cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using a genetic algorithm to tune first-person shooter bots

First-person shooter robot controllers (bots) are generally rule-based expert systems written in C/C++. As such, many of the rules are parameterized with values, which are set by the software designer and finalized at compile time. The effectiveness of parameter values is dependent on the knowledge the programmer has about the game. Furthermore, parameters are non-linearly dependent on each other. This paper presents an efficient method for using a genetic algorithm to evolve sets of parameters for bots which lead to their playing as well as bots whose parameters have been tuned by a human with expert knowledge about the game's strategy. This indicates genetic algorithms as being a potentially useful method for tuning bots.
Classes of Subsets of a Space

Definition. A class S of subsets of a space S is an algebra if the following conditions are satisfied.
The Young Spartan Program: Partners with Students

Educational aspirations. Learning in community. Expansion of boundaries. Creating a sense of future possibilities. Career exploration. Understanding diversity. Seeing academic work in action. These activities are vital to educational goals for school age children, and for university students. How are they learned? How are they enhanced? Can students do this task alone or is community-based learning necessary? Are they learned best by default—or can they be designed?
Corruption in Africa

In his very first year in office, WB President, James Wolfensohn boldly identified corruption as a major global problem. In his view, extensive corruption in developing and transitional economies undermines public support for spending on overseas aid. The impression that aid money ends up in Swiss bank accounts gave rise to obvious signs of aid fatigue. Besides its effects on aid, corruption also deters investment, undermines good governance, distorts government policy, and leads to a misallocation of resources: In a corrupt environment, resources may be directed towards non-productive areas—the police, the armed forces and other organs of social control—as the elite move to protect themselves, their positions and their material wealth. Resources otherwise available for socioeconomic development will be diverted into security expenditure. This, in turn, can cause the weakening of market institutions as rent-seeking, rather than investment becomes the major objective of policy makers.1
Agent in Ak leukemic tissues, not sedimented at 105, 000 g, causing neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.

Summary1) Supernatant fluid from 105,-000 g centrifugation of Ak leukemic tissues caused a multiplicity of tumors and a variety of non-neoplastic lesions in 87.5% of AkR mice injected shortly after birth. 2) Evidence reported here, and obtained by others (notably Gross, Stewart et al.) suggests that lesions described here, are caused by a pluripotent agent (to be called P virus) which is distinct from that which causes leukemia (to be called L virus). 3) The relationship between P and L viruses is conjectural. On the basis of evidence presented, we suggest as a working hypothesis that the P virus is of the parasitic type, is very small, and spreads by natural means. It is usually masked, and may be inhibited in tissue extracts by some macromolecular particles. The L virus is larger, has a more limited host range, and may be related to the genome of the leukemic cell.
3-Dimensional Tree-Based Trajectory Planning with Highly Maneuverable Vehicles

Trajectory primitives provide a useful local solution method within sampling-based path planning algorithms to produce feasible but suboptimal trajectories through complicated environments with relatively low computational cost. Extensions to the traditional trajectory primitives are demonstrated which permit 3-dimensional maneuvers with continuous heading and flight path angles throughout the entire path. These extensions, which include simple transformations as well as additional maneuvers, maintain closed-form solutions to the local planning problems and therefore maintain low computational cost. An example of extreme vehicle maneuverability is included with high angle-of-attack flight of an aircraft, in which the airspeed and turning radius are both greatly reduced. Conditional rules are developed that describe the general high angle-of-attack operating range of an aircraft capable of such maneuvers. The library of potential trajectory primitives is then augmented with primitives performed at high angle-of-attack and included in a random dense tree trajectory planner through an environment with a high density of obstacles. It is shown that in such an environment the inclusion of high angle-of-attack primitives typically results in lower and more consistent path times. High angle-of-attack primitives also hold potential benefits for paths with other concerns besides path time, such as sensing quality or temporal requirements.
The Common Theoretical Terrain of the Gandhi and Nehru Periods: The Ethic of Reconciliation over Revenge in Nation-making

This article identifies the continuity linking the Gandhi and Nehru historical periods in specific discursive and practical formations. The Indian national movement and the post-Independence period...
Casting for Pembroke’s Men: The Henry VI Quartos and The Taming of A Shrew

ET us glance at the current understanding of two of the earliest Shakespearian quartos and then try to make further headway. In the late 1920'S Peter Alexander and Madeleine . Doran, working independently, demonstrated that the quarto versions of 2 and 3 Henry VI are memorial reconstructions of the corresponding folio texts.' Since the quartos (Q) had usually been taken as source plays which Shakespeare later reworked into the folio versions (F), the Alexander-Doran hypothesis changed the direction of criticism on the Henry VI plays. As the hypothesis gained acceptance, it became clear that the peculiarities of Q, for which scholars had spent long arguments trying to make one dramatist or another responsible, were really attributable to whatever group of actors undertook the memorial reconstructions. And Shakespeare-assuming that he was not one of those actors-was left free of such entanglements to be studied as the venturesome young author who as early as I590-9i designed a serious and realistic group of plays on the Wars of the Roses, in a form close to F, and thereby influenced the maturing of Elizabethan drama as decisively as did Marlowe with Tamburlaine or Kyd with The Spanish Tragedy.2 One result of the Alexander-Doran hypothesis has been a growing conviction that Shakespeare found an early theatrical association with a company which in the I590's passed briefly under the patronage of the second Earl of Pembroke. It is virtually certain that Pembroke's men performed the quarto versions of the history plays, The First Part of the Contention Betwixt the . . . Houses of York and Lancaster (hereafter i Contention) and The True
Relationships among wild relatives of the tomato, potato, and pepino

With ca. 200 species, the informally named Potato clade represents one of the larger subgroups of the estimated 1500 species of Solanum. Because its members include the potato (S. tuberosum), tomato (S. lycopersicum), and pepino (S. muri- catum), it is the most economically important clade in the genus. These crop species and their close relatives have been the focus of intensive research, but relationships among major lineages of the Potato clade remain poorly understood. In this study, we use sequences from the nuclear ITS and waxy (GBSSI), and plastid trnT-trnF and trnS-trnG to estimate a phylogeny and further explore relationships within the Potato clade. With increased sampling over past studies, the Potato clade emerges as a strongly supported clade and comprises 12-13 subclades which, for the most part, correspond to traditionally recognized sections. Solanum sect. Regmandra is sister to the rest of the lineages of the Potato clade which are, in turn, organized into two major subclades: (1) sections Anarrhichomenum, Articulatum, Basarthrum, Etuberosum, Juglandifolia, Lycopersicoides, Lycopersicon, and Petota, and (2) sections Herpystichum and Pteroidea. As in all other studies including these groups, sections Etuberosum, Juglandifolia, Lycopersicoides, Lycopersicon, and Petota form a strongly supported clade. Solanum oxycoccoides, a high-elevation species endemic to north-central Peru, was tentatively assigned to several groups within Solanum based on morphological evidence, but instead the species represents an independent lineage within the Potato clade, sister to the first major subclade. A key to the sections of the Potato clade is provided.
The Role of the Lipid Bilayer in Amphiphile-Membrane/Receptor Interactions: A Unifying Hypothesis

The precise nature of the interaction of amphiphilic1 substances, such as drugs, with native biological membranes is complex for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the number of potential membrane sites. Certainly, small molecular substances with different chemical constituents may interact preferentially with one or more different regions of a biomembrane. These regions include but are not limited to (1) the bulk lipid matrix; (2) the lipid annular region of an integral membrane protein; (3) the hydrophobic and (4) the hydrophilic regions of a membrane protein; and (5) the glycosylated moieties attached to both lipid and protein components.
Examples for the Spectrum

The spectrum of a bilinear control system on a vector bundle is given in terms of the solutions of the system. Its computation at the continuity points, where the different spectra agree, is reduced in Appendix D to the solution of certain optimal control problems, i.e., basically to the numerical solution of a class of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations. This chapter shows how the resulting algorithm can be used to compute the spectral intervals of systems of-currently-dimension up to 4. Our examples include linear oscillators and a model of a stirred tank reactor (compare Sections 2.5 and 9.1). These examples are presented in Section 10.2. Section 10.1 deals with bilinear systems in ℝ2. In this case the projected system on the projective space ℙ1 is one-dimensional, and the results from Chapters 7 and 8 lead to a more explicit characterization of the spectral intervals. Often it is only necessary to determine the sign of the boundary points of the spectral intervals, such as for the computation of stability and stabilization radii (compare Chapter 11) or for the characterization of feedback stabilizability at singular points (compare Section 12.2). In dimension d = 2 the sign of the extremal spectral values can be determined by an explicit control strategy, which is presented at the end of Section 10.1.
A Prehistoric Twined-Woven Bag from the Trigo Mountains, Arizona

ABSTRACTA prehistoric bag filled with grass seeds, squash seeds and beans, found in the Yuma area, is described. The contents are analyzed and a radiocarbon date of 603 years B.P. ± 140 is obtained from the grass seeds. The prehistoric bag is compared to a modern Yuma Indian bag. The conclusion is drawn that the modern bag may have been the result of a weaving tradition handed down from prehistoric times.
Electronic Properties and Applications of Fluorofullerenes

Fluorination of fullerenes has been intensely studied in the past 25 years, yielding many dozens of new molecules with diverse structures and properties. This chapter focuses on the overview of the fluorofullerenes that have been prepared reliably in gram quantities, and therefore represent not only fundamental interest, but are also viable for practical applications. Unprecedented improvements in electron-accepting properties of fullerenes upon fluorination have been demonstrated in the experimental and theoretical studies, and these results are compiled and critically analyzed in the chapter, revealing trends, current inconsistencies, and new directions for further research. Examples of the practical applications of fluorofullerenes as surface and bulk molecular dopants for inorganic and organic semiconductors are described, and the comparison with other nonfullerene dopants is provided.
Recidivism in a Sample of Serious Adolescent Offenders

Objectives A broad research literature in criminology documents key aspects of how criminal offending develops and changes over the life span. We contribute to this literature by showcasing methods that are useful for studying medium-term patterns of subsequent criminal justice system involvement among a sample of serious adolescent offenders making the transition to early adulthood.
Elasticity of Ferropericlase and Seismic Heterogeneity in the Earth's Lower Mantle

Deciphering the origin of seismic heterogeneity has been one of the major challenges in understanding the geochemistry and geodynamics of the deep mantle. Fully anisotropic elastic properties of constituent minerals at relevant pressure-temperature conditions of the lower mantle can be used to calculate seismic heterogeneity parameters in order to better understand chemically- and thermally-induced seismic heterogeneities. In this study, the single-crystal elastic properties of ferropericlase (Mg0.94Fe0.06)O were measured using Brillouin spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction at conditions up to 50 GPa and 900 K. The velocity-density results were modeled using third-order finite-strain theory and thermoelastic equations along a representative geotherm to investigate high pressure-temperature and compositional effects on the seismic heterogeneity parameters. Our results demonstrate that from 660 to 2000 km, compressional wave anisotropy of ferropericlase increased from 4% to 9.7% while shear wave anisotropy increased from 9% to as high as 22.5%. The thermally-induced lateral heterogeneity ratio (RS/P = ∂lnVS/∂lnVP) of ferropericlase was calculated to be 1.48 at ambient pressure but decreased to 1.43 at 40 GPa along a representative geotherm. The RS/P of a simplified pyrolite model consisting of 80% bridgmanite and 20% ferropericlase was approximately 1.5, consistent with seismic models at depths from 670 to 1500 km, but showed an increased mismatch at lower mantle depths below ~1500 km. This discrepancy below mid-lower mantle could be due to either a contribution from chemically-induced heterogeneity or the effects of the Fe spin transition in the deeper parts of the Earth's lower mantle.
Importance of the Intersection of Library and Information Sciences with Systems Theory

This paper is the attempt to show how system theory could provide critical insight into the transdisciplinary field of library and information sciences (LIS). It begins with a discussion on the categorization of library and information sciences as an academic and professional field (or rather, the lack of evidence on the subject) and what is exactly meant by system theory, drawing upon the general system theory established by Ludwig von Bertalanffy. The main conversation of this paper focuses on the inadequacies of current meta-level discussions of LIS and the benefits of general system theory (particularly when considering the exponential rapidity in which information travels) with LIS.
Electrically pumped, waveguide-coupled Si light emitting diodes

We describe fabrication and testing of LEDs based on emissive defect centers in Si and discuss our progress toward low-temperature on-chip integrated sources and detectors.
Analysis of the components of social reinforcement of infant vocalization

The results of two studies indicated that infant vocalizations can be conditioned by using only one or two elements of the traditionally employed composite social reinforcer, consisting of auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli. It was also found that the components, both singly and in pairs, are of relatively equal effectiveness in increasing response rate.
Os que conhecem, conhecem bem: teoria do ponto de vista e arqueologia de gênero

In this article, I argue that – in exposing the androcentrism of taken-for-granted framework assumptions and calling into question the reliability of entrenched norms of justifi cation – gender archaeology is best understood as a form of reluctant social constructivism. It inadvertently exposes the contingency of foundational commitments, of content and of practice, that had been presumed to be neutral with respect to the situated interests of practitioners, context-independent and trans-historically stable. But, far from fatally undermining the objectivity of the enterprise, I argue that these more radical implications of gender archaeology illustrate the value of social constructionist analysis as an epistemic resource. We should attend to the positive epistemic role it can play as a catalyst for the kinds of transformative criticism that are essential to well-functioning science. I argue that a commitment to ongoing constructionist analysis should be a central component of proceduralist conceptions of objectivity that take seriously the need to mobilize rather than marginalize the diverse epistemic resources of situated knowers
A new dual-loaded aperture probe for near-field millimeter wave imaging

Millimeter wave differential probes have demonstrated great potential for high-resolution near-field imaging and detection of small and low scattering targets. There are several differential probe designs that already exist each with own advantages and disadvantages. An alternative design, using switchable loaded elliptical slot antennas placed on a standard waveguide aperture is proposed. The proposed probe provides higher image resolution in a much smaller form factor (i.e., overall size). This design is compared to prior designs of differential probes through simulation and measurements.
The RNA-Binding Protein HuR Posttranscriptionally Regulates IL-2 Homeostasis and CD4+ Th2 Differentiation.

Posttranscriptional gene regulation by RNA-binding proteins, such as HuR (elavl1), fine-tune gene expression in T cells, leading to powerful effects on immune responses. HuR can stabilize target mRNAs and/or promote translation by interacting with their 3′ untranslated region adenylate and uridylate–rich elements. It was previously demonstrated that HuR facilitates Th2 cytokine expression by mRNA stabilization. However, its effects upon IL-2 homeostasis and CD4+ Th2 differentiation are not as well understood. We found that optimal translation of Il2ra (CD25) required interaction of its mRNA with HuR. Conditional HuR knockout in CD4+ T cells resulted in loss of IL-2 homeostasis and defects in JAK–STAT signaling, Th2 differentiation, and cytokine production. HuR-knockout CD4+ T cells from OVA-immunized mice also failed to proliferate in response to Ag. These results demonstrate that HuR plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal IL-2 homeostasis and initiating CD4+ Th2 differentiation.
Looping Radial Distribution Systems Using Superconducting Fault Current Limiters: Feasibility and Economic Analysis

In this paper, a new network structure is proposed to improve reliability and reduce losses using superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) for primary distribution systems. SFCLs are used to tie two (or more) radial primary feeders to form loops. SFCLs diminish the short-circuit current and the looped operation significantly reduces the active power loss while simultaneously increasing reliability. With this technique, there is no need to upgrade the upstream circuit breakers and settings of protection devices when operating in a loop. It is demonstrated that there is a tradeoff between benefits (reliability improvement and loss reduction) and acquisition cost of SFCLs. The technical feasibility and benefits are discussed. A comprehensive economic analysis based on optimization methods is conducted to determine the number and location of SFCLs in a typical system considering costs and benefits. Two case studies are selected: The reliability standard system known as “Bus 4 of RBTS” and the 84-bus distribution network from Taiwan Power Company. The results are compared with conventional distribution system reconfiguration. The comparison makes evident the superiority of the new method.
A Comparison of Perceptions of Barriers to Academic Success Among High-Ability Students From High- and Low-Income Groups: Exposing Poverty of a Different Kind:

In 14 focus group interviews, sixth- to eighth-grade high-ability students from high- (n = 36) and low-income (n = 45) families were asked to describe the barriers they perceived to their academic success. Three themes were identified through the qualitative analysis: Constraining Environments, Integration versus Isolation, and Resource Plenty versus Resource Poor. Students in both groups experienced environments not conducive to learning, inhibiting peers, and teachers as a barrier. Students in the low-income group described mayhem in their schools, which interfered significantly with learning. These students were highly integrated in their school community, whereas the students in the high-income group were socially isolated from both peers and teachers. Both groups exhibited issues of poor fit within their schools: autonomy and competence for both, relatedness for students in the high-income group. Attention to these issues will help support these students in achieving their potential.
The Mayo Clinic total joint analgesic pathway

Peripheral nerve blocks are well described, but not universally accepted or utilised. In a national survey of 409 anaesthesiologists evaluating the use of peripheral nerve blocks, Hadzic et al. [1] reported that while nearly all respondents perform regional techniques, less that half performed more than five peripheral nerve blocks per month. Importantly, lower extremity blocks other than ankle blocks were seldom used. This is unfortunate, since lower extremity blocks have many advantages over neuraxial techniques and represent alternatives for both intraoperative anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia. Anaesthesiologists in Europe have already shifted their practice towards peripheral blocks. A prospective study of 103,730 regional anaesthetics performed in France over a 5-month period included 21,278 peripheral blocks.
Using Ecosystem Service Values to Evaluate Tradeoffs in Coastal Hazard Adaptation

The benefits of coastal adaptation depend on both the conservation of coastal assets and effects on other ecosystem services. Evaluating these benefits requires approaches that can disentangle valu...
Context-Aware File Discovery System for Distributed Mobile-Cloud Apps

Recent research has proposed middleware to enable efficient distributed apps over mobile-cloud platforms. This paper presents a Context-Aware File Discovery Service (CAFDS) that allows distributed mobile-cloud applications to find and access files of interest shared by collaborating users. CAFDS enables programmers to search for files defined by context and content features, such as location, creation time, or the presence of certain object types within an image file. CAFDS provides low-latency through a cloud-based metadata server, which uses a decision tree to locate the nearest files that satisfy the context and content features requested by applications. We implemented CAFDS in Android and Linux. Experimental results show CAFDS achieves substantially lower latency than peer-to-peer solutions that cannot leverage context information.
Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of the Leaf Oil of Calyptranthes pallens (Poir.) Griseb. from Abaco Island, Bahamas:

The leaf oil of Calyptranthes pallens was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The most abundant oil components were the monoterpenoids α-pinene (24.7%), α-terpineol (13.8%), and tr...
Bladder Preservation Approaches

As more and more patients are living longer, they bring with them a host of chronic conditions. Often times, these comorbidities may prevent patients from being optimal candidates for the standard treatment for invasive or high-grade bladder cancer. This chapter briefly looks at some therapeutic surgical options for patients who are not ideal candidates for a prolonged radical cystectomy with concomitant reconstruction of the urinary tract.
Few-Layer to Multilayer Germanium(II) Sulfide: Synthesis, Structure, Stability, and Optoelectronics.

Among 2D/layered semiconductors, group IV monochalcogenides such as SnS(e) and GeS(e) have attracted attention as phosphorene/black phosphorus analogues with anisotropic structures and predicted un...
A triple mode wide locking range, low phase noise injection locked oscillator based phase shifter covering the Sub-6 GHz 5G bands

Multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems with antenna arrays are a key enabling technology for upcoming 5G networks. It is predicted that initially most 5G networks will consist of the Sub-6 GHz spectrum bands. In such a phased array system the phase shifter will be the key component which is used to steer the beam. In this work we propose using an injection locked oscillator based phase shifter (ILPS) with a locking range wide enough to cover the entire Sub-6 GHz 5G bands without discontinuity. The work is based on a triple resonant frequency transformer resonator using a CMOS oscillator. Excellent tradeoff between locking range and phase noise performance has been achieved. The proposed ILPS has a locking range of 3.0GHz, 2.5GHz and 4GHz corresponding to center frequencies of 2.7GHz, 3.3GHz and 4.2GHz. Input injection power is 0 dBm. It also provides a low phase noise variation of 1.8dB (-141.2 to -139.4 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset) in all sub-bands under locked condition. Tuning phase shift range of 1800 is achieved .The ILPS is implemented in a 90 nm RF CMOS process that consumes 25 mW of DC power under a 1.8V supply.
Initial Presentation and Outcomes of Testicular Cancer among Different Racial and Ethnic Groups at a Tertiary Care Facility in New Mexico

AbstractIntroduction:This study explored differences in testicular cancer presentation, treatment, compliance and outcomes among ethnicities in New Mexico.Methods:A retrospective review of patients...
DNA-nanoparticle interactions: Formation of a DNA corona and its effects on a protein corona.

There has been much recent interest in the protein “corona,” the nonspecific adsorption of proteins on the surface of nanoparticles used in biological applications. This research investigates an analogous DNA corona. We find that particles (200 nm and 1 μm) incubated with DNA form a DNA corona, with a higher concentration of DNA adsorbed on the surface of cationic nanoparticles. With protein present, a combined DNA and protein corona is formed although DNA in solution displaces protein from the nanoparticle surface. Displacement of protein from the nanoparticle surface is dependent on the concentration of DNA in solution and was also observed for planar surfaces. Overall, we expect this investigation of the DNA corona to be important for nanomedicine applications, as well as disease states, especially systemic lupus erythematosus, in which biological particles with bound DNA are important mediators of inflammation and thrombosis.
A combined ab-initio and empirical model for thermal conductivity of concentrated metal alloys with the focus on binary uranium alloys

Abstract In this work, we developed a computational model of thermal conductivity based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, physics rules, and experimental data, for concentrated binary metal alloys. This model uses DFT and Boltzmann transport equations to calculate electronic thermal conductivities of elemental metals with tools from alloying resistivity modeling for concentrated alloys. These approaches and models are organized together in an integrated, hierarchical manner to allow data from DFT and experiments to be utilized in physics based models. The model is demonstrated on body-centered cubic phase U-Zr, U-Nb, and U-Mo alloys and displays good agreement with experimental data, with a root-mean-square error of about 1.8 W/m-K (
Endothelial TRPV4 channels prevent tumor growth and metastasis via modulation of tumor angiogenesis and vascular integrity.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a ubiquitously expressed polymodally activated ion channel. TRPV4 has been implicated in tumor progression; however, the cell-specific role of TRPV4 in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis is unknown. Here, we generated endothelial-specific TRPV4 knockout (TRPV4ECKO) mice by crossing TRPV4lox/lox mice with Tie2-Cre mice. Tumor growth and metastasis were significantly increased in a syngeneic Lewis lung carcinoma tumor model of TRPV4ECKO mice compared to TRPV4lox/lox mice. Multiphoton microscopy, dextran leakage, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased tumor angiogenesis and metastasis that were correlated with aberrant leaky vessels (increased width and reduced pericyte and VE-cadherin coverage). Mechanistically, increases in VEGFR2, p-ERK, and MMP-9 expression and DQ gelatinase activity were observed in the TRPV4ECKO mouse tumors. Our results demonstrated that endothelial TRPV4 is a critical modulator of vascular integrity and tumor angiogenesis and that deletion of TRPV4 promotes tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis.
Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on fatigue in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in improving fatigue-related outcomes in adult cancer survivors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases and reference lists of included studies. Separate random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for fatigue and vitality/vigor. Twenty-three studies reporting on 21 RCTs (N = 2239) met inclusion criteria. MBIs significantly reduced fatigue compared to controls at post-intervention (g = 0.60, 95 % CI [0.36, 0.83]) and first follow-up (g = 0.42, 95 % CI [0.20, 0.64]). Likewise, MBIs significantly improved vitality/vigor at post-intervention (g = 0.39, 95 % CI [0.25, 0.52]) and first follow-up (g = 0.35, 95 % CI [0.03, 0.67]). The evidence grade was low due to risk of bias, substantial heterogeneity, and publication bias among studies. MBIs show promise in improving fatigue and vitality/vigor in cancer survivors. More rigorous trials are needed to address current gaps in the evidence base.
Escaping the Visual Trap of the Agricultural Frontier: Fernando Solanas’s Viaje a los pueblos fumigados

In this work, I describe how the film Viaje a los pueblos fumigados, directed by Fernando Solanas, help us escape what I call the ‘visual trap’ of the agricultural frontier. The agricultural frontier, sometimes called farming frontier, is often defined as the division zone between the ranching and farming lands and those that have never been cultivated before. Images of the agricultural frontier, with their symmetric forms and stark color contrasts, form a ‘visual trap’ that prevents us from grasping the numerous processes that take place in these spaces and ecosystems, as well as the effects of human activity on living and nonliving beings. I propose that Solanas’s film gives us tools to break away from such a visual trap, as it allows us to follow the invisible paths of agrochemicals and realize that they are material agents not bounded by this artificial border. I pay particular attention to how representations of sickness are used to convey the unbounded nature of agrochemicals. A key notion in this respect is that of ‘agrosickness narratives,’ representations of sick bodies that challenge us to examine how we engage with images of environmental degradation.
Conformational and functional characteristics of bovine hemoglobin.

Publisher Summary Bovine red cells do not contain appreciable amounts of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). However, human and bovine blood have similar oxygen affinity, indicating that either bovine hemoglobin (Hb Bv) has an intrinsically low oxygen affinity, or that its functional characteristics become physiologically efficient through a different mechanism of oxygen affinity regulation. It has been found that this hemoglobin has developed an increased sensitivity to the C l- ions of the solvent, which decreases its oxygen affinity to lower levels than those obtainable by human hemoglobin (Hb A) through the interaction with 2,3-DPG. These characteristics and the availability of bovine blood have produced an interest in exploring the use of Hb Bv as the basis for an artificial oxygen carrier. There are two types of Hb Bv—namely, A and B. They differ by three amino acid residues in the β chains in which the substitutions are GIy(A12) → Ser, Lys(AB2) → His, and Lys(GH3) → Asn, from A to B genotype, respectively.
Unlikely Motherhood in the Qur’ān: Oncofertility as Devotion

As a new technology, oncofertility faces a whole host of ethical issues within and beyond the realm of religious studies. Within the framework of religious traditions, however, oncofertility faces unique challenges for each religious community. By considering the ethical implications of oncofertility in the context of particular religious communities, we might be able to discuss specific, tangible challenges in a fruitful manner. This chapter will discuss oncofertility in the context of Islamic conceptions of motherhood and Islamic legal discussions of sexuality, paternity, and the right to bear children. It will also provide a Qur’anic framework for Muslim women to think about their own choices when faced with the decision to utilize fertility interventions. The purpose of this chapter is to think through some of the competing narratives that a Muslim woman might consider as she makes her choices regarding oncofertility.
Evolutionary links between telomeres and transposable elements

Transposable elements are abundant in the genomes of higher organisms but are usually thought to affect cells only incidentally, by transposing in or near a gene and influencing its expression. Telomeres of Drosophila chromosomes are maintained by two non-LTR retrotransposons, HeT-A and TART. These are the first transposable elements with identified roles in chromosome structure. We suggest that these elements may be evolutionarily related to telomerase; in both cases an enzyme extends the end of a chromosome by adding DNA copied from an RNA template. The evolution of transposable elements from chromosomal replication mechanisms may have occurred multiple times, although in other organisms the new products have not replaced the endogenous telomerase, as they have in Drosophila. This is somewhat reminiscent of the oncogenes that have arisen from cellular genes. Perhaps the viruses that carry oncogenes have also arisen from cellular genetic systems.
Enhanced Susceptibility in L NiO 3 Perovskites ( L = L a , P r , N d , N d 0.5 Sm 0.5 )

The temperature dependence of the resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ and of the dc magnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ were measured on high-quality $L{\mathrm{NiO}}_{3}$ $(L\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{La},\mathrm{Pr},\mathrm{Nd},{\mathrm{Nd}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Sm}}_{0.5})$ samples synthesized under high oxygen pressure. Subtraction of the rare-earth contribution to $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ allows the presentation of the evolution of the susceptibility of the ${\mathrm{NiO}}_{3}$ array from Pauli to Curie-Weiss paramagnetism with decreasing bandwidth. A metal-insulator transition occurring at a temperature ${T}_{t}{\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}T}_{N}$ is first order for $L\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{Pr}$ and Nd; it becomes second order and produces no anomaly in ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}(T)$ at a ${T}_{t}g{T}_{N}$ for $L\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\mathrm{Nd}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Sm}}_{0.5}$. In the antiferromagnetic domain $Tl{T}_{N}$, the $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ curve for the ${\mathrm{NiO}}_{3}$ array resembles that of a paramagnet.
Cycloaddition reactions involving heterocyclic compounds as synthons in the preparation of valuable organic compounds. An effective combination of a computational study and synthetic applications of heterocycle transformations

Publisher Summary By using computational tools, the chemical reactions can be aided in accomplishing transformation of the heterocycle into a valuable starting material in so far as its reactivity and selectivity toward certain chemical transformations are concerned. Utilizing semiempirical, ab initio, and density functional theory (DFT) methods, the chapter aims to demonstrate that this approach could be an integral part of complicated synthetic pathways for the preparation of chemicals. The chapter discusses this combinatory approach—namely, the incorporation of heterocyclic aromatic compounds as synthons into preparative synthetic schemes. The synthetic schemes used reflect the influence of computational results in the planning of the preparations of organic compounds performed in laboratories. They are used to demonstrate the validity of the computational (theoretical) and traditional synthetic chemistry to prepare an organic compound. The chapter discusses computational methodology, Diels–Alder reactions with five-membered heterocycles with one heteroatom—furan, pyrrole, and thiophene as dienophiles in reaction with acetylene, ethylene, and cyclopentadiene, addition of benzyne to furan, pyrrole, and thiophene, cycloaddition reactions with pyrrole as a diene for Diels–Alder reaction, Diels–Alder reactions with benzo[b] and benzo[c]-fused heterocycles. There are Diels–Alder reactions with five-membered heterocycles with two heteroatoms—addition of acetylene, ethylene, and cyclopropene to heterocycles with heteroatoms in the 1 and 2 positions, and the 1 and 3 positions. There are Diels–Alder reactions with five-membered heterocycles with three heteroatoms—addition of acetylene, ethylene, and cyclopropene to heterocycles with heteroatoms in 1, 2, and 3 positions and in the 1, 2, and 4 positions, addition of cyclopropene to heterocycles with heteroatoms in the 1, 2, and 5 positions. There is also investigation of the role of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole as a diene in Diels–Alder reactions. There is detailed description of the cycloaddition reactions with activated heterocycles that have two or three heteroatoms.
Blasting through lattice calculations using CUDA

Modern graphics hardware is well suited to highly parallel numerical tasks and provides significant cost and performance benefits. Graphics hardware vendors are now making available development tools to support high performance computing. NVIDIA’S CUDAplatform, in particular, offers direct access to graphics hardware through a programming language similar to C. Using the CUDA platform we have implemented a DiracWilson operator which runs at an effective 68 Gigaflops on the Tesla C870 GPU. The recently released GTX 280 GPU runs this same code at 92 Gigaflops and we expect improvement pending code optimization.
Scalable methodologies for distributed development of logic-based convergent medical terminology.

Scalable methodologies for distributed development of logic-based convergent medical terminology. -
A Speed and Acceleration Estimation Algorithm for Powertrain Control

This paper describes a speed and acceleration estimation algorithm based on the Kalman filtering technique. This real-time algorithm, which requires only speed measurement, is computationally simple and can be used in a variety of applications, such as powertrain controls. The dynamic equations of the filter, which has three states, are derived assuming random noise in the process and measurement equations. The filter design is accomplished first analytically and then numerically using a commercial control design package. The filter is implemented in a research vehicle to estimate transmission output speed and accleration, which are then used as feedback signals in powertrain control. In this implementation, the parking pawl (12 teeth) on the transmission output shaft is used as the pulse generator for the speed measurement. Simulation and vehicle road test results are presented to show that this filter is very effective in removing the noise from the estimated speed and acceleration signals. Issues relating to the trade-off between filter convergence and noise rejection are also discussed.
Circulation in the Coastal Ocean

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes circulation in the coastal ocean. Much of the observational evidence discussed in the chapter comes from three shallow seas: Lake Ontario, the Mid-Atlantic Bight, and the Oregon shelf. These are coastal oceans, whose circulation is explored through major cooperative experiments. The chapter presents a unification of evidences from these three different shallow seas. The emphasis is on the dynamic principles that underlie the conceptual models found to be successful in quantitatively accounting for observations, that is, on the fundamental physics of flow phenomena in the coastal ocean. The quasi-geostrophic model is presented to explain wind-driven transient currents. Concepts related to coastal constraint, velocity distribution, longshore pressure gradients are explained. Response of stratified water column to wind is also explained. Linear theory models for trapped waves and propagating fronts are discussed. Observational evidence on wave and front propagation is presented. Concept of steady parallel flow over a straight continental shelf is described. Shelf circulation as a boundary-layer problem is explained. Mean circulation of a stratified fluid and mean circulation of the mid-Atlantic bight is also discussed.
The Limits of Administrative Law as Regulatory Oversight in Linked Carbon Markets

Many commentators have celebrated the link between carbonmarkets in California and Quebec as an example of effective coordination of sub-national climate policy instruments. Here, Iargue that this enthusiasm is misplaced. California recentlyamended its carbon market regulations to enable significantleakage of emissions to neighboring states. These reforms reducethe environmental effectiveness of the market, contradict clearstatutory guidelines, and dilute the integrity of the state’s compliance instruments. Moreover, the reforms took place in an administrative process that never recognized the leakage implications, raising questions as to whether California alerted itsCanadian counterparts of the consequences of its internal reforms.I review this transition from three perspectives: the relevantadministrative proceedings in California, the mutual obligationsboth governments accepted under a bilateral agreement,and the standards California law imposes on prospective linkedmarkets. Each perspective reveals major shortcomings. Ratherthan demonstrating a successful model for harmonizing carbonmarket systems across different legal jurisdictions, the link between California and Quebec exemplifies a major institutionalweakness: in a linked carbon market, participating governmentsmust continuously monitor the administrative processes of eachjurisdiction in order to maintain market integrity. But as theCalifornia experience demonstrates, administrative law may notbe up to the task of ensuring that practical market operation follows the rule of law.
Curling effects on concrete slab-on-grade fracture

This paper discusses the effects of temperature curling on post-crack responses of concrete slabs-on-grade. The fracture process is idealized using traction–separation cohesive elements recently incorporated in ABAQUS based on the Fictitious Crack Model. Effects of curling alone as well as curling-plus-wheel load are investigated; the latter is carried out by considering two loading scenario: fixed temperature followed by increasing wheel load, and fixed wheel load followed by increasing temperature. In both loading cases, the effects of parameters, such as concrete age, notch size, slab size, slab self-weight, day time and night time temperature variation, concrete tensile strength and fracture energy have been conducted. When the slab is under curling-plus-load, it is observed that daytime curling significantly reduces the peak load capacity results in sudden failure of the slab whereas nighttime curling causes stable cracks and increases the peak load resisted by the slab. It is hoped that the application of fracture mechanics outlined in this study through a step-by-step approach may be extended to in situ pavement systems, thereby addressing the limitations in current pavement design procedures that exclusively rely on statistical algorithms for the prediction of pavement distresses.
A fast adaptive filter for electrocardiography

A new adaptive filter structure is proposed to reduce power line interference from ECGs. It is based on the principle of continuously tracking the frequency, amplitude and phase of the noise, using a modified form of the short time Fourier transform. This information is used to reconstruct the noise signal, which is then subtracted from the noisy ECG. The method was tested using ECGs from the MIT-BIH database with superimposed noise of varying amplitude and frequency (60 Hz +/- 5 Hz). It was found to be efficient even at low sampling rates. The process is computationally simple enough for real time implementation. It also obviates the need for a reference input. This technique can be applied to many other bipotential signals, and can be adapted for hardware implementation.
Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm wall stress analysis using patient-specific finite element modeling of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging †

OBJECTIVE: Rupture/dissection of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAAs) carries high mortality and occurs in many patients who did not meet size criteria for elective surgery. Elevated wall stress may better predict adverse events, but cannot be directly measured in vivo, rather determined from finite element (FE) simulations. Current computational models make assumptions that limit accuracy, most commonly using in vivo imaging geometry to represent zero-pressure state. Accurate patient-specific wall stress requires models with zeropressure three-dimensional geometry, material properties, wall thickness and residual stress. We hypothesized that wall stress calculated from in vivo imaging geometry at systemic pressure underestimates that using zero-pressure geometry. We developed a novel method to derive zero-pressure geometry from in vivo imaging at systemic pressure. The purpose of this study was to develop the first patient-specific aTAA models using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess material properties and zero-pressure geometry. Wall stress results from FE models using systemic pressure were compared with those from models using zero-pressure correction. METHODS: Patients with aTAAs <5 cm underwent ECG-gated computed tomography angiography (CTA) and displacement encoding with stimulated echo (DENSE)-MRI. CTA lumen geometry was used to create surface contour meshes of aTAA geometry. DENSE-MRI measured cyclic aortic wall strain from which wall material property was derived. Zero- and systemic pressure geometries were created. Simulations were loaded to systemic pressure using the ABAQUS FE software. Wall stress analyses were compared between zero-pressure-corrected and systemic pressure geometry FE models. RESULTS: Peak first principal wall stress (primarily aligned in the circumferential direction) at systolic pressure for the zero-pressure correction models was 430.62 ± 69.69 kPa, whereas that without zero-pressure correction was 312.55 ± 39.65 kPa (P= 0.004). Peak second principal wall stress (primarily aligned in the longitudinal direction) at systolic pressure for the zero-pressure correction models was 200.77 ± 43.13 kPa, whereas that without zero-stress correction was 156.25 ± 25.55 kPa (P= 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Previous FE aTAA models from in vivo CT and MRI have not accounted for zero-pressure geometry or patient-specific material property. We demonstrated that zero-pressure correction significantly impacts wall stress results. Future computational models that use wall stress to predict aTAA adverse events must take into account zero-pressure geometry and patient material property for accurate wall stress determination.