cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mouse Models of Follicular and Papillary Thyroid Cancer Progression

A significant number of well-differentiated thyroid cancers progress or recur, becoming resistant to current therapeutic options. Mouse models recapitulating the genetic and histological features of advanced thyroid cancer have been an invaluable tool to dissect the mechanisms involved in the progression from indolent, well differentiated tumors to aggressive, poorly differentiated carcinomas, and to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on the lessons learned from models of epithelial cell-derived thyroid cancer showing progression from hyperplastic lesions to locally invasive and metastatic carcinomas.
Thomas Reid and the Semiotics of Perception

Seventeen years before Kant published The Critique of Pure Reason, there appeared another work designed to undercut Hume's skepticism and the principles upon which that skepticism was based?Thomas Reid's In quiry into the Human Mind on the Principles of Common Sense. In this am bitious work, Reid hoped to show, against Hume, that there need be no quarrel between common sense and philosophical inquiry. "Philosophy," proclaimed Reid, "has no other roots but the principles of Common Sense; it grows out of them, and draws its nourishment from them."1 Reid's self imposed task was thus two-fold?to expose the errors in philosophical method which had inexorably culminated in Hume's phenomenalistic atomism, and correlatively to provide a more adequate metaphysical scheme which could avoid the pitfalls of skepticism while doing justice to our or dinary beliefs about the world. The historical significance of Reid's attempt is well known, and the sub sequent influence of his work upon Scottish, French, and American philosophy in the nineteenth century has been fully explored.2 Yet the fact remains that Reid's arguments themselves never enjoyed a good deal of es teem, and whatever respect his works command among philosophers today stems more from their awareness of his historical role than from a confidence
Turbulent Boundary-Layer Structure in Supersonic Flow

A summary is given of the recent experimental data on the structure of turbulent boundary layers in supersonic flow. The physical mechanisms differentiating incompressible and compressible boundary layers are discussed, and a simple model for the Mach and Reynolds number dependence of the decay of the large-scale motions is proposed.
Mechanism of Acute Tamoxifen and 4-Hydroxytamoxifen-Mediated Contractile Dysfunction in Isolated Adult Cardiac Myocytes

Tamoxifen-inducible Cre-mediated gene excision is an important tool for spatiotemporal study of cardiac gene function, but tamoxifen administration can cause transient dilated cardiomyopathy and severely diminished contractile performance in MerCreMer transgenic mice. This phenomenon has been attributed primarily to the presence of modified estrogen receptor (MER), which binds tamoxifen but not endogenous estrogen. However, other studies point to a non-genomic acute effect of tamoxifen alone to alter functional properties of cardiac myocytes. To further determine whether tamoxifen-mediated contractile dysfunction occurs independently of MER, we measured sarcomere length and calcium transients in isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes acutely treated with tamoxifen. Previously we reported a dose-dependent decrease in the peak height of contraction and relaxation rate in tamoxifen-treated cells. This was accompanied by a decrease in peak calcium and calcium decay rate. Here, we present a comparison between tamoxifen and its active metabolite 4-hydroxytamoxifen, which is a more potent modulator of estrogen receptor signaling than tamoxifen. Results show a similar dose-dependent decrease in cardiac myocyte function with 4-hydroxytamoxifen, with decreased peak height and relaxation rate associated with decreased peak calcium and calcium decay rate. Importantly, the magnitude of effects was similar, suggesting a direct effect of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen to inhibit myocyte function, independent of the presence of MER. In addition to MER-dependent effects in tamoxifen-treated MerCreMer mice, the direct effect of tamoxifen should also be considered in understanding cardiotoxicity in MerCreMer transgenic mouse models.
Generating robust rainfall intensity-duration-frequency estimates with short-record satellite data

Summary In poorly instrumented areas, rainfall records are often absent or short, compounding the statistical challenge of estimating extreme rainfall characteristics and designing flood control structures. In this research two separate rainfall datasets in the country of Ghana were used with two different probability distribution frequency analysis methods to estimate intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) parameters. General extreme value type II (GEV-II) probability distributions were fit using two robust parameterization approaches, one called regional for combining regional and local data, the other called global for combining a global parameter and local data. Annual maximum rainfall data were from the Ghanaian Meteorological Service Department (GMSD) eight ground gages, containing N -min to 24 h durations at 5–24 years record lengths, and from 381 TRMM satellite precipitation bins covering the country, containing 3–24 h duration at 9 years record length in 2007. TRMM rainfall depths were statistically greater at 63% of the stations. Goodness of fit was computed for a maximum return interval of 43 years, and error analysis was computed for 24-h data at return intervals from 77 to 109 years, for all four separately parameterized GEV-II equations and corresponding IDF curves. The best fit and least error was obtained with the global method applied regionally, which used GMSD data to derive time-based parameters and TRMM to derive distribution parameters. The regional method could not incorporate GMSD data, and used only TRMM data, which led to substantial overestimation of rainfall intensity for short durations. This research shows it was essential to combine GMSD and TRMM data for IDF generation in Ghana. The short TRMM record sets with duplicate observed depths at increasing durations caused the regional method to generate internal consistency errors in the IDF plots, suggesting the global method with regional application is best for Ghana.
How Does the Gender of Parents Matter

Claims that children need both a mother and father presume that women and men parent differently in ways crucial to development but generally rely on studies that conflate gender with other family structure variables. We analyze findings from studies with designs that mitigate these problems by comparing 2-parent families with same or different sex coparents and single-mother with single-father families. Strengths typically associated with married mother-father families appear to the same extent in families with 2 mothers and potentially in those with 2 fathers. Average differences favor women over men, but parenting skills are not dichotomous or exclusive. The gender of parents correlates in novel ways with parent-child relationships but has minor significance for children's psychological adjustment and social success.
Effect of cyclic 3',5'-AMP on the (Na+K)-ATPase of myocardial sarcolemma.

A dose-related inhibition of the (Na+K)-ATPase of canine heart sarcolemma was found in the presence of cyclic 3', 5'-AMP (maximal inhibition at 10 -4 M cyclic AMP), while 5'-AMP did not affect the enzyme. A similar inhibition of the ATPase was seen after incubation of the sarcolemma preparation with NaF adrenaline and theophylline. None of these substances affected the activity of the Ca+ +-stimulated ATPase.
Effects of bretylium and lidocaine on ventricular fibrillation in the isolated rabbit heart.

We studied the effects of bretylium tosylate and lidocaine on ventricular fibrillation in the isolated, perfused rabbit heart induced by perfusion with potassium-deficient solutions and by premature stimuli. The purpose of the study was to determine if the reported antifibrillatory effects of the drugs could be reproduced in the absence of an intact sympathetic nervous system. Lidocaine in the concentration of 5 μg/ml. prevented ventricular fibrillation induced by both methods while bretylium, in concentrations of 25 to 50 μg/ml. prevented neither type of fibrillation. These results indicate that the antifibrillatory effects of lidocaine can be attributed to drug-induced alterations in cellular electrophysiology, whereas those of bretylium are independent of such changes. Our study suggests that the reported antifibrillatory capability of bretylium is related to the drug's effects at sympathetic nerve terminals and thus is dependent upon an intact sympathetic nervous system.
Cockscomb Revisited: Jaguar Diet in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize1

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize was established in 1986 following Rabinowitz and Nottingham's 1986 study on jaguar diet and distribution. In 2002, we reexamined jaguar diet following two decades of mitigated human hunting of jaguar prey. We observed high overlap between historical and current jaguar diet constructs. Nine-banded armadillo remained the most frequently consumed prey item. However, collared peccary consumption increased by nearly 20 percent while dietary breadth decreased by 60 percent presumably reflecting increased prey availability following reduced human hunting pressure.
Developing a Comprehensive Protocol To Address Human Milk Exposures

Abstract BACKGROUND: As the prevalence of breastfeeding has increased, more infants are fed pumped breastmilk during hospitalization. Three incidents in which an infant received the wrong human milk were documented from different units of the hospital over the period of 1 year. Because human milk might transmit important viral pathogens (such as HIV), uncertainty existed regarding delegation of duties and appropriate tests to perform during these occurrences. OBJECTIVES: To improve patient safety by developing a post-exposure protocol and review existing policies surrounding the use of human milk. METHODS: After consultation with Risk Management to confirm documented cases, a work group was established. Participants included members of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Breastfeeding Committee and the Risk Management and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) departments. Current policies and procedures regarding the use of human milk were reviewed. Hospital-wide human milk management has been ongoing, and data regarding use across the institution were reviewed. In addition, nurses throughout the institutions were surveyed about the labeling, storage, and administration of human milk. A literature search was conducted to determine best practices. Other institutions were surveyed as to their procedures. RESULTS: 1) Nursing policy was revised; two healthcare providers verify identifying information prior to administration of human milk. 2) A Web-based nursing competency on human milk management was developed and implemented. 3) A post-exposure IPC protocol was developed for use in the event of an occurrence. 4) The CHOP Breastfeeding Committee developed an “exposure packet” that contains post-exposure protocols addressing physician and nursing responsibilities and a parent information sheet. 5) The “exposure packet” was made available to all institutional clinicians through the hospital's intranet. 6) Staff was educated about the protocols and appropriate use of this packet by the membership of the Nursing Clinical Practice Committee. CONCLUSIONS: An interdisciplinary team utilized quality improvement methodologies to revise and improve delivery of human breastmilk to infants. No further incidents have been documented after implementing this protocol.
ChIPs and regulatory bits

Machine learning reveals combinatorial patterns of transcription factor binding that drive gene expression.
Evaluation of the i-STAT point-of-care capillary whole blood hematocrit and hemoglobin: Comparison to the Siemens RAPIDLab 1200, Sysmex XE5000, and manual spun hematocrit ☆

Abstract Background Conductivity based point-of-care hematocrit with calculated hemoglobin devices serves an important role in clinical scenarios where time sensitive transfusion decisions are necessary. However, questions about the appropriateness of conductivity based assays in certain patient populations (patients on cardiopulmonary bypass and those receiving high volumes of intravenous fluids or autologous blood transfusions) have been raised. The clinical suitability of POC devices for these applications necessitates that they be accurate and that the results are interchangeable with central laboratory methods. Methods We performed hematocrit and hemoglobin analysis on 225 clinical samples using the i-STAT instrument, a standard reference method for hematocrit (manual spun) and other common methods on both cardiopulmonary bypass and non-cardiopulmonary bypass patients. Results The i-STAT hematocrit and hemoglobin showed close agreement to comparison methods with minimal bias. Median test results were not clinically or statistically different between those measured on the i-STAT and those measured using the manual spun hematocrit reference method (p = 0.4085, Wilcoxon signed rank test) or the Sysmex photometric hemoglobin method (p = 0.2728, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The results on the i-STAT were statistically different from those obtained on the Sysmex for hematocrit (p Conclusion The i-STAT hematocrit and hemoglobin performs well when compared to the hematocrit reference method and other common methods for both hematocrit and hemoglobin. Some differences between non-reference methods may be observed, but these were not considered clinically significant.
Noise and pileup suppression by digital signal processing

Abstract The accumulation and analysis of spectra from high resolution detectors is difficult in the presence of very high counting rates in the detector and the presence of electronic noise in the system. The usual solutions to these problems are to introduce electronic filters to reduce the noise and to discard the events that are badly distorted due to pileup. This approach is not very efficient, and valuable information is lost in the process. This study is a step in the development of a system that would incorporate digital techniques for correction of pulse distortion due to electronic noise and pulse pileup. The main components of the system are the pulse amplifier, the time trigger, the transient wave form recorder, and a computer. When the detector detects a signal it is amplified and passed to the transient wave form recorder to be put into the digital form for high-speed processing on the computer. Tests of the system show a marked improvement in the resolution of the system.
Comparison of P-4501A1 monooxygenase induction in gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) following intraperitoneal injection or continuous waterborne-exposure with benzo[a]pyrene: Temporal and dose-dependent studies

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the dose-response and time-course for hepatic P-4501A1 induction in gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ) following intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection or waterborne-exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). P-4501A1 activity was measured as ethoxyresorufin- O -deethylase (EROD) activity. To investigate the i.p. dose-response, fish were injected with a range of B[a]P concentrations (0.1, 1.0, 10 and 50 mg/kg) and sacrificed 72 h post-injection. In comparison, waterborne dose-response fish were exposed to a range of B[a]P concentrations (0.14, 0.24, 0.44 and 0.76 μg/L) and sacrificed after 10 d. The amount of B[a]P removed from the water by fish was estimated with a one-compartment linear clearance model. Maximum EROD activity was reached after fish were either injected with or cleared approximately 10 mg/kg. The injection doses (10 and 50 mg/kg) and waterborne concentrations (0.44 and 0.76 μg/L) that caused EROD induction were used to evaluate the time-course for EROD induction. Maximum EROD activity for both injection doses was reached by day 3 and for both waterborne concentrations by day 10. Although i.p. injections are adequate for rapid screening of potential P-4501A1 inducers over a wide dose range, continuous waterborne-exposures simulate a significant route of exposure and provide improved predictive capabilities for monitoring the time-course for P-4501A1 induction under environmentally realistic conditions.
Achieving organisational change through values alignment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to, first, establish the interdependency between the successful achievement of organisational change and the attainment of values alignment within an organisation's culture and then, second, to describe an effective means for attaining such values alignment.Design/methodology/approach – Literature from the fields of organisational change, organisational culture, philosophy, psychology, and values theory is reviewed in order to develop and test the hypothesis that successful organisational change can only occur when those affected by the change are able to willingly commit to an agreed set of values aligned with the accomplishment of the organisation's new outcomes. The paper then presents and reports on a trial of a simple and effective framework for achieving such values alignment in an organisation.Findings – This paper supports the view that the currently acknowledged widespread resistance to organisational change is caused by a failure of current organisational c...
Picosecond Transient Photomodulation in Poly(2,5-Thienylene Vinylene)

Abstract Using the picosecond pump-probe spectroscopy technique we measured the photomodulation temporal (with 5 ps resolution) and spectral response from 610 to 750 nm, in a thin film of poly (2,5 thienylene-vinylene) (PTV). We found a fast electronic response which decays within 4 ps, and two non-electronic responses, which are due to the photoproduced strain in the film. One response is due to the static strain, and the other is from the strain waves launched in the film following the fast exciton recombination.
Potential for earthquake triggering from transient deformations

[1] We report on laboratory experiments in which stick-slipping shear surfaces are subject to transient stressing to simulate earthquake triggering by seismic waves. Granular layers and bare granite surfaces were sheared in a servo-controlled deformation apparatus in double-direct shear. The seismic waves from an earthquake and tectonic load were simulated by superimposing a loading rate sinusoid on a constant shear loading rate. The dependence of triggered stick-slip failure on fault stress state and architecture was analyzed. Fault architecture was evaluated by varying gouge layer thickness (2–6 mm) and studying bare granite surfaces. We compare the shortened recurrence times for faults under transient loading conditions to the consistent recurrence intervals under constant loading rate. Our results imply that triggering depends on oscillation amplitude and frequency, as well as properties of the fault. Larger-amplitude dynamic stresses reduce stick-slip recurrence intervals for granular layers, whereas failure times for granite surfaces are uncorrelated with oscillation amplitude. Granular layers have shorter recurrence rates at higher frequency, whereas the recurrence intervals of granite surfaces are lengthened or unaffected by high-frequency oscillations. Higher frequencies can inhibit failure when fault slip exceeds a critical distance, Dc, prior to peak velocity and encourages failure if Dc is achieved postpeak velocity. Increasing velocity temporarily strengthens faults, whereas velocity reduction further weakens and promotes failure, as predicted by the rate-and-state friction laws. Our results may explain variations in earthquake triggering thresholds and imply that high-frequency thresholds may not be constant, as has been previously proposed.
In Vivo Physiological and Transcriptional Profiling Reveals Host Responses to Clostridium difficile Toxin A and Toxin B

Toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) of Clostridium difficile cause gross pathological changes (e.g., inflammation, secretion, and diarrhea) in the infected host, yet the molecular and cellular pathways leading to observed host responses are poorly understood. To address this gap, we evaluated the effects of single doses of TcdA and/or TcdB injected into the ceca of mice, and several endpoints were analyzed, including tissue pathology, neutrophil infiltration, epithelial-layer gene expression, chemokine levels, and blood cell counts, 2, 6, and 16 h after injection. In addition to confirming TcdA's gross pathological effects, we found that both TcdA and TcdB resulted in neutrophil infiltration. Bioinformatics analyses identified altered expression of genes associated with the metabolism of lipids, fatty acids, and detoxification; small GTPase activity; and immune function and inflammation. Further analysis revealed transient expression of several chemokines (e.g., Cxcl1 and Cxcl2). Antibody neutralization of CXCL1 and CXCL2 did not affect TcdA-induced local pathology or neutrophil infiltration, but it did decrease the peripheral blood neutrophil count. Additionally, low serum levels of CXCL1 and CXCL2 corresponded with greater survival. Although TcdA induced more pronounced transcriptional changes than TcdB and the upregulated chemokine expression was unique to TcdA, the overall transcriptional responses to TcdA and TcdB were strongly correlated, supporting differences primarily in timing and potency rather than differences in the type of intracellular host response. In addition, the transcriptional data revealed novel toxin effects (e.g., altered expression of GTPase-associated and metabolic genes) underlying observed physiological responses to C. difficile toxins.
DSMC Simulation of Microjet Expansion and the Design of a Micro Pitot Probe

microjet orifice diameter p D = micropitot probe inner diameter mol d = molecular diameter ref d = VHS reference diameter Kn = Knudsen number p L = micropitot probe length I n = inlet number density p = pressure
Preparative Fractionation by Frontal Countercurrent Distribution

Abstract The frontal (multiple-input) approach is applied to countercurrent distribution. Equations are derived for calculating the number of tubes required for a given separation or for calculating the amount of solute emerging at the intersection of two solute profiles. In both cases ideal behavior is assumed. The applicability of these equations to preparative fractionations is evaluated and the utility of the frontal technique demonstrated.
Incidental Thyroid Nodules Incidence, Evaluation, and Outcome

ObjectiveTo examine patients with incidentally discovered thyroid nodules (IDTNs) with a focus on identification, evaluation, surgical intervention, and rates of malignancy.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care medical center.Subjects and MethodsA total of 1408 patients were identified by cross-referencing thyroid diagnosis codes with ultrasound (US) codes between July 2008 and June 2009. Information regarding demographics, follow-up, and outcomes was extracted from the medical record.ResultsA total of 249 patients with IDTNs were identified. Most were discovered on computed tomography (CT) scans (59.8%); the most common indication for obtaining imaging was for evaluation of an unrelated malignancy (26.9%). Malignant IDTNs were identified on 23.8% of positron emission tomography/CT scans and 6.8% of CT scans. Initial evaluation of IDTNs was performed by US in 62.2% and by US with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in 36.1% of patients. The most common pathology on FNA of IDTNs was benig...
Faculty development on information technology: some issues to consider

Three issues regarding the implementation of faculty development programs on the use of information technology in teaching are discussed: the goal issue; the training model issue; and the motivation issue. The goal of the program should be to build faculty confidence at using information technology in the classroom. In this regard, the construct of computer self-efficacy is a useful guide for planning the activities of the program. A training model in which faculty will have the greatest opportunity to share ideas across disciplines as well as within their disciplines is recommended. Faculty who use computers for instruction are internally motivated to do so, and this is mediated by their self-efficacy, hence appropriate training is the key. An inservice training that focused on enhancing faculty computer self-efficacy appeared to have bad a positive effect of faculty desire to use computer in their instructional activities.
Software reliability models: A review

Abstract In this paper we review several software reliability models and provide an extensive listing of papers dealing with software reliability modelling and their applications. The models discussed are grouped into two broad categories: empirical and analytical models. Analytical models are further subdivided into static and dynamic models, and the general theory behind these models are reviewed. Based on the observations made in this review, we provide suggestions for future research.
Regional differences in sympathetic reinnervation after human orthotopic cardiac transplantation

BACKGROUNDIn the majority of humans > or = 1 year after cardiac transplantation, cardiac norepinephrine (NE) stores reappear, suggesting late sympathetic reinnervation.METHODS AND RESULTSTo determine whether there are regional differences in reinnervation, we measured markers of sympathetic reinnervation of the sinus node (SN) and left ventricle (LV) in five early transplant recipients ( or = 1 year after cardiac transplantation), and seven normally innervated control patients. SN reinnervation was defined as an increase in heart rate by more than five beats per minute after injection of tyramine into the artery supplying the SN. LV reinnervation was defined as a measurable LV NE release after left main coronary injection of 8 micrograms/kg tyramine. In 13 patients with previously known LV reinnervation, regional LV reinnervation was assessed by NE release after subselective injection of tyramine (4 micrograms/kg) into the pro...
Medicare Innovation Center Oncology Care Model: A Toe in the Water When a Plunge Is Needed

For too long, physician payment reforms have tried to develop one-size-fits-all solutions, with the end result being that physicians have been asked to adhere to guidelines or quality measures that bore little resemblance to their day-to-day practice and as a result had minimal impact on the value of care provided to patients. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is to be commended for its recent efforts to develop specialty-specific payment models that could address the unique barriers and opportunities that individual specialties face in providing the high-value, cost-effective care that Medicare beneficiaries deserve. In this issue of Journal of Oncology Practice, Kline et al describe the Oncology Care Model (OCM), which is the approach that the CMS has developed for payment reform in oncology. The OCM payment model has the following three components:
Prehospital Emergency Care Education for the Nepal Mountaineering Association

Abstract Background Prehospital emergency care training programs are effective in reducing mortality and disability in low-income countries. Implementation of a specifically designed program in the mountainous regions of Nepal has the potential to benefit local populations, trekking and mountaineering guides, and adventure tourists. Objective Our aims were to survey Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) members' past experiences with emergencies and medical training, characterize a geographic-specific prehospital emergency care training program, and evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of the program. Methods Sixty-two trekking guides, police officers, and students attended the 2-day training program in Pokhara, Nepal in May 2014. Training curriculum was determined in coordination with the NMA. Instructors included Tulane University faculty, surgical residents, and graduate students. Surveys identified participants' experience with emergencies, confidence in providing emergency care, and interest in future trainings. Multiple modalities were utilized to assess trainees' comprehension. Results Participants rated the program as valuable and expressed desire for additional trainings. Survey results indicated that participants had prior experience with a myriad of emergencies, were more confident in managing traumatic emergencies than medical or environmental, and showed that few had previously received training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Areas of instruction included general first responder and geographic-specific content. Participants achieved the course objectives and documented their abilities to successfully manage simulated clinical problems. Conclusions The training program, an international collaboration, was documented to be successful by instructors, NMA leadership, and participants. The training program's content matched the participants' specific needs and abilities. Areas for improvement include providing content related to burns, motorcycle injuries, cold-exposure injuries, fever management, and toxicology emergencies.
Modeling and Analysis of Image Dependence and Its Implications for Energy Savings in Error Tolerant Image Processing

We present an analysis of the relationship between input images and energy consumption in error tolerant image processing. Under aggressive voltage scaling, the output image quality of image processing depends on input images for two reasons: 1) error tolerance among images is naturally disparate in terms of perceptual image quality assessment, and 2) the error rate under aggressive voltage scaling varies by input image types. Based on both effects, the supply voltage can be optimized for a given quality requirement so as to achieve ultralow power/energy dissipation. Our analysis demonstrates the significance of the accurate delay estimation, which depends on not only combinational inputs but also the previous state of the logic. We present a new sequential model for accurate error estimation. Based on the model, our experimental results demonstrate that different input image types lead to very different output quality. We also present the effect of process variation on the relationship between input image and output quality. The dependence of energy consumption on input images provides a new perspective for low-power multimedia and image processing system design.
Developmentally Appropriate Teacher Education “Practicing What We Preach”

Developmentally Appropriate Teacher Education “Practicing What We Preach” Jennifer J. Baumgartner a , Teresa K. Buchanan b & Renee M. Casbergue c a Family, Child and Consumer Sciences, School of Human Ecology , Louisiana State University , USA b Education, Department of Educational Theory, Policy and Practice , Louisiana State University , USA c Graduate Studies and Research , Louisiana State University , USA Published online: 25 Jul 2012.
Second best toll pricing within the framework of bounded rationality

Abstract The network design problem is usually formulated as a bi-level program, assuming the user equilibrium is attained in the lower level program. Given boundedly rational route choice behavior, the lower-level program is replaced with the boundedly rational user equilibria (BRUE). The network design problem with boundedly rational route choice behavior is understudied due to non-uniqueness of the BRUE. In this study, thus, we mainly focus on boundedly rational toll pricing (BR-TP) with affine link cost functions. The topological properties of the lower level BRUE set are first explored. As the BRUE solution is generally non-unique, urban planners cannot predict exactly which equilibrium flow pattern the transportation network will operate after a planning strategy is implemented. Due to the risk caused by uncertainty of people’s reaction, two extreme scenarios are considered: the traffic flow patterns with either the minimum system travel cost or the maximum, which is the “risk-prone” (BR-TP-RP) or the “risk-averse” (BR-TP-RA) scenario respectively. The upper level BR-TP is to find an optimal toll minimizing the total system travel cost, while the lower level is to find the best or the worst scenario. Accordingly BR-TP can be formulated as either a min –min or a min –max program. Solution existence is discussed based on the topological properties of the BRUE and algorithms are proposed. Two examples are accompanied to illustrate the proposed methodology.
A Method Toward Fabricating Semiconducting 3R-NbS2 Ultrathin Films

Ultrathin NbS2 films were synthesized from sputter-deposited ultrathin Nb films on SiO2/Si and quartz substrates at 850 °C under sulfur vapor pressure. The structure and surface composition of the synthesized films were characterized by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The films have rhombohedral 3R-NbS2 structure and are nearly stoichiometric. The optical bandgaps of ultrathin NbS2 samples were determined from ultraviolet–visible-near–infrared spectrometry to be in the range of ∼0.43 to ∼0.90 eV and indirect. This implies that the ultrathin NbS2 film is semiconducting and differs from the metallic nature of bulk NbS2. The Raman shifts show distinct Raman active modes that depend on film thickness. The simple growth method developed can be applied to other TMDCs in which the metal has a high oxide heat of formation.
Typhloelmis Barr (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a New Stygobiontic Riffle Beetle Genus with Three New Species from Texas, USA

Abstract The adult and larva of Typhloelmis Barr, a new genus of eyeless, stygobiontic elmid from springs in west-central Texas, and the adults of three new species, Typhloelmis caroline Barr, Typhloelmis finegan Barr, and Typhloelmis sanfelipe Barr, are described, diagnosed, and illustrated. Taxonomic couplets are provided for the insertion of the new genus into existing adult elmid generic keys, and an adult key to the species of Typhloelmis is included. Stygobiontic elmids are reviewed, and the uniqueness of Typhloelmis is discussed. Typhloelmis is the first stygobiontic elmid genus reported from the Nearctic ecozone and is the seventh described worldwide. It is only the second elmid genus known to be anophthalmic (completely eyeless). The Edwards-Trinity Aquifer and the spring habitat in which the genus and species occur are described in detail, and potential threats are discussed.
Games, Groups, Norms, and Societies

The origin and evolution of social norms, social institutions (including religions), and moral systems involve an interplay among processes played out on diverse scales of space, time, and complexity. Such norms, social institutions and systems (collectively referred to here as institutions) emerge from the collective actions of individuals, and feed back to influence those behaviors, but on much faster time scales than the institutions themselves change. In evolutionary biology, this is an example of what Raven (1980) termed “diffuse coevolution,” in which an evolutionary response is not to a single agent (tight coevolution), but rather is a diffuse response to a collection of agents (or species). Dealing with such multiple dimensions requires a new kind of game theory, not only multi-player but also multi-dimensional in other ways. Group formation and the resultant collective actions may lead to diffuse benefits for group members, but are sustained by individual decisions regarding costs and benefits within a social context. To sustain individual behaviors in the collective good, groups and societies develop explicit and implicit reward and punishment schemes, including moral systems. Understanding the interplay among these various players, operating on diverse scales, will require extension of game theoretical concepts to address dynamics on multiple scales, including analysis of meta-games, in which evolved strategies are diffuse responses to collections of situations.
Designing Shared Gaze Awareness for Remote Collaboration

In this project, we evaluate two different methods for highlighting shared gaze across two tasks with different collaborative properties. There are many factors to consider when designing shared gaze representations such as how much information to display and when to provide it so that it will be most useful. Unlike other non-verbal forms of communication such as deictic gesturing, gaze is not always intentionally communica-tive and therefore we need to think critically about when and how to display it. For each task, participants saw their partner's gaze displayed continuously, em-phasized either by previous fixation points or extended fixations. We discuss our findings and present design implications for shared gaze awareness based on inter-action traces and interviews with participants.
Moball Network: A Self-Powered Intelligent Network of Controllable Spherical Sensors to Explore Solar Planets and Moons

This paper introduces a novel planetary exploration system capable of functioning in most solar planets and moons. The Moball Network is an agile, self-powered, intelligent, and reconfigurable distributed in-situ exploratory system. We compare our proposed system with state of the art planetary exploration systems and concepts and suggest several novel mission architectures specifically for planetary bodies with an atmosphere such as Mars, or those whose surface includes lakes and ice sheets such as Titan or the Earth's northern and southern caps, as well as smaller bodies with no atmosphere such as the Moon or asteroids. We also describe the current development status of the system and the proof of concept for the ideas presented.
Using the FRED Excel-Based Application to Improve Learning Outcomes in Economic Courses: From Student to Practitioner

This paper describes active learning strategies using the FRED Excel based application to help bridge the gap between theory and empirics. The recent FRED Excel based application permits students to easily collect, manipulate, and plot macroeconomic data. It also allows students to use this information to validate and reinforce the theoretical models discussed in class. For illustrative purposes, we provide some sample assignments specific to intermediate and principle level macroeconomic classes. We promote a learning-by-doing strategy as an effective way to improve learning outcomes in undergraduate economic classes.
Simultaneous determination of 7 mycotoxins in wheat flour by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using isotope internal standard

Objective To establish a method for simultaneous determination of 7 mycotoxins including nivalenol, deoxynivalenol,Deepoxy- deoxynivalenol, fusarenon-X, 15-Acetyldeoxynivalenol, 3-Acetyldeoxynivalenol and zearalenone wheat flour by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Method The homogenized sample was spiked with U- [13C15]-deoxynivalenol and U-[13C18]- zearalenone, and extracted with acetonitrile-water(84: 16, v/v), then purified with Romer Myco Sep226 column. The analytes were separated using Waters ACQUITY UPLCTMBEH C18(2.1×100 mm, 1.7 μm) column and detected by MS /MS system with eletrospray ion ization(ESI) in multireaction monitoring(MRM) mode and quantified by the internal standard calibration curve of isotope dilution technique. Results The results indicated that the LODs of the mycotoxins ranged from 0.020μg/kg to 0.28 μg/kg. Meanwhile, the correlation coefficients(r≥0.9996) were obtained within their respective linear ranges. The average recoveries ranged from 83.5% to 115.5% with relative standard deviations(RSDs) of 2.15%-7.91%. Conclusion This method is suitable for simultaneous determination of multiple mycotoxins in wheat flour with simple pretreatment, high sensitivity,good recovery.
Gastroenterology. A hypothetical case of ascites incorporating a management self test

When ascites is the presenting symptom and the underlying disease is not apparent, the physician must be aware of the various diseases that may be associated with the accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity and the various approaches that are available to aid in the differential diagnosis.
Transparent and Superamphiphobic Surfaces from Mushroom-Like Micropillar Arrays

Transparent, superamphiphobic surfaces that repel both water and oils are prepared from mushroom-like micropillar arrays consisting of nanoparticles only at the top of the pillars by controlled compartment filling of silica nanoparticles into the bottom of the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) mold, followed by infiltration of epoxy and UV curing. Because silica nanoparticle decorated pillar heads are more resistant to O2 plasma than the polymer pillars, we can precisely control the head size of micropillars and nanoroughness on top of the pillar heads by varying the O2 plasma time. The combination of nanoroughness and mushroom-like micropillars leads to superhydrophobicity and oil repellency to different organic solvents. High transparency is achieved by increasing the spacing ratio of micropillars. Last, we demonstrate anisotropic wetting on the hierarchical surface can be achieved by combining photolithography, replica molding, and self-assembly techniques.
Influence of fetal fat on the ultrasound estimation of fetal weight in diabetic mothers

Currently available formulas for the estimation of fetal weight assume uniform density of tissue. Because fat tissue is less dense than lean body mass, we hypothesized that the sonographic overestimation of fetal weight in infants of diabetic mothers is the consequence of an elevated proportion of body fat, resulting in a lower body density. We prospectively examined 52 children of diabetic mothers. Each had ultrasound estimation of fetal weight within 7 days of delivery and estimates of neonatal body composition made from anthropometric evaluation within 48 hours of birth. Ultrasound estimates of fetal weight were considered acceptable if they were within 10% of actual birth weight. There was no difference in mean birth weight between those overestimated (N = 22) and those underestimated (N = 8). The sum of skinfolds from two sites, the ponderal index, and percent body fat were all significantly greater in the neonates with sonographic overestimation of fetal weight. Lean body mass was significantly greater (P less than .05) in infants whose sonograms underestimated birth weight. When all subjects were included, a significant correlation was found between the degree of error in the ultrasound estimation of fetal weight and the ponderal index (r = 0.40, P less than .01), the sum of the skinfold measurements (r = 0.29, P less than .05), and the present body fat (r = 0.28, P less than .05). These data suggest that increased body fat in infants of diabetic mothers is associated with sonographic overestimation of fetal weight.
Estimating random coincidences from singles count rates for improved RatCAP image accuracy

The delayed coincidence window technique has been established as the standard method to estimate random coincidences in PET. It has successfully been incorporated into the RatCAP’s singles list mode data processing scheme, and has been demonstrated to be accurate to ≫99%. However, similar to prompt coincidences, the randoms estimate obtained using this technique is subject to Poisson noise which propagates into the reconstructed image. This limits administered activities at high count rates since the randoms rate is proportional to the square of the count rate. The RatCAP, a 3D small animal tomograph is attached to the head of the rat, making it susceptible to random coincidences both from within and outside the field of view. The randoms fraction in recent 11C-raclopride studies with the current timing window have been observed to be up to 50%, making randoms correction a vital step prior to reconstruction. In this paper, we investigate a method that generates randoms estimates with higher statistical quality using singles count rates. Details of implementation will be discussed, and the improvement in the noise equivalent count rate will be validated.
El cosmopolitismo por venir: Derrida y el pensamiento fronterizo Latinoamericano

In an age where diversity is increasingly accepted as a value as well as a fact, ethico-political cosmopolitanism should propose a notion of global unity that is composed of rather than imposed on difference. Jacques Derrida and Walter Mignolo offer different versions of this view of cosmopolitanism. Derrida’s version is based on his notion of “democracy to come”. He characterizes this notion as an “unconditional” or “quasi-transcendental” injunction. Mignolo castigates this injunction as an “abstract universal”. He offers instead “a critical and dialogic” view of cosmopolitanism that is based more speci cally on the “colonial difference” or “border thinking” of Latin American subaltern groups. I argue that Derrida’s many implicit and explicit references to “voices” suggest a third alternative. This contender avoids certain problems in Derrida’s and Mignolo’s otherwise compelling views of cosmopolitanism. It also retains the universality of Derrida’s unconditional injunction but on the basis of the sort of worldly immanency urged by Mignolo’s border thinking.
Examining the rhetoric of civic engagement in government Digital Service design: Case study of the Federal Source Code Policy's use of GitHub in a public comment period

Digital service experts within the federal government have worked to transform how technology and best practices from the private sector are integrated into governmental service design. This includes changing the materials and platforms that designers use, developing new policies to transform practices, and adopting a sustained,and multi-directional rhetoric of civic engagement. This paper presents one initial finding from a larger research project, focusing on an interview with a Digital Service Expert working in the Office of Management Budget as well as analysis of the public comment period for the Federal Source Code Policy. This case study illustrates how, in one specific instance, the federal government committed to openness and two-way interaction with citizens by testing a new model for public participation and making such engagement central to decision-making. While this represents incremental movement toward institutionalizing a sustained, collaborative,and multi-directional rhetoric of civic engagement within government, more research is needed to determine how new approaches to engaging public participation will be integrated into the future work of federal digital services.
Towards a Verified Parallel Implementation of Frequent Itemset Mining

Information technologies have allowed for the rapid growth of both data acquisition and data storage. With this growth comes the challenge of extracting useful information. One piece of information that is interesting to academics and industry is the relationships between items in a large data set. One approach is to find the relationships between items by calculating how frequently the items appear together in a subset. This is known as the frequent itemset mining problem. The problem goes as follows, given a database with sets of items, find the items that occur frequently together in a subset.