cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mixed-mode simulator for digital/analog VLSI circuits using an efficient timing simulation approach

The authors describe a mixed-mode timing simulator which combines logic simulation with assignable delay, macromodel-based timing simulation and circuit simulation, all of which utilize a common database. The mode in which a given part of the circuit is to be simulated is specified as part of the input. However, in certain cases, such as the occurrence of glitches or nonmonotonical changes in subcircuit outputs, the simulator automatically chooses the most accurate simulation level appropriate for that particular case. The implementation of the algorithms in the simulator is briefly described and sample simulation examples are presented. >
Comparison of eccentric rotating disk and oscillatory measurements of dynamic moduli in polymer liquids

Measurements to obtain the dynamic moduli G′(ω) and G″(ω) for several polymer liquids were made with the Rheometrics mechanical spectrometer using the eccentric rotating disk (ERD) and the forced oscillation methods. The ERD data were corrected for instrument compliance with the Macosko-Davis formula. Oscillatory results were confirmed in several separate studies including testing of a Newtonian liquid and an elastic solid. Agreement between the two geometries on G′(ω) and G″(ω) was generally good (±5 percent) for |G*| less than 2 × 106 dyne/cm2. If no compliance correction was applied, departures occurred near a |G*| an order of magnitude lower, indicating strongly the need for applying a compliance correction to ERD data for most polymer systems. However, as |G*| approached 107 dyne/cm2 (where compliance corrections of 50 percent or greater occurred), the two geometries yielded results which differed by 20 percent or more. No single variable was found which correlated the departures for different liquids. Nevertheless, the departures were such that values obtained in the two geometries for the plateau modulus of polyethylene, G ≈ 2 × 107 dyne/cm2, agreed within about 10 percent.
Systematic diffuse optical image errors resulting from uncertainty in the background optical properties

We investigated the diffuse optical image errors resulting from systematic errors in the background scattering and absorption coefficients, Gaussian noise in the measurements, and the depth at which the image is reconstructed when using a 2D linear reconstruction algorithm for a 3D object. The fourth Born perturbation approach was used to generate reflectance measurements and k-space tomography was used for the reconstruction. Our simulations using both single and dual wavelengths show large systematic errors in the absolute reconstructed absorption coefficients and corresponding hemoglobin concentrations, while the errors in the relative oxy- and deoxy- hemoglobin concentrations are acceptable. The greatest difference arises from a systematic error in the depth at which an image is reconstructed. While an absolute reconstruction of the hemoglobin concentrations can deviate by 100% for a depth error of ±1 mm, the error in the relative concentrations is less than 5%. These results demonstrate that while quantitative diffuse optical tomography is difficult, images of the relative concentrations of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin are accurate and robust. Other results, not presented, confirm that these findings hold for other linear reconstruction techniques (i.e. SVD and SIRT) as well as for transmission through slab geometries.
Group I Intron Homing in Bacillus Phages SPO1 and SP82: a Gene Conversion Event Initiated by a Nicking Homing Endonuclease

Many group I introns encode endonucleases that promote intron homing by initiating a double-stranded break-mediated homologous recombination event. In this work we describe intron homing in Bacillus subtilis phages SPO1 and SP82. The introns encode the DNA endonucleases I-HmuI and I-HmuII, respectively, which belong to the H-N-H endonuclease family and possess nicking activity in vitro. Coinfections of B. subtilis with intron-minus and intron-plus phages indicate that I-HmuI and I-HmuII are required for homing of the SPO1 and SP82 introns, respectively. The homing process is a gene conversion event that does not require the major B. subtilis recombination pathways, suggesting that the necessary functions are provided by phage-encoded factors. Our results provide the first examples of H-N-H endonuclease-mediated intron homing and the first demonstration of intron homing initiated by a nicking endonuclease.
The Aggregated Consequences of Motivated Reasoning and the Dynamics of Partisan Presidential Approval

Research in political psychology has shown the importance of motivated reasoning as a prism through which individuals view the political world. From this we develop the hypothesis that, with strong positive beliefs firmly in place, partisan groups ignore or discount information about the performance of political figures they like. We then speculate about how this tendency should manifest itself in presidential approval ratings and test our hypotheses using monthly presidential approval data disaggregated by party identification for the 1955–2005 period. Our results show that partisan groups generally do reward and punish presidents for economic performance, but only those presidents of the opposite party. We also develop a model of presidential approval for self-identified Independents and, finally, a model of the partisan gap, the difference in approval between Democrat and Republican identifiers.
A Brief History of Vertebrate Functional Morphology

SYNOPSIS. The discipline of functional morphology grew out of a comparative anatomical tradition, its transformation into a modern experimental science facilitated largely by technological advances. Early morphologists, such as Cuvier, felt that function was predictable from organismal form, to the extent that animals and plants represented perfect adaptations to their habits. However, anatomy alone could not reveal how organisms actually performed their activities. Recording techniques capable of capturing fast motion were first required to begin to understand animal movement. Muybridge is most famous for his pioneering work in fast photography in the late 19th century, enabling him to ‘‘freeze’’ images of even the fastest horse at a full gallop. In fact, contemporary kinematic analysis grew directly out of the techniques Muybridge developed. Marey made perhaps an even greater contribution to experimental science through his invention of automatic apparati for recording events of animal motion. Over the first half of the 20th century, scientists developed practical methods to record activity patterns from muscles of a living, behaving human or animal. The technique of electromyography, initially used in clinical applications, was co-opted as a tool of organismal biologists in the late 1960s. Comparative anatomy, kinematic analysis and electromyography have for many years been the mainstay of vertebrate functional morphology; however, those interested in animal form and function have recently begun branching out to incorporate approaches from experimental biomechanics and other disciplines (see accompanying symposium papers), and functional morphology now stands at the threshold of becoming a truly integrative, central field in organismal biology.
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering measurements of N(2)(X, v) at low pressures corrected for stimulated Raman scattering.

Number density measurements of the populations of the vibrational states of the electronic ground state of molecules that use scanning coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy at pressures in which Doppler broadening dominates can be strongly influenced by population changes caused by the stimulated Raman process. Such measurements have been carried out in heterogeneous deactivation studies of vibrationally excited N2 on various solid surfaces at 17 Torr. This process perturbs the populations of the states connected by the incident fields. It typically reduces the population difference and therefore reduces the observed CARS signal. Thus, as the incident laser irradiance increases, the observed signal exhibits saturation. A linear relationship for this effect in terms of the average laser powers is derived, providing a scheme for calibrating the initial onset of this saturation process. This calibration method permits simple corrections of the CARS data for saturation.
Caenorhabditis elegans ALG-1 antimorphic mutations uncover functions for Argonaute in microRNA guide strand selection and passenger strand disposal

MicroRNAs are regulators of gene expression whose functions are critical for normal development and physiology. We have previously characterized mutations in a Caenorhabditis elegans microRNA-specific Argonaute ALG-1 (Argonaute-like gene) that are antimorphic [alg-1(anti)]. alg-1(anti) mutants have dramatically stronger microRNA-related phenotypes than animals with a complete loss of ALG-1. ALG-1(anti) miRISC (microRNA induced silencing complex) fails to undergo a functional transition from microRNA processing to target repression. To better understand this transition, we characterized the small RNA and protein populations associated with ALG-1(anti) complexes in vivo. We extensively characterized proteins associated with wild-type and mutant ALG-1 and found that the mutant ALG-1(anti) protein fails to interact with numerous miRISC cofactors, including proteins known to be necessary for target repression. In addition, alg-1(anti) mutants dramatically overaccumulated microRNA* (passenger) strands, and immunoprecipitated ALG-1(anti) complexes contained nonstoichiometric yields of mature microRNA and microRNA* strands, with some microRNA* strands present in the ALG-1(anti) Argonaute far in excess of the corresponding mature microRNAs. We show complex and microRNA-specific defects in microRNA strand selection and microRNA* strand disposal. For certain microRNAs (for example mir-58), microRNA guide strand selection by ALG-1(anti) appeared normal, but microRNA* strand release was inefficient. For other microRNAs (such as mir-2), both the microRNA and microRNA* strands were selected as guide by ALG-1(anti), indicating a defect in normal specificity of the strand choice. Our results suggest that wild-type ALG-1 complexes recognize structural features of particular microRNAs in the context of conducting the strand selection and microRNA* ejection steps of miRISC maturation.
Respiratory, cardiovascular and other physiological consequences of smoking cessation.

Background: Smoking cessation is associated with substantial reductions in tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Based on the current literature, the beneficial effects of quitting are particula...
Inhibition of PP2A by LIS1 increases HIV-1 gene expression

Background: Lissencephaly is a severe brain malformation in part caused by mutations in the LIS1 gene. LIS1 interacts with microtubule-associated proteins, and enhances transport of microtubule fragments. Previously we showed that LIS1 interacts with HIV-1 Tat protein and that this interaction was mediated by WD40 domains of LIS1. In the present study, we analyze the effect of LIS1 on Tat-mediated transcription of HIV-1 LTR. Results: Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription was upregulated in 293 cells transfected with LIS1 expression vector. The WD5 but not the N-terminal domain of LIS1 increases Tat-dependent HIV1 transcription. The effect of LIS1 was similar to the effect of okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). We then analyzed the effect of LIS1 on the activity of PP2A in vitro. We show that LIS1 and its isolated WD5 domain but not the N-terminal domain of LIS1 blocks PP2A activity. Conclusion: Our results show that inhibition of PP2A by LIS1 induces HIV-1 transcription. Our results also point to a possibility that LIS1 might function in the cells as a yet unrecognized regulatory subunit of PP2A.
Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Hypothetical Strategies to Enhance Retention in Care within HIV Treatment Programs in East Africa

Abstract Objectives Attrition from care among HIV infected patients can lead to poor clinical outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate hypothetical interventions seeking to improve retention-in-care (RIC) for HIV-infected patients in East Africa, asking whether they could offer favorable value compared to earlier ART initiation. Methods We used a micro-simulation model to analyze two RIC focused strategies within an East African HIV treatment program--"risk reduction," defined as intervention(s) that decrease the risk of attrition from care; and "outreach," defined as interventions that find patients and relink them with care. We compared this to earlier ART treatment as a measure of the potential health benefits forgone (e.g., opportunity cost). Results Reducing attrition by 40% at an average cost of $10 per person remains a less efficient use of resources compared to ensuring full access to ART (cost- effectiveness ratio $1300 vs $3700) for ART eligible patients. An outreach intervention had limited clinical benefit in our simulation. If intervention costs are Conclusions Our results suggest that programs should consider retention focused programs once they have already achieved high degrees of ART coverage among eligible patients. It is important that decision makers understand the epidemiology and associated outcomes of those patients who are classified as lost to follow up in their systems prior to implementation in order to achieve the highest value.
Fully Solution-Based Fabrication of Flexible Light-Emitting Device at Ambient Conditions

Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have long been perceived as a low-temperature, low-cost technology that can be fabricated through solution-based processes. However, how to achieve all-solution-processed OLEDs has been a challenge. Here, we report the fabrication of fully solution processed polymer light-emitting electrochemical cells (PLECs) as an alternative emissive device by spin-coating, rod-coating, and/or blade-coating at ambient conditions. The all-solution-based device, which can be fabricated under ambient air and in large-size, exhibits good flexibility and uniform light emission. The entire fabrication process of the PLEC, include the formation of electrodes, emissive polymer layer, and substrate, are carried out by solution processing under ambient conditions. Moreover, it is notable that employing a solution-processed and transparent SWCNT/AgNW bilayer composite electrode as anode, this fully solution processed PLEC shows even higher device performance than the conventional control dev...
Total synthesis of halichondrin C.

The first total synthesis of halichondrin C has been completed, highlighted by development of the synthetic method to construct the C8–C14 polycycle. Cr-mediated coupling reactions are used seven times to form a new C–C bond. The acid stability of halichondrin C is studied, demonstrating that the macrolactone stabilizes the C8–C14 polycycle, relative to the one present in the C1–C16 model.
Comparison of the Effect of Boron and Phosphorus Impurities on Solid Phase Epitaxial Regrowth of Amorphous Silicon

This work was concerned with comparing the relative effects of boron and phosphorus impurities on the solid phase epitaxial (SPE) regrowth rate of self-ion amorphized layers in silicon wafers with (100) orientation. We used previously reported data measured by in situ, high precision, cw laser interferometry during isothermal annealing for temperatures from 450°C to 590°C, and concentrations in the range from 7.8×10 18 cm -3 to 5×l0 20 cm -3 for boron (N B ), and from 5×l0 17 cm -3 to 3×10 20 cm -3 for phosphorus (Np) impurities. The basis for the comparison was a recently developed model that extends the Spaepen-Turnbull model for silicon recrystallization to include ionization enhanced processes. The experimental data for bom boron and phosphorus exhibited the linear variation in regrowth rate expected for low concentrations of implanted hydrogenic impurities having a concentration-independent fractional ionization in amorphous silicon. In the linear range the relative enhanced regrowth rate produced by these impurities can be expressed as a product of their, relative fractional ionizations, and the relative amount the rate constant for reconstruction is altered by localizing an electron, or a hole, at the reconstruction site. Assuming that a localized hole and electron equally softened the potential barrier for reconstruction, the experimental results indicated that boron had an ?40 meV lower barrier to ionization in amorphous silicon than phosphorus. The variations in the SPE regrowth rates with higher concentrations of both implanted boron and phosphorus were well fit by quadratic equations, but with different curvatures (+ and - for B and P respectively). This result was interpreted to indicate that SPE regrowth was further enhanced by localized hole pairs, but retarded by localized electron pairs.
Dynamic Behavior of Twins In BaTiO3

The most prominent lattice defects in barium titanate, i.e., twins on two distinct lattice planes { 111 } and { 110 }, were characterized using dynamic transmission electron microscopy techniques in the image and diffraction modes. In-situ heating experiments from room temperature up to 130°C and then cooling down to -168°C reveal a dependence of { 110 } twins on ferroelectric transition. On the other hand, { 111 } twins are found to be completely stable through the ferroelectric transition and exist in all phases. Streaking is observed in the diffraction spots leading to an estimation of { 1111 twin wall thickness to be about 10A while no such streaking was observed corresponding to { 1101 twins. Based on these observations and the behavior of the twin boundaries under dynamic heating cycles, an estimate of the twin wall energies indicates that { 111 } walls have three orders of magnitude higher energy than that of { 110 } walls which explains their relative thermal and mechanical stability.
Changes of IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum in diabetes ketoacidosis patients

Objective To investigate the changes of serum interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels in patients with diabetes ketoacidosis.Methods The concentrations of serum IL-6 and TNF-α on acute and convalescence stage in patients with diabetes ketoacidosis (n=60) were determined by flow cytometry and were compared to those in control group(n=50). Results The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α at acute and convalescence stage in patients with diabetes ketoacidosis were significantly highter than those in control group(P0.01). Also, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α at acute stage were higher than those at convalescence stage.The increase of cytokines were close related to the disease severity.Conclusion The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in patients with diabetes ketoacidosis are increased and related to the diabetes severity.
Ammonia tolerance in liver disease.

Abstract Normal ammonia tolerance was observed in patients with, obstructive jaundice, fibrosis and/or fatty infiltration of the liver and in most patients with acute hepatitis. In several of the patients with hepatitis in whom abnormal ammonia tolerance was found, esophageal varices, which may have accounted for the impaired ammonia tolerance, were demonstrated. Ammonia tolerance was abnormal in 83 per cent of 60 patients with cirrhosis. Impaired ammonia tolerance in cirrhosis appeared to be related more closely to the degree of development of portal collateral circulation than to hepatic functional damage. In patients with portacaval shunts ammonia tolerance was much more abnormal than in the cirrhotic group, despite less severely deranged liver function. Abnormal ammonia tolerance appears to be primarily a gross index of the amount of portasystemic anastomoses. Severe hepatic parenchymal damage may also impair ammonia clearance, although to a lesser degree. Simultaneous measurements of arterial and venous ammonia levels disclosed that although ammonia tolerance tests performed on venous blood are usually valid, increased arteriovenous uptake of ammonia may occasionally result in false negative tests. Arterial ammonia levels are consequently of greater diagnostic value. The ammonia tolerance test is a simple, safe, and reliable screening test for the estimation of the presence of portasystemic collateral circulation.
From the Shtetl to the Academy

Williamsburg was not unlike Melbourne’s ‘Shtetl of the Yarra’ with one difference: it was poor and abandoned by Jews who could afford to move to better neighbourhoods. In their wake was a neighbourhood of African Americans, Puerto Ricans and ultraorthodox Hasidic Jews. Like many other slum kids, I grew up in a rundown late nineteenth century three-storey walk-up tenement.
Test of the Standard Model in Space: The AMS Experiment on the International Space Station

This chapter looks back at some of the most memorable achievements in high-energy physics during the 50 years spanning CERN's PS and LHC.
Introduction: Republican Values and the Depenalization of Sodomy in France

Like any good closet, the French Republic has served both to protect and to restrain. French people who engage in same-sex sexual practices have largely escaped the kind of legal repression seen in other countries over the last two hundred years — in fact, France was the first country in Europe to legalize sodomy as early as 1791. Yet despite this legal tolerance, French homosexuals have been inclined to live their sexuality more discretely and to embrace identity politics with less enthusiasm than their American counterparts. Indeed, the values of the Republic have managed to keep expressions of both prohomosexual and antihomosexual sentiments within a narrower range in France than has been the case in places like the United States — a country where both “gay pride” and homophobia have tended to be expressed more aggressively.
Theoretical Perspectives on Corrective Feedback

Corrective feedback has received considerable attention from SLA theoreticians and researchers because research in this area involves consideration of a key issue in SLA, namely the roles of ‘positive evidence’ versus ‘negative evidence’ in language acquisition. These terms refer to the two major types of language input available to learners in acquiring a language: positive evidence is the information available to learners as to what is possible/grammatical in a language, while negative evidence refers to what is not possible/grammatical in a language (Long, 1996). Figure 2.1 shows the different types of positive and negative evidence available to learners, as categorized by Long and Robinson (1998, p. 19).
Use of bacteriophage to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination and fouling in Jet A aviation fuel.

AbstractIn the present study, the use of bacteriophages to prevent growth and/or biofouling by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was investigated in microcosms containing Jet A aviation fuel as the carbon source. Bacteriophages were found to be effective at preventing biofilm formation but did not always prevent planktonic growth in the microcosms. This result was at odds with experiments conducted in nutrient-rich medium, demonstrating the necessity to test antimicrobial and antifouling strategies under conditions as near as possible to the ‘real world’. The success of the bacteriophages at preventing biofilm formation makes them potential candidates as antifouling agents for fuel systems.
Radiation Therapy in the Management of Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) comprises 3–6 % of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, with an annual incidence of 0.5 per 100,000 in Western countries. It is an aggressive malignancy that is usually disseminated at diagnosis; therefore, chemotherapy is typically the backbone of treatment. However, MCL is exquisitely radiosensitive, and radiation therapy (RT) can be an important modality that contributes to cure in early-stage disease and provides durable palliation in advanced cases. In this chapter, patients with early- and advanced-stage MCL will be discussed, with a focus on the role of RT in management.
An Introduction to Generative Justice

Marx proposed that capitalism’s destructive force is caused, at root, by the alienation of labor value from its generators. Environmentalists have added the concept of unalienated ecological value, and rights activists added the unalienated expressive value of free speech, sexuality, spirituality, etc. Marx’s vision for restoring an unalienated world by top-down economic governance was never fulfilled. But in the last 30 years, new forms of social justice have emerged that operate as “bottom-up”. Peer-to-peer production such as open source software or wikipedia has challenged the corporate grip on IP in a “gift exchange” of labor value; community based agroecology establishes a kind of gift exchange with our nonhuman allies in nature. DIY citizenship from feminist makerspaces to queer biohacking has profound implications for a new materialism of the “knowledge commons”; and restorative approaches to civil rights can challenge the prison-industrial complex. In contrast to top-down “distributive justice,” all of the above are cases of bottom-up or “generative justice”
Socioeconomic factors and mortality in emergency general surgery: trends over a 20-year period.

Abstract Background Socioeconomic factors such as race, insurance, and income quartiles have been identified as independent risk factors in emergency general surgery (EGS), but this impact has not been studied over time. We sought to identify trends in disparities in EGS-related operative mortality over a 20-y period. Methods The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify patient encounters coded for EGS in 1993, 2003, and 2013. Logistic regression models were used to examine the adjusted relationship between race, primary payer status, and median income quartiles and in-hospital mortality after adjusting for patients' age, gender, Elixhauser comorbidity score, and hospital region, size, and location-cum-teaching status. Results We identified 391,040 patient encounters. In 1993, Black race was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.35 [1.20-1.53]) than White race, although this difference dissipated in subsequent years. Medicare, Medicaid, and underinsured patients had a higher odds of mortality than those with private insurance for the entire 20-y period; only the disparity in the underinsured decreased over time (1993, 1.63 [1.35-1.98]; 2013, 1.41 [1.20-1.67]). In 2003 (1.23 [1.10-1.38]) and 2013 (1.23 [1.11-1.37]), patients from the lowest income quartile were more likely to die after EGS than patients from the highest income quartile. Conclusions Socioeconomic disparities in EGS-related operative morality followed inconsistent trends. Over time, while gaps in in-hospital mortality among Blacks and Whites have narrowed, disparities among patients belonging to lowest income quartile have worsened. Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries continued to experience higher odds of in-hospital mortality relative to those with private insurance.
Vocational training with immersive virtual reality for individuals with autism: towards better design practices

In this paper, an immersive virtual reality system for vocational rehabilitation of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (VR4VR) is presented. VR4VR uses immersive virtual environments to assess and train individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This paper discusses lessons learned from the testing sessions with neuro typical individuals and individuals with ASD in regards to better design principles. During testing sessions, participants used VR4VR system to practice six skills identified as transferrable and useful in many common jobs. These six transferable skills were cleaning, loading the back of a truck, money management, shelving, environmental awareness and social skills. This paper presents VR4VR system, design considerations for the ASD population and lessons learned from the testing sessions with the aim of giving insight to future virtual reality systems for individuals with ASD.
Choroid plexus tumors in adult and pediatric populations: the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals experience

Choroid plexus tumors (CPT) are rare neoplasms accounting for 1–4% of all pediatric brain tumors. They are divided into choroid plexus papilloma (CPP), atypical choroid plexus papilloma (APP) and choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). CPTs are known to primarily affect children less than 2 years of age. Gross total resection is the most important predictor of survival especially in CPC. Although small case series have been published, limited clinical data are available to describe treatment and outcome of CPTs. More clinical data would be necessary to complete the picture, particularly in populations that are not age limited. Here we share data from the two major hospitals in Cleveland to describe treatment and outcome of adult and pediatric patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with CPT seen in Cleveland Clinic from 1990 to 2015 and at University Hospitals from 1994 to 2015. Results were compared to previously published historical controls. We identified 30 cases with CPT, including 22 pediatric and eight adult cases; 11 females and 19 males. The mean age at presentation was 12.4 years with a median age of 4.5 years (range 2 months–51 years). Gross total surgical resection was achieved in 22, subtotal resection in four, partial resection in two and unknown in two. The histology was CPP in 23 patients, two of whom developed recurrence requiring repeat resection and adjuvant therapy. Median event free survival (EFS) for CPP patients was 7.6 years. The histology was CPC in seven patients. All CPC patients were treated with adjuvant therapy. Median EFS of CPC patients was 4.4 years. Overall survival of all CPT patients was 100% with a median follow up of 7 years. A systematic literature review identified 1012 CPT patients treated from 1989 to 2013. The mean and median age of CPT patients was 13 and 3 years respectively. The median survival of 541 CPP patients was undefined vs. 2.7 years for the 452 CPC patients. The difference between the two populations was highly significant (p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival curves comparing CPTs at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals versus a systematic literature review showed a statistically significant advancement in overall survival among the patients treated at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Our data are consistent with the literature review regarding epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities but differed in regards to survival. Differences in survival may be related to different methods of data collection or details in patient care.
Sorghum Landrace Collections from Cooler Regions of the World Exhibit Magnificent Genetic Differentiation and Early Season Cold Tolerance

Cold temperature is an important abiotic stress affecting sorghum production in temperate regions. It reduces seed germination, seedling emergence and seedling vigor thus limiting the production of the crop both temporally and spatially. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess early season cold temperature stress response of sorghum germplasm from cooler environments and identify sources of tolerance for use in breeding programs, (2) to determine population structure and marker-trait association among these germplasms for eventual development of marker tools for improving cold tolerance. A total of 136 sorghum accessions from cooler regions of the world were phenotyped for seedling growth characteristics under cold temperature imposed through early planting. The accessions were genotyped using 67 simple sequence repeats markers spanning all ten linkage groups of sorghum, of which 50 highly polymorphic markers were used in the analysis. Genetic diversity and population structure analyses sorted the population into four subpopulations. Several accessions distributed in all subpopulations showed either better or comparable level of tolerance to the standard cold tolerance source, Shan qui red. Association analysis between the markers and seedling traits identified markers Xtxp34, Xtxp88 and Xtxp319 as associated with seedling emergence, Xtxp211 and Xtxp304 with seedling dry weight, and Xtxp20 with seedling height. The markers were detected on chromosomes previously found to harbor QTLs associated with cold tolerance in sorghum. Once validated these may serve as genomic tools in marker-assisted breeding or for screening larger pool of genotypes to identify additional sources of cold tolerance.
Spectral Detection of Emergence in Corn and Cotton

Multispectral reflectance of emerging cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and corn (Zeamays) seedlings was measured during the 2000 and 2001 growing seasons. Reflectance in blue, green, red, and near infrared (NIR) wave lengths was used to detect seedling emergence, to monitor leaf area growth, and to measure the effect of bare soil reflectance on scene (bare soil and seedlings) reflectance. Cotton and corn seedlings were detected 1 day after initial emergence (1 DAE) in 2000 by the red band. The red band detected seedlings in 2001 at 9 and 8 DAE in early and late planted corn, respectively, and on 0 DAE for cotton. The normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) detected seedlings at 1 DAE or 2 DAE in both years. Seedling ground cover in 2000 on the initial detection date in the target areas averaged 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively, for cotton and corn; comparable values in 2001 for cotton, early planted corn, and late planted corn, were 1.4%, 0.4%, and 0.8%, respectively. The red wave band was the most sensitive single band for detecting the presence of seedlings, but NDVI was the most sensitive spectral indicator, which was apparently due to the red band since the NIR band did not always detect seedlings. Seedling leaf area was linearly correlated with NDVI values beginning at 1 or 2 DAE. Bare soil was the major component of the scene during stand establishment and dominated single band reflectance and NDVI values. A dry soil surface that was smoothed and sealed by rain usually caused single band reflectance to increase. The high variability in spectral characteristics of bare soil restricted the interpretation of the spectral data to concluding whether or not seedlings were emerging, but without estimating numbers and seedling size.
Active learning with Google presentations

Active learning requires students to engage with the course content by discussing with others, applying prior knowledge, and making connections between new ideas, knowledge, and their own experiences [1]. Many college instructors use PowerPoint and deliver course materials in a lecture format, making active learning less likely. One way to incorporate active learning in a college classroom is to use Google presentations. Google presentations are a part of Google docs, a web-based office suite that can be edited by multiple people from any location with Internet access. Google docs include documents similar to Word, spreadsheets similar to Excel, and presentations similar to PowerPoint. Google docs do not have all the functionality of Microsoft Office products but have basic features. Students in our Management Information Systems (MIS) interact with the course material by creating Google presentations in teams.
Long-Term Trends in the Sources of Boston Crime Guns

Analyses of firearm trace data, most collected over relatively brief periods, suggest that a noteworthy share of guns used in crime were recently diverted from legal commerce. This article analyzes a longitudinal database on firearm recoveries by the Boston Police Department between 1981 and 2015 and successfully traced handguns between 1991 and 2015. The percentage of high-capacity semiautomatic pistols among recovered handguns increased dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s. A persistent share of traced handguns were imported from licensed dealers in southern states and an increasing share first purchased at licensed dealers in New Hampshire and Maine. These analyses suggest that market disruption strategies may reduce illegal diversions of new handguns from licensed dealers and the passage of one-handgun-a-month laws may influence where criminals get their guns.
An algebraic foundation for truth maintenance

We have recast the problem of truth maintenance in a setting of algebraic equations over Boolean lattices. If a method of labeling propositions to justify them according to some reasoning agent's constraints of belief happens to conform to the postulates of Boolean lattices, the labeling system can be reformulated as an algebraic equation solving system. All truth maintenance systems known to us can be so reformulated. This note summarizes our investigations into the existence and structure of solutions of these algebraic systems. Our central result is a unique factorization theorem for lattice equational systems and their solutions. Our theoretical results are interpreted to compare various styles of truth maintenance and to reveal certain computational difficulties implicit in the algebraic structure of truth maintenance.
Lists Using Objects and References

The creation of lists using references and objects is introduced in this chapter. First references and simple objects are reviewed followed by the creation of a node class. Then a simple linked list is created which is then output both iteratively in the test program and recursively in the complete program.
Large-Eddy Simulations of a notional submarine in towed and self-propelled configurations

Abstract The present study reports results of Large Eddy Simulations (LES) in towed and self-propelled conditions for the DARPA SUBOFF (DSub), a notional submarine geometry, at a Reynolds number, based on the model length, L, and the free-stream velocity, U∞, equal to R e L = 1.2 × 10 6 . An Immersed-Boundary (IB) method was adopted to enforce no-slip boundary conditions on the surface of the body. The approach (LES with IB) was validated by the authors in earlier studies on the towed DSub, as well as on the INSEAN E1619 propeller in open-water conditions. Comparisons between towed and propelled configurations are presented here. Results show that the development of the boundary layer over the cylindrical mid-body is almost unaffected by propeller suction. Instead, the effect over the stern is dramatic, modifying substantially the flow ingested by the same propeller. In the wake the bimodal distribution of the turbulent stresses for the towed case, due to the adverse pressure gradient induced by the tapered geometry of the stern, is replaced in self-propulsion by an axial peak of turbulent kinetic energy, mainly due to instability of the hub vortex.
The psychological and motivational aspects of restaurant experience sharing behavior on social networking sites

This study aims to address the psychological aspects of sharing restaurant experiences on Social Networking sites (SNSs). To provide deeper insights into the SNS phenomenon in the foodservice industry, the current study proposed a conceptual framework to capture restaurant customers’ online activities on SNSs. Significant psychological drivers that lead to various motivations were identified in this study by examining psychological aspects for self-esteem, life satisfaction, narcissism, and need to belong. In addition, we found that SNS motivations (i.e., self-expression, social benefits, status seeking) act as mediators in the relationship between psychological aspects and SNS sharing intentions. Furthermore, examining gender differences in SNS sharing behaviors revealed that the motives for sharing experiences are the same for men and women. Social media marketing is two-way communication with customers. Building an interactive relationship with potential customers in social media platforms may fail if practitioners disregard what SNSs’ users are striving to achieve through online activities.
A Role for IR-β in the Free Fatty Acid Mediated Development of Hepatic Insulin Resistance?

Several studies have been conducted to elucidate the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, but the exact molecular mechanism by which FFAs alter glucose metabolism in the liver is still not completely understood.1-4 In a recent publication, Ragheb and co-workers have examined the effect of free fatty acid (FFA) treatment on insulin signaling and insulin resistance by using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting to study the effect of high concentrations of insulin and FFAs on insulin receptor-beta (IR-β) and downstream elements in the PI3K pathway using the fructose-fed hamster model.5 Their results clearly show that free fatty acids have an insignificant effect on IR-β and supports previous findings that FFAs lead to insulin resistance in the liver via the PKC-NFĸB pathway.2,3
Local cone and rod system function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

All the patients had normal cone system visual ﬁeldthresholds and normal cone-mediated M-ERG implicit timeswithin the central 5°. Both cone-mediated responses wereabnormal at some peripheral retinal locations. There weresigniﬁcant correlations among cone system amplitude, timing,and visual ﬁeld loss. All the patients had some retinal areaswhere the rod-mediated M-ERG amplitudes were not measur-able. In areas where they were measurable, these rod-mediatedM-ERG responses were often within normal limits for ampli-tude and timing. In contrast to the cone system data, therewere no signiﬁcant relationships between rod-mediated M-ERGmeasures and rod system threshold elevations. The cone androd system psychophysical thresholds showed regional corre-spondence; the amplitude-scale and time-scale measures of theM-ERG did not.
The Normal Personality: Normal Personality Types

Very strong, as well as very weak, basic desires can dominate a person's life to the point of defining the individual's personality. When this happens, some experts speak of a “personality type.” In this chapter, we will consider seven personality types: workaholic, competitor, humanitarian, thinker, romantic, loner, and ascetic. I will show how the sixteen basic desires might explain each of these types. I also will comment on the normality of these types, even though some experts have suggested otherwise. Workaholic Conventional wisdom: Unconsciously motivated to escape from personal troubles. Motivation analysis: Consciously motivated by a strong need for achievement. Tom is a professor of sociology, teaching at a Texas university. I have known him personally for more than twenty years. Tom is friendly, likeable, and pleasant. He played football in high school and still works out every day. Yet Tom's two most outstanding qualities are his intellect and his capacity for work. Tom always seems to be reading, thinking, writing, teaching, or lecturing. When it comes to working, Tom takes the cake. He seems to read everything published in his field. His knowledge of sociology is voluminous. When I visit him, I am interrupting his work. When I leave him, he immediately goes back to work. When I call him, I am interrupting his work; when he calls me, he is almost always calling from work.
Telecom Regulatory Review: Kentucky 2014

“Telecom Regulatory Review: Kentucky 2014” addresses the careful balance that needs to be struck by regulators who want to both protect consumers and attract the sort of private investment that comes when localities signal they want fast broadband. Using the specific experiences in the states of Kentucky and Indiana, the co-authors find a direct nexus between a state’s regulatory climate and the level of investment that flows into the state to expand digital infrastructure. The paper observes that advances in technology as well as a competitive revolution in the market for communications and information services have erased the rationale for POLR obligations, imposed decades ago to ensure voice phone service to all households and businesses in the state. While appropriate at a time when telephone service was considered a natural monopoly and consumers had little, if any, choice in providers, such obligations do not make sense in today’s vastly different competitive environment. The paper observes that today’s market is characterized by robust competition among firms offering a range of services based on Internet protocol and wireless technologies. Indeed, consumers in Kentucky and across the United States have been replacing traditional wire line service with more powerful and versatile Internet-based services at an increasingly rapid pace. Simple wireline telephony is no longer the dominant technology for voice communications in Kentucky or elsewhere in the United States.The paper finds that archaic POLR regulations and related rules add needless expense and limit the ability of traditional telephone providers to invest in the expansion of broadband services that would enhance economic growth in Kentucky. It cites to an earlier DPI study, which found that a 2006 deregulation initiative in Indiana, accelerated the deployment of DSL service in rural communities, boosted infrastructure investment and video competition, and also created new jobs. By eliminating outdated regulation that constrains investment, the paper argues that enactment of Senate Bill 99 would attract additional venture capital to Kentucky and create a climate of entrepreneurship. Residents of rural Kentucky who purchase Internet-based services would be able to enjoy voice service via the Internet, but would allow others to retain traditional wireline voice service. Finally, the paper notes that, as a rule, the dire impacts on pricing and service availability predicted by opponents of deregulation in other states have simply not appeared.The paper recommends that Kentucky eliminate unnecessary duplication with federal law, eliminate regulations that unfairly benefit some providers at the expense of others by imposing different regulatory obligations, and retain POLR requirements only in less-populated areas where robust voice competition likely does not exist or is still developing.
A simulation study of brain compartments. Metabolism of glutamate and related substances in mouse brain

A computer model of the metabolism of glutamate, glutamine, gamma-aminobutyrate, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in mouse brain has been constructed in terms of 39 reactions among 19 substances or groups of substances (permitting manipulation of 30 independent variables). The model is divided into two compartments, in conformity with previous models based on indirect evidence, and it is found that this compartmentation is indeed the same as that indicated directly with specifically (14)C-labelled acetate and glucose. The movement of materials between the large and small compartments has been studied; glutamine appears to flow from the small to the large compartment, gamma-aminobutyrate in the reverse direction.
Chapter Nine - Oral GLP-1 Modulators for the Treatment of Diabetes

Abstract This review covers recent (2009–Jan 2013) developments in the field of orally administered glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists for the treatment of diabetes. Several approaches are discussed, namely formulation approaches for oral administration of peptides, the use of transporters for active uptake of peptide drugs, and small molecule GLP-1R agonists.
Indoor aerial robot competition: challenges in search and rescue applications

Tasks like bomb-detection, search-and-rescue, and reconnaissance in near-Earth environments are time, cost and labor intensive. Aerial robots could assist in such missions and offset the demand in resources and personnel. However, flying in environments rich with obstacles presents many more challenges which have yet to be identified. For example, telephone wire is one obstacle that is known to be hard to detect in mid-flight. This paper describes how a blimp can be used in an aerial robot competition to identify other key challenges when flying in these cluttered environments.