cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic stress in PC12 cells induces the formation of the endogenous dopaminergic neurotoxin, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) has been reported to be a toxic metabolite formed by the oxidative-deamination of dopamine (DA) catalyzed by monoamine oxidase. This aldehyde is either oxidized to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) by aldehyde dehydrogenase, an NAD-dependent enzyme or reduced to 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET) by aldehyde or aldose reductase. In the present study we examined whether levels of DOPAL are elevated by inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Using inhibitors of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III and IV we found that inhibition of complex I and III increased levels of DOPAL and DOPET. Nerve growth factor-induced differentiation of PC12 cells markedly potentiated DOPAL and DOPET accumulation in response to metabolic stress. DOPAL was toxic to differentiated PC12 as well as to SK-N-SH cell lines. Because complex I dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, the accumulation of DOPAL may explain the vulnerability of the dopaminergic system to complex I inhibition. The rapid appearance of DOPAL and DOPET after inhibition of complex I may be a useful early index of oxidative stress in DA-forming neurons.
A Computational Framework for Low Reynolds Number 3D Flapping Wings Simulations

This paper describes the work done in the development of a fast and accurate numerical solver for flows around flapping wings at low Reynolds numbers. In the first part, the finite volume flow solver is described. We use a kinetic energy conserving scheme that improves stability while limiting numerical dissipation. In the second part, we discuss how wing motion is represented and how we deform the mesh accordingly. Finally, in the last part, we give examples of applications of our code and show how it can be used for optimization purposes.
Over That Hill: Cinematic adaptations and cross-cultural remakes, from Depression-era America to post-war Korea

AbstractThis article explores the ways in which film-makers of South Korea's cinematic golden age tapped into a vast repository of images and themes borrowed from other national contexts, from Depression-era America to post-war Japan. To illustrate Korean film-makers' unusual penchant for narrative assimilation and cross-cultural adaptation, the author highlights a representative melodrama of that era. Produced by Sin Sang-ok and directed by Kang Ch'an-u, Over That Hill/Chŏ ŏndŏk nŏmŏsŏ (1968) is a remake of Over the Hill (1931), a motion picture directed by Henry King and produced at Fox Film Corp. Besides looking west for its narrative and thematic material, Over That Hill looks toward neighbouring Japan. In fact, there are numerous similarities between Over That Hill and Ozu Yasujiro's Tokyo Story (1953), above all their shared focus on the love/hate relationship between rural parents and city children — a generational as well as geographic schism that casts in relief an issue central to the study of r...
Measuring Academic Emotions in Experiential Learning Using Qualitative and Physiological Data

A rich body of literature in educational psychology provides evidence for the critical role of emotions in learning. However studies that link emotions to learning largely examine only negative emotions in the test environment (Pekrun et al. 2002). While the scope of research on emotions and learning greatly expanded in the past decade, there are no studies that investigate the role of academic emotions in non-traditional learning environments. Marketing educators are increasingly extending learning beyond the traditional classroom environment by incorporating experiential learning activities into their courses such as class projects, service learning, and business simulations. These activities are believed to provide powerful learning opportunities. Yet the role of academic emotions in experiential learning is unexamined. This raises several key questions: How are academic emotions linked with the process of experiential learning? What are the effects of negative and positive emotions on the experiential learning process?
Prevention of blood exposure. Body and facial protection.

Blood exposure in the operating room is a potential source of occupational infection with viruses. Prevention is the responsibility of all operating room personnel through surgical technique, better personal protection equipment, and a prompt response when blood exposure occurs. Bloodbome pathogens will continueto be an issue that requires enhanced awareness by the operating room team to prevent blood exposure.
Anti-American Behavior in the Middle East

Based on public opinion data, Anti-Americanism of one form or another is endemic in the Middle East. This paper examines the extent to which hostility generalizes beyond opposition to American foreign policy but is unique to the United States. It fields an experiment in Lebanon that manipulates the putative sponsor of a survey and draws on a simple behavioral outcome: do people refuse to be interviewed based on who they think is asking the questions? Results show that academic sponsors do not affect participation rates, but that refusals spike under government sponsorship of multiple nationalities -- behavioral patterns which replicate in communities that vary widely in their a priori levels of hostility to the United States. Ironically, systematic opt-outs by political opponents make people in the government conditions appear more rather than less supportive of U.S.-favored policies compared to their peers in the other treatment groups.
Superconducting qubits meet Schrödinger’s cat

One of the many challenges facing those who would build a quantum computer is how to assemble a large enough group of qubits in a way that would permit useful computation. For this, solid state qubits have a clear advantage, and the natural order already present in a superconductor makes superconducting qubits a logical choice. The challenge for these “macroscopic” superconducting qubits is to achieve the required internal coherence between states in a single qubit in the face of interactions with the environment. Results of recent experiments at Stony Brook will be presented that demonstrate one can, in fact, produce a coherent superposition of flux states in SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices). This coherence in SQUIDs is the strongest test to date of the predictions of quantum mechanics in a macroscopic system, e.g. Schrodinger’s cat.
Environmental Law and Contrasting Ideas of Nature: Perceiving Change and Knowing Nature: Shifting Baselines and Nature’s Resiliency

Nature changes. However, not all changes in nature warrant a regulatory or policy response. As a result, in order to “know nature” — to evaluate natural processes, evolutions, progressions, thresholds, and collapses — policymakers and managers work within frames through which they perceive, interpret, and respond to changes in nature. This chapter explores various ways of perceiving change in nature and how the law and policy responds to those perceptions. One important device for framing changes in nature is a baseline. As a result, this chapter examines the many ways in which historic baselines can be incorporated into — or ignored within — environmental and natural resources law. The first part of this chapter argues that, at a most basic level, human-constructed baselines for nature serve as a tool for distinguishing what is “natural” change generally left out of regulation from what are “unnatural” or anthropogenic changes, the potential subjects of environmental and natural resources law. The second part argues, conversely, that the law's failure to deal adequately with indirect direct, indeterminate, and synergistic causes of change in nature derives at least in part from the increasing difficulty of distinguishing “natural” from “unnatural” change, a dilemma that has arisen in contexts as diverse as responding to a crown-of-thorns invasion on the Great Barrier Reef to mitigating climate change. The chapter's third part discusses the "shifting baseline syndrome" and humans' and law's ability to "forget" or elide change in nature.Finally, this chapter concludes by noting that ecologists have moved away from the idea that nature ever had a stable baseline. In particular, the growing discipline of resilience thinking counsels that natural systems and socio-ecological systems experience continuous perturbations and ongoing cycles of growth, stabilization, and disruptive change and reorganization. Under this framing, humans who truly know nature should expect continuous change, including abrupt and discontinuous change, in nature. Especially in a climate change era, therefore, resilience thinking suggests that humans need to more wholeheartedly embrace change in nature and to eschew historical baselines — a more radical acceptance of change in nature that could in turn evolve environmental and natural resources law.
Comparative egg morphology of six species of the Albimanus section of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) (Diptera:Culicidae).

Scanning electron micrographs were used to describe and compare structures of eggs obtained from wild-caught females of 6 species of the Albimanus section of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) from South America, which includes important regional vectors of human malaria. Among species from the Oswaldoi Complex, eggs of Anopheles oswaldoi (Peryassu) were not differentiated from those of its sibling Anopheles konderi Galvao & Damasceno, and eggs of the former species from Brazil, Ecuador, and Suriname showed no regionally distinguishing characteristics. Eggs of Anopheles dunhami Causey were recognized by the reticulate beadwork of outer chorion on the dorsal plastron, 1 of several egg characters separating this species from the related Anopheles trinkae Faran and Anopheles nuneztovari Gabaldon. In both species examined from the Strodei Complex, Anopheles strodei Root and Anopheles benarrochi Gabaldon, Cova Garcia & Lopez, the anterior frill forms a distinctive ventral crown separated from the floats. Anopheles triannulatus (Neiva & Pinto), collected from 4 geographicsites, differed in the occurrence of perforated mounds on the dorsal plastron, but these chorionic structures and the extent of overlap of floats varied among eggs from single females. Changes among related species in the structure of the anterior frill and dorsal plastron are described for phylogenetic and developmental inferences.
A thermodynamic method for determining the activities from ternary miscibility gap data: The Cu-Pb-O system

A thermodynamic method is developed for determining the activities of all three component elements along a ternary miscibility gap from a knowledge of the line distributions and the pertinent binary thermodynamic properties. The thermodynamic treatment outlined is particularly applicable when the ternary miscibility gap lies close to one of the boundary binaries. Its usefulness is demonstrated by successfully deriving the activities in the ternary system Cu-Pb-O at 1473 K. The method presented is of general applicability to ternary systems consisting of two metals and a nonmetal such as oxygen, sulfur or selenium.
Induction of systemic resistance in Chinese cabbage against black rot by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria

Black rot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, is the most important and potentially destructive disease of cabbage. The objectives of this study were to select plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains and to form strain mixtures with the capacity to elicit induced systemic resistance or to increase plant growth in Chinese cabbage. In preliminary screening, 10 of 12 tested individual PGPR strains (AP136, AP188, AP209, AP213, AP217, AP218, AP219, AP282, AP295, and AP305) reduced the number of foliar lesions, and 2 PGPR strains (AP7 and AP18) increased all tested parameters of plant growth promotion, including shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and plant diameter. In advanced tests, four individual stains (AP136, AP209, AP282 and AP305) were combined into mixture-1. Mixture-2 contained all strains in mixture-1 plus three additional stains (AP7, AP18 and AP218). Both mixtures and three individual strains (AP136, AP209 and AP305) significantly reduced the number of black rot lesions, and mixture-2 increased shoot dry weight and root dry weight in greenhouse tests. In a field test, all the tested treatments significantly reduced disease incidence on whole plants at three weeks after transplanting and reduced head disease severity at harvest time. All treatments also increased marketable yield compared to the nonbacterized control. These results demonstrated that specific individual PGPR strains and strain mixtures induced systemic resistance to black rot in the greenhouse and field.
Clinical Implications of Gonadal Venography in the Management of the Non-Palpable Undescended Testis

Selective gonadal venography was used on 28 patients with a total of 34 non-palpable undescended testes. The data obtained in this study suggest that 1) an internal spermatic vein with a pampiniform-like plexus indicates the presence of a testis, 2) a blind-ending vein on venography suggests the absence of a testis, 3) an internal spermatic vein or vas deferens may be present without a testis, 4) a testis probably cannot be present without a gonadal vein, 5) a testis may be present without a vas, 6) a blind-ending vas deferens does not necessarily indicate the absence of a testis and 7) a blind-ending vas deferens in a patient in whom a blind-ending gonadal vein is localized to the same region probably indicates the absence of a testis. Gonadal venography may localize a non-palpable undescended testis or suggest testicular agenesis. In addition, gonadal venography has aided in the selection of the operative approach and, in the future, may provide criteria under specific circumstances for determining whether an operation is necessary and, if so, the extent of surgical exploration.
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula in the tegmen tympani

The author's experience with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea from the tympanomastoid tegmen is based on the management of two clinical cases, the temporal bone histopathological findings in a third case suffering fatal meningitis and a review of the literature. Characteristically, the disorder occurs in otherwise healthy ears and is the consequence of embryogenic faults in the dura mater and adjacent tegmen. After years of exposure to physiologically normal CSF pressures, these faults may fistulize into the tympanomastoid compartment. The onset may be at any age, but is more common after age 40. About 20% of cases have a history of one or more bouts of meningitis. The site of the leak is characterized by one or more defects measuring 2-5 mm in the dura mater and adjacent bony plate, usually in the area of the petrous ridge. About 25% of defects are associated with small meningoceles or meningoencephaloceles. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as testing with fluorescein dye, provide confirming diagnostic data. Corrective surgery employs transmastoid exploration. After any existing meningoceles or meningoencephaloceles have been cauterized or amputated, small grafts of autogenous fascia or cartilage are used to plug defects found. The area is covered with temporalis fascia graft, reinforced by a pedicled muscle-fascia graft and, if needed to obliterate the mastoid cavity, a free graft of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue.
The Immunophysiology of Male Reproduction

There is a close functional relationship between the male reproductive and immune systems. Immunological responses against sperm antigens or other elements of the reproductive tract can lead to androgen insufficiency, infertility, or chronic inflammation. Systemic or local immune activation and inflammation directly inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-Leydig cell axis, interfere with spermatogenic cell development, and may provoke sperm antibody formation. Traditional explanations for protection of spermatogenic cells, based on physical barriers or immune cell exclusion, are not consistent with either the organization of the reproductive tract or modern concepts of immunoregulation. Regulation of immune responses in the male reproductive tract involves immunoregulatory macrophages and lymphocytes, as well as active somatic cell suppression of antigen-specific immunity by anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive factors, including cytokines and androgenic steroids. These restraints on antigen-specific immune mechanisms appear to be counterbalanced by enhanced innate immunity. Finally, inflammatory signaling pathways appear to play an important role in normal male reproductive function, and there is evidence that establishment of male reproduction during development is intimately linked to the maturation of the local immune environment.
UVB radiation, vitamin D and multiple sclerosis

Acheson et al. (1960) observed an inverse relationship between sunlight exposure and the incidence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This led to the suggestion that increased levels of vitamin D caused by sunlight in some way suppresses MS. Further, super physiological doses of the metabolically active metabolite of vitamin D, i.e. 1α,25 dihydroxy vitamin D suppresses the animal model of MS i.e. experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, this response was accompanied by hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia itself can suppress EAE. The ability of 1,25(OH)2D3 to suppress EAE in mice is largely eliminated by a low calcium diet until hypercalcemia is induced by high doses of 1,25(OH)2D3 that causes mobilization of calcium from the skeleton. Of great importance is the finding that vitamin D deficiency prevents EAE, a finding dramatically opposite to the original hypothesis. Further, vitamin D receptor knock out animals do not develop EAE supporting the idea that vitamin D does not suppress EAE. Upon revisiting the inverse relationship between light exposure and incidence of MS, a narrow band of light (300–315 nm) was discovered that prevents EAE without a change in serum levels of 25 hydroxy vitamin D (indicator of vitamin D status). Clinical trials are underway to explore the possible use of this narrow band light as a treatment to stop the progression of MS, while biochemical studies are underway to evaluate the mechanism of action of the narrow band light.
11 – Neurolinguistic Aspects

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses neurolinguistic aspects of Genie's condition. Genie was a right-hemisphere thinker. She used her right hemisphere for language. Genie's language was abnormal in specific ways. Her language resembled that of other cases of right-hemisphere language and the language of those generally acquiring language outside of the critical period. After the critical period, the left hemisphere could no longer be able to function in language acquisition, leaving the right hemisphere to assume control. In addition to language, Genie performed other cortical functions with her right hemisphere and was more proficient at abilities lateralized to the right in normal right handers than in abilities involving both hemispheres or lateralized to the left. Genie was an appositional thinker, visually and tactilely oriented, better at holistic than sequential, analytic thinking. Although she lacked the aspects of language normally associated with the right hemisphere because of social and psychological factors, Genie was both linguistically and nonlinguistically a right-hemisphere functioner.
A gender- and culturally-sensitive weight loss intervention for Hispanic males: The ANIMO randomized controlled trial pilot study protocol and recruitment methods

Abstract Hispanic men have the highest rates of overweight and obesity when compared to men of other racial/ethnic groups, placing them at increased risk for obesity-related disease. Yet, Hispanic men are grossly underrepresented in weight loss research. Tailored intervention strategies to improve obesity treatment programs for this vulnerable racial/ethnic subgroup are needed. This manuscript describes recruitment strategies, methodology, and participant characteristics of the ANIMO study, a 24-week randomized controlled pilot trial testing the effects of a gender- and culturally-sensitive weight loss intervention (GCSWLI) on body weight in Hispanic men compared to a wait-list control condition. The ANIMO study included two phases. The first phase was a 12-week GCSWLI. Participants attended weekly in-person individual sessions guided by a trained bilingual Hispanic male lifestyle coach, were prescribed a daily reduced calorie goal, and 225 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. In the second phase, GCSWLI participants received bi-weekly phone calls across a 12-week follow-up. Wait-list control (WLC) participants from phase 1 received the GCSWLI plus mobile health technology support. Recruitment strategies included face-to-face efforts at a swap meet (outdoor marketplace), family/friend referrals, printed advertisements and social media. Recruitment, screening, and participant enrollment occurred over three months. Overall, 143 men expressed interest in participation. Of these, 115 were screened and 78% (n = 90) were eligible to participate; 45% of enrolled participants (n = 52) completed baseline assessments and 43% (n = 50) were randomized (mean age of 43.3 ± 11.4 years; BMI: 34.1 ± 5.3 kg/m 2 ; 58% Spanish monolingual). Parameter estimates from ANIMO will support future adequately powered trials for this health disparate population. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02783521
Volumetric MR imaging of the liver and applications.

SUMMARY Recent improvements in MR technology-have enabled the development of volumetric 3D imaging methods for fat-suppressed T1-weighted images of the entire upper abdomen with pixel sizes of approximately 2 mm in all dimensions and with acquisition times of less than 25 seconds for breath-hold imaging. When performed with a timing scheme, dynamic contrast-enhanced volumetric imaging of the liver can be performed with selective imaging during the arterial phase and portal venous phase of enhancement. The volumetric data sets can be reconstructed in any oblique plane, enabling improved detection, localization, and characterization of small liver lesions. The combination of high-resolution isotropic pixels and accurate timing also permits angiographic reconstructions of the 3D images, producing MR angiography and venography that can be useful in therapeutic planning, such as for catheter-based interventions or surgical resections or transplantation. Additionally, with use of a hepatobiliary contrast agent such as mangafodipir, T1-weighted volumetric MR cholangiography can be performed in patients with nonobstructed systems for depiction of intrahepatic biliary anatomy.
The yin/yang of health and the environment.

Introduction to the June issue of Virtual Mentor on the theme of medicine and the environment. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Systematic Interpretation of the Isomer Shifts in Tin, Antimony, Tellurium, Iodine, and Xenon

The experimental isomer shifts for compounds of tin, antimony, tellurium, iodine and xenon have been compared with atomic Hartree-Fock density calculations for the chemically appropriate electronic configurations. This leads to values of δ / for each nucleus. In addition, the isomer shifts for isoelectronic pairs of compounds (e.g., SnO with Sb2O3, Sb2O3 with TeO2, etc.) have been compared to find ratios of δ / for adjacent nuclei. These ratios agree closely with those deduced from the first method. This agreement gives support to the simple chemical interpretation of the isomer shifts for this series of nuclei and at the same time supplies a technique for deducing electronic configurations from the measured shifts.
Accessing HIV Molecular Information

The HIV Sequence Database and Analysis Project began in late 1986 under the aegis of the AIDS Program (now the AIDS Division) of the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) through an interagency agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE). Dr. Gerald Myers was the principal investigator of the project from 1986 through 1997. Drs. Bette Korber and Carla Kuiken currently share the principal investigator role. The goals of the project have centered upon compilation and analysis of HIV and HIV-related gene and protein sequences, and the publication of annotated sequences and their analyses. Beginning in 1987, the database project assumed an additional role of tracking viral genotypes for molecular epidemiological studies, and in 1995 an immunology database was added to integrate sequence and immunological information.
Theory Building as Communication

Voneche and Aeschlimann have accepted as their task the critical analysis and interpretation of a paragraph set forth by the co-editors of this volume. In this paragraph questions were raised regarding how progress in developmental theory-building should proceed, by selection of the best theory over others or by integration of various theories and, if by integration, whether by means of eclecticism or through a synthesis of opposites. My assignment is the critical analysis and interpretation of the 100 or so paragraphs put forward by Voneche and Aeschlimann, in which they have rightly raised difficult and even troubling questions about the meanings of the terms employed in the initial paragraph. For example, what does progress mean? I expect that my own comments will be subjected to further critical analysis and interpretation by Voneche, Aeschlimann, and others, and that their third-order analysis will in turn undergo additional interpretation by the co-editors, the readers of this volume, and so forth.
Mutagen Testing with Maize

The wx locus assay in maize pollen grains may be conducted using one of two chronic treatment regimens and under in situ conditions. Solutions of a test chemical can be applied to the soil of plants grown in pots or to the nutrient medium of plants grown under hydroponic culture. Under in situ conditions, test plots may be constructed in the field, and various agents may be applied to each test plot. A series of control test plots must also be prepared for comparison.
Self-Inhibition and the Recovery Cycle

The present chapter describes a central concept in the node structure theory: the process of self-inhibition. I first examine the likely mechanism of self-inhibition and some theoretical reasons for postulating a self-inhibitory process. I then outline some evidence bearing on the self-inhibition hypothesis, some predictions that follow from self-inhibition, and an application of the self-inhibition hypothesis to the phenomenon of pathological stuttering.
Withholding Urinary Catheters in Children Receiving Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Appendicitis.

Abstract Background In some institutions, urinary catheters (UCs) have been placed in all patients receiving opioid patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) because of the increased incidence of urinary retention. Our institutional data demonstrated no UC replacements in 48 children who had PCA for perforated appendicitis who had their catheters removed before discontinuation of the PCA. As part of a quality improvement initiative, we discontinued the practice of requiring UC with PCA for perforated appendicitis. Materials and methods A prospective list of patients with perforated appendicitis was maintained. Data were gathered regarding 60 consecutive patients. UC placement was allowed for specific indications including urinary retention and surgeon discretion. Results Sixteen patients (27%) received a UC with 14 of these being placed in the operating room (OR). Two UCs were placed outside the OR for urinary retention. Patients who underwent UC placement in the OR weighed significantly more than those who did not (33 versus 42 kg, P = 0.05). No patients required replacement of the catheter once removed. There were no postoperative urinary tract infections. Median PCA duration was 68 h (50, 98) for patients with UC placed in the OR compared with 60 h (47, 78) (P = 0.42). Median postoperative length of stay for patients with UC placed in the OR was 95 h (76, 140) compared with 90 h (70, 113) (P = 0.09). Conclusions UC can be withheld from patients with perforated appendicitis who are placed on PCA with a very low placement rate. UC placement at time of operation did not lengthen time receiving PCA or length of stay.
Studying Permittivity And Electric Field For Plasma Generation By Dielectric Resonator Arrays

Arrays of dielectric resonators—illuminated by an antenna— are used to ignite and sustain multiple microwave plasmas in parallel. Cylindrical resonators of calcium titanate were arranged in a linear array with separation distances between 0.5 and 5 mm. The operating frequency was near the HEM111 resonance 1 of 1.1 GHz. Sustaining of argon plasma between 0.5 Torr and 1 atm within the array is found to alter the electromagnetic scattering from the dielectric resonators 2, suggesting applications in plasma-reconfigurable metamaterials and photonic crystals. A relationship was discovered between permittivity and the strength of the coupled electric field. Experimentally, breakdown did not occur for dielectric resonators with low ( 800) relative permittivity. Field simulations show a broad maximum in the microwave field generated on the external boundary of the resonators, peaking around $\varepsilon _{r} \sim 200.$ Calcium titanate is a material in the optimal range for gas breakdown.
Making Artificial Intelligence Work for Investigative Journalism

Many have envisioned the use of AI methods to find hidden patterns of public interest in large volumes of data, greatly reducing the cost of investigative journalism. But so far only a few investig...
Correction to “Bounds for the augmented Zagreb and the atom-bond connectivity indices”

Abstract We provide upper bounds for the atom-bond connectivity index that correct some bounds given in [6], using the same majorization technique.
Multi-Armed Bandits: Theory and Applications to Online Learning in Networks

Multi-armed bandit problems pertain to optimal sequential decision making and learning in unknown environments. Since the first bandit problem posed by Thompson in 1933 for the application of clinical trials, bandit problems have enjoyed lasting attention from multiple research communities and have found a wide range of applications across diverse domains. This book covers classic results and recent development on both Bayesian and frequentist bandit problems. We start in Chapter 1 with a brief overview on the history of bandit problems, contrasting the two schools—Bayesian and frequentis —of approaches and highlighting foundational results and key applications. Chapters 2 and 4 cover, respectively, the canonical Bayesian and frequentist bandit models. In Chapters 3 and 5, we discuss major variants of the canonical bandit models that lead to new directions, bring in new techniques, and broaden the applications of this classical problem. In Chapter 6, we present several representative application examples in communication networks and social-economic systems, aiming to illuminate the connections between the Bayesian and the frequentist formulations of bandit problems and how structural results pertaining to one may be leveraged to obtain solutions under the other.
Optimum selective emitters for efficient thermophotovoltaic conversion

Though thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems have been studied for many decades, the demonstrated conversion efficiencies have remained far lower than the theoretical maximum. Here, in this work, we investigate the reason for low efficiency, especially in TPV systems employing selective thermal emitters, and determine design pathways toward high efficiency. We model both the optical and optoelectronic components of the TPV system and study the influence of the emitter selectivity on the optimum bandgap of the photovoltaic cell, heat sink requirements, and maximum conversion efficiency for any given emitter temperature from 1000 to 2000 K. Our calculations suggest that thermal emitters with at least 20 dB suppression of sub-bandgap emission and an emission enhancement of 100× can push the overall efficiency to 70% of Carnot's limit. Furthermore, we show that such an extreme requirement on suppression is at the performance limits for resonant thermal emitters employing refractory plasmonic materials such as Mo, W, Ta, TiN, and carbon nanotubes.
Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Subsequent Risk for Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis Among Women: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE Inflamed airways are hypothesized to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis due to RA-related autoantibody production, and smoking is the strongest environmental RA risk factor. However, the role of chronic airway diseases in RA development is unclear. We undertook this study to investigate whether asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were each associated with RA. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study of 205,153 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1988-2014) and NHSII (1991-2015). Exposures were self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma or COPD confirmed by validated supplemental questionnaires. The primary outcome was incident RA confirmed by medical record review by 2 rheumatologists. Covariates (including smoking pack-years/status) were assessed via biennial questionnaires. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RA were estimated using Cox regression. RESULTS We identified 15,148 women with confirmed asthma, 3,573 women with confirmed COPD, and 1,060 incident RA cases during 4,384,471 person-years (median 24.0 years/participant) of follow-up in the NHS and NHSII. Asthma was associated with increased RA risk (HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.24-1.88]) compared to no asthma/COPD after adjustment for covariates, including smoking pack-years/status. Asthma remained associated with increased RA risk when analyzing only never-smokers (HR 1.53 [95% CI 1.14-2.05]). COPD was also associated with increased RA risk (HR 1.89 [95% CI 1.31-2.75]). The association of COPD with RA was most pronounced in the subgroup of ever-smokers age >55 years (HR 2.20 [95% CI 1.38-3.51]). CONCLUSION Asthma and COPD were each associated with increased risk of incident RA, independent of smoking status/intensity and other potential confounders. These results provide support for the hypothesis that chronic airway inflammation may be crucial in RA pathogenesis.
Dynamic folding of origami by exploiting asymmetric bi-stability

Abstract In this study, we examine a rapid and reversible origami folding method by exploiting a combination of resonance excitation, asymmetric bi-stability, and active control. The underlying idea is that, by harmonically exciting a bi-stable origami at its resonance frequencies, one can induce rapid folding between its different stable equilibria with a much smaller actuation magnitude than static folding. To this end, we use a bi-stable water-bomb base as an archetypal example to uncover the underlying principles of dynamic folding based on numerical simulation and experimental testing. If the water-bomb initially settles at its “weak” stable state, one can use a base excitation to induce the intra-well resonance. As a result, the origami would fold and remain at the other “strong” stable state even if the excitation does not stop. The origami dynamics starting from the strong state, on the other hand, is more complicated. The water-bomb origami is prone to show inter-well oscillation rather than a uni-directional switch due to a nonlinear relationship between the dynamic folding behavior, asymmetric potential energy barrier, the difference in resonance frequencies, and excitation amplitude. Therefore, we develop an active feedback control strategy, which cuts off the base excitation input at the critical moment to achieve robust and uni-directional folding from the strong stable state to the weak one. The results of this study can apply to many different kinds of origami and create a new approach for rapid and reversible (self-)folding, thus advancing the application of origami in shape morphing systems, adaptive structures, and reconfigurable robotics.
Creating a Sustainable Partnership Between a Science Center, University, and Local School Districts: A Retrospective on Over 20 Years of Successful Programming and Partnership.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the McWane Science Center have partnered for over 20 years to provide secondary students in Alabama opportunities to conduct inquiry-based, standards-aligned science labs. LabWorks (middle school) and GENEius (high school) programs offer multiple research laboratory experiences in which students explore molecular biology, chemistry, physics, genetics, engineering, anatomy, and forensic science, with associated summer professional development for teachers: BioTeach and GeoTeach. These programs attract 3,000-4,000 participants annually, with an ~80% return rate. This partnership has been synergistic, allowing the Science Center to offer high-level secondary science programming, while giving UAB a conduit into the K-12 world. Originally, these programs were developed through Howard Hughes Medical Institute funding, and then expanded through support from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the US Department of Education. These programs have excited secondary students and teachers about science education and careers, provided authentic science experiences, and given teachers the opportunity to experience a model of learning that engages students in “real science” closely linked to their curriculum. This unique, evolving partnership has over 20 years, increased understanding of over 90,000 students and teachers relative to the opportunities that science and STEM careers hold.
The Retention of Nonfinancial Performance Measure in Compensation Contracts

This study empirically investigates firms' decisions to retain the use of nonfinancial performance measures as part of the compensation contracts following their initial implementation. Using three-stage regression and survival analysis, we provide explanations for the decision to retain the use of nonfinancial performance measures after controlling for possible endogeneity. Based on a sample of firms that used nonfinancial measures during the period 1993-1998, we find that the appropriate match of nonfinancial measures and firm characteristics and subsequent enhanced performance are crucial factors in deciding whether or not a firm will retain nonfinancial performance measures in compensation contracts. The analyses provide evidence that the effects of significant firm characteristics on the decision to retain nonfinancial performance measures are time invariant while the effects of performance are time variant during the study period. The results suggest that adverse performance is a reflection of a nonoptimizing initial adoption decision of nonfinancial performance measures while the decision to discard their use in light of the unfavorable performance is an indication of an optimizing decision.
The implications of efficiency differences in sustainable development: An empirical study in the consumer product industry

Firms often invest in sustainable development projects to improve their environmental and societal performance. Given the broad spectrum of these projects and limited resources, managers face challenges in determining where to improve (e.g., improving water consumption and reducing carbon footprint). The study examines the connection between environmental performance and firm performance from a new angle to help managers make informed decisions. The study examines firms in the consumer product industry regarding their efficiency in the operational aspect, the resource‐related environmental aspect, and the climate‐related environmental aspect. It then employs panel data models to investigate the implications of efficiency differences across these aspects on firms' financial performance and business risk. The results indicate that the effects of these differences are adverse in general. Additionally, the relationship between the operational and environmental efficiency difference and financial performance is in an inverted‐U shape. The study contributes to the literature by offering theoretical support and empirical evidence for the balanced portfolio approach in managing multiple environmental concerns. The study findings also provide managerial guidelines for decision‐making. To gain a greater benefit, managers should aim to minimize the performance differences across multiple environmental aspects and manage a subtle balance between operational performance and environmental performance.
Psychiatry on a Shoestring: Developing New Standards of Care for a Severe, Prolonged, and Widespread Emergency.

Study Objective The COVID-19 crisis has severely stressed our healthcare system and pushed our economy to the brink. This long emergency will probably cause years of severe suffering in every region. Health expenses greatly increased, supply chains were disrupted, and governments coped with much less revenue. Good clinicians plan for ALL contingencies, and we need to consider that the current disaster may get much worse. How can we adapt psychiatry to a long emergency? This goes far beyond previous work on crisis standards of care because the emergency is severe, prolonged, and widespread. If we had to spend much less on psychotropics, which meds stay on the formulary? If we have to close hospitals, which patients get a bed? What adaptations could be used if demand exceeds the supply of providers? Very little is known about how to make severe, permanent cuts to healthcare. Our previous systematic review found no scholarship addressing the ethics of severe and prolonged healthcare rationing. Global catastrophes need a global health policy, but this one has no experts. The present study starts the project by surveying experts with related experience that could be useful in future plans. Method We used purposive sampling to find 18 professionals with experience in healthcare rationing from underserved, indigenous communities, homeless programs, and African nations. We also interviewed ethicists, pharmacists, administrators, NGO clinicians, and military. Interviews were transcribed and coded using basic inductive techniques. Because so little is known about this topic, we used grounded theory, an iterative approach to guide further sampling, refine interviews, and make some preliminary conclusions. Results Participants all agreed this crisis planning is extremely important and complex. They described diverse concerns regarding ethical decision making, with some having confidence with top-down government policy, and others recommending a grassroots approach. Minority participants had less confidence in government. There was no consensus on any best ethical framework. Most had confidence that clinicians will ultimately do the right thing. Native American leaders had confidence in a holistic, preventive approach. All agreed that social justice should be central in measuring economic impact of long emergencies and choosing ethical options. We collected suggestions for innovative approaches to rationing. Conclusions This research program illuminates the difficult ethical questions about adapting psychiatry to a prolonged, widespread, and severe emergency. Our interviews identify areas where severe but ethical cuts can be made in medications, hospitals, clinical staff, and administration. Next steps include evidence-based formularies, utilitarian staff cuts, and ethical standards for closing beds or revamping state hospitals. Underserved and diverse communities with rationing experience must have a voice in the discussion.
On the psychologism of neurophenomenology

Psychologism is defined as “the doctrine that the laws of mathematics and logic can be reduced to or depend on the laws governing thinking” (Moran & Cohen, 2012 266). And for Husserl, the laws of logic include the laws of meaning: “logic evidently is the science of meanings as such [Wissenschaft von Bedeutungen als solchen]” (Husserl (1975) 98/2001 225). I argue that, since it is sufficient for a theory to be psychologistic if the empiricistic theory of abstraction is employed, it follows that neural networks are psychologistic insofar as they use this theory of abstraction, which I demonstrate is the case (Husserl (1975) 191/2001 120). It’s sufficient for psychologism because, according to Husserl, the theory in question reduces one’s phenomenological ability to intend types (or universals) to one’s past history of intending tokens (or particulars), usually amalgamated in some fashion (classically via associations; recently via autoencoders) (ibid; Kelleher, 2019). Similarly dynamical systems theory entails psychologism. For dynamical systems theory ties content to the temporal evolution of a system, which, according to Husserl, violates the fact that intentionality toward validities and objectivities does not pertain to "particular temporal experience[s]" (Husserl (1975) 194/2001 121). It follows that neither the species (neural networks), nor the genus (dynamical systems), can avoid psychologism and intend objects "in specie" (ibid). After critiquing these two approaches, I proceed to give an account based on the essentialist school of cognitive psychology of how we may intend objects "in specie" while avoiding the empiricistic theory of abstraction (Keil, 1989, Carey, 2009, Marcus & Davis, 2019). Such an account preserves the type-token distinction without psychologistic reduction to the temporal evolution of a dynamical system (Hinzen, 2006). This opens the way toward a truly unifying account of Husserlian phenomenology in league with cognitive science that avoids Yoshimi's (2016) and neurophenomenology's psychologistic foundation (herein demonstrated) and builds upon Sokolowski's (2003) syntactic account of Husserlian phenomenology.
The Social Axioms of Populism: Investigating the Relationship Between Culture and Populist Attitudes

Populism is on the rise with various movements having electoral breakthroughs. Most social-science research on populism has focused primarily on party tactics and rhetoric, and a definition for the term itself; only recently has populism emerged as a psychological construct. We contribute to this growing literature with two studies (n = 456 and n = 5,837) that investigated the cultural worldviews underpinned in populist attitudes. Using the social axioms model, an etic framework for assessing people’s generalized social expectations, we linked populist attitudes to universal dimensions of culture. We found that higher levels of social cynicism and social flexibility, and to a lesser extent, lower levels of fate control and reward for application predicted populist attitudes. These findings indicate that people who endorse populist attitudes, across a range of contexts, are cynical regarding the social world, believe in alternative solutions to social dilemmas, but may also perceive a world that is difficult to control and potentially unfair. The discussion focuses on the cultural forces that may drive or facilitate populist attitudes across context and time.