cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stopping small-sample stochastic approximation

The practical application of stochastic approximation methods requires a reliable means to stop the iterative process when the estimate is close to the optimizer or when further improvement in the estimate is doubtful. Conventional ideas on stopping stochastic approximation algorithms employ criteria based on a proxy distribution — usually the asymptotic distribution. Yet difficulties may arise when applying such distributions to small (finite) samples. We propose an approach that uses the distribution of a statistically similar process called a surrogate for the proxy distribution rather than the asymptotic distribution. Under certain conditions, surrogate-based probability calculations are close to the actual probabilities. The question of how surrogate processes may be developed is also addressed. Two example applications are given.
Somatic mosaicism in neuronal precursor cells mediated by L1 retrotransposition

Revealing the mechanisms for neuronal somatic diversification remains a central challenge for understanding individual differences in brain organization and function. Here we show that an engineered human LINE-1 (for long interspersed nuclear element-1; also known as L1) element can retrotranspose in neuronal precursors derived from rat hippocampus neural stem cells. The resulting retrotransposition events can alter the expression of neuronal genes, which, in turn, can influence neuronal cell fate in vitro. We further show that retrotransposition of a human L1 in transgenic mice results in neuronal somatic mosaicism. The molecular mechanism of action is probably mediated through Sox2, because a decrease in Sox2 expression during the early stages of neuronal differentiation is correlated with increases in both L1 transcription and retrotransposition. Our data therefore indicate that neuronal genomes might not be static, but some might be mosaic because of de novo L1 retrotransposition events.
Kinetics of Reduction of Fe(III) Complexes by Outer Membrane Cytochromes MtrC and OmcA of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Because of their cell surface locations, the outer membrane c-type cytochromes MtrC and OmcA of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 have been suggested to be the terminal reductases for a range of redox-reactive metals that form poorly soluble solids or that do not readily cross the outer membrane. In this work, we determined the kinetics of reduction of a series of Fe(III) complexes with citrate, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and EDTA by MtrC and OmcA using a stopped-flow technique in combination with theoretical computation methods. Stopped-flow kinetic data showed that the reaction proceeded in two stages, a fast stage that was completed in less than 1 s, followed by a second, relatively slower stage. For a given complex, electron transfer by MtrC was faster than that by OmcA. For a given cytochrome, the reaction was completed in the order Fe-EDTA > Fe-NTA > Fe-citrate. The kinetic data could be modeled by two parallel second-order bimolecular redox reactions with second-order rate constants ranging from 0.872 microM(-1) s(-1) for the reaction between MtrC and the Fe-EDTA complex to 0.012 microM(-1) s(-1) for the reaction between OmcA and Fe-citrate. The biphasic reaction kinetics was attributed to redox potential differences among the heme groups or redox site heterogeneity within the cytochromes. The results of redox potential and reorganization energy calculations showed that the reaction rate was influenced mostly by the relatively large reorganization energy. The results demonstrate that ligand complexation plays an important role in microbial dissimilatory reduction and mineral transformation of iron, as well as other redox-sensitive metal species in nature.
Probability learning in the T-maze as a function of proportion of reinforcement

Two groups of rats received different proportions of reinforcement in a T-maze probability learning experiment. Overshooting of the matching asymptote was obtained. When the real rats were compared with their theoretical counterparts, stat rats, there was close agreement of gross response structure, but not in the detailed response structure.
On Uniform Stabilization of Discrete-Time Linear Parameter-Varying Control Systems

For discrete-time polytopic linear parameter-varying systems, the uniform exponential stability, which is equivalent to the asymptotic stability and includes the quadratic stability as a special case, is characterized by the union of an increasing family of linear matrix inequality conditions. On the other hand, in certain cases, nonconservative synthesis of uniformly stabilizing controllers is achieved via a system of finite number of linear matrix inequalities if the controller is allowed to have finite memory of past parameters. Two such cases are robust state feedback (in a relaxed sense) against polytopic parameter variations, and multiple output injections under polytopic fusion rules
Genetics of blood‐injury fears and phobias: A population‐based twin study

Data on unreasonable fears of blood, needles, hospitals, and illness (BNHI) were collected by telephone interview from 541 MZ and 388 DZ pairs of female twins from the population-based Virginia Twin Registry. BNHI phobia was defined as the presence of fear accompanied by interference. Age at onset of phobia was found to be very similar to that of situational phobias previously assessed in the sample. Using a multiple threshold model, we found no evidence for qualitative differences between BNHI fears and BNHI phobia. The familial aggregation of fears appears to be entirely due to additive genetic variance. The possible exception to this is fear of illness, which, like BNHI phobias, seems to aggregate within families because of shared environmental factors. Although power to discriminate between the causes of familial resemblance is low, results suggest that random traumatic events and some social learning may be responsible for the onset of BNHI phobias. About two-thirds of variance is individual-specific environmental, and could include genotype x environment interaction and measurement error. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fabrication and testing of vertically-actuated polycrystalline SiC micromechanical resonators for MHz frequency applications

Vertically-actuated micromechanical resonators operating at MHz frequencies were fabricated from phosphorus-doped polycrystalline silicon carbide (poly-SiC) films. The films were deposited on thin polysilicon sacrificial layers by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) and surface micromachined into structures using a lift-off patterning technique. The resonators were tested under high vacuum conditions using a transimpedance amplifier-based circuit. The measured resonant frequencies were consistent with what was expected based on device designs and material properties; however, the quality factors were much lower than expected. Equivalent circuit modeling suggested that the low quality factors were due to the electrical resistance of the beams, which was unexpectedly high.
Developing a program to promote stress resilience and self-care in first-year medical students.

Background : Facilitating stress resilience in future physicians is an important role of medical educators and administrators. We developed and piloted an extracurricular program on stress management with first year medical students. Methods : Presentations on topics related to mental health, help-seeking, and stress resilience were presented (one topic per session). Attendance was voluntary. Attendees were requested to complete anonymous evaluations following each presentation. Primary outcome variables were rates of agreement that the presentation (1) was interesting, (2) provided valuable information, and (3) provided information relevant for the student’s future practice as a physician. Results : Each of the seven topics was attended on average by approximately half of the student body. Evaluations were positive in that presentations were interesting and provided information useful to maintaining balance during medical school (all had ? 85% rates of agreement). Evaluations by students were variable (41% - 88% rates of agreement) on whether each presented information relevant for future practice. Conclusions : The results indicate that first-year medical students value explicit guidance on ways to bolster stress resilience and self-care during medical school. It is important to clarify with each presentation how the information is relevant to their future practice as a physician.
The Axin1 scaffold protein promotes formation of a degradation complex for c-Myc.

Expression of the c-Myc proto-oncoprotein is tightly regulated in normal cells. Phosphorylation at two conserved residues, threonine58 (T58) and serine62 (S62), regulates c-Myc protein stability. In cancer cells, c-Myc can become aberrantly stabilized associated with altered T58 and S62 phosphorylation. A complex signalling cascade involving GSK3β kinase, the Pin1 prolyl isomerase, and the PP2A-B56α phosphatase controls phosphorylation at these sites. We report here a novel role for the tumour suppressor scaffold protein Axin1 in facilitating the formation of a degradation complex for c-Myc containing GSK3β, Pin1, and PP2A-B56α. Although knockdown of Axin1 decreases the association of c-Myc with these proteins, reduces T58 and enhances S62 phosphorylation, and increases c-Myc stability, acute expression of Axin1 reduces c-Myc levels and suppresses c-Myc transcriptional activity. Moreover, the regulation of c-Myc by Axin1 is impaired in several tested cancer cell lines with known stabilization of c-Myc or loss of Axin1. This study provides critical insight into the regulation of c-Myc expression, how this can be disrupted in three cancer types, and adds to our knowledge of the tumour suppressor activity of Axin1.
Miscellaneous Catalase-Negative, Gram-Positive Cocci: Emerging Opportunists

“ In a whimsical mood and quite extemporaneously, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes once remarked: ‘Facts in isolation amount to mere gossip; facts in relation become philosophy.' And this, perhaps, gives the key to one of the chief ailments of bacterial taxonomy. There are too many ‘facts in
Impacts of black carbon aerosol on photolysis and ozone

[1] The regional distributions of black carbon aerosol (soot) are calculated and the impacts of black carbon aerosol on photolysis frequencies and ozone concentrations are evaluated in Houston, Texas, using a regional chemical transport model. Compared with measurements of the fine particle matter in the Houston area, the simulated daily mean black carbon aerosol concentration is in agreement with observations in the urban sites. Black carbon aerosol reduces the photolysis frequencies of J[O3(1D)] and J[NO2] in the planetary boundary layer by 10–30% when air pollution is highest in the Houston area. As a result, the ground level ozone concentration in the Houston area decreases by 5–20%. Our study demonstrates that the impacts of black carbon aerosol on photochemistry are important in polluted urban atmospheres.
Retinoid-dependent gene expression regulates early morphological events in the development of the murine retina.

Endogenous retinoids have been implicated in the axial patterning of the embryonic vertebrate retina; however, no studies have directly examined how asymmetric retinoid-dependent gene expression regulates early morphological events in the development of the retina. Here we used a line of indicator mice that possess a retinoid-dependent transgene to examine the relationship between retinoic acid (RA)-dependent gene expression and events occurring during early eye morphogenesis, such as the closure of the optic disc. We found that retinoid-regulated gene expression shifts along the dorsal/ventral axis of the embryonic retina; at embryonic day (E) E11.5 transgene expression is restricted to the neuroepithelium in dorsal retina, and by E14.5 only immature cells located in ventral retina and the dorsal retinal margins demonstrate transgene activation. By manipulating RA levels, we were not only able to systemically alter RA-dependent gene expression along the dorsal/ventral axis, but also to affect retinal morphology. In particular, reducing RA availability resulted in the abnormal closure of the optic fissure. These results indicate that asymmetric levels of RA regulate early RA-dependent gene expression in the eye and demonstrate that the normal pattern of retinoid-dependent gene transcription along the dorsal/ventral axis is critical for the proper development of the vertebrate retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 417:289–298, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hierarchical Modular R&D Structure and Intellectual Property Protection: Evidence from Multinational R&D labs in China

This paper examines how multinational corporations (MNCs) protect their research and development (R&D) activities that are conducted in weak intellectual property rights (IPR) regime countries. Findings from a small scale survey and four case studies in China show that MNC R&D labs in China are innovating for the global market. Furthermore, a hierarchical modular R&D structure can be an effective way for MNC R&D labs to protect their intellectual property, and thus facilitate appropriation of returns in weak IPR regime developing countries.
Modeling the response, strength and degradation of 3D woven composites subjected to high rate loading

Abstract Experimental results which were obtained using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus to determine rate dependent effects, and reported by the authors in [1] are used as the basis to perform dynamic simulations of 3D woven composites (3DWCs) using representative unit cells (RUCs). The input material properties for the RUC simulations were determined from the concentric cylinder model (CCM) in conjunction with the geometry of the textile architecture, mechanical properties of pure epoxy samples and fiber mechanical properties. The RUC model incorporates rate dependent plasticity. Additionally, linear-eigen perturbations that correspond to buckling modes are used to seed imperfections in the RUC model to capture buckling and subsequent failure that was observed in experiments. The RUC model results showed good agreement with experiment and correctly captured the observed modes of failure while pointing to transitions in failure modes.
Ultrasonic Real‐Time Monitoring of Cake Structure during Slip Casting

An ultrasonic monitoring system was developed which utilizes two longitudinal transducers configured in a pulse-echo mode to monitor the structure of a growing slip cast cake. By applying appropriate volume conservation equations to the planar, uniaxial casting apparatus, it is shown that the cake permeability and local volume fraction of voids in a cake can be measured while casting is taking place. Values obtained from the ultrasound measurements were compared to traditional methods of measuring cake permeability and cake porosity. Reasonable agreement was found. Advantages of the ultrasound technique over traditional methods, as well as limitations of the technique, are discussed.
Probing depth but not attachment level may be associated with the development of impaired glucose tolerance among (40- to 79-year-old) Hisayama residents

Original Article Saito T, Shimazaki Y, Kiyohara Y, Kato I, Kubo M, Iida M, et al. The severity of periodontal disease is associated with the development of glucose intolerance in non-diabetics: the Hisayama study. J Dent Res 2004;83(6):485-90. Level of Evidence 3 B Purpose/Question The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between the presence of periodontal disease and the development of impaired glucose tolerance in individuals previously identified with normal glucose tolerance. Source of Funding Government: Grants-in-Aid of Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, and Culture of Japan Type of Study/Design Cohort study—Cross-sectional study within a prospective cohort study
The Use of Energy Interdependence as a Political Tool

Energy is the heart of modern economies, and oil and gas are among its principle elements. None of the newer alternative sources of energy—such as nuclear power—has as yet gained a position of predominance in the generation of electric power. This being the case, control over and manipulation of oil and gas production, transportation, sales, access to markets or imports, and prices are all vital aspects not only of global energy interdependency, but also formidable tools in the pursuit of national or collective economic, political, and security objectives. It is significant that the very fact of this interdependency does not necessarily mitigate, but all too frequently reinforces the vulnerabilities of a majority, if not all, of countries of the world to the manipulations of the oil factor. While such manipulation is often resorted to in the name of strengthening political stability and peace, there is a far from minor risk that the consequences of such manipulations may have serious unintended political and economic effects—not only on the local, but also on the regional and even wider scale—and, therefore, may in reality be destabilizing. Note, for example, the recent jump in the price of oil futures as a result of a perceived Iraqi threat to Kuwait despite the relative oil glut in the world market and the known ability of other producers to make up for the loss of Kuwaiti oil. Unfortunately, there are as yet no generally agreed to rules of the game; consequently, it becomes all too frequently an exercise in raw national power and a form not only of economic, but also political imperialism justified by claims to preeminent national interests.
Wind Control of Algae Growth in Eutrophic Lakes

In eutrophic lakes, light and turbulent mixing near the water surface often controls the actual occurrence and disappearance of algal blooms. While nutrients provide necessary materials for a high growth potential, light and mixing provide energetic controls. An expression for an equilibrium phytoplankton concentration supportable under given physical conditions is provided. Loss of phytoplankton mass, e.g., by respiration or grazing, is included. For illustrations, time variable phytoplankton concentrations are computed on a daily timescale and as a function of insolation, mixed layer depth for a very eutrophic lake from April-October with a constant set of coefficients for the whole season. The length of the growth season, time variable phytoplankton concentrations in the mixed layer, and other features of the biomass are well predicted. Daily mixed layer depths are computed for input from weather and lake morphological data.
Facilitating Family and Client Involvement in the SGD Evaluation and Decision Process

There is general consensus that client and family involvement in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluation and decision process is associated with positive outcomes (Angelo, 2...
National Lupus Hospitalization Trends Reveal Rising Rates of Herpes Zoster and Declines in Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Objective Infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therapeutic practices have evolved over the past 15 years, but effects on infectious complications of SLE are unknown. We evaluated trends in hospitalizations for severe and opportunistic infections in a population-based SLE study. Methods Data derive from the 2000 to 2011 United States National Inpatient Sample, including individuals who met a validated administrative definition of SLE. Primary outcomes were diagnoses of bacteremia, pneumonia, opportunistic fungal infection, herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus, or pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). We used Poisson regression to determine whether infection rates were changing in SLE hospitalizations and used predictive marginals to generate annual adjusted rates of specific infections. Results We identified 361,337 SLE hospitalizations from 2000 to 2011 meeting study inclusion criteria. Compared to non-SLE hospitalizations, SLE patients were younger (51 vs. 62 years), predominantly female (89% vs. 54%), and more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities. SLE diagnosis was significantly associated with all measured severe and opportunistic infections. From 2000 to 2011, adjusted SLE hospitalization rates for herpes zoster increased more than non-SLE rates: 54 to 79 per 10,000 SLE hospitalizations compared with 24 to 29 per 10,000 non-SLE hospitalizations. Conversely, SLE hospitalizations for PCP disproportionately decreased: 5.1 to 2.5 per 10,000 SLE hospitalizations compared with 0.9 to 1.3 per 10,000 non-SLE hospitalizations. Conclusions Among patients with SLE, herpes zoster hospitalizations are rising while PCP hospitalizations are declining. These trends likely reflect evolving SLE treatment strategies. Further research is needed to identify patients at greatest risk for infectious complications. This is an open access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication.
The Impact of Transfers Between Prisons on Inmate Misconduct: Testing Importation, Deprivation, and Transfer Theory Models

The purpose of this study is to propose and test a new theory of prisoner misconduct. Research has focused on influences of misconduct that originate from the community (importation) or that origin...
Drug users' AIDS-related knowledge and analysis of the influence factors in Yingde city

Objective To understand the awareness rate of AIDS-related knowledge and its influence factors in Yingde city and offer scientific evidence for the development of the intervention to AIDS-related behaviors.Methods Questionnaire interview with face to face was carried out in drug users in Yingde compulsory detoxification.Results Most of the drug users were men(94.88%),aged primarily between 20 and 39(76.36%) and junior education(90.58%) dominated.69.09% of the drug users were injection drug users,33.73% of them shared syringes with others.3.86% of the drug users always used condoms during regular sex partners.28.93% of the drug users had commercial sexual behavior,27.43% of those used condoms during commercial sexual behaviors.Awareness rate of AIDS-related knowledge was 75.87%.Education level(junior high school and below),aged between 20 and 39,cohabitation and received AIDS-related knowledge or not were the mainly affecting factors.Conclusion The awareness rate of AIDS-related knowledge is low and AIDS risk behaviors is high in Yingde city.It's necessary to conduct AIDS related knowledge and behavioral intervention among drug users for preventing the transmission of AIDS in these persons or from drug users to other people.
Epidemiological Features of Hand-foot-mouth Disease in Ping-gu District of Beijing City in 2009

[Objective]Through epidemic analysis on hand-foot-mouth disease,to master its epidemiological features,and provide evidence for developing and adjusting control measures.[Methods]Descriptive epidemiological method was adopted to analyze the data of hand-food-mouth disease cases in Pinggu district in 2009.[Results]A total of 780 cases of hand-food-mouth disease were reported,99.1% were clinical diagnosed cases,0.09% were severe cases,the scattered children and kindergarten children aged 1~5 years were high risk population,occupying 92.05%;gender ratio was 1.67∶1(male: female).Hand-foot-mouth disease cases were reported in the whole year,but the peak incidence appeared different in every year.The major pathogen of hand-foot-mouth disease outbreak in Pinggu District in this year was coxsackie virus type A group 16(CVA16).[Conclusion]According to the" Guide to Hand,Foot and Mouth Disease Control and Prevention"(2008) issued by Ministry of Health,disease surveillance should be implemented strictly,and health education should be actively developed to improve people's health awareness and other control measures which are the key for hand-foot-mouth disease control.
Instrumentation in Hysteroscopy

The use of diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy has evolved rapidly over the past decade to become an integral part of gynecologic care. The hysteroscopies and ancillary equipment are readily available commercially, and the techniques can be mastered, as is true of any surgical technique, with an appropriate amount of supervised practice. With a good basic understanding of the types of equipment available and their appropriate uses, the maximum utility of the hysteroscopic technique can be fully realized in an environment of safety.
Aspartate transcarbamylase of Escherichia coli. Heterogeneity of binding sites for carbamyl phosphate and fluorinated analogs of carbamyl phosphate.

Some preparations of both native aspartate transcarbamylase from Escherichia coli and catalytic subunit have fewer tight binding sites per oligomer for carbamyl-P than the number of catalytic peptide chains. In contrast, the number of sites for the tight-binding inhibitor N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate does equal the number of catalytic chains in each case. Binding of the labile carbamyl-P was determined using rapid gel filtration, with conversion to stable carbamyl-L-aspartate during collection. Native enzyme (six catalytic chains) obtained from cells grown under the conditions of J.C. Gerhart and H. Holoubek (J. Biol. Chem. (1967) 242, 2886-2892) has 5.4 tight sites for carbamyl-P at pH 8.0 (KD = 9.9 muM), whereas native enzyme from cells grown with higher concentrations of glucose, uracil, and histidine (to yield more enzyme per unit volume of culture) has only 1.9 tight sites at pH 8.0 (KD = 4.6 muM) and only 2.3 tight sites at pH 7.0 (KD = 2.6 muM). At pH 8.0, catalytic subunit (three catalytic chains) obtained from the former native enzyme has 2.2 tight sites for carbamyl-P (KD = 2.4 muM) and the number of sites is 2.3 in the presence of 35 mM succinate, whereas catalytic subunit obtained from the latter native enzyme has 1.8 tight sites (KD = 3.6 muM) in the absence of succinate and 2.3 tight sites in its presence. The number of tight binding sites is also less than the number of subunit peptide chains in 19F nuclear magnetic resonance experiments performed with catalytic subunit and two fluorinated analogs of carbamyl-P at comparable concentrations of analogs and active sites. A model is proposed in which incomplete removal of formylmethionine from the NH2 termini of the enzyme under conditions of extreme depression affects affinity for ligands.
Education as Pharmakon: Plato and Derrida’s Dialectic on Learning

sense of life; where there’s triumph, there’s foolishness; and where there’s disgrace, there’s redemption. This magic of the blues depends on the nuanced disposition of the artist. If the artist loses her sense for either the tragic or the sublime, she will cease to sing the true blues. What’s more, she must hold this disposition toward ambivalence vis-a-vis herself as much as the vicissitudes of outer life. As Etta James said, “Most of the songs I sing have that blues feeling in it. They have that sorry feeling. And I don’t know what I’m sorry about. I don’t.” 4 This existential disposition toward ambivalence is not unique to the blues, though the blues artist is the master of it. The educator should have it too, which is partly why he needs philosophy so dearly. Philosophy, properly practiced, should disabuse us of our one-sided notions, our rosy-hued hubris, and our self-congratulation. The philosopher has the blues disposition because he sees the pain of life as well as his own implication in it, but like the blues musician, the philosopher is content because he can transmute that anguish into something healing to others. The educator also desires to bring healing, and this desire can blind him to the harm he does inadvertently, but some harm is unavoidable; everything has a shadow. To mitigate the harm, we need to face our shadow squarely. Such reflexivity has an intellectual component, but it is also dependent on a disposition toward ambivalence. In this essay, I will discuss what in the tradition of educational philosophy serves as a perennial metaphor for ambivalence: the Greek concept of pharmakon. This concept was used by Plato, and this use was later explicated by Jacques Derrida. Like blues music, this concept has a power to work on one’s disposition, making it more attentive to ambivalence, which can in turn have a qualitative effect on an educator’s practice, and in turn affect her students.
A Proposed New Measurement of the Superconducting Gap Around \(\bar{M}\) -point in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8

In previous publications, Zhao et al. have presented first-principle calculations of the electronic structure, Tc, and the superconducting energy gaps on the Fermi surfaces of YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO). However, experimental measurements of the superconducting gaps on the Fermi surfaces of YBCO still face some challenges due to surface problems for YBCO samples. Considering the similarities between the crystal structure, electronic properties, and features of the Fermi surfaces of YBCO and those of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (BSCCO), we discuss the need to measure the superconducting gap on the small sheet of the Fermi surface around the\(\bar{M}\) -point in BSCCO. This gap may be similar to the one of YBCO around the S-point. The superconducting gap on this small sheet of the Fermi surface around the \(\bar{M}\) -point in BSCCO is expected to show minor variations from about 18 to 25 meV, as we found on the small sheet of the Fermi surface around the S-point of YBCO. There is no node on the superconducting gap on this small sheet of the Fermi surface around the \(\bar{M}\) -point of BSCCO.
“A Mighty Glitter”: Seeing through the Veil

Critics have long noted the connection between Sir Philip Sidney’s Arcadia and Richardson’s Pamela; 1 however, a connection also exists between Arcadia and Grandison, through Harriet’s masquerade costume. Jocelyn Harris identifies Harriet’s costume of “Arcadian Princess” as “a favourite masquerade habit, in imitation of the princesses in Sidney’s Arcadia who disguised themselves as shepherdesses.”2 Yet Harriet’s costume is highly unlike the rustic garb of Sidney’s Arcadian princess/shepherdess, Pamela, or even the rustic garb of Richardson’s own Pamela. Instead, Harriet’s masquerade outfit shows marked similarities to the attire worn by Sidney’s Amazonian princess, Zelmane, the cross-dressing disguise of the beautiful young prince, Pyrocles, as well as to the “Amazonian Hunting-Habit for Ladies,” a form of feminine dress deemed “masculine” in nature.3 The swapping of costumes—Amazonian drag instead of Arcadian rusticity—articulates several interrelated themes important to Grandison: That masquerade, disguise, and unsuitable dress of any sort are symptomatic of irrationality and unreason; that vice and moral laxity must be cloaked and concealed by dress; and that dress unsuitable to one’s sex, specifically, the respective attire of “a masculine woman, and an effeminate man” (3:247), is not only a form of disguise, but an indication of a topsy-turvy world, a masquerade world, wherein “the distinguishing characteristics of the two Sexes” (3:247) are reversed or inverted.
Ethanol Industry: Surpassing Uncertainties and Looking Forward

Abstract The ethanol industry has been an important contributor to country economies and their energy security strategies besides playing a significant role regarding climate change issues. Its share in the global biobased market represents over USD 55 billion of a total biobased market of about USD 65 billion. Ethanol production is clearly an essential part of that industry which is no longer merely one for the future. Besides the well-established first-generation biofuels industry based on grains, beet and sugarcane (ethanol and biodiesel), investments are currently occurring around the world to produce second-generation biofuels (eg, cellulosic ethanol) and biochemicals (eg, farnesene, propenediol, etc.). Based on market reports, academic studies and public information from industry associations and companies, this work pursues the understanding of cellulosic ethanol business dynamics as a viable alternative to increase global ethanol production. It provides a snapshot of the biobased economy and more granularly explores biofuels and ethanol industry growth challenges.
Individual Glacier Behavior

Field Observations supplemented with Google Earth imagery illustrates the significant retreat of all ten major Mount Baker Glaciers between 1984 and 2014. All but the Sholes Glacier advanced from 1950 to 1979, Sholes Glacier was stable during this period. The average retreat has been 380 m during the last 35 years.
Iridium-Catalyzed Continuous Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid and Its Subsequent Utilization in a Fuel Cell: Toward a Carbon Neutral Chemical Energy Storage

This study represents a notable step toward a potentially carbon neutral energy storage solution based on formic acid as a hydrogen/energy carrier. A catalytic system derived from IrCl3 and 1,3-bis(2′-pyridyl-imino)-isoindoline (IndH) in the presence of aqueous sodium formate showed high selectivity and robustness for hydrogen generation from formic acid (FA) at 90–100 °C under both high and moderate pressure conditions suppressing the formation of CO impurity. Being a solid substance, the catalyst can be recovered by a simple filtration, if necessary. Furthermore, addition of neat formic acid is sufficient to reuse the catalyst and maintain a constant flow of H2 and CO2 mixture and the stable performance of a coupled fuel cell. The easy to recycle catalyst did not show any loss of activity after 20 days of continuous use, and similar activity was observed even a year after the original preparation. The reactor for formic acid decomposition provided a one to one ratio of a H2/CO2 mixture that was coupled ...
Active Appearance Models with Rotation Invariant Kernels

2D Active Appearance Models (AAM) and 3D Morphable Models (3DMM) are widely used techniques. AAM provide a fast fitting process, but may represent unwanted 3D transformations unless strictly constrained not to do so. The reverse is true for 3DMM. The two approaches also require of a pre-alignment of their 2D or 3D shapes before the modeling can be carried out which may lead to errors. Furthermore, current models are insufficient to represent nonlinear shape and texture variations. In this paper, we derive a new approach that can model nonlinear changes in examples without the need of a pre-alignment step. In addition, we show how the proposed approach carries the above mentioned advantages of AAM and 3DMM. To achieve this goal, we take advantage of the inherent properties of complex spherical distributions, which provide invariance to translation, scale and rotation. To reduce the complexity of parameter estimation we take advantage of a recent result that shows how to estimate spherical distributions using their Euclidean counterpart, e.g., the Gaussians. This leads to the definition of Rotation Invariant Kernels (RIK) for modeling nonlinear shape changes. We show the superiority of our algorithm to AAM in several face datasets. We also show how the derived algorithm can be used to model complex 3D facial expression changes observed in American Sign Language (ASL).
Longitudinal measures of deformation are associated with a composite measure of contractility derived from pressure-volume loop analysis in children.

Aims The relationship between echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) systolic function and reference-standard measures have not been assessed in children. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of echocardiographic indices of LV systolic function via direct comparison to a novel composite measure of contractility derived from pressure-volume loop (PVL) analysis. Methods and results Children with normal loading conditions undergoing routine left heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. PVLs were obtained via conductance catheters. A composite invasive composite contractility index (ICCI) was developed using data reduction strategies to combine four measures of contractility derived from PVL analysis. Echocardiograms were performed immediately after PVL analysis under the same anesthetic conditions. Conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiographic measures of systolic function were measured. Of 24 patients, 18 patients were heart transplant recipients, 6 patients had a small patent ductus arteriosus or small coronary fistula. Mean age was 9.1 ± 5.6 years. Upon multivariable regression, longitudinal strain was associated with ICCI (β = -0.54, P = 0.02) while controlling for indices of preload, afterload, heart rate, and LV mass under baseline conditions. Ejection fraction and shortening fraction were associated with LV mass and load indices, but not contractility. Conclusion Speckle-tracking derived longitudinal strain is associated ICCI in children with normal loading conditions. Longitudinal measures of deformation appear to accurately assess LV contractility in children.
Flow regime mapping of aqueous two-phase system droplets in flow-focusing geometries

Abstract The recent advent of aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) has shown great potential to rapidly generate microscale aqueous droplets without tedious post-processing. ATPS provides a more biologically friendly and straightforward method to manufacture aqueous droplets compared with conventional oil-water systems and as such, it has been employed in many biomedical applications. Although the cost-effective manufacturing of aqueous droplets has been feasible by direct generation in ATPS, an understanding of the underlying physics of droplet formation in ATPS is still in its infancy. In this paper, we investigated the hydrodynamic behavior and mechanisms of all-aqueous droplet formation in two flow-focusing droplet generators. This study specifically tests whether ATPS in different geometries generates aqueous droplets with different sizes and properties. To achieve these goals, two incompatible polymers, namely polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran (DEX), were mixed in water to make ATPS. The influences of inlet pressures and flow-focusing configurations on droplet size, droplet generation frequency, and thread breakup length were quantified. In addition, flow regime mapping for the two different droplet generators at 30° and 90° junction angles was obtained. The results show that droplet size is very susceptible to the junction angle. On the other hand, inlet pressures of the PEG and DEX flows readily control five main flow regimes including PEG Back Flow, DEX Back Flow, Dripping Flow, Jetting Flow and Stratified Flow. It is observed that generated droplets in the Jetting Flow regime are larger in the case of 30°, whereas larger droplets are obtained in the Dripping Flow regime at 90° configuration. The frequency of droplet generation increases and decreases by increasing PPEG and PDEX, respectively. Finally, we characterized flow regimes by the Capillary number (Ca) of the PEG flow.
Time Domain and Frequency Domain Deterministic Channel Modeling for Tunnel/Mining Environments

Understanding wireless channels in complex mining environments is critical for designing optimized wireless systems operated in these environments. In this paper, we propose two physics-based, deterministic ultra-wideband (UWB) channel models for characterizing wireless channels in mining/tunnel environments — one in the time domain and the other in the frequency domain. For the time domain model, a general Channel Impulse Response (CIR) is derived and the result is expressed in the classic UWB tapped delay line model. The derived time domain channel model takes into account major propagation controlling factors including tunnel or entry dimensions, frequency, polarization, electrical properties of the four tunnel walls, and transmitter and receiver locations. For the frequency domain model, a complex channel transfer function is derived analytically. Based on the proposed physics-based deterministic channel models, channel parameters such as delay spread, multipath component number, and angular spread are analyzed. It is found that, despite the presence of heavy multipath, both channel delay spread and angular spread for tunnel environments are relatively smaller compared to that of typical indoor environments. The results and findings in this paper have application in the design and deployment of wireless systems in underground mining environments.†
IMPACT OF A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT ON TIME TO REPERFUSION IN PATIENTS WITH IN-HOSPITAL STEMI

Patients with STEMI while hospitalized are a high-risk group with delays in reperfusion compared to patients presenting to the ED with STEMI. We compared time to reperfusion of hospitalized patients with STEMI before and after we implemented a comprehensive STEMI protocol (CSP) at our institution.
Molecular architecture of pheromone sensing in mammals

Pheromones have evolved as a discrete class of secreted chemicals that signal the sex and social status of an individual and that promote coordinated motor programs and endocrine changes essential for breeding and aggression. The highly reproducible and species-specific character of the response to pheromones offers a unique experimental system to elucidate the coding of sexual and social information within the brain, and to provide new insights into the molecular and cellular basis of information processing leading to specific behaviours.
Piagetian Theory Reconsidered: An Interpretive Reading of Piaget

Piaget’s theory has been influential in psychological discussions of development and cognition. His theory is commonly considered a structural theory which posits the existence of logical-mathematical structures that direct the way the developing subject comes to know the world. This paper will argue that such a characterization of Piagetian theory is misleading. Instead, it is suggested that for Piaget, the central problem was to explain the formation of cognitive structures, and Genetic Epistemology was his unique philosophic solution to this problem, which stresses the importance of the constructive ‘activity of the subject’. In light of this interpretation, the psychological implications of Piagetian theory are considered.
Discerning Patterns and Quality of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Use Among Patients with Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer.

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is underutilized in bladder cancer patients who undergo radical cystectomy. However, the quality of regimens used in this setting remains largely unknown. Objective To determine utilization treatment patterns and survival outcomes according to regimens administered. Design, setting, and patients We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database to identify patients diagnosed with clinical stage TII–IV bladder cancer from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2011. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Temporal trends were assessed using the Cochran-Armitage test. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors for neoadjuvant chemotherapy use. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare overall survival according to regimens administered. Results and limitations Of 2738 patients treated with radical cystectomy, 344 (12.6%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The agents most commonly used were gemcitabine (72.3%), cisplatin (55.2%), and carboplatin (31.1%). The regimens most commonly used were gemcitabine-cisplatin (45.3%), gemcitabine-carboplatin (24.1%), and methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M-VAC; 6.7%). Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy more than tripled during the study period, from 5.7% in 2001 to 17.3% in 2011 ( p p = 0.030]. Limitations include the limited ability of retrospective analysis to control for selection bias. Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was underused, and the quality of neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens administered for bladder cancer was inconsistent with guideline recommendations. These findings are important when interpreting population-based data on the use of chemotherapy and extrapolating survival outcomes. Patient summary In a large population-based study, 12.6% of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, half of whom received guideline-recommended regimens. The quality of the regimen impacted survival outcomes, as use of cisplatin-based chemotherapy was significantly associated with better overall survival among patients diagnosed with stage II bladder cancer. However,
Evaluation of chemotherapy tolerability for breast cancer patients who have received radiation as treatment for a prior Hodgkin lymphoma.

e21572Background: Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with radiotherapy have a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer (BC). With optimization of screening technology and gu...
Development of a Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography and Fluorescence Method with Multichannel Selective Wavelength Detection for the Determination of Benzo[a]pyrene and Six of Its Isomers

The baseline separation of benzo[a]pyrene in complex samples via reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) is particularly challenging due to the potential for interferences from other molecular mass (MM) 252 (g mol− 1) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The work presented here explores the use of different types of RPLC stationary phases and different fluorescence (FL) detection conditions for application to method development. Six different stationary phases were investigated with SRM 869b and SRM 1647f for potential use in the development of PAH methods: polymeric C18, monomeric C18, narrow pore C30, wide pore C30, phenylhexyl, and pentafluorophenyl phases. Although the best chromatographic separation was obtained with the polymeric C18 stationary phase, seven MM 252 PAH isomers were not fully resolved and selective detection was utilized to eliminate interferences. Stop-flow fluorescence (excitation and emission) spectra were recorded for the seven PAHs; these spectra differed significantly among the isomers. Based on these spectra, the appropriate excitation/emission wavelengths were determined to be 406/440 nm, 243/509 nm, and 290/411 nm. These conditions were used in the new RPLC/FL method and the seven MM 252 PAH isomers were baseline resolved in their respective chromatograms. The new RPLC/FL method was used to identify the MM 252 PAHs in a diesel particulate extract (SRM 1975).
Uncertainty quantification under dependent random variables by a generalized polynomial dimensional decomposition

Abstract This paper is concerned with uncertainty quantification analysis of complex systems subject to dependent input random variables. The analysis focuses on a new, generalized version of polynomial dimensional decomposition (PDD), referred to as GPDD, entailing hierarchically ordered measure-consistent multivariate orthogonal polynomials in dependent variables. Under a few prescribed assumptions, GPDD exists for any square-integrable output random variable and converges in mean-square to the correct limit. New analytical formulae are proposed to calculate the mean and variance of a GPDD approximation of a general output variable in terms of the expansion coefficients and second-moment properties of multivariate orthogonal polynomials. However, unlike in PDD, calculating the coefficients of GPDD requires solving a coupled system of linear equations. Besides, the variance formula of GPDD contains extra terms due to statistical dependence among input variables. The extra terms disappear when the input variables are statistically independent, reverting GPDD to PDD. Two numerical examples, the one derived from a stochastic boundary-value problem and the other entailing a random eigenvalue problem, illustrate second-moment error analysis and estimation of the probabilistic characteristics of eigensolutions.