physical guidance on improving spatial learning as well as general age-related changes in navigation ability. Participants walked with and without a physical guide on novel real-world paths in an indoor environment and pointed to remembered target locations. They completed concurrent measures of cognitive load on the trials. Results demonstrate an improvement in learning under low vision conditions with a guide compared to walking without a guide. However, our measure of cognitive load did not vary between guidance conditions. We also conducted a cross-age comparison and found support for age-related declines in spatial learning generally and greater effects of physical guidance with increasing age.
A game theoretic treatment for pair-wise secret-key generation in many-to-one networks

We consider secret-key generation between several agents and a base station that observe independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) realizations of correlated random variables. Each agent wishes to generate the longest possible individual key with the base station by means of public communication. All keys must be jointly kept secret from all external entities. We do not require them to be kept secret among the agents. In this many-to-one secret-key generation setting, it can be shown that the agents can take advantage of a collective protocol to increase the sum-rate of all the generated keys. However, when each agent is only interested in maximizing its own secret-key rate, agents may be unwilling to participate in a collective protocol. Furthermore, when such a collective protocol is employed, how to fairly allocate individual key rates arises as a valid issue. We study this tension between cooperation and self-interest with a game-theoretic treatment. We establish that cooperation is in the best interest of all agents and that there exists individual secret-key rate allocations that incentivize the agents to follow the protocol. Additionally, we propose an explicit and low-complexity coding scheme based on polar codes and hash functions that achieves such allocations.
An Identity Crisis for the Casimir Operator

Lie groups and Lie algebras play a fundamental role in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, and elementary particle physics.
Risk and protective factors of intimate partner violence among South Asian immigrant women and perceived need for services

Objectives Limited research exists on multilevel influences of intimate partner violence (IPV) among immigrant groups in the United States, particularly South Asians. Using a socioecological framework, this study examined risk and protective factors of IPV among a diverse group of South Asian immigrant survivors of IPV and identified their perceived need for services. Method Sixteen South Asian immigrant survivors were recruited from New York; Maryland; Virginia; and Washington, DC, using a snowball sampling method. Participants were 1st-generation and 2nd-generation immigrants born in India (n = 4), Bangladesh (n = 4), Pakistan (n = 5), the United States (n = 2), and Sri Lanka (n = 1). Data were collected using in-depth interviews (n = 16) and a focus group (n = 1). A thematic analysis procedure was used to analyze the data and to identify themes across different ecological levels. Results IPV was related to factors at multiple levels, such as cultural normalization of abuse, gender role expectations, need to protect family honor, arranged marriage system, abusive partner characteristics, and women's fear of losing children and being on own. Protective factors included supportive family and friends, religion, safety strategies, education, and empowerment. Women highlighted the need for community education and empowerment efforts and culturally responsive services for addressing IPV in South Asian communities. Conclusions South Asian survivors of IPV have experienced, and some continue to experience, abuse due to factors operating at multiple levels of the ecological framework. Consideration of culturally specific risk and protective factors for IPV at multiple contexts in women's lives could inform culturally responsive IPV prevention and intervention strategies for South Asian communities in the United States. (PsycINFO Database Record
Agency, Networks, Past and Future

In this contribution, I will first draw upon the other chapters of this book to summarise what are in my opinion the essential elements of their discussion on the concept of agency and on Actor Network Theory. Then I will argue the need to come to understand the process of invention and innovation and present some ideas about why this topic has not generally been given the importance that, in my eyes, it merits. Finally, I will try and develop a perspective that might indeed help us understand the process of intention and innovation, based on some of the ideas about agency presented in this book.
Trachyonychia: a case report and review of manifestations, associations, and treatments.

Abstract Trachyonychia ("rough nails") is best considered a reaction or morphologic pattern with a variety of clinical presentations and etiologies. It may involve only 1 or as many as 20 nails (20-nail dystrophy). It can be a manifestation of lichen planus, psoriasis, alopecia areata, immunoglobulin A deficiency, atopic dermatitis, and ichthyosis vulgaris. Nail matrix biopsy results and physical examination findings help in establishing the cause of this condition, though often trachyonychia is an isolated finding. When trachyonychia occurs in childhood as a manifestation of lichen planus, it tends to resolve with time. We review a case of trachyonychia, its association, its diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options.
Lessons Learned Using a High-Definition 3-Dimensional Exoscope for Spinal Surgery.

Background The operative microscope has significantly advanced modern neurosurgical spine surgery but continues to be limited by high costs, suboptimal optics, poor ergonomics, and difficulties with maneuverability. We believe the novel 4K high-definition (4K-HD) 3-dimensional (3D) exoscope (EX), may improve the surgical corridor through advancements in illumination, ergonomics, magnification, and depth of field and has the potential to be utilized in neurosurgical education and training. Objective To evaluate the surgical potential of a novel 3D EX system in spinal surgery. Methods Retrospective analysis over 6 mo of all patients who have undergone spinal surgery at Northwell Health using the 3D EX. Nuances of surgical theater positioning, advantages/disadvantages of the EX and clinical sequelae of the patients were analyzed. Results All 10 patients who underwent spinal surgery utilizing the EX experienced excellent surgical and clinical outcomes without complications. The low-profile EX allowed for excellent operative corridors and instrument maneuverability. The large monitor also resulted in an immersive surgical experience, and gave team members the same 3D vision as the operator. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing the 3D 4K-HD EX system and highlights potential technical assets of this novel technology in regard to optics, ergonomics, and maneuverability. Further clinical research is needed to examine the clinical effectiveness of the EX system for different surgical approaches through quantitative methodology.
Crash severity analysis of rear-end crashes in California using statistical and machine learning classification methods

Investigating drivers’ injury level and detecting contributing factors that aggravate the damage level imposed on drivers and vehicles is a critical subject in the field of crash analysis. In this ...
Seven-enzyme in vitro cascade to (3R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA

Economical and environmentally-friendly routes to convert feedstock chemicals like acetate into valuable chiral products such as (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate are in demand. Here, seven enzymes (CoaA, CoaD, CoaE, ACS, BktB, PhaB, and GDH) are employed in a one-pot, in vitro, biocatalytic synthesis of (3R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, which was readily isolated. This platform generates not only chiral diketide building blocks but also desirable CoA derivatives.
Beware the Word Police

Frequent calls for changing diagnostic labels to decrease stigma may result in unintended consequences. Condemning incorrect language by policing word choice oversimplifies the depth of work involved to increase opportunities for people with mental illness. This Open Forum reviews three unintended consequences of using scolding language.
African American Males Learning Online: Promoting Academic Achievement in Higher Education

Online education is expanding within higher education. However, attrition rates for African American males enrolled in higher education in general, and in online courses specifically, is on the rise. Because the future of our nation depends on how well our educational institutions develop, nurture, and deploy talent, an investigation was conducted to identify factors that promoted online course completion among African American male undergraduate students. Ten males who successfully completed online courses were interviewed, and significant themes were identified. Factors that contributed to online course completion were financial assistance, prior academic achievement, previous information technology (IT) training, continuous academic enrollment, student selection of topics perceived as uncomplicated and less demanding or familiar due to sufficient prior knowledge, use of handheld digital devices, and a non-prejudicial learning environment. Based on these findings, recommendations are made that include strategies policymakers and educationists can implement to promote academic achievement and degree attainment among African American males in higher education.
Image Atlas Series and in QUIZator Series

1. James T Griffith, PhD CLS(NCA) 1. Chancellor Professor and Chairperson, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Massachusetts, 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth MA 02747-2300. (508) 999-8328, (508) 999-8418 (fax). (jgriffith{at}umassd.edu). Each of the following five CD-ROMs is described to be for the express use of: educators (PowerPoint lectures, color images for examinations, student laboratory manuals, intranet website postings); undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, residents, and fellows (intranet postings for review of lecture material, at-home review, printed ‘flash cards’ for national certification examination review); and practitioners (reference material, review material for continuing education credit, training and retraining of employees, images for laboratory procedure manuals). Bacteriology Image Atlas This CD-ROM contains nearly 700 quality photomicrographs. Each is clear and accessible. “Alphabetical”, “Grouping”, and “Tests” tabs allow the seamless movement from one way of searching to another. This reviewer ran the software through a Macintosh (Mac) SX environment and a Windows XP environment. While the Mac access was a bit more intuitive, both worked well. Indiana Pathology Images (IP) suggests that the CD has been designed to operate in MAC OSX v. 10.2-10.3 and Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, and XP. There is also an Internet Explorer (5.0 and up) and Netscape operation. The operational modes are “RUN from CD-ROM”, simple for both environments, and “Internet RUN” which is optimal from PC environments only. It is not clear why this limitation exists. The content is superb! Images exist for over 125 different organisms ranging from Achromobacter xylosoxidans to Yersinia enterocolitica . Commonly identified organisms such as the Enterobacteriaceae are balanced with views of less frequently seen organisms such as Finegoldia magna and Mycobacterium phlei . When you go to an organism, there…
The Effect of the Corporate Income Tax on Leverage in Public Corporations

This paper explores the question of how corporate income taxation affects corporate debt. New measures of first- and last-dollar corporate marginal tax rates compiled from the SOI corporate tax database using the Treasury corporate tax model reflect the full complexity of the US corporate tax code. Use of a merged panel of SOI and Compustat data for a sample of 1036 publicly owned corporations enables accurate measurement of both financial and tax variables influencing the corporate leverage decision. In contrast to recent studies, this report finds a negative relationship between corporate debt levels and marginal tax rates. However, it finds a positive relationship between changes in corporate debt levels and lagged marginal tax rates. Instrumentation for endogenous last-dollar tax rates with exogenous first-dollar tax rates indicates that corporate debt is likely more sensitive to marginal tax rates at the last-dollar margin than for lower levels of debt.
The Returns to Lobbying: Evidence from Local Governments in the “Age of Earmarks”:

I measure the returns to lobbying for US local governments in terms of federal earmarks. Because a local government’s decision to lobby may be endogenous to receiving an earmark, I instrument for l...
Does General Fund Balance Stabilize Municipal Expenditure? Evidence from Large American Cities

Municipal governments in the U.S. tend to build and maintain substantial general fund balances to ensure expenditure stability and long-term financial sustainability. It is important to understand ...