cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poincaré and the Invention of Convention

Jules Henri Poincare is famous for his “conventionalist” philosophy of science. But what exactly does this mean? Poincare invented the category of convention because he thought that there are some central principles in science that are neither based on intuition , empirical data, nor that are arbitrary stipulations. His views here resemble those of Wittgenstein , in particular, as presented in On Certainty. The invention of convention is lauded (for example, by Robert DiSalle ) as a genuine philosophical discovery. But it is also critiqued (for example by Michael Friedman ) as yielding a vision of science that is too rigid – one that is refuted by general relativity . This paper aims to defend Poincare’s views about conventions by focusing on his central idea that conventional choices, though “free”, are “guided” by experience . I will argue that conventionalism is not a commitment to fixed a priori stipulations, as DiSalle and Friedman propose. Rather, it mandates empirically motivated shifts in (even geometric) conventions – a view surprisingly in accord with Friedman’s “relativized a priori”, and thus more consistent with general relativity than is generally thought.
Chemometric Resolution of Complex Higher Order Chromatographic Data with Spectral Detection

Abstract One- and two-dimensional chromatography has been coupled with spectral detection in a variety of ways. Some of the most popular instrumental platforms will be covered in this chapter: liquid chromatography coupled with multiwavelength diode array detection (LC–DAD), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC–MS), comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography with DAD (LC × LC–DAD), and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS). Since these instruments are commonly applied to study complex samples, the resulting data are also very complex, and analyte peaks commonly overlap. Chemometric methods are often used to mathematically resolve (or unmix) the overlapped analyte peaks, which leads to successful analyte identification and quantification. The design and implementation of a particular instrumental platform can significantly impact various underlying aspects of the data structure, whether second order or third order, causing benefits and challenges for chemometric methods. The benefits and challenges that appear at the interface between hyphenated chromatography and chemometrics will be explored for several mathematical resolution methods, including multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), generalized rank annihilation method (GRAM), and parallel factor analysis methods (PARAFAC and PARAFAC2).
Seasonal nitrogen effects on nutritive value in binary mixtures of tall fescue and bermudagrass

The addition of cool-season, tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.], to warm-season, bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], pastures can improve forage productivity and nutritive value. Effects of four binary mixtures consisting of cv. Flecha (incompletely summer dormant) and cv. Jesup (summer active) tall fescue overseeded into established stands of cv. Russell and cv. Tifton 44 bermudagrass and three seasonal N treatments were evaluated on dry-matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), in vitro true digestible DM (IVTDDM), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Nitrogen-timing treatments were 168 kg N ha−1 (as ammonium nitrate) split into three applications per season with an additional 8·6 t ha−1 of broiler litter (as-is moisture basis) split into two applications varied to favour either tall fescue (in October and January), bermudagrass (in March and May) or both grasses (in January and March). Treatment effects were determined in samples of mixed herbage harvested in April, May, July, August and September of 2009 and 2010. Regardless of bermudagrass cultivar, herbage DM yield was greater (P < 0·05) in Flecha–bermudagrass than Jesup–bermudagrass in July of both years and in August 2010. Nutritive value generally was greatest in Jesup–Tifton 44, based on high CP and IVTDDM, and low ADF and NDF. Averaged across mixtures, avoiding fertilizer N and litter applications beyond April increased (P < 0·01) DM yield in April and May and IVTDDM in July (603 vs. 629 g kg−1; 2-year average) and August (618 vs. 660 g kg−1) compared with applications in January–July. The timing of N and broiler litter applications on tall fescue–bermudagrass to favour growth of tall fescue appeared to increase fescue cover during the cool season and nutritive value of the mixed herbage during the warm season.
Algebraic independent component analysis

We present extended results of our recent algorithm for ICA of overcomplete mixtures, namely, the algebraic independent component analysis (AICA). This algorithm is based entirely on algebraic operations and vector-distance measures. AICA retains the stability and convergence properties of the previously proposed geometric ICA (geo-ICA) algorithms but has the advantage of reduced computational complexity. Secondly, the algebraic operations are robust against the inherent permutation and scaling issues in ICA further simplifying the performance evaluation of the ICA algorithms using algebraic measures. Thirdly, the algebraic framework is directly extendable to any dimension of ICA problems exhibiting only a linear increase in the complexity as a function of the dimension. The algorithm has been extensively tested for overcomplete, undercomplete and quadratic ICA using unimodal super Gaussian distributions. A discussion on possible extensions in the proposed algorithm and illustrative simulation examples are also included.
Pollutant monitoring of aircraft exhaust with multispectral imaging

Communities surrounding local airports are becoming increasingly concerned about the aircraft pollutants emitted during the landing-takeoff (LTO) cycle, and their potential for negative health effects. Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston and London have all recently been featured in the news regarding concerns over the amount of airport pollution being emitted on a daily basis, and several studies have been published on the increased risks of cancer for those living near airports. There are currently no inexpensive, portable, and unobtrusive sensors that can monitor the spatial and temporal nature of jet engine exhaust plumes. In this work we seek to design a multispectral imaging system that is capable of tracking exhaust plumes during the engine idle phase, with a specific focus on unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions. UHCs are especially potent to local air quality, and their strong absorption features allow them to act as a spatial and temporal plume tracer. Using a Gaussian plume to radiometrically model jet engine exhaust, we have begun designing an inexpensive, portable, and unobtrusive imaging system to monitor the relative amount of pollutants emitted by aircraft in the idle phase. The LWIR system will use two broadband filters to detect emitted UHCs. This paper presents the spatial and temporal radiometric models of the exhaust plume from a typical jet engine used on 737s. We also select filters for plume tracking, and propose an imaging system layout for optimal detectibility. In terms of feasibility, a multispectral imaging system will be two orders of magnitude cheaper than current unobtrusive methods (PTR-MS) used to monitor jet engine emissions. Large-scale impacts of this work will include increased capabilities to monitor local airport pollution, and the potential for better-informed decision-making regarding future developments to airports.
About Medical Words and Their Origins

Every medical word comes from somewhere, or someone, and few originated in the English language. Most of today’s medical terms trace their origins to ancient Greek and Latin. Only a few come from modern European or Asian languages. Words, even those we use in the clinic, have personalities. Some medical words, such as murmur, seem pleasant, almost euphonious; others such as grippe and scabies are ugly. Some medical words have status: Expectorate is more refined than spitting. This chapter presents an overview of medical word origins and how some of today’s medical terms began several millennia ago.
Setting affordable performance targets for consumer products: a method based on fuzzy logic

The design of a new consumer product starts with setting targets for the most important performance attributes. In most cases, there is no systematic way to account for cost when setting targets. This leads to targets that are too expensive to meet and eventually to waste of resources. A method for target setting that accounts for cost and for the relative importance of performance characteristics to customers is proposed. The method uses fuzzy sets to express the preference of customers to certain values of performance characteristics and cost and to combine the preferences into one measure of overall customer satisfaction. A regression polynomial is used to estimate the cost required to meet given targets. Then the method finds the values of the performance targets that maximize customer satisfaction. The method is demonstrated on target setting for medium–size family cars.
Endovascular Treatment of Complex Distal Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device

Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for endovascular treatment of complex, distal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent endovascular treatment of complex PCA aneurysms with PED from November 2012 to December 2015. A total of 4 patients were identified and treated. Twelve-month angiographic and clinical follow-up was available for all patients. Results Mean aneurysm size (largest diameter) was 10.0 mm, and all aneurysms originated at the P2 segment or beyond. Technical success was achieved in all patients. All patients were treated with a single PED; adjunctive intrasaccular coil was also placed in one patient. All patients achieved a favorable postprocedural outcome (modified Rankin Scale score = 0) with no new neurologic deficits. No patients experienced neurologic complications or perforator infarction, and presenting symptoms resolved in all patients. Follow-up cerebral angiography at 12 months in 3 patients showed complete occlusion (Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification class 1) and minimal residual aneurysm filling (Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification class 2) in 1 patient. A small degree of focal stenosis was present in 2 patients within the PED at 12-month follow-up that was associated with mild decrease in flow within the distal PCA branches. Conclusions PED use provides a practical and viable treatment option for complex, distal PCA aneurysms. Based on our limited institutional experience, PED use for treatment of complex, distal PCA aneurysms in select patients appears safe and effective.
Predictors of Seizure Freedom After Surgery for Cortical Malformations

Researchers at the Northern California Epilepsy Center and University of California, San Francisco, conducted a retrospective review of 143 patients with malformations of cortical development (MCD) who underwent resection surgery for medically refractory epilepsy.
Baker Packaging, Inc

Students consider which capital budgeting approach to take when evaluating a packaging manufacturer's joint venture proposal. Suitable for MBA and undergraduate students, the case presents a scenario in which a lack of short-term profits and the resulting lack of tax payments could make adjusted present value a better choice than weighted average cost of capital. Students also consider how to value the industrial bond financing that would fund construction of a new plant. A supplemental student spreadsheet is available (UVA-F-1624X). Excerpt UVA-F-1624 Rev. Jan. 18, 2011 Baker Packaging, Inc. Tom Hanes of Baker Packaging, Inc., had just finished reviewing the materials for the new joint venture with Thurston, Inc., a large European printing firm. The proposal was for the development of a new packaging and printing plant to be built in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Even though the company had always used a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) approach to evaluate capital budgeting projects, Hanes was concerned the analysis might not capture all of the proposal's nuances. His concerns centered on the fact that the project would sustain losses in the early years, which would mean no tax payments. In addition, he had some questions concerning how much value to attribute to the industrial revenue bond (IRB) financing that was being used to fund the project. Baker Packaging management needed to make a decision by December 15, 2010. It was already December 1, so Hanes knew he had little time to completehis review. The Company Baker Packaging was founded by John and Karen Baker in 1985 in Medford, Massachusetts. Previously, Karen had been a corporate lawyer for a large multinational company. Her husband, John, trained as an engineer, had worked 15 years at Federal Paper Board Company, Inc., and he believed Federal was not taking full advantage of developing technologies. The couple started their own company with the aim of fully integrating new technology into what had been up to that point a relatively labor-intensive process. Sales had grown from about $ 100,000 in the initial year to over $ 50 million. Baker Packaging operated five plants that produced packaging and paper products for a number of large consumer products companies. (See Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2 for Baker's recent financial information.) . . .
Heterogeneous Freezing of Carbon Nanotubes: A Model System for Pore Condensation and Freezing in the Atmosphere

Heterogeneous ice nucleation is an important mechanism for cloud formation in the upper troposphere. Recently, pores on atmospheric particles have been proposed to play a significant role in ice nucleation. To understand how ice nucleation occurs in idealized pores, we characterized the immersion freezing activity of various sizes of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are used both as a model for pores and proxy for soot particles. We determined that carbon nanotubes with inner diameters between 2 and 3 nm exhibit the highest ice nucleation activity. Implications for the freezing behavior of porous materials and nucleation on soot particles will be discussed.
Shake-Table Testing and Performance Assessment of a Partially Grouted Reinforced Masonry Building

This paper presents a study on the seismic performance of partially grouted reinforced masonry buildings. Shake-table tests were conducted on a full-scale, one-story building that had ordinary partially grouted masonry shear walls. The building was designed according to the current practice and code provisions in the U.S. for areas of low to moderate seismicity. For the tests, a sequence of earthquake ground motions of increasing intensity was applied. The structure developed adequate base shear capacity and was able to resist ground motions with intensities twice the maximum considered earthquake without failures. However, it eventually failed in a brittle manner. To quantify the contribution of each shear wall to the overall lateral load capacity of the building, a nonlinear finite-element model was developed and calibrated with the experimental data obtained from the shake-table tests. The experimental and numerical results suggest that the shear strength equation of the current design code predicts reasonably well the base shear capacity of the building specimen.
TRANSFORMATIONS AS EXPONENTIALS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the transformations as exponentials. Two rotations around the same axis are considered. Concatenating these two transformations is equivalent to adding the rotation angles, and that is, the product of two such rotation matrices is equivalent to a single rotation matrix where the angles are added. It is found that multiplication of rotations is like the adding of angles. There is another well-known function in mathematics where multiplication can be performed through addition: the exponential. Multiplying two exponentials is equivalent to adding their exponents. It is found that of course, this observation is the basis of standard logarithms. It is shown that this connection between rotation and exponentials is more than simply a coincidence, and indeed, rotations and many of the other nonsingular transformations that one often encounter in computer graphics are exponential matrices. It is observed that because exponentials are particularly simple to manipulate, the exponential map also may be useful for discovering other identities relating the standard linear transformations of computer graphics.
Neuronal Progenitor Cells of the Mammalian Neonatal Anterior Subventricular Zone

The identification of progenitor cell populations capable of producing neurons and defining the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate neuronal progenitor cell proliferation have been subjects of increasing interest over the last decade. Two major reasons for this emphasis are the gradual acceptance that at least some regions of the brain generate neurons throughout life and the growing appreciation that neuronal progenitor cells could be used to therapeutically treat disorders and injuries of the central nervous system (CNS) (1). Despite early studies by Altman and Das (2) demonstrating ongoing neurogenesis in the adult rodent hippocampus and olfactory bulb, it was widely believed until recently that in primates the generation of neurons ceases in the late embryonic or early postnatal period (e.g., ref. 3). Although it is certainly true that a large majority of neurons are generated prenatally or in the early postnatal period, strong evidence that new olfactory bulb neurons are produced throughout life in primates, as well as lower mammals, is discussed below, and there is also evidence of ongoing neurogenesis in the primate hippocampus (4,5). In addition, olfactory receptor neurons, the first-order neurons in the olfactory system, have been found to regenerate throughout life in all vertebrates examined (6,7). Thus, the capacity, and indeed, the fact of neurogenesis continuing throughout life in the CNS of higher, as well as lower, mammals is now well established.
Particle atomic layer deposition

The functionalization of fine primary particles by atomic layer deposition (particle ALD) provides for nearly perfect nanothick films to be deposited conformally on both external and internal particle surfaces, including nanoparticle surfaces. Film thickness is easily controlled from several angstroms to nanometers by the number of self-limiting surface reactions that are carried out sequentially. Films can be continuous or semi-continuous. This review starts with a short early history of particle ALD. The discussion includes agitated reactor processing, both atomic and molecular layer deposition (MLD), coating of both inorganic and polymer particles, nanoparticles, and nanotubes. A number of applications are presented, and a path forward, including likely near-term commercial products, is given.
Evaluation of the Impact of an Inpatient Hyperglycemia Protocol on Glycemic Control.

Purpose: Inpatient hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcomes. Existing research assessing inpatient hyperglycemia protocols has shown improvements in average blood glucose levels with inconsistent results regarding rates of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an inpatient hyperglycemia protocol on glycemic control. Methods: This retrospective cohort study at a large, community teaching hospital included adult patients in non-critical care units requiring insulin administration for glycemic control. The intervention examined was utilization of an inpatient hyperglycemia protocol, comprised of a computerized physician order entry order set and provider education at the time of implementation. Two cohorts, a pre-protocol implementation group and a post-protocol implementation group, were compared. The primary outcome was the incidence of blood glucose values within 70-180 mg/dL over a 72-hour period between groups. Key secondary outcomes included the incidence of hypoglycemia (less than 70 mg/dL), severe hyperglycemia (above 300 mg/dL), total insulin use, and hospital length of stay. Results: The primary outcome was significantly improved following protocol implementation (54.2% vs. 58.4%, p = 0.001). Compared to the pre-protocol group, the post-protocol group had lower incidence of hypoglycemia (3.1% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001), severe hyperglycemia (9.9% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001), less total insulin use (1.1 units/kg vs. 0.6 units/kg, p < 0.001), and shorter length of stay (5.1 days vs. 3.7 days, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The implementation of an inpatient hyperglycemia protocol was associated with improved glycemic control, decreased incidence of both hypoglycemia and severe hyperglycemia, and less total insulin use.
Comparative study of PROMISⓇ self-efficacy for managing chronic conditions across chronic neurologic disorders

Self-efficacy (SE) for managing chronic conditions is the belief that one can carry out behaviors to reach health goals. The study objective is to investigate (1) SE for managing chronic conditions across diverse neurologic conditions, (2) demographic and disease determinants of SE, and (3) SE as a predictor of health and disability. Patients with chronic neurologic conditions (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, Parkinson disease, stroke; n = 834) completed five SE for Managing Chronic Conditions instruments (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®; PROMIS®). Other assessments included PROMIS depression, fatigue, physical function, and global health. Two of the five SE domains showed differences across the five disorders (ANOVA; SE for Managing Daily Activities p < .001 and Managing Symptoms p < .01). The three domains with no differences were Managing Medications/Treatments, Emotions, and Social Interactions. Lowest SE was in neuropathy, and highest in epilepsy (Managing Activities) and stroke (Managing Symptoms). Multivariate regression showed SE measures to be better predictors of mental health, global health, and disability than either disease severity or diagnosis. SE for managing chronic conditions differs across neurologic disorders, with lowest SE for managing activities and symptoms in neuropathy, and highest in patients with epilepsy and stroke. PROMIS SE measures are better predictors of mental health, disability, and quality of life than disease severity or diagnosis.
Alternative Facts and States of Fear: Reality and STS in an Age of Climate Fictions

In the decades since the Science Wars of the 1990s, climate science has become a crucible for the negotiation of claims about reality and expertise. This negotiation, which has drawn explicitly on the ideas and techniques of science and technology studies (STS), has taken place in genres of fiction as well as non-fiction, which intersect in surprising ways. In this case study, I focus on two interwoven strands of this history. One follows Michael Crichton’s best-selling 2004 novel, State of Fear and its reception by neo-conservatives as a commentary on the mis-uses of facts to stoke fear about anthropogenic climate change. The other considers Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway’s 2010 publishing success Merchants of Doubt as the inverse, a demonstration of the forms of disinformation that have been used to undermine scientific consensus around climate change. I show that both Crichton’s as well as Oreskes and Conway’s approaches were critiqued by academic STS even as their accounts constituted the most high-profile performances of its stakes and the politics of knowledge since the Science Wars. In highlighting the STS practices deployed by each, as well as how those practices were differently linked to accusations of fear-mongering and a perversion of the purity of STS, I demonstrate the need for a reflexive history of STS. Such an approach, I argue, can better consider the social life of STS ideas and practices amidst calls for more politically-engaged approaches to knowledge production.
Skin Delivery and Irritation Potential of Phenmetrazine as a Candidate Transdermal Formulation for Repurposed Indications.

Phenmetrazine, a selective dopamine and norepinephrine releaser, previously available as an oral anorectic, is prone to be abused. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering phenmetrazine via the transdermal route for a new indication, while also minimizing its abuse potential. The passive permeation of phenmetrazine through dermatomed human cadaver skin was evaluated using static Franz diffusion cells at 10 mg/mL for the fumarate salt, and at 20, 40, and 80 mg/mL for the free base in propylene glycol for 24 h. Further, oleic acid (5% w/w), oleyl alcohol (5% and 10% w/w), and lauric acid (10% w/w) were investigated as chemical permeation enhancers to enhance the delivery. Skin irritation potential was assessed using EpiDerm™ in vitro reconstructed human epidermal model. The free base showed superior 24-h delivery (8.13 ± 4.07%, 10.6 ± 2.5%, and 10.4 ± 1.4% for groups with 20, 40, and 80 mg/mL of the free base, respectively) to phenmetrazine fumarate salt (undetectable). The successful screening of effective chemical enhancers, oleyl alcohol (5% and 10% w/w), oleic acid (5% w/w), and lauric acid (10% w/w) resulted in significant enhancement of delivery. The calculated therapeutic relevant flux for the potential indication, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 20 μg/cm2/h was met, where a 24-mg daily dose from a 50-cm2 patch was projected to be delivered to a 60-kg individual. Irritation study results suggest that formulations with therapeutically relevant delivery are likely to be non-irritant. In conclusion, it is feasible to deliver therapeutically relevant amounts of phenmetrazine via the transdermal route.
The relationship between health and human services and the personal goal-directed activities of persons living with AIDS

This study evaluates the relationship between the social climate from different services and the personal goal-directed activities of 224 individuals with AIDS. The study's results supported the main hypothesis that "recipient" and "participatory" service involvement uniquely influence personal goal-directed activities, even after considering individuals with AIDS' physical symptoms, psychological distress, income, and recruitment site. Income and involvement with participatory services were both positively related to the amount of personal goal-directed activity. Longitudinal analyses suggest that personal initiative contributes to the subsequent amount of personal goal-directed activities a person pursues. These results suggest further examination of factors contributing to the selection of different service types and of the processes underlying the relationship between participatory services and positive outcomes for clients with AIDS.
Parent Engagement and Satisfaction in Public Charter and District Schools

Using nationally representative parent surveys over a 10-year period, this article asks if there were differences in parent engagement and satisfaction at public charter and district schools. It th...
Using a quality improvement model to enhance community/public health nursing education

Background Population-focused practice is an essential component of baccalaureate nursing education. The specialty of community/public health nursing (C/PHN) emphasizes prevention and focuses on the multiple determinants of health to improve population health outcomes. This project addressed two problems. How to: (a) Standardize C/PHN education by utilizing a set of competencies, and (b) Evaluate learning outcomes after using the competencies. Method As collaborative team applied community/public health competencies to nursing education using the Omaha System and the four phases of the Quality Improvement Model (QIM) and to enhance C/PHN education. Results The QIM focused on team-based participation with mutual learning and engagement for both students and faculty. Logical thinking and continuous assessment improves the teaching process and prepares students to work in multiple health care environments. Conclusions Systematic quality improvement enhances population-focused care by providing a foundation for the integration of education and practice.
Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors using Robotic Radiation Delivery System and Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy

Abstract Purpose This study recruited 2 centers with expertise in treating pediatric brain tumors with robotic radiation delivery system photon therapy and proton therapy, respectively, to study the plan quality and dose deposition characteristics of robotic radiation delivery system photon therapy and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans. Methods and Materials A total of 18 patients clinically treated with the robotic radiation delivery system were planned with IMPT. Cases were planned per the standard of care of each institution but respected the same planning objectives. The comparison included 3 aspects: plan quality, dose fall-off characteristics around the target volume, and the volume of the high-, intermediate-, and low-dose baths. Results All robotic radiation delivery system and IMPT plans met the planning objectives. However, IMPT significantly reduced the maximum dose to organs at risk away from the planning target volume (PTV), such as the cochlea and eye (P Conclusions In general, robotic radiation delivery system plans exhibit reduced high-dose exposure to normal tissue, and IMPT plans have considerably smaller volumes of low-dose exposure with differences in medium-range dose baths increasingly favoring protons as tumor size increases.
How Do Policy Organizations Frame Issues and Shape Identity? Exploring the Case of School Choice:

Conservatives reject identity politics as un-American, yet a distinct conservative identity has formed around issues of liberty, antagonism toward government, and local control. This identity has b...
Invited Talk 2: Techniques for Automating Assessment of Parallel Programming Assignments

This talk will present a design space based on these dimensions using concrete examples of several systems/frameworks including Gradescope, Web-CAT, the JUnit testing framework, diff-based systems, and a system we have developed at UNC. It will point out future directions that can be pursued to develop a software framework for assessing concurrent programs written in multiple programming languages that improves the productivity and learning, respectively, of trainers and trainees.
Deintensification of Treatment for HPV-Associated Cancers of the Oropharynx

HPV+ non-smoking-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma is unusually responsive to conventional chemoradiation and less frequently results in distant metastasis. As these “low-risk” patients are often cured by standard treatments and experience lengthier survival than other head and neck cancer patients, the negative long-term late sequelae of conventional therapies are a concern. Hence deintensification of standard treatments has emerged as a common aim for the best-prognosis patients from this population in the design of ongoing clinical trials. As of yet, no deintensification approach has displaced the current standards of care, and notable recent attempts to substitute targeted therapy for platinum chemotherapy were resoundingly unsuccessful. A variety of approaches remain under consideration. Randomized phase III trials will be needed to ensure that the results of deintensification programs, regardless of the specific treatments employed, are verifiably non-inferior to the results currently achieved in this good-prognosis population with the application of standard therapies.
10 – Topics in Analytic Geometry

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of analytic geometry. It discusses various topics in analytic geometry such as the ellipse, parabola, hyperbola, and the eccentricity of an ellipse. An ellipse is the set of points (x, y) such that the sum of the distances from (x, y) to two given points is fixed. Each of the two points is called a focus of the ellipse. The standard equation of the ellipse is given by, x2/a2+y2/b2 = 1. Here a2 = b2 + c2 where (c, 0) and (–c, 0) are the foci. This ellipse is symmetric about both the x- and y-axes. Here, as a > b, the line segment from (–a, 0) to (a, 0) is called the major axis and the line segment from (0, –b) to (0, b) is called the minor axis. The point (0, 0), which is at the intersection of the axes, is called the center of the ellipse. The points (a, 0) and (–a, 0) are called the vertices of the ellipse. In general, the vertices of an ellipse are the endpoints of the major axis. The eccentricity e of an ellipse is defined by, e = c/a if a ≥ b; and e = c/b if b ≥ a. If a > b, then the length of the major axis is 2a; if b ≥ a, the length of the major axis is 2b. In both cases the distance between the foci is 2c. The larger the eccentricity, the flatter is the ellipse.
The Rise of the Investor State: State Capital in the Chinese Economy

The nature and extent of the role of the Chinese state in the economy is fundamental to many empirical and theoretical debates about that country’s political economy. We document and explain the rise of a novel form of intervention on the part of the Chinese state: the expansion of state capital beyond ownership of state firms. We argue that state investment as a mode of state intervention in the economy is conceptually distinct from both “state capitalism” and the “developmental state” in its introduction of new agents to distribute state capital to firms and new mechanisms through which states, especially authoritarian ones, monitor and influence business actors. We document the growth of the investor state in several ways. Case studies of three high-profile shareholding firms in China demonstrate that state capital can be deployed strategically, for example, to respond to financial crisis or facilitate industrial upgrading, but also generates moral hazard, resulting in corruption and resource misallocation, and international alarm about the intentions of Chinese firms. We further compare the rise of state shareholding firms in China to similar phenomena in Brazil and Malaysia, concluding that the practice has both economic and political logics.
Accelerators for HEP: Challenges and R&D

Particle accelerators are arguably the most effective tools for the particle physics research. The physics needs continuously push us to invent novel ways to increase energy and improve performance of accelerators, reduce their cost and make them more power efficient. Here we briefly overview three main families of modern and future accelerators for HEP - high intensity accelerators for neutrino research, particle factories for the electro-weak physics and Higgs studies, and post-LHC energy frontier colliders - and discuss corresponding ongoing or planned accelerator R\&D topics and objectives.
Evaluation of Reproductive Parameters in Men with Solitary Testis.

Purpose:We evaluated reproductive parameters of men with a solitary testis compared to men with bilateral testes.Materials and Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study comparing in...
Photoacoustic Guided Endovenous Laser Ablation: Calibration and In Vivo Canine Studies

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), often guided by ultrasound (US) imaging, is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. US artifacts and the absence of a real-time temperature feedback system limits the efficacy of EVLA procedures and causes deep vein and heat induced thrombosis. Our previous phantom and tissue studies have validated the superior features of photoacoustic (PA) imaging in catheter tip tracking and temperature monitoring studies. During EVLA studies, the high temperature inside the vein caused by the CW laser leads to the alteration of the optical absorption properties of blood and water-based tissues and affects PA-based temperature measurements. Hence, by measuring the optical properties of blood and water at high temperatures, these variations can be compensated and can provide quantitative thermometry. The PA thermometry system can by calibrated ex vivo by computing the relationship between the temperature of blood or water and the PA signal at constant pulsed laser energy and can provide quantitative temperature measurements within the veins located at different depths. In this study, we propose to test, validate, and calibrate the developed integrated PAI EVLA system in vivo using a canine model.
“We Do This at Dancing Rabbit”: Recruitment and Collective Identity Processes in the Ecovillage:

This article outlines the various ways members of an intentional community erect barriers to entry in their village and lifestyle, and how they use boundary maintenance tactics to both protect thei...
Generalized Null Lagrangians for Equations with Special Function Solutions

A method to derive general standard and null Lagrangians for second-order differential equations whose solutions are special function of mathematical physics is presented. The general null Lagrangians are used to find the corresponding general gauge functions. All derived Lagrangians are new and in special cases they reduce to those published in the literature. The obtained results are applied to the Bessel, Hermite and Legendre equations, which have many applications in physics, applied mathematics and engineering.
Credit unions and earnings management to mitigate political scrutiny over tax-exempt status

Abstract In this paper, we examine whether credit unions manage earnings to mitigate political scrutiny. In particular, we study whether credit unions increased loan loss provisions to decrease earnings around a 2005 congressional hearing on the efficacy of credit unions’ tax-exempt status. On average, we find evidence consistent with credit unions managing earnings downward via the loan loss provision in the quarters leading up to and surrounding the congressional hearing. In addition, we find that credit unions with higher earnings before the loan loss provision engaged in more downward earnings management than credit unions with lower earnings before provision. Our findings contribute to the literature examining the use of downward earnings management to avoid political scrutiny and the banking literature. Likewise, our results inform the continued debate as to whether credit unions should be tax-exempt.
Virtue in Business: Conversations with Aristotle

Foreword R. Edward Freeman Introduction to Aristotle, virtue ethics, and this essay 1. Virtues and principles 2. Virtues and decisions 3. Virtues, good reasons, and the good life 4. Developing character 5. Virtues in and among organisations 6. Teaching virtue in business school 7. Ethical conflict and the global future Bibliography Index.
A Key to the Porcellanid Crab Zoeae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura) of the North Central Gulf of Mexico and a Comparison of Meristic Characters of Four Species

A taxonomic key is provided for the two zoeal stages of five genera and six species of the Porcellanidae (Crustacea: Anoniura) from the north central Gulf of Mexico. Measurements, carapace structures, and appendages are compared among zoeal specimens of Euceramus praelongus Stimpson, 1860; Petrolisthes armatus (Gibbes, 1850); Polyonyx gibbesi Haig, 1956; and Porcellana sigsbeiana A. Milne-Edwards, 1880. Positive correlations are noted between rostral spine length and carapace length in E. praelongus (zoeae I) and P. sigsbeiana (zoeae I) and in posterior spine lengths and carapace length in E. praelongus (zoeae I) and P. gibbesi (zoeae I).
Three-dimensional automatic volume registration of carotid MR images

We created an automatic three-dimensional registration algorithm for magnetic resonance images of carotid vessels. Potential applications include atherosclerotic plaque characterization and plaque burden quantification vector-based segmentation using dark blood MR images having multiple contrast weightings (proton density (PD), T1, and T2). Another application is measurement of disease progression and regression with drug trials. We used mutual information registration algorithm to compensate movements between image acquisitions. PD, T1, and T2 images were acquired from patients and volunteers and then matched for image analysis. Visualization methods such as contour overlap showed that vessels well aligned after registration. Distance measurements from the landmarks indicated that the registration method worked well with an error of 1.09 /spl plusmn/ 0.42 mm.
An FPGA-based digital logic lab for computer organization and architecture

The number of core hours devoted to digital logic in the knowledge unit Computer Architecture (AR) has been significantly reduced with the publication of Computing Curricula 2001 (CC2001). Over half of core hours removed come at the expense of digital logic and digital systems. We have argued elsewhere that more digital logic must be included in Computer Architecture. In this paper, we present our experience with an FPGA-based digital logic lab offered with our undergraduate Computer Organization and Architecture course including objectives, curricular issues, equipment and costs, staffing, process and grading policy, and observations from faculty and students. The lab gives students at least 9 hours of digital logic in a hands-on environment supplementing at least 3 core hours included in CC2001 Computer Architecture course models. Also, students are exposed to hardware used in modern computing applications, such as embedded systems.
Cetuximab in mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis: Assessment by serial CA19.9 and CEA measurements

3531 Background: mucin genes are regulated in part by epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. Therefore, we conducted a phase II study of cetuximab in unresectable or previously debulked patients with diffuse bulky mucinous adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Patients enrolment began September 2004 and terminated December 2005. All received cetuximab loading 400 mg/m2 on 1st dose, followed by 250 mg/m2/week. CA19.9 and CEA were obtained every 4 weeks, and CT scan reassessment was planned every 8 weeks. Results: The study terminated after 20 (of 40 initially planned) were assessed. Patients (16 men, 4 women) had both baseline serum markers abnormal in 16; CA19.9 and CEA only were abnormal in 2 and 1, respectively. Tumors originating in the appendix (15) or colon (2) entered a median of 3 m (range 6 m-7 y) from diagnosis. Unknown primary patients were treated 24, 23, and 2 m (diagnosis made on fine needle only). Except for this last patient, all had undergone surgery, 18 had received treatment with cytotoxic drugs, including 4 who had received intraoperative intraperitoneal (IP) and 2 subsequent IP therapies. CT scans were not informative. On the other hand, > 25% decreases in abnormal serum markers (concordant when applicable) lasting up to 6 m were noted in 4 of 19 patients. Patients received a median of 12 cetuximab doses (0-51). Acneform rash, skin dryness, and other effects on skin appendages (nails) were common; hypersensitivity reactions (chills during infusion) occurred in 2 but treatment was continued with premedications. Conclusions: Systemic treatment of mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis has not been previously studied. Serum markers but not CT scans are potentially useful indicators of antitumor effects. Cetuximab as a single agent transiently affected such markers in 20% of patients, and should be studied further in combination with chemotherapy or other targeted therapy.
Hydrogenases as Catalysts in Renewable Energy Applications

This review details the role of the hydrogenase enzymes in the development of new electrode materials for proton reduction and dihydrogen oxidation. Platinum is the best catalyst for these reactions, but it is expensive and rare. Graphite electrodes functionalized by hydrogenase enzymes are one possible route to the synthesis of inexpensive electrodes for water splitting based on common, earth-abundant elements. The major shortcoming of these enzymes is there extreme sensitivity to oxygen. Experimental and theoretical study of the mechanisms of proton reduction, hydrogen oxidation, and oxygen inactivation of the hydrogenase enzymes are discussed. Natural and synthetic methods for increasing oxygen tolerance are also discussed. Keywords: hydrogenases; hydrogen production; hydrogen oxidation; proton reduction; biomimetic chemistry; electrochemistry; catalyst inactivation; catalysis; water splitting
DISTROY: detecting integrated circuit Trojans with compressive measurements

Detecting Trojans in an integrated circuit (IC) is an important but hard problem. A Trojan is malicious hardware--it can be extremely small in size and dormant until triggered by some unknown circuit state. To allow wake-up, a Trojan could draw a minimal amount of power, for example, to run a clock or a state machine, or to monitor a triggering event. We introduce DISTROY (Discover Trojan), a new approach that can efficiently and reliably detect extremely small background power leakage that a Trojan creates and as a result, we can detect the Trojan. We formulate our method based on compressive sensing, a recent advance in signal processing, which can recover a signal using the number of measurements approximately proportional to its sparsity rather than size. We argue that circuit states in which the Trojan background power consumption stands out are rare, and thus sparse, so that we can apply compressive sensing. We describe how this is done in DISTROY so as to afford sufficient measurement statistics to detect the presence of Trojans. Finally, we present our initial simulation results that validate DISTROY and discuss the impact of our work in the field of hardware security.
Elastic rescattering photoelectron distributions entering the relativistic regime

We report photoelectron energy spectra and angular distributions for ionization with elastic scattering in ultrastrong laser fields. Noble gas species with Hartree–Fock scattering potentials show a reduction in elastic rescattering with the increasing energy of ultrastrong fields and when the Lorentz deflection of the photoelectron exceeds its wave function spread. The relativistic extension of a three-step recollision model is well-suited to the ultrastrong intensity regime (>1017 W∕cm2) that lies between traditional strong fields and extreme relativistic interactions.
Adults of the Waterfern Weevil, Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Feed on a Non-Host Plant, Salvinia minima Baker, in Louisiana

The waterfern weevil, Stenopelmus refinasus Gyllenhal, has previously been reported as host-specific, only feeding on plants in the genus Azolla. We report the first observations of S. rufinasus feeding on a non-host plant, Salvinia minima Baker, within the United States.
The Ethical OR/MS Professional

A profession, since it affects the lives of others, must have ethics. Actions can be classified as prudential, legal, and ethical. Ethical theories are action based or consequence based; ethics can be positive, requiring action, or negative, proscribing action. Some people may have hierarchies establishing precedence among ethical rules. While harming and stealing are vital ethical concerns, most ethical issues in personal or professional life involve truth telling. Telling the whole truth requires going beyond not lying to a proactive concern with avoiding any deception. Keeping secrets is ethically sensitive because it changes your relationship with those who might benefit from knowing them. Issues of truth telling arise in business, academia, and in the lives of OR/MS professionals. Ethical dilemmas are best avoided by joining only those organizations whose ethical codes are consistent with your own, by refusing to participate in ethically objectionable activities, and by treating everyone as you would treat those you care about.