cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Relational Reasoning to Learn About Scientific Phenomena at Unfamiliar Scales

Many scientific theories and discoveries involve reasoning about extreme scales, removed from human experience, such as time in geology and size in nanoscience. Thus, understanding scale is central to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Unfortunately, novices have trouble understanding and comparing sizes of unfamiliar large and small magnitudes. Relational reasoning is a promising tool to bridge the gap between direct experience and phenomena at extreme scales. However, instruction does not always improve understanding, and analogies can fail to bring about conceptual change, and even mislead students. Here, we review how people reason about phenomena across scales, in three sections: (a) we develop a framework for how relational reasoning supports understanding extreme scales; (b) we identify cognitive barriers to aligning human and extreme scales; and (c) we outline a theory-based approach to teaching scale information using relational reasoning, present two successful learning activities, and consider the role of a unified scale instruction across STEM education.
Effects of nebulized β2-Adrenergic agonists on pulmonary mechanics in anesthetized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We evaluated the effects of nebulized beta 2-adrenergic agonists on pulmonary mechanics in patients with COPD undergoing peripheral surgery with a standardized general anesthetic technique. Thirty males with COPD were randomized into one of three groups. Group I (control group; n = 10) received nebulized saline 3 ml, Group II (n = 10) received nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg in 3 ml), and Group III (n = 10) received nebulized metaproterenol (15 mg in 3 ml). At 20 min after tracheal intubation, the study drugs were nebulized over 20 min. Datex Capnomac Ultima monitor was used to measure pulmonary mechanics on a breath-by-breath basis. There was no difference between the three groups with respect to demographic data and preoperative respiratory parameters. A similar degree of DPH occurred with the initiation of mechanical ventilation in all three groups. Patients receiving nebulized bronchodilators (Groups II and III) displayed a significant decrease in DPH and an increase in total dynamic compliance. However, there were no differences in DPH and total dynamic compliance between Groups II and III. We conclude that nebulization of either albuterol or metaproterenol can alleviate DPH resulting from mechanical ventilation in anesthetized patients with COPD.
Next-generation sequencing in neuropathologic diagnosis of infections of the nervous system

Objective: To determine the feasibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) microbiome approaches in the diagnosis of infectious disorders in brain or spinal cord biopsies in patients with suspected CNS infections. Methods: In a prospective pilot study, we applied NGS in combination with a new computational analysis pipeline to detect the presence of pathogenic microbes in brain or spinal cord biopsies from 10 patients with neurologic problems indicating possible infection but for whom conventional clinical and microbiology studies yielded negative or inconclusive results. Results: Direct DNA and RNA sequencing of brain tissue biopsies generated 8.3 million to 29.1 million sequence reads per sample, which successfully identified with high confidence the infectious agent in 3 patients for whom validation techniques confirmed the pathogens identified by NGS. Although NGS was unable to identify with precision infectious agents in the remaining cases, it contributed to the understanding of neuropathologic processes in 5 others, demonstrating the power of large-scale unbiased sequencing as a novel diagnostic tool. Clinical outcomes were consistent with the findings yielded by NGS on the presence or absence of an infectious pathogenic process in 8 of 10 cases, and were noncontributory in the remaining 2. Conclusions: NGS-guided metagenomic studies of brain, spinal cord, or meningeal biopsies offer the possibility for dramatic improvements in our ability to detect (or rule out) a wide range of CNS pathogens, with potential benefits in speed, sensitivity, and cost. NGS-based microbiome approaches present a major new opportunity to investigate the potential role of infectious pathogens in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory disorders.
Simulating 2 Ga of geodynamo history

The paleomagnetic record indicates the geodynamo has been active over much of Earth history with surprisingly little trend in paleointensity. Variability, however, is expected from models that predict a sharp increase in intensity following inner core nucleation (ICN) and implied by Neoproterozoic anomalies that hint at a highly variable field over several hundred million years. Here we demonstrate with a suite of numerical dynamos driven by a new thermal evolution model that the geodynamo could have transitioned from a multipolar to dipolar regime around 1.7 Ga, then to a weak-field dynamo around 1.0 Ga, and finally to a strong-field dipole following ICN around 650 Ma that is maintained to the present day. The occurrence of a weak-field geodynamo in the Neoproterozoic may be consistent with the observed anomalous apparent polar wander paths and reversal behavior. Recovery to a dipolar geodynamo in the Phanerozoic could be a signature of inner core nucleation. Index terms: 1507, 1560, and 1521.
A 7.2 mW 75.3 dB SNDR 10 MHz BW CT Delta-Sigma Modulator Using Gm-C-Based Noise-Shaped Quantizer and Digital Integrator

This paper presents a continuous-time (CT) delta-sigma modulator using a Gm-C based noise-shaped integrating quantizer (NSIQ) with a digital back-end integrator. By incorporating the digital back-end integrator, the tradeoff between resolution and speed for a conventional time-based NSIQ is alleviated. Using only three clock edges and a low-power Gm-C, effective 4-bit quantization with an additional first order noise-shaping is achieved. Also, the linearity requirement of the quantizer is relaxed by employing the digital back-end integrator. The proposed modulator was fabricated in a 0.13 $\mu \text {m}$ CMOS process with an active area of 0.08 $\text {mm}^{2}$ . It operates at 640 MHz and achieves a peak SNDR of 75.3 dB and a peak SFDR of 94.1 dB in a 10 MHz bandwidth while consuming 7.2 mW from a 1.2 V power supply.
Carbenylative Amination and Alkylation of Vinyl Iodides via Palladium Alkylidene Intermediates.

Most palladium-catalyzed reactions involving insertion of alkylidenes with α-hydrogens undergo β-hydride elimination from alkylpalladium(II) intermediates to form alkenes. Vinyl iodides were shown to generate η3-allylpalladium intermediates that resist β-hydride elimination, preserving the sp3 center adjacent to the carbene moiety. Acyclic stereocontrol (syn/anti) for carbenylative amination and alkylation reactions was low, suggesting a lack of control in the migratory insertion step. Highly hindered carbene precursors inexplicably led to formation of Z-alkenes with high levels of stereocontrol.
The Additive Structure of Cartesian Products Spanning Few Distinct Distances

Guth and Katz proved that any point set P in the plane determines Ω(|P|/log |P|) distinct distances. We show that when near to this lower bound, a point set P of the form A × A must satisfy |A-A|≪|A-A|2-1/8.
Cyclic Weighted Centroid Algorithm for Transmitter Localization in the Presence of Interference

This paper addresses the problem of localizing a non-cooperative transmitter in the presence of a spectrally overlapped interferer in a cognitive receiver (CR) network. It has been observed that the performance of non-cooperative weighted centroid localization (WCL) algorithm degrades in the presence of a spectrally overlapped interferer. We propose cyclic WCL algorithm that uses cyclic autocorrelation (CAC) of received signals at CRs in the network to estimate the location coordinates of the target transmitter. Performance of the proposed algorithm is further improved by eliminating CRs in the vicinity of the interferer from the localization process. In order to identify and eliminate CRs in the vicinity of the interferer, the ratio of the variance and the mean of the square of absolute value of the CAC, referred to as feature variation coefficient, is used. Theoretical analysis of the cyclic WCL algorithm is presented in order to compute the root mean square error in the location estimates. We further study the impacts of the interferer’s power and location, CR density, and fading environment on the performance of cyclic WCL. The comparison between cyclic WCL and traditional WCL is also presented.
Equivalence of graphical lasso and thresholding for sparse graphs

This paper is concerned with the problem of finding a sparse graph capturing the conditional dependence between the entries of a Gaussian random vector, where the only available information is a sample correlation matrix. A popular approach to address this problem is the graphical lasso technique, which employs a sparsity-promoting regularization term. This paper derives a simple condition under which the computationally-expensive graphical lasso behaves the same as the simple heuristic method of thresholding. This condition depends only on the solution of graphical lasso and makes no direct use of the sample correlation matrix or the regularization coefficient. It is proved that this condition is always satisfied if the solution of graphical lasso is close to its first-order Taylor approximation or equivalently the regularization term is relatively large. This condition is tested on several random problems, and it is shown that graphical lasso and the thresholding method lead to highly similar results in the case where a sparse graph is sought. We also conduct two case studies on brain connectivity networks of twenty subjects based on fMRI data and the topology identification of electrical circuits to support the findings of this work on the similarity of graphical lasso and thresholding.
Tannins in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy

This study provides an up to date review of tannins, specifically quebracho, in mineral processing and metallurgical processes. Quebracho is a highly useful reagent in many flotation applications, acting as both a depressant and a dispersant. Three different types of quebracho are mentioned in this study; quebracho “S” or Tupasol ATO, quebracho “O” or Tupafin ATO, and quebracho “A” or Silvafloc. It should be noted that literature often refers simply to “quebracho” without distinguishing a specific type. Quebracho is most commonly used in industry as a method to separate fluorite from calcite, which is traditionally quite challenging as both minerals share a common ion—calcium. Other applications for quebracho in flotation with calcite minerals as the main gangue source include barite and scheelite. In sulfide systems, quebracho is a key reagent in differential flotation of copper, lead, zinc circuits. The use of quebracho in the precipitation of germanium from zinc ores and for the recovery of ultrafine gold is also detailed in this work. This analysis explores the wide range of uses and methodology of quebracho in the extractive metallurgy field and expands on previous research by Iskra and Kitchener at Imperial College entitled, “Quebracho in Mineral Processing”.
Polygon guarding with orientation

The art gallery problem is a classical sensor placement problem that asks for the minimum number of guards required to see every point in an environment. The standard formulation does not take into account self-occlusions caused by a person or an object within the environment. Obtaining good views of an object from all orientations despite self-occlusions is an important requirement for surveillance and visual inspection applications. We study the art gallery problem under a constraint, termed ź-guarding, that ensures that all sides of any convex object are always visible in spite of self-occlusion.Our contributions in this paper are three-fold: We first prove that ź ( n ) guards are always necessary for ź-guarding the interior of a simple polygon having n vertices. Second, we present a O ( log ź c opt ) factor approximation algorithm for ź-guarding polygons with or without holes, when the guards are restricted to vertices of the polygon. Here, c opt is the optimal number of guards. Third, we study the problem of ź-guarding a set of line segments connecting points on the boundary of the polygon. This is motivated by applications where an object or person of interest can only move along certain paths in the polygon. We present a constant factor approximation algorithm for this problem - one of the few such results for art gallery problems.
Fundamental Understanding of Near-Field Transducers

Near-field optical transducers (NFT) take advantage of surface plasmon waves to create local electro-magnetic fields much smaller than the excitation light wavelength. Light incident on a metal creates a surface charge movement, which can be guided by design towards small spots with high charge concentrations. One example is a class of sub-wavelength high-throughput apertures that through their shape create local near-fields that are of much larger intensity than the excitation field. The apertures, and their conjugate forms the nano-antennas, enable new applications for optical processing, data storage, sensing and molecule manipulation, among others.
Value Effect and Macroeconomic Risk

The authors study the extent to which macroeconomic risk (i.e., the innovations in macroeconomic variables) drives the positive cross-sectional relationship between future stock returns and relative firm value, using such measures as the book-to-market ratio and earnings-to-price ratio. The authors provide evidence that value stocks are riskier than growth stocks. They show that value stocks have higher risk loadings than growth stocks on the growth rate of industrial production, the term premium, and the default premium. They also find that the risk loadings and risk premiums account for more than half of the average return spreads between value and growth portfolios. The evidence suggests that risk plays an important role in explaining the value effect, which has implications for value and growth investment.
Acousto-ultrasonic decay in metal matrix composite panels

Acousto-ultrasonic (A-U) decay rates (UD) were measured in metal matrix composite (MMC) panels. The MMC panels had fiber architectures and cross-sectional thicknesses corresponding to those designed for aerospace turbine engine structures. The wavelength-to-thickness ratio produced by the combination of experimental frequency setting conditions and specimen geometry was found to be a key parameter for identifying optimum conditions for UD measurements. The ratio was shown to be a useful rule of thumb when applied to ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and monolithic thermoplastics. No conjectures are presented as to the source of UD in undegraded MMCs such as those used in the present work.
Asset Measurement in Imperfect Credit Markets

How should a firm measure a productive asset used as collateral? To answer this question, we develop a model in which firms borrow funds subject to collateral constraints. We characterize the qualities of optimal asset measurements and analyze their interactions with financing needs, collateral constraints, and interest rates. Because of real effects, complete transparency would reduce contracting efficiency and, hence, the measurement must be suitably adapted to credit conditions. The optimal measurement is asymmetric and reports precise information about high collateral values if credit frictions are low, but the reverse if credit frictions are high. Tighter credit market conditions may lead to more opaque measurements and increased investment, in the form of inefficient continuations
Prospect theory for enhanced smart grid resilience using distributed energy storage

The proliferation of distributed generation and storage units is leading to the development of local, small-scale distribution grids, known as microgrids (MGs). In this paper, the problem of optimizing the energy trading decisions of MG operators (MGOs) is studied using game theory. In the formulated game, each MGO chooses the amount of energy that must be sold immediately or stored for future emergencies, given the prospective market prices which are influenced by other MGOs' decisions. The problem is modeled using a Bayesian game to account for the incomplete information that MGOs have about each others' levels of surplus. The proposed game explicitly accounts for each MGO's subjective decision when faced with the uncertainty of its opponents' energy surplus. In particular, the so-called framing effect, from the framework of prospect theory (PT), is used to account for each MGO's valuation of its gains and losses with respect to an individual utility reference point. The reference point is typically different for each individual and originates from its past experiences and future aspirations. A closed-form expression for the Bayesian Nash equilibrium is derived for the standard game formulation. Under PT, a best response algorithm is proposed to find the equilibrium. Simulation results show that, depending on their individual reference points, MGOs can tend to store more or less energy under PT compared to classical game theory. In addition, the impact of the reference point is found to be more prominent as the emergency price set by the power company increases.
Forward Stochastic Reachability Analysis for Uncontrolled Linear Systems using Fourier Transforms

We propose a scalable method for forward stochastic reachability analysis for uncontrolled linear systems with affine disturbance. Our method uses Fourier transforms to efficiently compute the forward stochastic reach probability measure (density) and the forward stochastic reach set. This method is applicable to systems with bounded or unbounded disturbance sets. We also examine the convexity properties of the forward stochastic reach set and its probability density. Motivated by the problem of a robot attempting to capture a stochastically moving, non-adversarial target, we demonstrate our method on two simple examples. Where traditional approaches provide approximations, our method provides exact analytical expressions for the densities and probability of capture.
Strategic R&D and the innovation of products: understanding the role of time preferences and product differentiation

ABSTRACTWe evaluate the effects of innovation on competition using an optimal control approach that incorporates firms' time preferences. Using a model where firm(s) innovates by investing in research and development to create a more appealing product for heterogeneous consumers, we examine conditions that maximize social welfare. When firm(s) choose discount rate regardless of market structure, a monopoly will develop more innovative products. However, we show that duopolies may increase innovation if competition alters firms' outlook. Finally, we identify firm incentives to behave myopically, which in the context of collusion may impede industry-wide innovation.
From classical reflectivity-to-velocity inversion to full-waveform inversion using phase-modified and deconvolved reverse time migration images

ABSTRACTTo obtain a physical understanding of gradient-based descent methods in full-waveform inversion (FWI), we find a connection between the FWI gradient and the image provided by reverse time migration (RTM). The gradient uses the residual data as a virtual source, and RTM uses the observed data directly as the boundary condition, so the FWI gradient is similar to a time integration of the RTM image using the residual data, which physically converts the phase of the reflectivity to the phase of the velocity. Therefore, gradient-based FWI can be connected to the classical reflectivity-to-velocity/impedance inversion (RVI). We have developed a new FWI scheme that provides a self-contained and physically intuitive derivation, which naturally establishes a connection among the amplitude-preserved RTM, the Zoeppritz equations (amplitude variation with angle inversion), and RVI, and combines them into a single framework to produce a preconditioned inversion formula. In this scheme, the relative velocity upd...
Games orbits play and obstructions to Borel reducibility

We introduce a new, game-theoretic approach to anti-classification results for orbit equivalence relations. Within this framework, we give a short conceptual proof of Hjorth’s turbulence theorem. We also introduce a new dynamical criterion providing an obstruction to classification by orbits of CLI groups. We apply this criterion to the relation of equality of countable sets of reals, and the relations of unitary conjugacy of unitary and selfadjoint operators on the separable infinite-dimensional Hilbert space.
Legal responses to nonconsensual pornography: Current policy in the United States and future directions for research.

Technological advances have created new avenues for the perpetration of sexual violence. The widespread availability of cameras has made it easier to take covert recordings of an individual’s intimate body parts, and whether sexually explicit images are recorded with or without an individual’s consent, growing access to the Internet has facilitated the nonconsensual dissemination of those images. Yet criminal laws have not kept pace with technology in most jurisdictions across the United States, and victims of nonconsensual pornography typically have no avenue by which to seek justice. There have been efforts to reform laws in a variety of jurisdictions, some successful but others not. The present study examines the extent to which laws across the United States address nonconsensual pornography. Results reveal that current laws are plagued with a variety of caveats that make prosecution of nonconsensual pornography difficult, suggesting that legal reform addressing this problem has been insufficient. This research calls for increased attention to the links between policy and criminal justice management of the issue. In particular, theories from feminist criminology and psychology are used to explore how policy development related to nonconsensual pornography could be influenced by broader structural features of society. Further empirical study is needed to both advance the social science literature related to violence against women and guide policymakers as they navigate this rapidly changing area of law.
MANAGEMENT OF CERAMIC FRACTURES: CAN YOU ENSURE A SAFE RETURN?

Ceramic bearing complications are rare, but can be a catastrophic complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Particulate debris from fractured ceramics can cause damage to the hip prosthesis and jeopardise subsequent revision THA. Patients with ceramic fractures can present with sudden onset of pain and dysfunction. Often, the patient will report a noisy hip articulation. Radiographs can range from subtle densities surrounding the hip implant to complete disintegration and loss of sphericity of the femoral head or acetabular liner. Ceramic component fractures should be treated expeditiously. Revision options for failed ceramic components depend on existing component fixation, position, and type. In order to retain the implants, the components must be well fixed, appropriately positioned, and have tapers that are undamaged and can accept current femoral heads. Additionally, an extensile exposure and complete synovectomy are necessary to remove the sharp ceramic particulate debris. Finally, a ceramic ball head should be used to revise a fractured ceramic THA. Newer, alumina composite ceramic ball heads are harder, reliable, and more scratch resistant compared to metal ball heads. However, when retaining the femoral component, a ceramic ball head with a titanium sleeve should be used to prevent subsequent failures. In summary, ceramic bearing complications are rare but catastrophic events. A systematic approach to evaluation and management is necessary to ensure a safe return.
Visualization for Lattice QCD

We present a prototype visualization toolkit for Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics. The toolkit consists of a set of parallel algorithms for the computation of the topological charge, energy density, density of heat-bath hits, two and three point corr elation functions, that are interfaced with a Graphical User Interface for an interactive visualiz ation of the fields. The toolkit allows both real-time and off-line visualization, scripting for a utomation, and the ability to combine individual frames into animations (to produce, for example, an animation of the topological charge as function of the MCMC step). The toolkit also includes analysis and plotting tools to automate the typical workflow of Lattice QCD computations.
Prediction of many-electron wavefunctions using atomic potentials

For a given many-electron molecule, it is possible to define a corresponding one-electron Schrodinger equation, using potentials derived from simple atomic densities, whose solution predicts fairly accurate molecular orbitals for single- and multi-determinant wavefunctions for the molecule. The energy is not predicted and must be evaluated by calculating Coulomb and exchange interactions over the predicted orbitals. Potentials are found by minimizing the energy of predicted wavefunctions. There exist slightly less accurate average potentials for first-row atoms that can be used without modification in different molecules. For a test set of molecules representing different bonding environments, these average potentials give wavefunctions with energies that deviate from exact self-consistent field or configuration interaction energies by less than 0.08 eV and 0.03 eV per bond or valence electron pair, respectively.
MicroRNA 21 targets BCL2 mRNA to increase apoptosis in rat and human beta cells.

The role of beta cell microRNA (miR)-21 in the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes has been controversial. Here, we sought to define the context of beta cell miR-21 upregulation in type 1 diabetes and the phenotype of beta cell miR-21 overexpression through target identification. Islets were isolated from NOD mice and mice treated with multiple low doses of streptozotocin, as a mouse model of diabetes. INS-1 832/13 beta cells and human islets were treated with IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α to mimic the milieu of early type 1 diabetes. Cells and islets were transfected with miR-21 mimics or inhibitors. Luciferase assays and polyribosomal profiling (PRP) were performed to define miR-21–target interactions. Beta cell miR-21 was increased in in vivo models of type 1 diabetes and cytokine-treated cells/islets. miR-21 overexpression decreased cell count and viability, and increased cleaved caspase 3 levels, suggesting increased cell death. In silico prediction tools identified the antiapoptotic mRNA BCL2 as a conserved miR-21 target. Consistent with this, miR-21 overexpression decreased BCL2 transcript and B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein production, while miR-21 inhibition increased BCL2 protein levels and reduced cleaved caspase 3 levels after cytokine treatment. miR-21-mediated cell death was abrogated in 828/33 cells, which constitutively overexpress Bcl2. Luciferase assays suggested a direct interaction between miR-21 and the BCL2 3′ untranslated region. With miR-21 overexpression, PRP revealed a shift of the Bcl2 message towards monosome-associated fractions, indicating inhibition of Bcl2 translation. Finally, overexpression in dispersed human islets confirmed a reduction in BCL2 transcripts and increased cleaved caspase 3 production. In contrast to the pro-survival role reported in other systems, our results demonstrate that miR-21 increases beta cell death via BCL2 transcript degradation and inhibition of BCL2 translation.
Uterine Angioleiomyoma Complicated by Consumptive Coagulopathy

► We present a rare case of consumptive coagulopathy secondary to a large degenerated uterine angioleiomyoma. ► Pathological examination showed features of angioleiomyoma, which are rarely found in the uterus. ► After removal of the neoplasm, the patient's consumptive coagulopathy, along with her vaginal bleeding, subsequently resolved.
Improving Broadband Displacement Detection with Quantum Correlations

Ultraprecise measurements of displacement and force can run into a limit on precision due to random forces imparted by the photons used for the measurement. An investigation into a technique for modifying the readout of an interferometer to avoid these limits demonstrates sensitivity improvements.
The export and fate of organic matter in the ocean: New constraints from combining satellite and oceanographic tracer observations

The ocean's biological pump transfers carbon from the surface euphotic zone into the deep ocean, reducing the atmospheric CO2 concentration. Despite its climatic importance, there are large uncertainties in basic metrics of the biological pump. Previous estimates of the strength of the biological pump, as measured by the amount of organic carbon exported from the euphotic zone, range from about 4 to 12 Pg C yr−1. The fate of exported carbon, in terms of how efficiently it is transferred into the deep ocean, is even more uncertain. Here we present a new model of the biological pump that assimilates satellite and oceanographic tracer observations to constrain rates and patterns of organic matter production, export, and remineralization in the ocean. The data-assimilated model predicts a global particulate organic carbon (POC) flux out of the euphotic zone of ∼9 Pg C yr−1. The particle export ratio (the ratio of POC export to net primary production) is highest at high latitudes and lowest at low latitudes, but low-latitude export is greater than predicted by previous models, in better agreement with observed patterns of long-term carbon export. Particle transfer efficiency (Teff) through the mesopelagic zone is controlled by temperature and oxygen, with highest Teff for high-latitude regions and oxygen minimum zones. In contrast, Teff in the deep ocean (below 1000 m) is controlled by particle sinking speed, with highest deep ocean Teff below the subtropical gyres. These results emphasize the utility of both remote sensing and oceanographic tracer observations for constraining the operation of the biological pump.
Measurement of the velocity of a quantum object: A role of phase and group velocities

Abstract We consider the motion of a quantum particle in a free space. Introducing an explicit measurement procedure for velocity, we demonstrate that the measured velocity is related to the group and phase velocities of the corresponding matter waves. We show that for long distances the measured velocity coincides with the matter wave group velocity. We discuss the possibilities to demonstrate these effects for the optical pulses in coherently driven media or for radiation propagating in waveguides.
Coordination of size-control, reproduction and generational memory in freshwater planarians

Uncovering the mechanisms that control size, growth, and division rates of organisms reproducing through binary division means understanding basic principles of their life cycle. Recent work has focused on how division rates are regulated in bacteria and yeast, but this question has not yet been addressed in more complex, multicellular organisms. We have, over the course of several years, assembled a unique large-scale data set on the growth and asexual reproduction of two freshwater planarian species, Dugesia japonica and Girardia tigrina, which reproduce by transverse fission and succeeding regeneration of head and tail pieces into new planarians. We show that generation-dependent memory effects in planarian reproduction need to be taken into account to accurately capture the experimental data. To achieve this, we developed a new additive model that mixes multiple size control strategies based on planarian size, growth, and time between divisions. Our model quantifies the proportions of each strategy in the mixed dynamics, revealing the ability of the two planarian species to utilize different strategies in a coordinated manner for size control. Additionally, we found that head and tail offspring of both species employ different mechanisms to monitor and trigger their reproduction cycles. Thus, we find a diversity of strategies not only between species but between heads and tails within species. Our additive model provides two advantages over existing 2D models that fit a multivariable splitting rate function to the data for size control: firstly, it can be fit to relatively small data sets and can thus be applied to systems where available data is limited. Secondly, it enables new biological insights because it explicitly shows the contributions of different size control strategies for each offspring type.
Effectiveness evaluation of the Positive Family Support intervention: A three-tiered public health delivery model for middle schools

This article presents the results of an evaluation of Positive Family Support, an ecological family intervention and treatment approach to parent supports and family management training developed from a history of basic and translational research. This effectiveness trial, with 41 public middle schools randomly assigned to intervention or control, examined student-, teacher-, and parent-reported outcomes, as well as math and reading scores and school attendance. Multilevel analyses suggested that for students at risk for behavior problems, immediate-intervention schools outperformed control schools on parent-reported negative school contacts for students at risk for behavior problems. Implementation, however, was hampered by several challenges, including school funding cuts, lack of staff time to provide parenting supports, and staff turnover. Given that preventive interventions are generally cost effective, it is critical that researchers continue their efforts to refine these interventions and find ways to support schools' implementation of evidence-based programs that can reduce problem behavior. This article is part of a special issue "Parental Engagement in School-Based Interventions".
Comparison and modeling study of vancomycin, ristocetin A, and teicoplanin for CE enantioseparations

The structurally related glycopeptide antibiotics vancomycin, ristocetin A, and teicoplanin can all be used as chiral selectors in capillary electrophoresis (CE). Both experimental and modeling studies were done to elucidate their similarities and differences. There are identifiable morphological differences in the aglycon macrocyclic portions of these three compounds. In addition, there are other structural distinctions that can affect their CE enantioselectivity, migration times, and efficiency. Teicoplanin is the most distinct of the three and is the only one that is surface active. Its aggregational properties appear to affect its enantioselectivity among other things. The similar but not identical structures of the three glycopeptides produce similar but not identical enantioselectivities. This leads to the empirically useful “principle of complementary separations”, in which a partial resolution with one chiral selector can be brought to baseline with one of the others. Overall, ristocetin A appears...
Error bounds in parameter estimation under mismatch

In this paper we develop a new upper bound for the mean square estimation error of a parameter that takes values on a bounded interval. The bound is based on the discretization of the region into a finite number of points, and the determination of the estimate by a maximum likelihood procedure. It is assumed that inaccurate versions of the true spectra are utilized in the implementation of the maximum likelihood estimator. As a special case, we develop new upper bounds to the performance of time delay estimation schemes.
A Theory of Resonance: Towards an Ecological Cognitive Architecture

This paper presents a blueprint for an ecological cognitive architecture. Ecological psychology, I contend, must be complemented with a story about the role of the CNS in perception, action, and cognition. To arrive at such a story while staying true to the tenets of ecological psychology, it will be necessary to flesh out the central metaphor according to which the animal perceives its environment by ‘resonating’ to information in energy patterns: what is needed is a theory of resonance. I offer here the two main elements of such a theory: a framework (Anderson’s neural reuse) and a methodology (multi-scale fractal DST).
On semi-empirical decomposition of multidecadal climate variability into forced and internally generated components

This paper combines CMIP5 historical simulations and observations of surface temperature to investigate relative contributions of forced and internal climate variability to long-term climate trends. A suite of estimated forced signals based on surrogate multi-model ensembles mimicking the statistical characteristics of individual models is used to show that, in contrast to earlier claims, scaled versions of the multi-model ensemble mean cannot adequately characterize the full spectrum of CMIP5 forced responses, due to misrepresenting the model uncertainty. The same suite of multiple forced signals is also used to derive unbiased estimates of the model simulated internal variability in historical simulations and, after appropriate scaling to match the observed climate sensitivity, to estimate the internal component of climate variability in the observed temperatures. On average, climate models simulate the non-uniform warming of Northern Hemisphere mean surface temperature well, but are overly sensitive to forcing in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, where the simulations have to be scaled back to match observed trends. In contrast, the simulated internal variability is much weaker than observed. There is no evidence of coupling between the model simulated forced signals and internal variability, suggesting that their underlying dominant physical mechanisms are different. Analysis of regional contributions to the recent global warming hiatus points to the presence of a hemispheric mode of internal climate variability, rather than to internal processes local to the Pacific Ocean. Large discrepancies between present estimates of the simulated and observed multidecadal internal climate variability suggest that our ability to attribute and predict climate change using current generation of climate models is limited.
Beyond Profits: The Rise of Dual-Purpose Organizations and its Consequences for Disclosure

ABSTRACT Organizations with a mission that extends “beyond profit” to achieve broader objectives are becoming increasingly common. This paper studies such hybrid entities—firms that value the profi...
Clinical and educational impact of pharmacogenomics testing: A case series from the INGENIOUS trial

Pharmacogenomic testing has become increasingly widespread. However, there remains a need to bridge the gap between test results and providers lacking the expertise required to interpret these results. The Indiana Genomics Implementation trial is underway at our institution to examine total healthcare cost and patient outcomes after genotyping in a safety-net healthcare system. As part of the study, trial investigators and clinical pharmacology fellows interpret genotype results, review patient histories and medication lists and evaluate potential drug–drug interactions. We present a case series of patients in whom pharmacogenomic consultations aided providers in appropriately applying pharmacogenomic results within the clinical context. Formal consultations not only provide valuable patient care information but educational opportunities for the fellows to cement pharmacogenomic concepts.
Robustness of Discrete Systems: A Review

Abstract Since the publications of Kharitonov’s seminal theorems on robust stability of continuous systems, a surge of research activities have appeared to obtain the discrete analogs, counterparts, and equivalents of these theorems. In this paper, a review of such results is discussed. The recent development of the Edge theorem by Bartlett, Hollot, and Lin, has shed some light on both Kharitonov’s theorems, and on its discrete counterparts. A discussion of this theorem as applied to the discrete case is also reviewed in this paper. In the conclusion, several open research problems are outlined. A comprehensive bibliography in this area of research is included.
Role of Etoposide-Based Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Patients With Refractory or Relapsing Germ Cell Tumors

Abstract Forty-nine patients with metastatic germ cell tumors were treated with etoposide 100 mg/m 2 and cisplatin 20 mg/m 2 intravenously each day for five days as "salvage" chemotherapy. Forty-seven patients had received standard induction regimens for metastatic germ cell tumors before receiving etoposide and cisplatin. Four patients were treated after surgical resection of a single site of relapse (Group I). Forty-five patients had measurable or evaluable disease at the time of treatment. In 17 patients with evaluable disease who had either achieved a prior complete remission or received no prior cisplatin (Group II), eight (47 percent) complete and four (24 percent) partial remissions were observed. In 28 patients who had never achieved a prior complete remission (Group III), no complete and five (18 percent) partial responses were observed. Seven of 21 patients in Groups I and II and none of 28 patients in Group III remain alive and free of disease. Assuming prior treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, these data and a review of the published experience with similar salvage regimens for patients with relapsing or refractory germ cell tumors suggest that combination chemotherapy based on etoposide and cisplatin is effective primarily in those patients who achieved a prior complete remission. Such therapy is ineffective in the absence of a prior complete remission probably because the patients have tumors that are largely resistant to cisplatin. Observed responses are probably due to etoposide alone. Investigational therapies should be pursued in those patients whose disease is refractory to current induction regimens.
Impact of Non-Linear High-Power Amplifiers on Cooperative Relaying Systems

In this paper, we investigate the impact of the high-power amplifier non-linear distortion on multiple relay systems by introducing the soft envelope limiter, traveling wave tube amplifier, and solid-state power amplifier to the relays. The system employs amplify-and-forward either fixed or variable gain relaying and uses the opportunistic relay selection with outdated channel state information to select the best relay. The results show that the performance loss is small at low rates; however, it is significant for high rates. In particular, the outage probability and the bit error rate are saturated by an irreducible floor at high rates. The same analysis is pursued for the capacity and shows that it is saturated by a detrimental ceiling as the average signal-to-noise ratio becomes higher. This result contrasts the case of the ideal hardware where the capacity grows indefinitely. Moreover, the results show that the capacity ceiling is proportional to the impairment’s parameter and for some special cases the impaired systems practically operate in acceptable conditions. Closed-forms and high SNR asymptotes of the outage probability, the bit error rate, and the capacity are derived. Finally, analytical expressions are validated by the Monte Carlo simulation.
Primary Aldosteronism: Changing Concepts in Diagnosis and Management

Unilateral adrenalectomy for benign causes of primary aldosteronism is an established procedure. The established surgical cure for aldosterone-producing adenoma justifies a thorough preoperative evaluation. No single test accurately identifies aldosterone-producing adenomas in patients with primary aldosteronism. However, a useful algorithm combines postural studies, computerized axial tomography, and adrenal vein catheterization for selective hormonal assay, if computerized axial tomography is negative or equivocal and the suspicion of aldosterone-producing adenoma is high. If an adrenal mass is present and biochemical studies suggest a diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma, resection of the affected gland from a limited unilateral approach is indicated. Cure can be expected in 80 percent of cases. In the uncommon circumstance that the adrenal tumor was not an aldosterone-producing adenoma but a hyperplastic nodule, these patients may still be cured or more easily controlled with antihypertensive medications. Thirty-eight patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy are presented and discussed.
Analysis of Interracial Variation in Kidney Transplant and Patient Survival

Negro recipients appear to have essentially the same graft and patient survival rates as Caucasian recipients after accounting for the center effect. Cadaver kidneys from Negro donors yielded very slightly lower survival rates than kidneys from Caucasian donors after correction for the center effect. It appears that centers with poor results may have influenced the conclusions from earlier data regarding Negro donors. Transplants into Oriental recipients either from related donors or from Caucasian cadaver donors result in transplant outcomes that are comparable to the outcomes in Caucasian recipients. Most interesting is the comparable survival rate from Caucasian donors into either Caucasian recipients or Oriental recipients, despite a considerable difference in histocompatibility antigen frequencies between these races. Both Caucasian and Negro patients with nephrosclerosis have graft and patient survival rates that are comparable to patients of the same race without nephrosclerosis. The transfusion effect is noted in both Caucasian and Negro recipients. Comparable proportions receive similar numbers of transfusions in each race.
Transluminal Angioplasty for Renovascular Hypertension Complicated by Pregnancy

• Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was successfully used in the treatment of renovascular hypertension that resulted from fibromuscular hyperplasia in a 26-year-old woman who was four weeks' pregnant. The patient's BP normalized immediately. She had a normal pregnancy that terminated in the delivery of a full-term normal child. Two and a half years after the procedure, she remained normotensive without taking antihypertensive medication. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty may be useful in the treatment of renal artery stenosis complicated by hypertension and pregnancy, where the inherent risk of toxemia endangers the life of the mother and fetus. ( Arch Intern Med 1982;142:1737-1739)