cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ancient Walls of Damascus and the Siege of Mouaddamiyya: A Historical and Spatial Analysis of Bounded Place and Cultural Identity:

Throughout the Syrian crisis, the presence of material and symbolic boundaries to culture became a particularly salient element of the continuously unfolding political turmoil. As one terrorist gro...
Environmental KPI Selection Using Criteria Value and Demonstration

Determining key performance indicators (KPI) is a first step in achieving environmental sustainability of manufacturing operations. KPI selection is a multi-criteria decision making problem, because of various criteria that must be considered. Intuitively, one can rank candidate KPIs by specifying a numerical value indicating the effectiveness of a KPI in satisfying each criterion. However, linking selection criteria to KPI objectives, ranking how well a KPI satisfying a given criterion, and assigning a value to each rank lead to better KPI rankings. Values for each score are crucial. This paper shows steps to capture values to derive a criterion value function that is used to rank candidate KPIs. Selected KPIs can be used for assessing and monitoring sustainability performance, which must be considered together with including traditional (e.g., throughput) measures. A machine shop is used to show how an objective of reducing emissions from energy use in manufacturing can be pursued by monitoring the energy used to produce a unit product.
GAMMA-IRRADIATION OF PURIFIED MYOGLOBINS. I. EFFECT ON PHYSIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES.

Abstract Solutions of purified sperm whale and yellowfin tuna myoglobins were subjected to γ-irradiation at levels of 0–500 krads in nitrogen atmospheres. Samples to be irradiated included, in most instances, individual fractions of the three myoglobins that can be isolated from both whale and tuna preparations free of other proteins. Irradiated myoglobins precipitated from solution as a function of dose and concentration; least precipitation occurred with concentrations between 7 and 10 mg per milliliter. All precipitates were insoluble in 6 M urea except for one whale fraction. The absorbancy of samples in the 280 mμ region increased considerably following irradiation; in some dilute solutions an absorption maximum appeared at about 240 mμ. Changes in absorbancy in the visible region suggest that oxymyoglobins are partially oxidized, and that metmyoglobins are converted to substances with spectra similar to oxymyoglobins. There was little change in sedimentation velocity of myoglobins as a result of irradiation. Deamination of the proteins was induced by irradiation, and there was splitting of small peptide fragments not yet identified. Electrophoretic behavior was altered by irradiation, with samples subjected to 500-krad levels not moving from the origin on cellulose acetate strips, except for one whale fraction. There was an apparent loss of the sulfhydryl group of tuna myoglobins that was proportional to radiation dose; however, dialysis of irradiated material prior to sulfhydryl assay increased the SH value. The SH group was without apparent effect on radiation susceptibility, since whale myoglobins, which have no SH groups, behaved similarly to tuna myoglobins in most cases.
Influence of source parameters on the growth of metal nanoparticles by sputter-gas-aggregation

We describe the production of size-selected manganese nanoclusters using a magnetron sputtering/aggregation source. Since nanoparticle production is sensitive to a range of overlapping operating parameters (in particular, the sputtering discharge power, the inert gas flow rates, and the aggregation length), we focus on a detailed map of the influence of each parameter on the average nanocluster size. In this way, it is possible to identify the main contribution of each parameter to the physical processes taking place within the source. The discharge power and argon flow supply the metal vapor, and argon also plays a crucial role in the formation of condensation nuclei via three-body collisions. However, the argon flow and the discharge power have a relatively weak effect on the average nanocluster size in the exiting beam. Here the defining role is played by the source residence time, governed by the helium supply (which raises the pressure and density of the gas column inside the source, resulting in more efficient transport of nanoparticles to the exit) and by the aggregation path length.
Choice, chance, and credence

This is an examination of certain lines of thought on the role of probability in theoretical and practical reasoning, with no suggestion that precisely the items noticed here are the most important.
Our kids: Unaccompanied minors and the question of care

The question of care and what it means both conceptually and practically in the designated arena of child and youth care is a vexing one in the 21st century. Without a doubt, there are increasing n...
Athletes’ perceptions of within-field variability on natural turfgrass sports fields

Natural turfgrass sports field properties exhibit within-field variations due to foot traffic from play, field construction, management, and weather. Little is known about the influences these variations may have on athletes’ perceptions of field playability and injury risk. Information regarding athletes’ perceptions of within-field variability could be fundamental for identifying key surface properties important to athletes, which may also be useful for the progression and implementation of Precision Turfgrass Management on sports fields. A case study using mixed methods was conducted on a recreational-level turfgrass sports field to better understand athletes’ perceptions of within-field variability. Geo-referenced normalized difference vegetation index, surface hardness, and turfgrass shear strength data were obtained to create hot spot maps for identification of significant within-field variations. Walking interviews were conducted in situ with 25 male and female collegiate Club Sports rugby and ultimate frisbee athletes to develop knowledge about athletes’ perceptions of within-field variability. Field data, hot spot maps, and walking interview responses were triangulated to explore, compare, and validate findings. Athletes’ perceptions of within-field variability generally corresponded with measured surface properties. Athletes perceived within-field variations of turfgrass coverage and surface evenness to be most important. They expressed awareness of potential influences the variations could have, but not all athletes made behavior changes. Those who reported changing did so with regard to athletic maneuvers and/or strategy, primarily for safety or context of play. Spatial maps of surface properties that athletes identified could be used for Precision Turfgrass Management to potentially improve perceptions by mitigating within-field variability.
Left ventricular dysfunction in a canine model of chronic cyanosis.

Etude pour determiner le role de la cyanose dans la deterioration de la fonction ventriculaire gauche apres chirurgie correctrice des cardiopathies congenitales cyonogenes
The Importance of Surgical Volume on Outcomes in Thyroid Surgery Revisited: Old is in Again

It was with great interest that we read the editorial by Dr. Julie Ann Sosa, ‘‘What’s Old is New Again,’’ which reviews our recent publication ‘Total thyroidectomy is associated with increased risk of complications for lowand high-volume surgeons,’’ in the current issue of Annals of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Sosa has been a pioneer in the field of endocrine surgery and has paved the way for studies examining the relationships between volume and outcomes such as ours. We agree with Dr. Sosa that the relationship between provider volume and improved patient outcomes is not a novel discovery and has been demonstrated for a number of operations. With regard to thyroid surgery, these relationships have been demonstrated in both pediatric and geriatric thyroid patients. Our study confirms previous findings as Dr. Sosa suggests, and it is currently the largest study of its kind. The fact that it confirms previous findings suggests that such findings are reproducible, and this should not be felt to be an insignificant point. Additionally, using a nationwide database with weighted data points allows us to attempt to scale the data to most accurately reflect information at the national level. By doing so, we confirmed that, nationally, high-volume surgeons performed the smallest percentage of thyroidectomies and not a disproportionately large number, as previously suggested by Sosa et al. However, for the first time using a national database, we show that the type of thyroid operation does have significant influence on morbidity. We demonstrate, by controlling for surgeon volume, and hence, surgeon skills and experience, that these factors are not the sole determinant of complication rates. There is an inherent risk to total thyroidectomy even among high-volume surgeons. This risk, however, is mitigated when high-volume surgeons perform these operations compared with low-volume surgeons, as previously demonstrated. As Dr. Sosa points out, debate currently surrounds the appropriate management for lowand medium-risk differentiated thyroid cancers\4 cm in size, and whether thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy should be performed. Additionally, The American Thyroid Association released guidelines in 2009 recommending that thyroid lobectomy alone may be sufficient treatment for isolated indeterminate solitary nodules in those who prefer a more limited surgical procedure and for those with small (\1 cm), low-risk, unifocal, intrathyroidal papillary carcinomas in the absence of prior head and neck irradiation or radiologically or clinically involved cervical nodal metastases. These recommendations have been based on data demonstrating similar survival between lobectomy and total thyroidectomy. Despite these recommendations, there has been an increasing trend toward performing total thyroidectomy, especially for the management of benign disease, in America over the last 15 years, and total thyroidectomy continues to be offered for cases of microcarcinoma and low-grade thyroid malignancies. Society of Surgical Oncology 2014
SIMULATION OF A MULTI RISK COLLECTIVE MODEL

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the simulation of a multi-risk collective model. The simulation was carried out using a computer program written primarily in the FORTRAN language that was executed on an IBM 360 model 50 at the Ball State University Computer Center. The method for generating random deviates of a given distribution was accomplished by the procedure of Monte Carlo methods. The procedure involves drawing an ordinary random number and then using the cumulative distribution function of the given distribution to generate the desired random deviate. The computer program consists of a main routine that controls the logic. The separate subroutines are written for the generation of the random variables of the distributions. The routines for the negative exponential and the Pareto random deviates are written using the explicit inverses of the cumulative distribution functions.
Biokinetics of Vitamin E in Lipoproteins and Cells

The paper will describe 1) the various naturally occurring and synthetic forms of vitamin E, 2) lipoprotein metabolism as it relates to plasma vitamin E transport, 3) the mechanism for the preferential enrichment of plasma and tissues with only one form of vitamin E, namely RRR-α—tocopherol, 4) kinetic estimates of the turnover of vitamin E in human plasma and 5) determinants of vitamin E tissue concentrations.
EVALUATION OF ORCHIECTOMY AND OVARIECTOMY SURGICAL TECHNIQUES IN DEGUS (OCTODON DEGUS)

Abstract In this study, 2 previously described surgical techniques for performing an orchiectomy in the adult male degu (Octodon degus) were evaluated: (1) prescrotal open technique and (2) scrotal open technique. Additionally, an ovariectomy procedure was assessed in female degus using the bilateral (dorsolateral) technique similar to that performed in related species. Twenty two animals (n = 14 males; 8 females) from a local small mammal shelter group, that were presented for routine surgical castration for population control measures, were included in this study. There was a significant difference in mean surgical time for the prescrotal and scrotal approach of 16.46 ± 4.28 and 23.83 ± 2.09 minutes, respectively. No significant differences were noted on anesthesia and recovery times for the orchiectomy procedures. Overall, the prescrotal approach was a faster procedure and required less anesthesia time. One male degu undergoing the scrotal open technique died during surgery, this was believed to be related to anesthesia complications (increased saliva secretions). No other complications were reported perioperatively in any other animals. All animals were observed to have sufficient pain management using an in-house visual analogue scale. The bilateral flank (dorsolateral) ovariectomy approach in female degus yielded a short total procedure time with no adverse events. No over grooming and or self-injurious behaviors were reported during both the 24 hours and 14 days recheck examinations.
Management of Pests, Plant Diseases and Abiotic Disorders of Magnolia Species in the Southeastern United States: A Review

The genus, Magnolia, encompasses a group of about 240 species of evergreen or deciduous trees and large shrubs. Magnolias are native to temperate, subtropical and tropical areas of southeastern Asia, eastern North America, Central America, the Caribbean and parts of South America. Native and nonnative Magnolia species have become prominent landscape plants in the southeastern U.S. due to their beauty, utility, relative ease of maintenance and broad adaptability to the region's climate and soils. Species introductions, breeding and selection programs over the last 50 years have produced superior selections with improved flowering, new flower colors and ornamental foliage and buds often featuring brown, copper or gold indumentum. Magnolia health and pest management is sometimes overlooked in both landscape and production settings because magnolia is considered to have relatively few pest and disease problems. Some abiotic disorders may mimic biotic damage or may render magnolia more susceptible to pests and...
Promoting a Culture of Bullying: Understanding the Role of School Climate and School Sector

Bullying has received increased attention from academics, scholars, and the media over the past decade and a half. The effects of bullying can be devastating and long lasting for victims and bullie...
Shortened Sleep Duration Causes Sleepiness, Inattention, and Oppositionality in Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Findings From a Crossover Sleep Restriction/Extension Study

Objective Although poor sleep is often reported in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), prior studies have been correlational. This study investigated whether sleep duration is causally linked to sleepiness, inattention, and behavioral functioning in adolescents with ADHD. Method A total of 72 adolescents (aged 14−17 years) entered a 3-week sleep protocol using an experimental crossover design. The protocol included a phase stabilization week, followed in randomized counterbalanced order by 1 week of sleep restriction (6.5 hours) and 1 week of sleep extension (9.5 hours). Sleep was monitored with actigraphy and daily sleep diaries, with laboratory visits at the end of each week. Analyses included 48 adolescents who had complete actigraphy data and successfully completed the sleep protocol (defined a priori as obtaining ≥1 hour actigraphy-measured sleep duration during extension compared to restriction). Parent and adolescent ratings of daytime sleepiness, ADHD symptoms, sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), and oppositional behaviors were the primary measures. The A-X Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was a secondary measure. Results Compared to the extended sleep week, parents reported more inattentive and oppositional symptoms during the restricted sleep week. Both parents and adolescents reported more SCT symptoms and greater daytime sleepiness during restriction compared to extension. Adolescents reported less hyperactivity-impulsivity during sleep restriction than extension. No effects were found for parent-reported hyperactivity-impulsivity, adolescent-reported ADHD inattention, or CPT performance. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that sleep duration is a causal contributor to daytime behaviors in adolescents with ADHD. Sleep may be an important target for intervention in adolescents with ADHD. Clinical trial registration information Cognitive and Behavioral Effects of Sleep Restriction in Adolescents With ADHD; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ; NCT02732756 .
Immune Cell and Cell Cluster Phenotyping, Quantitation, and Visualization Using In Silico Multiplexed Images and Tissue Cytometry

Phenotyping immune cells and cell clusters in situ, including their activation state and function, can aid in interpretation of spatial relationships within the tissue microenvironment. Immune cell phenotypes require multiple biomarkers. However, conventional microscopy setups can only image up to four biomarkers at one time. In this report, we describe and give an example of a workflow to phenotype, quantitate, and visualize greater than four biomarkers in silico utilizing multiplexed fluorescence histology and the TissueFAXS quantitative imaging system with a conventional microscopy setup. Biomarkers were conjugated to Cy3 or Cy5. Multiplexed staining was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. We imaged the slides, inactivated the dyes, and repeated the process until all biomarkers were stained. Phenotype profiles were built based on in silico combinations of the biomarkers. We used algorithms that aligned all images to create a composite image, isolated each cell in the image, and identified biomarker positive cells in the image. The in silico phenotypes were quantitated and displayed through flow cytometry-like histograms and dot scatterplots in addition to backgating into the tissue images. The advantage of our workflow is that it provides visual verification of cell isolation and identification as well as highlight characteristics of cells and cell clusters. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Characterization of Electronic Defects in RbF treated CIGS Solar cells

The impact of RbF incorporation after $CuIn_{1}-_{x}Ga_{x}Se_{2}$ (CIGS) growth on the electronic defects and device properties was investigated using various characterizations. Deep level transient/optical spectroscopy (DLTS/DLOS) shows the presence of two trap levels at Ev+0.57eV and Ev+0.98eV. XRD and XRF show no change in sample structure or composition, respectively. Finally, current voltage measurement indicates an enhancement of the device performance which is correlated with the other characterizations.
Using Novels as a Tool to Teach about Different Cultures

Novels provide us with lush spaces full of rich sociological details about people, cultures, social structures, and social networks. I use novels in my Sociology 120 class to help students see the human face of the social and global processes we learn about. We cover topics related to colonialism and its legacy on race, gender, and class in today's world; visual culture and its impact on how we see the world; environmental issues; feminism and women's rights globally; and inequality in global migration. These topics can be both abstract and heavy for undergraduate students to comprehend. Therefore, as part of the course, students choose a novel from a list of carefully selected books that directly connect to many of the topics and themes covered in class. Novels cover countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, and Ghana and topics such as war, colonialism, military occupation, forced migration, dispossession, nationalism, life under authoritarian regimes, patriarchy, women's issues, and religion. The students are required to meet with other students (I put them in groups at the beginning of the semester) three times a semester for 45-60 minutes to discuss the novel, their thoughts about the novel, and the connections between the novel and the course materials. In my experience, students are initially apprehensive about this project because they do not like to read or need guidance in how to develop their critical thinking skills. However, by the end of the semester I am able to observe through the production of their papers that students are able to generate more consequential understandings of the social and global processes they learn about throughout the semester. Students are able to learn about other cultures and countries in a fun way and take a break from sometimes heavy academic readings. They are able to more easily connect the events occurring in the novels with their course readings.
Recent topics in the research field of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS)

Seven years have passed since the discovery of a novel infectious disease, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) caused by a novel Phlebovirus, SFTS virus (SFTSV), in PR China. It was also confirmed that SFTS was endemic to Japan through an identification of a woman, who died of SFTSV infection in Yamaguchi prefecture in late 2012. Approximately 6 years have passed since the discovery of SFTS-endemicity in Japan. At present, SFTS is endemic to PR China, South Korea and western Japan. SFTSV is maintained between several species of ticks such as Haemaphysalis longicornis and wild and domestic animals in nature. Therefore, we cannot escape from the risk of being infected with SFTSV. Based on the similarity in the characteristics of the clinical symptoms including the high case fatality rate, mode of infection to humans, pathology and virology between SFTS and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), SFTS should be classified as viral hemorrhagic fever. Although the time from the discovery of SFTS is still short, there have been many scientific reports on the epidemiological, clinical, and/or pathological, and virological studies on SFTS. Favipiravir was reported to show an efficacy in the prevention and treatment of SFTSV infections in an animal model. A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of favipiravir in the treatment of SFTS patients has been initiated in Japan. Specific and effective treatment with antiviral drugs for and preventive measures of SFTS with vaccination shoued be developed through scientific, clinical, and basic research.
Symptom presence versus symptom intensity in understanding the severity of depression: Implications for documentation in electronic medical records.

Abstract Background Data mining efforts have been applied to research data bases to develop statistical models for predicting outcomes. Electronic medical records have the potential to enable efforts to apply statistical techniques to mine large clinical data bases. Of course, such prediction algorithms will only be as good as the data that is available to input. The question that we address in the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project is how much information might be gained from dimensional ratings of symptom severity over and above that which is accounted for when determining symptom presence. Such results could have implications for how medical record documentation should be established. Methods Patients were evaluated with a semi-structured interview, and the presence of each symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD) was recorded. Patients were also rated on the Clinical Global Index of Severity (CGI-S). Results A multiple regression analysis entering the presence of MDD symptoms as predictors of the CGI had a cumulative R2 of 0.26. A multiple regression analysis entering all symptom severity ratings as predictors of the CGI had a cumulative R2 of 0.40. Limitations The study was based on patients presenting for outpatient treatment to a single clinical practice. Symptoms that are not diagnostic criteria for MDD were not examined. Discussion Research institutions interested in using data mining statistical approaches of electronic medical records should consider having the clinicians rate whether symptoms are mild, moderate or severe and not just whether they are present or absent.
Gender Differences in Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health in Aging Adults.

Adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with poor health.1 Cumulative social risk factors, such as food insecurity and social isolation, have a higher correlation with poor health outcomes than single social risk factors.2 New health policy incentives encourage implementation of social and behavioral risk screening and referral models into health care delivery.3 Understanding patient variation in facing adverse SDOH will allow policy makers and health care systems to prioritize screening for those most at risk, and develop targeted SDOH interventions. Women and men may have differing individual and cumulative social risk factors which is relevant when implementing social risk screening. The objective of this research was to examine gender differences in negative SDOH in adults as they age using nationally representative data.4
Perioperative Surgical Home Principles Applied to the Ambulatory Setting

The Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) is a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary care model aimed at improving patient outcomes, enhancing the overall patient experience, optimizing efficiency, and reducing costs. These considerations are well suited for the fast-paced setting of an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Preoperative interventions intended to optimize patient comorbidities and facilitate appropriate patient selection, intraoperative anesthetic approaches geared towards rapid recovery, and post-operative multimodal analgesic and nausea and vomiting (PONV) management, are a few highlights of this program. From an operational standpoint, processes that improve Operating Room throughput are also essential. Standardizing the delivery of care through the development of protocols, care team collaboration, and active patient engagement are strategies to achieve the goals of the PSH.
All-Metallic Phase Change Thermal Management Systems for Transient Spacecraft Loads

AbstractIn this work, we explore the thermal properties of gallium as an effective phase change material for thermal management applications. Thermal storage and dissipation of gallium manufactured...
Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammatory States

Endothelial cells are metabolically active structures lining the inner layer of blood vessels, lymphatic organs and the heart. They have autocrine and paracrine functions and produce various metabolites/substances responsible for vasomotor tone, vessel wall integrity, immunologic processes, pro-coagulation and anti-coagulation homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) can be characterized by an abnormality in the physical integrity and/or the functional process of the endothelium which may result in alteration in vasoreactivity, leading to increased propensity for thrombus/plaque formation, leukocyte adhesion with inflammatory changes. ED leads to pathologic conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, cerebral vascular accident, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and neoplasm. This chapter will review Endothelial dysfunction (ED) focusing on the impact it has on perioperative patients and highlighting anesthetic considerations.
You're Fired! Donald Trump and the 2020 Congressional Elections

The 2020 elections brought to an end one of the most divisive and historic campaigns in the modern era Former Vice President Joe Biden was elected the 46th President of the United States with the largest number of votes ever cast in a presidential election, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump in the process The record turnout was especially remarkable in light of the ongoing pandemic surrounding COVID-19 and the roughly 236,000 Americans who had died of the virus prior to the election This article examines the electoral context of the 2020 elections focusing on elections in both the House and Senate More specifically, this article examines the candidates, electoral conditions, trends, and outcomes in the primaries as well as the general election In doing so, we provide a comprehensive descriptive analysis of the climate and outcome of the 2020 congressional elections Finally, the article closes with a discussion of the broader implications of the election outcomes on both the incoming 117th Congress as well as the upcoming 2022 midterm election [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Forum (2194-6183) is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )
Metabolic model of nitrogen-fixing obligate aerobe Azotobacter vinelandii demonstrates adaptation to oxygen concentration and metal availability

There is considerable interest in promoting biological nitrogen fixation as a mechanism to reduce the inputs of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture, a problem of agronomic, economic, and environmental importance. For the potential impact of biological nitrogen fixation in agriculture to be realized, there are considerable fundamental knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Biological nitrogen fixation or the reduction of N2 to NH3 is catalyzed by nitrogenase which requires a large amount of energy in the form of ATP and low potential electrons. Nitrogen-fixing organisms that respire aerobically have an advantage in meeting the energy demands of biological nitrogen fixation but face challenges of protecting nitrogenase from inactivation in the presence of oxygen. Here, we have constructed a genome-scale metabolic model of the aerobic metabolism of nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azotobacter vinelandii, which uses a complex electron transport system, termed respiratory protection, to consume oxygen at a high rate keeping intracellular conditions microaerobic. Our model accurately determines growth rate under high oxygen and high substrate concentration conditions, demonstrating the large flux of energy directed to respiratory protection. While respiratory protection mechanisms compensate the energy balance in high oxygen conditions, it does not account for all substrate intake, leading to increased maintenance rates. We have also shown how A. vinelandii can adapt under different oxygen concentrations and metal availability by rearranging flux through the electron transport system. Accurately determining the energy balance in a genome-scale metabolic model is required for future engineering approaches. ImportanceThe worlds dependence on industrially produced nitrogenous fertilizers has created a dichotomy of issues. Some parts of the globe lack access to fertilizers and associated poor crop yields, significantly limiting nutrition, contributing to disease and starvation. In contrast, in other parts of the world, abundant nitrogenous fertilizers and associated overuse result in compromised soil quality and downstream environmental issues. There is considerable interest in expanding the impacts of biological nitrogen fixation to promote improved crop yields in places struggling with access to industrial fertilizers and reducing fertilizers inputs in areas where overuse is resulting in the degradation of soil health and other environmental problems. A more robust and fundamental understanding of biological nitrogen fixations biochemistry and microbial physiology will enable strategies to promote new and more robust associations between nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and crop plants.
Time reversal symmetry protected chaotic fixed point in the quench dynamics of a topological p -wave superfluid

We study the quench dynamics of a topological $p$-wave superfluid with two competing order parameters, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}(t)$. When the system is prepared in the $p+ip$ ground state and the interaction strength is quenched, only ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{+}(t)$ is nonzero. However, we show that fluctuations in the initial conditions result in the growth of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\ensuremath{-}}(t)$ and chaotic oscillations of both order parameters. We term this behavior phase III'. In addition, there are two other types of late-time dynamics---phase I where both order parameters decay to zero and phase II where ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{+}(t)$ asymptotes to a nonzero constant while ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\ensuremath{-}}(t)$ oscillates near zero. Although the model is nonintegrable, we are able to map out the exact phase boundaries in parameter space. Interestingly, we find phase III' is unstable with respect to breaking the time-reversal symmetry of the interaction. When one of the order parameters is favored in the Hamiltonian, the other one rapidly vanishes and the previously chaotic phase III' is replaced by the Floquet topological phase III that is seen in the integrable chiral $p$-wave model.
Integral Evaluation for a Closed-Form 2-D Potential Formulation of the Galerkin BEM

Abstract Closed-form solutions are derived for the regular and adjacent-singular integrals involving the two-dimensional Laplacian’s Green’s function and its normal derivative that arise in the Galerkin BEM. Motivation for their use is provided by comparing the accuracy and time required to compute the BEM system matrix relative to traditional numerical integration. Specifically, it is shown that the use of the closed-form solutions reduces computation time to produce the influence matrices by approximately 95% relative to Gauss quadrature with similar accuracy. All elements of these matrices are then expressed in a form convenient for implementation.
Deep Learning Video Analytics Through Edge Computing and Neural Processing Units on Mobile Devices

Many mobile applications have been developed to apply deep learning for video analytics. Although these advanced deep learning models can provide us with better results, they also suffer from the high computational overhead which means longer delay and more energy consumption when running on mobile devices. To address this issue, we propose a framework called FastVA, which supports deep learning video analytics through edge processing and Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in mobile. The major challenge is to determine when to offload the computation and when to use NPU. Based on the processing time and accuracy requirement of the mobile application, we study three problems: \textit{Max-Accuracy} where the goal is to maximize the accuracy under some time constraints, \textit{Max-Utility} where the goal is to maximize the utility which is a weighted function of processing time and accuracy, and \textit{Min-Energy} where the goal is to minimize the energy under some time and accuracy constraints. We formulate them as integer programming problems and propose heuristics based solutions. We have implemented FastVA on smartphones and demonstrated its effectiveness through extensive evaluations.
Complex Carbohydrates of Cultured Neuronal and Glial Cell Lines

The normal development of the CNS requires that neurons derived from the germinal epithelium of the neural tube segregate into “nuclei,” columns, and laminae and produce axons that ignore numerous incompatible neurons and eventually locate “target” cells at considerable distances from their cell body. These axons are then enveloped by a myelin sheath (derived from the plasma membrane of oligodendroglial cells of neuroectodermal origin) and surrounded by cells, collectively known as glial cells or astrocytes, that both facilitate the targeting of axons and provide structural and metabolic support (Rakic, 1974). It is generally believed that complex carbohydrates are involved in determining the specificity of these interactions (Pfenninger and Rees, 1976), as well as in a number of other functions ranging from facilitation of ion transport and regulation of neurotransmitter release and uptake to memory consolidation, but direct evidence is hard to obtain. This chapter will attempt to assess the evidence both for the existence of neurospecific complex carbohydrates in cell lines of neurotumor origin and for the existence of a specific functional role for them.
Giant cystic sacral schwannoma mimicking tarlov cyst: a case report

To present a rare case of a giant schwannoma of the sacrum mimicking a Tarlov cyst. A 58-year-old woman had a 1-year history of low back pain. MRI revealed a large cystic mass in the sacral canal with bony erosion. Radiological diagnosis of Tarlov cyst was made. The patient underwent surgical treatment for the lesion, which revealed a solid mass. Histopathological examination of the tumor confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient has had significant improvement in her pain 1 month postoperatively. Giant cystic schwannoma of the sacrum is a very rare diagnosis overlooked by practitioners for more common cystic etiologies, but its treatment is significantly different. Care should be taken to include this diagnosis in a differential for a cystic sacral mass.
CHAPTER 14 – Diodes

This chapter discusses diodes. A diode is an electronic device having two terminals. There are many types of diodes, but the most common one is the PN diode. This can rectify AC by allowing the flow of current only in one direction, thus converting the AC into DC. If an external voltage, from a battery for example, is put across a PN diode so the P type material is made positive and the N–type negative, then current will flow. The experiments that are discussed in the chapter are characteristic curves, rectification, and peak versus RMS voltage. The chapter also elaborates on diode bridges, voltage multipliers, diode snubbers, soldering semiconductors, and other diodes.
89 Russias: The Role of Formal Institutions in Explaining Executive Contestation

Under what conditions do executive incumbents consolidate their rule in hybrid regimes and complete the transition to stable authoritarianism? Can independent legislatures hinder ambitious executives even under presidential constitutions? Some existing explanations of democratic successes and failures emphasize structural factors such as level of economic development and resource endowment. Others highlight the role of formal institutions, particularly constitutional drafting and the perils of unlimited executive authority. This paper contributes to the latter tradition by o ering fresh evidence and further theorization drawn on cases located at the subnational level.At the center of it is a systematic e ort to explore the role of stronger legislatures in preventing authoritarian consolidation while controlling for relevant factors identi ed in the literature. I use provincial-level data from gubernatorial elections in a hybrid post-communist federation (Russia 1992-2005) to identify the factors that lead to elections without genuine contestation. These are races where the margin of victory of the incumbent is so wide that the uncertainty of outcome is non-existent. The analysis provides evidence of formal institutions, speci cally autonomous legislatures, exerting an independent positive e ect on executive contestation alongside traditional predictors. Conversely, rubber stamp bodies are associated with an over-extended tenure of incumbent governors and consolidation of authoritarian rule.
Sex, Intimacy, and HIV

Abstract Combining elicitation interview, focus group discussion, and ethnographic observation data, we present an account of sociocul-tural and contextual influences on the emotionally and sexually intimate behavior of a self-defined social network of 11 heterosexually-active Puerto Rican men living in New York City, aged 18–29. Community influences included: (a) strong peer and familial ties, (b) distrust of outsiders, and (c) omnipresence of drugs, alcohol, and HIV/AIDS. Sexual script themes included: (a) pressure to fulfill culturally-defined male gender roles, (b) tensions between emotional versus sexual intimacy needs, (c) “good girl-bad girl” ambivalence, and (d) distrust of women. Safer sex themes included: (a) methods of assessing partner risk, (b) strategies for reducing HIV risk exposure, (c) ambivalence toward female-initiated condom use, and (d) feelings about pregnancy and fatherhood. Collectively, our findings highlight the need for developing community HIV prevention programs which utilize...
Organizing for post‐implementation ERP

Purpose – The importance of involving subject matter experts (SMEs) in ERP implementations is well established. SMEs' knowledge of business and system processes are critical to conducting gap analyses and configuring enterprise systems. But what happens to SMEs on completion of the implementation phase? Prior qualitative research found that some organizations return SMEs to their old department, which can contribute to knowledge transfer; while other organizations retain the services of SMEs, to assist in ongoing efforts with support and enhancement of the systems. The purpose of this study is to understand post‐implementation organizational choices – when SMEs are retained and returned. The aim is to understand these choices relative to the goals of their project. Theoretically, organizations that return SMEs move toward a distributed or hybrid model, while organizations that retain SMEs employ a centralized functional‐support structure. In accordance with contingency theory, these structural choices sho...
The allergic response to stinging insects: VII. Fractionation of whole body and venom sac extracts of yellow jacket

Abstract Extracts of whole body and of venom sac of yellow jackets (Vespula pennsylvanicus) were fractionated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Ten fractions were separated from whole body, and seven fractions from venom sac preparations. Only fraction 1 of venom sac was active in direct skin testing. While several fractions of whole body were active by skin testing, only one of them, fraction 1, was significantly active in a patient who was sensitive to yellow jacket only. Other fractions, therefore, reflected the cross-reaction between the different insects. The antigenic heterogeneity of each fraction was analyzed by appropriate rabbit antisera to yellow jacket extracts. Eight of the ten body fractions gave precipitation, as did three of the seven venom sac fractions. They variously gave one or two lines of precipitation. In addition, fractions 6, 7, and 8 of whole body showed, by testing with rabbit antisera, common reactions with wasp and bee. An analysis of the studies comparing the findings of bee, wasp, and yellow jacket extracts and fractions with each other is presented at the end of this paper.
Categorical Abstract Algebraic Logic: Equivalent Institutions

A category theoretic generalization of the theory of algebraizable deductive systems of Blok and Pigozzi is developed. The theory of institutions of Goguen and Burstall is used to provide the underlying framework which replaces and generalizes the universal algebraic framework based on the notion of a deductive system. The notion of a term π-institution is introduced first. Then the notions of quasi-equivalence, strong quasi-equivalence and deductive equivalence are defined for π-institutions. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the quasi-equivalence and the deductive equivalence of two term π-institutions, based on the relationship between their categories of theories. The results carry over without any complications to institutions, via their associated π-institutions. The π-institution associated with a deductive system and the institution of equational logic are examined in some detail and serve to illustrate the general theory.
A tunneling magnetoresistance sensor overlaid with a longitudinal bias stack in a read region

Summary form only given. A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor overlaid with a longitudinal bias (LB) stack in a read region is characterized in this study. The TMR sensor comprises Pt-Mn/Co-Fe/Ru/Co-Fe/Al-O/Co-Fe/Ni-Fe films, and the LB stack comprises Co-Fe/AFM (Ir-Mn or Pt-Mn) films. The Pt-Mn film of the TMR sensor is used to transversely pin its adjacent Co-Fe film and induce a transverse flux closure between the two Co-Fe films adjacent to the Ru film, thereby achieving proper sensor operation. The net moments of the two Co-Fe films (m/sub 2/-m/sub 3/) are optimized in order to induce an optimal demagnetizing field for optimal TMR responses. The AFM film of the LB stack is used to longitudinally pin its adjacent Co-Fe film and induce a longitudinal flux between the Co-Fe film and the Co-Fe/Ni-Fe sense layers, thereby achieving sensor stabilization. The moment ratio of the Co-Fe longitudinal-pinned layer to the Co-Fe/Ni-Fe sense layers (m/sub 4//m/sub 1/) is optimized in order to achieve sensor stability while maintaining high signal sensitivity.
Duality for Inverse Problems in Wave Propagation

A general dual formulation for inequality constrained optimization problems applies directly to inverse problems for multi-experiment data fitting. In the case of inverse problems in wave propagation, proper choice of the multi-experiment consistency constraint yields a dual problem with better convexity properties than the “primal” or straightforward data fitting formulation. The plane wave detection problem, a very simple inverse problem in wave propagation, provides a transparent framework in which to illustrate these ideas.
Evaluation of the FPS-164 computer for high energy physics pattern recognition problems

Abstract Vectorized pattern recognition algorithms have been compared to traditional scalar algorithms in single-view detectors on the FPS-164 Scientific Computer. The vectorization has been limited to the track recognition phase of the data analysis. Results show that the traditional scalar algorithm outperforms the vectorized algorithms in chamber multiplicities of immediate physical interest for the model fixed-target detectors considered.
Vibrational Overtone Spectroscopy of Butadiene Iron Tricarbonyl and 1,3-Butadiene

The photoacoustic vibrational overtone spectrum of gaseous butadiene iron tricarbonyl (BDIT) at the third overtone region was recorded and compared to that of 1,3-butadiene. The effect of the metal, determined by an interpretation of the overtone spectrum of the complex, is to lengthen the terminal trans CH bond of the 1,3-butadiene ligand by 0.0024 A while the terminal cis bond does not change significantly. The assignments of the terminal cis, terminal trans, and nonterminal CH stretch overtone absorptions are supported by ab initio geometry optimization calculations of the trans and cis butadiene and the BDIT complex. The spectrum of the complex possessed three additional bands not seen in the free ligand. These bands originate from vibrational coupling induced by the presence of the metal.
Steam distillation methods for determination of ammonium, nitrate and nitrite

Abstract Steam distillation methods of determining ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite in the presence of alkali-labile organic nitrogen compounds are described. They involve the use of magnesium oxide for distillation of ammonium, ball-milled Devarda alloy for reduction of nitrate and nitrite to ammonium, and sulfamic acid for destruction of nitrite. The methods are rapid, accurate, and precise, and they permit nitrogen isotope-ratio analysis of ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite in tracer studies using 15N-enriched compounds. They give quantitative recovery of ammonium, nitrate and nitrite added to soil and plant extracts, and appear suitable for analysis of biological materials.