cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Product Portfolio Evaluation and Differentiated Pricing: A Risk Management Perspective

We consider a retailer that sells a product line to a market with multiple segments. The risk neutral or averse retailer can tailor product assortment and differentiate product prices to each submarket, in which heterogenous customer demand takes a logit form. We derive the optimal pricing operator, which is increasing and concave in a product line power index and determines the optimal product prices in each submarket. From a risk management perspective, we evaluate the product line performance as a financial portfolio problem, in which the optimal pricing operator can be viewed as a utility function, each product variant as a stock with random payoff and each submarket as a state of nature. First, we calculate and characterize the risk aversion coefficient of the optimal pricing operator. Second, we obtain managerial insights for product portfolio evaluation via mean-variance analysis and using stochastic orders. The principles of forming an efficient product line are to select products with high average popularity, low heterogeneity risk across submarkets and low/negative correlation among each other. Selecting products that are popular in separate submarkets generates low/negative correlation among the products.
Ziele und Nutzen von Messebeteiligungen aus Ausstellersicht der Microsoft Deutschland GmbH

Die Messelandschaft befindet sich in einem starken Wandel. Selbst sehr etablierte Messen, wie die CeBit Hannover, die IFA Berlin und die Buchmesse Frankfurt, konnen in letzter Zeit nur rucklaufige Ausstellerbeteiligungen und Besucherzahlen verzeichnen. Die Liste namhafter Unternehmen, die uberraschend von etablierten Messen fernbleiben, wird standig groser.
IR Diagnostics of MOCVD Reaction Chemistry

The gas-phase chemical reactions in the Metallorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) of A1N and TiN have been studied using IR spectroscopy. The products formed from the reaction of trimethyl aluminum (TMA) and NH 3 were compared to those from the reaction of TMAwith NF 3 using a static gas-phase IR cell. Reaction with NH 3 is rapid at 25 °C, and the IR spectrum of the product is consistent with the acid-base adduct (CH 3 ) 3 Al-NH 3 . At 25 °C, no reaction between TMA and NF 3 was observed. However, at 58 °C a slow reaction occurredto give (CH 3 ) 2 AlF. The reaction of Ti(N(CH 3 ) 2 ) 4 with NH 3 was also studied using a flow-tube reactor with a sliding injector port that provides control over the reaction time between two reactive flows. By monitoring the disappearance of Ti(N(CH 3 ) 2 ) 4 as a function of NH 3 partial pressure and reaction time, we have obtained a preliminary estimate of the rate constant as ∼ 10 −16 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 at 25 °C. This result confirms that the reaction is rapid even at room temperature and demonstrates the utility of the flow-tube reactor and FTIR spectrometer for studies of MOCVD chemistry.
Effect of nocturia on next-day sedentary activity in adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Purpose Nocturia, a common cause of disturbed sleep quality and next-day fatigue, may contribute to difficulty with diabetes self-management. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect nocturia has on next-day subjectively measured mental and physical energy and objectively measured physical activity. Methods This secondary analysis utilized sleep diaries over one week which measured nocturia frequency and other sleep quality indicators (wake after sleep onset, sleep quality and sleep duration) along with next-day reports of mental and physical energy. Next-day physical activity was measured with the BodyMedia Sensewear armband. Results Sleep quality and sleep duration were associated with next-day physical and mental energy. Nocturia frequency (≥2 times per night) was associated with increased next-day sedentary activity. Conclusion These results suggest that nocturia could negatively affect next-day physical activity in people with diabetes.
Application of High Simulation Bronchoscopy in the Training of Bronchoscopy

Objective: To investigate the application of high simulation bronchoscopy in the training of bronchoscopy.Methods:20 novice bronchoscopists entered the training program by using Simbionix GI Mentor Simulator.All of them were trained by 2 skilled doctors.The dexterity,speed,and accuracy of the 20 doctors were tested,and the difference between before-training and after-training scores were compared.Results: All of the 20 trainees finished the program.The novices significantly improved dexterity,speed and accuracy.Vision clearly visible time increased from(30.0±2.0)% to(75.0±5.0)%;the percentage of observed segments increased from(74.0±5.1)% to(89.3±4.0)%;the time through the throat and the subglottic shortened from(00.01.28±00.00.54)h to(00.00.36±00.00.09)h;the total time spent shortened from(00.07.27±00.01.23)h to(00.06.24±00.00.54)h;the frequency of error into the esophagus reduced from(6.0±2.0)to(2.0±0.5);Auto Score Evaluation increased from(30.8±6.6) to(70.8±6.6).Conclusion: The application of high simulation bronchoscopy played an important role in the training of chest physicians.
The Efficacy of Chemotherapeutic Agents Against Murine Bladder Metastasis

Abstract Three chemotherapeutic agents, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cis-platinum), were examined for their effectiveness against metastases in a murine transitional cell carcinoma model. Systemic treatment of the drugs was applied against a MBT-2 derived subline which generates 100% incidence of lung metastases in C 3 H mice by five weeks. The drugs were examined for their effect against the number of metastases, incidence of metastasis and size of the subcutaneously implanted primary tumor. All three compounds significantly reduced both the number of lung metastases and the incidence when compared to untreated animals. None of the agents proved 100% effective against metastatic tumors. These results suggest the existence of a chemotherapeutic resistant population of metastatic cells. Administration of methotrexate and cis-platinum effectively reduced the size of the primary tumor as compared to untreated animals. Cyclophosphamide did not significantly affect primary tumor size. The response of the antineoplastic agents against the metastatic tumor cells indicates that the L 3 F 2 metastatic cell line is an effective model to study agents against metastatic bladder cancer.
Cysteine-Selective Peptide Identification: Selenium-Based Chromophore for Selective S-Se Bond Cleavage with 266 nm Ultraviolet Photodissociation.

The tremendous number of peptides identified in current bottom-up mass spectrometric workflows, although impressive for high-throughput proteomics, results in little selectivity for more targeted applications. We describe a strategy for cysteine-selective proteomics based on a tagging method that installs a S–Se bond in peptides that is cleavable upon 266 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD). The alkylating reagent, N-(phenylseleno)phthalimide (NPSP), reacts with free thiols in cysteine residues and attaches a chromogenic benzeneselenol (SePh) group. Upon irradiation of tagged peptides with 266 nm photons, the S–Se bond is selectively cleaved, releasing a benzeneselenol moiety corresponding to a neutral loss of 156 Da per cysteine. Herein we demonstrate a new MS/MS scan mode, UVPDnLossCID, which facilitates selective screening of cysteine-containing peptides. A “prescreening” event occurs by activation of the top N peptide ions by 266 nm UVPD. Peptides exhibiting a neutral loss corresponding to one or ...
Applying the Master Narrative Framework to Gender Identity Development in Emerging Adulthood

We applied a novel framework to identity development, capturing both content and process, and personal and cultural components of identity in the content domain of gender. We examined master (and alternative) narratives: ubiquitous, powerful cultural stories with which individuals negotiate in constructing personal identity. Study 1 was a quantitative investigation of personal narratives about gender (n = 245); Study 2 was a qualitative study of discourse processes concerning gender roles (n = 12). Employing three approaches to identity development (status, narrative, and discursive) in a mixed methods design, we found that most individuals position themselves around a newer, alternative narrative about gender equality. However, in social interactions, this narrative got less airtime, in favor of narratives representing either traditional views or gender equality. Further, those who were exploring their identities were more likely to employ the less traditional narrative, suggesting a link between changin...
What Is the Best Surgical Method of Addressing Hepatic Hemangiomas

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of the liver and the second most common tumor following metastases. The diagnosis and management of hepatic hemangiomas has improved significantly for the past decade. The decision to treat this tumors surgically should be based mostly on symptomatology, inability to exclude malignancy, documented growth and less on feasibility for resection or patient anxiety. The decision for observation should be based on a thorough examination of asymptomatic tumors with benign characteristics on imaging. The surgical treatment of choice has evolved from formal hepatectomies to selected enucleation with improvement in outcomes regardless of the size of the lesion. Minimal invasive techniques have similar results as open surgery in appropriately selected patients with no difference in morbidity and mortality.
Composite Polymer Electrolytes: Nanoparticles Affect Structure and Properties.

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) can significantly improve the performance in electrochemical devices such as lithium-ion batteries. This review summarizes property/performance relationships in the case where nanoparticles are introduced to polymer electrolytes. It is the aim of this review to provide a knowledge network that elucidates the role of nano-additives in the CPEs. Central to the discussion is the impact on the CPE performance of properties such as crystalline/amorphous structure, dielectric behavior, and interactions within the CPE. The amorphous domains of semi-crystalline polymer facilitate the ion transport, while an enhanced mobility of polymer chains contributes to high ionic conductivity. Dielectric properties reflect the relaxation behavior of polymer chains as an important factor in ion conduction. Further, the dielectric constant (e) determines the capability of the polymer to dissolve salt. The atom/ion/nanoparticle interactions within CPEs suggest ways to enhance the CPE conductivity by generating more free lithium ions. Certain properties can be improved simultaneously by nanoparticle addition in order to optimize the overall performance of the electrolyte. The effects of nano-additives on thermal and mechanical properties of CPEs are also presented in order to evaluate the electrolyte competence for lithium-ion battery applications.
The Therapeutic Mechanisms of Check, Connect, and Expect

Abstract Given the high prevalence of Tier 2 behavioral intervention use and calls to examine mediation and moderation effects on treatment for children, this study tested the mediation effect of the daily progress report and moderation effects of coach–student, teacher–student, and student–teacher relationships and their interactions for 95 elementary school students who received the Check, Connect, and Expect intervention. The only significant finding was the moderating effect of the student–teacher and teacher–student relationships. A significant interaction between the moderating effects showed that a positive student–teacher relationship showed overall reductions in total problem behavior across an academic year. This result is interpreted as students' perception of a positive relationship with their teacher as critical to the therapeutic mechanism of Tier 2 behavioral interventions.
Compassion Fatigue and Mindfulness: Comparing Mental Health Professionals and MSW Student Interns

The relationship between compassion fatigue and mindfulness in mental health professionals compared to Master of Social Work (MSW) students is explored. A convenience sample of mental health professionals (n = 40) and MSW students (n = 111) completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Professional Quality of Life Scale. Results indicate a medium, negative correlation between compassion fatigue and mindfulness, with high levels of compassion fatigue associated with lower levels of mindfulness. There was no statistically significant difference between mental health workers and MSW students on the combined dependent variables. Results suggest that mindfulness protects against compassion fatigue regardless of professional or student status.
Time Course Expression Analysis of 1[2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oyl]imidazole Induction of Cytoprotection in Human Endothelial Cells

1[2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oyl]imidazole (CDDO-Im), a synthetic derivative of oleanolic acid that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in several animal and in vitro models, has been shown to be beneficial if given after injury. Although induction of heme oxygenase 1 appears to be a major effector of cytoprotection, the mechanism by which the overall effect is mediated is largely unknown. This study evaluated temporal gene expression profiles to better characterize the early transcriptional events and their relationship to the dynamics of the cytoprotective response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to CDDO-Im. Time-course gene expression profiling was performed on HUVEC treated with CDDO-Im for 0.5, 1, 3, 6, and 24 hours. More than 10 000 genes were statistically altered in their expression in at least 1 time point across the time course. Large alterations in immediate-early gene expression were readily detectable within 0.5 hour after administration of CDDO-Im.
Oxide-induced grain growth in CZTS nanoparticle coatings

An innovative and scalable synthesis approach to the formation of CZTS nanoparticles has been developed using aerosol spray pyrolysis. Surface-ligand-free CZTS nanoparticles with controllable size and composition are synthesized by thermally decomposing an aerosolized precursor mixture of copper, zinc, and tin thiocarbamates. After collection, the particles are dispersed in an organic solvent, coated on soda lime glass, mechanically compacted, and annealed in a low-pressure sulfur atmosphere to form CZTS thin films. The resulting thin film is highly porous and composed of small grains. We have found that growing a thin amorphous oxide layer on the surface of ligand-free Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticles substantially enhances uniform grain growth during heat treatment in a sulfur atmosphere. This is achieved by adding a simple annealing step in air after nanoparticle production and before coating. This process consistently results in CZTS films with higher tin content after annealing, suggesting that the presence of an oxide layer around the particles improves the retention of volatile tin sulfide phases, which is then beneficial in respect to grain growth kinetics.
Urban Revitalization and Displacement of Slum Clearance Policies in Cape Town and Philadelphia

A podicle on urban revitalization and displacement of Slum Clearance Policies in Cape Town and Philadelphia.
Impedance characterization of bipolar implantable nerve cuffs for neuroscience applications

Nerve cuff electrodes can be used in neuroprosthetic applications, treatment of chronic pain, acquiring sensory feedback, and recording electroneurograms. The nerve cuffs are not dependent on the muscle length and limb position compared to the surface and muscle electrodes; they are fixed around the nerve which reduces the relative movement caused by muscle contraction. In addition, it can reduce the required magnitude to stimulate nerves [1].
NJ Transit Orders More Dual-Power Locomotives [Transportations Systems]

On 2 January 2018, Bombardier Transportation announced that New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) had exercised an option for 17 additional Bombardier ALP-45 dual-power locomotives. This order is valued at approximately US$160 million (?133 million) and is based on a contract for 26 locomotives signed in 2008. NJ Transit exercised a first option for nine units in 2011, and the contract includes options for up to 37 more.
CPU-GPU Algorithms for Triangular Surface Mesh Simplification

Mesh simplification and mesh compression are important processes in computer graphics and scientific computing, as such contexts allow for a mesh which takes up less memory than the original mesh. Current simplification and compression algorithms do not take advantage of both the central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU). We propose three simplification algorithms, one of which runs on the CPU and two of which run on the GPU. We combine these algorithms into two CPU-GPU algorithms for mesh simplification. Our CPU-GPU algorithms are the naive marking algorithm and the inverse reduction algorithm. Experimental results show that when the algorithms take advantage of both the CPU and the GPU, there is a decrease in running time for simplification compared to performing all of the computation on the CPU. The marking algorithm provides higher simplification rates than the inverse reduction algorithm, whereas the inverse reduction algorithm has a lower running time than the marking algorithm.
Safety and Environment

Tritium and tokamak dust are the main radioactive hazards of fusion reactors. Tritium emits a low-energy beta ray with a half-life of 12.3 years. It is hazardous if inhaled or ingested, but cannot penetrate the skin. The tritium inventory in the fuel system and walls should be well contained, minimized, and closely monitored, to keep the source term low in case of an accident. Neutron absorption will make reactor internal components radioactive, so their radioactivities will be minimized by design, with a goal of clearance or recycling most materials after a cooling period of 50–100 years. If many superconducting cables and coils are used in industry and in fusion reactors, shortages of materials such as He and Nb may occur. The ITER safety team is analyzing dozens of potential accident scenarios to prevent them or to mitigate their consequences, so that public safety will be assured without the need for an evacuation plan.
Phase Space and Functional Integral Methods in Direct and Inverse Scattering

The analysis and fast, accurate numerical computation of the wave equations of classical physics are often quite difficult for rapidly changing, multidimensional environments extending over many wavelengths. This is particularly so for environments characterized by a refractive index field with a compact region of arbitrary (n-dimensional) variability superimposed upon a transversely inhomogeneous ((n−1)-dimensionaI) background profile. For such environments, the entire domain is in the scattering regime, with the subsequent absence of an “asymptotically free”, or homogeneous, region. For the most part, classical, “macroscopic” methods have resulted in direct wave field approximations (perturbation theory, ray-theory asymptotics, transmutation theory, modal analysis, hybrid ray-mode methods), derivations of approximate wave equations (scaling analysis, field-splitting techniques, formal operator expansions, approximation theory), and discrete numerical approximations (finite differences, finite elements, spectral methods). In the last several decades, however, mathematicians studying linear partial differential equations have developed, in the language of physicists, a sophisticated, “microscopic” phase space analysis (pseudo-differential and Fourier integral operators) [1]. In conjunction with the global functional integral techniques pioneered by Wiener (Brownian motion) and Feynman (quantum mechanics), and so successfully applied today in quantum field theory and statistical physics, the n-dimensional classical physics propagators can be both represented explicitly and computed directly. The phase space, or “microscopic,” methods and path (functional) integral representations provide the appropriate framework to extend homogeneous Fourier methods to inhomogeneous environments, in addition to suggesting the basis for the formulation and solution of corresponding arbitrary-dimensional nonlinear inverse problems.
Pericardial effusion in Hodgkin lymphoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group AHOD0031 protocol

TO THE EDITOR: Pericardial effusion in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) occurs in 5% to 24% of patients at diagnosis.[1][1][⇓][2]-[3][3] However, little is known about the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes for these patients. Most cases are clinically silent, and the effusion
Actinide expanded porphyrin complexes

Abstract In this article the uranyl cation (UO22+) coordination chemistry of several prototypic expanded porphyrins is reviewed. The ability of certain expanded porphyrins, large polypyrrolic ligands, to stabilize complexes containing the uranyl cation is contrasted to that of the porphyrins. These latter systems, well-recognized for their ability to stabilize a range of transition metal complexes, among others, have hitherto been shown to form structurally characterized complexes with only uranium(IV) and thorium(IV) cations among cations of the actinide series. Possible reasons for these differences in cation complexation behavior are discussed.
Distracted mind: the effects of multitasking and mind wandering on consumer memory for ad content

People frequently do not pay full attention to advertising messages to which they are exposed. While external distraction such as active avoidance (e.g., multitasking while ads play) or background ...
An Electrothermal Micromirror with J-shaped Bimorph Microactuators

A tip-tilt-piston micromirror with four J-shaped bimorph microactuators is developed to increase robustness and stability. The diameter of the central mirror plate is 1 mm and the footprint of the entire device is only 1.6 × 1.6 mm2. The micromirror scans 3° (optical) at 2.8 Vdc. The piston mode and rotation mode are measured at 880 Hz and 1555 Hz, respectively.
Secure and reliable data forwarding using homomorphic encryption against blackhole attacks in mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a dynamic wireless network without any infrastructures. It is vulnerable to many types of attacks. Thus, security has turned out to be an important factor to facilitate secured communication between mobile nodes in a wireless environment. Recently, many routing protocols have been established. But most of them do not consider the security criteria in their designing. So, practically any node can maliciously disrupt communication of other nodes. Hence, a new approach is proposed in this paper to provide reliable and secure data transmission in MANETs under possible blackhole attacks based on modified ad-hoc on-demand multipath distance vector (AOMDV) protocol. We divide the message into multiple paths to the destination and use homomorphic encryption scheme for cryptography technique. The performance of the proposed scheme is stable with very high packet delivery ratio while that of AOMDV is found to be vulnerable with the intrusion of malicious nodes in the network. Simulation results show that, compared to the original AOMDV scheme, our proposed scheme improves considerably the packet delivery ratio and network throughput in the presence of malicious nodes.
Age-Friendly Universities (AFU): Possibilities and Power in Campus Connections.

Shifting age demographics are reshaping societies and challenging institutions of higher education to respond to aging populations through new approaches to teaching, research, and community engage...
The Associations Between Light Exposure During Pumping and Holder Pasteurization and the Macronutrient and Vitamin Concentrations in Human Milk

BackgroundDuring pumping, storage, and pasteurization human milk is exposed to light, which could affect the concentrations of light-sensitive vitamins. Currently, milk banks do not regulate light ...
Chapter 26 – Adrenals

The avian adrenal gland plays a central role in homeostasis and is composed of chromaffin and cortical tissues that are variably intermingled. The primary role of its secretory products is to regulate energy flow and partitioning. Catecholamines from the chromaffin tissue largely raise blood glucose for rapid energy expenditure during acute stress, especially during the more commonly described “fight-or-flight” response. By contrast, the corticosteroid secretory products from the cortical tissue control more complex functions. The mineralocorticoids are part of a larger system that regulates salt and water balance. The glucocorticoids are part of a larger system that regulates energy flow and partitioning, especially blood glucose. The effects of corticosteroids are mediated by a complex array of cognate intracellular and membrane receptors and receptor isoforms. In addition, the action of glucocorticoids at the cellular level is modulated by various circulating binding globulins and intracellular enzymes in target cells that degrade and regenerate active corticosteroids at the local level. This chapter focuses on the fundamental regulation of the adrenal tissues and the action of catecholamines and corticosteroids, and how they change over the life-history cycle and life-history stage.
2 – The Double Helix

Publisher Summary This chapter on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) provides information on its structure and its replication. In the 1950s, researchers wanted to understand the structure of the DNA to find out about the molecular functions in the hereditary process. The studies on heredity and cellular reproduction were tentative until Watson and Crick presented a suggested structure for DNA. The chemical components of DNA were known before its structure, and the basic chemistry was revealed by Levene. Levene revealed that the two nucleic acids contain three basic components— (1) a five-carbon sugar, (2) a series of phosphate groups, (3) four different compounds containing nitrogen having the chemical properties of bases. The four bases are known as “nitrogenous bases.” In the 1950s, using a technique called X-ray diffraction scientists found the three-dimensional structure of DNA. Wilkins found a way to prepare more uniformly oriented fibers to obtain good refraction patterns, and Franklin found that the patterns of the DNA molecule suggested a helix. From the refraction patterns, Watson and Crick discovered that DNA is composed of two ribbonlike "backbones" composed of alternating deoxyribose and phosphate molecules. Their model indicates that a DNA can replicate when the double helix unwinds. Meselson and Stahl did further research in DNA replication and described DNA as semiconservative.
Delay-Aware Risk Analysis and Control in Smart Grid Networks with Corrupted Measurements

A novel framework is presented for design of wide-area-control (WAC) in smart grid power systems. The problem setup regards scenarios where control suffers from noisy measurement and time-lags. We evaluate the risk of phase incoherence in interconnected power machines. We outline the effect of systemic parameters, information flow and disturbances on risk of phase deviations. Our results suggest limitations of delay-aware control in presence of multiple sources of noise. We develop algorithmic network design tools to enhance and, in some cases, optimize coherency and robustness of the closed-loop system.
Assessing Utilization of the Cerebrospinal Fluid Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test for Diagnosis of Neurosyphilis: a Cohort Study.

Inappropriate use of diagnostic tests contributes to rising healthcare expenditures, and improving appropriate utilization rates is important for high-value patient care. The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test performed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has historically been improperly utilized, although there is no recent evaluation of its use in clinical practice. Quantify the rates of appropriate CSF-VDRL testing, determine the CSF-VDRL false-positivity rate, and describe the causes of false-positive CSF-VDRL reactivity. Retrospective cohort study A total of 32,626 patients with CSF-VDRL testing at one of three Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; and Scottsdale, AZ) from January 1, 1994, to February 28, 2018. Rate of appropriate CSF-VDRL test utilization from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2017, and CSF-VDRL true- and false-positivity rates from January 1, 1994, to February 28, 2018. Among 8553 persons with negative CSF-VDRL results, testing was inappropriately ordered for 8399 (98.2%) of these patients. The word “syphilis” or “neurosyphilis” appeared in the notes of 1184 (13.8%) individuals with a negative CSF-VDRL result. From January 1994 through February 2018, 33,933 CSF-VDRL tests were performed on 32,626 individual patients. Among the 60 positive CSF-VDRL results, 43 (71.7%) were true-positives and 17 (28.3%) were false-positives. All patients with false-positive CSF-VDRL results were tested unnecessarily. Neoplastic meningitis was a common cause of false-positive CSF-VDRL results. Inappropriate use of CSF-VDRL testing for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis remains problematic in clinical practice. Following recommended testing algorithms would prevent unnecessary testing and minimize false-positive results.
Neural and molecular mechanisms underlying female mate choice decisions in vertebrates

Female mate choice is a dynamic process that allows individuals to selectively mate with those of the opposite sex that display a preferred set of traits. Because in many species males compete with each other for fertilization opportunities, female mate choice can be a powerful agent of sexual selection, often resulting in highly conspicuous traits in males. Although the evolutionary causes and consequences of the ornamentation and behaviors displayed by males to attract mates have been well studied, embarrassingly little is known about the proximate neural mechanisms through which female choice occurs. In vertebrates, female mate choice is inherently a social behavior, and although much remains to be discovered about this process, recent evidence suggests the neural substrates and circuits underlying other fundamental social behaviors (such as pair bonding, aggression and parental care) are likely similarly recruited during mate choice. Notably, female mate choice is not static, as social and ecological environments can shape the brain and, consequently, behavior in specific ways. In this Review, we discuss how social and/or ecological influences mediate female choice and how this occurs within the brain. We then discuss our current understanding of the neural substrates underlying female mate choice, with a specific focus on those that also play a role in regulating other social behaviors. Finally, we propose several promising avenues for future research by highlighting novel model systems and new methodological approaches, which together will transform our understanding of the causes and consequences of female mate choice.
Aging with a Disability

The number of older adults in the United States is growing rapidly. The dual phenomena of global aging coupled with increased longevity for individuals with disabilities can create new challenges for societies striving to meet the needs of populations aging into disability and those aging with disabilities acquired earlier in the life course. But the experience of growing older with a disability and growing older into a disability is likely to be considerably different—in part because of the accumulated inequality experienced by those aging with disabilities in terms of their health, and social and economic standing over adulthood. In this chapter we review key concepts and theoretical frameworks in the disability and gerontological literatures to help guide the understanding of aging and disability. We then go on to use these conceptual frameworks to articulate some of the key issues in public health research on aging and disability, including healthcare disparities, technology and supports, and the need for supportive community and environmental contexts.
Perverse Consequences of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems

Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) refer to military systems that employ human-made algorithms to independently identify, search for, and engage targets without human intervention. LAWS refer to autonomous weapons systems with total or at least near-total independence from human control after activation. Although they have existed for decades, in recent years that have been ongoing efforts to develop offensive LAWS, as opposed to defensive ones, in several of the world’s most militarily and technologically advanced countries. The purpose of our paper is to present six perverse consequences of using offensive LAWS. Because LAWS will transform warfare and policing with potentially high, negative costs on human wellbeing, it is crucial to consider these costs as part of the overall evaluation of LAWS.
Enhanced Understanding of Molecular Interactions and Function Underlying Pain Processes Through Networks of Transcript Isoforms, Genes, and Gene Families

Introduction Molecular networks based on the abundance of mRNA at the gene level and pathway networks that relate families or groups of paralog genes have supported the understanding of interactions between molecules. However, multiple molecular mechanisms underlying health and behavior, such as pain signal processing, are modulated by the abundances of the transcript isoforms that originate from alternative splicing, in addition to gene abundances. Alternative splice variants of growth factors, ion channels, and G-protein-coupled receptors can code for proteoforms that can have different effects on pain and nociception. Therefore, networks inferred using abundance from more agglomerative molecular units (eg, gene family, or gene) have limitations in capturing interactions at a more granular level (eg, gene, or transcript isoform, respectively) do not account for changes in the abundance at the transcript isoform level. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative benefits of network inference using abundance patterns at various aggregate levels. Methods Sparse networks were inferred using Gaussian Markov random fields and a novel aggregation criterion was used to aggregate network edges. The relative advantages of network aggregation were evaluated on two molecular systems that have different dimensions and connectivity, circadian rhythm and Toll-like receptor pathways, using RNA-sequencing data from mice representing two pain level groups, opioid-induced hyperalgesia and control, and two central nervous system regions, the nucleus accumbens and the trigeminal ganglia. Results The inferred networks were benchmarked against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes reference pathways using multiple criteria. Networks inferred using more granular information performed better than networks inferred using more aggregate information. The advantage of granular inference varied with the pathway and data set used. Discussion The differences in inferred network structure between data sets highlight the differences in OIH effect between central nervous system regions. Our findings suggest that inference of networks using alternative splicing variants can offer complementary insights into the relationship between genes and gene paralog groups.
Factors Associated With Lung Cancer Screening Adherence Among Patients With Negative Baseline CT Results in a Community Health Care Setting.

PURPOSE Lung cancer screening (LCS) decreases lung cancer mortality; however, that reduction depends upon screening adherence. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with adherence rate for LCS among patients with negative baseline CT results in a multi-integrated health care network. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted among patients with negative baseline CT results in a multi-integrated health care network LCS program between January 2015 and January 2020. The two outcomes were adherence for the first and second subsequent LCS studies. Negative baseline result was defined as a Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System score 0, 1, or 2. Adherence was defined as undergoing a follow-up study within 11 to 15 months of a prior scan. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of adherence, adjusting for patient demographics, median household income (on the basis of geocoding ZIP codes from the US Census Bureau), smoking history, screening sites, and provider specialty. RESULTS A total of 30.7% (512 of 1,668) and 16.3% (270 of 1,660) of patients were adherent for the first two annual subsequent screens, respectively. First-year adherence was higher among former smokers and varied by site and provider specialty. Second-year adherence was higher among former smokers and varied by site, provider specialty, and pack-years smoked. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to LCS in a multihospital integrated health care network was poor and even lower at year 2. The identified factors associated with adherence may serve as targets to increase LCS adherence and decrease lung cancer mortality.
Dynamic Algorithms with Worst-Case Performance for Packet Classification

Packet classification involves -- given a set of rules -- finding the highest priority rule matching an incoming packet. When designing packet classification algorithms, three metrics need to be considered: query time, update time and storage requirements. The algorithms proposed to-date have been heuristics that exploit structure inherent in the classification rules, and/or trade off one or more metrics for others. In this paper, we describe two new simple dynamic classification algorithms, Heap-on-Trie or HoT and Binarysearchtree-on-Trie or BoT for general classifiers. The performance of these algorithms is considered in the worst-case, i.e., without assumptions about structure in the classification rules. They are also designed to perform well (though not necessarily the "best") in each of the metrics simultaneously.
Social movement in Telecommunications

Abstract Between 1894 and 1919 the U.S. telecommunications industry underwent a fundamental policy shift, from unprecedented private competition to regulated monopoly. This metamorphosis expressed not an evolving consensus, but a complex series of social conflicts over the structure and purpose of telecommunications. The most important outcome of these conflicts was to curtail grassroots political mobilizations to intervene in telecommunications policymaking.
Mu-opioid receptor desensitization by beta-arrestin-2 determines morphine tolerance but not dependence.

μ-Opioid receptor desensitization by β-arrestin-2 determines morphine tolerance but not dependence
Professional licensing and clinical practice : Credentialling electives for master's degree practitioners

Health care reform and managed care have transformed mental health practice. Already, reduced patient benefits, health care rationing, and organizational downsizing and mergers have re-contoured health care delivery. Within this changing climate, clinicians are faced with decreased numbers of sessions with patients, reduced fees, and increased competition. This paper examines credentialling options to enhance professional viability for master's degree practitioners. Specific attention is paid to credentialling standards of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Certified School Psychologists, Licensed Masters Level Psychologists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers since these areas provide designations to enhance practice opportunities.
Image processing ASIC for real-time contrast enhancement

An ASIC chip set that implements adaptive local contrast enhancement for real-time image processing is presented. The contrast enhancement is based on a nonlinear mapping M(A, sigma ,P), where A is an average, sigma is a standard deviation, and P is a center pixel over a 9*9 window. The throughput rate is 100 ns per pixel. A dynamic programming technique and pipelining are used to minimize the space-time constraint in the implementation. >
Bell Inequalities with a Range of Violation that Does Not Diminish as the Spin Becomes Arbitrarily Large

Some new, powerful, and very simple Bell inequalities are derived. They establish that for two spin-$s$ particles in the singlet state, the quantum-theoretic Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations for spin measurements along all pairs of directions from a set of $N$ axes are incompatible with local realism for any set of distinct coplanar axes when $N=3$, and for any set of distinct axes whatever when $N=4$, with the possible exception of sets restricted by one of the constraints $\stackrel{^}{a}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\stackrel{^}{b}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\stackrel{^}{c}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\stackrel{^}{d}=0$. These results hold for any value of the spin.
Magnetostrictive Alloy Actuator for a Bone Transport Device

The ultimate goal of our research is to develop a bone transport device using a magnetostrictive alloy actuation system. The device is designed to be subcutaneously mounted on the periosteal surface of the tibia. The magnetomechanical behavior of Terfenol-D smart magnetostrictive material has been well investigated in the literature when a magnetic field is applied along the longitudinal direction of the Terfenol-D material (perpendicular to the material’s magnetic moment). However, the requirement of our device is to have the magnetic field transversely applied on the Terfenol-D material (along the material’s magnetic moment). Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the magnetomechanical behavior of Terfenol-D under a transversely applied magnetic field. Experimental work was performed and a Terfenol-D material constitutive behavior was investigated.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The heat capacity of cerous magnesium nitrate and some related materials between 0.3 and 4 K

Cerous magnesium nitrate (CMN) is the preeminent electronic paramagnet in use in cryogenic physics for magnetic thermometry and adiabatic cooling. In demagnetization experiments designed to establish the thermodynamic temperature relations for CMN, an inexplicable heat capacity anomaly was found to occur above 20 mK and is shown here to persist to temperatures near 1 K. The anomaly is small but its presence interferes with and may cause errors in the analysis of thermometric data. We have measured the heat capacity of CMN, lanthanum magnesium nitrate (LMN), cerous nitrate hexahydrate, and a saturated aqueous solution of CMN (CMN liquor) in the temperature range 0.3–4 K in an attempt to find the source of the anomaly. The LMN heat capacity shows no anomaly and is used to approximate the lattice heat capacity of CMN. At low temperatures the CMN heat capacity, exclusive of the lattice contribution, is some 2 1/2 times larger than the magnetic heat capacity predicted by other investigations. At high temperatures an exponentially increasing heat capacity due to the first excited electronic level is observed and indicates a splitting which is in accurate agreement with the spectroscopic value. There is evidence that the lattice heat capacity in CMN is about 1% smaller than in LMN, which is probably the result of the crystal-field interaction with the electronic states of the cerous ions. The lattice terms and theT−2term of the magnetic heat capacity for cerous nitrate have been determined, the latter being 25 times larger than the predictedT−2term in CMN. The CMN liquor measurements indicate that this sample had probably become a glass on cooling. The lattice heat capacity is considerably larger than could be predicted from the separate components and there is no indication of the exponential term which would be observable if appreciable crystalline CMN were present. These measurements help to define the nature of the anomalous heat capacity and remove from consideration some possible explanations, but they do not reveal the cause of the anomaly.
“One Strangling Golden Hair”: Dante Gabriel Rossetti's Lady Lilith

Rossetti's portraits of women are often defined as products of neurotic obsession. However, the history of his painting Lady Lilith suggests that it expresses the fears and desires of Rossetti's audience as well as his own feelings. This legendary figure - Adam's first wife, a baby-stealer - embodies the conflicts experienced by Victorians confronted with the Women's Emancipation Movement and controversy over family planning in the 1860's. Inspired by models ranging from Titian to Goethe, Rossetti created an early femme fatale who, as “New Woman,” first imprisons her lover in a stranglehold of flowing hair, and finally destroys him and his hope of progeny.
Network structure, games, and agent dynamics

Abstract Consider a group of agents embedded in a network, repeatedly playing a game with their neighbors. Each agent acts locally but through the links of the network local decisions percolate to the entire population. Past research shows that such a system converges either to an absorbing state (a fixed distribution of actions that once attained does not change) or to an absorbing set (a set of action distributions that may cycle in finite populations or behave chaotically in unbounded populations). In many network games, however, it is uncertain which situation emerges. In this paper I identify two fundamental network characteristics, boundary consistency and neighborhood overlap, that determine the outcome of all symmetric, binary-choice, network games. In quasi-consistent networks these games converge to an absorbing state regardless of the initial distribution of actions, and the degree to which neighborhoods overlap impacts the number and composition of those absorbing states.
Dissolution Kinetics of TiO2 in HF-HC1 Solutions

The dissolution kinetics of TiO2 powders in HF-HCl solutions was studied as a function of time, temperature, and acid concentration. The rate of dissolution was linear with time, directly proportional to [HF], independent of [HCl], and exhibited an exponential temperature dependence with an activation energy of 74.9 kj/mol. The results are explained in terms of a surface reaction mechanism involving an activated complex at a cation surface site formed by the substitution of an HF molecule into the coordination sphere of the titanium ion.
Physisorbed CO on ionic crystals: An extended BEG spin-lattice model of adsorbed dipolar molecules

Abstract The 2D dielectric phases and phase transitions of adsorbed dipolar molecules are studied using a dilute spin-one Ising model. The spin-one formulation assigns a spin S i =±1 to a (up/down) dipole occupying a lattice site I adsorbed perpendicular to the substrate surface and S i =0 to unoccupied sites. We relate the mean field expression for the spin-model interaction energy to a more detailed microscopic model involving dipolar, quadrupolar and repulsive interactions beyond nearest neighbor. Analytic solutions in the mean field approximation are discussed for dipole-orientation order–disorder transitions and ferroelectric-to-antiferroelectric transitions as a function of temperature and coverage. The model is applied to two prototypical dipolar physisorbed systems, CO on MgO(100) and CO on NaCl(100), using previous experimental and theoretical studies to determine the interaction energy parameters. We find for most of these model parameters that only temperature-dependent ferroelectric dipole order–disorder phase transitions can occur for these two systems. However, we find that phase transitions between the two ferroelectric states, driven by changes in coverage, should also be observed for some predicted values of the parameters. Phase diagrams are presented. Application of the model to other related adsorbed dipolar systems is also discussed.
A Device for Precise Temperature Control of Electrodeless Discharge Lamps

Electrodeless discharge lamps, (EDL) operated with an “A” antenna are shown to be extremely temperature sensitive. Changes of up to 103 × in spectral radiant output may be produced by a 130 °K chan...