cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsically radiolabeled multifunctional cerium oxide nanoparticles for in vivo studies

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) have demonstrated protection properties against oxidation in various cells and tissues. The mechanism of this, however, is poorly understood. Monitoring the interaction of CONPs with biological compartments 'in situ' is crucial to understand their biochemical and physiological properties in vivo. In this paper, a multifunctional nanoparticle platform was obtained through an intrinsic radiolabeling strategy and extrinsic surface functionalization to combine dual imaging components (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Optical Imaging, SPECT/OI) in one nanoparticle. The cell viability, cell uptake and overall in vivo biodistribution of CONPs were also manipulated through surface functionalization. The intrinsic radiolabeling strategy is demonstrated by incorporating radionuclides (141Ce, 111In or 65Zn) into CONPs and a radiolabeled CONP (rCONP) was coated with biocompatible polymers including Dextran T10 (DT10), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), or functionalized DT10 (DT10-NH2, DT10-PEG and DT10-sulfobetaine). Fluorescent CONPs were obtained through conjugation of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) with DT10-NH2 rCONP and used for cell imaging. The DT10 and DT10-NH2 rCONP did not show decreased viability up to 120 μg mL-1 whilst the PAA rCONP showed decreased viability beyond 40 μg mL-1. Variations in blood circulation and renal/hepatic clearance of rCONPs were demonstrated and were dependent on surface coating and the hydrodynamic size of nanoparticles. The ex vivo biodistribution results were reflected in SPECT imaging of 141Ce-rCONPs, showing accumulation in the liver and spleen of a living mouse over a one week period. The intrinsic radiolabeling and extrinsic surface modifications together determine the biophysical properties of CONPs and their potential applications for in vivo studies and biomedical imaging.
The Effect of Retirement On Political Shirking: Evidence From Congressional Voting:

The theory of rational utility-maximizing agents suggests that politicians should alter their voting patterns when the reelection constraint is removed. However, the previous empirical work on this issue has not shown such a relationship. This article tests the hypothesis that the decision to retire results in systematic changes in political voting behavior (or "political shirking "). The author uses a multiyearpanel data set with more observations than many prior studies, a more precise measure of political shirking, and a different measure of retirement than previous work Least squares estimation yields significant coefficient estimates and substantial evidence that the retirement decision results in political shirking.
A novel functional rabbit IL-7 isoform

IL-7 is required for B cell development in mouse and is a key regulator of T cell development and peripheral T cell homeostasis in mouse and human. Recently, we found that IL-7 is expressed in rabbit bone marrow and in vitro, is required for differentiation of lymphoid progenitors to B and T lineage cells. Herein, we report the identification of a novel rabbit IL-7 isoform, IL-7II. Recombinant IL-7II (rIL-7II) binds lymphocytes via the IL-7R and induces phosphorylation of STAT5. Further, rIL-7II supports proliferation and differentiation of BM progenitor cells into B and T lineage cells. IL7-II is generated by alternative splicing, with an 11 amino acid insertion encoded by a separate exon, exon 2b. Exon 2b is conserved in other lagomorphs, in Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, and Carnivora, but is absent in mouse and human.
Harmonic modeling and analysis of multiple residential Photo-Voltaic generators

The paper derives a numerically efficient algorithm to predict the current harmonics from multiple hysteresis current-controlled PV generators in residential applications. The modeling approach starts by deriving the interdependent switching frequency resulting from the coupling between the PV line currents. Subsequently, using the analogue frequency modulation theorem, the harmonic line current is closely approximated by a frequency-modulated sinusoid. The system and controller parameters are used to compute the harmonic spectrum through a Bessel function array and, therefore, reduce the simulation time significantly. The model is also extended to predict the harmonics of the PV generators when the system voltage is distorted, which is useful for analyzing harmonic interactions between the inverters and the utility grid. MATLAB\Simulink© simulations on Photovoltaic residential units are used to validate the proposed models.
NO MORE STRINGS, PLEASE

Summary form only given. In natural language research, many (grammar) trees were felled in 1992, to make room for the highly successful string-based HMM industry. A small literature survived on parsing (putting a tree on a string) and syntactic language modeling (putting a weight on a string). However, trees are making a comeback. Tree transformations are turning out to be very useful in large-scale machine translation (MT), and we will cover recent developments in this area. Most of the tree techniques used in MT turn out to be generic, leading to tools and software for manipulating tree automata in general. Tree acceptors and transducers generalize HMM techniques to the world of trees, raising many interesting theoretical and practical problems.
Requirements for prognostic health management of passive components in advanced small modular reactors

Advanced small modular reactors (aSMRs), which are based on modularization of advanced reactor concepts, may provide a longer-term alternative to traditional light-water reactors and near term small modular reactors (SMRs), which are based on integral pressurized water reactor (iPWR) concepts. aSMRs are conceived for applications in remote locations and for diverse missions that include providing process or district heating, water desalination, and hydrogen production. Several challenges exist with respect to cost-effective operations and maintenance (O&M) of aSMRs, including the impacts of aggressive operating environments and modularity, and limiting these costs and staffing needs will be essential to ensuring the economic feasibility of aSMR deployment. In this regard, prognostic health management (PHM) systems have the potential to play a vital role in supporting the deployment of aSMR systems. This paper identifies requirements and technical gaps associated with implementation of PHM systems for passive aSMR components.
Use of current controlled GaAs l.p.e. for optimum doping profiles in l.s.a. diodes

Microwave device quality GaAs, grown by the electric current-controlled liquid-phase epitaxy method, is reported. Ratios of peak current to valley current near the theoretical limit for the corresponding layer doping and thickness are reported, along with high breakdown voltages in unloaded l.s.a. oscillators.
The role of adjunctive therapy in the management of chronic nonmalignant pain

The management of chronic nonmalignant pain is an increasing challenge to clinicians and their patients. Adjunctive therapy, which includes a wide range of physical, psychoeducational, and multidisciplinary interventions, can play an important role in the treatment of pain. This article discusses the role and efficacy of adjunctive therapy in the management of pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions, the most common and disabling sources of chronic nonmalignant pain. Findings from meta-analyses, review articles, and recent clinical trials are reviewed that suggest that interventions that combine exercise and psychoeducational approaches designed to enhance communication, control, problem-solving, and coping can have a clinically significant impact on reducing pain and improving functional status for many conditions.
Spontaneous memorials and contemporary modes of mourning in america

ABSTRACTWho, and what, is worth mourning in the United States of America? Who and what “counts” in the American national imaginary and is, hence, deemed especially worthy of mourning and memorialization? Increasingly widespread commemorative practices such as roadside shrines, pregnancy loss memorials, organ donor memorials, and spontaneous memorials erected at sites of tragic and traumatic death—such as the shootings at Columbine High School in 1999—suggest new social and cultural understandings of who is valued as a person worth mourning and remembering in America. Challenging Freudian understandings of mourning as something to be “worked through” quickly and privately, new modes of mourning are public and continuous, embodying growing beliefs in the inseparability of life from death and the endless, although not pathological, presence of grief. Centering on spontaneous memorials, this essay considers what such seemingly impromptu public rituals of commemoration suggest about contemporary American attit...
Protracted Social Conflict; Theory and Practice in the Middle East

(1978). Protractcd Social Conflict; Theory and Practice in the Middle East. Journal of Palestine Studies: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 41-60.
The response of photosynthetic absorption coefficients to irradiance in culture and in tidally mixed estuarine waters

The accuracy of models for primary production and light propagation depends on correct assignment of absorption to photosynthetic pigments. The phytoplankton absorption coefficient is comprised of two components: photosynthetic and photoprotective absorption coefficients. A method based on the fluorescent excitation of chlorophyll a is used to quantify the photosynthetic absorption coefficient for phytoplankton grown in culture and sampled from Puget Sound, Washington. The difference spectrum between total phytoplankton and photosynthetic absorption should be equivalent to photoprotective absorption. For cultures, the difference spectra exhibit peaks near 460 and 490 nm and broad-band absorption between 400 and 450 nm. However, for field samples an additional pronounced peak is observed around 440 nm, similar in shape to the chlorophyll a Soret peak. If the 440-nm peak were associated with photosystem I chlorophyll a, the photosynthetic absorption coefficient will be underestimated by <15% for these samples. Variability in both coefficients is predictable as a function of irradiance. The photosynthetic coefficient varies inversely with growth irradiance, and the photoprotective coefficient varies directly with irradiance. This direct relationship with irradiance accounts for much of the variability in the spectral shape of the total phytoplankton absorption coefficient. The ratio of the photosynthetic absorption coefficient to the total phytoplankton absorption coefficient increases as a function of decreasing irradiance for cultures and for field samples collected from stratified regions of the water column. This ratio is a photoadaptive parameter that can serve to integrate physiological response to irradiance and has the potential to provide estimates of mixed layer dynamics.
Double Knockouts Reveal that Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Is a Physiological Target of Calpain-1 in Platelets

Calpains are ubiquitous calcium-regulated cysteine proteases that have been implicated in cytoskeletal organization, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility, and hemostasis. Gene targeting was used to evaluate the physiological function of mouse calpain-1 and establish that its inactivation results in reduced platelet aggregation and clot retraction potentially by causing dephosphorylation of platelet proteins. Here, we report that calpain-1 null (Capn1-/-) platelets accumulate protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), which correlates with enhanced tyrosine phosphatase activity and dephosphorylation of multiple substrates. Treatment of Capn1-/- platelets with bis(N,N-dimethylhydroxamido)hydroxooxovanadate, an inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatases, corrected the aggregation defect and recovered impaired clot retraction. More importantly, platelet aggregation, clot retraction, and tyrosine dephosphorylation defects were rescued in the double knockout mice lacking both calpain-1 and PTP1B. Further evaluation of mutant mice by the ferric chloride-induced arterial injury model suggests that the Capn1-/- mice are relatively resistant to thrombosis in vivo. Together, our results demonstrate that PTP1B is a physiological target of calpain-1 and suggest that a similar mechanism may regulate calpain-1-mediated tyrosine dephosphorylation in other cells.
An alternative closed-form solution to the GPS pseudo-range equations

In the four satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) problem, the system of pseudo-range equations is shown to be equivalent to a system of two linear equations together with a range difference and pseudo-range equation. The formulation represents the user's position as the intersection of two planes and a hyperbola branch of revolution. The formulation is three-dimensional and includes almost all degenerate and special case geometries. It provides geometric insight into the characteristics of the solutions and resolves existence and uniqueness questions regarding solution of the pseudo-range equations.
Diffuse cerebral ischemia in the cat: I. Local blood flow during severe ischemia and recirculation

The effects of severe cerebral ischemia on postischemic brain perfusion were examined in a series of pentobarbital-anesthetized cats. Ischemia of 15 or 30 minutes' duration was produced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries and the basilar artery and was coupled with mild systemic hypotension. A 90-minute period of normotensive postischemic recirculation was permitted in some animals. In 9 of 10 animals studied at the end of the ischemic insult and not allowed to recover, blood flow in the cerebral hemispheres was greatly reduced, with minimal flow (0.01 to 0.11 ml gm-1 min-1) persisting only in scattered perisulcal regions in 4 animals. Following 15 minutes of ischemia, blood flow was restored uniformly during recirculation, though at subnormal levels (31 to 35% of control). In contrast, 30 minutes of prior ischemia led to marked heterogeneities of local cerebral perfusion during recirculation, with multiple zones of persistent severe ischemia. Thus, while recirculation was suboptimal following both 15 and 30 minutes of ischemia, the 30-minute insult led to focal postischemic perfusion abnormalities that were sufficiently severe to make the possibility of functional recovery appear unlikely.
Role of serotonin in ethanol abuse

Several subclasses of serotonin receptors (5-HT1a, 5-HT1b, 5-HT1c, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3) have been implicated in the control of ethanol (EtOH) related behaviors, such as: (1) voluntary EtOH consumption, (2) anxiety occurring during EtOH withdrawal (EW), (3) interoceptive stimuli produced by EtOH, and (4) modulation of EtOH intoxication. Serotonin modulation of neuronal excitability and modulation of hormone release may be important mechanisms contributing to the development and/or maintenance of ethanol tolerance/dependence by modulating emotional behavior (anxiety), homeostasis, and adaptive processes. This review examines our current understanding of serotonin's contribution to ethanol abuse. © 1993 wiley-Liss, Inc.
A male infant with anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia/immunodeficiency accompanied by incontinentia pigmenti and a mutation in the NEMO pathway.

Patients with anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and immunodeficiency (EDA-ID) have mutations in the gene on the X chromosome encoding nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) essential modulator (NEMO), resulting in conical teeth, sparse hair, anhidrosis or hypohydrosis, and recurrent bacterial infections. The same gene is mutated in incontinentia pigmenti (IP), and mutations that do not completely abolish NF-κB activity allow survival of male fetuses. We present a case of a 1-year-old boy with a history of EDA-ID who was evaluated for an eruption that intermittently affected his scalp, upper back, cheeks, legs, and arms. A biopsy specimen taken from the back showed the presence of compact dyskeratotic cells with fragmented nuclei and numerous apoptotic keratinocytes scattered throughout the spinous and granular layer. The diagnosis of EDA-ID with IP was made. This case illustrates the complexity and overlapping features of the genodermatoses involving signaling pathways of the cell.
Deformable m-rep segmentation of object complexes

While we have previously reported on multiscale segmentation of single-figure anatomic objects from medical images by deformable m-rep models, here we report on a method of segmentation of multiple geometrically related single-figure objects from a medical image. Inter-object geometric effects within segmentation of structures in the male pelvis from CT in the planning of radiation therapy of the prostate will be illustrated. Given a model in which each object is formed from a mesh of medial atoms, the method adds an object-complex similarity transformation stage ahead of the figural, medial atom, and boundary deformation stages of model transformation. The final three stages reward geometric interrelations among objects that occur in the model, according to the object-intrinsic coordinate systems provided by m-reps.
Accurate Immersed-Boundary Reconstructions for Viscous Flow Simulations

cells crossed by the immersed boundary is treated. A novel interpolation method based on momentum balance and massconservationbasedon finitevolumemethodareintroducedtocorrectlypredictthevelocityandpressure fieldin the vicinity of the boundaries. The assessment of the solution quality is based on calculations of Taylor decaying vortices. Examples of laminar and turbulent flow calculations are also reported.
Aspects of Psychodynamic Neuropsychiatry I: Episodic Memory, Transference, and the Oddball Paradigm

Psychotherapy has, since the time of Freud, focused on the unconscious and dynamically repressed memory. This article explores a therapy where the focus is on what is known, on episodic memory. Episodic memory, along with semantic memory, is part of the declarative memory system. Episodic memory depends on frontal, parietal, as well as temporal lobe function. It is the system related to the encoding and recall of context-rich memory. While memory usually decays with time, powerfully encoded episodic memory may augment. This article explores the hypothesis that such augmentation is the result of conditioning and kindling. Augmented memory could lead to a powerful "top-down" focus of attention-such that one would perceive only what one had set out to perceive. The "oddball paradigm" is suggested as a route out of such a self-perpetuating system. A clinical example (a disguised composite of several clinical histories) is used to demonstrate how such an intensification of memory and attention came about as a result of the transference, and how the "oddball paradigm" was used as a way out of what had become a treatment stalemate.
Are public policies needed to level the playing field between cities and teams

The owners of professional sports franchises, once minor players in the manipulation of locational choices to receive subsidies, now routinely anticipate substantial incentive packages from the public sector. Teams demand and receive subsidies because many communities want teams and the leagues dictate the supply of franchises. Periodic disdain over these subsidies and resentment from communities that have lost teams has not produced public policies to balance the interests of team owners and cities. Ironically, the federal laws that have been passed have enhanced the economic power of the leagues. This article explores the impact of the cartel structure of professional team sports and a justification for changing the existing laws. Two different strategies are discussed designed to end the sports subsidy game and thwart the incentives that convince some teams to move from one area to another.
Dietary (n-3) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Inhibit HER-2/neu-Induced Breast Cancer in Mice Independently of the PPARγ Ligand Rosiglitazone

Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) characterizes a molecular subtype of breast cancer associated with poor clinical outcome. Preventive strategies for HER-2/neu-positive breast cancer, which is often estrogen and progesterone receptor negative, remain undefined. Activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a nuclear hormone receptor also expressed in breast cancer, hold potential as cancer prevention agents. PPARgamma ligands include specific fatty acids and synthetic compounds, such as the thiazolidinediones, which appear to inhibit cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that a thiazolidinedione, rosiglitazone, may serve as a chemopreventive agent for HER-2/neu-associated mammary carcinogenesis, but that efficacy may be influenced by dietary fat content. We studied the effects of diets enriched with corn or fish oil (25% of energy) with and without rosiglitazone (12 g/kg) in a 2 x 2 factorial design on mammary tumorigenesis in murine mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-HER-2/neu transgenic mice. Despite in vitro evidence of antiproliferative effects in an MMTV-HER-2/neu tumor cell line, rosiglitazone did not affect mammary carcinogenesis in vivo. Interestingly, fish oil-based diets markedly suppressed breast tumor incidence (57% of mice vs. 87% of corn oil-fed mice, P = 0.0001) as well as tumor multiplicity (P = 0.001) and mammary gland dysplasia (P = 0.001). These findings demonstrate a potent preventive effect of (n-3) PUFA on HER-2/neu-mediated mammary carcinogenesis, without interaction with a synthetic PPARgamma activator. Further studies focusing on the mechanisms by which (n-3) fatty acids suppress HER-2/neu signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer are warranted.
The Contribution of Cytomegalovirus to Atherosclerotic Events after Kidney Transplantation

With improvements in management of acute rejection and allograft function over the past decades, short-term survival after solid-organ transplantation is excellent, and death with a functioning graft has become the outcome for the majority of solid-organ transplant recipients. Thus, there is a necessity to focus not only on interventions to maintain graft function, but also to address other posttransplantation complications contributing to death among transplant recipients. Chief among these concerns is posttransplantation atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis resulting in cardiovascular events is now the major cause of death in long-term survivors of renal, cardiac, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantations [1–3]. In a cohort of 2202 adult kidney transplant recipients with >10year graft survival, cardiovascular disease (CVD) was the major cause of mortality, followed by malignancy and infection [4]. The cause of posttransplantation atherosclerosis is multifactorial. Risk factors resembling those for atherosclerosis in the general population include pretransplantation CVD, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, tobacco use, obesity, and renal disease [1]. For transplant recipients, additional contributors include transplant-related medications such as steroids, transplant nephropathy, posttransplantation diabetes, and posttransplantation dyslipidemia. Thus, identifying comorbidities that influence the progression of CVD in transplant recipients might provide interventions to prolong survival and quality of life.
Structural studies of single spherulites and partially spherulitic films of poly(methyl‐D‐glutamate)

Isolated spherulites of poly(methyl D-glutamate) (PMDG) were nucleated in bromoform. The morphology of these spherulites was investigated by SEM and photographic small-angle light scattering (SALS). From the SALS patterns, the development and growth of the spherulites could be noted. Films of PMDG cast from bromoform solution were found to be partially spherulitic. The mechanical properties of these films, prepared by different procedures, were compared with the general behavior of PMDG films cast from chloroform, the latter of which does not contain spherulitic texture.
A new medium access protocol for RFID networks with foresight

In the world where automating jobs is becoming a norm it is no surprise that the interest in RFID networks has grown exponentially. With RFID technology companies around the world can reduce their workforce and grow their business. However, this technology is not at that maturity point yet. In order for a cart full of groceries to go through an unmanned checkout lane, it is crucial that all of the tagged items are read and processed with 100% reliability. Also the process time needs to be short so that customers complete their purchases as fast as possible. In order to achieve time and reliability, several transmission control protocols have been devised. Out of these, the transmission control protocol that is most popular with RFID equipment manufacturers is EPCglobal's Class 1 Gen2. The transmission control in EPC C1G2 is achieved by framed slotted ALOHA where tags pick a random slot from the choices given by the reader and when their turn comes, they backscatter their information. This can lead to many empty slots and many collision slots apart from the successful slot. The time spent on these non-successful slots is studied in [4] and in this paper we extended the concept provided in [4] and propose a new method that scans for the empty and collided slots before attempting to read tags.
Shear stress and material surface effects on adherent human monocyte apoptosis

Monocytes play a critical role as both phagocytes and mediators of inflammatory responses in the prevention of cardiovascular device-related infections. However, persistent infection of these devices still occurs and may be attributed to deleterious cellular alterations resulting from monocyte interactions with a foreign material in an environment of dynamic flow. Thus, the effects of both shear stress and adhesion to material surfaces on human monocyte apoptosis were investigated. A rotating disk system generated physiologically relevant shear stress levels (0-14 dyn/cm(2)), and shear-related apoptosis occurring in adherent monocytes was characterized. Using annexin V analysis, apoptosis of polyurethane-adherent monocytes under shear for 4 h increased to levels >70% with increasing shear in a near-linear fashion (r2 = 0.713). It was qualitatively confirmed using confocal microscopy that filamentous (F)-actin distribution was altered, that DNA fragmentation occurred, and that activated caspases were involved in shear-induced apoptosis. Static studies determined that spontaneous apoptosis was material-dependent over 72 h by demonstrating marked differences between apoptosis of monocytes adherent to a polyurethane compared to an alkyl-modified glass. Treatment with TNF-alpha augmented this material dependency in a dose-dependent fashion over time. F-actin content of TNF-alpha-treated cells decreased to <62% of untreated cells. We conclude that concomitant effects from both material surfaces and dynamic flow mediate human monocyte apoptosis and may have serious implications in the context of implanted cardiovascular device infection.
Out of the Toolbox: Toddlers Differentiate Wobbly and Wooden Handrails

This study examined whether 16-month-old walking infants take the material composition of a handrail into account when assessing its effectiveness as a tool to augment balance. Infants were encouraged to cross from one platform to another via bridges of various widths (10, 20, 40 cm) with either a "wobbly" (foam or latex) or a wooden handrail available for assistance. Infants attempted to walk over wider bridges more often than narrow ones, and attempts were more frequent when the sturdy wooden handrail was available. Infants tailored their exploratory behaviors, bridge-crossing strategies, and handrail-use strategies to the material properties of the rail.
Organelle DB: a cross-species database of protein localization and function

Toefficientlyutilizethegrowingbodyofavailableprotein localization data, we have developed Organelle DB, a web-accessible database cataloging more than 25000 proteins from nearly 60 organelles, subcellular structures and protein complexes in 154 organisms spanningtheeukaryotickingdom.OrganelleDBisthe firston-lineresourcedevotedtotheidentificationand presentation of eukaryotic proteins localized to organelles and subcellular structures. As such, Organelle DB is a strong resource of data from the human proteome as well as from the major model organisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans and Mus musculus. In particular, Organelle DB is a central repository of yeast data, incorporating results—and actual fluorescent images—from ongoing large-scale studies of protein localization in S.cerevisiae. Each protein in Organelle DB is presented with its sequence and, as available, a detailed description of its function; functions were extracted fromrelevantmodelorganismdatabases,andlinksto thesedatabasesareprovidedwithinOrganelleDB.To facilitate data interoperability, we have annotated all protein localizations using vocabulary from the Gene Ontology consortium. We also welcome new data for inclusion in Organelle DB, which may be freely accessed at http://organelledb.lsi.umich.edu.
Cosmic Evolution of r-Process Elements

The rapid neutron capture process ( r -process) is understood to be responsible for the synthesis of approximately half of all of the isotopes present in Solar System matter in the mass region from approximately zinc through the actinides. While the general features of this process were identified in the classic papers by B 2 FH (1957) and Cameron (1957), our current understanding of the r -process remains woefully incomplete. We have yet to cleanly identify which of the studied astrophysical sites contribute significantly to the observed abundance pattern. We have yet to reconcile the apparent duplicity of r -process sites with extant models for the operation of the r -process in diverse astronomical environments. While we may still remain theoretically challenged in our attempts to understand the r -process mechanism and to identify its site, significant clues have come from the observational side. Triggered by the first detections of the element europium (formed predominantly by the r -process) in low metallicity stars (Spite & Spite 1978), observations of heavy element abundances in halo stars have since served to provide tremendously important clues to the nature of the r -process mechanism. Identified constraints include: the utter dominance of the r -process contributions (over those of the s -process in extremely metal deficient stars; an extraordinary robustness of the r -process pattern in the mass range A[gsim ]130–140; and the demand for a second r -process site for the production of the A[lsim ]130 r -process nuclei. We will review these observational trends and theoretical models in the context of the Galactic (Cosmic) evolution of r -process abundances.
The Persistence of Universal Formulae in Free Algebras

Gilbert Baumslag, B.H. Neumann, Hanna Neumann, and Peter M. Neumann successfully exploited their concept of discrimination to obtain generating groups of product varieties via the wreath product construction. We have discovered this same underlying concept in a somewhat different context. Specifically, let V be a non-trivial variety of algebras. For each cardinal α let F α ( V ) be a V -free algebra of rank α. Then for a fixed cardinal r one has the equivalence of the following two statements: (1) F r (V) discriminates V . (1*) The F s (V) satisfy the same universal sentences for all s ≥ r . Moreover, we have introduced the concept of strong discrimination in such a way that for a fixed finite cardinal r the following two statements are equivalent: (2) F r (V) strongly discriminates V . (2*) The F s (V) satisfy the same universal formulas for all s ≥ r whenever elements of F r (V) are substituted for the unquantified variables. On the surface (2) and (2*) appear to be stronger conditions than (1) and (1*). However, we have shown that for particular varieties (of groups) (2) and (2*) are no stronger than (1) and (1*).
Multiplier theory for stability analysis of anti-windup control systems

Applies the passivity theorem with appropriate choice of multipliers to develop sufficient conditions for stability of the anti-windup bumpless transfer (AWBT) framework presented in Kothare et al. (1994). For particular choices of the multipliers, the authors show that these tests can be performed using convex optimization over linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The sufficient conditions are complemented by necessary conditions for internal stability of the AWBT compensated system.
A 4Gb/s/ch 356fJ/b 10mm equalized on-chip interconnect with nonlinear charge-injecting transmit filter and transimpedance receiver in 90nm CMOS

This paper presents a transceiver for fast and energy-efficient global on-chip communication, consisting of a nonlinear charge-injecting (CI) 3-tap transmit filter (TX) and a sampling receiver (RX) with transimpedance pre-amplifier (TIA). Recently, pre-emphasis techniques [1–4] have demonstrated significantly better energy-efficiency than repeater interconnects. To further improve energy-efficiency over pre-emphasis techniques that require analog subtraction [3,5], our TX selects a pattern-dependent current to inject into the wire, performing feed-forward equalization (FFE) while mitigating the nonlinearity of the driver. This 3-tap charge-injecting (CI) FFE enables stronger equalization than the capacitively driven TX [1,2] or edge-detection pre-emphasis [4], achieving data-rate of 4Gb/s over a 1cm on-chip wire. The TIA at RX improves bandwidth, signal amplitude, and reduces bias power, breaking the trade-offs in conventional resistor termination [6], and mitigates equalized signal degradation due to impedance changes in dynamic current sensing [7].
A New Chocoan Species of Lonchophylla (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Lonchophylla is a diverse genus of glossophagines characterized by large, forwardly projecting inner upper incisors and the absence of zygomatic arches. Seven species are currently recognized, including the large-bodied (greatest length of skull .24.5 mm) robusta, handleyi, hesperia, and bokermanni and the small-bodied (greatest length of skull ,24.5 mm) thomasi, dekeyseri, and mordax. Lonchophylla species range throughout the Neotropics and include endemics in Amazonia, the Cerrado, and the arid regions of coastal Peru and Ecuador. In this paper I describe a new large-bodied species, Lonchophylla chocoana , from the subtropical
Virtual towers using coherent doppler lidar during the Joint Urban 2003 dispersion experiment

Abstract During the Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) atmospheric field experiment in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, of July 2003, lidar teams from Arizona State University and the Army Research Laboratory collaborated to perform intersecting range–height indicator scans. Because a single lidar measures radial winds, that is, the dot product of the wind vector with a unit vector pointing along the lidar beam, the data from two lidars viewing from different directions can be combined to produce horizontal velocity vectors. Analysis programs were written to retrieve horizontal velocity vectors for a series of eight vertical profiles to the southwest (approximately upwind) of the downtown urban core. This technique has the following unique characteristics that make it well suited for urban meteorology studies: 1) continuous vertical profiles from far above the building heights to down into the street canyons can be measured and 2) the profiles can extend to very near the ground without a loss of accuracy (assuming clear l...
Crafting Identity: Transnational Indian Arts and the Politics of Race in Central Mexico (Shlossberg)

This work is a book review considering the title Crafting Identity: Transnational Indian Arts and the Politics of Race in Central Mexico by Pavel Shlossberg.
Never too old for congenital heart disease: sinus venosus atrial septal defect with anomalous pulmonary venous return in an octogenarian

We report a rare case in an 86-year-old woman with symptoms of exercise intolerance, fatigability, worsening lower extremity edema, and normal ejection fraction on echocardiographic examination who presented with a presumptive diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Hemodynamic studies revealed that she had normal left-sided filling pressures, mildly elevated pulmonary pressures with normal pulmonary vasculature resistance, and evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. Significant shunting was also detected with a step-up blood oxygen saturation from superior vena cava to right atrium and a calculated pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio of 3.9. Contrast-enhanced multidetector cardiac computed tomography confirmed the presence of a patent foramen ovale, a sinus venosus atrial septal defect, and 3 anomalous pulmonary venous communications to the right atrium and superior vena cava. We hereby present one of the oldest diagnosed cases of sinus venosus defect with anomalous pulmonary venous return as a rare cause of recent-onset dyspnea, volume overload, and functional intolerance in an 86-year-old woman with an initial misdiagnosis of HFpEF.
Boundary-work and sustainability in tourism enclaves

Tourists, workers, and business owners from diverse cultural backgrounds and social positions meet at tourism enclaves. Yet, the spatial layout of most enclaves encourages segregation instead of celebrating and benefiting from this diversity. This paper examines the genesis of enclave tourism boundaries. It proposes boundary-work as a sustainability practice to work out segregating propensities, and transform exclusionary boundaries or make them more permeable. Life story interviews in a Mexican Caribbean enclave revealed segregation's appalling consequences for workers, implicit costs for business owners, and the personal involvement of tourism actors in historical struggles over boundaries. This analysis constitutes a first step to untangle exclusionary propensities and render tourism boundaries more workable from a sustainability governance perspective. The paper explains the need for sustainable tourism research that identifies opportunities to: (1) address traumatic experiences born of discriminatory...
SATELLITE APPLICATIONS ON A COASTAL INLET STABILITY STUDY

It is known that longshore drift of alluvial material occurs along sandy barrier islands. Inlets between these barrier islands intercept the normal littoral drift, resulting in a net loss of sand from the beaches. During a flood tide, sand is brought into the inlet and part of it is retained to form the inner bar; during ebb cycle, part of the sand is jetted out into the ocean to form an outer bar. The reversing flows of flood and ebb cycles may also cause deposition or scouring on the bottom of inlet channels. There are two sets of parameters pertinent to the behavior of inlets. The first set deals with the changes in the dynamic bottom configuration (i.e. the movement of inner and outer bars, the choking or scouring of the inlet channel). The second set of parameters regards the driving forces of the coastal system (i.e. wave climate, tide, wind and currents). Understanding the interrelationship of these two sets of parameters lead to the solution of stabilizing the inlet. The time sequential dynamic interrelationships and natural tendencies of inlets are we11-portrayed on available Landsat imageries. The techniques of mapping the sand bars and their movements are traditionally done by a sounding boat and survey team. The derived point and line information are then used to produce the contour map of the bottom. Extensive interpolations are needed because many details between the points and lines are missing. The operation is expensive and the procedures are time consuming. Techniques using remote sensing can be used to monitor the changes that take place, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Eventhough standard procedures have not yet been established, the satellite sensing of bottom features has progressed considerably in recent years. Sherman (1975), Middleton and Barber (1976), Hubbard (1977), and Lyzenga and Thomson (1978) all demonstrated that it is possible to correlate the radiance values of multi-spectral images, such as Landsat imagery, with the depth related information in shallow water. The present study is one more example of such an effort.
Finite Wing Lift-Curve Slope Calculations using Lifting- Line Theory

*Lifting-line theory is a valuable tool for preliminary evaluations of wing planform designs. It has been used to predict the induced drag of finite wings, and such results for untwisted wings have been tabulated in basic aerodynamics textbooks for use by students and others in evaluating finite wing designs. It is also possible to compute the lift-curve slope of a finite wing using the theory, and yet few such tabulated results exist for the effects of taper ratio and aspect ratio on lift-curve slopes of finite wings. This paper describes such calculations and contains the figures necessary to predict the effects of aspect ratio and taper ratio on the lift-curve slopes of linearly-tapered finite wings.
In Another Bracket: Trans Acceptance in Lesbian Utopia

Better Than Chocolate investigates the inclusion of transgendered women in lesbian space. The film makes a strong statement that it is logical and natural to welcome trans women to the lesbian community, and that those who reject this inclusion are old-fashioned, violent, or both. It is my assertion that the film makes this statement at the expense of both those who have nuanced reservations toward trans inclusion and those transwomen who desire inclusion into lesbian communities but aren't hyperfeminine.
Simscape® based ultra-fast design exploration: graphene-nanoelectronic circuit case studies

SPICE has been the corner stone of integrated circuit simulation since the 1970s. The device-level options that are available for SPICE/analog simulators to simulate a circuit netlist are typically compact models and/or Verilog-A structural and behavioral models. Though these simulations are very accurate, for large and complex circuits/systems they are extremely slow and even computationally infeasible. Thus, as a paradigm shift of the conventional design simulation flow, this paper presents a complete Simscape®based design and simulation flow for ultra-fast design exploration of graphene based nanoelectronic systems. A behavioral model for a dual gate graphene field effect transistor (GFET) is modeled in Simscape®based on the drift-diffusion conduction mechanism. The kink region of the $$I-V$$I-V characteristic is modeled via a displacement current. For case study design circuits, an all graphene based low noise amplifier and an LC-tank voltage controlled oscillator are presented. The results show that the proposed design alternative to simulate analog circuits and systems is a viable option in addition to the existing SPICE, VHDL-AMS or Verilog-A based flows and can open the way to true device-level system design exploration and optimization. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first ever paper to explore a Simscape®model of a GFET device and design a GFET based radio-frequency circuit using Simscape®.
Impaired motor preparation and execution during standing reach in people with chronic stroke

Movement preparation of both anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and goal directed movement during a standing reaching task in adults with chronic hemiparesis and healthy controls was investigated. Using a simple reaction time paradigm, while standing on two separate force platforms, subjects received a warning light cue to "get ready to reach" followed 2.5s later by an imperative light cue to "reach as quickly as possible" with the paretic arm (matched arm for controls) to touch a target in front of them for a total of 90 trials. In 30 of the reaching trials a loud acoustic stimulus (LAS) of 123 dB was randomly - -200, or 0ms relative to the "go" cue. APA (postural) responses were characterized by the onset and maximal posterior displacement of center of pressure (CoP) and onset/offset of electromyography (EMG) from tibialis anterior (TA), soleus (SOL), while reach was characterized by onset and maximal forward displacement of the reach hand and onset of the anterior (AD), biceps brachii (BB) and middle deltoid (MD). Subjects with stroke, demonstrated a marked reduction in the occurrence of the StartReact responses for both APA and forward reach at all LAS time points indicating movement preparation dysfunction. Movement execution during a cued reach showed significant delays in APA and reach onsets, significant reduction in the magnitude of APA (posterior CoP displacement) and reach excursion, and an increased latency between the APA and reach compared to controls. EMG activation patterns for the TA and SOL demonstrated co contraction compared to the temporally sequenced pattern of control subjects. When LAS was provided at the "go" there were earlier but not significant differences in APA onset latency compared to reaching without LAS and significant delays in reach onset latency when compared to control subjects with or without LAS. An early burst of EMG in biceps brachii muscles with a further delay of the reach onset compared to reaching without LAS may be indicative of interference of a classical startle reflex activating elbow flexors. Results indicated impairments in movement preparation of both APA's and goal directed UE movement in individuals with stroke which impact the functional performance of reaching in the standing position.
Sex Differences in Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology

Abstract The kidneys are a vital pair of bean-shaped organs in the lower back primarily involved in the reabsorption and elimination of numerous substances from the blood to maintain whole-body homeostasis. Although essentially the kidneys function similarly in males and females, there are a variety of sex differences that modulate function. For example, males, in general, have slightly larger kidneys with a greater nephron number. Sex differences exist in the expression and regulation of a number of the transport processes that are involved in the reabsorption and/or excretion of water, sodium, glucose, and acids/bases. Differences in endothelin and the renin-angiotensin system in the kidney have been described and are an integral part of the blood pressure control mechanism. In addition, rates of chronic kidney disease tend to be higher in men compared to premenopausal women. These and other differences are described in detail in this chapter.
Science and Engineering of Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials possess different properties compared with macroscopic (bulk) materials built up from the same atoms or compounds. The production routes, characterization, and applications of materials sized on the nanometer scale also differ from the bulk.