cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of constructed wetlands for removal of bacterial contamination from agricultural return flows.

Abstract Water quality degradation from bacterial pathogens is one of the leading causes of surface water impairment in California agricultural watersheds. In the San Joaquin Valley, approximately 50 and 100% of water samples collected from three different irrigation return flows exceeded the Escherichia coli standard of 126 cfu 100 mL−1 and the enterococci standard of 33 cfu 100 mL−1, respectively, as required for water discharge into state waterways. These results show that runoff from irrigated crops can contribute a significant load of bacteria indicators and potentially pathogenic microorganisms to waterways. Constructed wetlands are gaining recognition as a management practice for use in irrigated agriculture to reduce bacterial loads and a wide variety of water quality contaminants in agricultural return flows prior to discharge into waterways. Based on input–output sampling of four wetlands, 66–91% of E. coli concentrations and 86–94% of enterococci concentrations were retained in the wetlands. Removal efficiencies in terms of bacteria load were even higher, 80–87% and 88–97% for E. coli and enterococci, respectively, due to water losses (seepage and evapotranspiration) within the wetland. Of all the parameters considered, hydraulic residence time (HRT) appeared to be the factor having the greatest effect on the efficiency of bacteria indicator removal. Remarkably, a HRT of less than a day can achieve considerable bacteria indicator retention (∼70%), which allows for relatively small wetland areas being able to treat runoff from large agricultural areas (up to 360:1 in this study).
A delay differential equation model for surface acoustic wave sensors

This paper presents a functional differential equation model for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. Closed-loop SAW delay line oscillators are modeled as differential equations with multiple delays. Stable oscillations of the circuit are associated with Hopf bifurcations. Conditions for Hopf bifurcations to occur are used to predict the mode number of the oscillator and its operating frequency. It is found that the operating frequency is close to the center frequency of the open-loop filter but is modulated by the effective separation distance between the generator and the receptor. The frequency relationship is applied to a tunable SAW oscillator to provide a phenomenological understanding of the mode jumping that is reported in experiments.
Targeted disruption of the estrogen receptor gene in male mice causes alteration of spermatogenesis and infertility

The reproductive system of male mice homozygous for a mutation in the estrogen receptor (ER) gene (ER knock-out; ERKO) appears normal at the anatomical level. However, these males are infertile, indicating an essential role for ER-mediated processes in the regulation of male reproduction. Adult ERKO male mice have significantly fewer epididymal sperm than heterozygous or wild-type males. Although spermatogenesis is occurring in some seminiferous tubules of 3- to 5-month-old ERKO males, other tubules either have a dilated lumen and a disorganized seminiferous epithelium with few spermatogenic cells or lack a lumen and contain mainly Sertoli cells. There are no obvious differences in seminiferous tubules at 10 days of age between wild-type and ERKO mice, but the lumen in ERKO males is dilated in all seminiferous tubules by 20 days. However, spermatogenesis progresses and similar numbers of sperm are present in the cauda epididymis of ERKO and wild-type males until 10 weeks of age. Disruption of spermatogenesis and degeneration of the seminiferous tubules become apparent after 10 weeks in the caudal pole of the testis and progresses in a wave to the cranial pole by 6 months. However, the seminal vesicles, coagulating glands, prostate, and epididymis do not appear to be altered morphologically in ERKO mice. Serum testosterone levels are somewhat elevated, but LH and FSH levels are not significantly different from those in wild-type males. Sperm from 8- to 16-week-old mice have reduced motility and are ineffective at fertilizing eggs in vitro. In addition, ERKO males housed overnight with hormone-primed wild-type females produce significantly fewer copulatory plugs than do heterozygous or wild-type males. These results suggest that estrogen action is required for fertility in male mice and that the mutation of the ER in ERKO males leads to reduced mating frequency, low sperm numbers, and defective sperm function.
Applications of high-average-power nonlinear optics

Nonlinear optical frequency convertors (harmonic generators and optical parametric oscillators are reviewed with an emphasis on high average power performance and limitations. NLO materials issues and NLO device designs are discussed in reference to several emerging scientific, military and industrial commercial applications requiring {approx} 100 watt average power level in the visible and infrared spectral regions. Research efforts required to enable practical {approx} 100 watt class NLO based laser systems are identified.
Errors in Multi-Digit Arithmetic and Behavioral Inattention in Children With Math Difficulties

Errors in written multi-digit computation were investigated in children with math difficulties. Third- and fourth-grade children (n = 291) with coexisting math and reading difficulties, math difficulties, reading difficulties, or no learning difficulties were compared. A second analysis compared those with severe math learning difficulties, low average achievement in math, and no learning difficulties. Math fact errors were related to the severity of the math difficulties, not to reading status. Contrary to predictions, children with poorer reading, regardless of math achievement, committed more visually based errors. Operation switch errors were not systematically related to group membership. Teacher ratings of behavioral inattention were related to accuracy, math fact errors, and procedural bugs. The findings are discussed with respect to hypotheses about the cognitive origins of arithmetic errors and in relation to current discussions about how to conceptualize math disabilities.
The Effects of Stereotype Threat and Pacing on Older Adults' Learning Outcomes

This study examined the effects of stereotype threat and pacing on older adult training outcomes. Older adults (N = 51; M age = 71 years) were randomly assigned to stereotype threat and pacing conditions and completed computerized library training. Contrary to expectations, stereotype threat was found to improve performance significantly on both training practice exercises and a post-training knowledge test. Self-pacing was not found to affect training performance, but did produce more positive reactions to the training course. Implications for training design and for stereotype threat research are discussed.
FERROMAGNETIC SHAPE MEMORY EFFECTS IN AN IRON PALLADIUM ALLOY

This paper presents the results of an extensive series of experiments conducted on Fe70Pd30 using a recently developed apparatus, the Magneto-Mechanical Testing Machine. These experiments were designed to investigate the ferromagnetic shape-memory behavior of Fe70Pd30 and test the predictions of a theory that assumes the magnetizations of the material are constrained to lie in the easy directions and the material strains are constrained to be the shape-memory transformation strains. It was found that a specimen made of Fe70Pd30 single crystal lengthens when a magnetic field is applied along its c axis (short axis of FCT lattice) while the specimen is under uniaxial compression in the c direction. This behavior agrees with the predictions of the constrained theory and magnetic anisotropy measurements. The maximum field-induced strain change measured in this material is about 0.009 at 5500G and 1MPa, which is one fifth of the theoretical prediction. This is attributed to the magnetization rotation away from the easy directions caused by insufficient magnetic anisotropy. Under 12MPa of compression the field-induced strain change is considerably smaller reaching only about 0.0008, but this change gives the largest work output observed of 9.6◊10 3 J/m 3 . This work output is very close to the work output of Terfenol-D under this amount of compressive stress.
Interview: Nanostructures for sensors and analytical systems

Professor Harold Craighead attended the University of Maryland (MD, USA) where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics. He moved to Cornell University (NY, USA) for his PhD in Physics, which he completed in 1980. He subsequently worked as a member of technical staff in the Device Physics Research Department at Bell Laboratories (NJ, USA) until 1984 when he joined Bellcore to form and manage the Quantum Structures research group. Professor Craighead returned to Cornell University as a Professor in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics. He became the Director of the National Nanofabrication Facility at Cornell and remained in this post until 1995. Professor Craighead was also the Director of the School of Applied and Engineering Physics and the founding Director of the Nanobiotechnology Center. In 2001, he was appointed the Interim Dean of the College of Engineering. He was awarded the Charles W Lake Jr Professorship of Engineering at Cornell University. Professor Craighead was elected...
Physical Literacy Is a Social Justice Issue

This article describes various recent initiatives that are contributing to physical literacy and social justice. The goal is to provide students with a solid foundation of movement through quality and inclusive health and physical education programs, which will increase the likelihood that individuals will be physically active throughout their lifespan.
Robust low-computation sensor-driven control for task-directed navigation

Reliable goal-directed navigation is demonstrated on a real robot in an unmodified office environment using crude sensors and minimal computation. The control system is based on reactive behaviors which fail cognizantly, that is, which can detect when something goes wrong. Cognizant failure allows unreliable behaviors to be combined by a reactive scheduler to produce an overall behavior which is more reliable than any of its components. Algorithms which fail cognizantly are much easier to produce than algorithms which never fail. Several such algorithms are presented. >
Squamous cell carcinoma on the dorsum of the tongue arising in a long-standing lesion of erosive lichen planus

Considerable controversy exists regarding the malignant potential of lichen planus. Although a number of cases of malignant transformation have been reported, many have lacked adequate documentation. A histologically well-documented case of squamous cell carcinoma on the dorsum of the tongue arising in a long-standing lesion of erosive lichen planus is presented.
Describing Ovarian Cycles, Pregnancy Characteristics, and the Use of Contraception in Female White‐Faced Marmosets, Callithrix geoffroyi

Endocrine data and characteristics of nonconceptive ovarian cycling and pregnancy are limited within the genus Callithrix to the common marmoset (C. jacchus) and Wied's black tufted-ear marmoset (C. kuhlii). This article presents patterns of urinary pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) excretion, as determined by enzyme immunoassay, throughout the course of ovarian cycling and pregnancy in white-faced marmosets (C. geoffroyi). Furthermore, characteristics of reproductive parameters including litter size, duration of gestation, maternal age, and information about ovarian cycling following administration of contraceptives are also described. A steep increase in PdG, an indication of ovulation, characterizes normative ovarian cycles, with peak-to-peak intervals between cycles being 27.82 ± 1.49 days in length. PdG excretion (μg/mg Cr) across pregnancy peaked during the 1st and 2nd trimesters (1st = 20.71 ± 2.98, 2nd = 21.16 ± 2.60) and declined gradually to near preconception levels over the 3rd trimester until parturition (3rd = 5.74 ± 1.60). Gestation lasted 148.55 ± 1.89 days. Most pregnancies (82.8%) resulted in an immediate postpartum ovulation (PPO) of 17.45 ± 2.22 days with 58.3% of PPOs resulting in conception. No differences in PdG excretion during the 1st trimester between full pregnancies and miscarriages were found, and pregnancy characteristics such as litter size, duration of gestation, and maternal age were not associated with PdG concentrations. Administration of cloprostenol resulted in shorter peak-to-peak cycle durations, but ovulation was detectable with similar concentrations of peak PdG to a normal nonconceptive cycle. Conversely, medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injections resulted in little to no PdG excretion across the ovarian cycle. Both methods of contraception providing effective prevention of conception. Overall, these results show that strong similarities in reproductive parameters persist within the genus Callithrix and to a lesser extent across the Callitrichidae family.
Famous Trademarks and the Rational Basis for Protecting Irrational Beliefs

Contrary to the traditional view, this article argues that mega-brands are neither economic evils nor limited to imparting information about the products they adorn. It also rejects the view that famous marks persuade “snobs” to “irrationally” pay more for the same physical product they could have purchased for less. Rather, it adopts the view that in purchasing a branded good, the consumer is actually purchasing a bundle of three products: a physical product, information about the physical product, and an intangible product, such as fame, prestige, peace of mind, or a pleasant feeling. This article explores the demand for the intangible product and its impact on pricing, welfare, and the strategies of consumers and producers. It concludes that under certain conditions one may witness the anomaly of an increase in both price and output. Further, contrary to conspicuous goods theory, this analysis shows that snobbism may occur in the traditional downward-sloping demand curves and is not limited to goods with conspicuous properties. A direct implication of this analysis is that mega-brands neither confer a monopoly nor foster price discrimination. On the contrary, they enhance competition in both the physical and intangible spheres. Further, the analysis provides a rational basis for anti-dilution law. Anti-dilution law - widely considered to protect producers and injure consumers - actually inures to the benefit of both groups. Finally, this analysis shows that even snobs are rational, and that there are sound economic justifications for the law’s unique protection of famous marks.
The Arrow-Debreu Model

One of the two central paradigms in modern general equilibrium theory is the Walrasian general equilibrium model of an economy with a finite number of commodities and a finite number of households and firms, as formulated by K. J. Arrow and G. Debreu [12].
Margin Comparison of Stoner&#8211;Wohlfarth MRAM and Zero Total Anisotropy Toggle Mode MRAM

The attainable operating field margin, giving the same requirements for the memory retention time and half-select robustness, was compared for the zero-total-anisotropy toggle (T)-MRAM with/without biasing and ordinary Stoner-Wohlfarth (SW) type MRAM by analytic/numeric method. It has been found that the margin increases monotonically with increasing the operating field for the T-MRAMs, while it reaches a constant value at a critical operating field for the ordinary SW type. The biased-T-MRAM can have the largest margin in the whole range of the operating field, T-MRAM without biasing comes next, with SW-MRAM giving similar margin as the latter in a lower operating field
Clonidine was effective for reducing tamoxifen associated hot flashes in postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Source Citation Pandya KJ, Raubertas RF, Flynn PJ, et al. Oral clonidine in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer experiencing tamoxifen-induced hot flashes: a University of Rochester Cancer C...
The ideology of modernity and the Myth of the Given McDowell’s equipoise and Adorno’s cognitive utopia

In his most recent work, McDowell argues that the oscillation between the Myth of the Given and coherentism can be avoided only by an ‘equipoise’ between the objective and the subjective. However, ...
Synchronizing Deductible Taxes and Taxable Income

rT HE fundamental importance of correct timing in the computation of annual income is generally recognized. Any business activity continuing over a period longer than that under observation involves a flow of revenue and a flow of expense which must be carefully matched., If this is not done, provisional estimates2 may give a highly distorted picture of the operations of an enterprise.3 Fortunately, in calculating periodic gain a considerable part of the expense and revenue is so closely related to the period for which the estimate is made that there is no serious dispute as to its proper allocation. The difficulties of matching are caused by the items which are also identifiable with preceding or subsequent periods or which are not readily identifiable with any particular time.4 In part these difficulties may be overcome by using accepted accounting guides to allocate revenue and expense to the appropriate year. However, there remains a broad area of doubt and uncertainty where the guides or their application are controverted; consequently estimates of annual income may vary measurably even though made by persons of experienced judgment.5 Yet in spite of the wide variations in income estimates the need for timely reports has compelled more frequent sampling than that afforded by the annual statement.6 In addition, even the annual report is being
A Brief History of Functional Analysis and Applied Behavior Analysis

The history of functional analysis, as both a concept and a procedure, can be traced back to the earliest days of the discipline of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and even to the earliest days of basic research in behavior analysis that formed the foundation for ABA. Indeed, it is not unreasonable to state that the history of functional analysis is inextricably linked to the history of the discipline of ABA. The general discipline of ABA and the concepts and methods of functional analysis have been built upon the conceptual foundation of operant conditioning, and as advancements have been made in the basic and conceptual arenas of behavior analysis, new refinements have been made in the area of application.
Wavelength Routing and Multicasting Network in Ring-Based Integrated Photonics

Wavelength routing and multicasting network is demonstrated in cross-grid waveguide structure. High channel efficiency and extensibility to a large-scale system are achieved with 0.5mW tuning power and 0.8dB power penalty among all casting functions.
Effects of Acephate Sprayed on Western Spruce Budworm in Idaho, 1976

Acephate was field tested against a population of Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman in the Targhee National Forest of eastern Idaho, July 1976. The insecticide was applied on 12 plots (each ca. 40 ha) by a helicopter using Beecomist nozzles with a WP sleeve when insects were in the 4th and 5th instars. Dosages of 1.12, 0.56, and 0.28 kg AI/ha resulted in 98.8, 93.0, and 77.5% mortality, respectively, at 15 days postspray. Check mortality was 48.3%.
International Institutions and China's Health Policy

This article examines the role of international institutional actors in China's health policy process. Particular attention is paid to three major international institutional actors: the World Bank, the World Health Organization, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Through process tracing and comparative case studies, the article looks at how international institutions contribute to policy change in China and seeks to explain different outcomes in the relationship between international institutions and China's health policies. It finds that despite the opaque and exclusive authoritarian structure in China, international institutions play a significant role in the country's domestic health governance. By investing their resources and capabilities selectively and strategically, international institutions can change the preferences of government policy makers, move latent public health issues to the government's agenda, and affect the timing of government action and the content of policy design. Furthermore, the study suggests that different outcomes in the relationship between China's health policies and global health governance can be explained through the seriousness of the externalities China faces.
Relation of blood thromboplastin activity to its total phospholipid content.

Summary(1) The amount of total phospholipid in blood thromboplastin was found to correlate with thromboplastic activity. (2). A sufficient concentration of the total phospholipid in formed thromboplastin appears to be critical. However, the mere presence of phospholipid does not insure strong thromboplastic activity. (3) There was no relation between amount of total phospholipid in the precursor substances, either before or after centrifugation, and total phospholipid in the blood thromboplastin. This strongly suggests that active changes occur during thromboplastin formation.
MICROCYCLIC CONIDIATION CYCLES IN EPICHLOE TYPHINA

Germination of ascospores in Epichloe typhina was described earlier as iterative germination in which each part spore of an ascospore germinated and produced conidia without an intervening mycelial phase. In the present study it was determined that the conidia produced by iterative germination also undergo an additional series of microcyclic conidiations. Thus, conidia produced from the ascosporic microcyclic structure germinated and produced other conidia, which also germinated producing yet another microcyclic structure. It was only after the third stage of microcyclic conidiations that mycelial development occurred. Microcycle conidiation in E. typhina is viewed as an obligate developmental sequence since no alternative process was observed. This distinguishes it from microcycle conidiation reported in other fungi where microcycle conidiation is facultative, being inducible only under certain laboratory conditions. Although unexplored, microcyclic conidiation may be a fundamentally important aspect of the life history of E. typhina and a variety of other fungi.
Asynchrony between human cumulus-corona cell complex and oocyte maturation after human menopausal gonadotropin treatment for in vitro fertilization

One hundred seventeen oocyte-cumulus-corona cell complexes (CCCs) were obtained from 15 women undergoing in vitro fertilization after human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin follicular stimulation. In each woman, five oocyte-CCCs were left intact, and the remaining one to five oocytes were freed of their CCCs by hyaluronidase (300IU/ml) dispersal treatment. Dispersal time for individual CCCs correlated well with their degree of mucification and was significantly shorter in 20 mature CCCs as compared with 24 intermediate CCCs (1.20±0.05 versus 2.35±0.13minutes, respectively; P
Family Dinner Across Generations: My How Times Have Changed?

OF THESIS FAMILY DINNER ACROSS GENERATIONS: MY HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED? In an effort to determine differences between family dinners across generations, this study examined typical family dinners of participants and how they have changed across the four generations addressed. Previous qualitative research has been conducted to determine communication frames that occur during family dinners and the effect of parenting styles on family dinners, but little research connecting generational differences to family dinners has been published. Data were collected from a homogeneous sample of twenty-four women living in three counties across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. By asking open ended questions during interviews, similarities and differences between family dinners across generations were identified, and target approaches to increase the frequency of future family dinners were discussed.
Singularly Perturbed Boundary Value Problems

Consider the two-point problem ey”+a(x)y’+b(x)y=f(x) on 0≤x≤1 where a(x)>0 and with the boundary values y(0) and y(1) prescribed. We shall suppose that a, b, and f are arbitrarily smooth, and we shall prove that the asymptotic solution will exist, be unique, and have the form $$y\left( {x,\varepsilon } \right) = Y\left( {x,\varepsilon } \right) + \xi \left( {x/\varepsilon,\varepsilon } \right) $$ where the outer expansion Y(x, c) has a power series expansion $$Y\left( {x,\varepsilon } \right) \sim \sum\limits_{j = 0}^\infty {{Y_j}\left( x \right){\varepsilon ^j}} $$ and the initial layer correction \(\xi \left( {\tau,\varepsilon } \right) \) has an expansion $$\xi \left( {\tau , \in } \right)\sim \sum\limits_{{j = 0}}^{\infty } {{{\xi }_{j}}\left( \tau \right){{ \in }^{j}}} $$ such that each ξj(and its derivatives) will tend to zero as the stretched variable \(\tau = x/\varepsilon \) tends to infinity. We shall base our proof on the existence of both a smooth asymptotic solution of the differential equation and of a (linearly independent) asymptotic solution which features an initial layer of nonuniform convergence near x = O. Recognizing that the asymptotic solution is an additive composite function of the slow “time” x and the fast time x/E generalizes to multitime expansions in many asymptotic contexts [cf. Nayfeh (1973) and, especially, Kevorkian and Cole (1981).
Mentoring experiences among Navy midshipmen.

Previous research suggests that mentor relationships are facilitative of career success, career satisfaction, and retention in organizations. Yet, little research has been done to explore the prevalence or function of mentor relationships in military populations. In this study, preliminary data were collected regarding the prevalence of mentor relationship experiences among 576 third year midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. Only 40% of respondents had ever experienced a mentor relationship. Most mentors were senior military personnel, and 87% were male. Most relationships were mutually initiated, and they tended to last for several years. Although both career and psychosocial mentor functions were present in these relationships, psychosocial functions were most notable and most highly correlated with positive appraisals of mentor relationships. Midshipmen viewed mentoring as extremely important and rated their own mentor relationships as extremely positive. Implications for further research on mentoring are discussed.
Immobility and Falls

Immobility is a common problem for hospitalized older adults. Excessive bed rest results in multiple adverse physiologic consequences and may contribute to functional decline and increased risk for falls in the hospital setting. About 2% of hospitalized older adults fall during hospitalization. Risk factors for in-hospital falls includes cognitive impairment, mobility impairment, specific diagnoses, multiple comorbidities, and psychotropic medications. Appropriate actions to prevent immobility and falls include increasing exercise and activity levels, improving the hospital environment, and decreasing the use of psychotropic medications. Bed alarms and increased supervision for high-risk patients also may help prevent falls.
The 7q11.23 Microduplication Syndrome: A Clinical Report with Review of Literature.

We report a 14-year-old adolescent girl with selective mutism (SM) and a 7q11.23 microduplication detected by chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis and reviewed the literature from 18 published clinical reports. Our patient had specific phobias, SM, extreme anxiety, obesity, cutis marmorata, and a round appearing face with a short neck and over folded ears. We reviewed the published clinical, cognitive, behavioral, and cytogenetic findings grouped by speech and language delay, growth and development, craniofacial, clinical, and behavior and cognitive features due to the 7q11.23 microduplication. This microduplication syndrome is characterized by speech delay (91%), social anxiety (42%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, 37%), autism spectrum disorder (29%), and separation anxiety (13%). Other findings include abnormal brain imaging (80%), congenital heart and vascular defects (54%), and mild intellectual disability (38%). We then compared the phenotype with Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) which is due to a deletion of the same chromosome region. Both syndromes have abnormal brain imaging, hypotonia, delayed motor development, joint laxity, mild intellectual disability, ADHD, autism, and poor visuospatial skills but opposite or dissimilar findings regarding speech and behavioral patterns, cardiovascular problems, and social interaction. Those with WBS are prone to have hyperverbal speech, lack of stranger anxiety, and supravalvular aortic stenosis while those with the 7q11.23 microduplication have speech delay, SM, social anxiety, and are prone to aortic dilatation.
Gastric Digestion and Absorption

With one exception, data on digestion and absorption in the stomach were gathered only in fragments. The exception was the work of Efrim Semenovich London, who between 1905 and 1910 at the Imperial Institute for Experimental Medicine in St. Petersburg executed a comprehensive study program of the digestion and absorption of foodstuffs throughout the digestive tract. For the sake of clarity I will describe the fragments first. Then I will summarize London’s experiments and the results he obtained on digestion and absorption in the stomach.
Workplace Violence: Practical Considerations for Mental Health Professionals in Consultation, Assessment, and Management of Risk.

Workplace predatory violence has been the focus of increased study over the past 30 years, leading to a more sophisticated understanding of the factors that contribute to it, and important considerations for its assessment and management. Risk assessment professionals involved in workplace violence consultations should be mindful of issues specific to the workplace context and the principles of threat assessment to provide a more precise opinion of risk, to inform and enhance critical decisions regarding the employment status of the individual of concern, security measures, possible treatment options, and other management responses, while being mindful of the employee's certain rights.
Positive education of stoic warriors as reflective practitioners in the profession of arms

AbstractThis paper traces connections between Stoicism and Positive Psychology for helping to inform and guide the education of warriors in the Profession of Arms. Peterson and Seligman advocate six core virtues and associated character strengths, which the authors illustrate from the practice of leadership education at the Squadron Officer School and The Air University. A synopsis of Costa and Kallick’s Habits of Mind is introduced to illustrate how awareness of the ways virtue and character strengths can guide the reflective warrior with wisdom and determined action. The authors also highlight insights from the work of Chris Argyris and Donald Schon on double-loop learning, reflective-thinking-in-action, and couple those insights with Dietrich Dorners’ emphasis on the advantages of simulations to offer experimentation by practitioners to better prepare them ‘think of, and then do, the right things at the right times and in the right way.’ Finally, a virtual world learning simulation developed by the aut...
Simple approach to approximate quantum error correction based on the transpose channel

We demonstrate that there exists a universal, near-optimal recovery map—the transpose channel—for approximate quantum error-correcting codes, where optimality is defined using the worst-case fidelity. Using the transpose channel, we provide an alternative interpretation of the standard quantum error correction (QEC) conditions and generalize them to a set of conditions for approximate QEC (AQEC) codes. This forms the basis of a simple algorithm for finding AQEC codes. Our analytical approach is a departure from earlier work relying on exhaustive numerical search for the optimal recovery map, with optimality defined based on entanglement fidelity. For the practically useful case of codes encoding a single qubit of information, our algorithm is particularly easy to implement.
Variable-weight topology-transparent scheduling

Abstract In this paper, topology-transparent scheduling for mobile multi-hop wireless networks is extended from constant-weight to variable-weight schedules. A construction of variable-weight topology-transparent schedules – the first of its kind – is provided based on transversal designs from the finite field. The schedules are integrated into the VWATT medium access control (MAC) protocol, enabling nodes to dynamically select their schedule weights to accommodate both their local traffic load and local topology while maintaining a guarantee on maximum delay. Simulations show VWATT to increase throughput compared to constant-weight topology-transparent schedules, to reduce both maximum and expected delay relative to schedules whose weights are not constrained to the set of weights, and to adapt rapidly to changes in topology and traffic load. The results suggest variable-weight topology-transparent scheduling as a viable approach to medium access control when a bound on delay is required.
Uncovering Correlations between Urban Road Network Centrality and Human Mobility

Urban planners have been long interested in understanding how urban structure and activities are mutually influenced. What are the forces that lead to the current patterns of road network and what is the influence of the latter’s structure on urban activities? Network centrality measures have been traditionally utilized to uncover the structural properties of urban street networks. In this paper we are interested in examining the correlation between the centrality of street network and the intensity of human movement in urban areas. We focus on two cities and we utilize a dataset of geo-tagged tweets that can form a proxy to urban mobility and the corresponding street networks as obtained from OpenStreetMap. Our results indicate that different centrality metrics have different levels of correlations with the intensity of human movement. Furthermore, the strength of the correlation varies in the two cities examined.
Indocyanine green nanoparticles undergo selective lymphatic uptake, distribution and retention and enable detailed mapping of lymph vessels, nodes and abnormalities

The distributed network of lymph vessels and nodes in the body, with its complex architecture and physiology, presents a major challenge for whole-body lymphatic-targeted drug delivery. To gather physiological and pathological information of the lymphatics, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of NIR fluorophores is used in clinical practice due to its tissue-penetrating optical radiation (700-900 nm) that safely provides real-time high-resolution in vivo images. However, indocyanine green (ICG), a common clinical NIR fluorophore, is unstable in aqueous environments and under light exposure, and its poor lymphatic distribution and retention limits its use as a NIR lymphatic tracer. To address this, we investigated in mice the distribution pathways of a novel nanoparticle formulation that stabilises ICG and is optimised for lymphatic drug delivery. From the subcutaneous space, ICG particles provided selective lymphatic uptake, lymph vessel and node retention, and extensive first-pass lymphatic distribution of ICG, enabling 0.2 mm and 5-10 cell resolution of lymph vessels, and high signal-to-background ratios for lymphatic vessel and node networks. Soluble (free) ICG readily dissipated from lymph vessels local to the injection site and absorbed into the blood. These unique characteristics of ICG particles could enable mechanistic studies of the lymphatics and diagnosis of lymphatic abnormalities.
Self-Actualization and Sanctification1:

The theoloical concept of sanctification is discussed from the reformed and Wesleyan perspective and equated with the psychological concept of self-actualization. Both concepts attempt to describe ...
Teaching complexity via spreadsheets

Some important ideas in Computer Science are difficult to teach to those who have not learned to program. We describe how we introduce complexity theory using spreadsheets. Our measure of the complexity of an algorithm is the number of cells holding elementary functions required to express it.
The U.S. Government’s framing of corruption: a content analysis of public integrity section reports, 1978–2013

Political corruption is a complicated issue, with pundits, scholars, and armchair theorists speculating on what makes politics so seemingly corrupt. The US agency tasked with investigating and correcting this corruption is the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Public Integrity Section (PIN). However, to date, there is no analysis of how corruption is interpreted and framed by this important government agency. Using a constructionist framework, a content analysis of thirty-five years of annual PIN reports to Congress is undertaken, demonstrating: 1) the PIN never explicitly defines what corruption is; 2) the PIN pays particular attention to the most dramatic cases of corruption (as opposed to the more mundane, typical cases) and emphasizes private businesses and individual malfeasance as exemplars of corruption. Finally, 3) the PIN has recently stopped briefly detailing each case they worked on in a year, and instead only present major highlights. In conclusion, the PIN frames corruption in a way that limits the ability for meaningful social change to occur at an institutional level.
A transcriptomics model of estrogen action in the ovine fetal hypothalamus: evidence for estrogenic effects of ICI 182,780.

Estradiol plays a critical role in stimulating the fetal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis at the end of gestation. Estradiol action is mediated through nuclear and membrane receptors that can be modulated by ICI 182,780, a pure antiestrogen compound. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transcriptomic profile of estradiol and ICI 182,780, testing the hypothesis that ICI 182,780 antagonizes the action of estradiol in the fetal hypothalamus. Chronically catheterized ovine fetuses were infused for 48 h with: vehicle (Control, n = 6), 17β-estradiol 500 μg/kg/day (Estradiol, n = 4), ICI 182,780 5 μg/kg/day (ICI 5 μg, n = 4) and ICI 182,780 5 mg/kg/day (ICI 5 mg, n = 5). Fetal hypothalami were collected afterward, and gene expression was measured through microarray. Statistical analysis of transcriptomic data was performed with Bioconductor-R and Cytoscape software. Unexpectedly, 35% and 15.5% of the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEG) by Estradiol significantly overlapped (P < 0.05) with upregulated DEG by ICI 5 mg and ICI 5 μg, respectively. For the downregulated DEG, these percentages were 29.9% and 15.5%, respectively. There was almost no overlap for DEG following opposite directions between Estradiol and ICI ICI 5 mg or ICI 5 μg. Furthermore, most of the genes in the estrogen signaling pathway - after activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor - followed the same direction in Estradiol, ICI 5 μg or ICI 5 mg compared to Control. In conclusion, estradiol and ICI 182,780 have estrogenic genomic effects in the developing brain, suggesting the possibility that the major action of estradiol on the fetal hypothalamus involves another receptor system rather than estrogen receptors.
Supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle design and configuration optimization to minimize levelized cost of energy of molten salt power towers operating at 650 °C

Abstract This analysis investigates the design, cost, and performance of the simple, recompression, and partial-cooling configurations of the supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle integrated with a molten salt power tower concentrating solar power system. This paper uses a steady-state model to design each cycle with varying amounts of recuperator conductance to understand performance and cost trade-offs. The recompression cycle can achieve a higher thermal efficiency than the partial-cooling cycle, and the partial-cooling cycle achieves a higher thermal efficiency than the simple cycle. The partial-cooling cycle is the most expensive cycle because it requires more total turbomachinery capacity. However, the partial-cooling cycle has the largest temperature range of heat input. This feature leads to cheaper two-tank thermal energy storage, higher receiver efficiencies, and lower mass flow rates in the power tower. Crucially, the lower mass flow rates significantly reduce pump electricity consumption relative to the recompression-cycle system. Consequently, this study finds that the power tower system integrated with the partial-cooling cycle is both cheaper and generates more net electricity than systems integrated with the other two cycles. Finally, this paper presents a parametric study on the air-cooler approach temperature and shows that small approach temperatures can improve cycle efficiency and increase the temperature range of heat input, which can lead to smaller optimal approach temperatures than may be expected.
Secure optical layer flexibility in 5G networks

We propose an adaptive resource allocation framework for on-demand communications in a software-defined mobile fronthaul (MFH) network that supports dynamic processing resource sharing. Our theoretical and experimental studies point to the feasibility of secure bidirectional transmission with guaranteed bit error rate (BER) service using adaptive modulation and coding.
Consumption of alcohol leads to platelet inhibition in men

Abstract Introduction Alcohol consumption has been shown to alter coagulation. However, thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG PM) to evaluate platelet function has not been studied. Methods A prospective, non-randomized study of healthy volunteers was conducted. Baseline TEG PM were collected. Subjects consumed alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages for 2 h. Repeat TEG PM was collected. Results Fifty-four volunteers entered either the experimental group (EG, 17 women and 16 men) or control group (CG, 11 women and 10 men). After 2 h of alcohol or non-alcoholic drink consumption the median breath alcohol level was 0.08 [IQR 0.05, 0.12] in the EG and 0.00 in the CG. After consumption of alcohol, male EG subjects demonstrated higher median Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) inhibition of platelet function (15.7% [3.9, 39.3] vs 8.2% [0, 30.1), p = 0.035), but female subjects did not. There was no evidence of increased arachidonic acid (AA) platelet inhibition in the EG compared to CG. Clot strength (TEG maximum amplitude) was not different between groups. Conclusion After consumption of alcohol, healthy male volunteers demonstrate ADP platelet inhibition by TEG PM.
Critical Care Echocardiography: Pericardial Disease, Tamponade, and Other Topics

Pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology is an underrecognized and life-threatening but treatable cause of hemodynamic impairment in the critical care setting. As fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, the pericardial pressure exceeds the intracardiac pressure and diminishes cardiac output. Goal-directed critical care echocardiography performed at the bedside can promptly detect a pericardial effusion, which is visualized as an echo-free space surrounding the heart. In the proper clinical context, echocardiographic signs of tamponade, such as diastolic collapse of the right-sided chambers and plethora of the inferior vena cava, can help to establish the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. This chapter will review technical considerations, imaging acquisition and interpretation, and pitfalls in the critical care ultrasound assessment of pericardial effusion and tamponade.
WYSIWYE: An Algebra for Expressing Spatial and Textual Rules for Information Extraction

The visual layout of a webpage can provide valuable clues for certain types of Information Extraction (IE) tasks. In traditional rule based IE frameworks, these layout cues are mapped to rules that operate on the HTML source of the webpages. In contrast, we have developed a framework in which the rules can be specified directly at the layout level. This has many advantages, since the higher level of abstraction leads to simpler extraction rules that are largely independent of the source code of the page, and, therefore, more robust. It can also enable specification of new types of rules that are not otherwise possible. To the best of our knowledge, there is no general framework that allows declarative specification of information extraction rules based on spatial layout. Our framework is complementary to traditional text based rules framework and allows a seamless combination of spatial layout based rules with traditional text based rules. We describe the algebra that enables such a system and its efficient implementation using standard relational and text indexing features of a relational database. We demonstrate the simplicity and efficiency of this system for a task involving the extraction of software system requirements from software product pages.
Technology Acceptance Model Revisited: Toward a Framework of Integrated Information Technology Evaluation Model

We propose a framework of an integrated model that can be used to quantitatively assess and compare IT products, information technologies and IT solutions. We assume that the adoption of a technology by an institute is affected by the willingness of a user to use it, the total cost to adopt it and the environmental effect of its operation. This framework, known as ACE index model or User Adoption Model (UAM), integrates the index of user acceptance, the index of total cost and the index of environmental effect. Ways to estimate these indices are outlined. Approaches to aggregating these indices are discussed along with their advantages and drawbacks.
Effect of Ambient Conditions on Radiation-Induced Chemistries of a Nanocluster Organotin Photoresist for Next-Generation EUV Nanolithography

Solution-based organometallic nanoclusters are unique nanoscale precursors due to the ability to precisely control their size, shape, structure, and assembly. The interaction of extreme ultraviolet...
Scotland’s Land Girls: Breeches, Bombers and Backaches

During World War II, the British government recruited females ages seventeen and up for the Women’s Land Army, a volunteer civilian organization formed to improve Britain’s food supply during warti...