cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dodging the Taxman: Firm Misreporting and Limits to Tax Enforcement

Reducing tax evasion is a key priority for many governments, particularly in developing countries. A growing literature has argued that the ability to verify taxpayer self-reports against reports from third parties is critical for modern tax enforcement and the growth of state capacity. However, there may be limits to the effectiveness of third-party information if taxpayers can make offsetting adjustments on less verifiable margins. We present a simple framework to demonstrate the conditions under which this will occur and provide strong empirical evidence for such behavior by exploiting a natural experiment in Ecuador. We find that when firms are notified by the tax authority about detected revenue discrepancies on previously filed corporate income tax returns, they increase reported revenues, matching the third-party estimate when provided. Firms also increase reported costs by 96 cents for every dollar of revenue adjustment, resulting in minor increases in total tax collection.
Bolus characteristics based on Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Background: A detailed contrast bolus propagation model is essential for optimizing boluschasing Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Bolus characteristics were studied using bolus-timing datasets from Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) for adaptive controller design and validation. Methods: MRA bolus-timing datasets of the aorta in thirty patients were analyzed by a program developed with MATLAB. Bolus characteristics, such as peak position, dispersion and bolus velocity, were studied. The bolus profile was fit to a convolution function, which would serve as a mathematical model of bolus propagation in future controller design. Results: The maximum speed of the bolus in the aorta ranged from 5–13 cm/s and the dwell time ranged from 7–13 seconds. Bolus characteristics were well described by the proposed propagation model, which included the exact functional relationships between the parameters and aortic location. Conclusion: The convolution function describes bolus dynamics reasonably well and could be used to implement the adaptive controller design.
Borderline personality disorder: Replication of MMPI profiles

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a particular MMPI profile is associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Forty-seven symptomatic volunteers who satisfied DSM-III criteria for borderline and/or schizotypal personality disorder were given the full MMPI. Concordance of MMPI profile for BDP confirmed the findings of four previous studies. Elevations were noted on F, D, PD, PA, PT, and SC. A subject's profile with this pattern is interpreted from item content as generally neurotic, dysthymic, socially withdrawn, suspicious, apathetic toward the future, affectively erratic, unable to anticipate the consequences of his or her own behavior, and unable to judge the social desirability of his or her own behavior. Correlations of the foregoing scales with a total BPD score ranged from .44 to .77, with a multiple R of .80 and a cross validity of .77. The accuracy of predicting actual BPD and non-BPD cases was 89%. Accordingly, the MMPI could be used as a coarse screen for BPD casefinding in that patients with the MMPI profiles above should be selected for more thorough diagnostic workup. In the future, the MMPI might be linked to other variables, such as drug response, to understand further the pathophysiology of BPD.
Control of service rate for an M/G/1 queue using a short-term cost criterion

A short-term cost criterion is introduced to model the productivity of an M/G/1 queuing/production system; the cost is a weighted sum of penalties associated with the work rate control, penalties associated with part waiting time, and penalties on the increase of parts in the queue, assessed during the time required to serve a single part. The distribution of the service time is of general form, parameterized by the work rate (the control variable). The decision epochs for the optimal control policy are restricted to the times when service is initiated for a part. The major advantages of this formulation are generality and mathematical tractability of the optimal solution. A simple nonlinear search routine is needed to determine the optimal work rate. For the special case of an exponential service time distribution and the special case where service is modeled by a diffusion-threshold process, analytical expressions for the optimal control policy in terms of the queue length are obtained. >
Counseling black college students in special programs

The black college student's encounter with special programs gives rise to special counseling needs which this article describes. In effect, the counselor's task is to assist the student to cope with institutional demands and overcome the alienating effect of the impersonal, white, middle class institution. To do this, the counselor must establish a unique relationship with the student at a critical moment through an outreach approach. Subsequently, the counselor will also be called upon to assist the student in the resolution of an identity crisis. White counselors are not disqualified, but they may need to modify their style of counseling.
Singing in the Face of Danger: the Anomalous Type II Vocalization of the Splendid Fairy-Wren

Males of certain species of fairy-wrens (Aves: Maluridae) emit a unique vocalization, the Type II vocalization, in response to the calls of potential predators. We conducted field observations and playback experiments to identify the contexts in which the Type II vocalization is emitted by splendid fairy-wren (Malurus splendens) males, and to examine social and genetic factors that influence its occurrence. In field observations and controlled playback experiments, Type II vocalizations were elicited most consistently by calls of the predatory gray butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus). Some vocalizations from other avian species also elicited Type II vocalizations, and the majority of these were vocalizations from avian predators. Splendid fairy-wrens are cooperative breeders, and males that responded with Type II vocalizations to playbacks of butcherbird calls tended to be primary rather than secondary males, had larger cloacal protuberances, and were older than those that did not respond. In addition, secondary males that were sons of resident females were more likely than non-sons to respond with a Type II vocalization. In another playback experiment, females responded similarly to the Type I song and Type II vocalizations of their mates. Although the Type II vocalization is emitted primarily in response to predator calls, it is inconsistent with an alarm call explanation. Patterns of reproductive success among Type II calling males suggest that it does not function as an honest signal of male quality. At present, the function of the vocalization remains anomalous, but indirect fitness benefits may play a role in its explanation.
Long-term group psychotherapy for children with pervasive developmental disorders: evidence for group development.

Abstract This article highlights the clinical progress of three long–term psychotherapy groups for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Unique aspects of working with such children are addressed as well as their movement through the phases of group development. Clinical observations suggested that these groups did in fact pass through observable phases of cohesion, differentiation, and intimacy. Further, these children demonstrated noticeable social development both inside and outside the groups. They identified strongly with their groups, and after the settling–in period, there was remarkably little resistance to participation, especially given the children’s tendencies for social avoidance. Vignettes are provided to illustrate both group developmental phases and noteworthy psychological experiences of the clinical process with children who have been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders.
Meshed multipath routing: an efficient strategy in sensor networks

Due to limited functionalities and potentially large number of sensors, conventional routing strategies proposed for distributed control applications (such as mobile ad hoc networks) are not directly applicable in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we propose a novel mesh multipath routing (M-MPR) with selective forwarding of packets. Our evaluation shows that M-MPR achieves much improved throughput performance over conventional disjoint multipath routing, with comparable power consumption and receiver complexity. We also show that for comparable throughput, M-MPR achieves better load distribution and requires lesser route maintenance overhead with respect to packet forwarding along a preferred route.
Effects of four workplace lighting technologies on perception, cognition and affective state

Light-emitting diodes (LED) are becoming an increasingly common lighting option for industrial applications, offering superior power efficiency and longevity relative to conventional fluorescent technologies. This study examined the visual perceptual, affective and cognitive implications of equipping temporary military shelters with either fluorescent or one of three advanced LED lighting systems with varied color temperature and luminance. Twenty-four volunteers were each tested over the course of five consecutive days, including a practice session and four test sessions, one for each of the lighting conditions. Volunteers showed highest visual acuity as measured on symbol identification and color recognition tasks with LED relative to fluorescent lighting and this effect was greatest at highest color temperatures. In terms of psychological and cognitive performance, volunteers showed increased fatigue ratings with fluorescent relative to LED, and this effect was associated with slower response times on tasks measuring spatial and verbal memory. Relevance to industry: Recent increases in the number of LED technologies being incorporated into industrial lighting applications carry implications for worker performance. We provide evidence that these advanced lighting technologies can promote increased alertness and visual cognitive efficiency among workers when compared to more traditional alternatives. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Diode-biased AC-coupled ECL-to-CMOS interface circuit

A full CMOS emitter-coupled logic (ECL)-to-CMOS voltage level converter has been developed. A diode-biased AC-coupled circuit is used to convert digital signals from ECL to CMOS voltage levels for use in digital data transmission. This technique makes the receiver insensitive to variations in input signal noise and offset voltage with no substantial penalties in conversion delay. The circuit can be used to retrofit all-CMOS systems to a bipolar ECL environment and to benefit from the reduction of chip-to-chip delays using small-signal transmission-line networks. >
Safety, efficacy and efficiency of laser-assisted IVF in subfertile mutant mouse strains

In the present report we studied the safety, efficacy and efficiency of using an infrared laser to facilitate IVF by assessing fertilization, development and birth rates after laser-zona drilling (LZD) in 30 subfertile genetically modified (GM) mouse lines. We determined that LZD increased the fertilization rate four to ten times that of regular IVF, thus facilitating the derivation of 26 of 30 (86.7%) GM mouse lines. Cryopreserved two-cell stage embryos derived by LZD-assisted IVF were recovered and developed to blastocysts in vitro at the same rate as frozen-thawed embryos derived by regular IVF. Surprisingly after surgical transfer to pseudopregnant recipients the birth rate of embryos derived by LZD-assisted IVF was significantly lower than that of embryos derived by regular IVF. However this result could be completely mitigated by the addition of 0.25 M sucrose to the culture medium during LZD which caused the oocyte to shrink in volume relative to the perivitelline space. By increasing the distance from the laser target site on the zona pellucida, we hypothesize that the hyperosmotic effect of sucrose reduced the potential for laser-induced cytotoxic thermal damage to the underlying oocytes. With appropriate preparation and cautious application, our results indicate that LZD-assisted IVF is a safe, efficacious and efficient assisted reproductive technology for deriving mutant mouse lines with male factor infertility and subfertility caused by sperm-zona penetration defects.
SirT3 Regulates the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response

The mitochondria of cancer cells are characterized by elevated oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such an elevation in ROS levels contributes to mitochondrial reprogramming and malignant transformation. However, high levels of ROS can cause irreversible damage to proteins, leading to their misfolding, mitochondrial stress, and ultimately cell death. Therefore, mechanisms to overcome mitochondrial stress are needed. The unfolded protein response (UPR) triggered by accumulation of misfolded proteins in the mitochondria (UPR(mt)) has been reported recently. So far, the UPR(mt) has been reported to involve the activation of CHOP and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). The current study describes a novel role of the mitochondrial deacetylase SirT3 in the UPR(mt). Our data reveal that SirT3 acts to orchestrate two pathways, the antioxidant machinery and mitophagy. Inhibition of SirT3 in cells undergoing proteotoxic stress severely impairs the mitochondrial network and results in cellular death. These observations suggest that SirT3 acts to sort moderately stressed from irreversibly damaged organelles. Since SirT3 is reported to act as a tumor suppressor during transformation, our findings reveal a dual role of SirT3. This novel role of SirT3 in established tumors represents an essential mechanism of adaptation of cancer cells to proteotoxic and mitochondrial stress.
Markov Chain Distributed Particle Filters (MCDPF)

Distributed particle filters (DPF) are known to provide robustness for the state estimation problem and can reduce the amount of information communication compared to centralized approaches. Due to the difficulty of merging multiple distributions represented by particles and associated weights, however, most uses of DPF to date tend to approximate the posterior distribution using a parametric model or to use a predetermined message path. In this paper, the Markov Chain Distributed Particle Filter (MCDPF) algorithm is proposed, based on particles performing random walks across the network. This approach maintains robustness since every sensor only needs to exchange particles and weights locally and furthermore enables more general representations of posterior distributions because there are no a priori assumptions on distribution form. The paper provides a proof of weak convergence of the MCDPF algorithm to the corresponding centralized particle filter and the optimal filtering solution, and concludes with a numerical study showing that MCDPF leads to a reliable estimation of the posterior distribution of a nonlinear system.
Some Theorems of Tarski

In a classic paper from 1930 (Tarski, ch. 5), Alfred Tarski introduced a notion equivalent to the following.
500: Serial changes in BNP are not associated with changes in submaximal or maximal exercise or quality of life

potential HTx recipients and to identify characteristics that would risk-stratify patients for screening CT. Methods and Materials: This is a retrospective study of patients evaluated for HTx at Loyola from 2001-2005. Only pts with documented screening CTs were included in the statistical analysis (n 130). Risk factors for malignancy including smoking and alcohol history, age, and pre-transplant comorbidities were assessed. Additional tests resulting from an abnormal CT, such as further radiologic imaging, biopsies, and procedures, were documented. Results: Of 130 CTs performed, 75 (58%) were abnormal. The most common CT abnormality was a pulmonary nodule. To investigate abnormal findings, these additional tests were performed: 7 biopsies, 3 fine needle aspirations, 4 surgical excisions, 2 thoracenteses, 4 bronchoscopies, 2 EGDs, 17 ultrasounds, 40 follow-up CTs, 13 positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and 1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of these tests, 1 was positive for malignancy (renal cell carcinoma); this pt was not transplanted. Patients were followed for a mean of 989 days. One patient was diagnosed with a pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma 1 yr post-HTx and died; calcified granuloma and lymphadenopathy were seen on screening CT. Smoking and alcohol history, age, gender, race, and Epstein Barr virus were not statistically associated with a finding of malignancy. Conclusions: Pre-HTx screening CTs identified few abnormalities excluding pts from HTx, and resulted in many other costly studies. Only one malignancy was identified by screening CTs; we therefore did not identify any associated risk factors. Screening CTs may not be costeffective, and may not be necessary for routine HTx work-up.
PROTEIN FLEXIBILITY AND THE CORRELATION RATCHET

Biomolecular motors are tiny engines that transport material at the microscopic level within biological cells. Since biomolecular motors typically transport cargo that are much larger than themselves, one would expect the speed of such a motor to be severely limited by the small diffusion coefficientof it s enormous cargo. Ithas been suggest ed by Berg and Kahn ( Mobility and Recognition in Cell Biology, H. Sund and C. Veeger, eds., De Gruyter, Berlin, 1983) and Meister, Caplan, and Berg (Biophys. J., 55 (1989), pp. 905-914) that this limitation can be overcome if the tether that connects the motor to its cargo is sufficiently elastic. In a recent article the effects of the elastic properties of the tether on the speed of the motor were investigated when the driving mechanism was a Brownian ratchet (SIAM J. Appl. Math., 60 (2000), pp. 842-867). Here we extend that work to include the correlation ratchet (C. Peskin, G. Ermentrout, and G. Oster, in Mechanics and Cellular Engineering, V. Mow etal., eds., Springer, New York, 1994; Phys. Rev. Lett., 72 (1994), pp. 2652- 2655; Phys. Rev. Lett., 72 (1994), pp. 1766-1769). In contrast to the Brownian ratchet, it is shown that in the limit of a large motor diffusion coefficient the average velocity increases monotonically as the stiffness of the tether is increased. However, Monte-Carlo simulations reveal that for any finite diffusion coefficient of the motor there is an optimal stiffness at which the motor travels fastest.
Ann K. Wennerstrom , The music of everyday speech: Prosody and discourse analysis . New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. Pp. xix, 317, Pb. $24.95.

The music of everyday speech (hereafter MES ) is a book for discourse analysts interested in incorporating a theoretically grounded account of sound production, or, prosody, into their research. Readers of Language in Society will find MES to be the first book of its kind. It includes an overview of phonological, discourse analytical, and interactional approaches to the analysis of prosody, as well as model prosodic analyses of the major research areas in discourse analysis. MES is a thorough presentation of how prosodic analysis can inform discourse analysis, unique in its coverage of material, excellence of presentation, and theoretical and analytical depth.
Mismatched anti-predator behavioral responses in predator-naïve larval anurans

Organisms are adept at altering behaviors to balance the tradeoff between foraging and predation risk in spatially and temporally shifting predator environments. In order to optimize this tradeoff, prey need to be able to display an appropriate response based on degree of predation risk. To be most beneficial in the earliest life stages in which many prey are vulnerable to predation, innate anti-predator responses should scale to match the risk imposed by predators until learned anti-predator responses can occur. We conducted an experiment that examined whether tadpoles with no previous exposure to predators (i.e., predator-naive) exhibit innate antipredator behavioral responses (e.g., via refuge use and spatial avoidance) that match the actual risk posed by each predator. Using 7 treatments (6 free-roaming, lethal predators plus no-predator control), we determined the predation rates of each predator on Lithobates sphenocephalus tadpoles. We recorded behavioral observations on an additional 7 nonlethal treatments (6 caged predators plus no-predator control). Tadpoles exhibited innate responses to fish predators, but not non-fish predators, even though two non-fish predators (newt and crayfish) consumed the most tadpoles. Due to a mismatch between innate response and predator consumption, tadpoles may be vulnerable to greater rates of predation at the earliest life stages before learning can occur. Thus, naive tadpoles in nature may be at a high risk to predation in the presence of a novel predator until learned anti-predator responses provide additional defenses to the surviving tadpoles.
Sirtuin Function in Longevity

The use of model organisms has provided great insight into the process of aging, particularly during the last decade of research. Of the longevity factors identified, few have received more attention than Sir2 and the Sirtuins. Since the original discovery of Sir2 as a transcriptional silencing factor in yeast, these NAD+-dependent protein deacetylases have been identified across organisms from yeast to humans and implicated in the fundamental regulation of genomic stability, metabolism, and aging. In this chapter, the historical context of Sirtuin function in yeast is discussed against the backdrop of the catalytic activity that contributes to its prominence in so many research areas. The role as a longevity factor and mediator of the calorie restriction response are discussed in detail for yeast and expanded to worms, flies and mice. Finally, a brief description of Sirtuin activators is included. Over a decade after its identification as a longevity factor, Sirtuin research is poised to answer the critical question of translation research and provide a clear answer to the role these proteins may play in mediating lifespan and disease in mammals, particularly in the response to calorie restriction. No matter the final answer, Sirtuin biology has built a strong foundation on which additional research will likely provide additional interesting results for the next decade and beyond.
Gravity-Affected Flow from Planar Sluice Gates

Conformal mapping and the Riemann-Hilbert solution to a wellposed mixed-boundary-value problem are combined in solving the problem of gravity-affected flow from planar sluice gates of arbitrary inclination. The solution is obtained via a rapidly convergent, iterative procedure using a high-speed digital computer. Primary results include the contraction coefficient and the downstream free-surface configuration. The results compare satisfactorily with the results of other investigators. For the problem as posed, the solution given is exact. The solution requires only a modest amount of computer time.
Readability of French scientific texts

The readability of three French scientific journals is examined using the Farr‐Jenkins‐Paterson simplification of the Flesch reading ease formula. The results show a relative decrease in readability with time. The results also suggest that these changes are due to changes in style or linguistic factors rather than subject characteristics.
Abstract W P94: Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Mononuclear Cells Attenuate Cerebral Edema and Inflammation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) improve functional recovery after ischemic stroke in rodent models. We now investigate the therapeutic effects of MNCs in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and explore if MNCs impact the post-ICH inflammatory response. Methods: ICH was induced by stereotaxic infusion of 70 ul autologous whole blood into the left striatum in young male Long Evans rats. At 24 hrs after ICH, rats were randomized to receive an intravenous administration of autologous MNCs (10 million cell/kg) or saline. MNCs were isolated from the bone marrow harvest of the tibias at 22 hrs after ICH without causing limb impairment. A separate sham control group underwent the same surgical procedures but without the blood injection and the aspiration of bone marrow. At 3 days after randomization, brains were harvested to measure cerebral edema and various markers of inflammation in the perihematomal area. Results: Compared to the saline treated controls, MNCs significantly decreased brain water content in the ipsilateral hemisphere (p < 0.05, n = 3 in each group; Fig. 1). MNCs significantly reduced the number of neurotrophils and iNOS-positive microglia in the perihematomal area compared with saline-treated animals (P < 0.05, n = 3 in each group; Fig. 2). Moreover, MNCs reduced the expression of high-mobility group protein box-1 (HMGB1), S100β, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in the perihematomal area compared with saline-treated animals (P < 0.05, n = 3 in each group; Fig. 3). Conclusions: We demonstrate for the first time that intravenously transplanted autologous MNCs can ameliorate brain edema and modulate the inflammatory responses after ICH. This is the first study to perform a bone marrow harvest and autologous infusion of MNCs after ICH. Functional behavioral tests are underway to assess the long-term effects of MNCs as a potential treatment for ICH. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
New directions in Barthian ethics

This article highlights the located and embodied nature of Karl Barth’s theological ethics by situating Barth within his socio-political context. While the vast majority of scholars who engage with...
Industrial Reliability in Scientific Lasers

By leveraging expertise from the 24/7 world of industrial lasers, the latest scientific lasers combine state of the art performance with unprecedented reliability and stability, increasing data productivity and lowering the real costs of academic research.
Interacting Mixtures of Bosons and Fermions in Optical Lattice Potentials

In the context of real solid state materials, it is a crucial question to what extent impurities influence quantum phases and phase transitions. This question is so important, because impurities can hardly be avoided in real systems and have an impact on many-body quantum phases that is complex and often not well understood. For example, high-temperature superconductivity is observed in materials that are intentionally doped with certain impurity atoms, but their exact role in the mechanism responsible for superconductivity is still not settled [1].
Transient ischemia or heat stress induces a cytoprotectant protein in rat kidney

Sublethal heat exposure induces the production of heat stress protein (HSP) 72 kDa, a reported cytoprotectant, in several tissues including the rat kidney. However, the localization and time course of HSP 72 accumulation in the kidney in response to heat or other cell stresses such as transient ischemia have not been described. In anesthetized rats exposed to either 42 +/- 0.5 degrees C (heat stress) or 37 degrees C (sham) for 15 min, accumulation of HSP 72 in kidney homogenates, detected by immunoblot analysis using a specific monoclonal anti-HSP 72 antibody, peaked 4-6 h after heat stress and persisted for 10 days. HSP 72 appeared rapidly in renal papilla within 1 h and in medulla and cortex within 4 h after heat stress. No HSP 72 was detected in tissues from sham heat stress. HSP 72 was also detected within 3 h of at least 15 min of renal ischemia in situ. Accumulation was maximal after 60 min of ischemia and persisted for 5 days, whereas no HSP 72 was detected after 90 min of ischemia or in the contralateral nonischemic kidney at any time point. This study demonstrates that transient ischemia, like heat stress, results in the rapid cytosolic accumulation of HSP 72, a known cytoprotectant that may be important in mediating cell repair or increasing resistance to subsequent injury.
Perspectives on the Training of Human Factors Students for the User Experience Industry

We surveyed 140 HFES student members and found that nearly 80% of students were considering a future career in UX. In contrast, only 12% felt that their training has prepared them extremely well for a UX career. An analysis of 40 UX job postings revealed that while these positions required some human factors related skills, 37% of their job requirements emphasized design familiarity and programming skills. Students indicated that gaps in their education and preparation represent the largest challenge they face in entering the UX field. They further identified the broad definition of UX and lack of access to industry positions as other challenges in transitioning to UX professionals. It is recommended to focus on increasing HFES’s relevance to students interested in future UX careers.
Analysis of Private Consulting Firms in Integrated Pest Management

As extension service pest management programs are scaled back because of reduced budgets, private consultants will become increasingly important in the transfer of pest management information to producers. However, little is known about the industry, whom it serves, and how it currently relates to the extension system. Thus, a survey of private pest management consulting firms was conducted as part of the USDA-sponsored National Evaluation of Extension's Integrated Pest Management Programs. Data on enterprise characteristics, education and training, clientele served, information delivery and sources, and relations with the extension service were collected from 136 private pest management consulting firms. Although virtually all companies provided pest management advice to their clients, most also provided other production-oriented services. Companies reported servicing more than 3.3 million acres of field and horticultural crops for 17,642 clients. Almost all firms used an integrated approach to pest management, with most acquiring much of their pest management information from the extension service. Given the extent to which firms currently use extension services, their willingness to expand interaction with the extension service in the future, and their interest in furthering pest management as a profession, it would appear that private pest management consultants are well positioned to assist the extension service in delivering future integrated pest management programs.
Equity-Based Crowdfunding: Allowing the Masses to Take a Slice of the Pie

Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to expose the limitations of the equity-based crowdfunding provisions of the 2012 JOBS Act. These provisions have received much attention because they have the potential to open funding opportunities to countless underfunded entrepreneurs and small businesses. In addition, they can provide everyday investors with new ways to diversify their portfolios. However, the author asserts that the JOBS Act is unlikely to be successful in its current incarnation, because it overly burdens the entrepreneur with reporting and accountability requirements, among other things. The author resolves these issues by articulating a regulatory alternative to the JOBS Act. Methodology/approach This chapter reviews the general requirements for equity-based crowdfunding under the 2012 JOBS Act. It also reviews the various approaches individual states and other countries have taken to promote equity-based crowdfunding. Findings The existing law and proposed regulations for equity-based crowdfunding under the JOBS Act are overly burdensome and will impair the ability of entrepreneurs and small-businesses to successfully use equity-based crowdfunding throughout the United States. Regulators and other lawmakers need to adopt new rules focused on protecting consumers via spending limits. Research limitations/implications Most of the research is based on theory, because the equity-based regulations have not been finalized or implemented at the federal level. However, the United States can learn much from the equity-based crowdfunding efforts of individual states and other countries. Originality/value This chapter’s critique is designed to engage lawmakers, regulators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in a new discussion about equity-based crowdfunding regulations.
Excremental studies in human neonates. Identification of zinc coproporphyrin as a marker for meconium.

Abstract Zinc coproporphyrin, isomers I and III (I:III ratio, approximately 8:1), was identified in human meconium using high-performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet-visible absorbance spectroscopy, and emission fluorescence spectroscopy. The high levels of zinc coproporphyrin in the first stools of life decrease steadily as meconium is evacuated and reach a plateau at comparatively negligible levels after complete evacuation of meconium. Zinc coproporphyrin can be used as a marker for human meconium.
Molecular Pathology of HER Family of Oncogenes in Breast Cancer: HER-2 Evaluation and Role in Targeted Therapy

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is a well-studied member of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. HER2 gene amplification and/or protein overexpression can be observed in many cancers of epithelial origin, including breast carcinoma. In breast carcinomas, HER2 gene amplification serves as a negative prognostic factor and its presence is usually associated with a more aggressive clinical behavior. Currently, there are several medications, including monoclonal antibodies or small molecules that target this receptor on the surface of tumoral cells. Targeted therapy improves patients’ response rates and survival and increase time to progression when used alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities. As the accurate determination of HER2 gene status is very important for proper selection of treatment, this can be achieved by several methods, such as immunohistochemistry and/or in situ hybridization.
In vitro adsorption losses of arachidonic acid and calcium ionophore A23187

Arachidonic acid (AA) is often utilized in in vitro studies to label cellular pools of AA or to elicit cellular responses dependent on eicosanoid production. Because of the hydrophobic nature of AA, organic diluents such as ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide are utilized in preparing concentrated solutions. The fate of AA when added to aqueous medium is not generally considered because of the dilution of the AA, although some investigators utilize bovine serum albumin (BSA) to solubilize as well as to trap AA and its hydrophobic metabolites. These experiments demonstrate a rapid and progressive decline in AA concentration when added to aqueous media in tissue baths and in glass test tubes. The extent of the decline was greater in the tissue baths than in the test tubes. The calcium ionophore A23187, which is used to stimulate AA metabolism, is also hydrophobic, and its concentration also decreased when added to aqueous media. The decline in the concentration of both AA and A23187 was due to adsorption to the container walls. The presence of 1% BSA in the aqueous solution attenuated and even eliminated the decline in the concentration, indicating binding of the two agents to the protein. However, the presence of BSA in culture medium inhibited the A23187-induced stimulation of AA metabolites in baboon aortic smooth muscle cells. These results underscore the complexities arising from the in vitro use of hydrophobic substances in biological systems.
Induction of neovascularization in vivo and endothelial proliferation in vitro by tumor-associated macrophages

The role of macrophages in neovascularization of tumors was investigated by examining the ability of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and their conditioned culture media to induce neovascularization in the cornea of syngeneic rats and proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial cells in culture. TAM were isolated from a 3-methycholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma propagated in F344 male rats by enzymatic dissociation and were purified by centrifugation through continuous Percoll density gradients, followed by adherence to fibronectin-coated dermal collagen gels. The angiogenic potential of (a) TAM and their 72-hour conditioned culture media, (b) whole tumor cell suspensions (WTCS), (c) tumor cell suspensions depleted of TAM (TCS), and (d) macrophage-depleted tumor cell suspensions reconstituted with TAM (TCS + TAM) were compared. Cells were injected directly; conditioned media were concentrated 10-fold, incorporated into slow-release Hydron pellets, and implanted intracorneally. Stimulation of bovine aortic endothelial cell growth by TAM was assayed in culture with TAM-conditioned media and compared with responses induced by conditioned media from peptone-elicited rat peritoneal exudate macrophages. TAM and their conditioned media induced neovascularization in 38 of 40 corneas (95%) and 15 of 17 corneas (88%), respectively. Maximal vessel ingrowth occurred by the 5th day of implantation. Neovascular responses induced by WTCS (24 of 26 corneas, 92%) and TCS (17 of 24 corneas, 71%) occurred on the 7th and 10th day, respectively. TCS + TAM induced neovascular responses comparable to those elicited by WTCS (19 of 20 corneas, 95%). Addition of TAM-conditioned media to bovine aortic endothelial cell cultures stimulated a 10-fold increase in cell number within 10 days. This growth stimulatory effect was comparable to or greater than responses induced by conditioned media from rat peritoneal macrophages. Our results demonstrate that TAM are potent stimulators of neovascularization and endothelial cell proliferation and that depletion of macrophages from tumor cell suspensions significantly decreased their angiogenic potential. This suggests that neovascularization of this tumor is mediated in part by macrophages.
Lipolysis sensation by white fat afferent nerves triggers brown fat thermogenesis

Objective Metabolic challenges, such as a cold environment, stimulate sympathetic neural efferent activity to white adipose tissue (WAT) to drive lipolysis, thereby increasing the availability of free fatty acids as one source of fuel for brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. WAT is also innervated by sensory nerve fibers that network to metabolic brain areas; moreover, activation of these afferents is reported to increase sympathetic nervous system outflow. However, the endogenous stimuli sufficient to drive WAT afferents during metabolic challenges as well as their functional relation to BAT thermogenesis remain unknown.
Pathology and Molecular Pathology of Renal Cancer

In this chapter, we discuss the development of the parenchymal kidney and its anatomic and histologic compartments. The chapter concentrates on renal cell carcinoma, beginning with renal cell carcinomas with molecular abnormalities and those associated with hereditary syndromes. The remainder of the chapter discusses mesenchymal lesions, familial syndromes, and renal cell carcinomas without known molecular drivers. Renal malignancies can be divided into a wide breadth of histologic subtypes, and the emerging molecular underpinnings pose an evolving challenge in disease categorization and prognostication. While early research relied on the link between familial genetic syndromes and renal cell carcinoma, the direction has shifted to molecular and environmental drivers of sporadic renal cell carcinomas.
Ordinary Differential Equations of Higher Order

This chapter continues the theme of Chapter 2: differential equations and their applications in science and engineering.
Dynamic state estimation enabled preditive inverter control

High penetration of Converter-Interfaced Generation (CIG) presents challenges because there exists no or very little mechanical coupling between CIGs and the power grid. During transients, the operational constraints of the inverters may be exceeded to the point of damaging the inverters or causing the shutdown of the inverters (LVRT logic). This paper proposes a Dynamic State Estimation (DSE) enabled supplementary predictive inverter control scheme to minimize the transients during grid disturbances. This control scheme only uses local information and does not require any communication from the system (remote) side. We first estimate frequency as well as rate of frequency change of the remote side with only local information via DSE, which uses high-fidelity dynamic model of the interested component to provide accurate feedback to the inverter controls. Second, a supplementary predictive inverter control scheme is utilized to control the output frequency, real power as well as the reactive power of the grid-side inverter. Numerical simulations show that the proposed DSE method can accurately estimate remote side frequency as well as rate of frequency change. Additionally, the proposed control scheme can successfully minimize transients during system frequency oscillations.
Rewriting age to overcome misaligned age and gender norms in later life

Abstract In this paper we suggest that older adults undergo a misalignment between societal age norms and personal lived experience, and attempt reconciliation through discursive strategies: They rewrite how they frame chronological age as well as their subjective relations to it. Using a sample of 4041 midlife and older adults from the 2004–2006 wave of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II), we explore associations of age and gender with subjective age and at what age respondents felt people enter later life. Our results confirm that as men and women age, they push up the age at which they think people enter later life, and slow down subjective aging (there is a growing gap between subjective and chronological age). Relations between a person's age and at what age they think people enter later life were stronger for men than for women. For every year they get older get older, men push up when they think people enter later life by 0.24 years, women by 0.16 years. Age norms surrounding the transition to later life may be more prominent for men than for women, and the difference in their tendencies to push up when they mark entry into later life may be a reflection of this greater prominence.
Evaluating the role of insects in the middle-Holocene Tsuga decline1

Abstract The middle-Holocene decline of Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere (eastern hemlock) across eastern North America has been attributed to various causes, including the widespread outbreak of an insect pest, such as Lambdina fiscellaria (hemlock looper). We tested this hypothesis by searching for insect remains in sediment cores from Hemlock Hollow, a small basin in north-central Massachusetts. Previous analyses of this site demonstrated that it has been surrounded by Tsuga forest for the past 10,000 yr. We found the remains of chironomids and beetles in the cores but not in sediments dating to the interval of low Tsuga abundance; remains of Lambdina fiscellaria were not encountered. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the decline of Tsuga at Hemlock Hollow was not caused solely by an insect outbreak. The presence of Lambdina fiscellaria remains in middle-Holocene sediments at other sites in the region may reflect local outbreaks, perhaps facilitated by drought or other changes in ...
Robust Adaptive IMC Schemes

In Chapter 5, we considered the design and analysis of adaptive internal model control (AIMC) schemes under ideal conditions, i.e. in the absence of modelling errors. The key idea was to combine an IMC control structure for the known parameter case, presented in Chapter 3, with a parameter estimator from Chapter 4 in a Certainty Equivalence fashion. Although in the absence of modelling errors, such schemes were proven to be stable, the instability examples presented in the last chapter clearly demonstrated that the adaptive laws of Chapter 4 could lead to totally unacceptable behaviour in the presence of modelling errors. The situation is likely to be even worse when such an adaptive law is used to implement a Certainty Equivalence adaptive control scheme, and modelling errors are present. In the last chapter, we also discussed several approaches for correcting this kind of erratic behaviour of the adaptive laws leading to the design of adaptive laws that are robust to the presence of a class of modelling errors. Since the IMC schemes of Chapter 3 were shown to be inherently robust to the presence of modelling errors, a natural question that comes to mind is whether robust adaptive IMC schemes can be designed by combining an IMC controller structure with a robust adaptive law. The objective of this chapter is to provide an affirmative answer to this question by showing that whenever any of the robust adaptive laws of the last chapter is combined with any of the IMC controller structures from Chapter 3 in a Certainty Equivalence fashion, the result is a robust adaptive IMC scheme.
Understanding the Intention-to-treat Principle in Randomized Controlled Trials.

Author(s): McCoy, C. Eric | Abstract: Clinicians, institutions, and policy makers use results from randomized controlled trials to makedecisions regarding therapeutic interventions for their patients and populations. Knowing the effectthe intervention has on patients in clinical trials is critical for making both individual patient as well aspopulation-based decisions. However, patients in clinical trials do not always adhere to the protocol.Excluding patients from the analysis who violated the research protocol (did not get their intendedtreatment) can have significant implications that impact the results and analysis of a study.Intention-to-treat analysis is a method for analyzing results in a prospective randomized studywhere all participants who are randomized are included in the statistical analysis and analyzedaccording to the group they were originally assigned, regardless of what treatment (if any) theyreceived. This method allows the investigator (or consumer of the medical literature) to draw accurate(unbiased) conclusions regarding the effectiveness of an intervention. This method preserves thebenefits of randomization, which cannot be assumed when using other methods of analysis.The risk of bias is increased whenever treatment groups are not analyzed according to the groupto which they were originally assigned. If an intervention is truly effective (truth), an intention-to-treatanalysis will provide an unbiased estimate of the efficacy of the intervention at the level of adherencein the study. This article will review the “intention-to-treat” principle and its converse, “per-protocol”analysis, and illustrate how using the wrong method of analysis can lead to a significantly biasedassessment of the effectiveness of an intervention.