cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New stability results for patterns in a model of long-wavelength convection

Abstract We consider the transition from a spatially uniform state to a steady, spatially periodic pattern in a partial differential equation describing long-wavelength convection [E. Knobloch, Pattern selection in long-wavelength convection, Physica D 41 (1990) 450–479]. This both extends existing work on the study of rolls, squares and hexagons and demonstrates how recent generic results for the stability of spatially periodic patterns may be applied in practice. We find that squares, even if stable to roll perturbations, are often unstable when a wider class of perturbations is considered. We also find scenarios where transitions from hexagons to rectangles can occur. In some cases we find that, near onset, more exotic spatially periodic planforms are preferred over the usual rolls, squares and hexagons.
Stepping in the direction of the fall: the next foot placement can be predicted from current upper body state in steady-state walking

During human walking, perturbations to the upper body can be partly corrected by placing the foot appropriately on the next step. Here, we infer aspects of such foot placement dynamics using step-to-step variability over hundreds of steps of steady-state walking data. In particular, we infer dependence of the ‘next’ foot position on upper body state at different phases during the ‘current’ step. We show that a linear function of the hip position and velocity state (approximating the body center of mass state) during mid-stance explains over 80% of the next lateral foot position variance, consistent with (but not proving) lateral stabilization using foot placement. This linear function implies that a rightward pelvic deviation during a left stance results in a larger step width and smaller step length than average on the next foot placement. The absolute position on the treadmill does not add significant information about the next foot relative to current stance foot over that already available in the pelvis position and velocity. Such walking dynamics inference with steady-state data may allow diagnostics of stability and inform biomimetic exoskeleton or robot design.
Effect of underfill filler settling on thermo-mechanical fatigue analysis of flip-chip eutectic solders.

Abstract Underfills containing filler particles exhibit filler settling during the (capillary-based) wicking and curing processes, thus causing the reliability estimation to deviate from that of the presumed base of no filler settling. This paper examines the thermo-mechanical responses of the solder joints in flip-chip packaging to various conditions of filler settling. We built five y-dependent profiles for describing the uniform, bilayered, and gradual settling of filler spheres in the through-depth direction of the underfill and used the Mori–Tanaka method to calculate the effective material properties of the filler–resin underfill compound by considering a linearly elastic, temperature-dependent resin with a glass transition temperature range of 70–130 °C. For each settling profile we analyzed the fatigue indicators, referred to as the inelastic shear strain ranges and the inelastic shear strain energy densities of the solder joints, and compared their magnitudes against the extent of filler settling. The results show that the fatigue indicators depend on the extent of filler settling. A greater extent of bilayered filler settling produced larger (in magnitude) fatigue indicators. The fatigue indicators associated with gradual filler settling, however, were almost always smaller, on average, than those associated with no filler settling, indicating that some types of filler settling might favor a longer solder fatigue life. This preliminary but intriguing finding may be partially explained by considering the asymmetric thermal mismatch in the through-depth direction of the underfill; a comparatively good thermal match near the bottom side of the solder joints may compensate for the thermal mismatch at the top side, thus contributing to an overall better thermal match in the solder joint.
Transition position jitter in longitudinal magnetic recording media

We have quantitatively analyzed magnetic force microscope images of magnetic tracks written at 10000 flux changes per mm in longitudinal magnetic recording media. In this study, transition positions and transition position jitter have been extracted as a function of the write current and compared to spin-stand measurements. Jitter is important as it limits how closely transitions can be spaced. Excellent quantitative agreement is achieved. Moreover, the MFM tip provides much better spatial resolution in the cross-track direction than a read element of a head. The high resolution allows the characterization of recording parameters for simulated read elements with various widths before heads are available for experiments. This ability, which is illustrated with transition position jitter and a comparison with theory, is important to advance the recording technology.
The Reconstitution of Law in Local Settings: Agency Discretion, Ambiguity, and a Surplus of Law in the Policing of Hate Crime

An important yet poorly understood function of law enforcement organizations is the role they play in distilling and transmitting the meaning of legal rules to frontline law enforcement officers and their local communities. In this study, we examine how police and sheriff ’s agencies in California collectively make sense of state hate crime laws. To do so, we gathered formal policy documents called ‘‘hate crime general orders’’ from all 397 police and sheriff ’s departments in the state and conducted interviews with law enforcement officials to determine the aggregate patterns of local agencies’ responses to higher law. We also construct a ‘‘genealogy of law’’ to locate the sources of the definitions of hate crime used in agency policies. Despite a common set of state criminal laws, we find significant variation in how hate crime is defined in these documents, which we attribute to the discretion local law enforcement agencies possess, the ambiguity of law, and the surplus of legal definitions of hate crime available in the larger environment to which law enforcement must respond. Some law enforcement agencies take their cue from other agencies, some follow statewide guidelines, and others are oriented toward gaining legitimacy from national professional bodies or groups within their own community. The social mechanisms that produce the observed clustering patterns in terms of approach to hate crime law are mimetic (copying another department), normative (driven by professional standards about training and community social movement pressure), and actuarial (affected by the demands of the crime data collection system). Together these findings paint a picture of policing organizations as mediators between law-on-the-books and law-in-action that are embedded in interorganizational networks with other departments, state and federal agencies, professional bodies, national social movement organizations, and local community groups. The implications of an interorganizational field perspective on law enforcement and implementation are discussed in relation to existing sociolegal research on policing, regulation, and recent neo-institutional scholarship on law.
Design of Pumping Systems for Sampling Zooplankton, with Descriptions of Two High-Capacity Samplers for Coastal Studies

AbstractEngineering considerations for selecting components for sampling zooplankton with pumps involve interactions of required capacity, hose size, hose length, hose friction, pump type, pump motor power, and overall system configuration. Systems can be classed as hose-on-suction-side (pump on deck) and hose-on-output-side (submersible pump). Each class has distinct advantages and drawbacks. High capacity systems of each class have been developed by us. A suction-side system produces 800 liters min−1 for depths to 85 m with a diesel-driven centrifugal pump and 10.2 cm ID, suction hose. An output-side system produces from 1,380 liters min−1 at the sea surface to 803 liters min−1 at 90 m with a modified sewage sump pump and 10.2 cm ID, collapsible, discharge hose.
The three dimensions of website navigability: Explication and effects

Although the navigability of digital interfaces has been long discussed as a key determinant of media effects of web use, existing scholarship has not yielded a clear conceptual understanding of navigability, nor how to measure perceived navigability as an outcome. The present paper attempts to redress both and proposes that navigability be conceptually examined along three dimensions, namely, logic of structure, clarity of structure, and clarity of target. A 2×2×2 factorial between-subjects experiment N=128 was conducted to examine distinct contributions of these dimensions to perceptions of a nonprofit website. The results showed significant effects for logic of structure and clarity on perceived navigability, while logic of structure and content domain involvement affected attitudes toward the website.
Antibody Binding in Proximity to the Receptor/Glycoprotein Complex Leads to a Basal Level of Virus Neutralization

Hypothetically, antibodies may neutralize enveloped viruses by diverse mechanisms, such as disruption of receptor binding, interference with conformational changes required for virus entry, steric hindrance, or virus aggregation. Here, we demonstrate that retroviral infection mediated by the avian sarcoma-leukosis virus (ASLV-A) envelope glycoproteins can be neutralized by an antibody directed against a functionally unimportant component of a chimeric receptor protein. Thus, the binding of an antibody in proximity to the retroviral envelope glycoprotein-receptor complex, without binding to the entry machinery itself, results in neutralization. This finding provides additional support for the hypothesis that steric hindrance is sufficient for antibody-mediated neutralization of retroviruses.
Store-and-Forward Buffer Requirements in a Packet Switching Network

Previous analytic models for packet switching networks have always assumed infinite storage capacity in store-store-and-forward (S/F) nodes. In this paper, we relax this assumption and present a model for a packet switching network in which each node has a finite pool of S/F buffers. A packet arriving at a node in which all S/F buffers are temporarily filled is discarded. The channel transmission control mechanisms of positive acknowledgment and time-out of packets are included in this model. Individual S/F nodes are analyzed separately as queueing networks with different classes of packets. The single node results are interfaced by imposing a continuity of flow constraint. A heuristic algorithm for determining a balanced assignment of nodal S/F buffer capacities is proposed. Numerical results for the performance of a 19 node network are illustrated.
Preventive Care in the Emergency Department: Should Emergency Departments Institute a Falls Prevention Program for Elder Patients? A Systematic Review

Objective: To perform a systematic review of the emergency medicine literature to assess the appropriateness of an intervention to identify, counsel, and refer emergency department (ED) patients >64 years old who are at high risk for falls. Methods: The systematic review was facilitated through the use of a structured template, a companion explanatory piece, and a grading and methodological scoring system based on published criteria for critical appraisal. A reference librarian did two PubMed searches using the following: ED visits, patients >64 years old, falls, high risk, and effectiveness of intervention. Emergency Medical Abstracts, Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Collaboration database were searched. Two team members reviewed the abstracts and selected pertinent articles. References were screened for additional pertinent articles. Results: Twenty-six articles were reviewed. None were ED-based primary or secondary falls prevention in older patients. One randomized controlled trial of an intervention to decrease subsequent falls in elder community-dwelling patients who presented with a fall showed a structured interdisciplinary approach significantly reducing the number of falls. Two ED-based studies showed it was possible to identify ED patients at risk for falls. Conclusions: Based on one randomized controlled trial demonstrating a significant reduction in the risk of further falls, the burden of suffering caused by falls, and other studies demonstrating the value of interventions to reduce the risk of falling, the authors recommend that EDs conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical interventions to identify, counsel, and refer ED patients >64 years old who are at high risk for an unintentional fall.
Micro-electric impedance spectra of isolated cells recorded in micro-channels

Electric impedance (EI) spectra (1kHz-20Mhz) of isolated polymorphonuclear leukocytes and red blood cells were recorded by positioning individual cells between pairs of metal electrodes in slender rectangular channels (/spl sim/40 10/sup -12/ m/sup 2/ cross-sectional area). The present study was designed to demonstrate that cell type, viability and dielectric properties can be discerned on the basis of raw micro-EI spectral data. Each micro-EI MEMS device was tested to quantify the frequency-dependent impedance of the electrode-electrolyte interface at the experimental current density. Sensitivity of the technique to changes in sample properties was tested by filling the recording zone with a variety of materials and cells with known dielectric properties. Small changes in cell media ionic concentration and cellular dielectric properties were quantifiable by analysis of EI data. Results further show that micro-EI signatures of the device when loaded with red blood cells (RBCs) vs. polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), or vital vs. non-vital PMNs were significantly different thus allowing cell identification on the basis of spectral signatures.
Sex differences in neuropsychological function and post-concussion symptoms of concussed collegiate athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether sex differences exist with respect to post-concussion symptoms and neurocognitive function in concussed collegiate athletes. METHODS: A prospective dependent-sample cohort design was used to compare baseline and post-concussion neuropsychological test scores and endorsed symptoms as functions of serial post-concussion assessment with respect to time and sex. The Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) battery was administered to a multicenter analysis group of 79 concussed athletes. This computerized neuropsychological test was given to the athletes during the preseason and, on average, 2 and 8 days postinjury. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses revealed no significant between-group differences on baseline test performance with respect to sex on any of the ImPACT composite scores or on the total symptom score. Multivariate analyses of post-concussion data revealed a significant main effect of time on ImPACT scores, but no main effect of sex was identified, and no time-by-sex interaction existed. Post hoc analysis revealed that concussed female athletes performed significantly worse than concussed male athletes on visual memory tasks (P 0.001), and analysis of endorsed post-concussion symptoms revealed that concussed men were significantly more likely than concussed women to report post-concussion symptoms of vomiting (P 0.001) and sadness (P 0.017). Athletes’ scores were examined individually using the reliable-change methodology. At 2 days post-injury, 58% of concussed athletes had one or more reliable incidents of performance decline or increases in symptom reporting. At 8 days post-concussion, 30% of concussed athletes were still showing one or more reliable change from preseason values. CONCLUSIONS: College athletes exhibit differences on visual memory composite scores and symptoms post-concussion as a function of sex. These data support the importance of evaluating neuropsychological status and post-concussion symptoms in concussed athletes. In addition, these data illustrate the importance of analyzing an individual athlete’s recovery pattern, because individual differences in recovery trajectories may be overshadowed by global norm-group comparisons.
Robust adaptive control of nonaffine nonlinear plants with small input signal changes

Assuming small input signal magnitudes, ARMA models can approximate the NARMA model of nonaffine plants. Recently, NARMA-L1 and NARMA-L2 approximate models were introduced to relax such input magnitude restrictions. However, some applications require larger input signals than allowed by ARMA, NARMA-L1 and NARMA-L2 models. Under certain assumptions, we recently developed an affine approximate model that eliminates the small input magnitude restriction and replaces it with a requirement of small input changes. Such a model complements existing models. Using this model, we present an adaptive controller for discrete nonaffine plants with unknown system equations, accessible input-output signals, but inaccessible states. Our approximate model is realized by a neural network that learns the unknown input-output map online. A deadzone is used to make the weight update algorithm robust against modeling errors. A control law is developed for asymptotic tracking of slowly varying reference trajectories.
Focus on... Cash Balance Plans in the 21st Century, Part I, Historical Perspective

This article is part one of a two-part series on cash balance plans. Part one examines the development of these plans over the past 30 years and methodically discusses their elements, the testing and lump-sum distribution requirements, the rate of accrual issues and the protection of accrued benefits, as well the age discrimination charges often directed at these plans.
Egypt in the aftermath of the Arab Spring : what lies ahead?

Egypt is one of the most populous countries in the Arab world and has played a central role in Middle Eastern politics for centuries. In the last several decades, decisions and policies made in Cairo have significantly impacted regional and international systems. In the 1950s and 1960s, President Gamal Abdel Nasser pioneered Arab nationalism and championed the non-aligned movement. His successor, President Anwar Al-Sadat, was the first Arab leader to recognise and make peace with Israel. The impacts of toppling President Hosni Mubarak, the rise and fall of the Muslim Brotherhood and the ascendancy of President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi are yet to be assessed.
Perspective - shifting and free indirect discourse : Experimental investigations *

The psycholinguistic experiments reported in this paper explore the question of who gets to be the ‘judge’ according to whom we interpret linguistic expressions that seem to require some kind of epistemic anchor, such as epithets (e.g. that jerk). Experiments 1a and 1b corroborate Harris and Potts’ (2009) findings that epithets and appositives can receive non-speaker-oriented readings. Experiments 2 and 3 compare sentences with and without epithets and epistemic adverbs, and show that the presence of these elements can in fact boost the rate of non-speaker-oriented interpretations, at least in contexts that allow the text to be interpreted as fiction/narrative. We suggest this is because, in such contexts, expressions like epithets and epistemic adverbs can signal free indirect discourse.
Alpha-Rooting Image Enhancement Using a Traditional Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm

The application of soft computing in image/signal enhancement and comparing it with traditional methods will be discussed in this paper. This study presents two optimization methods for α-rooting image enhancement, which is a transform based method. The first method is a derivative-based optimization and the second one is Genetic Algorithm optimization. The parameter will be driven through optimization of measure of enhancement function (EME). The results from, the simulations show both methods are reliable; however, the first method has more computing cost.
Building a university-community partnership to promote high school graduation and beyond: An innovative undergraduate team approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a new conceptual model integrating research, university-community partnerships, and an innovative undergraduate team approach to more effectively and efficiently address social problems while enhancing university-community relations and providing valuable learning experiences for students. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the rationale for, and the key components, steps, and activities involved in piloting the conceptual model of university-community engagement. The model integrates research, community engagement, and undergraduate development and education along with ongoing evaluation by the relevant stakeholders. Findings – As illustrated in a brief case study presentation, the model has significant promise in meeting several university and community objectives simultaneously. Specifically, it focusses on community needs by addressing a mutually agreed upon social issue, it builds and strengthens university-community relationships as a...
A Security Meta-Language for SOAP Messaging

Due to the increasing availability of competing service providers and the decreasing costs of moving services online recent trends in information systems development direct focus towards leveraging complex distributed system interconnections. To that end service-oriented architectures and web services have become commonplace in busi- ness and government application development because they facilitate rapid development and deployment through the use of standards that document interfaces and the message exchanges. However, the hierarchically related standards have complex documented interconnections and dependencies. The configuration of the services and the messages they exchange must adhere to the mandates established in these documents, yet the guidance offered by each specification is often too expansive for software developers to understand without assistance. Incorrect configurations can lead to messaging configurations that result in software vulnerabilities, system unavailability, service disruption, and ultimately loss of protected information. In this paper, we devise a Security Meta Language for secure web service communication based on a dynamic modeling framework. The framework models expert knowledge gathered from the intensive analysis of message protection protocols specified in web service standards. We outline a process to create and modify secure messaging directives through a case study investigating X.509 PKI tokens and digital signatures for SOAP communication.
Knochendichtebestimmung in der Menopause

Die Indikationen fur die Messungen der Knochendichte bei der Frau wahrend der Postmenopause aus Vorgeschichte und Befund werden eingehend erortert. Die verschiedenen Moglichkeiten der quantitativen Messverfahren wie DXA, periphere Computertomographie und Ultraschallmethodik werden in ihrer klinischen Brauchbarkeit fur die gynakologische Praxis und in ihrem pradiktiven Wert fur das reale Frakturrisiko gewurdigt.
IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Froin's Syndrome.

A 64-year-old man presented with progressive weakness in the legs. Neurologic examination showed paralysis of the legs and decreased sensation starting at the L1–L2 level. There was concern about a possible spinal hematoma.
Abstract 3334: Telomerase activity corresponds to the level of aggressiveness of ovarian cancer stem cells and are a potential site of targeted therapy

Objective: Cancer stem cells possess the important property of self-renewal. Telomerase activity (TA) is often used as a molecular marker for cancer aggressiveness and allows propagation of cancer cells by adding telomere repeats which can result in unlimited cell replication. As such, the potential of telomerase in maintaining self-renewal properties of cancer stem cells have been proposed. Our objectives were to determine the TA of ovarian cancer stem cells (OSC) and the effectiveness of targeting telomerase for cancer therapy. Methods Ovarian cancer cell lines (ES2, TOV112D, and SKOV3) were grown in non-adherent growth conditions to form spheroid forming cells for numerous successive spheroid generations. Flow cytometry determined the CD44+/CD24- phenotype consistent with cancer stem-cells. Histologic subtypes were chosen to correspond to decreasing levels of aggressiveness: ES2- clear cell; SKOV3- papillary serous; and TOV112D- endometrioid. TRAPEZE RT Telomerase Detection Kit utilized flourescently labeled primers to detect and quantify telomerase activity by RT-PCR. Results were confirmed with luciferase reporter plasmid containing promoter of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Each cancer cell line was treated with 10, 20, 50, and 100uM of a small molecule telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532 measured by cell proliferation survival assay for a total of 72 hours. Results All ovarian cancer cell lines readily formed spheroids in non-adherent growth conditions with flow cytometry demonstrating the enrichment of cancer stem cell phenotype: CD44+/CD24-. TA was significantly increased in spheroid forming cells enriched for OSC in both ES2 (5-fold increase) and SKOV3 (6-fold increase) (p Conclusions Telomerase activity appears to increase with ovarian cancer stem cells and supports the hypothesis that it could be important in the self-renewal properties of cancer stem cells. Inhibition of telomerase with a competitive small molecule demonstrated significant response in-vitro and could represent novel targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3334.
Does administration of diethylstilbestrol to pregnant women result in increased output of urinary pregnanediol

Summary and ConclusionsWhen diethylstilbestrol is administered to a woman during pregnancy, much of this material appears in the urine as a glucuronide. In the Venning method for the assay of urinary pregnanediol, all of the glucuronides are included in the final determination. Thus diethylstilbestrol glucuronide as well as pregnanediol glucuronide appears in the result obtained. The apparent rise in the urinary pregnanediol values obtained by the Venning method may be due to the ingested diethylstilbestrol which is conjugated and eliminated in the urine. The figures do not indicate an increased production of progesterone and resultant increased output of urinary pregnanediol.Increasing amounts of diethylstilbestrol are being used in the treatment of pregnancy complications. In most instances the theory behind this therapeutic measure is that this estrogen stimulates steroid production. If urinary pregnanediol is to be used as a measure of increased steroid metabolism the value of diethylstilbestrol is op...
Bariatric surgery is associated with improvement in kidney outcomes.

Severe obesity is associated with increased risk of kidney disease. Whether bariatric surgery reduces the risk of adverse kidney outcomes is uncertain. To resolve this we compared the risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline of ≥30% and doubling of serum creatinine or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 985 patients who underwent bariatric surgery with 985 patients who did not undergo such surgery. Patients were matched on demographics, baseline body mass index, eGFR, comorbidities, and previous nutrition clinic use. Mean age was 45 years, 97% were white, 80% were female, and 33% had baseline eGFR 2 . Mean 1-year weight loss was 40.4 kg in the surgery group compared with 1.4 kg in the matched cohort. Over a median follow-up of 4.4 years, 85 surgery patients had an eGFR decline of ≥30% (22 had doubling of serum creatinine/ESRD). Over a median follow-up of 3.8 years, 177 patients in the matched cohort had an eGFR decline of ≥30% (50 had doubling of serum creatinine/ESRD). In adjusted analysis, bariatric surgery patients had a significant 58% lower risk for an eGFR decline of ≥30% (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.55) and 57% lower risk of doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD (hazard ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.26–0.71) compared with the matched cohort. Results were generally consistent among subgroups of patients with and without eGFR 2 , hypertension, and diabetes. Thus, bariatric surgery may be an option to prevent kidney function decline in severely obese individuals.
BOARDROOM NETWORKS AND THE CROSS-SECTION OF STOCK RETURNS: EVIDENCE FROM THE NETHERLANDS

Board directorships link organizations and directors forming a complex, continuously evolving corporate boardroom network. Using a novel and unique comprehensive monthly boardroom network dataset for the Netherlands, home to one of the largest and most liquid European stock markets, this paper finds that a firm’s connectedness in this network is a strong predictor of subsequent risk-adjusted monthly stock returns. Consistent with a weakened corporate governance hypothesis, the paper documents a negative impact on future returns for firms with relatively well-connected directors. And consistent with an access to resources hypothesis, the paper finds a positive impact for firms that are relatively well-connected through inter-board ties. Importantly, while past director ties are informative for future returns, past inter-board ties are not. Fama-MacBeth regressions suggest the results are not confounded by other board characteristics. Connectedness is also systematically mispriced in analysts’ forecasts. Taken together, the findings strongly suggest that boardroom networks simultaneously exert distinct positive and negative effects through complex corporate governance, informational and other channels.
Conclusion: Explaining Gratitude

In this chapter I describe several theories of gratitude that help organize the research that has been reviewed in this book. I first review McCullough and colleagues (Psychol Bull 127:249–266, 2001) moral affect theory of gratitude, which I think effectively explains the essential nature of gratitude. I then move on to discussing theories that explain the causes of gratitude, and here I focus on the social-cognitive model of Wood et al. (Emotion 8:281–290, 2008). Theories that attempt to explain how gratitude enhances well-being are explored. Fredrickson (Gratitude, like other positive emotions, broadens and builds. In: Emmons RA, McCullough ME (eds) The psychology of gratitude. Oxford Press, New York, pp 145–166, 2004) has applied her broaden and build theory of positive emotions to gratitude, and I explain how her approach effectively explains how gratitude enhances personal resources. I then move on to the find-remind-and-bind theory of Algoe (Soc Pers Psychol Compass 6:455–469, 2012), which explains how gratitude enhances social well-being. Finally I introduce my amplification theory of gratitude; I argue that gratitude is important to the good life because it amplifies the good in one’s life.
Monte Carlo, Quasi-Monte Carlo, and Randomized Quasi-Monte Carlo

This paper surveys recent research on using Monte Carlo techniques to improve quasi-Monte Carlo techniques. Randomized quasi-Monte Carlo methods provide a basis for error estimation. They have, in the special case of scrambled nets, also been observed to improve accuracy. Finally through Latin supercube sampling it is possible to use Monte Carlo methods to extend quasi-Monte Carlo methods to higher dimensional problems.
The Local Union and Management: Between Accommodation and Revolt

The local union must influence — and in turn is influenced by — not only its working-class constituency and other unions, but also a third group: management. This group is clearly the most important target of the union, in that unless the union can extract (or be widely perceived as extracting) sufficient benefits from management, workers will view the union as ineffective. Lack of worker support for a given union implies, in turn, weakness of that union in competing (or co-operating) with other unions. Extracting benefits from management is no easy matter, however, given the state of ideological warfare that has traditionally existed between labour and management.
Mechanical properties of ZnO nanowires

Semiconductor nanowires such as zinc oxide nanowires are projected to be the next generation materials for nanoscale sensors and actuators. They also serve as ideal systems for studying material behavior at the small scale. In this paper, we report experimental results on the mechanical properties of zinc oxide nanowires. We have designed a MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) test-bed for mechanical characterization of nanowires and use a microscale version of pick-and-place as a generic specimen preparation and manipulation technique. We performed experiments on zinc oxide nanowires inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and estimated the Young's modulus to be approximately 21 GPa and the fracture strain to vary from 5% to 15%. We attribute the difference in mechanical properties of the nanowires from bulk properties to several factors such as lower number of defects, charge redistribution at the atomic scale and surface effects.
The Portrayal of Black Masculinity in the NFL: Critical Race Theory and the Images of Black Males

This chapter uses critical race theory (CRT) as a theoretical framework to explore the influence of contemporary sports on the social construction of Black masculinity. In order to analyze this phenomenon, this chapter employs Delgado and Stefancic’s (2012) CRT themes of (1) race as a social construction, (2) omnipresent racism, (3) color blindness, and (4) interest convergence. This chapter argues that Black masculinity found in the National Football League (NFL) is often displayed and interpreted through the “White gaze” as unintelligent, violent and hyper-aggressive, and arrogant. These racist portrayals of Black masculinity contribute to the exploitation and oppression of Black males inside and outside of sports.
Clinical Factors and Expenditures Associated With ICD-9-CM Coded Trauma for the U.S. Population: A Nationally Representative Study.

Background There is a lack of information on annual healthcare expenditures both per person and for the US population associated with trauma, as identified by ICD-9-CM codes. Methods This paper employed a two part model to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted annual per individual expenditures and population burden of trauma exposure for the US population, using a nationally representative survey of medical care expenditures. In addition, we estimated a logit model to examine the demographic and comorbidity factors associated with the likelihood of experiencing trauma. Results Approximately 18.2% of US adults were found to have trauma exposure during the survey year of 2011. The most frequent trauma ICD-9-CM code was Injury not elsewhere classified/not otherwise specified (NEC/NOS). Adjusted likelihood of trauma was higher among individuals under the age of 65, males, non-Hispanic Whites, non-married or never married, and individuals living with comorbidities of stroke, joint pain, arthritis and asthma. The most expensive of the top ten ICD-9-CM trauma codes was dislocation of the knee. Significant differences in expenditure categories were found for office-based, outpatient, ER, dental and other medical care. After adjustment for comorbidities and demographics, the adjusted per person burden of trauma was estimated to be $1,689 (95% CI $1,006-$2,372), with an incremental burden on the US population of $60.8 billion per year. Conclusions Trauma results in a significant health care expenditure burden, both per person and on the US population. Clinicians should be aware that individuals in the U.S. population with certain comorbidities such as stroke, joint pain, arthritis and asthma are more likely to have trauma, and that differences exist in expenditures for office-based, outpatient, dental and the ER. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A High-Content Assay Enables the Automated Screening and Identification of Small Molecules with Specific ALDH1A1-Inhibitory Activity

Aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes (ALDHs) have a broad spectrum of biological activities through the oxidation of both endogenous and exogenous aldehydes. Increased expression of ALDH1A1 has been identified in a wide-range of human cancer stem cells and is associated with cancer relapse and poor prognosis, raising the potential of ALDH1A1 as a therapeutic target. To facilitate quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) campaigns for the discovery, characterization and structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies of small molecule ALDH1A1 inhibitors with cellular activity, we show herein the miniaturization to 1536-well format and automation of a high-content cell-based ALDEFLUOR assay. We demonstrate the utility of this assay by generating dose-response curves on a comprehensive set of prior art inhibitors as well as hundreds of ALDH1A1 inhibitors synthesized in house. Finally, we established a screening paradigm using a pair of cell lines with low and high ALDH1A1 expression, respectively, to uncover novel cell-active ALDH1A1-specific inhibitors from a collection of over 1,000 small molecules.
Does Access to Visual Input Inhibit Auditory Development for Children With Cochlear Implants? A Review of the Evidence

Purpose We review the evidence for attenuating visual input during intervention to enhance auditory development and ultimately improve spoken language outcomes in children with cochlear implants. B...
Immobilized enzymes: understanding enzyme – surface interactions at the molecular level

Enzymes immobilized on solid supports have important and industrial and medical applications. However, their uses are limited by the significant reductions in activity and stability that often accompany the immobilization process. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular level interactions between proteins and supporting surfaces that contribute to changes in stability and activity. This understanding has been facilitated by the application of various surface-sensitive spectroscopic techniques that allow the structure and orientation of enzymes at the solid/liquid interface to be probed, often with monolayer sensitivity. An appreciation of the molecular interactions between enzyme and surface support has allowed the surface chemistry and method of enzyme attachement to be fine-tuned such that activity and stability can be greatly enhanced. These advances suggest that a much wider variety of enzymes may eventually be amenable to immobilization as green catalysts.
Body-Worn 30:1 Bandwidth Tightly Coupled Dipole Array on Conductive Textiles

We present a novel tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) based on conductive textiles (E-threads) that achieves 30:1 bandwidth across the 60–2000 MHz frequency range (VSWR < 4). The proposed antenna occupies 1.4 m in length and 0.05 m in width and consists of three overlapping dipoles that are fed in phase to ensure uniform current flow. Two fabricated prototypes are presented in this letter. The first is a rigid metallic version using a 1.524 mm thick Rogers RO4003 board via conventional printed circuit board fabrication. The other is a fully flexible textile-based prototype “printed” on organza fabric via automated embroidery of conductive threads (E-threads). In both cases, measurements are in very good agreement with simulations. Specifically, the TCDA is well matched from 500 to 2000 MHz with VSWR < 2.5 and has a realized gain ranging from −16 to 6 dBi across the entire bandwidth from 60 to 2000 MHz. The proposed design is intended for on-body operation (e.g., placed along the arms). To assess the performance of this antenna for body mounting, we applied a 2 cmthick ground beef beneath the textile TCDA to represent the body tissue. Overall, the proposed TCDA brings forward new opportunities for several ultrawideband applications.
Hyperacute Ischemic Stroke in Adults: Evidence-Based Emergency Imaging

This chapter focuses on the imaging of hyperacute ischemic stroke patients within the first hours after stroke onset when the decisions to administer thrombolytics or perform thrombectomy are of paramount importance. The major goals of imaging during this hyperacute phase of ischemia include (1) the exclusion of intracerebral hemorrhage for thrombolysis, (2) the detection of acute ischemia in order to exclude stroke mimics, (3) emerging advanced imaging techniques to delineate ischemic but viable tissue for possible intervention beyond the current window, and (4) the imaging of pediatric acute stroke patients. The chapter provides an in-depth discussion of the literature supporting the use of specific modalities for each of the major goals listed.
The Eidetic Structure of Subjectless, Egoless, and Selfless Transcendental Reflection

This chapter investigates the thematics of the “I” and various modes of reflection in accord with the phenomenological methodology of Husserl. Through a phenomenological critique of reflection the phenomenal conditions of the possibility of transcendental phenomenology are uncovered. In this disscussion of phenomenological cognition, two leading questions are specifically thematic: One, how do we elucidate through reflection the consitution of the “individuality” of the “I” who performs the transcendental epoche? The other concerns the essential structure of phenomenological reflection as it relates phenomenally to the individual and ultimately the transcendental ego.
Characterization of a cubic phase in an Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy

The overall objective of this study is to investigate the microstructural stability and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloys subjected to elevated temperatures. The addition of Ag to Al-Cu-Mg alloys with correct Cu-to-Mg ratio has been shown to generate a precipitate phase, designated Ω, which displays superior thermal stability compared with the normally occurring S′ and θ′. Samples produced for this study contained the expected Ω, θ′ and S′. In addition a cubic phase, previously designated σ(Al5Cu6Mg2), was obtained. The σ phase was seen to be a semicoherent and coplanar phase with the Al matrix, i.e., {1 0 0}σ//{1 0 0}Al and 〈0 1 0〉σ//〈0 1 0〉Al. The coarsening rate of the σ phase was found to be much lower than the θ′ phase at 200°C. An ingot was produced of the σ phase, which was verified by X-ray diffraction. The ultrasonic technique was used to determine Young's modulus and the shear modulus. Estimates for the structural interfacial energy were determined. A hot-stage Vickers hardness measurement on the equilibrium σ phase indicates a high yield strength up to 350°C. The data from the present study indicate that an Al alloy with the σ phase may exhibit superior elevated-temperature stability.
Energy Efficiency and Profitability Differences: State-Owned Versus Township-and-Village Enterprises

Virtually all productivity studies of SOEs and TVEs in China during the 1980s and 1990s conclude that productivity in the TVE sector has grown faster than in the SOE sector. These analysts have not, however, attempted to compare the paradoxical nature of TVEs superior economic performance as compared to their inefficient utilization of energy. In this chapter, I show that a majority of TVEs sectors exhibit the paradoxical characteristics of being less energy efficient and more profitable than SOEs in both Shanxi Province and China as a whole. Using Structural Decomposition Analysis, I show that 28 out of 29 TVE sectors in Shanxi Province and China as a whole are less energy efficient than their SOE counterparts. This occurs despite the fact that TVEs in China have enjoyed a far better economic performance than SOEs. In order to reconcile this paradox, I examine the direct and indirect labor and other material inputs between the TVE and SOE sectors in China and Shanxi Province. In order to explain the differences in direct and indirect energy, labor, and materials inputs between SOEs and a TVEs, I have extended previous theoretical discussions of ambiguous property rights in the TVE sector to explain some of the findings in this study. My primary argument is that vaguely defined relationships among owners, workers, and local administrators allow TVEs to establish informal contract arrangements that give them access to cheaper inputs.
The Rising Conflict for Democracy in the Arab World

"Operation Freedom" in Iraq has started what could be called the "fourth wave of democracy", a process that happens when success of democracy in one country causes other countries to democratize. Since democracy plays such an important role in the Arab world, it is important to understand how far democracy has come in the Arab world. This paper examines whether or not democracy currently exists, the current progression of democratization, and the Arab peoples call for democratic change. The paper examines authoritarian regimes' arguments of legitimacy and freedom of elections, the regime as a source of stability in the region, and the encouragement of democratic reforms. This study reviews research from the past three decades. This study examines Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia with the intent of evaluating progressive democratization. Preliminary findings indicate that Arab peoples are challenging current systems and calling for democratic change. These results are important to acknowledge because they indicated the beginnings of a democratic revolution in the region, proving that Arab peoples have a better sense of what changes can be made to help them become more democratic.
Regulated Cell Death Signaling Pathways and Marine Natural Products That Target Them

Our understanding of cell death used to consist in necrosis, an unregulated form, and apoptosis, regulated cell death. That understanding expanded to acknowledge that apoptosis happens through the intrinsic or extrinsic pathways. Actually, many other regulated cell death processes exist, including necroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death. We also understand that apoptosis occurs beyond the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways with caspase independent forms of apoptosis existing. Our knowledge of the signaling continues to grow, and with that, so does our ability to target different parts of the pathways with small molecules. Marine natural products co-evolve with their targets, and these unique molecules have complex structures with exquisite biological activities and specificities. This article offers a review of our current understanding of the signaling pathways regulating cell death, and highlights marine natural products that can affect these signaling pathways.
Playing in cyberspace: the social performative on Heidelberg Street

The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art installation in Detroit, MI, which is frequently experienced through Google Street View, offering media and spatial scholars a fascinating text in which to ...
Models of the Interaction of Host Genotypes and Infectious Disease

The proposition that infectious diseases act as important selective forces for maintaining polymorphisms in host populations is an intriguing part of theories of evolution. Moreover, a proposition of considerable epidemiological importance is that host genetic variability is partially responsible for the maintenance of infectious disease in populations.