cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Child Care Experiences and Developmental Outcomes

Regular nonparental care during the first five years of life has become the norm, rather than the exception, during the past 30 years in the United States. Parents and professionals have expressed concerns about the impact of such care on children's development. Initially, much of the research focused on whether, when, and how much nonparental care the child received, suggesting that early and extensive care might negatively affect children's social and cognitive development. More sophisticated studies followed in which child care quality and family characteristics known to be related to both quality of care and child outcomes were also examined. Much of this literature indicates that children who experience better-quality care tend to display more optimal cognitive and social development than children who experience lower-quality care, although the associations tend to be modest. Implications for public policy are discussed.
MUVEES: a PC-based multi-user virtual environment for learning

This paper summarizes our NSF funded project, a PC-based multi-user learning environment: Multi-User Virtual Environment Experiential Simulator (MUVEES). The goal of this project is to create and evaluate graphical multi-user virtual environments that use digitized museum resources to enhance middle school students' motivation and learning about science. Here, we discuss the design, implementation, and applications of MUVEES. We present its structure, efficient approaches that achieve more realistic avatar behaviors, and pedagogical strategies that foster strong learning outcomes across a wide range of individual student characteristics. Our preliminary results indicate that MUVEES is a powerful vehicle for collaboration and learning. We believe that our system and implementation methods will help improve future multi-user virtual environments.
Antistaphylococcal Activity of Oritavancin and its Synergistic Effect in Combination with Other Antimicrobial Agents

Oritavancin exhibited in vitro activity against 169 strains of vancomycin-susceptible, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MICs ranging from 0.03 to 1 μg/ml and against vancomycin-intermediate MRSA (VISA; n = 29), heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate MRSA (hVISA; n = 5), and vancomycin-resistant MRSA (n = 5) strains, with MICs ranging from 0.12 to 4 μg/ml. For 10 MRSA isolates comprising 5 VISA and 5 hVISA strains, synergy between oritavancin and gentamicin, linezolid, or rifampin was observed against most of the strains tested using a time-kill method.
Interannual changes of stratospheric water vapor and correlations with tropical tropopause temperatures

Interannual variations of stratospheric water vapor over 1992‐2003 are studied using Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) satellite measurements. Interannual anomalies in water vapor with an approximate 2-yr periodicity are evident near the tropical tropopause, and these propagate vertically and latitudinally with the mean stratospheric transport circulation (in a manner analogous to the seasonal ‘‘tape recorder’’). Unusually low water vapor anomalies are observed in the lower stratosphere for 2001‐03. These interannual anomalies are also observed in Arctic lower-stratospheric water vapor measurements by the Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement (POAM) satellite instrument during 1998‐2003. Comparisons of the HALOE data with balloon measurements of lower-stratospheric water vapor at Boulder, Colorado (408N), show partial agreement for seasonal and interannual changes during 1992‐2002, but decadal increases observed in the balloon measurements for this period are not observed in HALOE data. Interannual changes in HALOE water vapor are well correlated with anomalies in tropical tropopause temperatures. The approximate 2-yr periodicity is attributable to tropopause
Adenomyoma of the small intestine in children

Two cases of adenomyoma of the small intestine occurring in two young children are described. One child presented with intussusception. In the other, the lesion was an incidental intraoperative finding. Underreporting is probably a major reason for the apparent rarity of this lesion in the small intestine. The condition should be considered a cause of small bowel intussusception.
Experimental Investigation of Irregular Wave Cancellation Using a Cycloidal Wave Energy Converter

The ability of a Cycloidal Wave Energy Converter (CycWEC) to cancel irregular deep ocean waves is investigated in a 1:300 scale wave tunnel experiment. A CycWEC consists of one or more hydrofoils attached equidistant to a shaft that is aligned parallel to the incoming waves. The entire device is fully submerged in operation. Wave cancellation requires synchronization of the rotation of the CycWEC with the incoming waves, as well as adjustment of the pitch angle of the blades in proportion to the wave height. The performance of a state estimator and controller that achieve this objective were investigated, using the signal from a resistive wave gage located up-wave of the CycWEC as input. The CycWEC model used for the present investigations features two blades that are adjustable in pitch in real time. The performance of the CycWEC for both a superposition of two harmonic waves, as well as irregular waves following a Bretschneider spectrum is shown. Wave cancellation efficiencies as determined by wave measurements of about 80% for the majority of the cases are achieved, with wave periods varying from 0.4s to 0.75s and significant wave heights of Hs ≈ 20mm. This demonstrates that the CycWEC can efficiently interact with irregular waves, which is in good agreement with earlier results obtained from numerical simulations.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The effects of health status on the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine

Objective This article addresses the need for comprehensive models that explain the use of complimentary and alternative therapies (CAM). Specifically, the associations between health status, access to care, and patient satisfaction with conventional care and CAM therapies are examined.Design A cross-sectional survey on Disparities in Quality of Health Care that disproportionately sampled minority groups but was designed to generalize to the US adult population.Methods Bivariate and multivariate regression techniques are used. Logistic regression models estimate the effects of health status, access to and patient satisfaction with conventional care on utilization of CAM therapies whilst adjusting for socio-economic factors that impact health.Results An estimated 34.4 per cent of US adults used at least one of four CAM therapies in the two years prior to the survey. Although CAM use was higher among those who perceived themselves to be in excellent or very good health relative to those in fair or poor heal...
Morphology transition in electrospinning polymers by a dual‐capillary system

An experimental investigation of the fiber morphology change of fibers prepared by a dual-capillary electrospinning system, operated in the cone-jet mode, was carried out for poly(vinyl acetate) polymers of three molecular weights. The substrate morphology of the electrospun poly(vinyl acetate) could be changed significantly when the polymer's molecular weight, concentration, solvent, and outer liquid flow rate were varied. The onset of bead-to-fiber transition was determined by the critical chain overlap concentration. For solutions with a high concentration, the fiber diameter and surface were significantly affected by the physical properties of the solvents. To produce fibers of small diameter, electrospinning with a higher conductivity solution was desirable. On the other hand, a high-conductivity solution needed to be avoided to keep the fiber uniform in diameter and smooth on the surface. The comparison of electrospun fibers produced by both single-capillary and dual-capillary systems was also addressed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Transferable Development Rights and Forest Protection: An Exploratory Analysis

As agricultural frontiers expand, and habitats contract, potential conflicts between conservation and development goals increase. Transferable development rights (TDR) programs offer a means of minimizing the opportunity costs (in foregone agricultural rents) of protecting a desired quantity of habitat. These programs may be particularly applicable to Brazil, where long-standing regulations require a fixed proportion of each property to be set aside as a forest reserve. The article develops a simple, geographically explicit simulation model to examine the economic and environmental impact of a hypothetical TDR program under alternative implementation scenar- ios. Data on land cover and land productivity from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais are used to calibrate the model. The model shows substantial reductions in conservation cost from widening the geographical scope of trading. Restricting the program to large landholders drastically reduces transactions costs while only mildly reducing the amount of forest placed under protection.
EFFECTS OF LIFESTYLE AND BODY COMPOSITION ON THE OVARY

Reduction of metabolic fuel availability below the critical level by food restriction or increased expenditure is appropriately accompanied by activations of multiple neuroendocrine-metabolic changes resulting in anovulation and amenorrhea, an important device for endogenous hypothalamic contraception. This reproductive strategy in women is required because of the enormous nutritional demand for reproductive success.
The Colonic Bacteria and Rates of Small Intestinal Nutrient Transport of Mice Fed Diets with Inulin and Oligofructose

The densities and metabolic characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract bacteria are responsive to dietary supplements of nondigestible oligosaccharides (NDO), but little is known about the influences on the small intestine. Therefore, the colonic bacteria and the dimensions and transport functions of the small intestine were compared among mice (B6C 3F1 strain) fed diets with 10%cellulose (control) or with the cellulose replaced entirely with the NDO inulin or oligofructose or partially (2.5%oligofructose and 7.5%cellulose). Mice fed diets with 10% inulin or oligofructose had higher densities of anaerobes, aerobes, bacteroides, and lactobacilli, and lower proportions of enterics than mice fed a diet with 10% cellulose. Inulin, but not oligofructose, resulted in higher densities of streptococci. The small intestine was longer and weighed more when mice were fed 10%inulin with intermediate values for 10%oligofructose. Relative to control mice, rates of glucose transport and absorption of leucine, proline and glycyl-sarcosine (nmol/mg-min) were lower when mice were fed diets with 10%oligofructose and inulin, whereas only leucine was lower when mice were fed the diet with 2.5%oligofructose. Our findings indicate supplementing diets with the NDO oligofructose and inulin 1) change the assemblages of colonic bacteria, 2) inuence the dimensions and absorptive functions of the small intestine, and 3) may be useful for managing the gastrointestinal ecosystem, but 4) the specific responses vary among the types and amounts of NDO and among animal models. Keywords: nondigestible oligosaccharides, fermentable fiber, prebiotics, glucose, proline.
Zooming in and Out: Exploring Teacher Competencies in Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms.

ABSTRACTThis study explored issues of social inclusion for young children with disabilities through a systematic reanalysis of six preschool case studies focusing on strategies that teachers used in daily practice. Our analysis process entailed a reexamination of classroom observations and teacher inquiry data, focusing back and forth between the “micro” issues of everyday practice and the “macro” issues of inclusion as social justice. Through this process, the authors articulated a set of six overarching teacher competencies and their connection to “big ideas” about inclusion. The findings speak to a growing need within educational settings to move beyond narrow conceptions of ability and disability to take a transformative stance that supports diversity and community for all learners.
Endogenous Market Segmentation for Lemons: Theory and Applications

This paper explores the possibility of endogenous segmentation in a market where information asymmetry about the quality of goods may result in only low-quality goods trading (lemons problem). I consider a model in which there are multiple ex ante identical submarkets, agents costlessly choose submarkets to join, and exchanges take place in each submarket. In a submarket, each buyer randomly selects a seller and makes a take-it-or-leave-it offer. I demonstrate that a market suffering from the lemons problem can be endogenously segmented and high-quality goods, that cannot trade without segmentation, do trade with segmentation. The results have implications for several applied problems, such as the arrangement of multiple marketplaces or platforms, the informativeness of costless advertisements for experience goods, and the role of non-binding list prices in decentralized markets.
ρ Production and Decay in the Reaction π - p-->π - π 0 p at 5 GeV/c

Production and decay distributions of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ from ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}p$ have been measured in an optical spark chamber experiment at 5 GeV/c. About 3000 events are obtained with $610\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\omega} (\mathrm{dipion}\mathrm{mass})\ensuremath{\le}910$ MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ and $\ensuremath{-}0.04\ensuremath{\ge}t\ensuremath{\ge}\ensuremath{-}0.35$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. Our data, and ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$ data from other experiments, are used to study the $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and $t$ dependences of the helicity-frame cross sections. We find that (1) $\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{00}^{H}d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}}$ and $\frac{\mathrm{Re}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{10}^{H}d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}}$ are the same for ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$ production except for an over-all normalization factor (2) the $\ensuremath{\omega}$ distributions of $\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{11}^{H}d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}}$ and $\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{1\ensuremath{-}1}^{H}d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}}$ for ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are strongly skewed toward low values of $\ensuremath{\omega}$ while the corresponding distributions for ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$ are not. The first result is shown to be reasonable in the context of a model assuming $\ensuremath{\pi}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{0}$ exchange and absorption effects. We have not been able to explain the second result. The forward-backward asymmetry of the ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay from this experiment is significantly smaller than values from some other experiments between 2.5 and 8 GeV/c.
Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath and Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis: An Ultrastructural Study

The ultrastructures of five examples of giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath and one example of pigmented villonodular synovitis were studied. The giant cell tumors were composed mostly of A and B types of synovial cells. Also present were fibroblastic cells with intracytoplasmic filaments with densities (myofibroblasts) as well as "monocytic" and "lymphocytic" cells. The giant cells seemingly were derived from the fusion of synovial cells of A type, whereas foam cells were derived from both A and B cells. Both the giant cell tumors and the pigmented synovitis are considered to be reactive and borderline proliferative lesions of the synovial cells.
Three-dimensional laser pulse intensity diagnostic for photoinjectors

Minimizing the electron-beam emittance of photoinjectors is an important task for maximizing the brightness of the next-generation x-ray facilities, such as free-electron lasers and energy recovery linacs. Optimally shaped laser pulses can significantly reduce emittance. A reliable diagnostic for the laser pulse intensity is required for this purpose. We demonstrate measurement of three-dimensional spatiotemporal intensity profiles, with spatial resolution of $20\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ and temporal resolution of 130 fs. The capability is illustrated by measurements of stacked soliton pulses and pulses from a dissipative-soliton laser.
Optofluidic chlorophyll lasers

Chlorophylls are essential for photosynthesis and also one of the most abundant pigments on earth. Using an optofluidic ring resonator of extremely high Q-factors (>107), we investigated the unique characteristics and underlying mechanism of chlorophyll lasers. Chlorophyll lasers with dual lasing bands at 680 nm and 730 nm were observed for the first time in isolated chlorophyll a (Chla). Particularly, a laser at the 730 nm band was realized in 0.1 mM Chla with a lasing threshold of only 8 μJ mm−2. Additionally, we observed lasing competition between the two lasing bands. The presence of laser emission at the 680 nm band can lead to quenching or significant reduction of laser emission at the 730 nm band, effectively increasing the lasing threshold for the 730 nm band. Further concentration-dependent studies, along with theoretical analysis, elucidated the mechanism that determines when and why the laser emission band appears at one of the two bands, or concomitantly at both bands. Finally, Chla was exploited as the donor in fluorescence resonance energy transfer to extend the laser emission to the near infrared regime with an unprecedented wavelength shift as large as 380 nm. Our work will open a door to the development of novel biocompatible and biodegradable chlorophyll-based lasers for various applications such as miniaturized tunable coherent light sources and in vitro/in vivo biosensing. It will also provide important insight into the chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis processes inside plants.
Evaluating Imputation Algorithms for Low-Depth Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) Data.

Well-powered genomic studies require genome-wide marker coverage across many individuals. For non-model species with few genomic resources, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) methods, such as Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS), offer an inexpensive alternative to array-based genotyping. Although affordable, datasets derived from HTS methods suffer from sequencing error, alignment errors, and missing data, all of which introduce noise and uncertainty to variant discovery and genotype calling. Under such circumstances, meaningful analysis of the data is difficult. Our primary interest lies in the issue of how one can accurately infer or impute missing genotypes in HTS-derived datasets. Many of the existing genotype imputation algorithms and software packages were primarily developed by and optimized for the human genetics community, a field where a complete and accurate reference genome has been constructed and SNP arrays have, in large part, been the common genotyping platform. We set out to answer two questions: 1) can we use existing imputation methods developed by the human genetics community to impute missing genotypes in datasets derived from non-human species and 2) are these methods, which were developed and optimized to impute ascertained variants, amenable for imputation of missing genotypes at HTS-derived variants? We selected Beagle v.4, a widely used algorithm within the human genetics community with reportedly high accuracy, to serve as our imputation contender. We performed a series of cross-validation experiments, using GBS data collected from the species Manihot esculenta by the Next Generation (NEXTGEN) Cassava Breeding Project. NEXTGEN currently imputes missing genotypes in their datasets using a LASSO-penalized, linear regression method (denoted ‘glmnet’). We selected glmnet to serve as a benchmark imputation method for this reason. We obtained estimates of imputation accuracy by masking a subset of observed genotypes, imputing, and calculating the sample Pearson correlation between observed and imputed genotype dosages at the site and individual level; computation time served as a second metric for comparison. We then set out to examine factors affecting imputation accuracy, such as levels of missing data, read depth, minor allele frequency (MAF), and reference panel composition.
Networks, platforms, and strategy: Emerging views and next steps

Research summary: A substantial and burgeoning body of research has described the influence of platform-mediated networks in a wide variety of settings, whereby users and complementors desire compatibility on a common platform. In this review, we outline extant views of these dynamics from the industrial organization (IO) economics, technology management, and strategic management perspectives. Using this review as a foundation, we propose a future research agenda in this domain that focuses the on the relative influence of network effects and platform quality in competitive outcomes, drivers of indirect network effects, the nature and attributes of complementors, and leveraging complementor dynamics for competitive advantage. Managerial summary: In many industries, such as social networks and video games, consumers place greater value on products with a large network of other users and a large variety of complementary products. Such “network effects” offer lucrative opportunities for firms that can leverage these dynamics to create dominant technology platforms. This article reviews current perspectives on network effects and the emergence of platforms, and offers several areas of future consideration for optimal strategies in these settings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A century of morphological variation in Cyprinidae fishes.

Abstract Background Aquatic habitats have been altered over the past century due to a variety of anthropogenic influences. Ecomorphology is an area of aquatic ecology that can both directly and indirectly assess the effects of habitat alterations on organisms. However, few studies have explored long term trends in morphological variation. Long term changes in morphology can potentially impact niche and ultimately contribute to organismal success and the ecosystem. Therefore, in this study we assessed long term morphological variation with body size, sex, time, and hydrology using museum collections of five species of Cyprinidae (Minnows) from lentic and lotic systems over the past 100 years to gain insight into long term patterns in morphology. Results Variation in Cyprinidae morphology tended to relate to: body size—indicating strong allometric growth patterns with robustness of larger individuals; sex—indicating a level of fecundity selection for deeper bodies in females compared with males; and year—indirectly suggesting responses to habitat changes over the past century. In lotic ecosystems, Cyprinidae morphology tended to be more fusiform in conjunction with lower mean annual discharge or higher variation in discharge. In lentic ecosystems, change in morphology was observed but no historic habitat variables were available to discern potential mechanisms. Interestingly, not all species responded in the same magnitude or directionality. Conclusions Long term changes in morphological variation provide a link to exploring functional relationships between taxa and their environment and have implications for understanding ecosystem attributes, community assembly patterns, and conservation.
Adenosine and Atrial Tachycardia: Learning Before Burning?

Atrial tachycardia (AT) may be encountered in a variety of settings in the electrophysiology laboratory. It constitutes a differential diagnosis in patients presenting for an electrophysiological evaluation and ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.1 These patients typically do not have any evidence of structural heart disease. Patients may also present with AT in setting of an atrial myopathic process, related to acquired (eg, rheumatic heart disease) or congenital heart disease,2 cardiac surgery, or an idiopathic process. Finally, patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), especially the persistent variety, often require repeat procedures for organized ATs.3 Although the prevalence of precise arrhythmia mechanism differs in these contexts, broadly speaking, there are 2 possibilities: focal activation and macroreentry. Focal arrhythmias may be further characterized as being caused by abnormal automaticity, triggered activity, or microreentry/localized reentry. See Article by Liu et al Defining the operative mechanism is important because it helps tailor the ablation approach. For example, targeting the site of origin of a focal AT should be sufficient in preventing recurrence. In contradistinction, the end point during a procedure for macroreentrant tachycardia includes not only arrhythmia termination during radiofrequency energy delivery, but also demonstration of linear block. Lerman et al have previously explored these various possibilities and found that adenosine infusion helped distinguish between the various mechanisms responsible for AT in patients.4,5 In this issue of the Journal, Dr Lerman and his colleagues present their experience with adenosine in delineating the mechanism of AT in a large series of patients.6 Among the 59 patients, approximately one third had undergone a prior procedure for either AF or AT. The criteria for macroreentry included accounting for >90% of the tachycardia cycle length (CL) and documenting intersection of early and late areas on 3-dimensional (3D) mapping. A focal mechanism was diagnosed …
A Peek into the Future

This chapter will be devoted to the consideration of nascent research undertakings, possible new materials, and as yet unanswered research questions. First, an effort will be made to codify and classify composite materials and polyblends with respect to topological considerations. We will examine what other ways may possibly exist to make new combinations of two types of polymeric molecules. How many ways exist to mix two kinds of polymer molecules? What relationships can be developed among such diverse materials as particulate and fiber-reinforced plastics, polymer-impregnated concrete, and foams, paint films, etc.?
Longitudinal decline in speech production in Parkinson's disease spectrum disorders

We examined narrative speech production longitudinally in non-demented (n=15) and mildly demented (n=8) patients with Parkinson's disease spectrum disorder (PDSD), and we related increasing impairment to structural brain changes in specific language and motor regions. Patients provided semi-structured speech samples, describing a standardized picture at two time points (mean±SD interval=38±24months). The recorded speech samples were analyzed for fluency, grammar, and informativeness. PDSD patients with dementia exhibited significant decline in their speech, unrelated to changes in overall cognitive or motor functioning. Regression analysis in a subset of patients with MRI scans (n=11) revealed that impaired language performance at Time 2 was associated with reduced gray matter (GM) volume at Time 1 in regions of interest important for language functioning but not with reduced GM volume in motor brain areas. These results dissociate language and motor systems and highlight the importance of non-motor brain regions for declining language in PDSD.
7.7 Biophysics of Three-Dimensional Cell Motility

Given its ubiquity and significance to our understanding of physiology, cell motility is a phenomenon that has unsurprisingly garnered significant interest for several decades. Since soon after cells were first studied in tissue culture, scientists have been studying cell migration. Michael Abercrombie′s pioneering work examining cells crawling on glass in the 1950s has paved the way for many researchers in the field. However, a complete understanding of the biochemical and mechanical mechanisms involved has yet to be attained.
Vocation Is Something that Happens to You: Freedom, Education, and the American Literary Tradition

This chapter suggests that A.J. Conyers’s representation of vocation may help students to eschew the solipsism of their time and to gain an understanding of this concept gleaned from the Christian tradition. His discussion of vocation draws upon a definition of freedom that recalls pre-Reformation ideas, often unwelcome in a culture that equates freedom with choice and self-determination. By expanding upon Conyers’ discussion of vocation, I hope to challenge stewards of the academy to help students recognize and revise their definitions of freedom. I believe that by investigating definitions of freedom in Christian history and in American culture, and by bringing pre-Reformation ideas into these conversations, educators can support and illuminate the integrated and expansive definition of vocation that Conyers offers.
Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica: an uncommon aetiology for recurrent lower respiratory tract infection

Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica is a rare and benign condition characterised by development of osteocartilaginous nodules within the submuscosal layer of the trachea with sparing of the posterior wall. Majority of the patients remain asymptomatic throughout their lives unless severe airway obstruction develops; in which case patients present with symptoms such as dyspnoea, hoarseness of voice, persistent and often productive cough, haemoptysis, and pneumonia. This is the case of a middle-aged lady who presented with complaints of recurrent lower respiratory tract infection and was diagnosed to have tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica on computed tomography imaging, bronchoscopy and histopathological examination.
Symmetry and symmetry breaking in cancer: a foundational approach to the cancer problem.

// J. James Frost 1 , Kenneth J. Pienta 2,3,4 and Donald S. Coffey 2 1 Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 2 James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 3 Department of Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA 4 Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Correspondence to: J. James Frost, email: // Keywords : cancer; symmetry; symmetry-breaking; complexity; scale-free Received : July 10, 2017 Accepted : November 01, 2017 Published : December 05, 2017 Abstract Symmetry and symmetry breaking concepts from physics and biology are applied to the problem of cancer. Three categories of symmetry breaking in cancer are examined: combinatorial, geometric, and functional. Within these categories, symmetry breaking is examined for relevant cancer features, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); tumor heterogeneity; tensegrity; fractal geometric and information structure; functional interaction networks; and network stabilizability and attack tolerance. The new cancer symmetry concepts are relevant to homeostasis loss in cancer and to its origin, spread, treatment and resistance. Symmetry and symmetry breaking could provide a new way of thinking and a pathway to a solution of the cancer problem.
Alleged Christian Crosses in Herculaneum and Pompeii

The thesis that CIL 4, 10062 and two cruciform artefacts in Herculaneum and Pompeii are Christian crosses, which indicate a pre-Vesuvian Christian presence in Campania, cannot be sustained. CIL 4, 10062 most probably portrays a scrawl. The cruciform indentation in a wall of Herculaneum was probably left by the support for a shelf. The bas relief of a bakery in Pompeii likely indicates some kind of baker’s tool.
Mining data in a dynamic PRA framework

Abstract Computational, also known as Dynamic, Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) methods employ system simulation codes coupled with stochastic analysis tools in order to determine probabilities of certain outcomes such as system failure. In contrast to Classical PRA methods (i.e., Event-Tree and Fault-Tree) in which timing and sequencing of events is set by the analyst, accident progression is dictated by the system control logic and its interaction with the system temporal evolution. Due to the nature of the problem, Dynamic PRA methods can be expensive form a computational point of view since a large number of accident scenarios is simulated. Consequently, they also generate a large amount of data (database storage may be on the order of gigabytes or higher). We investigate and apply several methods and algorithms to analyze these large time-dependent data sets. The objective is to present a broad overview of methods and algorithms that can be used to improve data quality and to analyze and extract information from large data sets containing time dependent data. In this context, “extracting information” means constructing input-output correlations, finding commonalities, and identifying outliers.
IONIC AND BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING HABITUATION AND SENSITIZATION IN APLYSIA

Publisher Summary This chapter describes an analysis to study the ionic and biochemical mechanisms underlying habituation and sensitization in Aplysia. Alterations in transmitter release from sensory neuron terminals underlie the habituation and sensitization of the gill withdrawal reflex. Both forms of pre-synaptic plasticity are associated with changes in the Ca influx of the pre-synaptic terminal. To analyze the mechanisms underlying the modulation of the Ca ++ current, the sensory neurons were voltage-clamped and caused to release transmitter with brief depolarizing pulses. To unmask the Ca ++ current, the Na + and K + currents were blocked. In the analysis, repeated depolarization steps stimulating habituation caused a parallel decline in the presynaptic Ca ++ inward current and in the postcynaptic potential, while the application of serotonin, the presumed facilitating transmitter, had no effect. Under conditions in which the K currents were not blocked, however, serotonin reduced outward currents and enhanced inward currents. Habituation affects the Ca ++ channel directly and is independent of the Κ + currents that determine the configuration of the action potential. By contrast, sensitization modulates the Ca ++ current indirectly by depressing the Κ + current and increasing the duration of the action potential.
Progressive Explanation Generation for Human-robot Teaming.

Generating explanation to explain its behavior is an essential capability for a robotic teammate. Explanations help human partners better understand the situation and maintain trust of their teammates. Prior work on robot generating explanations focuses on providing the reasoning behind its decision making. These approaches, however, fail to heed the cognitive requirement of understanding an explanation. In other words, while they provide the right explanations from the explainer's perspective, the explainee part of the equation is ignored. In this work, we address an important aspect along this direction that contributes to a better understanding of a given explanation, which we refer to as the progressiveness of explanations. A progressive explanation improves understanding by limiting the cognitive effort required at each step of making the explanation. As a result, such explanations are expected to be smoother and hence easier to understand. A general formulation of progressive explanation is presented. Algorithms are provided based on several alternative quantifications of cognitive effort as an explanation is being made, which are evaluated in a standard planning competition domain.
Low-Leakage Constellation Formation Exploiting Combination Redundancy in a Digitally Modulated mmW Phased Array

This paper introduces a new method to suppress the undesired spatial leakage of a 76-GHz phased array. In this system, $8 \times 1$ antenna elements on board are driven by digitally modulated quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) and on–off keying (OOK) elements fabricated in 28-nm bulk CMOS. The total number of the eight-element output combinations is as large as 5&8hat;, and QPSK and 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellation can be formed at the broadside direction ( $\theta = 0^{\circ }$ ) by numerous qualified combinations. The peak array effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is measured at 31.6 dBm, and the EIRP for the redundancy-rich spatially synthesized QPSK (with eight elements) and 16QAM (with six elements) constellations are 28.5 and 23.3 dBm, respectively. The redundancy is utilized to alleviate the array spatial leakage: For a given zenith angle requiring a low leakage, the qualified combinations corresponding to the lowest leakage is adopted, and the broadside performance is not affected. Unlike conventional approaches, fine-grain magnitude and phase control for the elements are not required in synthesizing the low leakage. Simulation shows that the leakage power can be suppressed to −25 dBc for most zenith angles between 10° and 50°, supported by the measured results.
Electronic cigarette use among heart failure patients: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study (Wave 1: 2013-2014).

Abstract Background Smoking cessation is recommended for adults with heart failure (HF). The prevalence of e-cigarette use among adults with HF is unknown. Objective To determine prevalence of and reasons for e-cigarette use among adults with HF. Methods Data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (Wave 1) were examined. Results Of 484 respondents with HF, 1% (weighted) reported current e-cigarette use, and 5% (weighted) reported dual cigarette/e-cigarette use. Adults with HF had higher odds of dual use (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.22–2.54) compared to those without HF, controlling for age, sex, race, and income. Dual users with HF reported using e-cigarettes because they may be less harmful to nearby people and to themselves than cigarettes. Conclusions E-cigarette use should be assessed and monitored to understand the safety and potential efficacy of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction approach for HF patients.
Recovery of Oxidized Actinides, Np(VI), Pu(VI), and Am(VI), from Cocrystallized Uranyl Nitrate Hexahydrate: A Single Technology Approach to Used Nuclear Fuel Recycling

The utility of recovering cocrystallized Np, Pu, and Am from a uranyl nitrate hexahydrate crystalline phase has been examined. Progressive dissolution studies were carried out on samples of either ...
The psychologically rich life

This paper introduces the notion of a “psychologically rich life”: a life characterized by complexity, in which people experience a variety of interesting things, and feel and appreciate a variety ...
Extend: A Framework for Increasing Energy Access by Interconnecting Solar Home Systems

The means of electrifying households and the resulting electricity networks are rapidly evolving. Traditionally, an extension of existing centralized grids was the only prominent technique, but now electrification is seeing massive expansion via decentralized solar home systems (SHSs). These systems consist of a low-wattage photovoltaic (PV) panel (typically 5-100W), a battery, a collection of energy-efficient DC appliances, and a charge controller. Spurred by significant advances and reduced costs in solar, batteries, energyefficient appliances, and mobile money-driven business models, SHSs have proliferated rapidly, with tens of millions of systems now deployed, primarily in regions with otherwise low rates of electricity access. In this work, we profile a large deployment of solar home systems in Western Kenya to ascertain the dominant generation and consumption patterns.We note that there are often substantial mismatches between generation and consumption, and that PV overgeneration presents an opportunity via networking of households. We consider the opportunity to leverage system interconnection to enable increased connectivity among households, challenging typical electricity system architecture by effectively creating ad hoc electricity grids at the edges of the overall electricity network. Further, we consider the potential to integrate households without SHSs ("passive nodes") into these electricity networks, as a low-cost opportunity to increase electrification rates. Considering energy curtailment, the spatial distribution of households, and infrastructure costs, we build a decision problem for interconnecting existing SHSs with passive nodes. Our analysis shows that compared to the all-SHS solutions that are presently achieving widespread deployment, we show that interconnecting existing SHSs can increase electrification rates by more than 25% and reduce average costs by up to 30% per household.
Investigating the Formation of MoSe2 and TiSe2 Films from Artificially Layered Precursors.

The reaction of ultrathin layers of Mo and Ti with Se was investigated, and significantly different reaction pathways were found. However, in both systems postdeposition annealing results in smooth...
A roadmap of resident-led initiatives to promote research within the radiology department.

Abstract Rational While radiology residents must participate in a scholarly project per Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Program Requirements, some residency programs may lack a well-thought out, cohesive approach to research that incorporates the residents' perspective. Our objective was to improve the radiology resident research experience with resident-led initiatives. Material and methods An annual resident research survey was created and distributed to 28 radiology residents in December 2018. Following the survey, a newly formed resident research committee developed a six-step strategic framework of resident-led initiatives to promote research and scholarly activity within the department: Reflect, Recruit, Regroup, Revive, Recognize, and Review. Outcomes of this framework were evaluated with the second annual resident research survey in December 2019. Results Our institution identified areas of improvement on the 2019 survey after the implementation of the six-step initiatives upon comparison to the 2018 survey. A greater number of residents reported that they had adequate or somewhat adequate resources for research within the department in 2019 (95.2% [20/21]) in comparison to 2018 (70.6% [12/17]) (p = 0.03). A greater percentage of residents found available research projects engaging/interesting in 2019 (80.9% [17/21]) compared to 2018 (70.6% 12/17) (p = 0.49). The most commonly reported departmental resources needed to encourage research on the 2019 survey were dedicated research time (26.9%, 18 out of 67 total responses) and mentorship/encouragement from the faculty (19.4%, 13/67). Conclusion With a specific framework and appropriate departmental support, resident-led initiatives can improve the research experience within the radiology department from the residents' perspective.
Microfluidic and Microscale Assays to Examine Regenerative Strategies in the Neuro Retina.

Bioengineering systems have transformed scientific knowledge of cellular behaviors in the nervous system (NS) and pioneered innovative, regenerative therapies to treat adult neural disorders. Microscale systems with characteristic lengths of single to hundreds of microns have examined the development and specialized behaviors of numerous neuromuscular and neurosensory components of the NS. The visual system is comprised of the eye sensory organ and its connecting pathways to the visual cortex. Significant vision loss arises from dysfunction in the retina, the photosensitive tissue at the eye posterior that achieves phototransduction of light to form images in the brain. Retinal regenerative medicine has embraced microfluidic technologies to manipulate stem-like cells for transplantation therapies, where de/differentiated cells are introduced within adult tissue to replace dysfunctional or damaged neurons. Microfluidic systems coupled with stem cell biology and biomaterials have produced exciting advances to restore vision. The current article reviews contemporary microfluidic technologies and microfluidics-enhanced bioassays, developed to interrogate cellular responses to adult retinal cues. The focus is on applications of microfluidics and microscale assays within mammalian sensory retina, or neuro retina, comprised of five types of retinal neurons (photoreceptors, horizontal, bipolar, amacrine, retinal ganglion) and one neuroglia (Muller), but excludes the non-sensory, retinal pigmented epithelium.
Reprint: Two challenges from globalization

Abstract This speech highlights two channels through which globalization poses challenges for monetary policy. The first channel is through the global determination of the average world natural real rate of interest, which implies that saving and investment shifts abroad can influence the domestic interest rate setting consistent with price stability. The second channel is through global digital payments systems, which may compromise domestic policy sovereignty through effects on both monetary and financial stability.
Cyber Crimes and Hackers

The greatest threats to the security, privacy, and reliability of computer networks and other related information systems in general are cyber crimes committed by cyber criminals, but most importantly hackers. Judging by the damage caused by past cyber criminal and hacker attacks to computer networks in businesses, governments, and individuals, resulting in inconvenience and loss of productivity and credibility, one cannot fail to see that there is a growing community demand to software and hardware companies to create more secure products that can be used to identify threats and vulnerabilities, to fix problems, and to deliver security solutions.
Belief and Interpretation: Meditations on Pelikan's 'Interpreting the Bible and the Constitution'

Jaroslav Pelikan's recently published collection of essays considers the similarities between biblical and legal hermeneutics. Although Pelikan offers an erudite and subtle account, I argue that he fails to consider a central question raised by the comparison: the extent to which belief is a prerequisite of interpretation. But the claim that we cannot genuinely interpret a document if we do not believe that it has something to say to us, if we do not anticipate that we can learn from the text, raises a difficulty. If belief is central to interpretation it would appear to consign interpretation to a wholly conventional practice immune from critical insight. Drawing on the work of Gianni Vattimo, I make the somewhat paradoxical argument that belief is not only central to interpretation, but also to critique. I conclude that hermeneutical responsiveness and rhetorical elaboration are entwined expressions of a faithful relation to the text; belief nourishes a critical exegesis, which in turn enriches our beliefs. This is true not only in religion and law, but in life as well.